Live from the DNC: They're Walking the Walk on Unity

Republicans are speaking at the DNC, but it's just one part of a Harris-Walz campaign strategy backed by tens of millions of dollars.

Politicians often speak of unity—it's a refrain we've heard countless times on the campaign trail, a promise to bring the country together. But while these words are common, the actions to back them up are rare. What’s almost unheard of is for one political party to give up its precious airtime during a national convention to members of the opposing party. Yet, that’s exactly what the Democrats are doing in Chicago.

The Democratic National Convention has featured several primetime speakers who are Republicans, a nightly video series of Trump-to-Harris voters, and even a convention host who has crossed party lines. Never has a convention gathered such politically diverse leaders in one space. Vice President Kamala Harris has not just spoken about unity—she has embodied it by welcoming Republicans with open arms. This is true unity in action. Harris isn’t just talking the talk; she’s walking the walk, demonstrating a commitment to bringing Americans together in a way that transcends the usual partisan boundaries.

So far, we’ve heard from former Trump White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham.

“I never thought I’d be speaking at a Democratic convention. But, after seeing firsthand who Donald Trump really is, and the threat he poses to our country, I feel very strongly about speaking out. While I don’t agree with Vice President Harris on everything, I am proud to be supporting her because I know she will defend our freedoms and represent our nation with honesty and integrity. I encourage my fellow Republicans to step up and join me in supporting the Vice President to ensure Donald Trump never returns to the White House.”

These are unprecedented words from the person who served as the public face of the Trump Administration.

John Giles—the Republican Mayor of Mesa, Arizona—was given a spot of honor as a primetime speaker in the keynote lineup

“I’ve been a Republican all my life. But since Donald Trump refused to accept the results of the 2020 election, the Republican Party has spiraled further and further into political extremism. While Vice President Harris is fighting for American’s freedoms, Donald Trump’s extreme agenda would tear away America’s rights and jeopardize our democracy. The stakes for this election are clear, and I plan to do everything I can to elect the Vice President, including speaking at the Democratic National Convention to make the case directly to my fellow Republicans.”

A Republican leader in a swing state, Mayor Giles’ support is surprising. With stakes this high, his courage could not be more commendable.

The convention also highlights the voices of everyday Republicans like Rich Logis, a former MAGA activist who has turned away from Trumpism, and Kyle Sweetser, a Republican from Alabama who believes that the future of the nation is more important than blind party loyalty.

A campaign within a campaign

While these speeches are powerful on their own, they’re just one part of a broader strategy by the Harris-Walz campaign to reach out to Republicans and independents disillusioned by Trump. The campaign has made substantial investments in paid media, understanding that reaching these voters is critical to building a winning coalition. Over the past months, the campaign has poured more than seven figures into targeted advertisements aimed specifically at anti-Trump Republicans and moderate voters in critical swing states.

These ads are part of a $30 million spring media campaign designed to communicate directly with these voters, ensuring they know there’s a place for them in the Harris-Walz coalition. Through the Republicans for Harris program, the campaign is running a robust grassroots-driven digital campaign that features direct-to-camera testimonials from Republicans who have made the switch. These ads don’t just talk at voters—they speak with them, using the voices of people who share their concerns about the future of the country under Trump’s leadership.

The campaign’s National Republican Engagement Director, Austin Weatherford, is leading efforts to build connections with Republican leaders and organizations across the country. Weatherford, who has spent decades working within Republican politics, knows how to communicate effectively with those who are on the fence. His work is crucial in securing endorsements from key Republican figures and ensuring that their support is visible and impactful.

The Harris-Walz campaign’s strategy is clear: they’re not just hoping to win over Republican voters; they’re actively investing the resources to make it happen. Whether through paid media, grassroots organizing, or strategic outreach, the message is consistent and compelling: there’s a place in this campaign for anyone who believes in defending democracy, upholding American values, and moving the country forward—regardless of party affiliation.

As the convention draws to a close, the investment in these efforts becomes all the more important. The Harris-Walz campaign is not just making a pitch for votes; they’re making a stand for the future of the country, and they’re putting their money where their mouth is to ensure that every American, including disillusioned Republicans, knows it.

A look at the next two days

We cannot wait for the final two days of the convention of what has been a great gathering so far. And we’re especially excited for the upcoming speakers representing the Republicans for Harris movement:

· Geoff Duncan – former Georgia Lieutenant Governor 

· Olivia Troye – former Trump White House National Security official

· Adam Kinzinger – former Congressman from Illinois

If you are inspired to take action as part of this campaign within a campaign, join us at bit.ly/RepublicansForHarris.