In a stunning development, one of America’s most notorious white supremacists has called on his followers to support Vice President Kamala Harris in the upcoming presidential election. Richard Spencer, an infamous figure known for his racist ideology, antisemitic views, and open admiration of Nazism, has publicly announced his endorsement of Harris, labeling her the “best manager of the American empire.”
Spencer, who coined the term “alt-right” and played a prominent role in the deadly 2017 Charlottesville rally, has stirred controversy again with his latest endorsement. Known for his inflammatory rhetoric and extreme views, Spencer garnered international notoriety after leading a white nationalist event in 2016 where he chanted “Hail Trump! Hail our people!” and was met with Nazi salutes. His recent statements mark a sharp departure from his former support of Donald Trump, highlighting an unexpected shift in his political alignment.
Spencer’s Surprising Support for Harris on Israel
In a nearly 12-minute video posted on X, Spencer discussed his reasons for supporting Harris, particularly on her stance regarding Israel. While acknowledging that Harris aimed to “be all things to all people” on the Israeli-Palestinian issue, Spencer ultimately found her position preferable to that of Trump.
“At the DNC, she said that she 100% supports Israel. She’ll give Israel lethal aid. She also said that the suffering is tremendous, and she also said that Palestinians deserve their own state, their own sovereignty, that they need to have a government, a legitimate organization through which they can live in peace, side by side with Israel . . . I have criticisms of that, but nevertheless, I find that better than Donald Trump.”
This position seems to align more closely with Spencer’s current worldview, leading him to express dissatisfaction with Trump’s unwavering support for Israel.
Spencer speculated that a regional conflict between Israel and Iran could be exacerbated by Trump.
Spencer Stated, “If there is a regional conflict between Israel and Iran, Trump seems much more likely to not only support Israel in this, but take part in it, start bombing Iranian nuclear facilities.”
Favoring a “Centrist” Approach
Another reason for Spencer’s endorsement is what he perceives as Harris’s inclination toward a centrist approach in governance. Spencer believes Harris “goes with the flow,” which, in his mind, signifies a shift toward “centrism, rational government, and democratic hegemony.” According to Spencer, this trend aligns with his current political vision. “And in my mind, that flow is going towards centrism, towards rational government, towards a sort of democratic hegemony . . . This is “something that I can responsibly support. So, I’m happily voting for Kamala Harris,” he stated.
Spencer’s decision to support Harris extends beyond just her presidential campaign. He revealed plans to vote along the Democratic ticket in his home state of Montana, specifically endorsing Democratic Sen. John Tester and House candidate Monica Tranel.
A History of Endorsements from the Far-Right
Spencer’s unexpected backing of Harris is not an isolated instance. He joins a growing number of far-right figures who have shown interest in Democrats critical of certain U.S. foreign policy positions. Former Ku Klux Klan leader David Duke previously praised Rep. Ilhan Omar, calling her “the most important member of the US Congress!”
This shift also signals Spencer’s disillusionment with Trump, whom he once vocally supported in 2016. Spencer expressed frustration with the former president’s rhetoric and policies, stating, “Trump has closed off discussion of important ideas,” Spencer said. “And he has amplified idiocy.”
The Harris campaign has not responded to these recent comments.
