You probably watched or heard about the presidential debate last night. For me, it was like biting into a steak but chewing only the gristle and having to spit it out.

For many Republicans, the idea of pulling the lever for a Democratic president can hurt. I feel your pain, but it’s not too late to save your party by voting for Joe Biden.

Donald Trump is certainly the leader of a movement, but he is not a Republican, nor does he represent the traditional Republican values of respect for tradition, hierarchy, fiscal conservatism, parliamentary government, social stability, and continuity. Does Donald Trump remind you of Dwight Eisenhower, Ronald Reagan, or George Bush the father or son? Donald Trump has painted the Republican Party into a corner where nothing matters except power.

If you are still reading, it means that you believe that Republicans and Democrats both love our country – and can listen to each other, respect each other, find ways to work together on important issues, and sometimes reach the reasonable conclusion that we are not going to agree on an issue.

Our country needs vibrant Democratic and Republican parties. The alternative is an authoritarian state ruled by one party that cares only about what its leaders want.

Why Joe Biden Makes Sense for Republicans

I am urging you to consider voting for Joe Biden. Here’s why:

• As a nation, we must come to the conclusion that the job of President of the United States actually requires a politician who can negotiate with both Republicans and Democrats, Congress, governors, the business community, and political leaders from other countries.
• Whether or not you agree with Joe Biden on any or all issues, you must agree that he has been a successful politician. He knows how to deal effectively with people in agreement with him – and people who disagree with him. Joe Biden has a refined skill set necessary for the job.
• While Joe Biden’s views and positions on some issues have evolved over the years – admit is, as have yours through years and experience – you know Joe Biden. There are no surprises with Joe Biden. He is not the radical straw man painted by Donald Trump.

When you wake up in the middle of the night in a sweat, you must admit that you have no idea what four more years of Donald Trump will bring.

With Joe Biden overseeing our government, at least you know that he is willing to work with Republicans to seek solutions to the challenges our country faces. And this will be the salvation of the Republican Party you love.

Please vote for Joe Biden. Thanks for your consideration.

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The author served as Director of Communications for the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities under Republican and Democratic administrations from 2008-2018. His opinions do not necessarily reflect the policies and views of the department or those of current Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf.