Bill Kristol
Independent Commentators
Summary
Conservative commentator and Weekly Standard co-founder who publicly called Trump unfit in 2016 and later urged support for Joe Biden in 2020.
In Their Own Words
Key Statements
“
[Trump is] unfit to be president of the United States.
Panel discussion on Trump's comments about the Khan family
“
He is unstable. I really think so.
Same segment; assessment of Trump's temperament
“
We need a president who has a good plan to deal with COVID.
"2 Bills 4 Biden" video supporting Joe Biden
Timeline
1995
Co-founded The Weekly Standard
Launched a conservative magazine that ran for 23 years
August 3, 2016
Called Trump unfit and unstable on CNN
Public Never Trump stance
December 14, 2018
The Weekly Standard announced it would close
Magazine shut down after 23 years
October 8, 2020
Appeared in "2 Bills 4 Biden" video
Encouraged voters to support Joe Biden
Why This Matters
Credibility & Background
Positions Held
- Founder and Editor, The Weekly Standard (1995-2018)
- Chief of Staff to Vice President Dan Quayle (1989-1993)
- Director, Defending Democracy Together
Analysis
Reasons for Opposition
- 01 Called Trump unfit for the presidency
- 02 Said Trump was unstable
- 03 Argued for Biden as the better choice to handle COVID
Documentation
Sources
Transcript August 3, 2016
The Lead with Jake Tapper (CNN) transcript, Aug. 3, 2016
https://transcripts.cnn.com/show/cg/date/2016-08-03/segment/02
News October 8, 2020
VIDEO: Billy Crystal and Bill Kristol Encourage Jews to Vote for Biden
https://jewishjournal.com/culture/arts/322698/video-billy-crystal-and-bill-kristol-encourage-jews-to-vote-for-biden/
News December 14, 2018
The Weekly Standard is closing after 23 years
https://www.axios.com/2018/12/14/weekly-standard-conservative-magazine-closing-trump
Explore the full list of Republican officials, military leaders, and former staff who have spoken out against Trump.