Former GOP governor endorses Biden: 'I'm an American before I'm a partisan political person'

On the same day that he published an op-ed in USA Today supporting Joe Biden, Republican and former governor of Michigan, Rick Snyder, appeared on “CNN Tonight With Don Lemon.” Despite being a life-long member of the GOP, Snyder feels Donald Trump is too divisive to be president. “I'm an American first before I'm a partisan political person or belonging to a party,” said Snyder. He believes the president is a bully and only focuses on his supporters instead of all citizens. “We need to take care of everyone because we need to create an environment where it's not about someone winning and someone losing,” said Snyder. “We need an America where we can win together. Where we find common ground. We grow the economy together. We benefit together. And I believe Joe Biden can deliver on that.”

Video Transcript

RICK SNYDER: I'm an American first--

DON LEMON: Right.

RICK SNYDER: --before I'm a partisan political person or belonging to a party. And I think too many people have forgotten that.

- Former Michigan Governor Rick Snyder appeared on "CNN Tonight with Don Lemon" Thursday just hours after posting an op-ed endorsing Joe Biden, despite being a lifelong Republican.

RICK SNYDER: I believe in civility. I believe that success happens in this nation when we all work together for the common good. And I believe Joe Biden can deliver on that.

- While Snyder has always supported the GOP in the past, he believes President Trump's divisiveness is tearing the country apart.

RICK SNYDER: I talk to young people. I talk to my kids. They all encouraged me to speak up because they said, your voice can make a difference. So I'm doing what I-- I got some good advice from some young people on this one.

DON LEMON: I-- I don't know what to say to you [LAUGHS].

- Lemon was so taken aback by Snyder's candid interview that it took him a moment to gather his thoughts.

DON LEMON: I am just so grateful to hear someone speak with sense. And it doesn't matter if it's a Democrat or a Republican, but it helps that you are a supporter and that you're in the president's party.

- After witnessing the president divide the country based on party affiliation, Snyder believes it is time to elect someone who can represent all Americans, regardless of politics.

DON LEMON: Yeah.

RICK SNYDER: We need to take care of everyone because we need to create an environment where it's not about someone winning and someone losing.

DON LEMON: Yeah.

RICK SNYDER: We need an America where we can win together, where we find common ground, we grow the economy together, we benefit together. And I believe Joe Biden can deliver on that.