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The coalition of Republicans working to stop a second term for President Donald Trump is growing—and it just gained a notable member.
In 2009, former fighter pilot Sully Sullenberger was manning US Airways Flight 1549 when it struck a flock of geese taking off from Laguardia in New York City.
When both engines on the aircraft subsequently failed, disaster was all but certain—then Sullenberger managed to land the plane safely in the Hudson River, where all 155 passengers survived and were rescued by nearby boats.
In the aftermath, Sullenberger was lauded for his levelheadedness in the face of the crisis, and now he's throwing his support behind Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden, citing the need for the same assured leadership Sullenberger faced that day.
The legendary pilot is the star of a new ad from anti-Trump Republican group The Lincoln Project, in partnership with VoteVets.
Watch below.
11 years ago, Sully was called for his moment. Now, we are all called to this moment.
Join Sully in regaining control of this nation's destiny by voting Donald Trump out.
In partnership with @votevets. pic.twitter.com/r9wQiAdjRO
— The Lincoln Project (@ProjectLincoln) September 29, 2020
Sullenberger describes his career in aviation and his passion for the skies before saying in the video:
"It's in that higher calling of leadership that Donald Trump has failed us so miserably. Now, it's up to us to overcome his attacks on our very democracy. Knowing nearly a quarter million Americans won't have a voice, casualties of his lethal lies and incompetence. Eleven years ago, I was called to my moment. Now, we are all called to this moment. ... All we have to do is vote him out."
The New York hero's endorsement was welcomed all around.
This is our moment. We are responsible for the destiny of this nation. When you are called by destiny are you going to step up or do your part? Vote. #LincolnVeteran https://t.co/kIzpujfcyg
— Fred Wellman (@FPWellman) September 29, 2020
Wow. @Captsully doesn't hold back. pic.twitter.com/cX5msq8jlw
— Andrew Feinberg (@AndrewFeinberg) September 29, 2020
Sully!!! 👏 👏 👏 https://t.co/2nwu8XousD
— Mz. Chievous ™️ (@CCLcaribecrew) September 29, 2020
Sully should be award another Medal of Honor for have the courage to go on the record and try to save countless American lives - again. This is what true American courage acts like. Thank you, sir
— MommaT (@tweetmommybop) September 29, 2020
I love Sully's message that we are our destiny. #VoteHimOut that is our job. We got this.
— Barbara Malmet (@B52Malmet) September 29, 2020
Always loved Sully, an actual hero. He never disappoints.
— Kɴᴏx Dᴜᴅʟᴇʏ 🤔 (@PostMortemExam) September 29, 2020
And the Lincoln Project—which routinely releases anti-Trump ads—was met with unrelenting praise.
I've been a politics and news junkie for 50 years and this ad stirred me, deep in my soul, like no other. God save us.
— Richard L. (@rleach2000) September 29, 2020
This is without a doubt the most powerful ad you've done yet....the most powerful ad in this election thus far. Wow....just wow.
— unroolie_julie (@unroolie_julie) September 29, 2020
WOW! One of the best you have done ✅
Goes to the heart of what trump* lacks
Sully 🥇🏆
— 35 Days & Counting Down...🍊🤡 🌊 (@jean_mumford) September 29, 2020
Sullenberger's video appearance comes the day Donald Trump and Joe Biden are facing off in the first of three highly anticipated presidential debates.