More than 700 senior national security officials have endorsed Vice President Harris for the White House, with some leaders expressing concern about former President Trump's “frightening authoritarian tendencies.”
“Vice President Harris has all the leadership qualities necessary to be a strong commander in chief. She's prepared, she's strategic, she understands all sides of the issues,” retired U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Michael Smith told The Hill. “That was on full display during the debate.”
“But as we have seen for nearly a decade, former President Trump possesses none of those qualities and has frightening authoritarian tendencies,” added Smith, who is also president of the National Security Leaders Association.
The letter in support of Harris includes 741 former senior national security officials, including 233 generals and admirals, 15 four-star generals, 10 former Cabinet secretaries, 10 former secretaries of the Army, and leaders who served in Republican administrations.
“While we do not agree on everything, we hold to two fundamental principles,” the letter read. “First, we believe that America's national security requires a serious and competent commander in chief. Second, we believe that American democracy is irreplaceable.”
“Each generation has a responsibility to uphold it,” the letter continues. “That is why we, the undersigned, are proud to endorse Kamala Harris for the next President of the United States.”
The signatories praised Harris as a more diplomatic and pragmatic candidate, setting her apart from former President Trump, whom they called “impulsive and ignorant.” They cited Trump's relationships with Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, Kim Jong Un and the terrorist leader Hezbollah as examples.
“Our support for Vice President Harris is a support for freedom and an expression of patriotism — an endorsement of democratic ideals, capabilities, and enduring optimism for America's future,” the letter concludes.
The endorsement follows a letter from more than 100 former Republican national security officials endorsing Harris earlier this week, citing Trump's “evident chaotic and unethical behavior” as president as their reason for backing Harris, saying she “possesses the essential qualities to serve as president.”
