More than 700 high-ranking national security officials have endorsed Democratic candidate Vice President Harris in her run for the White House, with some leaders expressing concerns about former President Trump’s “scary authoritarian streak.”
“Vice President Harris has all the leadership qualities needed to be a strong commander in chief. She’s prepared. She’s strategic. She’s understands all sides of an issue,” retired U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Michael Smith told The Hill. “We saw as much during the debate.”
“As we’ve seen for nearly a decade, however, former President Trump has none of those qualities, and he has a scary authoritarian streak,” Smith, who is also the president of National Security Leaders for America, added.
The letter endorsing Harris consists of 741 former high-ranking national security officials, including 233 general and flag officers. Among those 741 officials are 15 four-star generals, 10 former Cabinet secretaries and 10 service secretaries as well as leaders who served in Republican administrations.
“We do not agree on everything, but we all adhere to two fundamental principles,” the letter reads. “First, we believe America’s national security requires a serious and capable Commander-in-Chief. Second, we believe American democracy is invaluable.”
“Each generation has a responsibility to defend it,” the letter continues. “That is why we, the undersigned, proudly endorse Kamala Harris to be the next President of the United States.”
The signatories praise Harris as the more diplomatic and realistic candidate for office, distinguishing her from former President Trump, who they call “impulsive and ill-informed.” The letter cites Trump’s relations with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and the terrorist leaders of Hezbollah.
“Our endorsement of Vice President Harris is an endorsement of freedom and an act of patriotism. It is an endorsement of democratic ideals, of competence, and of relentless optimism in America’s future,” the letter concludes.
This endorsement comes after more than 100 former GOP national security figures endorsed Harris earlier this week. That letter cited Trump’s “demonstrated chaotic and unethical behavior” as president as reason to support Harris, who they say “possesses the essential qualities to serve as president.”