Republicans Jumping Ship #2

Published in The Laconia Daily Sun 8-25-2016
http://www.laconiadailysun.com/opinion/letters/97520-james-veverka-8-25-485

To the Editor,

Hillary Clinton is now ahead by nine in NH and six in Florida. She has opened up a six point lead in Ohio and John Kasich is MIA! GOP Maryland Governor Larry Hogan will not back Trump and Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson rightly calls him a fascist. GOP Senator Susan Collins penned an op-ed in the Washington Post on why she cannot support Trump. "My conclusion about Mr. Trump’s unsuitability for office is based on his disregard for the precept of treating others with respect, an idea that should transcend politics. Instead, he opts to mock the vulnerable and inflame prejudices by attacking ethnic and religious minorities...Mr. Trump lacks the temperament, self-discipline and judgment required to be president."

Former Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson endorsed Clinton in a Washington Post op-ed. "The GOP, in putting Trump at the top of the ticket, is endorsing a brand of populism rooted in ignorance, prejudice, fear and isolationism...I will not vote for Donald Trump. I will not cast a write-in vote. I’ll be voting for Hillary Clinton."

In an op-ed in newyorkupstate.com, House Republican Richard Hanna wrote, "I found him profoundly offensive and narcissistic but as much as anything, a world-class panderer, anything but a leader...Secretary Clinton has issues...But she stands and has stood for causes bigger than herself for a lifetime. That matters...I will vote for Mrs. Clinton..I find Trump deeply flawed in endless ways."

This week, Bush’s Undersecretary of State for Public Diplomacy and founding director of the George W. Bush Institute endorsed Hillary Clinton. James Glassman stated Hillary is "by far the superior candidate. She has the experience. She’s got the character. She has the values. She is the kind of candidate I support and that, as I say, millions of republicans are supporting.” Retired Naval officer, Deputy Secretary of State under Bush, and assistant secretary of defense under Reagan, Richard Armitage is voting for Clinton. Armitage told Politico Trump "doesn't appear to be a Republican, he doesn't appear to want to learn about issues. So, I’m going to vote for Mrs. Clinton".

Brent Scowcroft, National Security Adviser to Presidents Gerald Ford and George H. W. Bush endorsed Clinton. "Secretary Clinton shares my belief that America must remain the world’s indispensable leader. She understands that our leadership and engagement beyond our borders makes the world, and therefore the United States, more secure and prosperous. She appreciates that it is essential to maintain our strong military advantage, but that force must only be used as a last resort." Clinton "brings deep expertise in international affairs, and a sophisticated understanding of the world", qualities "essential for the Commander-in-Chief." 

Mark Salter, John McCain's longtime Chief of Staff, is voting for Clinton. He described her as "an adult who understands the responsibilities of an American President". On the other hand, Trump "possesses the emotional maturity of a 6-year-old.".  We knew that.

James Veverka
Tilton