Retired Admiral, William McRaven, the former commander of the U.S. Special Operations Command, says he supports Joe Biden ahead of the US presidential elections.
McRaven, writing in an op-ed published by the Wall Street Journal this week, said that Biden’s opposite member President Donald Trump is quite possibly “the greatest threat to democracy in my lifetime.”
“Truth be told, I am a pro-life, pro-Second Amendment, small-government, strong-defense and a national-anthem-standing conservative,” McRaven wrote.
“But, I also believe that black lives matter, that the Dreamers deserve a path to citizenship, that diversity and inclusion are essential to our national success, that education is the great equalizer, that climate change is real and that the First Amendment is the cornerstone of our democracy. Most important, I believe that America must lead in the world with courage, conviction and a sense of honor and humility.”
He added, “I voted for Joe Biden.”
Mr McRaven – who oversaw Operation Neptune Spear, during which Osama Bin Laden was killed – said that though many of his social views do not fully align with those of the Democratic party, he believes Biden is a more capable and respectable leader than Donald Trump.
Biden was endorsed by nearly 500 US generals, admirals and intelligence officials in September, including 22 retired 4-star officers.
Last autumn, McRaven wrote another piece, this time for the New York Times, reflecting on the president’s willingness to turn against American allies and American principles.
McRaven said that “the fate of our Republic” may depend upon replacing Trump as quickly as possible.
In February 2020, McRaven wrote another Washington Post op-ed, which concluded, “As Americans, we should be frightened — deeply afraid for the future of the nation. When good men and women can’t speak the truth, when facts are inconvenient, when integrity and character no longer matter, when presidential ego and self-preservation are more important than national security — then there is nothing left to stop the triumph of evil.”
Four months later, the retired Navy admiral explained, “President Trump has shown he doesn’t have the qualities necessary to be a good commander in chief.” On the anniversary of D-Day, McRaven contrasted Trump’s style with the kind of qualities from earlier wartime leaders. ”
As we have struggled with the COVID pandemic and horrible acts of racism and injustice, this president has shown none of those qualities,” the admiral said.
“The country needs to move forward without him at the helm.”
The elections are due to take place on November 3rd 2020.
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