America is in crisis, and our national security is becoming a casualty. President Donald Trump’s abject failure to lead has left us weaker as a people and as a global power. The world watches our overdue reckoning with systemic racism and they see a president with an impulse for photo ops and force. The United States needs a new president, one who seeks to heal our divisions, grow Americans’ prosperity, and strengthen our society. When we are stronger together at home, we can advance our security interests abroad. We must secure America’s edge in the global economy by investing more substantially in the drivers of U.S. competitiveness: science and technology, research and development, STEM education, access to higher education, 21st century infrastructure like 5G-capable networks, clean energy, and a robust public health system. We also need a smart immigration policy. The United States should once again welcome foreign-born talent that pose no risks to our national security and encourage them to stay and build enterprises here in America. We must repair the damage to our alliances. From tackling climate change to ensuring the integrity of international borders, our network of alliances magnifies our influence and multiplies the resources at our disposal. Trump is squandering this unique strategic advantage.
we need a national security enterprise that is matched to future challenges. Civilian capabilities form the centerpiece of America’s influence abroad, beginning with an expanded, experienced, and diverse diplomatic corps. Other priorities include sure-footed economic statecraft, robust humanitarian, development and global health assistance, cutting-edge information and cyber capabilities, investments in our resiliency, a strong intelligence community, and science and technology expertise. Innovation in our military capabilities is also vital. We need a president who understands that the armed forces take an oath to support and defend the Constitution, not to serve as partisan pawns and political backdrops. And when a president reaches into the military justice system to pardon a convicted war criminal, it undermines good order and discipline and the military’s ability to hold its own accountable. With years to meet these fitness standards, Donald Trump has failed. He doesn’t pass muster for company command, let alone for commander in chief. We will need Vice President Joe Biden to rebuild global trust in the credibility of America’s promises and the strength of our will to uphold them. He can be the commander and chief the American people need and deserve. Our national cohesion and security can’t wait another five years.
