In mid-September, National Security Leaders for America (NSL4A) released a letter endorsing Kamala Harris for President. In and of itself, that may not seem unusual. What was and remains both unusual and important about the letter, which I was proud to sign, are two key facts.
First, the list of signers is uniquely long and diverse. It includes retired senior military and civilian defense and national security officials—political appointees and career civil servants— from across the last half-dozen administrations; republicans and democrats; liberals, moderates and conservatives.
Second, while this coalition, by definition, holds equally varied views on specific issues, we share a belief that now more than ever, our next Commander-in-Chief must be able to command respect around the world, evince a serious and thoughtful approach to the manifest challenges we face, while providing equally serious leadership at home. And most important of all, our next Commander-in-Chief must demonstrate an unyielding commitment to and a willingness to fight for the founding principles of our democracy.
In our view, Kamala Harris most clearly embodies these qualities. Indeed, we have complete confidence that we will never have to worry about her seriousness of purpose or her unflinching commitment to our constitution, our democracy, or to our allies and alliances. On the other hand, Donald Trump, during his first term and in the years since, has done precisely the opposite. He operates by a “seat of the pants” philosophy which ignores too many lessons of history and current realities. He consistently undermines both our democracy and crucial international alliances, shows a consistent affinity for some of the worst authoritarian leaders in the world, and exhibits a disturbing, even shocking disregard for our men and women in uniform.
For those who question the Vice President’s foreign policy or national security “chops” we say this: she has more experience, has met and dealt with far more foreign leaders and been directly involved in more foreign policy matters than many highly successful Presidents who have preceded her. It is for that reason that we do not question her readiness for the job. On the other hand, as has been pointed out by so many, we take seriously the fact that virtually all of the key members of Trump’s first term national security team are openly opposing his return to office and warning us of the risks it presents.
As one who has played a relatively minor role compared to so many of the other signatories to the NSL4A letter, I look at that list and see a remarkable confluence of leaders I have admired and learned from, directly or indirectly, throughout my career. That they have all come together in this way says a lot. Most of all, it sends a message about the times we are in and the crucial choice we face. Will we always agree on such things as defense spending levels or priorities, every response to the never-ending litany of global crises, or other issues? Of course not. But that’s what makes the NSL4A endorsement so powerful. It is a rare instance in a dangerously divided body politic of a diverse array of leaders coming together to show that, while we can argue and debate civilly and respectfully, our most solemn responsibility is to support the candidate who will be our nation’s strongest, most credible, thoughtful leader. Kamala Harris is just that. Donald Trump is most assuredly not.