Brent Scowcroft, former national security adviser for Republican Presidents Gerald Ford and George H.W. Bush, officially endorsed Hillary Clinton for president on Wednesday, with a statement that praised her knowledge and experience as the former secretary of state. File Photo by David Silpa/UPI | License Photo

WASHINGTON, June 23 (UPI) -- Brent Scowcroft, former national security adviser for Republican Presidents Gerald Ford and George H.W. Bush, has endorsed Hillary Clinton for president.

Scowcroft, 91, released a statement laying out his official endorsement Wednesday.


"Secretary Clinton shares my belief that America must remain the world's indispensable leader," Scowcroft said, praising her experience as secretary of state. "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."

The presumptive Democratic nominee "brings deep expertise in international affairs, and a sophisticated understanding of the world," elements Scowcroft said were "essential for the commander-in-chief."

"Her longstanding relationships with a wide array of world leaders, and their sense of her as a strong and reliable counterpart, make her uniquely prepared for the highest office in the land," he added.

Scowcroft's endorsement comes less than a week after Richard Armitage, former deputy secretary of state for George W. Bush, told Politico he was supporting Clinton over Donald Trump.

George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush have said they won't be attending the GOP convention in Cleveland in July. Many of Trump's remarks about Muslims and immigrants have reportedly bothered George W. Bush, though both former presidents have largely stayed mum about Trump since Jeb Bush ended his presidential campaign in February.

However, George W. Bush has hinted he might help vulnerable GOP candidates whose elections are threatened by Trump.

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