Michael Donley

Michael B. Donley served as the 22nd secretary of the Air Force from 2008 to 2013.

Over 40 years ago, among the last draftees, I completed the Army’s intelligence school. Since then, I have made America’s national security my life’s work. It was a great honor to work in the White House for Ronald Reagan, serve in the Pentagon under George H.W. Bush and, finally, to be appointed by George W. Bush to serve as secretary of the Air Force.

Every day, along with thousands of military personnel and civil servants, I woke up dedicated to the mission of protecting our country. I am proud of that service, and the incredible airmen I worked with around the world. While I am a Republican, this has never been a partisan endeavor. The national security challenges we face are not labeled “Republican” or “Democrat,” and neither are the solutions. Most of the leaders from my generation reflect a long-standing bipartisan consensus that understands America’s important role in the world, appreciates the role of our foreign partners and allies, and values the strong military, economic, diplomatic and intelligence tools necessary to protect America’s interests.

But this year I have felt compelled to do something I never thought I’d do: I’m speaking out to endorse former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton for president.

Clinton’s extraordinary breadth of experience in both domestic and foreign affairs is rare in our political history. With a lifetime of public service in the state house, White House, Senate and State Department, she knows what it takes to be president. While I do not agree with her on every issue, she has always brought a thoughtful and informed approach to policymaking. She understands how to bring people together, how to work with legislatures, and how to build international coalitions. She’s worked hand-in-hand with our military leaders on crises across the globe, and I can say with confidence that she will make an exemplary commander-in-chief.

Yes, Hillary Clinton has made mistakes. As anyone in the public spotlight for decades can attest, I’m sure there are decisions in her past that she would like to revisit. But her career demonstrates that she has always valued listening and learning, and there should be no doubt that she is the best-qualified candidate.

Donald Trump lacks the experience, temperament, and judgment necessary to be president. He speaks without thinking about how his words will be perceived by others. He’s been disrespectful of POWs like Senator John McCain and Gold Star families. He confuses friends and allies about our NATO commitments, long-standing policies on nuclear nonproliferation, and Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea. He advocates policies on torture and the killing of innocent noncombatants that would put our intelligence and military professionals on the wrong side of domestic and international law.

With his divisive policies at home and a poor understanding of the threats facing our nation abroad, a Trump administration would make the task of defending our country even more difficult and introduce risks we cannot afford.

I know for some in this election cycle, given the universal sense of frustration about the state of our politics, Trump’s lack of Washington experience is perceived as a strength. But should we really elect as president someone who has held no public office at the local, state or national level? Someone who does not fully understand our system of government? Someone who lacks an adequate appreciation for America’s role in the world? Would this man represent the values and character of the American people? Would he lead us well? I think not.

America needs experienced leadership that can bring us together at home and build strong and effective partnerships abroad. This election year, the stakes for our nation and for America’s role in the world are so high, and the choice is so stark and clear, I would feel remiss in my civic duty if I did not speak out. I’m for Hillary.