Chris Coons

Delaware Voice

In 2016, the American people face both daunting challenges and historic opportunities.

From a rapidly changing, globalized economy to new, dangerous security threats, the United States must adapt in order to succeed in a world that’s shifting faster than we’ve ever seen.

At the same time, the United States is in a position to shape the world and its markets for decades to come, and nations around the world are again looking to America for leadership.

On Tuesday in Delaware, we will cast our votes for the person we believe is best prepared to take on these challenges and seize these opportunities, and my vote will be for Hillary Clinton.

Throughout her life, Hillary Clinton has shown a great determination to take on tough issues and work to improve the lives of all Americans. From her early work for the Children’s Defense Fund to her decades of public service, she has proven time and again that she is committed to fighting for others.

In 1993, she led the bipartisan creation of the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which has helped cover more than 8 million children, including nearly 20,000 in Delaware.

In 1995 at the United Nations, she brought the fight for women’s rights into the international spotlight, and while serving in the Senate, she championed equal pay legislation, worked to reform Wall Street, and fought for affordable access to healthcare.

When it comes to supporting American jobs and American families and fighting for the issues that matter most to us here at home, Hillary’s record is consistent and impressive. She has shown that she has the ability to turn progressive values into concrete policies that truly make a difference in the lives of American families.

As a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, I’m also particularly focused on the foreign policy issues that have a profound impact on global security and our security here at home.

I worked directly with Hillary Clinton when she served as Secretary of State, and under difficult circumstances and significant pressure, I came to know a person who was experienced, capable, tough and pragmatic. Right now, that’s exactly the type of person we need leading our country on the world stage.

As Russia and China seek to expand their influence, millions of refugees flee violence in the Middle East, and terrorism threatens countries around the world, we need a President with the experience and determination to confront these difficult issues head on.

Hillary Clinton is the only presidential candidate who has already proven she’s up to the task.

As Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton was instrumental in strengthening American foreign policy, particularly in the regions of the world that most directly impact our security.

She brought experience and maturity to our nation’s diplomatic efforts, and proved once again that the United States is uniquely capable of leading the world not merely through military might but also through strong, international coalitions.

She was a stalwart champion of Israel, advocating for stronger defense systems to keep our nation's most important and cherished ally safe in an increasingly turbulent region.

She constructed the toughest round of sanctions we've ever seen on Iran, forcing them to the international negotiating table to finally begin to dismantle their illicit, dangerous nuclear program.

Finally, Secretary Clinton showed that she understands America must lead the world by example and set the standards for the global community. Through her work to make climate change, human rights, and public health primary, not secondary foreign policy issues, she proved as our nation’s top diplomat that when the United States leads, the world will follow.

Whether it’s a chat with my neighbors in Wilmington or a meeting with officials in foreign capitals, people are increasingly nervous about the tone of the Presidential campaign and what it says about American leadership.

Almost everyone I meet is looking for more than sound bites and tough talk. They’re looking for a strong, experienced, leader to become President in January of next year. They’re looking for someone who’s committed to fighting for Americans at home and abroad.

I am too, and I’m convinced that that leader is Hillary Clinton.

Chris Coons is the junior United States Senator from Delaware and a member of the Democratic Party.