Career Ambassadors for Clinton-Kaine

In recent weeks, a growing number of Republican and Democrat public officials have come forward supporting Hillary Clinton and Tim Kaine. Earlier this month, 75 diplomats signed a letter of support for the Clinton-Kaine ticket, and that number has now grown to 149. Over 90 of the former ambassadors were appointed by Republican presidents. A copy of the letter and the list of the 149 are below:

• STATEMENT BY FORMER CAREER AMBASSADORS AND SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIALS

  As of September 23, 2016

  The undersigned have each previously served the people of the United States as career diplomats in our nation’s Foreign and Civil Services.  We have each had the privilege of being nominated by the President, and confirmed by the United States Senate, to represent our nation abroad and at the highest levels of our foreign policy and security organizations.

• Together, we have represented the United States as ambassadors in over 55 countries or international organizations. We have hundreds of years of combined service.
• As career officers, we have served every President since Harry Truman, and have proudly represented every President since Richard Nixon as ambassadors or senior State Department officials in Senate-confirmed positions. We have served Republican and Democratic Presidents with pride and enthusiasm.
• None of us will vote for Donald J. Trump.
• Each of us endorses Hillary Clinton and Tim Kaine. Because the stakes in this election are so high, this is the first time many of us have publicly endorsed a candidate for President.

Very simply, this election is different from any election we can recall.  One of the candidates — Donald J. Trump — is entirely unqualified to serve as President and Commander-in-Chief.  He is ignorant of the complex nature of the challenges facing our country, from Russia to China to ISIS to nuclear proliferation to refugees to drugs, but he has expressed no interest in being educated.

Indeed he has recently demonstrated he entirely misunderstands and disrespects the role of the very officials who could educate him: the senior career officers of our intelligence services and of our military services (whom he has characterized as “rubble”).

In his frequent statements about foreign countries and their citizens, from our closest friends to our most problematic competitors, Mr. Trump has expressed the most ignorant stereotypes of those countries; has inflamed their people; and has insulted our allies and comforted our enemies.

Shockingly, he has even offered praise and admiration for Vladimir Putin, the leader of Russia whose international activities and reported intrusions into our democratic political process have been among the most damaging actions taken by any foreign leader since the end of World War Two.

We fear the damage that such ineptitude could cause in our closest relationships as well as the succor it might offer our enemies.

By contrast, Hillary Clinton’s handling of foreign affairs has consistently sought to advance fundamental US interests with a deep grounding in the work of the many tens of thousands of career officers on whom our national security depends.  Not every one of us has agreed with every decision she made (and the same would be true of every one of her predecessors), but we have profound respect for her skills, dedication, intelligence, and diplomacy.

In this election there is only one team to represent our nation and lead our career foreign policy and security professionals in a manner befitting our role as the world’s sole superpower.  Hillary Clinton and Tim Kaine are the candidates we support.

Signatories

1. Morton Abramowitz – Ambassador to Turkey (1989-1991) Assistant Secretary of State for Intelligence and Research (1985-1989), and Ambassador to Thailand (1978-1981)
2. Frank Almaguer – Ambassador to Honduras (1999-2002)
3. Diego Asencio – Ambassador to Brazil (1983-1986), Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs (1980-1983), Ambassador to Colombia (1977-1980)
4. Robert L. Barry – Ambassador to Indonesia (1992-1995), and Bulgaria (1981-1984)
5. Robert M. Beecroft – Ambassador and Head of Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina (2001-2004)
6. Rand Beers – Secretary of Homeland Security (2013), Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security (2013), Under Secretary of Homeland Security for National Protection and Programs (2009-2014)
7. Eric Benjaminson – Ambassador to Gabon and to Sao Tome & Principe (2010-2013)
8. John R. Beyrle – Ambassador to Russia (2008-2012), and Bulgaria (2005-2008)
9. James D. Bindenagel – Ambassador to Germany (1996-1997)
10. Robert O. Blake – Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs (2009-2013), Ambassador to Sri Lanka and Republic of Maldives (2006-2009), Indonesia (2014-present)
11. Richard Boucher – Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs (2006-2009), Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs (2001-2005), and Ambassador to Cyprus (1993-1996)
12. Charles Richard Bowers – Ambassador to Bolivia (1991-1994)
13. Robert A. Bradtke – Ambassador to Croatia (2006-2009)
14. Aurelia E. Brazeal – Ambassador to Ethiopia (2002-2005), Kenya (1993-1996), Federated States of Micronesia (1990-1993)
15. Peter Bridges – Ambassador to Somalia (1984-1986)
16. Sue K. Brown – Ambassador to Montenegro (2011-2014)
17. Susan Burk – Special Representative of the President for Nuclear Nonproliferation (2009-2012)
18. Peter Burleigh – Ambassador to Sri Lanka and Republic of Maldives (1995-1997)
19. Nicholas Burns – Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs (2005-2008), Ambassador to NATO (2001-2005), and Greece (1997-2001)
20. Prudence Bushnell – Ambassador to Guatemala (1999-2002), and Kenya (1996-1999)
21. Patricia Butenis – Ambassador to Sri Lanka and Republic of Maldives (2009-2012) and Bangladesh (2006-2007)
22. Johnnie Carson – Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs (2009-2013), Ambassador to Kenya (1999-2003), Zimbabwe (1995-1997), Uganda (1991-1994)
23. Phillip Carter III – Ambassador to Cote d’Ivoire (2010-2013), and Guinea (2007-2008)
24. Carey Cavanaugh – Ambassador/Special Negotiator for Nagorno-Karabakh and New Independent States Regional Conflicts (2000-2001)
25. Wendy Chamberlin – Ambassador to Pakistan (2001-2002) and Laos (1996-1999)
26. Asif Chaudhry – Ambassador to Moldova (2008)
27. Peter Chaveas – Ambassador to Sierra Leone (2001-2004), and Malawi (1994-1997)
28. Elinor Greer Constable – Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans, Environment, Science and Technology (1993-1995), and Ambassador to Kenya (1986-1989)
29. Marion Creekmore, Jr. – Ambassador to Sri Lanka and Republic of Maldives (1989-1992)
30. Ryan Crocker – Ambassador to Lebanon (1990-1993), Kuwait (1994-1997), Syria (1998-2001), Pakistan (2004-2007), Iraq (2007-2009), Afghanistan (2011-2012)
31. James B. Cunningham – Ambassador to Afghanistan (2012-2014), Israel (2008-2011), United Nations (2001)
32. Walter L. Cutler – Ambassador to Saudi Arabia (1984-1987, 1988-1989), Tunisia (1982-1984), Ambassador-Designate to the Islamic Republic of Iran (1979), and Ambassador to Zaire (1975-1979)
33. Jeffrey Davidow – Ambassador to Mexico (1998-2002), Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs (1996-1998), Ambassador to Venezuela (1993-1996), Zambia (1988-1990)
34. Scott H. DeLisi – Ambassador to Uganda (2012-2015), Nepal (2010-2012), and Eritrea (2004-2007)
35. Robert S. Dillon – Ambassador to Lebanon (1981-1983)
36. John R. Dinger – Ambassador to Mongolia (2000-2003)
37. William A. Eaton – Ambassador to Panama (2005-2008), and Assistant Secretary of State for Administration (2001-2005)
38. Wesley W. Egan – Ambassador to Jordan (1994-1998), and Guinea-Bissau (1983-1985)
39. Robert J. Einhorn – Assistant Secretary of State for Nonproliferation (1999-2001)
40. Nancy Ely-Raphel – Ambassador to Slovenia (1998-2001)
41. Gregory W. Engle – Ambassador to Togo (2003-2005)
42. Kenneth J. Fairfax – Ambassador to Kazakhstan (2011-2013)
43. Robert W. Farrand – Ambassador to Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, and the Solomon Islands (1990-1993)
44. Judith R. Fergin – Ambassador to Timor-Leste (2010-2013)
45. Robert P. Finn – Ambassador to Afghanistan (2002-2003), Tajikistan (1999-2001)
46. David J. Fischer – Ambassador to the Republic of Seychelles (1982-1985)
47. Robert Fitts – Ambassador to Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, and the Solomon Islands (2003- 2006)
48. Robert S. Gelbard – Ambassador to Indonesia (1999-2001), Assistant Secretary of State for International Narcotics Matters (1993-1997), Ambassador to Bolivia (1988-1991)
49. Edward “Skip” Gnehm – Ambassador to Jordan (2001-2004), Australia (2000-2001), Kuwait (1991-1994)
50. Christopher E. Goldthwait – Ambassador to Chad (1999-2004)
51. Gordon Gray – Ambassador to Tunisia (2009-2012)
52. Marc Grossman – Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs (2001-2005), Ambassador to Turkey (1995-1997), Assistant Secretary of State for European and Canadian Affairs (1997-2000)
53. Michael E. Guest – Ambassador to Romania (2001-2004)
54. John R. Hamilton – Ambassador to Guatemala (2003-2005), and Peru (1999-2002)
55. Douglas A. Hartwick – Ambassador to Laos (2001-2004)
56. Maura Harty – Ambassador to Paraguay (1997-1999), Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs (2002-2008)
57. Patricia McMahon Hawkins – Ambassador to Togo (2008-2011)
58. Christopher R. Hill – Ambassador to Iraq (2009-2010), Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs (2005-2009), Ambassador to South Korea (2004-2005), Poland (2000-2004), and Macedonia (1996-1999)
59. Karl W. Hofmann – Ambassador to Togo (2000-2002)
60. Genta H. Holmes – Ambassador to Australia (1997-2000), Director General of the Foreign Service (1992-1995), and Ambassador to Namibia (1990-1992)
61. Thomas C. Hubbard – Ambassador to the Republic of Korea (2001-2004) and the Philippines (1996-2000)
62. Franklin Huddle – Ambassador to Tajikistan (2001-2003)
63. Vicki J. Huddleston – Ambassador to Mali (2002-2005), and Madagascar (1995-1997)
64. Edmund J. Hull – Ambassador to Yemen (2001-2004)
65. Cameron R. Hume – Ambassador to Indonesia (2007-2010), Sudan (2005-2007), South Africa (2001-2004), Algeria (1997-2000)
66. Ravic R. Huso – Ambassador to Laos (2007-2010)
67. William H. Itoh – Ambassador to Thailand (1995-1999)
68. Dennis Jett – Ambassador to Peru (1996-1999) and Mozambique (1993-1996)
69. Linda Jewell – Ambassador to Ecuador (2005-2008)
70. Elizabeth Jones – Assistant Secretary of State for Europe and Eurasia (2001-2005), Ambassador to Kazakhstan (1995-1998)
71. Richard D. Kauzlarich – Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina (1997-1999), and Azerbaijan (1994-1997)
72. James Keith – Ambassador to Malaysia (2007-2010)
73. Laura E. Kennedy – Ambassador to the Conference on Disarmament, Geneva (2010-2013), and Ambassador to Turkmenistan (2001-2003)
74. Thomas C. Krajeski – Ambassador to the Republic of Yemen (2004-2007), Kingdom of Bahrain (2011-2014)
75. Daniel C. Kurtzer – Ambassador to Israel (2001-2005), Egypt (1998-2001)
76. Alphonse F. La Porta – Ambassador to Mongolia (1997-2000)
77. Chris LaFleur – Ambassador to Malaysia (2005-2007)
78. Edward Gibson Lanpher – Ambassador to Zimbabwe (1991-1995)
79. Joyce E. Leader – Ambassador to Guinea (1999-2000)
80. Michael Lemmon – Ambassador to Armenia (1998-2001)
81. Winston Lord – Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs (1993-1997), and Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China (1985-1989)
82. James G. Lowenstein – Ambassador to Luxembourg (1977-1981)
83. William H. Luers – Ambassador to Czechoslovakia (1983-1986), and Venezuela (1978-1982)
84. John F. Maisto – Ambassador to the Organization of American States (2003-2006), Venezuela (1997-2000), and Nicaragua (1993-1996)
85. Edward Marks – Ambassador to Cape Verde (1977-1980), and Guinea-Bissau (1977-1980)
86. Niels Marquardt – Ambassador to Madagascar and Comoros (2007-2010), Equatorial Guinea (2004-2006), and Cameroon (2004-2007)
87. Marshall McCallie – Ambassador to Namibia (1993-1996)
88. Jackson McDonald – Ambassador to Guinea (2004-2007), The Gambia (2001-2004)
89. Stephen G. McFarland – Ambassador to Guatemala (2008-2011)
90. Christopher J. McMullen – Ambassador to Angola (2010-2013)
91. Michael W. Michalak – Ambassador to Vietnam (2007-2011)
92. William B. Milam – Ambassador to Bangladesh (1990-1993), and Pakistan (1998-2001)
93. Richard M. Miles – Ambassador to Georgia (2002-2005), Bulgaria (1999-2002), and Azerbaijan (1992-1993)
94. Thomas J. Miller – Ambassador to Greece (2001-2004), Bosnia and Herzegovina (1999-2001)
95. William Green Miller – Ambassador to Ukraine (1993-1998)
96. Mark C. Minton – Ambassador to Mongolia (2006-2009)
97. William T. Monroe – Ambassador to Bahrain (2004-2007)
98. Thomas M. T. Niles – Assistant Secretary of State for European and Canadian Affairs (1991-1993), Ambassador to Greece (1993-1997), European Union (1989-1991), and Canada (1985-1989)
99. Maurice S. Parker – Ambassador to Swaziland (2007-2009)
100. Mark Robert Parris – Ambassador to Turkey (1997-2000)
101. Lynn Pascoe – Ambassador to Indonesia (2004-2007), and Malaysia (1998-2001)
102. Robert Pearson – Ambassador to Turkey (2000-2003)
103. Vernon D. Penner – Ambassador to the Republic of Cabo Verde (1986-1990)
104. Rudolf V. Perina – Ambassador/Special Negotiator for Nagorno-Karabakh and Newly-Independent States Regional Conflicts (2001-2004), and Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova (1998-2001)
105. June Carter Perry – Ambassador to Sierra Leone (2007-2010), and Lesotho (2004-2007)
106. Donald K. Petterson – Ambassador to Sudan (1992-1995), Tanzania (1986-1989), and Somalia (1978-1982)
107. Thomas R. Pickering – Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs (1997-2000), Ambassador to Russia (1993-1996), India (1992-1993), United Nations (1989-1992), Israel (1985-1988), El Salvador (1983-1985), Nigeria (1981-1983), Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs (1978-1981), Ambassador to Jordan (1974- 1978)
108. Steven Pifer – Ambassador to Ukraine (1998-2000)
109. Joan M. Plaisted – Ambassador to the Republic of the Marshall Islands and Kiribati (1995-2000)
110. Nicholas Platt – Ambassador to Pakistan (1991-1992), Philippines (1987-1991), Zambia (1982- 1985)
111. Nancy Powell – Ambassador to India (2012-2014), Nepal (2007-2010), Pakistan (2002-2004), Ghana (2001-2002), Uganda (1997-1999)
112. Phyllis M. Powers – Ambassador to Nicaragua (2012-2015), and Panama (2010-2012)
113. Charles L. “Jack” Pritchard – Ambassador/Special Envoy for Negotiations with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (2001-2003)
114. Jon R. Purnell – Ambassador to Uzbekistan (2004-2007)
115. Robin L. Raphel – Ambassador to Tunisia (1997-2000), Assistant Secretary of State for South Asian Affairs (1993-1997)
116. Elizabeth Raspolic – Ambassador to Gabon (1995-1998)
117. Charles A. Ray – Ambassador to Zimbabwe (2009-2012), Cambodia (2002-2005)
118. Robert G. Rich – Ambassador to Belize (1987-1990)
119. Thomas B. Robertson – Ambassador to Slovenia (2004-2007)
120. Peter F. Romero – Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs (2001), and Ambassador to Ecuador (1993-1996)
121. William A. Rugh – Ambassador to the United Arab Emirate (1992-2995), and Yemen (1984-1987)
122. Howard B. Schaffer – Ambassador to Bangladesh (1984-1987)
123. Teresita C. Schaffer – Ambassador to Sri Lanka and Republic of Maldives (1992-1995)
124. James F. Schumaker – OSCE Project Coordinator in Ukraine (2005-2008)
125. Ints M. Silins – Ambassador to Latvia (1992-1995)
126. Thomas W. Simons, Jr. – Ambassador to Pakistan (1996-1998) and Poland (1990-1993)
127. Donald Steinberg – Ambassador to Angola (1995-1998)
128. Kathleen Stephens – Ambassador to the Republic of Korea (2008-2011)
129. John Todd Stewart – Ambassador to Moldova (1995-1998)
130. Gordon L. Streeb – Ambassador to Zambia (1990-1993)
131. Curtis Struble – Ambassador to Peru (2004-2007)
132. Patrick Nickolas Theros – Ambassador to Qatar (1995-1998)
133. Victor L. Tomseth – Ambassador to Laos (1993-1996)
134. Nicholas Veliotes – Ambassador to Egypt (1984-1986), Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern and South Asian Affairs (1981-1984), and Ambassador to Jordan (1978-1981)
135. Edward S. Walker, Jr. – Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs (2000-2001), Ambassador to Israel (1997-1999), Egypt (1994-1997), United Arab Emirates (1989-1992)
136. Lannon Walker – Ambassador to Cote d’Ivoire (1995-1998), Nigeria (1989-1992), Senegal (1985-1988)
137. James D. Walsh – Ambassador to Argentina (2000-2003)
138. Alexander F. Watson – Ambassador to Peru (1986-1989), Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs (1993-1996)
139. Linda E. Watt – Ambassador to Panama (2002-2005)
140. Pamela A. White – Ambassador to Haiti (2012-2015), and The Gambia (2010-2012)
141. Ashley Wills – Ambassador to Sri Lanka and Republic of Maldives (2000-2003)
142. Joseph C. Wilson – Ambassador to Gabon and to Sao Tome and Principe (1992-1995)
143. Andrew J. Winter – Ambassador to The Gambia (1993-1995)
144. Frank G. Wisner – Ambassador to India (1994-1997), Under Secretary of Defense for Policy (1993-1994), Under Secretary of State for International Security Affairs (1992-1993), Ambassador to the Philippines (1991-1992), Egypt (1986-1991), and Zambia (1979-1982)
145. Kenneth Yalowitz – Ambassador to Georgia (1998-2001) and Belarus (1994-1997)
146. John M. Yates – Ambassador to Republics of Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea (1998-2001), Republic of Benin (1995-1998), Republic of Cape Verde (1983-1986)
147. Mary Carlin Yates – Ambassador to Ghana (2002-2005), and Burundi (1999-2002)
148. Johnny Young – Ambassador to Slovenia (2001-2004), Kingdom of Bahrain (1997-2001), Togo (1994-1997), Sierra Leone (1989-1992)
149. Stephen M. Young – Ambassador to Kyrgyz Republic (2003-2005)

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News Source: Ambassadors for Clinton

Former George H.W. Bush National Security Advisor Endorses Clinton

Statement by Donald P. Gregg, National Security Advisor to Vice President George H.W. Bush. The endorsement comes after 115 former Ambassadors – including 80 appointed by Republican Presidents – backed Hillary Clinton earlier this week and more than 50 national security officials urged Trump to disclose his financial conflicts of interests.

“I was in the Reagan administration for 8 years. I was Vice President George H.W. Bush’s National Security Advisor for over six years. I traveled with him to over 65 countries.

In my view the two great diplomatic overtures since World War II were carried out by Republicans — Nixon to China and President George H. W. Bush’s outreach to Gorbachev and the Soviet Union after the collapse of the Berlin Wall.

But we now have a person at the top of Republican ticket who I believe is dangerous, doesn’t understand the complex world we live in, doesn’t care to, and is without any moral or international philosophy.

I’ve met Hillary Clinton a number of times and followed her career in public service. I’m impressed with her knowledge and experience. She would make an extremely good President.”

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20 Questions Trump Is Avoiding

Earlier this week, Hillary Clinton’s Twitter feed included a series of 20 questions for Donald Trump following the release of a Newsweek cover story. Today, Hillary for America released the following requesting answers to those questions:

This week has brought a string of revelations about foreign business entanglements that would create actual conflicts of interest for Donald Trump were he to become president. They’re a reminder of why Trump’s utter lack of transparency and disclosure have become an urgent concern with just over 50 days left in this election.

On a call with reporters yesterday, Hillary for America chair John Podesta called on Trump to disclose all information related to his foreign investments and business dealings, divest his holdings in the Trump Organization to remove these troubling conflicts of interest, and release his tax returns to meet the basic threshold for transparency.

“If Trump is only willing to release information that makes him look good,” Podesta asked, “what else is he hiding?”

Hillary Clinton has 20 questions for Donald Trump, which he is avoiding by not holding a press conference in Washington, D.C. this morning.

This week’s report offers a disturbing preview of the foreign entanglements that could influence Donald Trump, should voters make the grave mistake of electing him president. We now know that over the course of decades, The Trump Organization has been financially involved in more than a dozen countries on five continents — including Russia, Ukraine, Libya, Turkey, China, and Brazil. These new revelations also bring greater urgency to the need for Trump to release his tax returns, so the American people can see his sources of income and what influences he might be subject to.

For all the latest, follow our Scheduled Events page and follow Clinton on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. Also, be sure to subscribe to the campaign’s official Podcast, With Her.

Statement From Hillary Clinton On North Korea’s Nuclear Test

On Friday, Hillary Clinton released the following statement in response to North Korea’s nuclear test.

“North Korea’s decision to conduct another nuclear test is outrageous and unacceptable.  I strongly condemn this reckless action, which – coupled with its recent series of missile launches – makes clear Pyongyang’s determination to develop a deliverable nuclear weapon.  This constitutes a direct threat to the United States, and we cannot and will never accept this.

I support President Obama’s call to both strengthen the sanctions passed earlier this year with the United Nations and to impose additional sanctions.  At the same time, we must strengthen defense cooperation with our allies in the region; South Korea and Japan are critical to our missile defense system, which will protect us against a North Korean missile.  China plays a critical role, too, and must meaningfully increase pressure on North Korea – and we must make sure they do.

This is another reminder that America must elect a President who can confront the threats we face with steadiness and strength.  We need a Commander-in-Chief committed to a bipartisan foreign policy, who can bring together top experts with deep experience to solve the toughest challenges.  And we need a President committed to reducing – not increasing – the number of nuclear weapons and nuclear states in the world.  More countries with nuclear weapons in Northeast Asia would increase the chances of the unthinkable happening.  We cannot take that risk.”

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News Source: BBC News

John Podesta on Trump’s Meeting with President Nieto

Hillary for America Chair John Podesta released the following information after Donald Trump’s meeting with Mexican President Peña Nieto.

Update (8/31): After reports that the Mexican President refused to pay for Trump’s wall, John Podesta added, “It turns out Trump didn’t just choke, he got beat in the room and lied about it.”

“Donald Trump has made his outlandish policy of forcing Mexico to pay for his giant wall the centerpiece of his campaign. But at the first opportunity to make good on his offensive campaign promises, Trump choked. What we saw today from a man who claims to be the ultimate ‘deal maker’ is that he doesn’t have the courage to advocate for his campaign promises when he’s not in front of a friendly crowd. We know who he is. After today’s trip, we still know where Trump stands: an immigration plan that would deport 16 million people, end birthright citizenship, repeal DACA/DAPA and build a $25 billion wall and stick the American taxpayers with the bill.”

TRUMP SAID GETTING MEXICO TO PAY FOR THE WALL WOULD BE “EASY”

Trump: “We’re Going To Build The Wall And Mexico Is Going To Pay For The Wall, Believe Me, One Hundred Percent. Believe Me. That’ll Be Very Easy. That Will Be Very, Very Easy. Politicians Think We’re Joking, We Don’t Joke. We Don’t Joke.” TRUMP: “We’re going to build the wall and Mexico is going to pay for the wall, believe me, one hundred percent. Believe me. That’ll be very easy. That will be very, very easy. Politicians think we’re joking, we don’t joke. We don’t joke. This is a movement. This is a movement, and movements don’t joke. Believe me. It’s getting worse now as thousands of recent border crossers are being relocated to the State of Virginia, and you don’t know who they are, you don’t know where they come from.” [Trump Campaign Rally, Fredericksburg VA, 8/20/16; VIDEO 33:34]

Trump: “We’re Going To Build The Wall. That Wall Will Go Up So Fast, Your Head Will Spin. And You’ll Say, ‘You Know, He Meant It.’ And You Know What Else I Mean? Mexico Is Going To Pay For The Wall.” “Responding to chants of ‘Build that wall,’ Trump assured the crowd that he would seal the southern border, a plan that is popular among his overwhelmingly white loyalists but offensive to many Latinos and Asians whose votes he needs in Colorado, Nevada and Florida. ‘Don’t worry. We’re going to build the wall,’ he said. ‘That wall will go up so fast, your head will spin. And you’ll say, “You know, he meant it.” And you know what else I mean? Mexico is going to pay for the wall.’” [Los Angeles Times, 8/22/16]

TRUMP WAS WILLING TO START A TRADE WAR WITH MEXICO OVER PAYING FOR THE WALL

Trump On What He Would Do If Mexico Would Not Pay For A Wall: “I Don’t Mind Trade Wars.” BLITZER: “If the — if the Mexicans don’t pay for the wall, will you start a trade war with Mexico?” TRUMP: “Well, you know, I don’t mind trade wars when we’re losing $58 billion a year, you want to know the truth. We’re losing so much. We’re losing so much with Mexico and China — with China, we’re losing $500 billion a year. And then people say, ‘don’t we want to trade?’ I don’t mind trading, but I don’t want to lose $500 billion. I don’t want to lose $58 billion.” [Republican Primary Debate, Houston TX, 2/25/16]

Trump Suggested He Would Be Willing To Cut Off Trade With Mexico If They Did Not Pay For The Border Wall. TRUMP: “We have a trade deficit with Mexico, $58 billion a year.  The wall is going to cost approximately $10 billion.  Believe me, they will pay in one form or another–” MATTHEWS: “If not — or else what?… So we cut off Japan, we cut off — this is the — this is your strategy in every case.  We could walk, no more trade with Mexico.”  TRUMP: “You have to always– Oh, absolutely.” MATTHEWS: “No more troops in Europe.” TRUMP:  “And by the way, when I say no more trade, once you — once they know that you are really willing to go that extra length, there will always be trade, but we’ll make good deals.  We’re making the worst trade deals.” MATTHEWS: “Yeah, but the bottom line is always we walk.” TRUMP: “You have to be able to walk, yes.  It’s unlikely that you’ll have to, but you have to be able to walk.” [MSNBC Town Hall, MSNBC, Green Bay WI, 3/30/16; VIDEO 00:58:41]

TRUMP HAS SUGGESTED TENSIONS WITH MEXICO OVER PAYING FOR THE WALL COULD BECOME PHYSICAL

Trump On Whether He Would Go To War With Mexico To Make Them Pay For The Wall: “When I Rejuvenate Our Military, Mexico’s Not Going To Be Playing With Us With War, That I Can Tell You.” WOODWARD: “If they say no, would you be willing to go to war to make sure we get the money to pay for this wall?” TRUMP: “Trust me, Bob, when I rejuvenate our military, Mexico’s not going to be playing with us with war, that I can tell you. Mexico isn’t playing with us with war. Look, I have great relationships with the Mexican people. Look, you can see I’m winning every single poll in these primaries when they go out, when the polls come back with Hispanics. I have thousands of Hispanics that work for me and tens of thousands that have worked for me over the years.” [Morning Joe, MSNBC, 3/9/16]

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Hillary for America Releases new Campaign Videos

Hillary for America released four new campaign videos focusing on Donald Trump. The first two focus on American manufacturing and how products with Trump’s name are made in China, Mexico, India, and other foreign countries. The third video criticizes Trump’s hateful rhetoric toward immigrants including his plan to build a wall with Mexico and deport 16 million people. The final criticizes Trump’s message to African-American communities. The videos are below.

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Hillary Clinton Focuses on Manufacturing in Colorado Visit

Hillary Clinton, speaking at the Knotty Tie Company in Denver, holds up a Donald Trump tie that is not made in the United States.

Hillary Clinton continued to talk about her plans to boost job creation and manufacturing during a stop in Colorado on Wednesday. Her first stop in the state was a local company in Denver called Knotty Tie Company. She toured the facility and spoke with several employees. She also addressed a gathering of the company’s employees and members of the press. During her remarks, she criticized Donald Trump for his double standard when it comes to American manufacturing. She pointed out that while he touts his “Made in America” plan while products bearing his name are made in China. Holding one of Trump’s ties in her hand, she said, “I really would like him to explain why he paid Chinese workers to make Trump ties.” A video of her brief remarks is below.

Clinton then went to Commerce City where she spoke to a crowd where she spoke about a number of key platform points. She spent the majority of her speech talking about manufacturing, jobs, and investing in education. Referring to her jobs and infrastructure plans, she said that she is calling for the largest mobilization of workers and government spending on infrastructure since World War II. Clinton said that while a big part of her infrastructure plan focuses on the country’s aging roads and bridges, a significant portion the plan would ensure access to broadband internet, especially in rural areas. A video from the speech is below.

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News Source: The Denver Post, ABC News

Clinton, Kaine Continue Bus Tour with Pennsylvania and Ohio Stops

On Saturday, Hillary Clinton and Tim Kaine, along with their spouses, began the day in Johnstown where they continued to talk about plans to create jobs, focus on manufacturing, and build up the middle class. After touring Johnstown Wire Technologies, Clinton and Kaine spoke about the American spirit and work ethic and how a president needs to tap into that. Clinton said, “We are visiting places that prove what Americans can do. We are the most productive, competitive workers in the world. We just need to give our people the chance to succeed.” A video of Kaine and Clinton’s speeches are below.

The group then traveled to Pittsburgh where Kaine and Clinton spoke to a large crowd of supporters at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. Clinton and Kaine were introduced and endorsed by investor Mark Cuban. When Kaine took the stage, he spoke about his mid-western roots and the importance of manufacturing in many cities across the country. He then introduced Clinton, and she focused her remarks on her plans to create jobs and rebuild the nation’s infrastructure. She attacked Donald Trump’s bleak and divisive view of America saying proudly that “the American Dream is not limited.” A video from the Pittsburgh event is below.

The final event of the night was a rally in Youngstown, Ohio. Kaine and Clinton continued with the theme of job creation and a focus on American manufacturing and infrastructure improvements. Speaking in the hard hit rust belt, Clinton pledged to put American manufacturing first and incentivize companies to make their products in America. She said, “We’re not going to let China dump cheap steel into the America economy.” A video from the event is below.

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News Source: Philly.com, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Fortune, Cleveland.com

Clinton Campaign Statement on Trump’s NATO Comments

On Wednesday during the RNC, Governor Mike Pence, running mate of Donald Trump, commented that as president Trump would stand with our allies. Trump than contradicted Pence saying that the United States may not defend NATO members in the Batlics, even against a Russian attack. Trump’s comments about NATO have come under fire in recent weeks. He has been criticized for waffling on the pledge to defend our allies. In a statement, Hillary for America Senior Policy Advisor Jake Sullivan criticized Trump’s views on NATA and accused him of being too close to Russian president Vladimir Putin. A copy of the statement is below.

“Tonight, Mike Pence said Donald Trump would stand with our allies. Tonight, Donald Trump flatly contradicted him.

For decades, the United States has given an ironclad guarantee to our NATO allies: we will come to their defense if they are attacked, just as they came to our defense after 9/11. Donald Trump was asked if he would honor that guarantee. He said… maybe, maybe not.

Ronald Reagan would be ashamed. Harry Truman would be ashamed. Republicans, Democrats and Independents who help build NATO into the most successful military alliance in history would all come to the same conclusion: Donald Trump is temperamentally unfit and fundamentally ill-prepared to be our Commander in Chief.

The President is supposed to be the leader of the free world. Donald Trump apparently doesn’t even believe in the free world.

Over the course of this campaign, Trump has displayed a bizarre and occasionally obsequious fascination with Russia’s strongman, Vladimir Putin. And he has the policy positions – and advisors – to match. Just this week, we learned that the Trump campaign went to great lengths to remove a plank from the GOP platform about aid to Ukraine that would have offended Putin, bucking a strongly held position within his own party. Previously, he celebrated the Brexit vote, and in turn, casually predicted the disintegration of Europe. And now, he won’t even commit to protecting our NATO allies against a Russian invasion. It is fair to assume that Vladimir Putin is rooting for a Trump presidency.

More broadly, Trump has apparently decided that America lacks the moral authority to advance our interests and values around the world.  He has adopted the logic and positions of China, Russia, and Iran. And there will be plenty of time in the days ahead to address his strategy to strengthen our coalition against ISIS, which apparently can be summed up in one word, ‘meetings.’

The choice in this election is clear. Hillary Clinton will defend our allies. She will protect our people. And she will uphold a bipartisan tradition of American foreign policy that has made us the greatest force for peace, progress, and prosperity the world has ever known.”

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News Source: The New York Times

Statement From Jake Sullivan On Donald Trump’s Praise For Saddam Hussein

In a speech on Tuesday, Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump praised former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein for his effectiveness at “killing terrorists.” His comment has been criticized by a number of people for his poor choice in comparison. Hillary Clinton’s campaign released a statement today condemning the comment. The statement is from Senior Policy Advisor Jake Sullivan and can be read below:

“Donald Trump’s praise for brutal strongmen seemingly knows no bounds. He has applauded the strength China showed in the Tiananmen Square massacre, offered admiration for Kim Jong Un’s murderous consolidation of power in North Korea, and consistently lavished praise on Vladimir Putin. Tonight, Trump yet again lauded Saddam Hussein as a great killer of terrorists, noting with approval that he never bothered to read anyone their rights. In reality, Hussein’s regime was a sponsor of terrorism – one that paid families of suicide bombers who attacked Israelis, among other crimes. Trump’s cavalier compliments for brutal dictators, and the twisted lessons he seems to have learned from their history, again demonstrate how dangerous he would be as Commander-in-Chief and how unworthy he is of the office he seeks.”

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News Source: CNN