On June 2nd, Secretary Clinton gave a powerful speech in San Diego that didn’t just highlight her experience and her capabilities, but denounced those of her Republican rival, Donald Trump. What the speech subsequently conveyed was the notion that Hillary is better suited for the role of Commander-in-Chief. Mr. Trump, as Hillary pointed out, is “dangerously incoherent” and “temperamentally unfit” to be the president.
She questioned his judgment, citing his friendship and admiration for dictators like Vladimir Putin, an adversary to many of the United States’ best interests. Clinton also claimed his desire to abandon NATO, an alliance of European and North American countries dedicated to one another’s security, who “work with us to root out our enemies abroad before they strike us at home,” showing his misunderstanding of the world dynamic. Hillary’s clear outline of why Trump is ill suited for the job and therefore undeserving of the power that comes with being president only highlights why her experience and her vision of international politics makes her the best choice for the presidency.
The speech conveyed a tough side of Hillary, delivering harsh attacks of Trump. Hillary focused mainly on Trump’s inability to make sane decisions, claiming “it’s not hard to imagine Donald Trump leading us into a war just because someone got under his very thin skin,” painting the picture for the American people that a Trump presidency would be a catastrophic mistake. Eluding to the claim by some that Mrs. Clinton is obsessed with becoming president, she added that even if she weren’t running this year, she would be doing everything in her power to make sure Trump didn’t win.
After offering criticism of Trump, Secretary Clinton spoke about the value of working together, stressing its significance in our alliances with other countries which are necessary for protecting national security. She also spoke in depth to her extensive experience making tough decisions. Early in her speech she briefly mentioned her “smart and principled foreign policy” to ensure “a strong, confident America that leads, to keep our country safe and our economy growing.” Additionally, she listed her accomplishments and experience with foreign policy decisions, carrying out difficult negotiations with both U.S. allies and threats, as well as having sat in the Situation Room, advising President Obama on some of the toughest choices he faced, before focusing the majority of her speech on why Trump would lead the country down a “dangerous path.”
So why is understanding international relations and foreign politics so essential for a Commander-in-Chief?
When looking at the last one hundred years, with two world wars, wars against communism and multiple gulf wars, the U.S.’s role has been one of leadership and resilience. Hillary made the claim yesterday that a Trump presidency would mean “a fearful America that is less secure and less engaged with the world.” Today, the U.S. holds a unique place on the international stage, where we are seen as a guiding light and example for the rest of the world.
And how has the U.S. acquired this position?
Through exactly what Secretary Clinton outlined in her speech. The United States has one of the strongest militaries in the world, is a pioneer in central intelligence and technology, has an abundance of resources and a stable economy. Additionally, our alliances with other great nations allow us to have friendships and support around the world should we be attacked in any way. Donald Trump’s treatment of these alliances shows his misunderstanding of their value, for example, with his threat to leave NATO and his public disagreements with our valued allies like the British Prime Minister, the German Chancellor, the President of Mexico, and the Pope, as Clinton listed in her speech, showing first hand that “he doesn’t understand America or the world.”
In a Hillary Clinton presidency, attention to the United States’ vital position in the world would mean even more progress for our country. Trump’s lack of experience and unpredictable mentality would put the U.S. at risk of being demoted from its current position of influence. This speech highlighted Hillary’s intuition for world politics and her clear understanding of America and the importance of national security and how to ensure the continued safety of the American people.
To watch the full speech, click here.
Alexis Mozeleski is an Intern at Eleison Group, a faith-based political, governmental, and non-profit consulting firm. She is a rising sophomore at Connecticut College, majoring in International Relations and minoring in Arabic Studies. Alexis is from Washington, D.C., where she currently lives.
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