William McRaven, former lead of U.S. Special Operations Command and retired four-star Admiral has said despite his conservative history he will be voting for Democratic candidate Joe Biden this election cycle.
The highly decorated former Admiral oversaw the 2011 raid that led to the killing of wanted terrorist Osama bin Laden. His powerful endorsement for nominee Joe Biden was published in an editorial by The Wall Street Journal this past Monday.
Admiral William McRaven (ret), former commander of Special Ops during OBL raid, writes: “Truth be told, I am a pro-life, pro-Second Amendment, small-government, strong-defense and a national-anthem-standing conservative. But... https://t.co/lVE10i8Hjn
— Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) October 20, 2020
McRaven wrote:
"This week I went to the polls in Texas, truth be told, I am a pro-life, pro-Second Amendment, small-government, strong-defense and a national-anthem-standing conservative."
He added:
"But, I also believe that black lives matter, that the Dreamers deserve a path to citizenship, that diversity and inclusion are essential to our national success, that education is the great equalizer, that climate change is real and that the First Amendment is the cornerstone of our democracy."
“Most important, I believe that America must lead in the world with courage, conviction and a sense of honor and humility."
McRaven was careful not to specifically name President Donald Trump in the op-ed however, he did not hold back from a searing statement of what the last four years of leadership has done to America's standing with other nations.
He said:
"They have seen us tear up our treaties, leave our allies on the battlefield and cozy up to despots and dictators. They have seen our incompetence in handling the pandemic and the wildfires. They have seen us struggle with social injustice."
He summarized by saying America is no longer looked to for leadership throughout the world and that change is possible with a change in the White House.
There was an outpouring of support for McRaven on social media.
Thank you William McRaven-- for your dedication and service to our country, and for your courage today, in helping to lead our nation forward.
— B Rasmussen (@rasm47) October 20, 2020
Admiral McRaven hit the freaking nail on the head!!
These are exactly my stances on what this country should be!!
This is exactly how I feel!!
— SuburbanWoman🏴☠️ (@ttfarky) October 20, 2020
It's good to see a retired commander take a stand and support our democracy. You'd think "democracy" would be a unifying principle in this country. But nope. With this president, even democracy is questioned. And they're saying it out loud.
— Will Gerard (@vote4_democracy) October 20, 2020
At least, he kept to his oath to protect and defend the Constitution, like I did. As it is, this un-American president failed to denounce hate groups, when he denied any citizen's right to health-care, protect the people, isolationism, and denied human beings freedom.
— Ashley Curtis (@AshleyC39429154) October 20, 2020
I admire Admiral McRaven for his service and patriotism and am certain he does not make these statements without the deepest ethical consideration.
— Nancy Francolini (@AnnunziaAF) October 20, 2020
Thank you Sir, for all you have done for country with honor!
— Waiting for Godot (@RodDavis) October 20, 2020
Here's another thing McRaven was known for, his commencement speech (also on YouTube).https://t.co/EhYvkQ0cst
The thing is, I try to think of 45 having done even one of those, or having one of those 10 qualities, and, the only words that come to my mind each time is "bone spurs"
— Dr. Theo's dog (@MagratheaTeaCo) October 20, 2020
This ain't no Giuliani sh*tshow.
This is an American hero saying enough's enough, and it's time to help Joe Biden save what was, and still can be, the best about us and this country.
Thanks, Admiral, for speaking up & voting, but mostly, thanks for your service & sacrifice.
— Blake (@Blake_R95) October 20, 2020
McRaven also had commented on Trump's persistent attacks on the media in 2018 calling the threat to free press "the greatest threat to democracy in my lifetime." Support a free press, journalism, and get your vote in this election.
Liam McBurney/PA Images via Getty Images
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