For the first time in its nearly 50-year history, Foreign Policy has endorsed a presidential candidate, adding its voice to the growing chorus of publications breaking with tradition to support Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton.
“In the nearly half century history of Foreign Policy, the editors of this publication have never endorsed a candidate for political office,” the editorial board explained in an article published late Sunday. “We cherish and fiercely protect this publication’s independence and its reputation for objectivity, and we deeply value our relationship with all of our readers, regardless of political orientation. It is for all these reasons that FP’s editors are now breaking with tradition to endorse Hillary Clinton for the next president of the United States.”
FP’s editorial board believes Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump ― whom it labels “the worst major-party candidate for the job in U.S. history” ― presents such a threat to global stability that the publication had an obligation to weigh in.
To support its argument, FP lays out a damning, comprehensive list of Trump’s questionable policy proposals, arguing that he’s already hurt America’s international standing without even setting foot in office.
“[Trump] has repeatedly demonstrated his ignorance of the most basic facts of international affairs, let alone the nuances so crucial to the responsibilities of diplomacy inherent in the U.S. president’s daily responsibilities.”
- Foreign Policy editorial board
The list includes Trump’s praise for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s leadership and his encouragement of Russian interference in the U.S. election, his support for torture in violation of international law, his wavering support for treaties with U.S. allies, and his jaw-dropping statements about the proliferation and use of nuclear weapons.
“In the areas in which we at FP specialize,” the editorial board writes, “he has repeatedly demonstrated his ignorance of the most basic facts of international affairs, let alone the nuances so crucial to the responsibilities of diplomacy inherent in the U.S. president’s daily responsibilities.”
“The dangers Trump presents as president stretch beyond the United States to the international economy, to global security, to America’s allies, as well as to countless innocents everywhere who would be the victims of his inexperience, his perverse policy views, and the profound unsuitability of his temperament for the office he seeks.”
Meanwhile, FP calls Clinton “one of the best qualified candidates this country has produced since World War II.”
“As first lady, New York senator, and secretary of state, Hillary Clinton regularly distinguished herself by her intelligence, dogged work ethic, ability to work across the political aisle, and leadership on difficult issues,” the editors note. “Whether you agree with all the policy stances of her campaign or not, impartial eyes will conclude that her proposals on climate change, combating terrorism, and human rights are thoughtful and comprehensive — and ultimately worthy of consideration.”
What’s more, the paper argues that by electing Clinton, Americans would strike a major blow to one of our greatest threats: “the grotesque and deeply disturbing prospect of a Donald Trump presidency.”
Editor’s note: Donald Trump regularlyincitespolitical violence and is a
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