– Brutal fight –
Clinton’s fiery speech foreshadows what is certain to be one of the most vitriolic US elections in living memory.
With the two major parties deeply divided after rancorous primary campaigns, both leaders are likely to use a common enemy to unify supporters.
As she was speaking, Trump tweeted: “Bad performance by Crooked Hillary Clinton! Reading poorly from the teleprompter! She doesn’t even look presidential!”
By taking on Trump on national security, Clinton is trying to move the battle to favorable terrain, according to Geoffrey Skelley of the University of Virginia Center for Politics.
“She definitely does best against Trump on issues of security, foreign policy,” he said.
“It’s something that she thinks is going to be a key driver in the end to her winning, that people are going to decide that – even if they are uncertain about Clinton – that she is the safer choice.”
On Thursday, Trump got some succor, winning the endorsement of Republican Paul Ryan, speaker of the House of Representatives.
But even as Trump wins the backing of Republicans in Congress, many party acolytes who take pride in Republicans’ traditionally strong national security credentials are hostile to Trump leading the party.
Clinton will hope her message resonates with military families and establishment Republicans – prominent in vital battleground states like Virginia and North Carolina.
Some of her message appeared tailored to them.
“Imagine Donald Trump sitting in the situation room making life or death decisions on behalf of the United States,” Clinton said. “Imagine him deciding whether to send your spouses or children into battle.”
“Imagine if he had not just his Twitter account at his disposal when he’s angry but America’s entire arsenal. Do we want him making those calls? Someone thin-skinned and quick to anger who lashes out at the smallest criticism? Do we want his finger anywhere near the button?”
About The Author
