In the interview, Powell states that it was clear that he could not vote for Trump four years ago, during the 2016 presidential campaign. He said that he saw how disrespectful Trump was, beginning with the birthers movement, which he implied was basically racist. But that was just the beginning of it, as Trump made a point of insulting military Gold Star families, insulting John McCain, insulting immigrants, and pretty much insulted anyone who dared to stand against him. This, he said, is dangerous for our democracy, which it indeed has proven to be.
Powell agrees with former Secretary of Defense James Mattis, who stated that Trump was the first president in his lifetime who made no attempt to try and unite the American people, and did not even pretend trying to do so. Instead, Mattis said, Trump actively tries to divide Americans. Powell felt that there was little arguing with this point, because that is all that Trump has brought to the Oval Office since taking over.
Also, Powell says that Trump lies. And a Congress that does not hold Trump accountable when he lies basically empower him to continue lying.
As far as the recent protests and riots, Powell suggested that Trump has shown a stubbornness in merely talking to his base, and only his base. His emphasis on restoring law and order, and not taking any kind of deeper examination of social and racial issues betrays his rather obvious tendency to be extremely tone deaf.
Powell also blasted Trump for his foreign policy, and for conduct that has forced allies to lose faith and trust in the United States. He said that with Trump, tensions have risen almost across the board, particularly with allies (or perhaps it would be more apt to suggest former allies), as Trump has been more harmful than helpful. The Trump administration has been difficult to approach and exacerbates problems that, in many respects, often began with the rise of Trump to the White House.
The world is listening to stories coming out of the United States, Powell stated. And the news coming out of here is not helping to ease tensions or regain trust. They are hearing that we Americans do not like immigrants. They are hearing that minorities within the country are unhappy with the prejudice that they regularly face. They are hearing how more Americans are falling into poverty, and there are more obstacles than ever before, which prevent much of any chance for them getting out of poverty.
Powell is urging people not to vote for Trump, and to get him out of office. He stated that Trump has not been an effective president, and that his time in office has been defined by his lying. It is not good for the nation, and Powell believes that it is time for things to change.
You can watch the entire interview, which originally aired on CNN, by watching the below video.
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