Hundreds of former government national security professionals who served in at least four different administrations have formed National Security Leaders for Biden to push for the election of the Democratic nominee.

“We are former public servants who have devoted our careers, and in many cases risked our lives, for the United States,” their statement says.  “We are generals, admirals, senior noncommissioned officers, ambassadors, and senior civilian national security leaders. We are Republicans, Democrats, and Independents. We love our country. Unfortunately, we also fear for it.”

The 489 signatories, who are all professionals from a variety of national security civil service or military positions, cited the incompetent response to the coronavirus pandemic as a prime example of needing “principled, wise, and responsible leadership.”

They went on to note a series national and international relations incidents that were poorly handled under the current administration as reasons to vote for Biden.  In the entire statement, they never mention Trump while they refer to his administration’s actions.

“The next president will inherit a nation – and a world – in turmoil. The current President has demonstrated he is not equal to the enormous responsibilities of his office; he cannot rise to meet challenges large or small,” the group says.  “Thanks to his disdainful attitude and his failures, our allies no longer trust or respect us, and our enemies no longer fear us.”

The signatories also note that Biden is a man of honor who respects the military, US allies and the personal responsibility needed to guide the nation.

“He is guided by the principles that have long made America great: democracy is a hard-won right we must defend and support at home and abroad; America’s power and influence stem as much from her moral authority as it does from her economic and military power; America’s free press is invaluable, not an enemy of the people; those who sacrifice or give their lives in service of our nation deserve our respect and eternal gratitude; and America’s citizens benefit most when the United States engages with the world. Joe Biden will always put the nation’s needs before his own,” the statement declares.