Trump has already damaged national security: Albright

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has already damaged US' national security as he has undermined the fight against ISIS by alienating Muslim partners and weakened America's standing in the world, former secretary of state Madeline Albright said here today.
Noting that safeguarding freedom and security is not like hosting a TV reality show, Albright, 79, said it demanded not only a cool head, but also a big heart.
"We know what it's like to step off that plane with the words 'United States of America' on it. You know that safeguarding freedom and security isn't like hosting a reality TV show. It's a complex, round-the-clock job that demands not only a steady hand and a cool head, but a big heart," Albright said in her address to the Democratic National Convention.

"You are not just representing yourself, you are there for all of us. Hillary has displayed these qualities in every job she has ever had," she said, adding that Americans must do everything to make sure that Clinton becomes the next US President.
Albright said with threats looming large in today's world, America needed a leader who has the experience and judgement to keep it "strong, secure, and safe".
"Many have argued that Donald Trump would harm our national security if he were elected president. The fact is he has already done damage, just by running for president," Albright said.

"He has undermined our fight against ISIS by alienating our Muslim partners. He has weakened our standing in the world by threatening to walk from our friends and our allies - and by encouraging more countries to get nuclear weapons," she said.

Albright also alleged that Trump had a strong admiration for dictators such as Saddam Hussein, Kim Jong-un and Vladimir Putin.
"When asked about Putin, Donald Trump said - and I quote - "in terms of leadership, he is getting an "A". The Truth is that a Trump victory in November would be a gift to Vladimir Putin - and given what we have learned about Russia's recent actions, Putting is eager for Trump to win. And that should worry every American," Albright said.

In his address, New York Senator Charles Schumer said
Donald Trump can only see an angry America, fearful, small, closed to the world, and suspicious of US' friends and neighbours.
"Hillary sees a different America, an America that strives to live up to the promise written here in Philadelphia that every man, every woman has a right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness," he said.
"An America where we don't build walls, we break down barriers, we shatter ceilings. And that's because our differences make us stronger, stronger together," Schumer said, adding that Clinton has the right vision of and for America.

Senator Howard Dean said the US needed a president whose decisions are rooted in facts.
"We need a president who will defend our interests around the world - not with ignorant bluster and bombast, but with toughness and resolve," he said.
"We need a president who will ensure that the wealthiest among us play by the same rules as hardworking, middle-class Americans. And yes, we need a president who will never stop fighting to ensure that universal health care is a basic human right," Dean said.
Former US Attorney General Eric Holder said at a time when the bonds between law enforcement and communities of colour have frayed, when assassins target police in heinous attacks and peaceful activists have to question whether black lives truly matter, the US needed a president who understands the reality that there is no tension between protecting those who valiantly risk their lives to serve and ensuring that everyone is treated fairly by police.

"Hillary understands that the goals we share are the same: safer communities, with less crime, where all our loved ones - police and community residents - come home at night," Holder said.
"As president, she will continue the work that needs to be done to rebuild trust - because she knows we are stronger together," Holder said.
"Hillary is tough. She is determined. She is an amazing mother, grandmother, and wife. And know that she loves this country more than anything," said Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe.