Lifelong Republican James Murren issued a ringing endorsement of Hillary Clinton last week, saying he will cross party lines to vote for the Democratic nominee in November.
“I’m going to put my country ahead of my party,” the MGM Resorts International chairman and CEO said in an OpEd piece published in USA Today.
“There’s a reason why so many of America’s CEOs, including many longtime Republicans, will be switching sides in this election,” he stated. ‘We’re all looking for the candidate who will promote economic growth through greater trade; embrace diversity and inclusion as one of America’s greatest strengths; and advance policies that encourage energy independence and environmental protection.”
Though it never mentions Donald Trump by name, the column levels some fairly sharp criticisms at the outspoken Republican nominee in terms that appear to reflect corporate concern over Trump’s potential impact on MGM’s sizable investment in the Macau gaming market and in mainland China.
Murren said Trump “seems determined to needlessly antagonize our allies and trading partners by pledging to tear up NAFTA and other hard-won trade agreements.”
He continued, “One candidate works to create stability and certainty, qualities the market loves and rewards. The other operates erratically and unpredictably—qualities the market abhors and punishes.”
He also hailed the Democrat on social issues.
“Clinton will stand up for women and minorities as essential contributors to America’s economy,” he said.
“Immigration is also tied to diversity and plays a key role in our industry. In fact, millions of immigrants find their first jobs in the gaming, hospitality and tourism industries—a record of which we are very proud.
“While both candidates will fight for a secure border, I believe Clinton is the only candidate who will continue to make America a welcoming home for legal immigrants from around the world.”
He also described her as “the best hope of achieving greater energy independence”.
“I know that Clinton will ensure continued progress by maintaining a Department of Energy that believes in the power of alternative energy sources and works in partnership with those who wish to minimize the impact on our environment.”
He concluded on what he termed “a more personal note.”
“I believe that few presidential candidates are as prepared for the job as Clinton. I’ve come to this conclusion not because of her decades of experience as first lady, senator from New York and secretary of State. Rather, I speak from the personal experience of being with her in a room, working on issues in real time.
“Each time I have met with her to discuss complicated matters such as trade and energy policy, I have been incredibly impressed by her knowledge, command of the facts and solution-oriented approach.”
