Hewlett Packard Executive Meg Whitman Joins Republicans Endorsing Hillary Clinton For President
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) -- Hewlett Packard Enterprise chief executive officer, and Republican fundraiser, Margaret "Meg" Whitman announced Tuesday night that she will vote for Hillary Clinton for President in November.
Whitman, an Atherton resident, ran as a Republican candidate for Governor of California in 2010. Whitman ultimately lost to Governor Jerry Brown.
In a statement released Tuesday night, Whitman explained that she could not "vote Republican out of party loyalty alone" saying it would mean she would be endorsing a candidacy "that I believe has exploited anger, grievance, xenophobia and racial division. Donald Trump's demagoguery has undermined the fabric of our national character. Trump's reckless and uninformed positions on critical issues – from immigration to our economy to foreign policy – have made it abundantly clear that he lacks both the policy depth and sound judgment required as President. Trump's unsteady hand would endanger our prosperity and national security. His authoritarian character could threaten much more."
Whitman announced that not only is she against Trump for President, but that she will be supporting Clinton.
Whitman states, "It is clear to me that Secretary Clinton's temperament, global experience and commitment to America's bedrock national values make her the far better choice in 2016 for President of the United States. In a tumultuous world, America needs the kind of stable and aspirational leadership Secretary Clinton can provide. I urge all Republicans to reject Donald Trump this November."
Whitman was previously CEO of Hewlett Packard before becoming CEO of Hewlett Packard Enterprise. Prior to her 2010 gubernatorial run, Whitman was President and CEO of eBay for 10 years.
According to the Center for Responsive Politics, this election cycle Whitman gave $200,000 to America Leads Super PAC, which supported former Republican presidential candidate Chris Christie.
In February, Whitman stated, "Donald Trump is unfit to be President. He is a dishonest demagogue who plays to our worst fears. Trump would take America on a dangerous journey.
In March, Whitman donated $100,000 to the anti-Trump SuperPAC, Our Principles PAC.
Clinton announced on Twitter Tuesday night that voting for and raising money for the Clinton campaign, Whitman would be "Putting Country First". California Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom agreed, saying on Twitter that Whitman was putting "Country first, party second."
Good for you @MegWhitman. Country first, party second. pic.twitter.com/92O5JVPQx4
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) August 3, 2016
By Hannah Albarazi - Follow her on Twitter: @hannahalbarazi.