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Donald Trump

Meg Whitman: I'm voting for Hillary Clinton

Charles Ventura
USA TODAY

Time to add another Republican defector jumping ship this November.

Influential GOP donor and Hewlett-Packard executive Meg Whitman is planning to endorse Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton over Donald Trump, calling the mercurial Republican candidate a person who has "exploited anger, grievance, xenophobia and racial division.”

Whitman, who made her decision public on Facebook, didn't pull any punches and explained why she's voting for Clinton in clear detail:

As a proud Republican, casting my vote for President has usually been a simple matter. This year is different. To vote Republican out of party loyalty alone would be to endorse 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.

Therefore, I have decided to support Hillary Rodham Clinton. 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.

And it doesn't stop there.

Prep for the polls: See who is running for president and compare where they stand on key issues in our Voter Guide

The longtime Republican and former California gubernatorial candidate said in an interview with the New York Times that she would use her financial resources and provide a "substantial" donation to Clinton's campaign. The New York Times, who first reported the endorsement, also revealed Clinton reached out to Whitman about a month ago, hinting Clinton's aggressive play to reach across party lines.

Whitman's decision comes at an inopportune time for Republican supporters as Trump has faced backlash for his controversial comments regarding sexual harassment and an ongoing feud with the family of U.S. fallen soldier Humayun Khan. Earlier Tuesday, Rep. Richard Hanna and Gov. Chris Christie’s top former adviser also announced their plans to vote for the Democratic presidential nominee.

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