A Republican Senator Joins the Opposition Against Donald Trump

Susan Collins, a Republican senator from Maine, stated on Tuesday that she will not vote for Donald Trump in the upcoming election on November 8. In an article published in the Washington Post, Senator Collins said, "I have deeply considered my commitment to support the party's chosen candidate for the presidency and have concluded that I cannot vote for such a person." This moderate Republican senator, known for her centrism in Congress, added that "over time, I have become increasingly concerned and troubled by Mr. Trump's harsh and inappropriate remarks on various issues and his inability to apologize and acknowledge the mistakes he has made and continues to make." Senator Collins did not endorse any of the candidates vying to succeed Barack Obama, although she had previously mentioned the possibility of voting for Hillary Clinton. The Associated Press reports that the departure of this respected Republican senator from the political community and Congress is a new example of the increasing number of opponents rising within the Republican Party against Donald Trump. Previously, an open letter from fifty prominent Republican national security experts widely circulated in the media, expressing their belief in Mr. Trump's unfitness for the most important and sensitive governmental position in the United States. Donald Trump hoped that his economic plan, which he announced on Monday at the Detroit Economic Club in Michigan, would attract public opinion towards him. In his speech to a group of industrialists and executives of large companies, he proposed tax cuts for all Americans and stated that his economic and financial plan would create more job opportunities and that the wealthy would pay a fairer tax. Before this speech, the Republican candidate had tried to somehow appease Senator John McCain and House Speaker Paul Ryan and implicitly apologize to them. At a party rally in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Donald Trump praised Senator John McCain's services both during his military service and as a legislator in the U.S. Senate, stating that he supports Paul Ryan's reelection in the joint mission to make America great again. However, the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday about the overt and covert measures of Trump's supporters to prevent Paul Ryan from winning in the primary elections for Congress. Meanwhile, Mrs. Clinton, Trump's main rival in the electoral battles, described his economic plan as immature. In a press interview, Mrs. Clinton stated, "We need to build an economy and a future that makes all Americans proud and works for everyone." The Democratic candidate for the presidency of the United States added, "We must rise and say that Donald Trump does not represent and embody the beliefs of us Americans." She emphasized that together with her running mate, Senator Tim Kaine, she will repeat this message at every opportunity because America is much better than Donald Trump. Such attacks and criticisms are not new in U.S. presidential election campaigns and are considered normal; however, the increasing level of opposition to Donald Trump as the voting date approaches is very unfavorable news for the Republican candidate.