I taught in conservative Idaho towns. This is what convinced me to back Kamala Harris | Opinion

After 30 years of teaching journalism, English and advising Bruin News at Twin Falls High School, I feel compelled to address the current political climate. Throughout my career, I always emphasized two key principles to my students: the pursuit of truth in writing and the civic responsibility of voting.

I also encouraged them to express their views by writing letters to the editor. Now, I can no longer remain silent, even if it means confronting neighbors, friends and family.

I have watched as our Idaho congressmen, our governor and our local legislators continue to support Donald Trump, and frankly, it is appalling. Trump embodies everything that we should reject in a leader. If he applied for a position in my English department — or any responsible business or government role — he would never be hired.

I find myself constantly questioning how anyone could support him for president when he so clearly lacks integrity, decency, courage, judgment and, most importantly, character. Character is the cornerstone of leadership, and Trump has none.

Recently, the New York Times endorsed Kamala Harris, stating, “It is hard to imagine a candidate more unworthy to serve as president of the United States than Donald Trump. He has proved himself morally unfit for an office that asks its occupant to put the good of the nation above self-interest.”

Retired Army General Stanley McChrystal echoed this sentiment in an op-ed, asserting, “Character is the ultimate measure of leadership for those who seek the highest office in our land.”

As an informed citizen, I base my views on facts, not social media soundbites or viral misinformation. I believe many of Trump’s supporters are misled by his bluster and false promises. The sheer volume of lies he has told is staggering. The Washington Post tracked over 30,500 false or misleading claims during his presidency, and that number continues to climb with each new speech, interview or rally.

With early voting already underway, I feel it is critical to highlight why Donald Trump is fundamentally unfit for the presidency. Below are some of the most pressing reasons:

1. Character: As mentioned above, character is the foundation of leadership. We should ask ourselves: Do we want our children and grandchildren to grow up in a world where a man convicted of criminal conduct leads the nation? Even those who continue to support him, like Gov. Little, Sens. Risch and Crapo, and Reps. Simpson and Fulcher, likely know this deep down.

2. Divisive rhetoric: Trump has stoked deep polarization in our society, fueling division along racial, political and cultural lines. His inflammatory speeches and refusal to condemn white supremacists have caused lasting damage to the social fabric of our nation. He also attacks vital institutions like the press, the judiciary, the FBI and government agencies — all of which safeguard our democracy.

3. Jan. 6 insurrection: Trump’s baseless claims of election fraud culminated in the violent attack on the U.S. Capitol. Encouraging his supporters to replace the American flag with Trump flags during this insurrection was an affront to the peaceful transfer of power that is the hallmark of our republic.

4. Lack of policy vision: Throughout his presidency, Trump governed by whim rather than strategy. His failed attempts to repeal the Affordable Care Act stand as evidence of his lack of a coherent plan. Even now, he offers only vague “concepts” instead of concrete solutions.

5. Erratic foreign policy: Trump’s foreign policy was marked by unpredictability and isolationism. From withdrawing from the Paris Climate Accord and the Iran Nuclear Deal to undermining NATO, his approach left the U.S. isolated on the global stage. His bizarre relationships with autocrats like Putin, Kim Jong-un, and Erdogan further damaged America’s standing in the world.

6. Failure to address climate change: Rather than tackling the existential threat of climate change, Trump actively rolled back environmental protections and promoted fossil fuels. His policies ignored the growing dangers posed by a warming planet.

7. Economic mismanagement: Trump’s economic policies lacked consistency and were often self-contradictory. His tariffs hurt American consumers and businesses more than they helped. His tax cuts disproportionately favored the wealthy, all while driving up the national deficit.

8. Incompetence and lack of intellectual curiosity: Trump avoided reading briefings and dismissed expert advice, showing little interest in the complexities of national security, economics or diplomacy. His disregard for intelligence officials, scientists and economists demonstrated a dangerous lack of understanding.

9. Self-interest over public service: Throughout his presidency and beyond, Trump has consistently acted in ways that serve his own ego and financial interests rather than the public good.

10. A campaign of fear and division: Trump thrives on spreading fear and division. His base, often uninformed, believes his lies because he continuously feeds them misinformation. Ironically, the policies of his opposition help these very supporters more than Trump ever has or will.

This election is critical. We need a leader who embodies integrity, competence, and unity. Only one candidate meets that standard: Harris. Let us choose what is right for the future of our country.