Donald Trump has the temperament, "charisma and backbone" to be president of the United States, according to California Rep. Duncan Hunter.
Hunter defended Trump's behavior, in an op-ed piece for Politico, and said his experience as a businessman has prepared him for the presidency. "Trump has charisma and backbone. He's got a worldview that is consistent with reality. And he's worked and excelled in a competitive industry for his entire adult life," Hunter wrote.
The California Republican said that Trump's critics incorrectly mix up his character with his often-brash personality. "What they really don't like is his style."
"Trump is not some uncontrollable misfit who just happened to stumble on the Republican nomination for president. Intuitively, he's applied his savvy business sense to the art of politics and in doing so he decimated a deep bench of Republican hopefuls," Hunter said.
He writes that Trump's critics in the "liberal base" are not accustomed to statements such as calling President Barack Obama the "founder" of the Islamic State. "Through that directness, he bruises the egos of the political and academic elites, and speaks to the heart and soul of hard-working Americans in a way they comprehend," Hunter said.
The congressman defined Trump's tone as "an abandonment of political correctness," adding, "Trump talks as regular Americans often do."
Hunter believes that Trump would successfully work for global security. He said that Trump's call for NATO members to honor their obligations is "showcasing his ability to negotiate and how he'd compel our allies to do more in the collective interest."
Trump's success as a businessman will govern his approach to economic issues, Hunter said. "Taxpayers are sure to receive the same care and attention with their money on the line."
In February, Hunter and New York Rep. Chris Collins were the first congressmen to officially signify their support for Trump, according to a Politico report.
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