WOODBURY, N.Y. _ Former Secretary of State Colin Powell told a crowd of more than 1,000 Long Island business and political leaders Tuesday that he will vote for Democrat Hillary Clinton for president, citing her experience, temperament and in a jab at GOP nominee Donald Trump, the "stamina."
Powell, speaking at the Long Island Association fall luncheon in Woodbury, was harshly critical of Trump, arguing that the New York businessman was "not qualified" and had sold Americans a "bill of goods" that he cannot deliver.
"He insults us every day," said Powell, who served as secretary of state under Republican President George W. Bush.
"He has insulted America in one way almost every day," Powell said of Trump. "He has insulted Latino Americans. He has insulted African-Americans. He has insulted women. He has insulted his own party. He has insulted our allies around the world one by one. He has insulted veterans."
The people Trump has most insulted, Powell said, are his own supporters "because they are being sold a bill of goods."
Powell, who has been critical of Clinton for her use of a private email server while as secretary of state, said he considers the Democratic nominee a "friend" whom he has known for 20 years.
"She is smart; she is capable; she was a good secretary of state," Powell said. "She is balanced, she has temperament and no matter what anyone says she has stamina. ... I think she is fully qualified to serve as the president of the United States and will serve it with distinction."
