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Senator Mark Kelly makes a case for Harris over Trump at a crucial moment

US Senator Mark Kelly said former President Donald Trump is an international joke at a time when global crises require respected and reliable leadership.

During his five-minute speech Thursday at the Democratic National Convention, Kelly once again assumed his now familiar role as a sobering voice about the need for serious national security concerns.

He noted that his combat mission in Operation Desert Storm in 1991 was a test of American resolve, similar to the resolve that Russian President Vladimir Putin is seeking with his ongoing war in Ukraine.

“Today, Vladimir Putin is testing whether we are still strong,” said Kelly. “Iran, North Korea and especially China are watching us closely.”

“What is Trump's response? He told Russia to do – and these are his words, not mine – 'whatever they want.'”

Kelly, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, did not mention or appear to allude to Israel's war in the Palestinian-controlled Gaza Strip. Although he has traveled to Israel since the fighting began, Kelly avoided an issue that divides some Democrats. He calls for tying Israeli aid to the treatment of Palestinians, drawing protesters who stayed away from congressional sessions.

Vice President Kamala Harris is a reliable NATO supporter and will continue to push for the modernization of the US military, he said. Harris also supports free and fair elections around the world, while Trump is currying favor with dictators, Kelly said.

“The world is laughing at Trump – literally,” Kelly said. “But folks, this is not funny.”

“When he was president, it meant the world was laughing at us. The threats we face are too serious, the sacrifices our soldiers make are too sacred, the alliances we have built over decades are too important. That is what is at stake now.”

Kelly followed his wife, former U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords (D-Arizona), who had spoken a few minutes earlier.

His remarks underscore his status as one of the more prominent members of the Democratic Party nationally, shortly after he was considered as Harris's running mate.

Kelly was one of three people she personally interviewed for the vice presidential position, and he could be on the short list for a post in a Harris administration, should one form.

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