Ex-GOP governor and Bush cabinet secretary backs Biden for president: Trump 'is incapable' of leadership

Tom Ridge, former governor of Pennsylvania and former Homeland Security secretary for the Bush administration, penned an op-ed for the "Philadelphia Inquirer" where he announced his endorsement of Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden.

Ridge, a lifelong Republican, weighed in on the importance of voting Trump out of the White House in November.

"So much is at stake," Ridge wrote. "For me, voting is not just a privilege, but a responsibility. And this year, I believe the responsible vote is for Joe Biden. It's a vote for decency. A vote for the rule of law. And a vote for honest and earnest leadership. It's time to put country over party. It's time to dismiss Donald Trump.

The former governor outlined Trump's personal characteristics he believes are not strong leadership qualities for the presidency.

"Donald Trump has proven over these last four years he is incapable of such leadership. It is not within him," Ridge wrote.

According to Ridge, Trump "lacks the empathy, integrity, intellect, and maturity to lead. He sows division along political, racial, and religious lines. And he routinely dismisses the opinions of experts who know far more about the subject at hand than he does -- intelligence, military, and public health."

Ridge touched on the sacrifices America has made to endure a Trump presidency.

He added, "Our country has paid dearly in lives lost, social unrest, economic hardship, and our standing in the world."

On the opposite side of the spectrum, Ridge offered a comparison of Trump to Biden. Noting Biden's years of experience, Ridge highlighted the qualities he finds admirable in Biden as he commended the presidential nominee for his previous work.

Ridge believes Biden "has the experience and empathy necessary to help us navigate not only the pandemic but also other issues that have fractured our nation, including social injustice, income inequality, and immigration reform."