Vegas CEO: I'm crossing the aisle to back Clinton
Jim Murren 3:18 a.m. EDT August 15, 2016
I'm a lifelong Republican and I've never made a public endorsement. But this was an easy call.
As a lifelong registered Republican, I’ve crossed the aisle only a few times in elections past, and almost never at the presidential level. Each time, it was a gut-wrenching decision.
But this year it’s an easy choice. I’m going to put my country ahead of my party by voting for Hillary Clinton — and by making my first-ever public endorsement of a presidential candidate. Here's why.
First, like every CEO I know, I’m in favor of strong economic growth and the policies that generate it. Trade has always been an essential component of any credible pro-growth economic plan. One candidate in the race has pledged to support trade agreements that will boost our economy and benefit American workers, while ensuring that our environment is protected. The other candidate seems determined to needlessly antagonize our allies and trading partners by pledging to tear up NAFTA and other hard-won trade agreements. One candidate works to create stability and certainty, qualities the market loves and rewards. The other operates erratically and unpredictably — qualities the market abhors and punishes.
International trade is central to the U.S. economy, and travel is a major component of America’s exports to the world. In fact, travel is the United States’ No. 1 service export, generating a $98 billion trade surplus last year.
In southern Nevada, where my company is headquartered, more than 42 million tourists visit every year. Foreign visitors make up 16% of the total. They stay longer and spend nearly twice as much as domestic travelers, creating vast economic benefits for our state and in turn the U.S. economy — more than $13 billion in spending each year.
Second, as the head of a company that competes globally in the gaming, hospitality and tourism industries, I know that diversity and inclusion are imperatives from the standpoint of both morality and business. Within the gaming sector, 45% of our industry’s employees are minorities and nearly half — 48% — are women. In my company, 66% of our workforce is ethnically diverse. Clinton will stand up for women and minorities as essential contributors to America’s economy.
Immigration is also tied to diversity and plays a key role in our industry. In fact, millions of immigrants find their first jobs in the gaming, hospitality and tourism industries — a record of which we are very proud. While both candidates will fight for a secure border, I believe Clinton is the only candidate who will continue to make America a welcoming home for legal immigrants from around the world.
Third, I believe a Clinton administration offers the best hope of achieving greater energy independence. This spring, the company I head announced our intention to leave the main energy grid. Instead of relying on power generated by burning fossil fuels, we’ll draw most of our energy from renewable sources available on the wholesale market. I know that Clinton will ensure continued progress by maintaining a Department of Energy that believes in the power of alternative energy sources and works in partnership with those who wish to minimize the impact on our environment.
Finally and on a more personal note, I believe that few presidential candidates are as prepared for the job as Clinton. I’ve come to this conclusion not because of her decades of experience as first lady, senator from New York and secretary of State. Rather, I speak from the personal experience of being with her in a room, working on issues in real time. Each time I have met with her to discuss complicated matters such as trade and energy policy, I have been incredibly impressed by her knowledge, command of the facts and solution-oriented approach.
One such meeting ultimately paved the way for the Travel Promotion Act, which helped create a coordinated strategy for the United States to market itself as the world’s premier travel destination. This was a pivotal policy achievement that continues to generate economic benefits across America.
There’s a reason why so many of America’s CEOs, including many longtime Republicans, will be switching sides in this election. We’re all looking for the candidate who will promote economic growth through greater trade; embrace diversity and inclusion as one of America’s greatest strengths; and advance policies that encourage energy independence and environmental protection. That’s why when I go into the voting booth in November, I will proudly pull the lever for Hillary Clinton.
Jim Murren is chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts International. The views expressed here are his own.
