CORRECTED-Courting Republicans, Clinton to tout 'American exceptionalism'

By Caren Bohan
Reuters

(Fixes first paragraph to make it "Democratic presidential candidate" instead of "Democratic President")

WASHINGTON, Aug 31 (Reuters) - In a foreign policy speech meant to reach out to Republican and independent voters, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton on Wednesday will argue for a robust commitment to U.S. leadership in the world and tout the idea of "American exceptionalism."

A Clinton aide said she would contrast her foreign policy approach with that of Republican Donald Trump, who puts the emphasis on what he calls an "America first" vision that includes a crackdown on illegal immigration and opposition to multinational trade agreements such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

Clinton, a former secretary of state, plans to appear at 12:30 EDT (1630 GMT) at a convention of the American Legion veterans' group in Cincinnati.

"In her remarks to the American Legion, Hillary Clinton will make the case for American exceptionalism and call for maintaining America's military and diplomatic leadership in the world," the Clinton campaign aide said.

"She will argue for maintaining America's strong commitment to the alliances that keep us safe, the values that make us great, and the men and women in uniform who represent the best of our country," the aide added.

In a comment that has sparked criticism from many Republicans, Trump has called the U.S.-led NATO military alliance obsolete although he has since pledged to work with NATO to defeat Islamic State.

Clinton, who will face Trump in the Nov. 8 U.S. election, has racked up endorsements from a number of prominent Republicans, including Brent Scowcroft, a national security adviser to two Republican presidents and Richard Armitage, a deputy secretary of state under George W. Bush.

Clinton will appear with James Clad, a former deputy assistant secretary of defense under Bush. Clad will announce his endorsement of Clinton at the Cincinnati event, according to the Clinton aide.

In an effort to bolster his own foreign policy credentials, Trump announced that on Wednesday he will travel to Mexico to with President Enrique Pena Nieto. (Reporting by Caren Bohan)

08/31/2016 11:12