Former ambassador Ed Gabriel gives a speech at the 19th annual AAPAC dinner.

DEARBORN — Former ambassador Ed Gabriel— now Hillary Clinton’s advisor to Arab American outreach efforts— made his second visit to Michigan on Thursday to campaign on Clinton’s behalf.

Before speaking at the Arab American Political Action Committee’s 19th annual banquet, Oct. 26, Gabriel, the U.S. ambassador to Morocco from 1997-2001, spoke to The Arab American News about the campaign’s efforts.

“Things are looking good right now for the Clinton campaign,” he said. “But, we’re very concerned that people don’t realize that we still have two weeks to go and so my job is to make sure that we get people to volunteer a couple of hours.”

He said Arab Americans should vote for Democratic nominee Clinton because she cares for their civil rights. 

“Hillary Clinton feels very strongly about the rights of Arab Americans and Muslims,” he said. “I mean she has been a very strong advocate on our behalf, as you can see. I think more than I’ve ever seen from any other presidential candidate.”

Gabriel added that Clinton has 30 years of experience caring for people’s civil rights and is the most qualified candidate when it comes to foreign policy.

He explained that Clinton’s motto— “Stronger Together”— embraces both Muslims and Arab Americans. He said she set up two separate groups for the campaign— one for Muslim outreach and one for ethnic outreach, which includes Arab Americans.

“She has a good understanding as well,” he said. “There’s that difference.”

Gabriel criticized Republican candidate Donald Trump, saying all he has done is divide Americans, but commended Clinton for building trust and confidence with Arab Americans.

He said that there’s no other contender who will defend the community’s rights.

“I don’t think we could find a better fighter for our rights,” Gabriel said. “I think you’ll see that Arab Americans will have a seat at the table for President Clinton.”

He also wants the Arab American community to know that this a serious election, one unlike any other. He said Clinton is running against a person who could be extremely dangerous for America, not only at home, but abroad. 

“We have to get her elected,” he said. “This is not your normal election. This is going to affect us for a long, long time.”