James Dobson endorses Donald Trump, says he is the 'most capable candidate'

Prominent evangelical leader James Dobson has officially endorsed Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump for president, saying that he is the "most capable candidate" to lead the United States. 

In a released statement, the 80-year-old pastor indicated his support for Trump over Hillary Clinton.

"I have decided to endorse Donald J. Trump for President of the United States, not only because of my great concern about Hillary Clinton. I am supporting Mr. Trump primarily because I believe he is the most capable candidate to lead the United States of America in this complicated hour," says Dobson, who is also the founder of Christian Ministry Focus on the Family.

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump points at the members of the press at the Republican National Convention on July 21. | Reuters/Rick Wilking

Dobson, who is also a member of Trump's executive evangelical advisory committee, identified shared sentiments on issues as a deciding factor for him. The pastor applauded Trump's commitment to choose conservative Supreme Court justices and uphold religious liberty, among others.  Dobson, however, fear that Christians might not vote for Trump because they think he's not capable of leading the country.

Meanwhile, the pastor revealed that he's scared of the possibility of Clinton becoming the president. He stated, "Hillary will run the world for perhaps eight years. The very thought of that haunts my nights and days."

Dobson's decision to endorse Trump, according to TIME, was prompted by Texas senator Ted Cruz's speech. Cruz lost in the Republican presidential race in May but did not endorse Trump during the Republican National Convention on Wednesday night.

Several evangelical leaders have expressed support for Trump. According to The New York Times, he is successful in getting the votes of evangelicals, who constitute the largest Republican blocs in six Southern states. Trump has promised a hard-driving leadership style, and strong stand for uncompromising immigration and trade policies.