Obama Announces Senior Working Group on National Security

[Hope And Change]

Obama Announces Senior Working Group on National Security

By http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/person/gGxtkQ">Sam Graham-Felsen - Jun 18th, 2008 at 10:56 am EDT


CHICAGO, IL – Senator Obama today announced the formation of his Senior Working Group on National Security, a group of advisors that he will consult on a regular basis between now and the election. Obama will meet with the group for the first time today in Washington, DC for a wide-ranging discussion of the immense challenges faced by the United States in the wake of the disastrous foreign policies of George Bush.

“Each individual here today has provided extraordinary service to our nation in the executive branch and Congress. Several have been advising my campaign for some time. We’re also honored to be joined by some of Senator Clinton’s senior advisors. In the months to come, we’ll be reaching out to others, as well as leaders in Congress,” Senator Obama said. “The stakes in this election could not be higher. John McCain wants to continue George Bush's foreign policy which has made us less safe, less respected, and less able to lead the world. It's time to change course. It's time to end the war in Iraq responsibly, refocus on Afghanistan and al Qaeda, and renew our global leadership so that we can tackle the huge challenges of the 21st century.”

Later today, he will also meet with a group of nearly 40 retired Admirals and Generals to discuss the state of our armed forces, and the challenges facing our military in Iraq, Afghanistan, and around the world. This meeting is part of an ongoing dialogue between Senator Obama and current and former military officers of various ranks and views.

Senator Obama’s Senior Working Group on National Security includes:

Secretary of State Madeleine Albright

Senator David Boren, former Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence

Secretary of State Warren Christopher

Greg Craig, former director of the State Department Office of Policy Planning

Secretary of the Navy Richard Danzig

Representative Lee Hamilton, former Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee

Deputy Attorney General Eric Holder

Dr. Tony Lake, former National Security Advisor

Senator Sam Nunn, former Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Secretary of Defense William Perry

Dr. Susan Rice, former Assistant Secretary of State

Representative Tim Roemer, 9/11 Commissioner

Jim Steinberg, former Deputy National Security Advisor

http://www.barackobama.com/issues/foreignpolicy/">Click here to read Senator Obama's plan to turn the page on the failed Bush-McCain foreign policy.


http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/samgrahamfelsen/gG5SZ7">Link

[grasswire]

1. where's Joe Biden?

where's Ambassador Wilson?

Two bright lights are missing. Maybe they're in contention for Secretary of State.

[high density]

2. Wes Clark isn't there either

I assume all of these people are being considered for something higher.

[Adelante]

7. Wes was there sitting next to Obama

At the flag officers' meeting.

(Also missing: Retired General and former Clinton surrogate Wesley Clark, who has said positive things about Obama recently.)

(CORRECTION: Clark was not on the Working Group roster -- which is made up of people with civilian national security experience -- but he was sitting at Obama's side when he met with retired flag officers earlier this afternoon.

An Obama campaign aide emails that "General Clark attended the meeting that Obama had with retired military and admirals this afternoon and he will be an important voice on this campaign.")

http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0608/Wheres_Holbrooke.html

[high density]

8. that's a great photo, thanks

Certainly is my dream ticket...

[Ian David]

4. Obama was going to invite Biden, but he he couldn't him to stop talking long enough to hear him. n/t

[grasswire]

3. and where are the peacemakers?

Is this list stacked with Clinton employees?

[speedoo]

5. See earlier thread on this:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=6380004&mesg_id=6380004

[applegrove]

6. At least if Obama wins we know the US will never attack a country again in order

to implement its neocon free market fantacies.

[Zhade]

9. Madeleine "half a million dead Iraqi kids is worth it" Albright?

Stunned. Just... stunned.