Despite a brief wave of unwarranted hysteria here last week, General Wesley Clark (ret.) endorsed Barack Obama today.
This is the email that he sent to his supporters this afternoon:
Unite Behind Barack Obama
Dear Brandon,
There has never been a more important election in my lifetime -- with a war waging, gas prices at record highs, our health care in crisis, and our nation's standing around the world severely diminished. I spent the last year traveling across the country talking to great Americans in Iowa, New Hampshire, Wisconsin, Ohio, Texas, South Dakota, Indiana and many other places. They all agree on one thing: This country needs new leadership, and it's time for change.
Many of you in the Clark community answered the call. Some of you worked tirelessly for Senator Clinton while others poured hours into Senator Obama's campaign. You did this because you were willing to sacrifice your time and energy to bring the change we so desperately need. I can't thank you enough for all you have done.
Now I am asking you to come together and make sure Barack Obama is our next president. This is a critical mission.
Hillary Clinton ran an amazing race. She inspired millions. Our party is a better party because of her campaign, and our nation is a better nation because of her service. She is and will always be a friend whom I admire.
I congratulate Senator Barack Obama on securing the nomination. His historic campaign has touched lives and his message has moved people in every corner of America. I believe he is not only ready for the challenge but will be a great President.
It's time our party comes together to stand behind Senator Obama as we move forward in this election season. I look forward to doing everything I can to help Senator Obama's campaign. While I respect John McCain's service, I know exactly what he stands for -- Bush's third term. America is a great nation, and our people deserve more. We need Barack Obama to be our next president.
Sincerely,
Wes Clark
Regardless of how the Obama campaign utilizes General Clark, this is great news for progressives. He will be an asset to the next administration in whatever capacity he is asked to serve.
Clark’s name is consistently floated as a Vice Presidential pick--with prominent blogs like Open Left and The Carpetbagger Report already endorsing him for the position--but that’s something that both the Obama campaign and Clark himself will have to work out. There are too many variables at this point to determine whether that’s feasible or even appropriate.
General Clark would also make a superb choice as Secretary of State or as Obama’s National Security Advisor. One position for which he is ineligible to serve, however, is that of Defense Secretary. Military personnel must be at least 10 years removed from active duty before they can assume that role. Clark retired in 2000.
The bottom line is this: Wesley Clark leads the progressive military community. Thus, whichever direction he goes, he brings with him an experienced cadre of military types who are ready to take the reins of national security back from the amateurs in the Bush administration--and ready to prevent John McCain and his dangerous ideas from ever setting foot in the White House.
Whether McCain knows it or not, he is now facing an avalanche.