Ok, haven't seen this diary floating around here yet so I figured I would throw it out there. Everyone knows the usual suspects, those potential VP candidates that people are talking about and everyone has their own preferences and opinions. But has anyone heard of Gen James L. Jones?
Chucky T and the folks over at First Read are reporting that Jim Johnson and Eric Holder are asking the folks up on Capitol Hill what they think about the recently retired General and former Supreme Allied Commander of Europe and Commandant of the Marines. Story Now, I don't necessarily think that we should put too much stock Mr. Johnson and Mr. Holder asking questions about General Jones, per se, but I do think that it is informative.
Is this an indication of which direction the Campaign is leaning? The reason why General Jones is interesting is that in 2007, General Jones served as Chairman of the Congressional Independent Commission on the Security Forces of Iraq, which investigated the capabilities of the Iraqi police and armed forces. In November 2007, he was appointed by the Secretary of State as special envoy for Middle East Security and he has also repeatedly argued that we are neglecting our responsibilities in Afghanistan. Condi Rice has been reported to have asked him to be Deputy Sec. of State twice, and he refused according to wiki.
While the first read article does talk about the potential liability of being on Chevron's Board of Directors, I think it important to note that he was just voted on the Board May 28, 2008--so that's all of 12 or so days now, and I believe is short enough to be able to provide the necessary separation.
Many have suggested the need for Obama to pick an "old, white, military guy" to buttress the National Security cred, and while I was of that opinion initially I have come around to believe that this isn't necessary. Does this indicate that opinion of the campaign that they actually do need to go in this direction? Currently, I was almost convinced that Sebelius or Kaine were the most likely, but then again, this is pure speculation.
Lastly, first read makes a point of commenting on who is not included in the names being asked of people on the Hill. Most notably absent is Gov. Richardson, and there is no talk of Schweitzer. I also find it interesting that Eric Shinseki isn't being mentioned, if the intent of the campaign was to go in the military direction..... any thoughts?