Obama's Military Options
To the Editor:

Barack Obama may decide to pick a military man for his Vice President, and it shouldn't surprise anyone. That's the best way for him to compensate for and neutralize John McCain's military credentials, and such a choice would also provide credibility for leadership in putting limits on the Iraq War and withdrawing the troops.

The McCain camp's whole strategy seems to be arguing that Obama lacks the credentials and experience to be the Commander-in-Chief. A highly respected military man as his VP would quiet many of the critics on this issue.

Sen. Jim Webb (D-Va.) would be the best choice if he wants a tough guy who's not afraid to say what's on his mind, even though it may be impolitic. Witness Webb's curt dismissal of President George W. Bush when the president asked Webb about his son who is serving in Iraq. Webb was a highly decorated Marine Corps infantry officer in Vietnam, and he served as the Secretary of the Navy in the Reagan Administration.

Retired General Wesley Clark is a good choice if Obama wants a more diplomatic and scholarly type who seems relaxed and comfortable in the political arena. He was the valedictorian in his West Point class, and won a Rhodes Scholarship, earning a degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics. He served more than 30 years in the Army and in the Department of Defense, and received many military decorations.

While the economy may be the number one issue right now, Obama's credentials in this area are already better than McCain's. McCain admitted he knows little about economics, and was one of the infamous "Keating Five," five Senators who disgraced themselves attempting to help their benefactor, Charles Keating, when he was caught red-handed manipulating and undermining our economy for massive personal profit. Obama's main political weakness is doubt about his credibility as Commander-in-Chief, and that's easily corrected with the right choice for Vice President.

MICHAEL J. GORMAN

Editor's note: The writer is a retired NYPD Lieutenant and an attorney.