PRESS RELEASE from Obama for America
June 18, 2008
Obama Announces Senior Working Group on National Security
Obama to Hold Meetings with Working Group
Members and Retired Flag Officers in Washington, DC Today
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