Clinton campaign considered retired military top brass for VP

A recently leaked e-mail from Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton's campaign has showed that they considered three retired military top brass for the post of vice president, a media report said.

Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta wrote in an e-mail dated March 17 suggesting "first cut" veep candidates in "rough food groups", The Hill news reported on Tuesday.

Marine General John Allen, Navy Admiral William McRaven and Navy Admiral Michael Mullen, all retired, were listed in one group.

Gen. Allen delivered a high-profile speech endorsing Clinton at the Democratic National Convention earlier this year, in a move that was criticised by some other retired officers who believe retired military brass should not take such a prominent role in politics, lest the military become politicised.

Admiral McRaven, currently Chancellor of the University of Texas and a former SEAL (Sea, Air and Land Team), developed and oversaw Operation Neptune Spear, the special operations raid that led to the death of Osama bin Laden on May 2, 2011.

Admiral Mullen, currently a professor at Princeton University, last served as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, under both Presidents George W. Bush and current President Barack Obama. Admiral Mullen was in the White House situation room with Clinton during the bin Laden raid.

The campaign later vetted Navy Admiral James Stavridis (retd.), Dean of the Fletcher School at Tufts University, and former Commander of Nato Supreme Allied Command-Europe and European Command, for Vice President.

Republican nominee Donald Trump and Clinton both have tried to appeal to veteran and military voters, in a campaign season where national security has been a top issue for voters.

Clinton eventually chose senator Tim Kaine, who belonged to one of the "food groups".

--IANS

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