Retired Marine Gen. John Allen endorsed Hillary Clinton on Monday on the first day of the Democratic National Convention.
Allen said he endorsed Clinton because of his “trust in her ability and experience to keep our country safe and secure.” The endorsement was hardly a surprise, as Allen is scheduled to address the convention on Thursday.
Allen is the former commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan. After retiring in 2013, President Obama made him the administration’s point man for the fight against the Islamic State.
“Through 37 years of service in the U.S. Marine Corps, I saw some of the toughest challenges that our nation faces around the world, and I know that America has the power to meet those challenges,” Allen said.
“However, it requires continued leadership and engagement in the world, continued partnership with our allies, and a clear understanding of our adversaries,” he added. “It requires patience and a deep comprehension of the international landscape to make smart decisions about when and how to use military force as well as an understanding that other tools of American power such as diplomacy and development aid that will keep armed forces out of harm’s way unless it is absolutely necessary. And it requires a leader who wants to understand these complex issues and seek advice and counsel. Hillary Clinton is all of those things.”
The general previously stayed out of the political spotlight, but “given the complexities of issues facing our country today and its longtime allies, [he] felt compelled to speak up and be heard.
“I have no doubt that she is the leader we need at this time to keep our country safe, and I trust her with that most sacred responsibility of Commander-in-Chief,” he said.
