Joint Chiefs Head Says Clinton Able in Military Affairs

The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff voiced strong confidence in President Clinton as commander in chief, taking issue Friday with a statement by Sen. Jesse Helms (R-N.C.).

In an unsolicited telephone interview, Gen. John M. Shalikashvili said he was compelled by Helms’ critical remarks to speak out and avoid any impression that the military leadership endorses the senator’s assertion that Clinton has not demonstrated an ability to command the U.S. military.

“I do not share that view,” he said. “I have been with the President in difficult deliberations and have always found him able to understand the issues, ask the tough questions and make the hard decisions.”

Helms, who is in line to head the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, was asked on CNN’s “Evans and Novak” whether he thought Clinton was “up to the job” of commander in chief. He replied: “Well, you know, you ask an honest question. I’ll give you an honest answer. No I do not. And neither do the people in the armed forces.”