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Clinton Nominates Shelton To Chair The Joint Chiefs

WASHINGTON (AllPolitics, July 17) -- Calling him a "thinker" with a unique perspective, President Bill Clinton unveiled four-star Army General Henry Hugh Shelton as his choice to be the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

In a Rose Garden ceremony, Clinton lauded Shelton as a distinguished and decorated soldier. "I believe he is the right person for the job, the right person for our troops, for our security, the right man for our country," the president said. (320K wav sound)

Accepting the nomination, Shelton said he was humbled by the president's choice. "With this honor comes the awesome responsibility of ensuring that our armed forces remain trained, ready and equipped to deal with the threats and dangers of today as well as an uncertain future," he said. (352K wav sound)

Shelton, 55, was Defense Secretary William Cohen's top pick to succeed General John Shalikashvili, who plans to retire at the end of September. The White House sounded out key lawmakers on Capitol Hill before the president signed off on the choice, administration officials say.

When asked if Shelton would survive the sometimes brutal confirmation process, Clinton quipped, "I have reason to believe General Shelton can survive almost anything."

The lieutenant general's military career spans three decades. He currently heads the U.S. Special Operations Command, overseeing the special forces from all services. including Army Green Berets, Navy SEALs and the secret "Delta" counter-terrorism forces.

A Vietnam veteran, Shelton commanded troops during the Persian Gulf War and the U.S. operation to restore the Aristide government in Haiti.

Shelton's star rose when the previous heir-apparent, Air Force Gen. Joseph Ralston, was sunk by his admission of an adulterous affair in the 1980s. Ralston did not attend this morning's ceremony.

Following this morning's announcement, the president left for Pittsburgh, Pa. where he will address the issue of race and education during a speech before the NAACP.

CNN's John King contributed to this report.