Retired Gen. H. Hugh Shelton, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, says Democratic presidential candidate Wesley Clark has some "integrity and character issues" and won't be getting his vote.
Shelton, who was Joint Chiefs chairman on 9-11, made the comments at a celebrity forum at Foothill College in Los Altos Hills, Calif., earlier this month, the Los Altos Town Crier reported.
After a presentation reviewing the historic events of his 38-year military career, Shelton took questions from the audience.
One question came from Dick Henning, moderator of the event: "What do you think of Gen. Wesley Clark and would you support him as a presidential candidate?"
According to the report, Shelton took a drink of water before answering.
Said Henning, "I noticed you took a drink on that one!"
"That question makes me wish it were vodka," said Shelton, according to the Los Altos paper. "I've known Wes for a long time. I will tell you the reason he came out of Europe early had to do with integrity and character issues, things that are very near and dear to my heart. I'm not going to say whether I'm a Republican or a Democrat. I'll just say Wes won't get my vote."
Clark was supreme allied commander of NATO forces during the Clinton-era bombing campaign against Serbia. Shelton relieved him of duty in 2000, several months earlier than Clark expected.
Perhaps Weasely Clark is taking some tips from Jimmie and his brother, Billy.