Barack Obama speaks before National Security Meeting

Sen. Barack Obama spoke to the press today before meeting with his National Security team in Washington, DC.



Here is some of what he said.

We continue to face grave threats, not only from terrorism, but also nuclear proliferation, climate change and poverty, genocide and disease. Nearly all of these threats have grown over the last eight years because of the policies of George Bush, which I believe have left us less safe and less respected in the world.

Instead of adhering to a rigid ideology, I want to get back to the pragmatic tradition of American foreign policy which has been so ably advanced by the people in this room, a policy that's focused on using all elements of American power to protect our people and to advance our interests.

Barack Obama: Senior Working Group on National Security

Sen. Barack Obama announced today his Senior Working Group on National Security to advise him on policy until the election in November.

Interestingly, there are no generals or admirals in the working group. He will meet separately though with a group of nearly 40 flag officers from the armed services.

Obama Announces Senior Working Group on National Security

by Sam Graham-Felsen, Wednesday, June 18, 2008 at 07:56 AM

CHICAGO, IL – Senator Obama today announced the formation of his Senior Working Group on National Security, a group of advisors that he will consult on a regular basis between now and the election. Obama will meet with the group for the first time today in Washington, DC for a wide-ranging discussion of the immense challenges faced by the United States in the wake of the disastrous foreign policies of George Bush.

“Each individual here today has provided extraordinary service to our nation in the executive branch and Congress. Several have been advising my campaign for some time. We’re also honored to be joined by some of Senator Clinton’s senior advisors. In the months to come, we’ll be reaching out to others, as well as leaders in Congress,” Senator Obama said. “The stakes in this election could not be higher. John McCain wants to continue George Bush's foreign policy which has made us less safe, less respected, and less able to lead the world. It's time to change course. It's time to end the war in Iraq responsibly, refocus on Afghanistan and al Qaeda, and renew our global leadership so that we can tackle the huge challenges of the 21st century.”

Later today, he will also meet with a group of nearly 40 retired Admirals and Generals to discuss the state of our armed forces, and the challenges facing our military in Iraq, Afghanistan, and around the world. This meeting is part of an ongoing dialogue between Senator Obama and current and former military officers of various ranks and views.

Senator Obama’s Senior Working Group on National Security includes:

• Secretary of State Madeleine Albright
• Senator David Boren, former Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence
• Secretary of State Warren Christopher
• Greg Craig, former director of the State Department Office of Policy Planning
• Secretary of the Navy Richard Danzig
• Representative Lee Hamilton, former Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee
• Deputy Attorney General Eric Holder
• Dr. Tony Lake, former National Security Advisor
• Senator Sam Nunn, former Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee.
• Secretary of Defense William Perry
• Dr. Susan Rice, former Assistant Secretary of State
• Representative Tim Roemer, 9/11 Commissioner
• Jim Steinberg, former Deputy National Security Advisor

Click here to read Senator Obama's plan to turn the page on the failed Bush-McCain foreign policy.