Wesley Clark endorses Clinton

Retired Gen. Wesley Clark said Saturday morning he is endorsing Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton’s (D-N.Y.) presidential bid.

{mosads}Clark, who served as NATO’s supreme allied commander during President Bill Clinton’s time in office, said Clinton would “be a great commander-in-chief for the men and women in uniform.”

The announcement comes after Clinton’s Republican rival, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, has intensified attacks on the senator.

Clinton was asked about the attacks, which range from criticism of her position on Iraq to comments she made to Gen. David Petraeus during last week’s Iraq hearings, during a conference call with reporters Saturday morning.

Perhaps looking to distance herself from the MoveOn.org ad criticizing Petraeus that drew Giuliani and other Republicans’ fire this week, Clinton said she has “great respect" for Petraeus,” but a “strong disagreement with my Republican opponents and the president.”

“I have repeatedly urged that we bring our troops home starting now,” Clinton said.

Clark is not new to presidential politics having mounted a relatively short and ultimately unsuccessful bid in 2004 before dropping out and endorsing eventual nominee Sen. John Kerry (Mass.).