Schwarzkopf backs McCain

Retired Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf on Wednesday announced that he would back Sen. John McCain for president, giving the Arizona Republican an endorsement that is likely to further boost his national security credentials.

{mosads}“Sen. John McCain has served our country with honor in war and in peace,” Schwarzkopf said in a statement. “He has demonstrated the type of courageous leadership our country sorely needs at this time. For that reason, he has my complete support.”

Schwarzkopf, who lives in Florida, does not often venture into politics, even though he campaigned for President Bush twice and spoke via satellite link to the 2000 GOP convention. However, in 2004 he joined McCain in criticizing then-Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld over his handling of the Iraq war.

“Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf’s distinguished lifetime of service and uncommon devotion to our nation has earned him the respect and admiration of the American people,” McCain said. “I am honored by his support.”