Retired Navy admiral James Stavridis is being vetted by Hillary Clinton's campaign as a potential running mate, according to The New York Times and NBC News.
The Times reports that "some close" to Clinton maintain that it had always been probable the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, a former secretary of State, would consider someone with a military background for vice president.
Stavridis retired from the military in 2013 at the top of two prestigious commands: Supreme Allied Commander of NATO and U.S. European Command. Previously, he led U.S. Southern Command. He went on to become dean of The Fletcher School at Tufts University, the post he holds today.
He earned a reputation as an intellectual in the Navy, earning a doctorate from Tufts. Stavridis is a combat veteran, served as the senior military adviser to the Defense secretary and Navy secretary and oversaw the war in Afghanistan at its peak as top NATO commander. He has published a slew of scholarly papers and books with titles on leadership, how to handle a ship and Latin America.
Stavridis is married with two daughters, one of whom is in the Navy.
He was dinged in 2012 by the Pentagon inspector general for a trip to Dijon, France while leading NATO. The inspector general faulted him for accepting gifts, taking government transportation to a private event and improper cell phone use. Stavridis refuted the findings, saying the trip was for official business and that he reimbursed the government for personal expenses. Navy Secretary Ray Mabus later cleared Stavridis, issuing a letter addressing the inspector general’s concerns.
“In summary, I have determined that Adm. Stavridis never attempted to use his public office for private gain nor did he commit personal misconduct,” Mabus wrote. “The issues identified by the (inspector general) reflect poor attention to administrative detail by” staff members. Mabus wrote that he personally talked to Stavridis about the need for “diligent oversight.”
Presumptive GOP nominee Donald Trump's vice presidential short list also reportedly includes a former high-ranking military official. Retired Army lieutenant general Michael Flynn, a one-time director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, said Sunday on ABC's This Week that he was "honored" to be considered by Trump for the Republican ticket.
