Jones Emerges as Strong Voice for Obama

National security adviser sheds early uncertainty about role
By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff
Posted Oct 7, 2009 11:00 AM CDT
Jones Emerges as Strong Voice for Obama
In this photo provided by CBS, national security adviser James Jones leaves after appearing on CBS's "Face the Nation" in Washington, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009.   (AP Photo/CBS Face the Nation, Karin Cooper)

Jim Jones’ rocky start in the Obama administration as national security adviser now seems like a thing of the past. Where once Jones lamented publicly that he was unsure of his role, he has now settled in as a top administration voice, wielding his four-star clout in the Pentagon and dispelling worries that Obama is weak on security. He’s especially proved his worth in the recent Afghanistan debate, notes Politico.

With tensions mounting between the White House and Stanley McChrystal, Jones delivered the perfect smackdown Sunday. “Ideally, it’s best for military advice to come up through the chain of command,” he said on a talk show. “He used very loaded military language,” says one ex-Clinton official. “Jones played it exactly right.” He’s also come to accept Obama’s open, hear-all-viewpoints approach, and keeps him apprised of all options. (More James Jones stories.)

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