And he's hanging out close to the fence in his support for Bush, huh...?
Franks Says Kerry Qualified for President
Retired Gen. Tommy Franks, producer of the early military successes in Afghanistan and Iraq, said Sunday that criticism of John Kerry's war record is political hyperbole and Kerry is "absolutely" qualified to be commander in chief.
A year into retirement, Franks also said he has not decided whether to endorse President Bush for re-election. "I don't know yet. I'm leaning in that direction," he said on ABC's "This Week."
Franks, whose hometown is Midland, Texas - where Bush keeps a ranch - has been making television appearances in recent days to publicize his just-published memoirs, "American Soldier."
"Do you think Senator Kerry is qualified to be commander in chief?" Franks was asked.
"Absolutely!" he said.
But like the criticism of Kerry, the retired general said the Democratic nominee's recent harsh words about the war plan Franks created in Afghanistan was motivated by politics and his failure to capture al-Qaida network leader Osama bin Laden.
"I think a presidential election year is a marvelous thing. I think Senator Kerry is a patriot. And I think what ... what we're doing is, we're seeing an attempt to sort of draw the lines between the two parties in this country. And I wouldn't have it any other way," Franks said.
