Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, December 17, 1993 TAG: 9312170211
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: The Washington Post
DATELINE: WASHINGTON LENGTH: Medium
Announcing his selection as a drawn-looking Aspin stood by his side, Clinton described Inman, 62, as a man with "a reputation for penetrating analysis, strong leadership and a rock-solid commitment to this nation's security."
The first career military officer to be named defense secretary since Army Gen. George C. Marshall after World War II, Inman served as deputy director of the CIA under President Reagan and director of the National Security Agency in the Carter administration.
"I know he will be a national asset as secretary of defense," Clinton said of Inman, who has held various business positions since leaving government 11 years ago. Inman has a strong reputation for bipartisanship, a theme Clinton has been increasingly emphasizing.
The president, Inman and Aspin left the Rose Garden without taking questions, as is customary following major announcements. One Clinton official said Aspin "eventually wants another administration position" and suggested he might receive a high-profile ambassadorial post, such as China.
Inman said he had voted for then-President Bush, a friend, in 1992 "even though I was mad at him about his handling of the economy." White House officials said Inman is registered as an independent but they thought of him as having "Republican leanings."
Inman said he had not wanted the job but agreed to take it because of "duty and country." He said he wanted to persuade the public "we are getting a dollar value for a dollar spent in defense."
Administration officials took pains Thursday not to criticize Aspin, whom military officers and administration officials say had trouble reaching definitive conclusions.
by CNB