(By Robert Costa – The Washington Post)- Harward emerges as front-runner to replace Flynn following talks
[Abstract] Vice Adm. Robert Harward, a former deputy commander of the U.S. Central Command, became the front-runner late Monday to replace Michael Flynn as the White House national security adviser, following lengthy discussions among top advisers to President Trump and several Cabinet members after Flynn resigned.
Harward’s rapid ascension to the top of Trump’s three-person shortlist for the position was confirmed by two White House officials who were not authorized to speak publicly. (…)
Harward served under Mattis while he was at U.S. Central Command and remains an ally and friend of the defense secretary.
The officials also described Harward, who had a tour on the National Security Council during George W. Bush’s presidency, where he worked on counterterrorism strategy, as someone who had a high profile in security circles but a low public profile, which is part of his appeal.
On Monday night, Tommy Vietor, a former spokesman for President Barack Obama’s National Security Council, wrote on Twitter that Harward is a “very impressive (and nice) guy.”
When asked if Harward was certain to be picked, the officials offered caution and said the discussions were ongoing. But they acknowledged that a consensus for Harward was evident, with Keith Kellogg, a decorated retired Army lieutenant general, and David H. Petraeus, a former CIA director and retired general, still on the list.
Kellogg was named acting national security adviser on Monday after Trump accepted Flynn’s resignation letter. (…)
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