Former Gen. Wesley Clark calls Clinton ‘most qualified’ candidate

Speaking to the New Jersey delegation to the Democratic National Convention, retired Army Gen. Wesley Clark called Hillary Clinton “the most qualified person who, in my lifetime, has ever run for this office.”

The four-star general also slammed Clinton’s rival, businessman Donald Trump, calling the praise heaped on him at the Republican National Convention “phony.”

Clark is not new to politics. He launched an ultimately unsuccessful bid for the Democratic nomination for president in 2004.

But at the Renaissance Philadelphia Airport Hotel Tuesday morning, Clark focused less on his professional history than that of his preferred candidate, whom he said he has known for more than 30 years.

“I’m an Army guy. And if I go up and talk to Hillary about what weapons system [Russian President Vladimir] Putin is using against the Ukrainian rebels, she knows the weapons system!” said Clark, praising the former secretary of State. “She knows how far it shoots. She knows what Ukraine needs to defend itself. It’s the most amazing thing.”

In contrast, Clark bashed Trump over a slew of issues, including his former casinos in Atlantic City, some of which have gone bankrupt and closed.

“And then immigration. He wants to a build a wall and keep us out? Come on!” said Clark. “We’re all immigrants!”

The breakfast was sponsored by Jersey City mayor and likely New Jersey gubernatorial candidate Steve Fulop, who served in the Marine Corps.

Clark said he was proud of Fulop’s service and his work to reduce veteran homelessness in Jersey City.