National Journal reports, via Marc Ambinder, that Mark Lippert, Obama's principal foreign policy advisor and member of the Naval Reserves, has been called up for active duty. According to the report, he does not know where or how long he’ll deploy, but he's currently training (and Denis McDonough, a former Daschle advisor, will apparently increase his profile within the campaign in Mark's absence).
Yet another Democrat proving -- and not just talking about -- national security seriousness. Also worth noting that Mark signed up for the Reserves three years ago, right in the midst of two ongoing wars.
From a policy perspective, it's definitely a loss for Obama; virtually everyone I know in the foreign policy world has nothing but good things to say about Lippert, who is apparently extraordinarily bright and well-versed in a variety of subjects. Further, whereas some of the other candidates have a group of foreign policy confidants, Lippert apparently had singular influence, reportedly having earned the trust and faith of Obama.
Here's hoping he has a successful deployment, wherever it may lead.
