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Former Democratic Sen. Jim Webb considers presidential run

Former U.S. Sen. Jim Webb, D-Va., criticized the Obama administration's foreign policy, saying the country is " trapped in the never-ending, never-changing entanglements."

By Frances Burns
Jim Webb, then a Democratic senator from Virginia, with then-Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama in Bristow, Virginia, on June 5, 2008. Webb is now considering running for president in 2016. (UPI Photo/Roger L. Wollenberg)
Jim Webb, then a Democratic senator from Virginia, with then-Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama in Bristow, Virginia, on June 5, 2008. Webb is now considering running for president in 2016. (UPI Photo/Roger L. Wollenberg) | License Photo

WASHINGTON, Sept. 23 (UPI) -- Former U.S. Sen. Jim Webb, D-Va., saying the country is mired in "entanglements" in the Middle East, said Tuesday he is considering a run for president.

In a speech at the National Press Club, Webb said he is taking a "hard look" at entering the race. He expects to make the decision in early 2015.

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Webb, who served as secretary of the navy under President Ronald Reagan, spent much of his time critiquing the Obama administration's foreign policy. Webb also served in the U.S. Marines and received two Purple Hearts during the Vietnam War.

"Our country has been adrift," Webb said. "We continue to be trapped in the never-ending, never-changing entanglements of the Middle East."

Webb called the Syrian civil war "Lebanon on steroids," referring to the Reagan administration's involvement there in the early 1980s.

Both former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Vice President Joe Biden appear to be considering presidential runs, with Clinton very much the frontrunner. Webb refrained from attacks on Clinton.

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"I'm not here to undermine her," Webb said in response to a question. "I'm here to explain where my concerns are."

Webb, 68, recently traveled to Iowa and is scheduled to visit New Hampshire soon.

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