Bob Kerrey

U.S. Senator and former Nebraska governor Bob Kerrey stopped by Le Mars Monday during an Iowa stump tour for presidential candidate Senator Barack Obama.

Kerrey said he admired both Obama and Senator John McCain, the Republican candidate for president.

"Both have tremendous character and integrity," he said. "I just believe that Senator Obama has the greatest chance of bringing change to Washington in areas that are most important to the people."

The recent subprime mortgage crisis and economic rollercoaster ride have changed the landscape of the November presidential election, he agreed.

"We've got to write a different set of rules -- we need more regulation on Wall Street," he said.

Obama, he said, is promising that.

"He's saying you've got to write rules to harness free enterprise," Kerrey said. "Free market ideology got us into this mess."

When asked where government officials will draw the line on market regulations, Kerry said Obama has exhibited restraint.

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"He's focused on results, not ideology," Kerrey said. "He's shown a willingness to break free ideologically from the left and right and ask 'What works?'"

Kerrey also pointed out that Obama is promising tax cuts for middle class citizens and financial and foreign policy that would strengthen confidence in the U.S. dollar.

Obama's ability to lead goes beyond the economy, he said.

Kerrey, a Navy SEAL who spent time in Vietnam, said he has "complete confidence" in Obama's ability to serve as head of the nation's military.

"I don't think military service is a precondition to being Commander in Chief," Kerrey said. "Our founding fathers didn't think so either. Civilian leadership is the key."

There are two most important aspects needed to lead the U.S. military, Kerrey said.

One is sufficient sympathy for what it means to be in the military, said Kerry, who received the Medal of Honor and lost part of his leg during his time in the service.

The other is discipline -- responding first with diplomacy and then with force if necessary.

"Obama has both," Kerrey said.

The former Nebraska governor -- for whom the just-opened walking bridge from Omaha to Council Bluffs was named -- originally endorsed Hillary Clinton as the party's nominee, but said he hoped Obama would also be involved.

Now that Obama leads the party's ticket, Kerrey said he's doing well heading into the Nov. 4 general election.

"Obama needs to keep doing what he's doing with domestic policy and national security," Kerrey said. "He doesn't need to challenge McCain's background or integrity. There's something different between the two individuals' world view."