On Military Service

[Northwind]

NOBODY FREAKIN' CARES.

Seriously, the Repubs tried to label Clinton as a draft-dodger. Didn't work, not because there is not any truth to it, but because no one cares about Vietnam service any more. The Dems tried to paint Quayle in the same light. Pointless effort, because no one gave a crap. Gore was a Vietnam volunteer, whereas Bush was a draft dodger. It did not matter.

A candidates military service or lack thereof is a non-issue. I do not care if Dean got deferment, I do not care if Kerry has medals, and Clark's generalship is irrelevant. Generally, I would like to see America move away from seeing military service as some sort of requisite for public service, so for me, the current non-relevance of it in politics is a Good Thing.

[Avalux]

1. You make a good point

but consider this - our country is now involved in a war, leading us down the path of imperialism using military might. What would you rather have? A leader like our current POTUS, who gets giddy thinking about blowing things up without any realistic knowledge of the horrors of war and doesn't care, or a leader who's been there and knows what it's all about? I'd rather have someone experienced. Especially someone experienced with a brain who understands the dangers of continuing to lead this country in the wrong direction.
I see military experience as a plus given what we're facing.

Maybe if those in charge in the White House had actually served, they would have been less inclined to start a preemptive war for no goddamn reason.

[Northwind]

2. It really does not matter

It is a non-issue in both directions.

[JohnKleeb]

3. my candiate wasnt in the military but it does matter

It helped Eisenhower out a lot. Now maybe it doesnt help everyone at every point in history but Eisenhower being known as a popular general helped him out.

[tabasco]

4. I disagree

You might not care but a lot of people do. People who have served in the military care more than most I suspect. I think this is because veterans understand that military service does involve a lot of sacrifice. Veterans also understand the unique learning that occurs during military service.
If you had any understanding of what it requires to become a general in the military, you would not make the silly statement that "Clark's generalship is irrelevant."

[TacticalPeek]

5. Sevice or not can be less relevant.

But when serving, the character of that service, your conduct and efficiency, should be an issue, as in aWol's year over the hill. Media non-coverage of such should be an issue since that's why we have that part in the First Amendment about a 'free press'.

[blm]

6. Exactly. Bush would never have gotten close enough to steal

the election if his actual nonservice was revealed to the electorate.

Your conduct of service CAN make or break your campaign.

[NNN0LHI]

10. More so since 911 and the few "wars" we are perceived to be in now...

...by so much of the ignorant portion of the electorate. How many times have we heard about Junior being a wartime president? Plenty of times. That is the only thing that Chimpy and his minions have going for them right now. Times have changed. And the sooner we all realize this the better off we will all be. War service means nothing at all to me. But I am not the only one voting next year.

Don

[Mountainman]

7. For me the relevance has to do with the time and place you were in

I am Bush's age. I was drafted. He had help avoiding the draft. That makes his non-service relevant to me. Kerry was a combat soldier. It has to have some effect on his make up to day. That makes his service relevant to me.

It could be that a future candidate's military service is non relevant but not this bunch.

[Wickerman]

8. Come on out to small town America

Remember, those folks who voted for Bush in droves? Military service and how it is presented matters a whole freakin' bunch.

[poskonig]

9. You're right.

There may be a few people who care, but for most people it is only a minor factor. McCain had military service and was stomped in the primaries by an inexperienced Governor! Your examples (Quayle, Clinton, Bush, Gore) are also recent and very good. I'd also mention the venerable Max Cleland.

Why the fuck are we even discussing this?