Familiar: John McCain, a war veteran, met Sgt. Timothy Brown (left) and Sgt. Thomas Prasenski at Capitol Hill in Washington in March. (Dennis Cook/AP)
How McCain, Obama would do as commander in chief
McCain has the experience, but Obama may be more open to Pentagon advice.
By Gordon Lubold | Staff writer/ October 28, 2008 edition
Reporter Gordon Lubold looks at the presidential candidates' potential vision for the US military.
Sgt. Brooks Fletcher/army/AP
A listener? Barack Obama shook hands with US troops this July in Camp Arifjan, the main US military base in Kuwait.
Washington
What kind of commander in chief would Sen. John McCain or Sen. Barack Obama be?
National security issues loom large for the next president: He will have to manage the drawdown of thousands of American troops in Iraq, oversee the deployment of thousands more in an increasingly violent Afghanistan, and assess whether to grow the military to cope with the war on terrorism.
On these issues, the advantage might seem to be all on the side of Senator McCain, a war veteran.
But former defense officials, as well as active-duty and retired officers, say that the military – whose rank and file are perceived to vote Republican – sees positives and negatives in both candidates.
McCain’s big advantages are his experience and his familiarity with the military, but Senator Obama’s may be a greater willingness to listen to Pentagon advice.
That could be important because the past eight years under the Bush administration, especially the decision to invade Iraq, has left some Pentagon officers feeling ignored.
“Senior military officers have carried out orders they didn’t agree with all their professional lives,” says Dennis Blair, who retired as a four-star admiral in 2002 and who served in senior defense jobs during two administration transitions. “All they want is for their best military advice to be considered, and then they will salute and execute their orders. It’s pretty easy for an incoming administration if they are smart enough, to give them a chance.”
McCain’s strengths in the national security realm could be a weakness if he comes at the Pentagon with too many preconceptions, say former defense officials. The Pentagon may also be an ideal place for him to display his “maverick” approach.
“He is a reformer, and he will try to make sure there is a minimum of bureaucracy and a maximum of efficiency,” says Rep. Duncan Hunter (R) of California.
Obama, perceived as a “listener,” is considered a national security neophyte who will need to make forceful decisions based on the advice he receives to establish his credentials within the Pentagon.
“He seems like a very good listener without a fixed national security agenda, but he doesn’t seem soft,” says Mr. Blair. He adds that Obama will have to find the balance between taking military advice without being dominated by it.
McCain’s high military credibility
Key to the next president’s success as commander in chief will be his approach to the Pentagon. President Clinton famously stumbled with the military when he made an ill-fated attempt to allow homosexuals to serve openly in his first days, which was also when the peacekeeping operation in Somalia turned ugly. In 2000, the military had high hopes for George W. Bush based on his father’s success during the first Gulf War and on the appointment of certain senior leaders. But then-Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld came to be perceived as heavy-handed and dismissive of military advice if it didn’t comport with his own thinking.
McCain’s military service and war hero status naturally give him credibility with today’s military. But it will only get him so far, say many officers.
Some worry that McCain would be more inclined to carry out his own ideas about what the military should do. Experts outside the military with knowledge of the campaigns indicate McCain’s camp, which has been struggling to establish itself against the economic crisis, has largely ignored military issues, sending a signal to some that a McCain administration might come into office with its own agenda.
“He would start out on Day 1 saying I know the issues, I know the personalities, and there is probably some anxiety along those lines to be blunt,” says Barry McCaffrey, a retired four-star general who frequently consults with senior officials in Washington.
McCain is also more likely to follow the advice of Gen. David Petraeus, who presided over the “surge” of forces in Iraq and will within days become the head of US Central Command in charge of operations in both Iraq and Afghanistan.
“The McCain camp will be less skeptically inclined and be more trusting of Petraeus,” says a staffer for a senior senator on Capitol Hill.
Obama brings an open ear, fresh eye
The perception that Obama is a rookie on national security issues both hurts and helps him with the military, say those inside and outside the defense establishment.
Both candidates have expressed the desire to change the dynamic in Afghanistan, but Obama may be inclined to shake it up more. “The fact that he doesn’t have a wealth of experience allows him to call for a strategy review in Afghanistan that wouldn’t be seen as naive but as using fresh eyes to look at the problem,” says Dan Fata, a senior policy secretary who left the Pentagon last month and is now vice president at the Cohen Group, a Washington-based consulting firm.
The military may expect an Obama administration to be less inclined to use them for international saber rattling, says General McCaffrey.
“I think there is fear on the part of many senior leaders to see McCain in office,” he says. “It’s almost counterintuitive, but there is a bit of me that says they would be happier to see Obama.”
On Gates, common ground
Both men will want to put their own fingerprints on the Pentagon in time. But this will mark the first change of an administration during wartime since Vietnam, and most analysts bet that either candidate will keep Robert Gates on as defense secretary.
How long either would keep him is unclear. But Richard Danzig, a former Navy secretary and Obama’s chief national security advisor, has said Gates is a good Pentagon chief and would be “an even better one” under Obama. Gates is equally popular among Republicans, who may urge McCain to keep him for the first months of his administration.
Comments
2. David Ligare | 10.28.08
The Commander and Chief is essentially the highest general. A campaign, whether it’s military or presidential requires a supreme degree of intelligence, foresight, a strong, steady hand and the ability to inspire. In looking at how Senator McCain and Senator Obama have conducted their campaigns for the presidency I would say that there is no question about who is more capable and general-like. Obama has proven himself to be a superb tactician who doesn’t flinch at incoming fire and doesn’t act rashly or wastefully. The huge amounts of money that he has raised are further evidence of his ability to marshall his forces and get the job done. If I were still in the military I would certainly want Barack Obama to lead me into battle, not the quixotic and easily manipulated John McCain.
3. Donald W. | 10.29.08
First I must say this is the most unboased article I have seen yet. I’m glad that my first visit to csmonitor.com has been so well rewarded. I am glad to see that either candidate would be a good one as far as national security goes.
Again I know this comment isn’t so much about this particular article than the medium I saw it on but thank you for bringing a balanced and unbiased viewpoint to the table. Csmonitor.com is now in my favorites.
4. 101ST AIRBORNE DIV | 10.29.08
Just in case you think I can’t add….I have an EE degree but refuse to add the 4 Active Duty members to the total as they are sworn to not pubicly support either party. Bet you can guess though….
5. questorJohnny | 10.29.08
dear friends , i would just like , for the first time in my life , to contribute to a comment board with a thanks & a bravo for what our friend donald W. has written , above . that was my first reading , too … yet since i live in france for some 30 years i won’t incrust my personal choice into public space but remain , gratefully , your
questorJohnny …
may our next president be blessed , trusted & gifted with good ears & a firm hand … he will need i think & deserve all of our prayers , however we vote … sorry to carry on so , but thanks again for your fair assessments & voter-friendly informational , neutral , approach !
6. Jonathan Koppel | 10.29.08
The world looks at John Sidney McCain III as a strong, experienced military leader, presumably based on his military record. Let’s take a look at that.
Senator McCain was legacied into the Navy Academy at Annapolis where he finished third from the bottom of his class.
Once he graduated and became a pilot, he lost five planes. During his time in captivity, he divulged much military information, according to a U.S. News and World Report article, May 14, 1973 which he himself wrote.
Prior to being captured, John McCain spent approximately 20 hours in the skies over Vietnam, for which he was awarded 28 medals…about 1.5 medals for every hour in the sky.
I’ve never been in the military. I’ve never spent time in a POW camp.
What I’d like to ask is, how does losing five planes and being in a POW camp for five years make you a military expert. From where does that provide the experience and knowledge necessary to lead the US military?
I apologize in advance if this sound partisan. Perhaps it is. It is, however, a nagging question that noone is addressing.
7. Henry Beck | 10.29.08
John McCain has carefully created and perpetuated the mythos of war heroism.
What he suffered as a war prisoner, is shared by thousands of veterans who were also POW’s in various wars. This is worthy of our sympathy, but is hardly an attribute which qualifies an individual for our Presidency.
Nor does his combat experience, objectively considered, make him a hero.
Heroes are those who perform daring exploits at great personal risk, beyond the call of duty. Many thousands of our aviators braved AA fire. Some were shot down. Many were killed in the course of their duty. We revere their sacrifice, but stop short of the kind of adulation that is being generated by the McCain legend.
As a Naval officer, McCain never reached Staff rank. His line duties involved executing orders given from above. This is hardly the experience which would support the boast that he has the experience to be the Commander in Chief.
Presidential ambitions have created a candidate with smoke and mirrors. But we are not blinded by the poor quality of his decisions, both in Congress and in this campaign.
8. Marion Acheson | 10.29.08
I worry about John McCain’s self-professed ‘Maverick’ status when it comes to listening to the advice of others. He shows his irritation with unbecoming displays of hostility and exasperation that is decidedly un-Presidential. Obama treads steadily and with calm strength. He bolsters people’s confidence with optimism. My fifteen-year-old son summed up this election by saying, “If John McCain loses there are going to be many angry people; if Barack Obama loses there will be many crying people.
9. Andrew Munn | 10.29.08
As far as this article being unbiased, I would have to say I disagree on that - it puts in bold “Obama brings an open ear, fresh eye” and talks about Obama far more than McCain, but I am not posting to argue just saying that it is unbiased to someone supporting Obama, not someone supporting McCain.
I just wanted to point out that Obama doesn’t have much experience either if you are going to criticize McCain’s experience you should show me what is that great about Obama’s. McCain is pro-life instead of pro-choice, which is one of the reasons I like McCain over Obama. OIt is more about values then anything at this point, believe me if there was a “NONE OF THE ABOVE” on the ballot I would pick that before either of them.
10. Andrew Munn | 10.29.08
As far as this article being unbiased, I would have to say I disagree on that - it puts in bold “Obama brings an open ear, fresh eye” and talks about Obama far more than McCain, but I am not posting to argue just saying that it is unbiased to someone supporting Obama, not someone supporting McCain.
I just wanted to point out that Obama doesn’t have much experience either if you are going to criticize McCain’s experience you should show me what is that great about Obama’s. McCain is pro-life instead of pro-choice, which is one of the reasons I like McCain over Obama. OIt is more about values then anything at this point, believe me if there was a “NONE OF THE ABOVE” on the ballot I would pick that before either of them.
11. Eric Klieber | 10.29.08
George H. W. Bush famously said he lacked “the vision thing.” This may be one key to his success as Commander in Chief. Bill Clinton and George W. Bush both got into trouble with the military by imposing their respective visions on military policy. I think it’s fair to say Senator Obama’s world outlook more weighted toward vision and less toward pragmatism than Senator McCain’s. On this basis, I would have to give the nod to McCain over Obama as being more likely to succeed as Commander in Chief.
12. Emily Hannah | 10.29.08
Excellent article. I just discovered CSM on line, thanks to a NYT article today. I was a CSM reader for years, and will always consider it our best newspaper for international coverage. I met McCain at the Academy, where he was a playboy in my brother’s Company; he is an able man, but no intellectual and self-disciplined match for Obama. He never much trusted the military professionals, and would make me nervous as commander-in-chief. His efforts and reputation as a maverick have been destroyed by his campaign; he has yielded to conservative idealogy, and floundered around.
13. ddennis | 10.29.08
I was just getting my head around to “having” to vote for McCain when he (1) exhibited a knee-jerk, thoughtless response to Russia’s “invasion” of Georgia and (2) when he chose Sarah Palin as his running mate. I cannot support him after that. It is my opinion (not worth 2 cents) that McCain approaches world affairs from the old Cold War mindset which has no useful strategic, long-range solutions to new world problems. He may, indeed, approach the military with outmoded, dangerous preconceptions.
His judgement in choosing Sarah Palin is found wanting. Mitt Romney, who was my favorite for GOP nominee, has more gravitas and experience, and certainly would bring more credibility to the forefront of U.S. politics and international affairs. I fear what a McCain/Palin administration will wreak on the world horizon.
14. another comment | 10.29.08
If you look at the whole article you see in bold
*McCain’s high military credibility
*Obama brings and open ear, fresh eye
*On Gates, common ground
To me that’s bold for each and one in common.
McCain is ranking member of the senates armed services committee who has seen combat and is son is in Iraq.
Obama is willing to listen and has Joe Biden who is chairman of the senate foreign relations committee and his son is in Iraq.
15. P. Snackenburg | 10.29.08
It seems to be in vogue among posters here to denigrate Senator McCain’s military experience. I suppose that, for the sake of argument, one could devise a scale from one to ten on evaluating an individual’s military experience. Such factors as class ranking in military school or university could be used, his number of military awards, rank upon discharge and even loss of aircraft could be a factor I suppose. But even after such an exercise the result would be clear: Senator Obama’s military experience score would still be a resounding zero.
16. another comment | 10.29.08
If you look at the whole article you see in bold
*McCain’s high military credibility
*Obama brings and open ear, fresh eye
*On Gates, common ground
To me that’s bold for each and one in common.
McCain is ranking member of the senates armed services committee who has seen combat and is son is in Iraq.
Obama is willing to listen and has Joe Biden who is chairman of the senate foreign relations committee and his son is in Iraq.
17. Vic Pomel | 10.29.08
I too enjoyed this article written with the class CSM has displayed over the last century. Kudos on your decision to go with E publication. The CSM was in my home growing up, due to time and cost I have only read it in the library when there. With the news coming out today you are now bookmarked. Congratulation to your staff for all the hard work to uphold credibility for so long while other go over a cliff.
18. John Pedler | 10.29.08
Experience does NOT automatically qualify for command. No one had more hands-on military/security experience than Vice President Cheney and former Defense Secretary Rumsfeld? Yet their “vision thing” - that taking Iraq would make unipolarism possible (The Project for a New American Century) - was predictably disastrous. Bad judgment!
As for Senator McCain, with all his Vietnam and senatorial experience, was the one Senator who might have given President G W Bush pause over Iraq. Many qualified obsrvers (as well as those within the Administration and my humble self) had pointed out in 2002 that invading Iraq risked bringing about not one but two more “Vietnams” precisely because the Cheney/Rumsfeld neo-con superficially seductive plan was not rooted in the reality of the Middle East. If Iraq “went wrong”, then the de-prioritising of Afghanistan would risk that country “going wrong” too.
So, on the vital issue of invading Iraq, Senator McCain like Cheney and Rumsfeld, exhibited appalling bad judgment. Partly because of him, the next US president (John McCain?) must wrestle with two “Vietnams” - the “can’t leave/can’t stay” syndrome.
So much for Presidential candidate McCain’s “experience” qualifying him for US Commander in Chief. [see also our URL http://www.dipconuslt.eu
19. Pita Frampton | 10.29.08
I am loving Johnathan Koppel’s comment… to answer his question… NO ONE will look at John’s record… plain and simple… this is a country has more idiots than wise people and this why the Rich Republicans are capable of controlling and ruling this country. I laugh at the less fortunate Republicans who endorse and praise the people more fortunate than them.
20. MARK O’BRIEN | 10.29.08
(In my view) An excellent look at the two men. Nevertheless I must follow the reasoning and the wisdom of Colin Powell in casting my vote.
21. Antoinette | 10.29.08
Are you kidding me? You think McCain’s ego will enter the War Room before him and he won’t be receptive to the advise of the Military Brass? And you suggest that McCain’s inflated-sense-of-self will interfere with his listening abilities when military advisors disagree with him?
Mr. Lupold, do you ever read biographies of prior US Presidents? or history books of the presidency? It happens ALL THE TIME that presidents are advised, yet strong disagreements ensue. Good chemistry must exist between the Pres and the military officials. Of course the next President will have a “big head”! Even with Obama. It takes that type to make it so far up. But is McCain an eglomaniac? Will he tell General P. to take a back seat? Not according to McCain’s daily speeches. To the contrary, McCain voices great respect to US Military leaders and their important roles.
I couldn’t disagree with your article more, Mr. Lupold. I find it slanted and penned by an author who is still young and wishing to be on the winning team.
22. MCcain for the win…Obama will lead us to destruction | 10.29.08
Who really cares…Obama will lead us to destruction…he is gonna take away all of our guns, lower taxes by 95% which will make businesses go out. And He has no military experience…before you douche bags go off saying mccain has no military experience…At least he was in the military, at least he is going to use a bible at his speech if he becomes president, at least he does the pledge…Screw Obama…He isn’t American like at all.
23. R Hayhoe | 10.30.08
This Vietnam War era US Army vet of actual combat on the ground and up close, although a supporter and campaign contributor for John McCain in 2000, wouldn’t even think of voting for him now, after what has transpired during the past several months. His campaign is a fiasco and quite possibly a rout. Is that the kind of leadership we want for our military and our country?
I’ll take the guy with the big ears; he uses them.
24. Matthew | 10.30.08
First I would like to thank Gordon Lubol for a unbiased and thoughful article. But now I would like to point out a hugely important historical fact in our American history and our government. Our federal and state governments were formed in their repective constitutions to give civilian authority over the military. Presidents, while they are commander and chief of the military they hold no rank and are not required to have held any prior service. Finally if we look back to the last two world wars in American History WW1 and WW2 both presidents did not have any military experance yet somehow they were able to lead the country effectively and win the wars. Woodrow Wilson prevented American entry in WW1 until 1917 but when war finally did come he threw himself into the work of a president at war. Also FDR did not have any military experiance however he was able to balance the tenious arms agreements of the Lend Lease Act prior to 1941 and put together an alliance against Nazi Germany with Communist Russia.
A lot of great work for men that did not serve one day in the military would you not say?
Finally I would like to add that I am a member of the Indiana Army National Guard currently deployed to Iraq and while I cannot give my complete name and rank as it would go against DOD guildlines on showing support to a particular party I can say this. Not all military members are voteing Republican as some would assume. I think the Republican party is going to have quite a surprise when they realize the have lost the military vote after two wars lasting over 7 years. Many of use are worried for the future and we see the possiblity of another Republican president with “grave” concern.
25. expat stephen | 10.30.08
Still an undecided vote, but increasingly uneasy over the hubris and nastiness of some Obama posters. While it is one thing to denigrate McCain’s military service, you seem to consistently leave out the fact that he passed on an opportunity to get out earlier based on his family connections…and no matter how you look at it, that shows true character. Furthermore, if you’re going to talk about a serviceman’s record, can we talk about Colin Powell and My Lai?
26. Ted Racine | 10.30.08
Is it rational to vote for a candidate alone who promises change or one who has a proven track record for creating change? Would you vote for McCain if he were black or Obama if he were white? In these turbulent times is it rational to place a consumate patriot, veteran, polished congressman, and moderate republican in the WH or would the obvious freshman, Harvard LR President, Acorn atty, extreme liberal and follower of Wright’s damn values be the better choice? I thought rational and intelligent electorates voted for the best MAN for the job regardless of race or political affiliation. We as a country need to come together as one in these turbulent times to put the best PERSON at the helm of this great ship as we navigate troubled waters.
27. Larry | 10.30.08
If Obama wins I would like him to offer McCain a spot in his administration, possibly Secretary of Defense. Does anyone think this is a possibility?
28. 101st AIRBORNE DIV | 10.30.08
Of course you wouldn’t add my previous comments. Simply because in the military we do not refer to a black or white person as such. We identify them as dark green/light green based upon our jungle fatigues and we find no disrespect in this classification. PRELASE REVIEW THE MILIATARY TIMES RECENT POLL THAT HAS MCCAIN VS OBAMA AS 80/20. NOW guess which one we support. 27 PROUD Veterans IN THIS FAMILY PLUS 200 family members = 227 VOTES FOR MCCAIN AS COMMANDER IN CHIEF. The 4 Active Duty = 4 more….Also, to win a war the object is to inflict casualties. O, I’m sorry, America has forgot this. 12,000 Marines killed in 5 months in WWII, 8000+ on the beaches of Normandy….WE SIGN THIS CONTRACT SAYING I will defend this country with and up to our lives…sorry if you straight leg civilians can’t get your head around this concept. SCOUTS OUT!
GOP = Stealth bomber - M1A1 tanks
DEMS DO NOT SUPPORT OUR MISSION REGARDLESS OF WHAT YOUR SMALL NARROW VIEW IS………
29. Harvey S. Cohen | 10.30.08
A fighter pilot who has downed five enemy fighters is an “Ace”, because the probability of surviving five such encounters is so low. In his Navy aviation career, McCain was something like an Ace, except that all five fighter planes were his own. He was taken prisoner after the fifth crash, but the Navy gave him a pass on his first four. It is hard to understand why the Navy kept doubling down on McCain, until we remember that McCain’s father and grandfather were Admirals.
Crashing planes and tolerating mistreatment are not the first qualifications I would look for in a Commander in Chief.
30. Doug | 10.30.08
I think it takes a real flight of fancy to think that given his history of voting against anything that would strengthen our military, and stated plan to cut our defense budget by an astounding 25%, that “President Obama” would attach any value at all from advice provided to him by the military establishment.
Also I think it is contemptible to claim that McCain is unfit to be C-I-C since he “lost 5 planes” given that one of those planes was destroyed when another aircraft on an aircraft carrier accidentally fired the missile which started a fire that destroyed McCain’s and several other planes, and killed quite a few people. Another of his planes was shot down (while he was in it) by a Russian SAM when McCain was on his 23rd bombing mission.
As for not being promoted to Flag Rank, he reached a higher retirement rank than any other president since Eisenhower. What military rank has Obama reached? None!
31. BABU | 10.30.08
1). Sen Obama has won the hearts and minds of people. To win a war that is what you need.
2). In an Presidential Debate when Sen McCain didn’t agree he made faces to show his frustation. In a major battle you have to listen to Army, Navy and Airfore chief with calm to make sound judgement and save the lives of our soldiers.
3). Everyone Knows by CIA report that the Al Queida in Afganistan. Why are we wasting our time, resources, lives of soldiers and money fighting Iraq.
4). I am commoner with baic knowledge if I could come to this conclusion why not our leaders. Thank you
32. Bill P | 10.31.08
Dear 101st Airborne Division:
I have the highest regard for our military.
But what exactly is our mission in Iraq?
33. Alex P | 10.31.08
There are a lot of strong feelings about what is required to be CIC. Perhaps the greatest requirement is to be a good strategist. Personally I beleive that there are several departments within the government that need to be used in conjunction in order to form a plan. Foreign policy is like chess.
The military should be the last resort rather than first. Our military are doing a great job considering the poor support they have had from the administration that is only concerned with covering its own butt.
As far as the candidates are concerned JM has shown short temper and a constant zig zagging which to me would bar him from a position he obviously covets. BO I see more as a Lincoln type person who will do it but requires justification before he puts someone in harms way.
34. Dubious | 10.31.08
All of those enamored by McCain’s military record need only view a few videos on YOUTUBE posted by McCains military peers to shake their confidence in this man’s leadership. He is not a “Maverick” … He is a loose Cannon that lost several planes before going down in Vietnam. His behavior at Military Academy was deplorable, yet because of his 4 star father & grandfather, this Brat was allowed to graduate. He had a 4 star suite at Hotel Hanoi as well…getting best treatment because his father was supreme commander of Vietnam theater. The Vietnamese even have a plaque erected in his honor due to assistance he gave them. PLEASE STOP THE IGNORANT MANTRA THAT MCCAIN IS A WAR HERO … he should have been court marshaled for treasonous behavior long ago.
35. jma | 10.31.08
How can we accept the premise that McCain’s military service somehow renders him superior in decision regarding the military? The senior officers that will be offering advice are exemplary career officers who in each instance have attended the War College. McCain did not attend and passed up the chance to go party in Brazil instead. McCain’s military record is horribly indistinguished. He has no edge in decision making based upon being a lousy pilot, a party boy, and a prisoner.
Decision making is best left to the most sober mind, sound judgment and willingness to consider multiple opinions and then make the best possible decision. McCain has displayed none of these qualities.
36. Arli | 10.31.08
Many of the comments are interesting. I am hoping that our next commander in chief will not use a tragic event to advance another agenda as we did with the war in Iraq. I would hope that they can define what winning this war would be? Why did we go to Iraq? Why are we still there? We have depleted precious resources; mostly lives and what is the purpose? I believe that McCain may be more suited to manage the military as opposed to Obama, but we should have never got into this Quagmire. We need a fresh prospective that will use our resources more effectively to improve the security of our country. I don’t believe the Iraq war has accomplished enough of those things. I want my brothers’s home to defend our country not Iraq. We have been in Afghanistan for 7 years with no end in site and the country is not secure? How do we finish this and get back to the business of the USA. Is this where we want our men to fight? I live in New York area and my company has offices in the financial district so you don’t have to tell me the horrors of 911, I saw them. But what is the best way to combat our enemies? We need a new direction and I don’t think we will get that with McCain.
37. Becca McCay | 10.31.08
Many people posting here want to recognize Obama’s (arguable) alliances but seem to forget that McCain openly admits to his or has already been censored for associations like the Keating 5 (he showed questionable judgement) and G. Gordon Liddy. He crashed 6 or 7 planes (he can’t seem to remember)and graduated 5th from the bottom. He only got into the Naval Academy because of his father and grandfather. He couldn’t stay faithful to his wife and was so clueless about what was going on in his own home that his wife had to tell him that she was addicted to drugs and had been caught stealing them. He is an arrogant man who has no comprehension of how Jane and John Middleclass live. He wouldn’t have a clue how to get a mortgage, fill out loan papers to put a child through college, buy a car or what it’s like to buy $20 shoes instead of $520. He has made it through this world on his father and grandfather’s name and he is an elitist who has no clue how real people live. You want a better economy? Give the money back to the middleclass. America is in trouble because we aren’t out buying durable goods. I can’t afford a new fridge, stove, couch, car or house. I’ll be keeping my 5 year old vehicle because I can’t afford to replace it when my job has frozen my wages and we don’t know if we’ll have jobs next year. I want change. I want out of Iraq, I want more money in my pocket and America to move forward instead of selling out.
38. Nikhil Shah | 10.31.08
I am an independent and look to spend my time, which is precious of course, reading un-biased views on political and global events. I have been visiting this site lately precisely for these reasons and articles such as the one above.
Obama would be fine Commander in Chief, have always been a republican but this time around I am going to let my good sense prevail
Thank you CSM!
39. ThomasTeltser | 10.31.08
We desperately need the Military Industrial Complex to be cut extremely. The mixture of Business and Military with its influence on Government is very destructive. It drains the treasury and does not build the economic, social or physical infrastructure of the USA. The founding fathers warned us of keeping a standing army. Now business keeps us in perpetual war so they can sell stuff. It is an outrage.
40. Frank (u.s.m.c.) | 10.31.08
I believe the comments have been the most enlightening for me recently. and I know the decision for President is not easy or made with great confidence however, the people who view the United States from afar will have a better clarity of just how seriously we view voting and as how worthy we hold those who think , ponder and choose our leaders and then how we commit once its done…..
41. Tired of it all | 10.31.08
Mr Koppel,
Please do your homework. The time frame to which you refer was only the first few years of Senator McCain’s long and dedicated military career. He “lost” 5 planes? Did he mis-place them? I don’t think so. One was blown up on an aircraft carrier as a result of a mistake which was not made by him, another was shot down while flying a mission in Vietnam - coincidentally he was gravely injured in this attack and then spent 5 years in “The Hanoi Hilton” enduring unimaginable torture. I don’t know about the rest, but I’m quite sure he didn’t just give up and “lose” them.
Another thing, do some homework regarding how the Vietnam war was grossly mis-managed by the Pentagon and about how that mis-management directly affected our fighting forces by making it nearly impossible to either attack or even act defensively without receiving an O.K. from Washington to do so. Yes, I do exaggerate, but not much. True, lives were taken, others shattered, and a staggering dollar amount of military equipment destroyed in that war - far more than should have been. How could that not be the case when the commanders on the ground were so hobbled? Considering what Mr. McCain suffered in that war, I can rest assured that he would not allow such a mistake to happen again.
Oh, and don’t forget the rest of his military career. Mr. McCain has himself admitted that the start of his military career (the Naval Academy and his glory seeking early pilot days) was not a particularly admirable one. He also has been very open about his rebellious youth. However, he learned from a terrible experience that putting self first leaves you alone. He learned that to put his fellow soldiers and his Country first led to strength and sucess, and I have no doubt that he will do that as Commander in Chief of our fighting forces. If you had taken the time to do a bit more research, you would have found that his remianing military service was founded on the principles of putting his country first that he cemented while a POW, and his experience will be a very valuable asset to our military and our country. He also knows the value of the knowledge and experience of the commanders of our forces, and I very seriously doubt he would disregard their advice.
We all have the right to our opinions, and I am very aware that this is mine. But, I invite you to do a little more research. Senator Mccain has grown up since his rebellious, youthful days. He did that growing up in service of our country rising through the ranks in the military and also in elected office. I believe that Senator Obama will do the same. I just fear that his growing up will take place at the helm of our country, and that frightens me. I think that should be done before taking control of the strongest and greatest military force and the strongest and most free country in the world.
42. Tiki | 10.31.08
First I’d like to mention that there is no such thing as an unbiased article. Period. An author has their own worldviews and agendas and their writing is affected by them no matter how hard they try to suppress them. I think the article is biased towards Obama, considering today’s society and the primary audience who will be reading this. I am not really for either of the candidates as I do not agree with everything they say, do, and stand for. However, I am morally obligated to vote for the one who is most inline with the Christian worldview (i dont think either of them come as close as they should). Yes, I am biased towards McCain because of how he stands on certain issues. Really and unfortunately, all it boils down to is voting for the lesser evil.
43. Ben | 10.31.08
Mr. Koppel,
You correctly point out that Senator McCain’s military experience is limited.
It is, however, vastly superior to that of his opponent. We are limited to voting for the best available choice, not the best possible choice.
You are incorrect on your facts, however.
Besides, McCain’s piloting record is not an issue.
More apt would be analyzing Obama’s Grove Parc Plaza debacle. He crashed ALL the buildings there, the place is essentially unlivable. But the corporations that took in millions in public money there have rewarded him generously!
Ben
44. jubar | 10.31.08
I came looking for an article regarding Obama’s military experience and found this one. The responses have been even more enlightening. Still researching who will get my vote, but I am now less concerned about using military experience as a deciding factor.
45. June Patton | 11.01.08
I am wary of MCCain because of his lack of self discipline. He exhibits little diplomacy, when he is in a tight spot. his mannerisms toward the person are so obvious. i respect his war record, and my husband on a flying mission in World War 2 cost him his sight. POW1s abound in our life are many. This does not entitle him to be president. We need a cool head to guide us thru many trials we face. As for Obama, and past companions, with a curious mind as he has, he was seeking to find where he fit in. I am a Christian, and elderly lady, and have always been Pro Life. But you have to take into consideration rape and incest when it happens. I think God would see it that way. As for race. in God!s plan, there is no difference in skin color, He said that. Many have to search their souls and rid themselves of preconcieved ideas and teachings. The black people have served us as slaves, and in the minds of many, that is how they are still thinking. When it comes to experience, the President is surrounded by many ggreat minds, and Obama is not so ego centered, that he cant see what is on the other side of the fence. I am glad i was born and raised in the South, it has made me a better person and more tolerant. MCCain still is eating from a silver spoon and so is his wife. Let us get back to Frank and Eleanor Roosevelt days.
is how they are still thinking.
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1. Ted Racine | 10.28.08
Sound judgement is a vital attribute of any Commander In Chief. When one reviews Sen. Obama’s liasons and relationships with an ex-con/terrorist, an ethnocentric pastor who “…damns America…”, etc… one wonders how that will carry should this person transitions to the White House. Regardless of how well Obama has an open ear or fresh eye, he cannot relate to the broad and astute military experience of a well decorated veteran like Sen. McCain. In all when I compare the two candidates, I see one who claims to want to fight for America and another who HAS(and has never stopped) fought for America. So the next question is do I vote for the congressional rookie with NO executive experience whatsoever or the one proven Veteran WITH extensive experience. If Barack Obama was white, would liberals still vote for him? Aye, that is the question…