Obama, McCain, and the Wars

Post by **sauronsfinger** » Mon Sep 08, 2008 9:12 pm

By nobody.

Post by **Inanna** » Fri Sep 12, 2008 4:03 am

C_G, thanks a lot for your thoughtful answer.

Mon Dec 01, 2008 4:40 am

Here is an interesting Washington Post article about the first meeting of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Michal Mullen with President-Elect Obama:

Joint Chiefs Chairman 'Very Positive' After Meeting With Obama

A particularly interesting comment:

But most important, according to several senior officers and civilian Pentagon officials who would speak about their incoming leader only on the condition of anonymity, is the expectation of renewed respect for the chain of command and greater realism about U.S. military goals and capabilities, which many found lacking during the Bush years.

"Open and serious debate versus ideological certitude will be a great relief to the military leaders," said retired Maj. Gen. William L. Nash of the Council on Foreign Relations. Senior officers are aware that few in their ranks voiced misgivings over the Iraq war, but they counter that they were not encouraged to do so by the Bush White House or the Pentagon under Donald H. Rumsfeld.

Post by **solicitr** » Tue Dec 02, 2008 3:52 pm

It certainly doesn't hurt relations with the professional military that Obama has picked a very respected career Marine, Gen. James Jones, as his NSA. That sends a signal to the brass that the military's perspective will have the President's ear not filtered through SecDef as under Rumsfeld. Of course Gates has been much better, and keeping him on has also made the generals very happy.