Would This Country actually Elect/Follow a President that has a Military background

2015-05-13T14:09:48-04:00

If A Person with a military History, A person that did not grow up with privilege and prosperity. Worked up through the ranks and still puts His men before himself was to run for president. Would They be elected by today's american people. Or would the people choose the person that looked good in a suit and spoke with eloquent words?

Response by Lt Col Timothy Parker, DBA made May 13 at 2015 2:12 PM

2015-05-13T14:12:01-04:00

The last President that appeared to look like what you described was Truman. I think that it is not possible in today's society where special interest and money are the dominant factor in getting elected. Although I'd vote for a true honest broker.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made May 13 at 2015 2:16 PM

2015-05-13T14:16:07-04:00

Historically more presidents have served than have not, recently it is less common. Very few presidents "worked up through the ranks (didn't start as officers).

https://www.rallypoint.com/command-post/us-presidents-with-military-service--2

US Presidents with Military Service | RallyPoint

Ever wondered which of the US presidents had military experience? Take a look and see how many of them served! Check out the enlarged version: http://rly.pt/presidents-military

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made May 13 at 2015 2:32 PM

2015-05-13T14:32:23-04:00

I think more American voters would participate in elections if they were given better choices, specially the choice that you have presented.

Response by MAJ Jim Steven made May 13 at 2015 2:40 PM

2015-05-13T14:40:12-04:00

Define military background??

I see a few discussions about politicians having never served. Would we, and America, be impressed with a guy who did 6 years in a local national guard unit, enlisted??

I think "murica" isnt really impressed until you make 2 star general...

I remember when a news outlet had a retired major on...even I was thinking, what qualifies this guy??

Response by SPC Fred Krauer made May 13 at 2015 2:44 PM

2015-05-13T14:44:35-04:00

Lt. Col. Allen West is the closest I can think of to your description. He made it into congress, but was voted out by his constituents in liberal leaning south Florida the next election. He was not popular with other members of congress because he didn't play well with others when their ideas were very liberal leaning. More than once he publicly called people out on their bull. I met the man on a few occasions. He encouraged me to join the army at my "advanced" age. I was very impressed with him. He doesn't come across as a politician as he talks to you as if you are the only person in the room. I never served under his command, but he seems like the type of officer that enjoys talking to even the lowest of low fuzzies to check on morale. I'd vote for a man like him in a heartbeat, but I don't see the general public liking someone like him for president because he won't bow (as other presidents have) to foreign powers. He won't take crap from countries like Iran or North Korea. I think the general public wants someone who is borderline effeminate, passive aggressive and looks good all dressed up behind his/ her teleprompter. That's the type I've seen get into various offices in the last 5-6 years.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2015 3:10 PM

2015-05-13T15:10:41-04:00

I think that, given the atmosphere of the country today, one could, as long as they did not come off as a war mongerer. Someone that knows the price of war & would not dive head-first towards it. I think that is what people would look for in a military leader running for office.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made May 13 at 2015 3:18 PM

2015-05-13T15:18:09-04:00

The military is a reflection of society.

Congress should be a reflection of society.

The President should be a reflection of society.

As it stands, the % of People in American society with a military background is very low. If you narrow it to key voting demographics, it goes up "slightly" If you adjust it to key political issues, and expertise in said issues, that reflection changes.

Think of the Presidency like you would as a major command billet. What are the stepping stones to get there. Do military members go through those stepping stones? If the answer is no, then the answer to "Would this Country actually elect/follow a President that has a Military background" is likely no as well.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2015 5:04 PM

2015-05-13T17:04:57-04:00

I think, nowadays, with the mentality of people, you would have to pair up a military background with a degree of celebrity, of sorts.

Drew Carey?
Chuck Norris?

Response by SGT Jeremiah B. made May 13 at 2015 6:27 PM

2015-05-13T18:27:21-04:00

Absolutely, they would. Most Americans, no matter what certain pundits want to tell you, appreciate military service and veterans. It would be a benefit to the candidate.

Would it be a deciding factor? Probably not. It'll still be about their values and solutions.

Response by SPC Jeffrey Bly made May 13 at 2015 7:42 PM

2015-05-13T19:42:37-04:00

I don't care if the person served or not, as long as they are going to do the right things for the right reason. If they exist, big banks and big corporations see to it that they fail at the attempt to run for office.

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made May 14 at 2015 6:00 AM

2015-05-14T06:00:25-04:00

Absolutely. I think that having someone who was elected president with a military background would show that that person is used to making decisions and id not afraid to do so. Also I think that showing that individual is coming from a working background and not from a privileged life filled with self-entitlement that the american people woudl be willing to follow that person. The american people need to have more choices when it comes to electing a president or congress and not to mention they need to be more knowledgeable about who they ar electing.