Posted on Sep 8, 2016
Would you vote for a credentialed veteran over a career politician --- regardless of what party they are from?
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The number of veterans in the 114th Congress reflects the trend of steady decline in recent decades in the number of Members who have served in the military. For example, 64% of the Members of the 97th Congress (1981-1982) were veterans, and in the 92nd Congress (1971-1972), 73% of the Members were veterans. Currently 18% have military service.
Elections
Military Career
Transition
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 26
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First off, being a veteran is a good thing. However, being a veteran does not automatically mean that one would make a good politician. I vote based on the individual's merits and not for a label. I know plenty of vets that would not make good politicians and several that would. It all depends on the person. Think of it like this. Think back over your career to the worst dirt bag Soldier you knew who ended up with an honorable discharge. Would you want them in Congress or as the President?
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SGT David T.
COL Lee Flemming - Exactly. Them being vets might make me listen to what they have to say and to look up their voting record if they previously held office, but will not be the deciding factor in obtaining my vote.
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Suspended Profile
I used to think that a leader could buck their party, now I don't think so. Sooner or later, they will have to fall in line or take over the party. Also too many military leaders have the personality and charisma, tactical and strategic planning ability, but don't have the ability to carry that over to a political machine where they move from the top of their profession to a "freshman" politician.
1SG Joseph Williams
Military leaders are, in effect, politicians. At the highest levels, they actually deal with politicians. In the end, such leaders have to "bow" to the politicians, but become aware of the pitfalls. Even on active duty, you have the Army Regs. But, when a new commander comes in, sometimes you think you're in a different Army due to his/her focus on areas that were never a real concern with a previous commander. Hence, I don't see the transfer from military to politician much different. Just a trade in clothing.
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Suspended Profile
1SG Joseph Williams - I think there is a big difference. Military mindset is primarily do the right thing for the guys and the mission.
Politics is heavy fundraising, heavy compromise and starting over at the bottom of the totem pole.
A HS friend of mine ran for congress in an "easy" district in TX. He was blown away by the fundraising requirements and the time and effort he had to devote to asking for money. Very different than waiting for NDAA from congress for funds.
Politics is heavy fundraising, heavy compromise and starting over at the bottom of the totem pole.
A HS friend of mine ran for congress in an "easy" district in TX. He was blown away by the fundraising requirements and the time and effort he had to devote to asking for money. Very different than waiting for NDAA from congress for funds.
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I would have voted for Colin Powell if ran as the candidate from the mickey Mouse Club Party.
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SCPO Penny Douphinett
I would have followed that man to hell and back until he became a politician. As Secretary of State, he knowingly lied about WMDs in Iraq which started our Country onto the road of living hell that is Iraq.
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MAJ John Brown
I, too thought he was a soldier's soldier, who had our backs during the Clinton administration. I was also shocked by his repeating of Bush administration wmd "evidence" that he surely knew wasn't so. I like to think his active duty service defined him better, and that he was just a little lost as a politician
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SFC Joseph Weber
SCPO Penny Douphinett - As an old 1SG of mine used to say "I'd follow that man to hell with an entrenching tool"
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