It also does not bother me particularly that McCain does not fall in line with all of the normal conservative positions. As Ronald Reagan said, “my 80% friend is not my 20% enemy”. Conservatives seem to get caught up in that too readily. To be effective, politicians often have to make compromises. I am comfortable with McCain, warts and all, and will be delighted if he is elected.

George Washington was a General before he was President, Madison and Monroe fought in the Revolutionary War as officers, as did Andrew Jackson, who also fought in the War of 1812, along with William Harrison, Zachary Taylor and James Buchanan, and so it goes. Fully 31 of the 42 individuals who have served as President served in the Armed Forces of the United States, – 12 Generals, an Admiral, assorted officers and one enlisted man, Private James Buchanan.

Harkins comments are a logical and historical argumentum ad absurdum. However, since the military is the most admired institution in polls and the Congress the least, the Democrats have to try something.

To a certain extent, I agree with you. However, when a candidate’s spouse chooses to get involved in the campaign (Mrs Obama’s speech where she declared that now was the first time she had ever been proud to be an American), all previous rules are out the window. In my opinion she became fair game at that point….not so much for the content of the statement (although I thought it was in very poor taste) but because of her willingness to become a very vocal part of the team.