–Since the draft ended in 1973, U.S. citizens serving in the military fell to 1% of the population. –31 of the 42 presidents were veterans. –The 2008 election could mark the first time since World War II that a veteran isn’t on the final ballot (if McCain doesn’t make it). –In the generation from 1870 to World War I, it really did matter if a campaigning candidate had fought in the Civil War.
The article goes on to look at whether military experience really does impact how a political leader conducts a war. There was James Madison (civilian) who was in charge during the War of 1812 when the White House burned:
But, then there was Lincoln (civilian):
Eisenhower (veteran):
And then there’s this view:
It’s clear history’s lessons here are hard to pin down; different times, different people, different politics. The “veterans running for office” stories are sure to start pouring out once more local campaigns get underway in earnest. It’ll be interesting to see how much the stories are about a “vetidate’s” (coining a new phrase here) experience in Iraq, and how much they look at what that person is going to do for the electorate.
