Will Gen. Patreaus be a presidential nomminee in the years to come? '12 or possibly '16?

Question

I Believe that it is possible, it would continue a historical trend
George Washington, Ulysses S. Grant, Ike Eisenhower just to name a few war heroes who went on to become president.

Answer 1

Probably , as a republican hack.

Answer 2

Probably not. Just because he's a high rinking general, doesn't mean he likes politics enough to delve into it.

I don't think we'll ever see another Washington, Grant, or Eisenhower, since wars are different than they used to be. No longer does the top general need to be on the battlefield (or even in the country of war, for that matter). There are more people handing down orders now, and generals seem to be as much of a political position as a military one, which I suppose could drag down the appeal of a strong military leader, disaffected from politics.

Also, the three examples served after MAJOR wars. While Iraq has come at a high cost, The Revolution, Civil War, and WWII were far more costly, and people were looking for somebody like that.

Answer 3

The dems had been on television bashing what the typical was once announcing earlier than he even mentioned it. They dont care whatever approximately the reality of the problem in Iraq. They have a political time table to push and are pushing it. Dont you individuals feel it might were a heck of plenty simpler for the president to uncover a method to again out of Iraq many years in the past to avoid wasting political face? Yet he didnt. He hasnt even come nearly wavering in relation to Iraq. Could it's he truthfully believes stabilizing Iraq is within the exceptional curiosity for the US? After the entire crap he has gotten from each side he's preserving regular. He is truthfully being attentive to the generals at the floor and solving errors from earlier than and looking to do what they're suggesting. All of you in the market that recognise so a lot more than the generals at the floor and the president of the US, what precisely are you doing together with your nice mind and skills rather then bashing on the ones truthfully doing anything.

Answer 4

If the "global" security situation remains unstable, and in particular if Americans continue to feel insecure at home, then the likelihood of military nominees for presidential candidates is much heightened.

I am not sure that a "military hero" as you describe it, is actually electable in the United States at present. Certainly to achieve this, the status of "hero" will require refurbishing and the recapture of some of its previous kudos.

The quickest way to ensure a military ascension in US presidential politics would be a series of attacks against the US mainland.
As a group, imho, American people will "flee to strength" and seek comfort and reassurance behind the illusion of protection provided by a military figure. Generally speaking the US people are being more often perceived abroad as sheep with little objective reasoning capabilities. Hiding behind military posturing is symptomatic of this.

Failing further disasters, the pendulum will swing slowly back to a liberalised and decadent majority :) and we will likely see increased opposition to a candidate of Petraeus' background.
It remains to be seen however if American laws have curtailed freedoms beyond the point of no return yet. Perhaps a military ascension is already assured.

Opinion :0) - don't stress

Answer 5

War heroes that became president follow certain trends. The biggest one (and Petreaus' downfall) is that the war hero has to be successful and win the war. The only way that he will have a chance would be if there is a big turn in Iraq along with a change in public sentiment about the war.

Answer 6

Doubt it, The United States hasn't had a career military man as president since Eisenhower. The stock of a life long military man has plummeted since WWII. All we have elected ever since is life long politicians. Although many served in the military to some degree, they weren't lifers.

PS. My sentiment is, thats what we need, life long politicians is the problem with the system now.

Answer 7

Probably not. With what a presidential candidate has to go through in the campaign process, it's a wonder anyone wants to run for president.

Answer 8

Patreaus was supposed to organize the Iraqi army, he failed. He was in charge of the 90,000 weapons that are now missing. He is parroting the party line and faking the numbers. So yes, he would make an Ideal Republican.

Answer 9

The General is merely pub-smear for the Pentagons Agenda.

Answer 10

I don't know but I wish Colin Powell were running in 08.

Answer 11

Nope. Name one General from Vietnam that went on to the Presidency. These are clearly different wars with different public sentiment.