This is an article that was on the front page of the AJC Sunday edition.
Presidential historian Doug Brinkley said the throughout American history, presidential contenders boasting military backgrounds have soared in popularity, especially during or after a period of conflict or global tension.
Every president from Harry Turman to the elder George Bush served in the armed forces. But since the Cold war ended, Americans have opted twice for Bill Clinton and once for George W. Bush, who served in a Texas National Guard unit, over opponents who were combat veterans.
The article goes on to say that the veterans account for 23% of american voters.
Anybody now wonder why that WSJ op-ed was put out?
Here's the link to the entire article:
http://www.ajc.com/sunday/content/epaper/editions/sunday/news_043135af966e32ba0010.html