General James Mattis 2016

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

I respect that

Definitely consider that an officer of Mattis's rank has to deal regularly with foreign leaders....a four-star officer is as much a diplomat as he is a commander. Requires a certain amount of polish. And the hours and efforts extended daily clearly match or exceed those of a presidential campaign

Well, I certainly admire his military, scholary and diplomatic record, but I'd like to know more about his positions on domestic policy before considering him as a candidate for President.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

I've never been a fan of the "soldier-statesman" concept. It kind of rubs against the democratic, liberal notion that the military is meant to serve and protect the civilian society rather than control the civilian society, as often happens in countries where heads of state emerge from the military.

Well, he's no longer in active service, so opposing him solely on the basis he is a retired General would be undemocratic as well.