POST WATCH, PART III

In Stopping At Nothing To Win, David Ignatius continues to beat the discredited “Palin is too inexperienced” drum by blaming John McCain:

In the military culture that shaped John McCain, there is no more important responsibility than the promotion boards that select the right officers for top positions of command. It's a sacred trust in McCain's world, because people's lives are at stake.

McCain wrote in his memoir of the officer's responsibility for those who serve under him: "He does not risk their lives and welfare for his sake, but only to answer the shared duty they are called to answer."

McCain made the most important command decision of his life when he chose Sarah Palin as his vice presidential nominee. Two weeks later, it is still puzzling that he selected a person who, for all her admirable qualities, is not prepared by experience or interest to be commander in chief. No promotion board in history would have made such a decision.

Uh, David, military promotion boards, like the American public, are perfectly capable of recognizing talent when they see it.

GEN David Petreaus was promoted from a Brigadier General (1-star) in 1999 to General (4-star) in 2007 – a mere 8 years. That was talent, not experience.

Before he retired to become Director of National Intelligence. Mike McConnell was a Vice Admiral (3-star) in the U.S. Navy. In a speech delivered at his alma mater (Furman University), McConnell stated, “He [Colin Powell] caused me to go from Mike McConnell, brand-new one-star, to Mike McConnell, three-star...and it happened nine months after I pinned on one star.” Talent, not experience.

The American people promoted Bill Clinton from Governor of a small state to President of the United States. Talent, not experience.

The American people promoted George W. Bush from Governor of a larger state to President of the United States. Talent, not experience.

Mr. McCain recognizes talent, and the American people rightly approve his judgment.