Today's pop quiz in History

[grouchy]

What do Bill Clinton, Mitt Romney, Barack Obama and Donald Trump have in common?

[Ric]

Um, I dunno?

[grouchy]

Um, I dunno?

Thanks for answering. I really like seeing you on here.

[Sangersteve]

Dang it Ric got my answer

[grouchy]

Dang it Ric got my answer

Well......

[planosteve]

They all ran for president.

[jellowrestling]

I was thinking along the lines of "a joker, a smoker, and a midnight toker" plus one who speaks of the pompatus of love, but I don't think Mitt smokes (eta: but I hear Mitt does a mean brisket, so... what do I win?).

[grouchy]

After thinking about the question I decided that Barack Obama should not have been included. Maybe that will make it easier.

[BigTex]

After thinking about the question I decided that Barack Obama should not have been included. Maybe that will make it easier.

In that case - they are all white.

[grouchy]

The all avoided serving in the military.

[planosteve]

The all avoided serving in the military.

You forgot old bone spurs.

[BigTex]

Well, in some respect Obama also avoided serving in the military. I'll bet they had some recruiting offices in Chicago, New York and Boston. All he had to do was walk in and sign up.

[grouchy]

The all avoided serving in the military.

You forgot old bone spurs.

Bone spurs were easily removable.

[planosteve]

The all avoided serving in the military.

You forgot old bone spurs.

Bone spurs were easily removable.

Not if you don't have any.

[grouchy]

None of those fellows wanted to serve in the military and used loopholes to avoid doing so. That was their right. It bothers me that they wanted the position of Commander of our military.

[BigTex]

I put Bill Clinton in a special class because he used connections to GET INTO the Army ROTC unit at Arkansas. When it looked like he would not have to worry about being drafted he sent his infamous letter saying that he wasn't going to fulfill that obligation and anyway he was more comfortable around people who loathed the military. Or words to that effect.

[GRANDPA]

So what? Since when is military service a requirement for any elective office? I'm a veteran, & my service doesn't make me specially qualified. I know one or two veterans who shouldn't even be elected as dog catchers.

[GFB]

So what? Since when is military service a requirement for any elective office? I'm a veteran, & my service doesn't make me specially qualified. I know one or two veterans who shouldn't even be elected as dog catchers.

Ditto!

[grouchy]

So what? Since when is military service a requirement for any elective office? I'm a veteran, & my service doesn't make me specially qualified. I know one or two veterans who shouldn't even be elected as dog catchers.

Ok. It is your choice.

[jellowrestling]

So what? Since when is military service a requirement for any elective office? I'm a veteran, & my service doesn't make me specially qualified. I know one or two veterans who shouldn't even be elected as dog catchers.

WWII was a conflict where the nation's survival was in immediate and immense peril. I think that colored the perception of at least a couple of generations of Americans about military service and public office. When I was a kid, I think the majority of politicians were veterans. That has changed dramatically.