The Political Divide in the American Military: Will Veterans Support Donald Trump?
Recent political trends and events have sparked a debate over the support of veterans and active-duty officers for Donald Trump. Exit polls suggest that approximately 90% of voters might align with him, though it's noteworthy that no current polls exist for these groups. Nonetheless, it is reasonable to speculate that roughly half of them would support him.
A Microcosm of American Society: The Military Community
The military community, much like American society in general, is divided along political lines. While some unequivocally support Trump, a significant portion despises him. It's a common misconception that the military is overly conservative, but personal experiences as a former NCO and officer indicate a more nuanced view. The military community is a diverse group with a variety of political leanings.
Support and Criticism
Those who support Donald Trump often believe that he offers stronger leadership for the military. However, there is a specific segment of the military community that would never countenance his candidacy. This includes individuals who:
Think one can get more military training in a $35,000/year glorified summer camp than in the actual military. Support draft dodgers, shirkers, and those who avoided duty during wartime with multiple deferments. Judicially accept disrespect and belittling of the service and sacrifices of fallen heroes, POWs, veterans, and their families. Would vote for a narcissistic, entitled, and egotistical individual lacking moral fiber, a compass, a sense of duty, and honor.This group, which includes some in the military, would find Trump's candidacy more palatable than others. However, it is important to recognize that not all military members fall into these categories.
The Impact of Recent Events
Donald Trump's recent actions have alienated a significant portion of the military, which historically has been a reliable Republican voting block. For instance, his attacks on a Gold Star family and questioning the authenticity of their words have had a detrimental effect. While his lead stood at 54 to 25% in the May 2016 Military Times poll, Morning Consult's May poll showed a closer margin of 47% to 38% for Trump over Clinton among veterans, with about 14% undecided.
His most recent gaffe, suggesting that a grieving mother who lost her son in battle was not speaking due to oppression rather than grief, further damaged his reputation. Questions about the effectiveness of nuclear weapons and attacks on John McCain's bravery from his time in Vietnam also weakened his standing.
The consequences of these incidents are significant. Trump's presidential campaign is faltering more quickly than a soggy ice cream cone with a hole in the bottom. He lost the support of minorities and is now also losing the military, which has traditionally been a key Republican constituency.
Conclusion: The political climate in the military is changing, and it is clear that the actions of presidential candidates can have a profound impact on their voter base. Trump's recent actions have significantly damaged his standing among veterans, and the future of his candidacy appears increasingly uncertain.