Does Military Matter?

What sort of disadvantage does Barack have considering his lack of military experience? Consider some findings from the nonpartisan Pew Research Center:

• Americans' low esteem for the federal government doesn't extend to the military. A May survey found support for the federal government the lowest in at least a decade -- 37% -- with President George W. Bush's favorability at only 27%. But the survey indicated a favorability rating of 84% for the military.

Of course, it's hard to know what that means. People don't like to say bad things about the military, even though they may have negative feelings.

• In a February 2007 survey, military service topped a list of presidential-candidate traits that would make Americans more likely to support someone. About 48% said they would be more likely to support a candidate with military service; 3% said they'd be less likely to do so.

Nothing overwhelming there, but clearly an advantage for McCain. The answer lies in numbers that don't exist, I expect. How much value do people put on military service in a commander in chief in times of war? These underlying numbers don't bode well for Barack:

Ninety percent thought the word "patriotic" described McCain, while 61% thought it fit Obama. Seventy-one percent said "tough" fit McCain, but only 49% applied it to Obama.

Important for Barack is whether he can still sell hope as an alternative to fear.

Obama did better with "inspiring," 66% to 39% for McCain.