October 14, 2020

As election nears, Pentagon leaders’ goal of staying out of elections is tested

Featuring ​Jim Golby

Source: The Washington Post

Journalist Missy Ryan

Pentagon leaders faced renewed challenges in their attempt to steer clear of divisive election politics this week, as events during the final sprint toward the Nov. 3 polls underscore the potential for the military to be thrust once more into the partisan fray.

The issues included a new online campaign ad featuring President Trump in the White House Situation Room flanked by Army Gen. Mark A. Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff — in defiance of norms excluding uniformed leaders from campaign material — and criticism from Democratic lawmakers highlighting Defense Secretary Mark T. Esper’s handling of concerns about possible military involvement in a disputed election.

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Authors

  • ​Jim Golby

    Adjunct Senior Fellow, Military, Veterans, and Society Program, Clements Center for National Security, The University of Texas at Austin

    Jim Golby is a Senior Fellow at the Clements Center for National Security at The University of Texas at Austin and a Lecturer in the Department of Government. Jim is also the ...