Midshipmen at the Naval Academy don't learn how to win wars. It is a general education that covers those topics found in civilian programs, plus a little extra for basic naval skills to make the transition to a sea-going job a little easier. Consider this: after four years of education at the Naval Academy, a submariner officer still must go through 14 months of training, followed by 12 months of qualifiying before becoming "warfare qualified". Twenty-six months before he is allowed to stand Deck on his own. [Deck, or Officer of the Deck (OOD) is the man in charge of the ship at sea for his watch, he makes many of the calls as to what the ship should do, deferring to the CO whenever he wants control. Of course, COs have lots of written orders specific to his ship which the OOD is to follow, and a good number of orders which require the OOD to call the CO such that he is at least aware of any particular situation. The OOD isn't free to do as he pleases, that right is reserved for the CO (and even he isn't completely free), but he has sufficient responsibility that he could direct action which could easily lead as far as loss of the ship].

And here's the thing, a warfare qualified officer hasn't necessarily mastered the tactical employment of the ship, let alone the bigger strategic picture.

I won't define what it takes to win any particular war. It should be relatively evident that there was, and remains, a great deal of disagreement as to our particular situation from many well informed people. The biggest problem I find is that neither side really listens to the other and both sides don't want to concede to reach a middle ground (when we reach that point, IMHO, we'll still find we're on the wrong course).

My opinions of McCain have varied throughout the years. I've seen great things and I've been disappointed. His military career had high and low points too. Unlike many politicians, there is a good deal written on his history. Read those books and his biographies if you haven't. I'm unfamiliar with what is written on the Net.

I don't see McCain as Bush in really any regard. McCain not only fought in Vietnam, but volunteered to go to the most depleted squadron on the Oriskany after the fire on the Forrestall.

He was given the chance to leave early, but after struggling with his decision, chose to remain. He admits his comments made while in captivity, and even though they followed torture he expresses what I feel is genuine regret for those comments. He admitted his affair (his reaction at the time I don't know, I wasn't paying attention to such things at that time) without arguing over the definition of words. He has broken ranks to promote legislation unpopular with his party.

McCain should have been the republicans choice 8 years ago. Was he perfect then? No, but he didn't ignore the mistakes he made either.