Best Defense

Thomas E. Ricks' daily take on national security.

If Americans took their military as seriously as they do their football…

…They’d understand why generals, like prominent university coaches, should not endorse political candidates. The coach at Kansas State had to be reminded of this. Keeper quote, from the president of Kansas State: "As we get closer to election day, I’ve been getting some questions about university political activities. I just want to remind everyone that ...

via Wesley Fryer/flickr
via Wesley Fryer/flickr
via Wesley Fryer/flickr

...They'd understand why generals, like prominent university coaches, should not endorse political candidates. The coach at Kansas State had to be reminded of this.

…They’d understand why generals, like prominent university coaches, should not endorse political candidates. The coach at Kansas State had to be reminded of this.

Keeper quote, from the president of Kansas State: "As we get closer to election day, I’ve been getting some questions about university political activities. I just want to remind everyone that Kansas State University does not endorse political candidates, and employees do not speak for the university when they endorse candidates. Employees should also avoid using their university-affiliation in any endorsements or statements."

Perhaps the Joint Chiefs could consider issuing a similarly clear statement.

Thomas E. Ricks covered the U.S. military from 1991 to 2008 for the Wall Street Journal and then the Washington Post. He can be reached at ricksblogcomment@gmail.com. Twitter: @tomricks1

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