[xzins]

After McChrystal’s ouster there’s no doubt that he’s a political appointee. Two things prove it:

First, there’s no way that Mathis has permission to tell Petraeus how to conduct a war. That would be like having me instruct LeBron James on how to play basketball. He’ll be told to keep hands off and just do the paperwork.

Second, he’s Obama’s choice.

[STARWISE]

We shall see ..

[Recon Dad]

Second, he’s Obama’s choice.

The Zero made a big mistake.

[Recon Dad]

Second, he’s Obama’s choice.

The Zero made a big mistake.

[Virginia Ridgerunner]

Second, he’s Obama’s choice.

No, he's Gates' choice. Obama just wants somebody to save the CENTCOM situation and thereby save his butt politically. Mattis has no love for Obama, but he loves his troops more than he despises the CoC, and that's why he took the job.