After five grueling years the ordeal of West Point ended on June 11, 1909 when Patton was commissioned as a second lieutenant of cavalry. His final class standing was number 46 out of the total of 103 who graduated. (21) If that seemed average, it was not, for had it not been for his dyslexia he undoubtedly would have graduated near the top of his class.
MacAuther graduated first and his father wore the medal of Honor.
Compare and contrast.
I think we're getting a little too far out on the analogy gangplank.
All I'm saying is that great generals sometimes have to retreat on the battlefield to win the greater war.
And Palin may "retreat" from the political front to win the greater battle.
Look at Ronald Reagan, for example. Started as a DEMOCRAT for crying out loud!