Political Theater

Note the bizarre logic of John Hood who on the one says that by speaking in front of a military audience who would be disciplined, the president avoided the appearance of "political theater." On the other hand, "the choice put the president in the same shot as the armed forces he commands, thus visually combating the impression -- fueled by selective media reporting -- that there is significant military disaffection about the war in Iraq. That's not true, as folks on the ground will tell you, but specific refutation could look like an attempt to politicize the military."

He can't have it both ways. If the soldiers are so disciplined that they can withold their approval, surely they might also be disciplined enough that they can also withhold their disapproval as well; especially when you consider the fact that showing disapproval could lead to serious consequences.