What do bracelets have to do with the military?

As the days pass by, the countdown continues to November 4th - presidential election day.  In this election, perhaps more than in others past, current affairs of the U.S. military play a large role in how voters will cast their ballots.  With the Iraq War still at the forefront of many American's minds, presidential candidates John McCain and Barack Obama weigh in on how they would approach the task of directing the military as commander in chief.

In the first presidential debate, each candidate made a point to explain the meaning of the bracelet he was wearing.  Both bracelets were from military mothers but the message each candidate took away was extremely different.  McCain's message was simple: the troops want to win, we must let them win.  Obama's message was equally simple: we must stop the needless death of our troops, we must bring them home.

When both candidates bring such a personal issue as this to light in a highly publicized debate, one can only wonder what each man is really trying to say.  What do they have to say about the military?  Or what does their approach to the military say about them?

In an early presidential campaign ad, McCain's military service is highlighted as a reflection on his character.  The ad is packed with heuristics that scream strong, courageous, enduring masculinity, right down to the light blue shirts and ties that McCain wears.  He even mentions that he wasn't the best student at the naval academy.  It is easy to identify with him in this ad.  Voters think, "This is a man who has my back."  Are these cues meant to speak to the inner assumptions Americans have regarding those who serve their country?

Obama's approach is extremely different.  Having based much of his campaign on his opposition to the war in Iraq, Obama is more a fan of the judicious and tempered use of the military.  But what can he do to align himself with those in the military?  Having grown up abroad, Obama cannot even play up an image of a home-grown, corn-fed, all-American boy.  As a gesture to military families, Michelle Obama travels the nation to speak with military wives.  But will this be enough to combat McCain's robust image?  Can Obama present himself in a way that speaks to American's heuristics and also inspire faith in his military prowess?