If History Is a Guide, McChrystal Is Gone

Generals who question presidents often get the boot
Posted Jun 22, 2010 6:03 PM CDT
If History Is a Guide, McChrystal Is Gone
Gen. George McClellan (1826-1885). Not a big fan of Abe Lincoln.   (Getty Images)

If you're placing bets on whether Stanley McChrystal will be out of a job tomorrow, history suggests he'll be fired. NPR rounds up examples:

  • Abraham Lincoln: He finally had to relieve George McClellan of his duties because the general refused again and again orders to attack. McClellan also called Lincoln a "well-meaning baboon" in a letter.

  • Harry Truman: He showed the popular Douglas MacArthur the door because the general was "unable to give his wholehearted support to the policies of the United States.”
  • George Washington: He accepted the resignation of Thomas Conway after a failed attempt to oust Washington as commander-in-chief of the Army.
  • Jimmy Carter: He fired John K. Singlaub after the general criticized the decision to remove troops from the Korean peninsula.

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