generals, but what about this surprise visit the president took to iraq when he visited the troops for the first time? it's been criticized for a trip that politicized the military. what do you think, chris? >> i'm glad he went, it was long overdue. but take one of these trips to visit the troops is about the easiest thing you can do. you go up there, read remarks honoring troops for their service, take some photos and fly out. the fact that they couldn't execute this simple process i think is troubling on so many levels. on a broader issue, this constant politicization of the military, which has continued from day one of this administration, is troubling. the military is there to serve the commander in chief. they're there to serve the american people. they're not there to participate in a campaign rally. they're not there to be part of a speech denigrating democrats on capitol hill. >> rick, what about you? do you think the criticism is overblown? is the president right to feel like he was under attack? >> look, 90% of life is showing up.