Contrast in Leadership and Character

President Obama recently took a "victory lap" on the one-year anniversary of the military operation that killed Osama bin Laden. The president's supporters hailed it as an example of courageous leadership.

It was portrayed as an especially courageous decision because there was no guarantee the operation would succeed; remember the failed Iran hostage rescue mission of the Carter Administration.

So, just in case it failed, the Obama Administration took certain steps. According to former Attorney General Michael Mukasey in an article published in the Wall Street Journal, a memo was prepared blaming a general for the mission's failure.

That was a highly lawyered memo (designed to protect the president politically)... I think there's going to be more that's going to be tumbling out about that escapade but so far that memo is enough.

Of course, when the mission succeeded, Obama took full credit.

Contrast this with the actions of Dwight Eisenhower who faced a similar situation in 1944 as supreme commander of Allied forces. It was called D-Day, the Normandy Invasion to liberate Europe from Nazi tyranny.

Eisenhower also knew there was a very real possibility that the invasion would fail, costing the lives of thousands of American, British and Canadian soldiers and setting the Allied cause back months and even years. So, Eisenhower also prepared a memo in case the invasion failed.

My decision to attack at this time and place was based upon the best information available. The troops, the air and the Navy did all that bravery and devotion to duty could do. If any blame attaches to the attempt it is mine alone.

When the invasion succeeded, Eisenhower also made a statement concerning who was responsible.

One week ago this morning there was established through your coordinated efforts our first foothold in northwestern Europe. High as was my preinvasion confidence in your courage, skill and effectiveness ... your accomplishments ... have exceeded my brightest hopes. ... I truly congratulate you upon a brilliantly successful beginning. ... Liberty loving people everywhere would today like to join me in saying to you, 'I am proud of you.'

And herein is the difference in leadership and character between a true hero and someone who merely pretends.