I understand how the definitions of the civilian authority, operational command and tactical command map to the situation under discussion, something you appear to be ignoring or unaware of.
Your assertion is what? That the President needs to be looking over the shoulder of the Operational Commander so he can play arm-chair general ? The President's ass is on the line whether he's sitting in the Operational Command Center or not.
It's the President's job to make the DECISION to green light the military operation, we would hope that he makes that DECISION based on a good understanding of the risks and challenges involved but that isn't what we're talking about here, we're talking about what we want him to be doing once the green light has been given and the last thing anybody wants is the President tugging at the Operational Commander's shirt sleeves, it's a "we'll call you if we need you Mr. President" situation.
Stop and think for a moment, if you were the Operational Commander would you want the President looking over your shoulder during an operation like this one? I know I wouldn't , all I would want to know is that he was available to pick up the phone if I needed to call him to make a decision that is one the civilian authority has the sole authority to make.
That's where you lose it. Obama is "Commander In Chief". Do you. Understand what that entails?
Yes, I've already explained what that responsibility is in what I believe is sufficient detail , is there something you require clarification on?
We both understand that we're talking about enormous geographical separation as well as decision making authority between tactical command, operational command and the civilian authority, right? What scenario do you envision that the President is going to be required to make a snap decision based on real-time tactical information (that he's not even going to be able to grasp fully) ? The case you and others are trying to make (in order to score petty partisan political points) is that the President was completely disconnected from the operational realities in this case which is a baseless (and frankly ludicrous) assumption. I realize he has demonstrated repeatedly that he is less than competent but what you're attempting to assert that he's a complete and utter MORON, he'd have to be not to understand that if the mission went awry it would be a pretty safe bet that his re-election chances were somewhere south of NIL.
The rational assumption in the absence of facts to the contrary is that the President was advised by the chain of command (which includes Secretary of Defense) and his own staff that his presence was neither required nor conducive to operational success. Now you can second guess EVERY ONE of those people without knowing all the facts but personally I think it's foolish.
Yes there is and that's what I'm trying to point out to you, leadership doesn't require hanging over the shoulder of those that you lead once you've given them their marching orders, one of the key components of leadership is the ability to delegate authority properly.
It assures those who you lead that you are competent. Without that there is a lack of respect that develops.
I think it's a pretty safe bet that had already been established with respect to President Obama's leadership long before this mission took place. It's also a pretty safe bet that honorable commanders aren't about to let the public know their personal feelings on the subject.
My bet is his own people talk about him behind his back. It's inevitable.
Speculation on your part ....