Democrats like their Generals docile, unless of course those Generals are voicing disagreement with Bush policies (see McCaffery, Barry, et al).
Democrats think that Generals should enjoy limitless tenure, provided they were appointed by Bill Clinton and disagree with Don Rumsfeld's vision (see Shinseki, Eric).
Democrats think that a man's history of military service puts him above reproach and criticism (see Kerry, John F.), unless he is implementing a strategy to carry out a George W. Bush policy (see Petraeus, David, aka "General Betray-Us," see also Clinton, Senator Hillary R. "willing suspension of disbelief").
Democrats believe that any General's wisdom on matters military is always superior to that of the Commander in Chief (see Clark, Wesley), unless that General disagrees with CIC Obama (see McCrystal, Stanley).
Once you understand these simple axioms you won't be so confused when you watch the news.