Yes, Liza! I heard Doris Kearns Goodwin on NPR this summer about her Lincoln history, Team of Rivals

These men, all accomplished, nationally known, and presidential, originally disdained Lincoln for his backwoods upbringing and lack of experience, and were shocked and humiliated at losing to this relatively obscure Illinois lawyer. Yet Lincoln not only convinced them to join his administration--Seward as secretary of state, Chase as secretary of the treasury, and Bates as attorney general--he ultimately gained their admiration and respect as well.

How he soothed egos, turned rivals into allies, and dealt with many challenges to his leadership, all for the sake of the greater good, is largely what Goodwin's fine book is about. Had he not possessed the wisdom and confidence to select and work with the best people, she argues, he could not have led the nation through one of its darkest periods.">

Obviously here are more critical leadership skills than "war" and maybe we ought to honor, reward and follow politicians with Lincoln's attributes regardless of military service. I think it's fair to say neither Kerry NOR Bush excels at overcoming the shortcomings of their upbringing, soothing egos to turn rivals into allies, listening to wise counsel with whom they personally disagree, and dealing as effective leaders with challenges for the greater good.