re: Why is being a veteran such a big deal for candidates

For those who don't abuse it, it's a big deal.

For those who are veterans that embellish and/or (worse) LIE about service, it makes their lies that much worse.

Example: Dickhead Blumenthal is a piece of shite even though he's a veteran.

Example 2: I respect the fact that Tammy Duckworth is a veteran, but that doesn't exempt her from criticism about her stupid political views.