Well, since most of the troops who've gone to war in Iraq are not
"enlisted men and veterans" I'd venture a guess that Bush will lose big
time among active troops.

70% of the troops are enlisted and when the come back from Iraq they are
veterans.

Second, I'd also venture a guess that veterans would probably cotton to
Kerry before Bush. Kerry went to war and fought gallantly while Bush
enjoyed his exclusive status as a political scion.

Why would veterans "cotton" to Kerry?

I expect most veterans can feel that in their bones.

Huh?