The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff spoke with Jim Lehrer on last night's News Hour. He reinforced much of what Obama has long been saying -- as well as what Obama said yesterday about the need to factor recommendations from military leaders into a larger strategic vision.

Admiral Mike Mullen repeatedly took pains to indicate that his military perspective is an expression of his role as a facilitator of President Bush's stated mission. "Right now I'm working for the current commander in chief."

Key points:

1) The situation in Afghanistan is "precarious and urgent."

2) We need three additional brigades there.

3) Our commitment in Iraq has not allowed us to put the necessary troops in Afghanistan.

4) The existing Bush mission treats Afghanistan as a lower priority than Iraq (a prioritizing that McCain so far has supported).

5) The job of military leaders is to focus on carrying out missions set by civilian leadership -- not to argue strategic priorities.

6) Mullen would have no trouble or hesitation executing a new mission by a new commander in chief.