Autumn Mist

(Autumn Mist)

The German Ardennes Offensive (AUTUMN MIST) which was launched on December 16th, 1944, was the last mass effort of the Wehrmacht in World War Two. The attack has become more colloquially known as the Battle of the Bulge the offensive created a large salient, reaching almost to the Meuse River. The surprise of the attack created a crisis at General Eisenhower's headquarters at SHAEF (Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Forces) and almost caused a collapse of the whole Allied command structure.

British Field Marshal Sir Bernard Law Montgomery is perhaps the most over-rated commander of the Second World War. While some field accomplishments like El Alamein were impressive, Montgomery was never a team player and resented the fact that he had to serve under an American, from Kansas no less, and also equates him in rank to General Omar Bradley, the other Army Group Commander. When the Ardennes suddenly became active, and there was a desperate re-deployment of forces, Montgomery believed it appropriate that he determine on a new command level, superior to Bradley but perhaps still inferior to Eisenhower.

However, both President Roosevelt and Prime Minister Churchill agreed that Eisenhower was to be Supreme Commander. Montgomery was given command of the Normandy Landings and then the northern thrust as the advance proceeded across the Continent across France and into Germany. But Montgomery had to have his own show, his unique contribution that he called MARKET-GARDEN, that launched in September, was a combined airborne-armored assault that failed, spectacularly. Montgomery was already in the dog house and when he wanted that "promotion" when AUTUMN MIST was launched, he had no standing. Montgomery finished the War and did his duty but by that time, it was all but over.

In much the same way that the Field Marshal tried to super-impose himself above his American contemporaries, so who could replace President Biden ? There have been the number of candidates mentioned but does that list include the Vice President ? Ms. Harris is not generally seen as strong and polls even lower than the President himself. How then could she take a traditional role of Vice President and replace her Boss if the time came ?

Between Hunter Biden's tax charges and President Joe Biden possible impeachment, Where does Kamala Harris fit into this drama ? She cannot be discarded because the Party thinks it might have a better alternative because that could affect the black vote. Ms. Harris is little more than a potted plant at this point and she cannot be in a position to take the Oval Office. The question, how much noise she will make on her own way out ?