Gates maintainig his position does not settle well with me....

[and-justice-for-all]

he needs to be replaced and I hope he still gets replaced mid to late 09. Wes Clark would be a major step forward and an excellent choice for that position.

I do not care much for lingering Shrub repukes, they are dead weight and lack any progressive/forward thinking and are dangerous. They are the hinderers and the destroyers.

[TheWraith]

1. Wes Clark can't be defense secretary until May of 2010. nt

[democrattotheend]

4. How come? What's magic about May 2010?

[Danger Mouse]

5. He hasn't been out of the military for 10 years yet.

[and-justice-for-all]

8. Drat!! nt

[TheWraith]

19. Bingo.

He retired May 2000, and the law says you can't have been active military for 10 years in order to be SecDef.

[democrattotheend]

21. Got it, thanks

I didn't know that...any idea why that's the law?

[Unsane]

2. I'm still confused as to why Dick Danzig couldn't be appointed.

[Alter Ego]

12. Only if they can play "Mother" every time he enters a room.

[Unsane]

16. ROFLMAO

I prefer the 'Mother '93' live version.

[a la izquierda]

18. And I'd prefer "Horror Business"

That would be wicked. That pretty much sums up the business of war anyway.

[Sarah Ibarruri]

3. Maybe Obama is wanting a smooth transition and once done...

... he will dropkick these Repukes and replace them. While I think he wants peace and people working together, I don't think his presidency is going to be a right wing one. We've had that for decades and look where it's brought us. To a miserable national bankruptcy.

[Mid_FL_voter]

6. A smooth transition is critical at this time.

I might not have said this six months ago, but I think that Gates is the right choice at this time. Obama will still be the Commander in Chief. That changes everything.

Gates seems like a very knowledgeable, pragmatic type and that is what I personally want to see in leadership positions. He can be replaced quite soon, as the times and Obama dictate.

[Captain Hilts]

7. Gates is not at all a toadie for Prez. Bush nt

[DCBob]

9. It settles with me. I suspect Gates will implement Obama's policies. That is his job.

Also, continuity is important in that position.

[LostinVA]

10. I don't like it either -- I hope he's just a "seat filler" for a few months

That's what I'm THINKING will happen. I hope so, anyway!

[BeFree]

11. So

Use Gates' appointment as a spear to hurt the MIC and help reduce the DoD budget. And end the wars.

[dkf]

13. Obama is probably leaving him in to smooth the exit of Iraq.

If that is the case, I can live with him for a bit.

[TheWraith]

20. I agree. Things will go easier if the SecDef isn't trying to figure out where the pen are kept.

And it's not like Gates is Rumsfeld or somebody who'd fight tooth and nail to keep the war going.

[Marrah_G]

14. I think Obama is just doing it to transition smoothly.

On the other hand, I believe Gates is an independent and may turn out to be an amazing asset under Obama's leadership.

I am going to take a watch and wait attitude on Gates.

[bdamomma]

15. yes, and who is to say that Gates will even stay on for intended

period.

[Shiver]

17. I've actually heard from quite a few sources...

...that he';s only being kept on for a year or so. Which would bring us to 2010, when Wes Clark is eligible...

[FrenchieCat]

22. I can see why Obama keeps Gates till later......looks like Gates started his assigment early.

AP-- Gates: Military looks to accelerate Iraq pullout

WASHINGTON - Defense Secretary Robert Gates signaled a willingness Tuesday to forge ahead with two key priorities for the incoming Obama administration: accelerating the U.S. withdrawal from Iraq and shutting down the Guantanamo Bay detention center.

As the only Republican Cabinet member asked to stay on by President-elect Barack Obama, Gates told reporters that military commanders are looking at ways to more quickly pull troops out of Iraq in light of the 16-month timetable that was a centerpiece of the Democrat's campaign.

He also said it will be a high priority to work with the new Congress on legislation that will enable the U.S. to close the detention center at the U.S. naval base in Cuba, where about 250 terrorism suspects are still being held.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28022197

[damonm]

23. Not a problem for me...

Anybody who decries the "creeping militarism" of US foreign policy, prefers diplomacy in dealing with Iran, etc. is someone I can live with at SecDef, even if I would prefer Hagel or Clark.
I trust Obama's judgement until he proves I can't.

[DevonRex]

24. Gates follows orders. He followed

Bush's orders, yet managed to do some good things. He will follow Obama's orders, too, and will make the transition a smooth one.