President-elect Barack Obama has decided to retain the Bush administration's secretary of Defense, Robert Gates, in his current position

[Terminator]

President-elect Barack Obama has decided to retain the Bush administration's secretary of Defense, Robert Gates, in his current position, at least for a year.
According to a report just posted on FoxNews.com, Gates' reappointment as Defense secretary will come next week as part of the overall announcements of Obama's national security team, presumably including Sen. Hillary Clinton as secretary of State.
And retired Marine Gen. Jim Jones as national security adviser.
Although Gates is a registered independent, he has served several Republican administrations, and keeping him would fulfill, at least partially, an Obama pledge to construct a bipartisan administration.
Such a move, if confirmed, could also incite the Democratic left, which had based much of its support on Obama's slowly melting pledge to withdraw American combat troops within 16 months and start immediately.
Gates has been a loyal steward of the surge, which during the political season Obama long appeared reluctant to admit was a success.
Gates was appointed by President Bush to replace Donald Rumsfeld after the 2006 congressional elections that proved disastrous for Republicans. He's refused to comment on the new cabinet speculation.
Gates and Obama also disagree, at least on paper, over the need for a European missile defense system now, with Obama saying he wants the technology to be more proven before any installation talk.



Thoughts?

[Jenna]

[MacLean]

Team of rivals my fucking ass, Ms. Sheep.

He keeps a Sec Def in the middle of a war, rather than replacing him with someone who would have to learn everything and would get zero cooperation.

In a year, he's fired... er, asked for his resignation.

Otherwise, he names some libtard as a Sec Def, which alienates the armed forces, who basically hinder and delay and drag their feet.

Team of rivals - HORSESHIT - this is political survival.

[ex401mp]

I agree with that one. He basically does not have a choice at this point.

[pgg]

Team of rivals my fucking ass, Ms. Sheep.

He keeps a Sec Def in the middle of a war, rather than replacing him with someone who would have to learn everything and would get zero cooperation.

In a year, he's fired... er, asked for his resignation.

Otherwise, he names some libtard as a Sec Def, which alienates the armed forces, who basically hinder and delay and drag their feet.

Team of rivals - HORSESHIT - this is political survival.

I agree

[CTR man]

Team of rivals my fucking ass, Ms. Sheep.

He keeps a Sec Def in the middle of a war, rather than replacing him with someone who would have to learn everything and would get zero cooperation.

In a year, he's fired... er, asked for his resignation.

Otherwise, he names some libtard as a Sec Def, which alienates the armed forces, who basically hinder and delay and drag their feet.

Team of rivals - HORSESHIT - this is political survival.

Who do think that libtard will be? Thoughts?