Comments on: Rumsfeld Steps Down; Gates To Succeed Him

Bush: Defense Secretary To Be Replaced By Ex-CIA Chief

[frb01]

This is the first step in legacy building for GWB, but if it rights things in Iraq, then he finally got the message. The interesting thing is what happens next, doe *** Cheney suddenly get a doctors recommendation that his heart problems are too much. Someone is going to get the nod from the Bush camp for 2008, it remains to be seen who, but in their plan cleaning up the Iraq mess suddenly became very important this week.

Claiming to know nothing about the Iran-contra scandal worked for Ronald Reagan and Oliver North.

[pakaal]

Sure, people who like him, like him. The commission testimony broke two ways - those who believed he had no knowledge of the Iran-Contra affair, and those who believed he did. Maybe I should give him the benefit of the doubt, since he wasn't convicted. I'm holding firm, though, that trying to make it seem like Gates has a "new perspective" is misleading. He's been in politics for a very long time, very deeply.

in Regards to the Iran-Contra issue People testifying on behalf of Gates had to be careful to speak highly of him, and to make it clear that he is well-respected. For example, Alan Fiers, Jr., former head of the CIA's Latin American operations, testified that former CIA-director Bob Casey "had high regard for Bob Gates' abilities, he thought he was the best manager for the Agency." Because Casey is conveniently dead, we'll have to take Fiers' word on this one

[pakaal]

ncolsens, you're right - unlike Poindexter and Oliver North, who were convicted (then pardoned by Reagan), Gates was never convicted. I just think that when the President says "we need a new perspective" the last person he'd pick is an ex-CIA official who's been in government for a quarter of a century. What's so new about more of the same?

LOL @ pakaal

[pakaal]

You have to hand it to the Republicans like laurieleemoo, already gloating about the 2008 election wins when they just had their butts handed to them by the American public. But, I suppose especially for idealogues, hope springs eternal.

I agree pakaal 100% with you, he was investigated by no one felt it was worth the time in the Iran-Contra scandal

[pakaal]

"Gates to succeed Rumsfeld" isn't a very accurate headline IMO. He has been NOMINATED to succeed Rumsfeld, but the appointment has to be confirmed by the Senate Armed Forces Committee and then the full Senate. Gates isn't in yet by a long shot, and if the Democrats are looking for change in government policy they could do a lot better than someone implicated in the Iran-Contra scandal.

marcodele...someone promised you $300.00?

[marcodele]

What did the Democrats win? A two trillion dollar deficit, loan payments to every major country, and a bloody quagmire in the middle east. The damage is done. An election cannot change that. I just hope some voters learn that when someone promises to send you a check for $300 if you vote for them, they remember who paid what prices for that greed.

I am retired Air Force and was always a Rep., but only I guess because of the pay raises we got from the GOP, however this B.S. in Southwest Asia has gone on long enough, we were told in June 1991 while in the middle east that we would all be going home. That never happened, they just keep calling this war by differant "Operations" to stay a little longer. Don't ya think 16 years is long enough. They have been fighting amongst themselves over there for the 1000 years and most likely will for another 1000, it's their way of life. Let them have it so we can go home

[kwlambi]

lariel, ur an idiot, in 1968 the dems gave up vietnam to the GOP, what kind of crack r u on?

I could careles if the Democrats fall on their face, we wanted Rummy out and he is out, 'nuff said

[laurieleemoo]

i hate to tell the democrats, but they are being set up for failure, all over the place. Yes, Rumsfeld is resigning and now all President Bush needs to do is say to the Democrats, "okay--I will let you lead ME in the war in Iraq now---you call the shots---its now in your hands ---its all yours if you want it so bad" Then you will see the Democrats all huddling together trying to figure out 'what to do now'? Now, the weight is off the Republican's shoulders and its all weighing very heavily on the democrats. This is gonna be funny to sit back and watch the Democrats commit political suicide ha! ha! ha! ha! ha! Democrats think they are so smart and have all the answers------well, I'm waiting and watching along with the rest of the world. If you ask me---this is a BLESSING IN DISGUISE for the REPUBLICANS! By 2008-----americans will be disgusted with the liberal democrats and once they fail on this issue---after all their complaints---well, I'm pretty sure after all their BIG TALK---it will be the last time you see Democrats control the House or the Senate.
ha! ha! ha! ha! ha! You will so be knocked off that little pedestal you all have put yourselves way high up on. ha! ha! ha! ha! ha! ha! This is going to be SO GREAT to watch!!!!

[olebd]

I guess Rummy will have to settle for X-Box war games now.

[kwlambi]

well this lady from Calif said W? get rid of RUmmy, now she needs to say get rid of the Hunter... George will listen...

[olebd]

Buh-bye, Rummy.....mmmm-buh-bye now.

If you like conspiracy theories, go nuts now A couple of weeks ago I found out the bizarre fact that Texas A&M University is building a campus in Qatar, where the U.S. has recently moved some military operations that used to be based in Saudi Arabia. Hmmm the president of Texas A&M is none other than Robert Gates, former head of the CIA (under Bush the Elder).
I might find this truly ominous if the dominant people in the Bush II administration didn't seem to loathe Bush I. Nevertheless, it does seem worth noting....

[clestes-2009]

Well, let the fun and games begin. The nomination of Gates and getting his approval through the Senate is going to be a good test of how much gw is going to be willing to "work with the democrats". He is a long time Bushie and of the same ilk as Rumsfeld.

Also, John Bolton's (another Bushie) reign at the UN ends in Jan unless he is confirmed. So watching how these 2 confirmations come out is going to tell us a LOT about how flexible Dubya is going to be.

I'll bet here and now that gw isn't going to back down a bit. He is going to kick and scream and get red in the face and pout and say that he wants what he wants now and by God he'd better get it. It is going to be a real eye opener. Then when the Dem say no, you must nominate people more acceptable to the UN and to us, he will drag his feet, accuse the democrats of play partisan politics and the world is going to shake its head in wonder. Finally he will come up with more acceptable nominations, but he won't make it easy on anyone.

I can't wait.