Politics Toppled Pace From Joint Chiefs

Defense Secretary Gates Recommends Adm. Mike Mullen To Lead U.S. Armed Forces

(CBS/AP)  Bitter divisions over the Iraq war, particularly on Capitol Hill, led the Bush administration to change course and replace Gen. Peter Pace as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, a grim Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Friday.

Gates said that despite earlier plans to recommend Pace for a second two-year term as chairman, he instead was recommending Adm. Mike Mullen, currently chief of naval operations, to take over when Pace's term expires Sept. 30.

"I think that the events of the last several months have simply created an environment in which I think there would be a confirmation process that would not be in the best interests of the country," Gates said. "I wish it were not necessary to make a decision like this. But I think it's a realistic appraisal of where we are."

Pace is the latest casualty of the Iraq War, but he was brought down by Washington politics CBS News national security correspondent David Martin reports.

Gates said he had been told by Republican and Democratic senators that a confirmation hearing for Pace would be a "backward-looking and very contentious process."

The decision had been in the works for more than a couple of weeks, CBS News White House correspondent Mark Knoller reports.

Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., acknowledged such advice, saying he had gathered views from a broad range of senators. "I found that the views of many senators reflected my own," and confirmation would have focused on the past four years of war, he said.

It was Levin, the head of the powerful Senate Armed Services Committee who contacted the defense secretary and told him Pace’s re-appointment would be ugly, CBS News correspondent Sharyl Attkisson reports.

But on the other side of the aisle, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., also had reservations. He told Attkisson that it became obvious that Pace’s confirmation would have been used to “retry every mistake of the war at a time when we need to look forward, not backward.”

A spokesman for Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., said she, too, believed it would have been a difficult re-nomination.

"When it comes to Iraq it's not enough for President Bush to change the cast, he must also change their script," said the spokesman, Philippe Reines.

Mullen has long been eyed for a promotion, and on Friday Gates praised him as having the "vision, strategic insight and integrity to lead America's armed forces."

The announcement still seemed to surprise some senior Pentagon officials who as recently as last week were convinced there would be a second term for Pace, the first Marine to serve as chairman of the Joint Chiefs. Pace will now retire when his term is up at the end of September.

Pace's departure will put nearly an entirely new slate of leaders and military commanders in charge of the war, which is now in its fifth year and has claimed the lives of more than 3,500 U.S. troops.

And, as Martin reports, ever since Gates replaced Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld as Secretary of Defense last year, every single one of the top commanders running the war has been replaced.

Since then, the Democrats have shown an eagerness to challenge President Bush's handling of the conflict and support among Republicans has waned as well.

Democrats have used recent military confirmation hearings, including one earlier this week, to blast the administration's handling of the war.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid added that senators, "will be looking very closely at Admiral Mullen and General Cartwright's views to make sure they are committed to changing course in Iraq. Both men must be advocates for our troops, not for a failed policy."

White House spokesman Gordon Johndroe said Gates "informed the president a little over two weeks ago that consultations had not gone well (with senators) and it was his recommendation that we not go forward with the renomination of General Pace."

Gates called National Security Council Adviser Steve Hadley in Heiligendamm, Germany, Thursday night, to talk about the timing of the announcement, and on Friday Hadley informed President Bush that they were going forward. "The president had already concurred" based on the earlier talks with Gates, said Johndroe, who was traveling overseas with President Bush.

[infidel_us]

Pace out.....word to yo mutha :)

[drummer94]

UH,mr, president, the war is going badl--- NEXT!!!

[clestes-2009]

Another causulty of the Iraq war.

[briannorwood]

After six years of bumbling, poor judgement and incompetant execution, finally this guy is being held accountable.

I'm beginning to like this Gates guy. Too bad he's leading mission impossible.

[tbweb]

Gen. Peter Pace's hardcore Marine style Gay-Bashing came at a bad time when a lot of other drama was going on. I really believe that was the beginning of the end. The worst timing for that sort of thing imaginable! Semper Fi Gen. Pace.

[j_flood]

Let Bob Gates have the rest of the summer at the Pentagon, and then get him over to Justice. I've a couple of other departments he can do his good deeds at too.

Go get'em Bob!!!

[bogusbones]

10,000 appointments for the President. Gates appears to be a good one. What is that, a .001% success rate? Looks like his college grade average.

[marcodele]

"Pacie, you're doing a heck of a job."

[plmgood]

"A House divided cannot stand!" General Pace is getting what is termed, "What goes around comes around."

His religious beliefs in revealed religion, Christianity, is his downfall. An intelligent being such as our Creater, or metaphorically called "GOD," is beyond humankind's comprehension. That is how the various revealed religions have emerged in different cultures around the globe and breed terrorism of non-believers or conformists.

I am a Deist. We believe in the one true "GOD," of "reason & nature," where everythingis all laid out. Deism (http://www.deism.com) teaches there IS a God but "rejects "revelations" of the "revealed" religions but does not reject God."

General Pace's ignorance of God and the military's policy on "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," was his Achilles Heel. Now his very party is getting rid of him to "save face."

Too late. More and more Bushies are falling from grace as our Tyrannical President continues his TREASONIST ACTS AGAINST THE CONSTITUTION AND THE AMERICA PEOPLE, eventually being responsible for the downfall of the Great Empire of America.

As Ben Franklin so intelligently proclaimed, "Those who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty or safety."

The True GOD is watching! Amen

[socrates392]

Don't worry, Pacie, I'm sure Halliburton has a nice consulting job waiting for ya!

[gkc99]

This is Bushit's idea of "supporting the military"--fire any general who doesn't drink the neoncon Koolaid. It's Truman and MacArthur--reversed.

Can Lute be far behind?

[marcodele]

It will be interesting to see if Pace starts telling the truth now that he's tasted what happens if you disagree with Junior.

[jimfinster]

plmgood:

God had nothing to do with this decision. It was a purely political calculation...wise up.

[alphaa10-2009]

The American public and its congress have had enough of Iraq-- they want new policies and an end to the Bush/Cheney lies which began the war.

This accounts for the departure of Gen. Pace, and will heavily influence the actions of his successor. Whatever politicians may say, this decision marks a new political reality in Washington.

Word finally has reached Washington political circles that stalling and deceit no longer work as public policy (they never have). Even should Bush have a "Road to Damacus"-style conversion about Iraq, his days are numbered.

Too bad such an important post has to cleared by political hacks whose only concern in reelection.
Bad move.

[bareemperor]

Overheard on the Titanic - "Gotta grab me a deck chair before the music ends!"

[vinepetal904]

' ... here ya go, a multi trillion dollar defense budget: and i'll even throw in a multi billion dollar budge in my direction so i can get everybody to dance get sick soon tax the world first strike on the trail songs in your honor ... '

' ... a group of terrorists today threatened to offer to dance get well soon feed the world first aid on the trail songs on u.s. soil if the u.s. persists with dancing get sick soon tax the world first strike on the trail songs ... '

[feelfree1]

Re: "Pace Out As Joint Chiefs Chair"

This is great news!!!

Yet, another craven terrorist available to face war crimes proceedings!!!

[drummer94]

vinepetal904: You just gotta stop droppin' that acid.

[bluestardad]

THIS COULD ALSO MEAN THAT HE DID NOT AGREE WITH THE NEW UP AND COMING PLAN B SURGE THAT BUSH IS PLANNING!

[missingamerica]

You have to admit Robert Gates is a breath of fresh air after so many years of this Administration placing the welfare of this or that special interest above that of the Nation.

I'd love to give him a meter stick and point him at the rest of the Administration - and televise it - it would likely be good old-fashioned fun watching him decide who measured up and who deserved a crack on the a$$ on the way out the door.

[starleo146]

Secretary Gates is the only one in this administration that has any sense the more I see him the more I like him. Pace was Rumsfeld's man.Pace should have gone when Rumsfeld left. I said a long time ago clean up that pentagon.

[macusweil]

Homophobic readneck.. Buh-bye!! Where's a real general like Ike when ya need him!?

[why_not_nar]

Katie,
Unfortunately, you got it wrong again.
It had nothing to do with politics.
The American people are holding people accountable. Accountable for some terrible decisions.
Katie, with regard to accountability, WHEN WILL I GET MY CBS NEWS BACK? You, 15m not withstanding, are responsible for the ratings. You are responsible for CBS news. And someone forgot that being a news reporter might be a qualification.

For Rick Kaplan (if he is listening). Yes, stopping the "15 second CBS news series graphics" is good. Simplifying the show is good.

But what other anchor, makes himself/herself the show: 1. Sitting way too high 2. Special side poses 2. Then running to the "interview a guest chair"

Enough already. This is not "Romper Room". Nor is it the daily "sorority" phone line. This used to be the news made by the very best reporters in the world.

And enough mistakes. It's not about the set, not about the clothes, and not even about the anchor. It is about the news. Something Ms. Couric knows very little about. Nothing personal, but please,

GIVE ME MY CBS NEWS BACK.

And if I hear, one more sophoromoric "Oh, thank you so very much" phrase, I may be forced to write to the board of directors.

If it is her dignity, fine, she does not appear to be an 'evil' person. If the President of CBS, can not admit a mistake, find another President of CBS.

There is something important here to protect. Even more important than ratings. A TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE IN REPORTING.

[tuckerndfw]

It's a step in the right direction, but we need to replace the "commander in chief."

[jerr11]

Another convenient scapegoat for the lunatic policies of this administration.

Of course, the only one who is blameless in this whole mess is the Liar-in-Chief, our esteened President.

[johnshaft4]

How can this possibly be considered "news worthy" as compared to the tragic Paris Hilton injustice?

[tomtomasters]

Oh....Krap...the wrong guy again. Here I was thinking it was Bush getting the boot. Krap... Well someday the dream will come true... Let me shine up my boots and put some wings on the heels so I get more flight for the buck when my foot smacks Bush cleanly in the rump..out the door.

[smirk5]

George sat down to the Iraq table over 4 years ago and has lost hand over hand while playing with our chips. Now, he's just getting new cards to play with. The trend of losing with our blood and treasure goes on.

[jfinster10]

The revolving door for Chmn of Joint Chiefs in full spin, any bozo can become Chairman of the Joint Chiefs. Bush can reach out to the Democrats and appoint Sen. Barbara Boxer to replace Peter PAce.

[smirk5]

Too bad we can't fire the 51% of the voters who allowed the failure running this whole show in Iraq to keep his job.

[klifton2-2009]

It really does not matter who the hell they put in the position. It is just rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic by the Commander-in-mischief, Bush. This Bush Administration was over a long time ago, the only problem is that Bush and company simply ignore the writing on the wall or just too stupid to read. The bums should have been thrown out along with the rubbish a long time ago.

[ajmarine1]

"Gates also heaped praise on Pace, who recently celebrated his 40th year as a Marine. "He has served our country with great distinction and deserves the deepest thanks of the American people for a lifetime of service to our country and for his leadership."

Thank you for your service General.

[smirk5]

For most of this war Bush continually told us that he listened to his generals. I wonder what they're telling him as he's marching them out the door.

[tunman-2009]

General Pace,

You're a warrior not a politician, you tried to breath some sense into the situation but it feel on deaf ears. Thanks you for all your service and Semper Fi Marine, march proudly as you leave the red tape loonies to fight amongst themselves!

[cdfoxtrot]

Is dictatorship really that bad, if the result of "democracy" is the chimp we have in the Oval Office?
Maybe the Cubans know something we don't.

[ajmarine1]

"Maybe the Cubans know something we don't."

Posted by cdfoxtrot

I'm sure they have plenty of empty houses avaible, with all the the people that have left there; ever think about moving?

[downtowner97]

General Pace,

Thank you so much for your service. You can live the rest of your days knowing you did your best. You've served your country well.

[ajmarine1]

tunman,

You said it all, nice post.

[meboard]

His coment on the morality of homosexuality is what did him in...

[stevex47]

Thanks for your many years of service to our country General !

That was possibly a no-win situation.

[roger_inkart]

Yeah, f-you you little ******-bag. Maybe you should keep your opinions about homosexuality to yourself, less you should be suspected yourself - you brown-nosing little loser.

You are a foot-note to the sad tragedy that is the war in Iraq.

[brianbwb-2009]

it will be interesting to see if Mullen is going to be a realistic leader who cares enough for the lives of his soldiers to advise Bush to do right by them, and bring them home immediately, or just another suck up, who will allow yet more soldiers to die needlessly for Bush's illegal agenda...

[bluestardad]

PACE IS A BUSH BOBBLE HEAD WHOS TIME HAS COME!

MAYBE HE CAN RETIRE IN DUBIA, SAUDI ARABIA, OR ISRAEL WORKING FOR HALIBURTON!

HE SOLD THE LIVES OF THOUSANDS OF SOLDIERS FOR HIS CAREER!

NOW THEIR IS MORE ROOM UP BUSHS BACK SIDE WITH THIS STOOGES HEAD OUT OF THE WAY!

WHEN THE NATION WIDE WAR CRIMES TRIAL STARTS WE WILL KNOW WHERE TO FIND HIM!

DONT GO AWAY MAD JUST GO AWAY!

[johnshaft4]

Fall guy Pace was placed in an impossible no win situation by the losers in the Bush administration.

[mcvet]

I'm sure they have plenty of empty houses avaible, with all the the people that have left there; ever think about moving?
Posted by AJMarine1 at 11:16 PM : Jun 08, 2007

ROFLMAO THAT is what you got out of that post? ROFLMAO Man YOU have got to take off a few of those Swastika's... H-e-l-l someone from the Third Reich could have gotten the meaning of that post but you? Naw! You shaw a chance to throw some hate at a fellow citizen and Neighbor so the POINT is forgotten. That's the mark of a TRUE Fascist!!!

[hungry1968]

"Pace's departure will put nearly an entirely new slate of leaders and military commanders in charge of the war, which is now in its fifth year and has claimed the lives of more than 3,500 U.S. troops."

This will save Bush the trouble of having to replace the generals on the ground. He replaces them every few years when they say that the current plan isn't working - now he just has an excuse to get rid of them ahead of time. He was one of the architects of this invasion / occupation so he should have been replaced due to incompetence anyway. Now go join Rummy the Dummy - good riddence.

[opfor311]

brianbwb,

I'm sure that Adm. Mullen will do exactly as he has done in the past and take seriously his duty to obey the civilian authorities, and obey his Commander-in-Chief. He will attempt to do all that he can to see to the welfare of his troops, but he will do so with a eye to the larger picture.

I know General Cartwright will do the same, as I have seen what he has done as Commander of USSTRATCOM. General, we hate to see you go, but we are confident that you will serve with great honor and distinction, as you have with us. Semper Fi, Sir, and may God be with you.

General Pace, Bravo Zulu. Thank you for your honorable service to the Nation and to the Corps.

[ajmarine1]

"Naw! You shaw a chance to throw some hate at a fellow citizen and Neighbor so the POINT is forgotten."

"Naw," I just didn't like him saying a "Dictator" is better than our President or chimp as he called it.

You can keep that "Swaskia" cr*p also.

[edegenhart-2009]

Dear General Pace,

As an US citizen and vetran, I thank you for your dedication and commitment to defending democracy for your country. You can be proud of your accomplishments and service to your country. Thank you