1. BigVic4 wrote:

I think it’s a wise decision.

It’s known that Robert Gates was strongly critical of the way Bush handled/isHandling the war. And said so in the report he released as part of that Iraq Study Group.

Plus, Obama can’t just go uprooting folks in the middle of a big mess. You need some people to stay in place so they can point out the mistakes.

2. DCI74 wrote:

Likewise. I think it’s a credit to him that he’s keeping someone on that went on the record as being critic of Bush’s handling of the war.

Beyond that I think it’s interesting that some have criticized Obama’s cabinet choices saying it’s not a real reflection of change because he’s bringing in former members of the Clinton administration. At least he’s bringing in qualified individuals because certainly the criticism would be intensified if he brought in untested staff members considering the crises at hand. Plus the last Democratic presidential cabinet members with any experience are too old.

3. Regkam2 wrote:

Thats BS, every administration doesn’t retain members from the opposite party. If Gates didn’t believe in sending over 4,000 troops to their death and over 300,000 Iraqis (mostly women and children) to their demise then he should have quit!!

Barack’s cabinet is old soup warmed over (as the elders would say). Nuthin new, but the CEO of US corp. Also, I see that he’s aligning himself with a lot of war hungry cabinets members….

4. Mrs. Rivers wrote:

I agree with the others. I think this is a wise decision. Obama was asked a similar question this morning about his appointments and if they really reflect ‘change’. Summed up, Obama said, “Change comes with ME”. He mentioned needing to have qualified persons with experience to handle the big mess we’re in. But the ‘change’ comes with who’s giving the orders.

I think before we start getting slick and challenging his appointments, i think we definitely need to recognize that this man is working harder than the current president is to solve our crises. He hasnt even been sworn in yet, hasnt changed his residence, and isnt receiving a paycheck. Now, in my opinion, Obama’s forward thinking and quick proactive nature is change we can not only beleive in but depend on as well.

5. Tanya wrote:

“More change we can believe in” – MLH

That comment annoyed me Marc. I think it was very shallow and pedantic of you.

As Obama has said, the CHANGE comes with him! Period.

Besides, as many on here have expressed, “uprooting folks in the middle of a big mess” would be irresponsible.

Gates is only going to stay on for ONE year, to ensure a thorough and efficient transition. Gates has to finish collecting the buck before he can pass it, so to speak.

6. R.oB. wrote:

Say what you will about Gates. He’s tactically successful. Obama is thinking with his head rather than his ideological…uh….head.

7. Ced Jones wrote:

If anyone saw the Barbara Walters interview, she asked ‘Rack about bringing all these “non-change” people and ‘Rack said that the “Change We Can Believe” comes from HIM, not Them. I understand that MLH is gonna play “The Devil’s half brother’s sister’s babydaddy” but you shouldn’t do this on EVERYTHING.