Comments on: Obama transition team to meet with defense secretary

By: GA for Obama

GA for Obama — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 21:50:32 +0000

redneck- how do you plan on forcing your views on Obama (i.e. make him gut our military)? you DO know Obama's TS will be a REPUBLICAN, his DS will be a REPUBLICAN, his ENVIRONMENTAL SECRETARY WILL BE A REPUBLICAN, his natl security advisory team is made up of REPUBLICANS

so, next time you compare Clinton's or Carter's record on defense, THINK TWICE

REPUBLICANS WILL RUN DEFENSE IN AN Obama Administration

Godspeed, President-elect!

By: Scott NYC Independent

Scott NYC Independent — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 21:46:59 +0000

I'm sure there is much to hide and Gates has to determine if there will be criminal charges brought when the illegal activities are revealed.

By: Support and Defend the Constitution

Support and Defend the Constitution — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 21:44:31 +0000

"tell Gates if he has reason to not talk to individuals in the Obama team with him to spell out the reasons right then and there."

The reason is that unless the transition team members have adjudicated clearances granting access to SCI, Gates could go to jail for disclosing SCI material. The Bush team actually fast-tracked security investigations for Obama's people.

Chuckles... Check your facts. Gates did not dodge the draft. He went into CIA out of college, was drafted into the Air Force while in CIA and returned to Langley after he finished his service.

By: rice, bryan

rice, bryan — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 21:38:50 +0000

look here dimwits, 9/11 happened on g.w.'s watch. a 9/11 commision settled that. we elected a baboon 8 years ago, that has lied numerous times, and yet you keep thinking that these are the best of times. i served my time in the service, and under bill clinton the military did not starve or go without. government contracts were just as bloated as they are now. the military went down hill during veitnam, it may have started with kennedy, but it ended under nixon. remember nixon was not a crook. if i remember right it was cheaney that leaked the name of a cia agent, cheaney is republican right? if the military had secrets to keep from anyone it would be bush right, you can't trust a chimp with a secret. limbaugh failed to brain wash america, but to those of you who can't tie your shoes without the incredible insight of limbaugh, keep listening to him you are in an ever shrinking crowd.

By: PDX Gal

PDX Gal — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 21:22:57 +0000

chuckles199 you really are a moron. Biden was disqualified for asthma. But Cheney wasn't.

And STILL found a way to serve his country.

By: Old Colonel

Old Colonel — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 21:22:19 +0000

Fire Secretary Gates and the President's entire staff of military lap dogs. Beg the proven warrior General (ret) Eric Shinsecki to become Sec Def – he tells the truth.

By: Griff

Griff — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 21:19:54 +0000

Every Countries "Top Defence", Is "Private Business. It belong's to the Private Companies, and their Share Holders.... Not any Government.... So Why Obama?????????????

By: mitch

mitch — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 21:16:56 +0000

GET WES CLARK IN THERE!!!!!!! HE IS THE BEST QUALIFIED AND NEVER SUPPORTED THE STUPID WAR IN IRAQ!!!!!!!!!!

By: mitch

mitch — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 21:13:19 +0000

he needs to get rid of gates and put wesley clark in as sec. of defense, at least he didn't support the invasion of iraq. just like barack! i will be sorely disappointed if barack does not consider him.

By: chuckles199

chuckles199 — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 21:12:28 +0000

GRIT – when mom reads to you make certain she gets the name right, beau biden is joe's son.

joe biden the VP is a five time darft dodger for vietnam.

who took JOE BIDEN'S place in vietnam?
get out of mom's basement every now and then.
you ar ethe moron because to don't pay attention when mommy reads to you.

By: redneck

redneck — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 21:04:50 +0000

Gates needs to get grip because Obama plans to gut our military just like Clinton did!

By: AS

AS — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 21:03:58 +0000

So much for change in this formative new administration. Who's running in 2012 now? Can't wait for the media to descend on the next set of primaries....

By: Zelda

Zelda — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 21:00:15 +0000

I don't think sensitive information should be given to the transition team, only to Obama himself.

By: chuckles199

chuckles199 — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 20:59:40 +0000

dennis: gates is not a republican. anybody who is informed knows that.

By: chuckles199

chuckles199 — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 20:58:11 +0000

chuck hagel is not qualified to be a dishwasher.
senators anytime they are put in an executive position are qickly exposed.

what qualification did mccain, obama or biden have for executive jobs? being yakkers in the senate who have never run anything, they have not even been leaders in the senseless senate.
biden in senate almost 4o years and still a back bencher. the problem is low IQ!

the senate should be closed permannetly!

By: southcarolinadem

southcarolinadem — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 20:53:40 +0000

To all of the ignorant right wing tools on this board who say Democrats can't keep secrets. Who outed an undercover CIA operative named Valerie Plame? HMMMMMMMMM Bush and Cheney

By: Dennis

Dennis — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 20:51:28 +0000

It would be a real coup if Presidnet-elect Obama could persuade Robert Gates to remain as SecDef. He is seasoned, reasoned and highly respected by our military and Congress. He also happens to be a Republican (I'm a Democrat) and it would be a great gesture to bi-partisanship. President Obama would then know the "Puzzle Palace" is in good hands and could focus his attention on some of the other immediately pressing matters.

By: Susan, California

Susan, California — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 20:51:16 +0000

bevsnow, you think Bush told the truth? Who's calling whom an idiot?

By: Griff

Griff — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 20:48:18 +0000

Next Year, it will be 70yrs since Poland was Invaded, It'tooks decades to get it Back.. This time you had better keep and Eye on Russia...

By: G.R.I.T. - Girl Raised in the South

G.R.I.T. - Girl Raised in the South — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 20:41:59 +0000

Chuckles 199 –

We don't have the draft anymore, so Beau Biden couldn't dodge it. Moron. Grow up.

By: Fed up

Fed up — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 20:41:07 +0000

It was on George Bush's watch that 9/11 happened. He did not and has not defended this country. He is a seditious, traitorous coward as is his vice president.

The first thing that should happen on January 20th after the swearing in of Barack Obama should be the immediate arrest of Bush, Cheney, Rice, Rumsfeld, Powell, Wolfowitz (sp?, Pearle, Gonzales, Rove for war crimes and treason.

Maybe we should keep Gitmo open just for those scum.

By: Raymond Cranfill, Las Vegas, NV

Raymond Cranfill, Las Vegas, NV — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 20:30:34 +0000

Of course they won't disclose the so called "sensitive information." They have to have time to prime the document shredders to cover their behinds so they and the president won't end in the International Court of Justice for war crimes.

By: Bunting

Bunting — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 20:17:03 +0000

Nothing wrong or sinster about not giving access to people who are not cleared to see it. Its Public Law and United States Code that prevents that. It has nothing to do with who's in charge, Dem or Rep, Lib or Conservative, black, white, asian, hispanic, man, woman or other. Its simply the LAW!

By: Obama08

Obama08 — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 20:13:19 +0000

Does anyone actually know what goes into a SCI clearance? It is a pretty extensive investigation. Gates would be breaking the law if he disclosed information to people without proper clearances. If that is what this is about, he is doing the right thing.

By: bevsnow

bevsnow — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 20:10:45 +0000

All you armchair politicians think you know so much about security...bla bla bla. You don't have a clue to half of what goes on behind the closed doors!! Be thankful information is not being given out willy nilly. And to the nit wit who thinks Bush lied...get a clue. You are so off base. You and Michael Moore.

By: Bob S. Chicagoland

Bob S. Chicagoland — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 20:05:16 +0000

TEXAS LADY...Why do you raise the question about Democrats NOT keeping secrets? If you have evidence it must be given to NSA NOW! If that's merely a bias on your part. you should be ashamed to make that sort of charge against any political base in America. Such a suggestion, if unwarranted- and you offer not one shred of evidence – is unAmerican and spiteful. Whether coming from a Republican or Democrat it is immature, harmful, and basically despicable.

By: Kim

Kim — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 20:03:30 +0000

WOW. It's amazing that this information is being withheld from the incoming administration. So much for Rice and Bush telling us they were working towards an "effortless and seamless" transition. I guess they're all really busy at DoD running the paper shredders. Or maybe still looking for the WMDs. Or maybe hiding all the Halliburton contractor payoff information. Or maybe hiding info about Gitmo etc.

By: JJ 123454

JJ 123454 — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 20:01:07 +0000

Is he holding back information until people have the appropriate security clearances? If that is the case I have no problem with it.

By: FreeNLovIt

FreeNLovIt — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 20:00:36 +0000

Al Qaeda's operations are secretive so ours need to be secretive too. If you value freedom, you'll want to bake the TURKEY slowly.

By: FreeNLovIt

FreeNLovIt — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 19:51:44 +0000

National Security is like baking a turkey. We need to move slower. Econony is like baking a cake. We can move faster and better with known measurements. Good job America! I'm proud!

By: FreeNLovIt

FreeNLovIt — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 19:50:40 +0000

The DONKEYS have big mouth and I think we need to protect National Security and have Obama go slow with it. We're fighting an ENEMY with no end in sight and it's wise for us to move slower. I understand CHANGE but it has to be the right kind of change. National Security is like BAKING a TURKEY. The economy is like baking a CAKE. There's formulas and you can quickly move, but not with baking a turkey.

By: Spencer/Virginia

Spencer/Virginia — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 19:49:50 +0000

Cross your fingers Rob. You may still have a job.

By: FreeNLovIt

FreeNLovIt — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 19:47:23 +0000

I support this judgement. When it comes to National Security, we need to move slower and wiser. We dont need to SWIFTLY act. It is different from the economy.

By: PDX Gal

PDX Gal — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 19:42:37 +0000

Maybe it's just too hard to cover up that 9/11 was mostly a result of Bust admin negligence...

By: Unshrub

Unshrub — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 19:42:31 +0000

Gates motto: "We will cooperate as long as we don't have tot give them any information that they can use to help run the country.." What that really means is they need to give Cheney enough time to destroy any records that show how the Bush administration lied.

By: Sara Shamili

Sara Shamili — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 19:41:04 +0000

I think Obama should make Chuck Hagel Secretary Of Defence. Gates is as responsible as Bush for Iraq war. He would make obstacles for withdrawl of troops from there.

By: Texas Lady

Texas Lady — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 19:39:20 +0000

Do you really think that the Dems can keep ANYTHING secret?

By: Mike in Maryland

Mike in Maryland — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 19:35:56 +0000

If I were President-elect Obama, I would go to the Pentagon, tell Gates if he has reason to not talk to individuals in the Obama team with him to spell out the reasons right then and there. Otherwise, start talking.

If Gates doesn't start talking, then Obama needs to tell Gates that action will be taken, either before January 20, or after January 20. Gates can choose his poison if he doesn't begin to be forthcoming with the needed information.

By: Oliver

Oliver — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 19:33:40 +0000

This should give them enough time to complete the shredding. Why not hire Fawn Hall, and move things along.

By: Iowa Mom

Iowa Mom — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 19:33:02 +0000

Are they hiding something? I would think to be able to hit the ground running the new administration needs to know what's going on.

By: pam Eugene OR

pam Eugene OR — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 19:32:35 +0000

So, he is saying that he is saying?
Typical of Bush.

By: Mickie

Mickie — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 19:29:25 +0000

Here we go - so much for the Bush administration being so anxious for a smooth transition. I wonder how many documents and information will be destroyed before Pres. Elect Obama's team can have access. I'm sorry, but Gates should not have any say in what the people's new elected President can or can't have -- we did not elect Gates to anything. Time to call our representatives to demand "our" rights.

By: Angie

Angie — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 19:24:49 +0000

CHUCK HAGEL FOR SOD!!!!

By: Ted van Tol

Ted van Tol — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 19:24:35 +0000

Today on Dutch TV: in the south of the USA started a pool on
what date Barack Obama wil be killed.

They still think he is a muslim and that every muslim is a terrorist.
Those stupid Americans who are so hatefull do not deserve
a president like Barack Obama.

He is a president for all Americans and he will bring a lot of change
not only in the USA but all over this planet. He will be your most loved and respected president in history.

IF IT'S POSSIBLE, FOR ONCE, KEEP THIS, ONCE IN YOUR LIFE TIME PRESIDENT SAFE!

By: rena

rena — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 19:24:31 +0000

They're holding out becaue they have so much dirt to cover up; just like they just released the news about our military soldiers in the Nazy camps and how they were starved, beaten, and abused. What did our government and military forces do about it nothing!!!! This is the sick government we are under but always trying to tell another country how to govern its people. Now, isn't that the pot trying to call the kettle black!!!!! America has become a disgrace and laughing stock to many nations; who are nowing saying the great horse has finally fallen.

By: LS, Austin, Texas

LS, Austin, Texas — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 19:24:25 +0000

It is truly incredible to read bloggers comments, who are watching Obama very closely, step by step, with criticism around every corner.

After seeing and living with a president (Bush) in office all these years, it is going to be hard for you all to adjust to someone who is going to do his best to lead this country – you know, be a Real President.

How can you have and expect extremely high expectations and results from Obama so quickly (when he hasn't even begun in office), and after all these years have settled for a 'nothing accomplished' president and don't realize you had?

Quit your criticism and adjust positively.

By: Washington Insider

Washington Insider — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 19:21:01 +0000

You people who are saying this is a bad idea to delay information are, no offense, ignorant and uniformed. I for one am actively involved in this world and can tell you that there needs to be a vetting process before you hand over SCI information to people. PERIOD. Doesn't matter who you are, but an Interim Clearance doesn't qualify you for sensitive information. CNN stop making this sound like something it isn't. It takes time to clear people at the highest level, and for good reason. You have to be selective on what people need to know. I am not trying to be elitist, but I am telling you that not everyone needs all the information. They need to know enough to get their job done. And besides, it is more for the transition teams protection than anything. If you get "certain" clearances you have a lot of rules you have to follow or risk criminal action if you fail to protect those "said" secrets. Not to mention, it can cramp your lifestyle, your friends, where you travel etc. Polygraphs also take time too...so please CNN stop making this sound like it is out of the ordinary, because this is very typical for the past 30 years. Sheesh. Give us some REAL news.

By: Gaylon Barrow

Gaylon Barrow — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 19:15:59 +0000

Here we go. Get ready for an unfavorable approach to our military situation. Neither man's brains joined together could come up with a bird-brain-sized solution.

By: Ed

Ed — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 19:15:13 +0000

Hopefully this meeting includes talks of keeping Gates on boards at Secretary of Defense. He's performed outstanding and has definately been a breath of fresh air!

By: REVOLUTION

REVOLUTION — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 19:15:06 +0000

Basically, you will not come in here in rock the boat. We have been manipulating the American people, and setting up covert operations for World Domination, and a New World Order for almost a century now, and will not tell you who the real puppet master is. We have deep secrets that the new president can't handle, and we can't tell this blackman our secrets, and the truth, because he may not understand, and try to stop us.