WASHINGTON (CNN) – Defense Secretary Robert Gates is learning that becoming the first defense secretary to bridge two administrations can lead to some awkward moments.
Last week, President-elect Obama announced that he would keep Gates on to run the Pentagon.
He still answers to President Bush, since, as both President Bush and President-elect Obama have pointed out, "there's only one commander in chief at a time," Gates said. But he is not blind to the fact that his new boss and his transition team have demands too, which leads to "occasional awkwardness."
Asked for an example, Gates said that at times he's had to choose between meeting with the transition team or meeting with members of the current administration.
Apparently the incoming president's staff wins out over outgoing president's staff.
"Let's just say that if I'm faced with a choice between attending a principals meeting on an issue that I think it not particularly hot, and a meeting with the transition folks, I'll opt for the latter," Gates said.
But the current president doesn't have to worry about being ignored.
"I'm not forgetting at all for a second who is the president until noon on January 20th," Gates said. "I haven't missed any meetings with the president, let me put it that way."
Gates has had "several telephone calls" with the president-elect to talk about personnel to replace the outgoing political appointees, he told reporters traveling with him on a trip overseas.
"We really haven't sat down yet for a thorough discussion of specific foreign policy issues, national security issues," Gates told the traveling reporters, according to a transcript.
He's also met with Vice President-elect Joe Biden, who was in town Monday to meet with the defense secretary and the incoming nominee for Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton.
From CNN Politics
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sorry but Gates cant get Osama and unfortunately that is a strategic defeat. we'll never get him.
Robert Gates would probably make the best President of this century for this country........
How about stop with the over analyzing and just get the country (Iraq) up and running, Rumsfeld/Powell did such a bad job
Given his situatution, he seems to be handling it well. It doesn't seem all that often that anyone goes from one presidential administration to another. Has that happened with US Attorneys before? I know that most dismiss the ones that were there during the previous administration.
WHO REALLY CARES??? MORE OF THE SAME.. GO AWAY YOU OLD MAN.. OBAMA MADE A TERRIBLE MISTAKE IN LETTING YOU STAY ON.. COME EARLY NEXT YEAR ON THE ANIVERSARY OF THE IRAQ WAR, WE WILL PROTEST AGAIN..NO MORE WAR..... ENOUGH ALLREADY..... GRANFORCHANGE IN WISCONSIN
Mr. Gates has earned a lot of my respect over the past months. He's going to have a hard job and he's accepted the challenge.
It was so smart of PE Obama to retain Gates in the Secr of Defense position so that less will fall thru the cracks. Gates should have replaced Rummy a long time ago.
The differences in the incoming and the outgoing Commander in Chiefs are striking. Oh what a relief it is!
Robert Gates is enough of a Professional to handle two masters at once!
He will be able to write a Great book about the two administrations in a couple of years.
Advice to Gates: Listen politely and then ignore Bush. Bush didn't make good decisions in the past and that isn't going to change.
I'm reminded of that phrase from the Bible–"No man may serve two masters."
I can't imagine that working with both the president's administration and the president-elect's incoming administration is the most complicated thing in his life. This man is dealing with a couple of major wars!
He should probably ignore Obama and Biden, they do not know about national defense and security. He can tell them what they need to do at a later time.
Keeping them honest:
Robert McNamara also bridged two administrations, although in the same party. What's the big deal?
I have lost faith in cnn – they have their favorite "talking heads" trying to tie Obama into the Chicago governor scandal.
Shame on you cnn. I thought you would take the high road.
He should listen to Bush while he is President and screw Obama until Jan. 20.
Obama has to rely on Bush's men, Gates, Powell and Fitzgerald. It is no real change. Good job, president Bush!
This man is the right choice to stay on and run the Pentagon. I hope Obama persuades him to stay and not just be a temporary caretaker. He's a solid individual and knows the ropes. We need Gates to manage the most effective powerhouse on the planet.
Did you know there is a reason why we used this shape for our national defense headquarters? Look it up.
Hey Blagovich spoke up in support of workers in the plant in Chicago. Does that mean he can go free?
I've served multiple bosses. It's never fun, and they weren't president and president-elect of the United States! For the first time, Gates has my sympathies.
Like the rest of America, I've no doubt Gates can't have January 20th come soon enough.
gates "joked" to Texas A&M crowd in a speech :
"when we (the US government and CIA) overthrew medium-size governments around the globe, we didn't have as much controversy as when i threw out the texas A&M football coach."
that's your secretary of "defense"!
be proud!
I think Gates is good man and he knows and does what is the right thing to do.
I believe it should be Gov Blago... he and Obama have a long standing good working relationship.
Obama, is making his decision on good qualifications, as far as Bush's man is concerned.....Dude, if you remember Powell quit the Bush's Admnistration....he was too honest for the Bush Administration.
Bush is a loser, and his only redeeming quality in the 8 disastrous years disastrous years was the pick of Robert Gates....nothing else.
The most complicated thing Gates struggles with on a day-to-day basis is how that walking train wreck George W. Bush got elected. He is thankful to have someone who speaks in complete sentences conversing with him in P.E. Obama.
Our Generals been bridges Administration for two hundred years?
Let me say this as tax payer and voter....the Bush administration better cooperate with Obama's team. This means pentagon, this means CIA and NASA. If you do not heads will roll. Most of us US Citizens are out of work this Christmas. SO WE HAVE THE TIME AND ENERGY to keep an tight eye on you until Jan 09. WE have had it. GET IT DONE and do what is asked of you or you will all sit in jail for obstruction with the Chicago Gov and the Alaska Senator. PERIOD. No excuse. WE ARE WATCHING.
I like Robert Gates a lot! We'll need him if we're to achieve victory in Afghanistan, and I think he and Obama share a lot of ideas on the best road to achieve that victory. Go Gates, Go Obama!
Bush's Men:
You're a moron. Fitzgerald is probably going to get tossed, Powell was already tossed, and out of all the cabinet positions you've only mentioned three. Good job.
There is no need to wonder what VP Biden's role will be any longer. While in Washington he called a meeting with the Sec. of Defense and Sec. of State – obviously he is the hands on manager. I might add thoroughly qualified to be such.
The OBAMA Team needs to get rid of him, period.......
He wants to stay with the BUSH plan, and is to stay in IRAQ
for who knows ???
It's bad for our economy, as long as we stay in and spend BILLIONS
every Month....We will be in the worst economic shape ever.....
In all the wars we have ever been in, we have NEVER stayed in a
War THIS LONG !! This is hurting us, as a country !!!
Larry
Houston Texas
Bush's Men:Gates, Powell and Fitzgerald are not "Bush's" men...they are Americans who have served and will continue to serve this country well!
The change as PE obama said throughout the primaries and the election: 'not blue Americans, or read Americans but all Americans".
Too bad you can't recognize "change" when you see it and want to continue the same old partisan divide.
just do what you are getting paid to do, i think if we would stop trying to sensationalize every foul thing that comes up, our country would be alot better off.
he needs to go away with bush!
Almost forgot...
PUMA where you at?
PUMA where you at?
PUMA where you at?
PUMA where you at?
He (Obama) wont/cant win without US!! I dont hear you talking!!!
Where you at!
Thats right, SHUT UP and just let it happen... LOSERS.
I am sure that the Defense Secretary will do what is best for the American people regardless of who is President. I want to thank Gates for publicly stating his thanks to our Canadian troops who have been fighting in Afghanistan before 9/11.
Oh, and it is certainly amusing to read these CNN posts where so many are prejudging Obama before he takes office....it just goes to show that there are many who do not want their new President to succeed...it just proves that party comes before country.
Ernie, filp in NC and Bush man
why do you loser's get out here and spread your hate. Gates knows he needs to be a Obama beck and call, after all Bush is leaving and the new era is Obama. Get over it clowns personally I don't trust Gates and I will be glad when his extended stay is over.
Actually dealing with the wars is not complicated. Having to deal with two leaders at the same time over said wars, now that's complicated.
I am glad that he is staying put for now. Hopefully he'll be there throughout his first term.
I'm sure Mr. Gates is wondering when the Don't Ask, Don't Tell issue will come up. He's probably worried that he will have to support gays in the military and be the one who implements the policy change.
This time it may not be a big deal. We all know that gays serve in the military, and many do openly. I should know, I am retired from the Army. However, I don't think it should be the first thing Obama does, especially when we are dealing with Iraq & Afghanistan. He should establish himself with those issues and then address the Don't Ask policy some time later.
PUMA "He cant win without the votes of us!"
PUMA "Good luck winning without the 18million votes!"
We won... what now? Suckers....
Boy, McCain's losers are still harping aren't they? Good job Mr. Gates. Keep meeting with your future boss and forget about meeting with the current administration. They were uninformed incompetents before you were tapped for duty and it's not your fault. President Obama and Vice President Biden will listen to you and work with you.
Hard job but I've a feeling for a long time Gates wants more of what Obama has in mind than what Bush/McCain wanted–NO MORE WARS!!
He should listen to what Bush's staff tells him and then do the opposite – or just listen to Obama – either way he will probably end up doing the right thing (vs. the blunders of the last eight years!)
He was a very good pick by George Bush and President elect Obama.
i would much rather have Bush stay in office.
Bruce WExler
Thanks, I was thinking the same thing.
People, change does not mean taking away from the experience and talents in certain individuals. Change means guiding those talents to the benefit of the team. Change does not mean taking in a bunch of unfamiliar faces who does not have a clue on how to play the game. Take any atheletic team out there. When a team has had a loosing season, do the cut or trade all players on the team. No! They make trades in order to balance the chemistry of the team to produce a winning season. That is why I like what Obama is doing. Like it or not he ran the best campaign in modern history, the man is a winner.
Where are the Republicans praising Obama for keeping Gates on and admitting that although he's not a Democrat, he's a good leader.
Hmm... For all you doubters out there, I like to call sore losers...
Do you notice one big difference from bushys cabinet?
Obama: Selecting Intelligence and Respect
Bush: Selected Powerful Friendlies
P.S. The crap that bush is pulling trying to push through all this last minute rules is a disgrace. As if he hasn't screwed it up enough, hasn't any told him he doesn't have to try to make it worse. Absolute disgrace to this country and everything I was tought it should be.
The best thing the bush administration can do now is... NOTHING!!!
steve, not to get all "religious", but that's saying the Bush is Gates' master.
Some more advise to Gates: When prioritizing with whom to meet, just remember who got this country into the mess it is in right now, and who has a vision to get us out.
Bush is still in command at this time so Gates have no other choice but to give him his undivided attention. Gates probably cannot wait until he is out of office.
Steve - Don't compare the Presidents to God. That's just dumb.
I find it hard to validate the comments of anyone that (a) thinks Bush did a good job, and (b) still thinks the US military is the "most effective powerhouse on the planet", when Bush started the Endless War, and the US military keeps killing its allies instead of its enemies.
If someone wants to be an effective Sec. of Defense, they need to get over this corporate slime attitude of "I don't care how you do it, just do it and don't bother me with the details."
Gates was a wise choice. He is respected by both Bush and Obama and is the best man for the job. I did not agree with Gates when he was against the surge, but Gates is smart enough to capitalize on the strengths of his generals, and hopefully, Barry O'bee will demonstrate this trait also.
It gives me chills down my spine to think if McCain were in Obama's position, he'd be taking orders from Bush. And forget about Palin, she'd probably be on TV every day talking about nothing to do with nothing and shopping.
Of all the people on either side I;s say this guy is suffering the LEAST amount of stress.
Still nobdy wants to take over CIA with Eric Holder chomping at the bit to indict them all....go figure.
Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and retired marine Gen.Jim Jones for National Security Advisor is "sweet vindication of the Bush doctrine!" There is just no way around it!!
That's hell there, but I'm confident he has the judgement to balance it out. Men are usually better at giving people their 'SPACES' than women.
"In all the wars we have ever been in, we have NEVER stayed in a
War THIS LONG !!"
The Vietnam War was much longer, hayseed.
To Larry
Patience.. patience... we have to get it right and pull out right or you and I will have to sit in the hot desert, chew sticks and stones with camels and be spewed at by them. Give it some time. I'm sure Obama is dying to just pick them all up and drive them all out, but it'll be Hell Part II.
I want a military man doing a military job, not a spy.I want a General,preferably one that retired for not lying.
Strategy of the right. Since we didn’t win the election, the next best thing is to write in to boards like this, nd asay the most outrageous, divisive things we can think of, in hopes the left doesn’t enjoy one moment of having their people in office.
Now I have to ask you… Do you think this is good for the country, or does the right not even care what’s good for the country?
I am sure he can walk and chew gum at the same time, he will be just fine.
If Obama has confidence in Gates, so do I. Gates is a patriot, competent, highly respected and knowledgeable of the current situation.
When it comes to our national security, everyone should be meeting at one time. These are extraordinary times calling for extraordinary measures. I cannot believe that a conference call, webcam, or something cannot be worked out. National security is ALWAYS bipartisan!!!
Didn't Gates laugh at Obama's 16 month withdrawal pledge??
I wonder if he's also OK with Obama letting Iran have nuclear weapons..
Cmpbell Brown a stupid republican? Or she is
incoerent? Ince is pro Obama, now she attac him in many ways.
Way she don't' stay home and take care the babys?If she is
capable.
President Obama has to surround himself with people that will help him be President. Keep a few good men like Defense Secretary Robert Gates. but President-elect Obama have pointed out, "there's only one commander in chief at a time."
Do you all realize that the Pentagon is also corrupt? (no-bid contracts, billions of dollars missing in Iraq, paying off insurgents so they back off, Blackwater) and the list goes on! As far as i can tell this guy hasn't done too much about any of it and therefore should be shown the door!
I DON'T TRUST THE GUY; HE'S A REPUB. DON'T KEEP HIM ON, PE OBAMA.
Gates is a good solid choice to get things stablized and our forces redeployed home and to Afganistan. Remember the most important thing is the saftey of those troops serving this country we don't need some nimrod coming in and just packing up and going home, that will get people killed for sure.
Additionaly I hope Gates works closely with the new VA Sec. we finialy have someone that knows what we have been through and is willing to stand up for the us. Thank God!!!
Whomever the President is. It's the Secretary of Defence's job to advise and when the decision is made say "Yes Sir, Commander in Chief, Sir!" then go out and do his best to make it work. With the decisions Mr. Gates has had to "make it work" so far this should be no problem after 1/20.
P.S. President Bush is still his boss for a few more weeks, so he really can't ignore the man.
Gates will do what is right for America.
Gates is not the first Defense Secretary to bridge two administrattions (Robert McNarama for example), merely the first, perhaps, to bridge two administrations of opposite political parties.
This is great....but I would rather have more investigative reports on why Obama is pretending not to have talked to Gov. Blog about his Senate Seat.
Sorry, it's not that big a deal. It's on party and two names. The two party system is a ruse.
Yawn...more of the same from these two corrupt parties. You democrats and republicans have screwed this country for years. Real change will come when someone comes to office that is not part of the Dems or Repubs. There is really little difference between these two parties. It's a shame that people don't recognize it.
I think Gates can pretty much forget Bush. He's not a lame duck. He is a cooked goose......
After years of dealing with Bush, meeting with Obama must be like stepping out of a dark closet into the light for Gates.
First of all ,George Bush and his cronies must be tried for war crimes and if guilty pay the price before we could move on.
If any one Dept. needs the most "change" it is Defense. This is where the wasteful spending is. This is where the bad decisions are made. This is the most convoluted bureaucracy of all the Federal entities. One that burns money on obsolete weaponry while its troops and veterans live in poverty. Yet Gates is the one goon from the "Iran/Contra, Star Wars, Mission Accomplished" crowd picked to still remain onboard. Now that's change for ya' !
to Flip
Are you in a coma?
Given the current situation in the middle east, I feel comforted in the fact that he's keeping Gates. I believe he will do what's best for the country, no matter who is President.
At least McCain/Palin aren't in the inaugural position. If that were the case, this would truly be another Bridge to No Where.
Bob @ 8:31
"sorry but Gates cant get Osama and unfortunately that is a strategic defeat. we'll never get him."
Actually, we would have had him had W not blocked any further military action against him. His family financed Bush Sr's and Bush Jr's presidential campaigns and Bush Jr's failed oil company after all.
Ernie @ 9:24
"He should listen to Bush while he is President and screw Obama until Jan. 20."
This would require Bush to actually do something.
@Bush's Men: I call you and your ilk "floaters". Its bad enough that people voted for the current idiot-in-charge twice, and then went for the trifecta of failure by voting for McCain; many did it out of a sense of quiet partisan loyalty, others, astonishingly, really do think the paths laid out by rightwing [R]s are better for the country despite their obvious failures. But very few of these people actually dare try to defend in a public forum their votes and their support of such abject failure....it is a quite embarrasing task for most to argue for the obviously indefensible.
So it takes an especially dysfunctional personality to "float" above the other neo-excrement and publicly display your vigorous ignorance by espousing rightwing lies and dogma as truth. You have much in common with the other "floaters" that exist in my cesspool. Post on you "floaters"...like your namesake you merely provide fertilizer.....fertilizer for the entertainment of the rest of us.
@ LYNN.......... Well said!!
As Shrub babbles incoherently about"winning in Iraq",just remember to look interested and nod accordingly.
To the right wing pinheads:
Who should Gates listen to? The idiot President, the sociopathic Vice-President, and the clueless SOS? That administration has already checked out. Bush is just hanging around long enough to unveil some portraits, pardon some of his favorite felons, and get his cleaning deposit back.
Where's Rumsmfeld?
In a hole with Cheney and Tom Delay?
Hey, if you like Gates or not, you gotta admit that Rumsfeld is an easy act to follow. Anybody short of Gengis Khan would look good compared to a PNAC peon like Rummy.
MZ
Even though I don't care too much for anyone willing to prosecute wars that we can't afford and that should never have been waged, I understand that the choice is still the president's, not mine.
But thinking back to the campaign, and all of the garbage that white-haired old idiot from Arizona McCain spewed about winning with honor in Iraq... I just have to ask – what good is a victory if you bankrupt yourself doing it? Let Iraq fend for itself.
Use American dollars in America, not Iraq, not Afghanistan, not Israel, but the United States of America.
I am a Republican. It doesn't matter what Obama does, or says. He is guilty. If he were a white Republican, I would have voted for him. If he does well, I will credit Bush. If he does poorly, it will be because he is a Liberal Democrat. I will vote for Palin because she says really good words like Maverick. Anyone that chooses to be a part of his administration is either bad because they work for him, or good because they are Republican. Anyone whose name contains Hussein is a terrorist. I love guns, God and babies. No Liberal Terrorist Socialist can stop me from imposing my beliefs on them. Budwieser beer is good. I only drink American beer. Outsourcing is good. Drill here drill now. Amen.