I'm just looking for some objective, bullet-point examples of what Gates has done in his current role that has been different from just “being there” in the capacity of Department of Defense–something that distinguishes him fundamentally or even radically from the Rumsfeld years–those objective changes that we should all be “thankful for” that justify overlooking some of the other suggested replacements for his position. I do remember he fired some generals. In the end it may be just simply he’s the best qualified currently.

Some of the blogs that Joe quotes seem to suggest that Obama can’t get rid of him soon enough, and others that he’s just a peachy guy that needs to stay, even to the point that Michelle Malkin makes as a “told you so, stay the course” thing, if that has any merit. Is there some objectivity in both of these views? Most of those blogs that affirm Gates say something like “look this is what he really wants to do, so maybe in an Obama administration he’ll be able to do them!” Really?

Again, here in Texas he has almost cult status as being a “good guy,” (which I would agree to a large degree, his integrity seems impeccable–… I attended Texas A&M University so I have that alma mater urge to be happy he's there–) and things like “insight” and “credibility” and being willing to be a political scapegoat or be an “axe man” should Obama have to “get tough” seem to me to be just as gossipy or ethereal. Again I ask out of curiosity to learn, and not out of spite or the inability to think, think, think. He's been there awhile, what distinguishes him besides having “been there awhile?”

To at least a philosophical degree, to suggest that Gates should be kept on because he's experienced, or has some privileged insight would be a good argument that Obama shouldn't replace anyone experienced or with particular insight in the present administration. …just looking for some meat to chew on. I have to confess that I voted for change, and I meant primarily in our present Iraq occupation. Also accountability and responsibility for torture, the absolute ineptness of Congress, the list goes on.

Signing off for now, happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Cuts, cuts, cuts that the Dems want, but cuts to Defense that make sense and don't threaten to mire the US in other problems elsewhere — Gates is definitely useful as the ax man, given he already has been running Defense.

“As for indicators of Obama's centrism in general, I'll reserve judgement on that”

He's assembling the best tools to exercise power; we remain to find out exactly how it will be exercised. The left-wing Dems (and the “progressives” who were Obama's original hard-core supporters, as well as other explicit supporters such as the UAW) are aching to see “progress,” of a left-shifting kind. The replacement of Dingell by Waxman in Congress wasn't just a Pelosi power exercise and a modernization move (younger Sun Belt replacement of older Snow Belt committee chair) but represents a positioning for “progress” by the left-wing Dems, if they can get moving eventually.

Part of the problem is that the current economic problems constrain Obama's and the Dems' ambition and force reorientation as well as redirection of effort.

Don't get me wrong; I'm happy to see Volcker, the guy most associated with crushing inflation, lead the effort to try to forestall deflation, even though it means the lefties would then get to start getting more of what they want sooner rather than later.

Gates already knows more than any new person likely to be brought onto Obama's team (particularly a liberal or Democrat) about what really can be cut from Defense, in other words, as well as other reforms (long-term) that are overdue. I look forward to “rationalization.”

From my viewpoint, Gates is somewhat worshiped here in Texas because of his affiliation with Texas A&M University, perhaps the most devoted and supporting State University in regards to the administration of George W. Bush.

I understand that America is faced with a precarious situation with an ideological war and a challenged economy, but how does Gates figure in to anything more than political posturing? As much as pundits either love or despite him, what exactly has he accomplished since Rumsfeld left? I ask not in some condescending tone but out of genuine curiosity.