Who should follow Secretary Gates?

[Farnan]

Well according to rumors Secretary Gates said he would only remain on Obama's staff for one year then retire. His goal is to help the transition during a time of war.

Now assuming the rumor is true and he is going to retire in a year who should be his replacement?

Here are some ideas I have:

Richard Danzig - Former Secretary of the Navy, thus some experience in the field. Served as Obama's Defense Adviser and was an early favorite for the post till Gates took it. I'm not sure I like him much, no military or intelligence experience, and only experience in DOD was in appointee positions. He may have a role but I don't think he'd make an effective wartime Secretary.

Jim Webb - War hero and former Secretary of the Navy. Has military and leadership experience, rising star in Democratic Party. However he seems to like it in the Senate. Seems like a good choice for the position, though not the best in my personal opinion. Won't complain if he gets it.

Carl Levin - Was briefly discussed before Gates was chosen to stay. Awful choice, keep him as far away as possible.

John Nagl - Military theorist and retired officer. Currently president of probably the most influential defense think tank, Center for New American Security. Politically quiet, as in no one knows his politics so its hard to oppose him taking the job. Has many ideas for the State Department and was an adviser General Petraeus. Nobody has mentioned him yet, but CNAS has had a few of its higher level people drafted to work for the Pentagon and State by Obama...

[Visna]

John Nagi. If Farnan has him in his signature, that fellow is cool in my book.

[B5C]

Don't forget to add Colin Powell to the list. He has a great record in the military. Security adviser for Reagan, Joint Chef of Staff for Bush Sr., and Sec of State for Bush Jr. ALso with Powell's endorsement of Obama last year. He is shifting positions to get a cabinet position. Eventhough he is a Republican. Powell is the most moderate Republican in politics even more moderate than McCain.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Powell

[Farnan]

I don't think Powell wants to return to public office, that is why I didn't include him. He'd do a good job just don't think he'd take it.

[B5C]

I don't think Powell wants to return to public office, that is why I didn't include him. He'd do a good job just don't think he'd take it.

Well his loud opening supporting during the Obama campaign does hint for and he openly defends Obama against Rush Limbaugh and Cheney. During the 2000 primary, Powell endorsed McCain. Why the switch after 10 years?

[Farnan]

Well his loud opening supporting during the Obama campaign does hint for and he openly defends Obama against Rush Limbaugh and Cheney. During the 2000 primary, Powell endorsed McCain. Why the switch after 10 years?

Not saying he doesn't support Obama, just think he doesn't want the job.

[Stavroforos]

Well his loud opening supporting during the Obama campaign does hint for and he openly defends Obama against Rush Limbaugh and Cheney. During the 2000 primary, Powell endorsed McCain. Why the switch after 10 years?

Because he didn't want to partake in the ridiculousness that was the Republican party's 2008 "campaign."

[B5C]

Because he didn't want to partake in the ridiculousness that was the Republican party's 2008 "campaign."

Or his political positions have more left than McCain.

Powell:
Pro-abortion
Supporter of Affirmative Action
Supports Gun Control
Close GITMO
Open talks with enemies

"Americans do want to pay taxes for services. Americans are looking for more government in their life, not less."

http://www.nationaljournal.com/congr..._20090505_8843

Sounds like a perfect member in Obama's cabinet.

[Trey]

Or his political positions have more left than McCain.

Powell:
Pro-abortion
Supporter of Affirmative Action
Supports Gun Control
Close GITMO
Open talks with enemies



Sounds like a perfect member in Obama's cabinet.

McCain wanted to close Gitmo.

[razor-]

Is Petraeus a realistic option? Can't really put my finger on why but he seems very likable.

[Farnan]

Is Petraeus a realistic option? Can't really put my finger on why but he seems very likable.

Theoretically yes, but then he'd have to resign his commission which I don't see happening. Anyways, it would be a waste of his talents. The Secretary of Defense's main job is to decide policy not strategy (despite what Rumsfeld did).

[danzig]

Out of your choices Id go Nagi, the quiet types who are highly intelligent but dont get dragged into the political mud are always the best choices imo and he is a former soldier to boot. Regardless I also agree entirely, Levin should be kept far away from the Pentagon as possible. Hell if he comes to visit he should be detained

[Farnan]

Out of your choices Id go Nagi, the quiet types who are highly intelligent but dont get dragged into the political mud are always the best choices imo and he is a former soldier to boot.

But we don't know his stance on Roe v. Wade or Gay Marriage

Regardless I also agree entirely, Levin should be kept far away from the Pentagon as possible. Hell if he comes to visit he should be detained

Nearly as bad as Byrd, the man whose greatest regret about joining the KKK is that its legacy follows him everywhere.



I don't think Nagl is in any active discussion, but President Obama, if you read this he's a perfect choice. He has is the man who has the plan. Also, easiest confirmation hearing ever.

[danzig]

But we don't know his stance on Roe v. Wade or Gay Marriage

Hehe yeah I know...excuse me Mr Nagi what is your view on things that have nothing to do with the Pentagon?! I love politics, I dont care and I prefer not knowing if he is a "dem" or a "rep"...judge him on his qualifications.

I don't think Nagl is in any active discussion, but President Obama, if you read this he's a perfect choice. He has is the man who has the plan. Also, easiest confirmation hearing ever.

Him being a perfect choice is probably why he wont be picked, instead Obama seems addicted to picking unqualified hispanic woman and people who dont pay their taxes.

[Tiberius Tosi]

Nagl, he is smart as hell and can handle himself in front of a camera extremely well (as seen from his interview with John Stewart lol).

[Barry Goldwater]

Nagl, he's brilliant.

[Celsius]

Nagl.

[bushbush]

donald rumsfeld?

[Celsius]

Michael Hayden wouldn't be a bad choice either in my opinion.

[Farnan]

Naa... Obama fired Hayden so he won't get the job...

Let's just petition Obama to nominate Nagl. Would be good to have two technocrats in a row instead of politicians.