Reaching Across the Aisle

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/12/02/gates.defense/index.html

I think its safe to say that Barack Obama will be reaching across the aisle with his reappointing Robert M. Gates as Defense Secretary. Gates not only took the job but he said he was impressed with the President elect and thankful for Obama's confidence in him.

Gates has not registered himself with a party, however, he does consider himself a republican. In light of this Gates has stated that he doesn't necessarrily disagree on Obama's military policy making. Obama proposes that the troops be removed from Iraq within the next 16 months. Obama according to gates is prepared to take on a responsible draw down and listen to his military commanders.

Overall Gates was impressed with Obama's ability to be down to earth with Adm. Micheal Mullen, our nations chairman of the JCS (first Admiral to be named to that position by the way). Obama makes it clear that he wants a regular dialogue with his commanders. To Gates and to me as well that is what our men and women in uniform need. A commander-in-chief that they can look at as a person who is for them.

If a "republican" can see our president as a man for the people, a man for the greater good of the country I believe that the President -elect has already accomplished his goal,his goal of reaching accross the aisle, and making a new cabinet of people that are truly bipartisan. I am confident to see what the future brings.