Gates Should Be Replaced Immediately

I have to admit I don't like the sound of this. Sources within the Obama transition team are saying that Obama will keep Bush appointee, Robert Gates, as his Secretary of Defense -- probably for at least a year. They say this will allow for a smoother transition in a time of war.

It also would fulfill a campaign promise by Obama to include a Republican in his cabinet, and allow Obama to concentrate more fully on the economy. Personally, I think that's a ridiculous idea.

If Obama wants a Republican in his administration (and I am not opposed to that), there are plenty of other jobs to fill and other Republicans to consider. But Gates is a bad choice. He is a friend of the Bush family and has been running this very unpopular war for the last two years. Keeping him on as Secretary of Defense just sends the wrong message.

One of the major reasons Obama was able to overcome the formidible candidacy of Hillary Clinton was his opposition to the war from the very beginning. Leaving Gates in place makes it look like he is now willing to continue Bush's war, rather than end it as the American people want.

Neither the Iraqis nor the American people want the occupation of Iraq to continue. Instead of allowing the war to continue, Obama needs to show the American people he is going to end it. And he needs to do that NOW -- not in 2011. Gates' replacement would signal that change is coming. Allowing him to stay just looks like more of the same, and more useless American deaths.

Obama needs to keep his campaign promise. He needs to replace Gates and end the war.