Gates: One More Year?

You know how we feel here at SWJ – looks like the President-Elect might feel the same way. Moreover, and while not written in stone, Mr. Gates may just well add one more year on that countdown watch he keeps in his pocket. From Yochi Dreazen at the Wall Street Journal:

President-elect Barack Obama is leaning toward asking Defense Secretary Robert Gates to remain in his position for at least a year, according to two Obama advisers. A senior Pentagon official said Mr. Gates would likely accept the offer if it is made.

No final decision has been made, and Obama aides said other people are also under serious consideration for the defense post, one of the most highly coveted in any new cabinet. Several prominent Democrats, including former Clinton Navy Secretary Richard Danzig and former Clinton Deputy Secretary of Defense John Hamre, are also being considered.

The decision on retaining Mr. Gates will be the clearest indication to date of the incoming administration’s thinking about Iraq and Afghanistan…

More at The Wall Street Journal. Now, what’s this purple thing you are talking about Spencer? Also see Spencer’s Another Year’s Worth Of Gates?