[shrinkermd]

Perhaps. But I see him as being the prototypic "when the going gets tough, the tough get going" type. More definitively he takes anxiety and anger to blend into a fierce resolve to succeed. It is usually experienced as an emotional high and men at least find it almost addictive. That is why they do crazy dangerous things just for fun.

Good combat pilots and other dangerous occupations are filled with such individuals. They never break but they can be carried out feet first. That is what they will have to do with POTUS. You can shake his demeanor and confidence but not his resolve and joy in the challenge.

[BIGLOOK]

Dr. Gates probably skated through the confirmation since everybody wanted Rumsfeld out and the incoming Democrat led congress hasn't a realistic solution to the problems we face in Iraq. He has CIA and Nat'l Security Council creds from the first Bush administration and as such is probably pretty savvy of Iraq.

What can we draw on this.....?
He's W's sleeper, held in reserve till needed and the need came on Nov. 7th. Knows the ropes and the players, Bush, Rumsfeld, Cheney and Rice....and James Baker.

Could this appointment be a political coup?