Bill Kristol worried about Obama foreign policy (Chuck Hagel to Replace Gates at Defense?)

Hugh Hewitt Show ^ | 10/1/2009 | Hugh Hewitt and Bill Kristol

[mojito]

HH: There are five Americans, Bill Kristol, who by simple act of resignation could rally a lot of concerned citizens – Secretary Gates, Generals Petraeus, McChrystal, Jones, and Odierno. Of course, Jones, retired and [is now] in the White House. Do you agree with me that if any of those five said I cannot be part of this administration as a result of their policy decisions, that that would mobilize public opinion?

BK: I think it would help, and I wonder if General McChrystal will say if something pretty close to his recommendation isn’t accepted, but you know, I think Obama…the country is a little war weary, and I think they’ll try to…maybe Obama thinks he can take that hit now, and if nothing just collapses in the next few months, he’ll say see, we’re doing this prudently, we’re finding a middle ground between just pulling out and escalation. And look, I hope the generals do what they think is the right thing, and these are honorable men, especially McChrystal and Petraeus. I think they’ll really try to do what they think is right. They’ll also feel some obligation not to simply walk away from something. So I don’t know. It’s not so easy to resign if you’re really trying to do the right thing. So I don’t know what’s going to happen. I’ve just heard this morning from someone who’s been in touch with people in the administration, a foreign gentleman who deals with this government, that people are talking about Secretary Gates leaving at the end of the year, and being replaced by Chuck Hagel…

HH: Ugh.

BK: Yeah, exactly, as Secretary of Defense. I think that’s quite a plausible rumor, and a very worrisome one, because he is an advocate of retreat everywhere, I think.

[mojito]

Yes, 0 will do this.

[Old Retired Army Guy]

It fits!

[Marty62]

I still submit that as a matter of HONOR McChrystal has no choice but to resign if his recommendations are not approved. How does he lead men/women without the plan that HE determines to be a critical NEED? He can’t with any credibility with the troops.

I am no dove...BUT under this CIC I believe our troops should NOT be in harms way giving their lives. You NEVER hear Zero discussing the actual soldiers over there DYING everyday. I want them home. Live to fight another day.

[Jeff Chandler]

Mmm, mmm, mmm.

[ImJustAnotherOkie]

Yes, the only thing you can count on the the 0 is that if you don't want it done it will be done.

The one exception is this Olympics thing which was pretty sweet.

[RC2]

If our military leaders resign, I hope they stay active in some other way. We can’t loose the best we have.

[Buckeye McFrog]

When did he say this? I listened to Hewitt’s show last night and did not catch this.

[mojito]

I think this program may have been broadcast on the 29th of September.

[kenmcg]

“There are five Americans, Bill Kristol, who by simple act of resignation could rally a lot of concerned citizens – Secretary Gates, Generals Petraeus, McChrystal, Jones, and Odierno”

It is the opinion here that Gates is a political animal who needs the job and Jones isn’t much better for getting on the Bam wagon. Those two wouldn’t rally concerned citizens. McCrystal, Petraeus and Odierno would.