MSNBC: Secretary of Defense Gates apologizes to Clinton

[sabra]

http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/07/26/292083.aspx

NBC News has obtained a copy of a letter that Secretary of Defense Robert Gates sent to Hillary Clinton late last night in response to her complaints that Under Secretary of Defense Eric Edelman was dismissive of her request for information about plans for Iraq.

In the letter, Gates tells Clinton that he "emphatically assures you that we do not claim, suggest, or otherwise believe that congressional oversight emboldens our enemies" (as Edelman alleged in his letter last week).

He says that he is willing to discuss ways to keep the Senate updated on "conceptual thinking" on the drawdown plan. He also expresses his "continued strong support" for Edelman, but adds that he "truly regret(s) that this important discussion went astray and I also regret any misunderstanding of intention."

[eleny]

1. Recommended

[Captain Hilts]

2. Gates is his own man as much as you can be in that job. He's not a Bush toadie. nt

[Pirate Smile]

5. He actually seems decent unlike the rest of the administration.

[rfranklin]

3. this is not the DLC way! Dems must always apologize for

not being pliable punching bags for the mighty Republicans!

[aquart]

6. Except Hillary didn't.

So stuff it.

[rfranklin]

18. That's why it was worthy of comment...

you sound very angry, like some of our friends in Freeperland.

[TwilightGardener]

4. Good. Gates did the right thing.

[Virginia Dare]

7. She got an apology out of BUSHCO???

:wow: :yourock:

[Captain Hilts]

9. Gates is not a Bushbot and is actually doing a good job with what he's been given. nt

[tabasco]

16. He's not?

Care to elaborate on the major policy/strategy differences between Gates and Bush?

Really. I haven't been paying much attention.

[progressoid]

8. I'm sure we'll hear all about this on Rush or Hannity today.

[rodeodance]

10. Nice job Hil. You put the ball in his court and he did the right thing.

[tex-wyo-dem]

11. I've been somewhat surprised by Gates...

as "surprised" as someone can be about a criminal's conduct. He seems to have a more measured approach than most of the wild-eyed, ends-justify-the-means fascist neo-cons...something must have happened to him between now and when he was part of the criminal cabal that conducted the Iran/Contra crimes. Maybe he had an epiphany while walking the campus of Texas A&M, or maybe it's just a facade :shrug:

[Captain Hilts]

13. Walsh said Gates did nothing wrong in Iran/Contra. nt

[JohnnyLib2]

12. I see this as an example of HRC's experience and toughness,

both important qualities for 08. Put this in the plus column.

[Qutzupalotl]

14. Gates did the right thing here. Edelman's comments were outrageous.

Good for Clinton for handling this well.

[tabasco]

15. Remember when republicans screeched "EXIT STRATEGY!!!!" to Clinton.

Now when they are in charge the best they offer is "conceptual thinking" for an exit strategy.

When will this nightmare end?

[Canuckistanian]

17. And did Gates ask for Edelman's resignation? Of course not.

It's like, yes we did wrong, but why do we have to suffer the consequences?

And what was the purpose in mentioning that Bill Clinton once appointed him?

[Supersedeas]

19. Funny how clear and specific they can be in their criticism; and how vague in their apologies