Bob Gates Is "Designated Successor" For Inauguration

By Cernig

I assume this was Obama's decision, even if Bush's press spokesperson is announcing it (h/t):

US Defense Secretary Robert Gates will sit out Barack Obama's inauguration at an undisclosed location as the "designated successor" in the event of a catastrophe, the White House announced Monday.

While the eyes of the world are glued Tuesday to Obama's historic swearing-in, attended by outgoing US President George W. Bush and both outgoing and incoming senior aides, Gates will stay away, said spokeswoman Dana Perino.

Which speaks volumes for Obama's relationship with Gates, with other Dem leaders and to Obama's probable foreign policy course. You can probably forget the progressive foreign agenda you might have hoped for.

Comments

[Richard Hershberger]

"Which speaks volumes for Obama's relationship with Gates, with other Dem leaders and to Obama's probable foreign policy course."

Or perhaps it just says that Gates was the guy who was sort of 'meh' about attending the functions.

[geoff]

Wouldn't the potential disaster have to be almost unimaginable i.e. all legitimate successors fall at once. I'm also confused about what could actually - legally - be delegate to Gates or any official of necessary executive powers. I suspect none of importance can be delegated and Gates would, if something happened to Obama, Biden, Pelosi, Byrd, Hillary, etc. etc. etc., only act as a bureaucratic guide so-to-speak until an actual successor could be contacted or dug out of the rubble. Least better than having Cheney delegated to hid in the observatory basement one more time, that would be scary. I think Gates is 6th in line right now under either Bush or Obama administration, only Paulson comes before him. Paulson that's scary also. I'm just going to cross my fingers.

[Andy]

Gates was obviously picked because he is the most senior official that will serve in both administrations.

[Peter G.]

I think you're reading way too much into this. Gates tenure is likely to be relatively short and he's probably the only guy who didn't absolutely want to be in the inauguration photos.