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Van Jones: Gates should be ashamed
Van Jones says, "so much for bipartisanship," when he learns that Robert Gates, the former Defense Secretary, just released a tell-all book which bashes the Obama administration. Read the full story here.
Jones debated with Newt Gingrich and guests Larry Korp of Center of American Progress and Reuel Marc Gerecht of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies.
During the Final Question, Gingrich asks Korp if senior officials should have to sign a contract swearing not to reveal all about the administration they worked for. What do you think?
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Posted by CNN's Christina Manduley Filed under: Bob Gates • Debates • Larry Pratt • Newt Gingrich • Obama • Reuel Marc Gerecht • The Final Question • Van Jones |
Meet the Hosts
Author, documentary filmmaker, historian, Speaker of the House (1995-1999), and 2012 Republican presidential candidate
Fmr. Obama Deputy Campaign Mgr. and W.H. Sr. Adviser, founder of Precision Strategies, fmr. Sr. Adviser to Maj. Leader Reid and Sen. Kennedy
Conservative columnist for New York Daily News, contributing editor at Townhall Magazine, commentator and author
Former Special Adviser for Green Jobs under President Obama, co-founder of Rebuild the Dream, author and attorney
This Van Jones character likes to make up facts and figures and just plain lie!
Crawl back in ;your communist hole.
WHY THE WHOLE WORLD KNOWS WHAT TYPE OF PERSON(OBAMA) HE IS AND WILL ALWAYS BE.THERE IS NOT A COUNTRY ON THE PLANET THAT TRUST HIM ANYMORE.INCLUDING A LOT OF HIS OWN PARTY HERE IN THE USA
Well, that's the downside of inviting diverse opinions and backgrounds instead of the Bush/Cheney "yes man" approach. There are bound to be a few tattletales like Gates, but overall you aren't as prone to such stupid blunders.
President Obama and the 111th Congress will go down in history as the greatest Since FDR. More money has been spent to demonize Obama than any President in history and he still comes thought it untouched, charismatic and honorable. These, the President and the Democrats in congress have done much more to make things better for average working Americans than any in history and millions of Americans will live healthy productive lives whereas before - thousands would have been among the ranks of the working sick and dying. It is a rare thing for Government to focus on actually helping people. It is good to see and I hope it continues.
(Caution: comments from ulra-rich sociopaths and their plebicites follow... )
Obama is the most radical, destructive and worst President in history. He is arrogant, a pot head, lazy (maybe works 10am to 4pm) incompetent, lawless, apathetic, a fraud, never had a real job, aloof and a COMMUNIST. Obama and the Democrat party are continuing to destroy the great US economy. In almost five years they have; deficit spent $7.2 trillion (most of any Pres.) with nothing to show for it, increased national debt to $17.2 trillion and counting, real unemployment rate of 15%, no job growth, 8.5 million lost jobs, 90 million not working, black/hispanic unemployment over 20%, they hate oil/coal industries, fossil fuels, military, private sector, success, constitution, right to bear arms, over 2,260 soldiers killed in Iraq/Afgn since Obama became Pres., one in five people in poverty (highest ever), created disastrous Obamacare that has increased rates, cancelled insurance, lost doctors, is largest tax increase in history, destroy jobs and the economy and now costs $3 trillion, wasted billions of taxpayer funds on scam clean energy deals like Solyndra and Ener1 to campaign donors, foreign policy of cowardice and appeasement that has allowed at least two terrorist attacks, Benghazi and Boston, supported worst Sec. of State in history, Hillary Clinton, who is responsible for the murder of Libyan ambassador and three staffers in Benghazi, supports worst AG in history, Eric Holder, who is responsible for killing a border agent and the AP scandal, 48 million on food stamps and increased business killing govt regulation/employment more than any other Pres. Obama should be IMPEACHED.
It's all about money! Making high 7 figures in his new policy shop REQUIRES "Republican purity" so he HAD TO remove the taint of working for a democrat. I know Bob Gates and I have done morning runs with him on the Mall but I NEVER thought he would stoop this low. I guess this proves, once again, that EVERYBODY has his price.
Totally agree, like Obama or not, this is nasty on Gates part. Thought he was a better man.
Sec. Gates at DOD a Bush appointee and staunch supporter of unnecessary Iraq War ( 2003 – 2011 ) was a hold over in Obama administration , for purposes of continuation
Iraq War and the War on terrorism programs in Afghanistan . Contrary to Bush doctrine of Wars , President Obama was elected President , on his campaign promise to end the Iraq War . Sec. Gates ' criticism of President Obama was expected but not in harsh language . Unlike President Bush's cabinet and team , President Obama had this preference for cabinet secretaries and other high level advisers with diverse opinions and background experience of adversaries . Those who would disagree and challenge President Obama and supplement and not necessarily agree with him on strategy and policy choices . The President 's thought process on decision making gets wider and more choices ! Sec. Gates had known this all along for years . Bob Gates was blessed to serve five presidents and given the credit , rewards and honor well earned and deserved .
Actually it's Obama that should be.
Once again, Republicans are trying to throw mud on the black man. When is it going to end. Shame on Gates, Snowden who are both Republicans. Obama should never have given him that job.
Minority voters will never forget this. Republicans will be toast in presidential elections for a long time.
Your race card expired years ago. You and your kind (liberals) are pathetic parasites at best.
Not only blacks stand behind this president, your tone does not help him.
Race has nothing to do with it. This is all about continues failures from Obammy, he couldn't pick a winner if he had too, Solyendrea anyone ??? Why don't you invest in Obamma care ???> Who won the BIGGEST LIAR OF THE YEAR AWARD ??? Again race has nothing to do with this, only ineptness.
Gates has every right to publish a book.
While it's not very polite to author a book about the president you served under while he's still in office, he is completely within his rights to do so. I think some of his comments are being overblown by the media.
Obama was not enthusiastic about the war in Afghanistan. He kept a very close eye on military decisions and overruled Gates on occasion (as Gates put it "meddling").
So what? With two wars going on, he was trying to work toward exiting those conflicts somewhat gracefully and didn't let the military complex have free reign. Isn't that what the president SHOULD do? He's not supposed to rubber stamp what the military wants to do... that's why the head of the military is a civilian and not an active military person. Just because Gates was used to that with Bush does not mean that's an appropriate way to run things.
"I never doubted Obama's support for the troops, only his support for their mission," Gates writes.
Good. He's supposed to question the mission... especially if it's not working.
"As I sat there, I thought: The president doesn't trust his commander, can't stand (Afghan President Hamid) Karzai, doesn't believe in his own strategy and doesn't consider the war to be his. For him, it's all about getting out."
Good. That was what he was elected for. Get Afghanistan stable enough for us to exit. There's nothing to "win" in Afghanistan or Iraq. There's no enemy government to be toppled or stronghold to be overthrown. We are fighting for stability... nothing more. The PURPOSE is an exit strategy. He made that clear when he was elected. Why did this confuse you?
"Hillary told the president that her opposition to the surge in Iraq had been political because she was facing him in the Iowa primary. ... The president conceded vaguely that opposition to the Iraq surge had been political. To hear the two of them making these admissions, and in front of me, was as surprising as it was dismaying."
I'm not sure why this dismayed Gates. The war was unpopular with people. They wanted us out. Lots of positions by politicians over the years were determined by political realities, including military positions.
Heck, the entire reason to go to war in Afghanistan was largely political. It's not like the Taliban wasn't there before. It's not like we didn't know what they did in regards to dealing with terrorists. The American people wanted blood and Osama was in Afghanistan. It wasn't a national security decision... it was simply going along with the will of the people for political purposes. FDR not entering WW2 for so long was also a political decision. Militarily, we should have entered long before we did... but we needed a political justification to do so.
Gates seems most upset with the emotion Obama showed while defining the policy for our country relating to defense and the wars. Not the actual decisions. And I'm sure he was not gung ho about those decisions because he was activly engaging in war while not really liking the idea. The point is he put aside his likes and dislikes and ordered what needed to be done despite not liking that he had to do it.
That's a positive. I support the idea of a president fighting wars that we have to fight with an eye toward ending them compared to a president that craves war and conflict. While that might annoy the secretary of defense because that president is questioning his every move... that's appropriate for the president to do.
If this was a book about Bush, Jones would be creaming his pants. Typical hypocrisy from a guy trying to do anything in the world but work for a living.
Stereotypical comment dude.
Gates should be "ashamed"? Of what – telling the truth like he sees it? Isn't this America? Can't he have an opinion after 40 years of government service? But since it doesn't back Obama, of course everyone is against him now – open your eyes sheeple! The book doesn't agree with the current WH Administration, so they're attacking the person and the book. And certain mainstream media outlets are helping.........Gee, imagine that??
I say read the book, gather your own conclusions. Stop towing the party line based off what you see in the media – use your brain!
If anyone should be ashamed of themselves it should be Van Jones by even suggesting that George Bush and Israel were responsible for the attacks of September 11th. He held a position on "green energy" while knowing nothing about the industry, now he holds a token position at CNN in the name of "diversity".
Interestiing that CNN has an avowed Communist on its payroll. Also, interesting that he was part of the Obama Whate House.
The communist is living in the White House.
Shame on you Mr. Gates! I respected you before, but no more!!! President Obama presented you with a high honor and this is how you repay him by stabbing him in the back as well as others in the administration. I think that anyone in a high administrative office should sign a statement to keep quiet. You didn't have to take this position if you didn't want it. The President was trying to help with the bipartisanship by getting as many Republicans on board in his administration as possible.
Oh Margo, just like Oblunder blame someone else
Shameful that no comment is made that this is simply a well timed political ploy. Will the American people see that what he accuses Clinton of, he is doing by publishing this book now?
Oh yes Angel, it speaks for itself.
I have always been troubled by avowed Communists in this country. Striving to make "this country better", they demonstrate how big and thick the blinders they wear are, in ignoring all the abuses of human rights by Communist Regime's around the world since the 1900's (to the present), and yet have the audacity to hold U.S. Citizenship and live here in a country, whose system of government, economic system, i.e. (in fact dislike "everything" about this country) yet live here. Criticize and do all in their power to change "here" to "there". Amazing that seemingly educated folks who experienced the same educational benefits as their bright peer group, yet have bought into, and accepted a totally foreign ideology/political philosophy and "mindset" contrary to what common sense dictates. Mr. V. Jones is such an example. Valery Jarret's suggestion to B. Obama's Transition Team brought him on board the Administration. He was the Czar of "whatever", until his politics and history embarrassed the Administration and he resigned, only to eventually become a CNN talking head. (in itself an interesting fact). And here we are. An avowed communist telling an Ex-Sect'y of Defense what his conduct should be. Situation sort of explains itself I think.
I see one of the Obama drones called Van Jones is looking for a target. Thanks to the Democrats who produce individuals like this for the country.
Van Jones is a lap dog for Obama ...no sense even calling him a journalist.
How about a President who launches a 30,000 surge but doesn't believe in it, doesn't explain it, and doesn't support it. That is something to be ashamed of but my bet is he isn't.
Those of you who believe Gates should be quiet are crazy. We need to know the truth
Why did Gates accept the position if he was so miserable. Books without flagrant controversy dont sell.You've got to stir up the base to get on the best seller list.
So he took the job of secretary of defense so he could right a book? Great logic moron.
The mistake was allowing him (Gates) into a any White House Position. He is a Coward!!! It was all about His (Gates) best interest and I am sure he already had this in the works to make Our (All People of the USA) President Look Bad. Bill Clinton was smart enough not to let him serve in his administration. I will not take anything he (Gates) to be creditable ~ What a Coward!
Gates should be in jail with W and Cheney for war crimes
And your parents should be in jail for creating such degenerate and ignorant human being.
je pence avans signer quoi ce sois il faut tout voir ont ne signe pas contrat sans tout savoir ce qu'il contient et je pense aussi que c'est comme ça la corruption ce développe
Truly... Gates may have been out of line, but if you read the book he pretty much slammed everyone, including Congress, which does have more than a handful of conservative Republicans.. So for Van Jones chip on about Gates being singularly 'anti-Obama' is at best misdirected... and really???? For anyone to hold Van Jones in a position of a "respectful authority" on this issue is like comparing Dennis Rodman to a diplomat... sheesh... Wake up, Liberals, there IS a whole lottta trash created by this Administration... let us stop using our rose colored glasses and look it straight in the eye.. This administration has led us astray, consciously... PERIOD!
President Obama went out of his way to appoint Republicans in his administration and this is the result he gets. Bob Gates did not have the guts to voice his concerns to the President while on "duty" and now trying to cash in by writing this garbage. This man has no integrity. This is a teaching moment for current and future Democratic Presidents, Never trust a Republican with such a high profile office.
No wonder your country is in such a mess , to see it as the President going out of his way to give a Republican a job.
Shouldn't it be based on who is the best qualified and Mr. Gates certainly was.
Mr. Gates might be the first to give an insight into the lack of decorum and arrogant behaviour of the White House but he won't be the last. Obama has become a monarch without the crown.
OOOH Great move bash Robert instead of Obammys ineptness !!!!
Ashamed for telling the truth? How typ of him.
I saw the interviews on CNN during the day. I don't believe half of what Gates wrote. He is a completely partisan Obama basher. GOP are scared of Hillary in 2016 – and rightfully so – and are trying to muddy the waters. Van Jones is right on the money, as usual.
Scared of Billary?....haha
Keep speaking up Van Jones. This is not a rational situation and so doing what can be done,. speaking what you know to be true is the only response. Calling out Gates for not being willing to talk with the President but just dishing on him and the administration is so right. He could have presented his views to the President, but instead took his views to the book that attacks the President and his Administration. Shame, indeed, on you Robert Gates
Shame on you Peggy Where were you when Obammy was winning BIGGEST LIAR OF THE YEAR ????
Where were you when the biggest lie of the century was perpetrated on US citizens ..Weapons of Mass Destruction ala Bush and Cheney
Well said Peggy. Perhaps if former Presidents had questioned military Generals they would have known we were not winning in Vietnam. What was America's death toll? What did they die for? I pray everyday for our soldiers, giving their lives for the love of their country, a special place in Heaven for them. Woe unto those who send them to die for naught.
Yes and we all know who it was that spit all over our returning troops and degraded them in public.