Today's Daily Schadenfreude: Robert Gates

Robert Gates (My Alma Mater '65) was sworn in today as Defense Secretary. One wonders if he has any friggin' idea what he's getting himself into.

He's certainly changed his tune to fit the party line, though. Witness this vignette from Gates' confirmation hearing a week or two ago:

Asked point-blank by Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., whether the U.S. is winning in Iraq, Gates replied, "No, sir." That contrasted with Bush's remark at an Oct. 25 news conference that, "Absolutely, we're winning."

And now today:

"All of us want to find a way to bring America's sons and daughters home again," Gates said after taking the oath of office as defense secretary from Vice President Dick Cheney at a Pentagon ceremony. "But as the president has made clear, we simply cannot afford to fail in the Middle East. Failure in Iraq at this juncture would be a calamity that would haunt our nation, impair our credibility, and endanger Americans for decades to come."

Shorter Gates: We stay till we win (definition of "win" to be determined).

Yep, he's drunk the Kool-Aid; naturally, that's a prerequisite for serving in this maladministration. However, it's for his unfortunate misplaced confidence and bravado that Gates is being honored by Blast Off! today.

This job has fucked up the careers of lesser men. So, for your willingness to kiss Dear Leader's ass and "stay the course," I extend congratulations to you, Robert Gates - today's Blast Off! Daily Schadenfreude is for you!