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Who Should Be the Next SecDef? (And Why?)
The floor is open for nominations. As the original poster, I will get my digs in first: I nominate US Navy Admiral (ret.) Michael S. Rogers.
As the head of the NSA during the FISA/DOJ scandals, he was apparently the only one in that sorry affair with the integrity to blow the whistle on the blatant politicization of our intelligence and law enforcement communities and disregard of the FISA laws and procedures.
If he doesn’t know where the bodies are buried, and who’s an actual ally or not, who does?
His other recent post was as commander of the US Cyber Command, which is as likely to be a theater of war as meatspace. He is also less likely to have a geopolitical axe to grind than some whose last major command was in a specific area.
One can hope that Trump respects him due to the first item above. I don’t have any idea whether his notions of current strategy and procurement necessities jibe with Trump’s.
Published in Military
Well, Jack Keane (retired Four Star) would be great. But he’s 75 and may not be interested. I’d at least make an overture and ask if he’d serve through the remainder of this term.
Still, your pitch for Adm. Rogers leads me to think he should have a place somewhere in this Administration.
I’d rather have Tom Cotton in the Senate, and his chances may have been hurt (along with Graham’s) by opposition to the Syria withdrawal.
I think it depends on Trump’s next goal.
It seems Trump picks them to accomplish something and if they can’t or won’t help with the next goal, they are out.
ISIS has been defeated – check. It appears Mattis was the right guy for that job given how quickly it happened.
Question is, what is the next goal and who is on board with that?
I’ve seen it reported that Keane has stated that he’s not interested in the post. I agree with you re: Cotton. He’s more useful in the Senate.
Admiral Rogers retired in June. I’m not sure the Senate is prepared to waive the retirement rules a second time in 3 years. How about Jim Webb? He may be a Democrat, but he’s served in past Republican Administrations.
Come on @ejhill, you know McConnell will do anything for President Trump. Hardy, har, har, har.
Webb is a titanic jerk and an anti-Semite. Trump will not stand him.
No. I should be the next SecDef. Too many reasons to list in detail here, but I would do a much better job than any of Obama’s (or Clinton’s) SecDefs.
Heck, I would even go for most Ricochetti . . .
Tony Stark.
I forgot the why – Jericho missile, enough said.
Any evidence on the anti-Semite?
No current senators, please.
I like the James Webb suggestion. Because his ideas about US role in the world is close to the President’s. Never heard the anti-semite thing before. He was awarded the Navy Cross, one you don’t usually live to talk about. I liked his books, especially Fields of Fire. Parts of some of his books are a little pervy. But, he was an elected Senator, known for his candor. I don’t like his populist liberal ideas, but I do like his service and love of country.
@bossmongo, obviously.
in his senate primary we had the comic book portrayal of webb and his semitic “anti-christ” opponent.
then we gad the george allen is a crypto-jew general election
What are the quotes? Because honestly, there are conservatives who think criticizing Soros is anti-semitic.
So if I’m hesitant to take anyone’s word on any implication of racism.
Excellent choice!
David Goldman. aka Spengler.
Thanks. Bad choice. Really.
John Bolton.
Do you remember the election? Do you remember the bizarreness of Democrat-Controlled Media hounding Allen about his Jewish background?
Someone who can get along with Mike Pompeo and John Bolton.
(He could appoint Rick Perry who could say that it is finally time to fold the Energy Department essential tasks into other departments.)
James Webb is a loose cannon.
Nominate Dick Cheney after a public showing of the movie Vice. Cheney’s new heart might not be up to it though.
First, define what Trump wants to accomplish. Then let’s talk some candidates. I also support the no Senators rule. (Well, it’s more of a guideline)
Nah. Boss Mongo for CIA Deputy Director of Operations.
You know. The type of “operations” where the survival of the target is a secondary consideration. If it is a consideration at all, that is.
If this is anti Semitism, it is pretty subtle. I don’t know that someone who wasn’t looking for it could pick it out, and I am not convinced it is there.
Dick Cheney is a good suggestion if he is up to it. I don’t think Jim Webb is an anti-Semite ( but I agree anti semitism would be disqualifying ), so I think Jim Webb would be a good choice. Other than Webb, are there any other Pro American democrats left? If there was a Pro-American democrat with useful military knowledge, pick that democrat — would be nice to nudge the democrat party in a Pro American direction. How about John James the Michigan Senate candidate? Would be good to raise his profile. Scott Walker? Not sure about his military knowledge, but he is an able administrator, and repositioning him for 2024 would be great. How about David Petraeus?
Former Senator Scott Brown.
Webb has the same mercurial personality that Trump has. Not a good combination.
Why Scott Brown? Good guy, but why as Sec Def?
Probably should stay away from generals or admirals. SecDef is a civilian position. It’s a good idea to have someone with prior military (I’m against Webb for other reasons, but his military service as a junior officer is a good example of a positive qualification).
Mattis worked out. But retired generals are too bound up with the Pentagon bureaucracy. The point of having a civilian is to bring a different perspective to military leadership. Best to have people who have not worn the uniform for twenty plus years.
He’s probably not. Seventy-seven isn’t necessarily too old, but with his heart complications, he should probably stay retired. He doesn’t look that youthful.
As a former national guard JAG officer he is familiar enough but not too familiar with DoD. He’s more likely to be confirmed than Kurt Schlichter.