>>2099947

This would be 'normal' behavior...

• Gates was Bush's SECDEF

• BHO was interviewing Gates for position on Hussein's cabinet

• Would have created an 'awkward' situation for Gates/Bush, ie, could GW trust Gates to be loyal til the end of Bush term, (or would Gates' decision-making favor the incoming administation)

• Typical in military change of commands, not appropriate for incoming commander to have any contact with members of new unit until AFTER the change of command