Gates is a consummate Washington insider. He knows how to work with people and work the system.
Doing what Levin says would not be a "consensus", by definition of the word.
I took my cue from Imhofe and Sessions. They are very conservative, and not the cut and run types. Unless I missed it, they seem ok with Gates while most among us FReepers seem worried sick about him. And the way Gates dealt with the ridiculous but in your face ego of Bob Byrd.
Levin is Levin, just like Murtha is Murtha. Following the exact course of either of these two men would not be a consensus. (But I repeat myself...sorry.)
Make no mistake, Gates is very different in his personality and background and way of working than Rumsfeld. My point is, that's why I think he's there. Really. That's IT. It's what the President wants at this point. Don't think he's any more into cutting and running though than Rumsfeld.
Tough nougies, Levin and Murtha et al.
Thanks for being a voice of reason amid the tantrums on this thread today. Gates is tough and knowledgable, and he will do well.
I am going to listen to you...you have a cool head about this.