[leadpenny]

Thanks for the ping, Fred. Some random thoughts:

I have a friend who speaks very highly of White. He served in Nam and the Pentagon with him. I'll say here what I told my friend, "It's about appearances and perceptions. If White is/was seen as a liabilty to W's re-election chances, there is only one choice."

As for Keane being Shinseki's replacement, I think that was announced just about a year ago (an unheard of lead time). That Keane has decided to retire, says to me the "war" inside the Pentagon is still raging. DA, at least, is going through a complete shake-up.

PS: What about Tommy Franks as the next CofS?

[leadpenny]

Also, the Arab-speaking 3-star could take over CENTCOM.

(Not only random, but early morning thoughts)

[SLB]

PS: What about Tommy Franks as the next CofS?

Franks is not a "yes" man. Rummy will not have that in the Pentagon. Besides, Franks screwed up with a security breach involving his wife being included in classified briefings. The next CoS needs to be a squeeky clean yes man.