Let’s assume for the sake of argument that Gates is right.
In that case, the administration knew ahead of time that resources couldn’t be sent to quickly protect the embassy.
The question is: Why weren’t the embassy personnel removed to safety well before the attack? Other western countries got their people out once the danger was realized.
Gates can defend the logistics once the attack took place, but he can’t defend the stupidity (or purposeful risk-taking) of leaving the personnel in place.
Dick Cheney seems to have a different opinion than Gates.
It may have been the right decision if all you care about is getting reelected and you can control the public discourse through a complicit media. It’s the right decision if you’re a sociopath.