Washington – The Senate voted overwhelmingly Wednesday to confirm Robert Gates as defense secretary, with Democrats and Republicans portraying him as the man who will help overhaul President Bush’s Iraq policies.
The 95-2 vote was a victory for Bush, who named Gates to replace Donald Rumsfeld at the Pentagon on Nov. 8, a day after voters gave Democrats control of Congress for next year.
Even so, much of Gates’ support stemmed from his pledges to consider new options in Iraq. The vote coincided with the release of an independent study lambasting Bush’s approach to the war, increasing pressure on the White House to change course.
“I am confident that his leadership and capabilities will help our country meet its current military challenges and prepare for emerging threats of the 21st century,” Bush said in a statement after the Senate vote.
He said Gates had shown during his confirmation hearing this week before the Senate Armed Services Committee that he is “an experienced, qualified and thoughtful man who is well respected by members of both parties and is committed to winning the war on terror.”
Two Bush allies, Sens. Rick Santorum, R-Pa., and Jim Bunning, R-Ky., voted against Gates, citing his criticism of the war and his view that the U.S. should engage Iran as part of a solution.
The White House said Gates would be sworn in Dec. 18. Explaining the delay, spokeswoman Dana Perino said Gates had commitments he had to fulfill at Texas A&M University, where he is the president.
Bush called Gates with congratulations.
Gates said at the Senate hearing that he did not think the U.S. was winning the war and that all options for changing the administration’s approach must remain on the table.
The committee voted 24-0 to support Gates to succeed Rumsfeld, who became a symbol of the unpopular war and often sparred with Democrats.
Committee Democrats said they decided to endorse Gates because of his frank assessment of the Iraq war and his openness to change.
