Updates on New Joint Chiefs Nominee Navy ADM Mike Mullen (from Reid, Dodd):

[babylonsister]

http://thinkprogress.org/2007/06/08/mullen-generational/

UPDATE: Mullen has indicated he is against a permanent presence in Iraq. “I’ve tried to couch the future discussion, and I’ve looked at it over many months now, is what are we going to do after Iraq? What are we going to do after Afghanistan? And I truly believe we will bring those forces home. I’m not standing here today to predict exactly when that will occur.”

UPDATE II: Cernig has much more:

http://cernigsnewshog.blogspot.com/2007/06/new-broom-to-head-chiefs-of-staff.html

It seems plain to me that Mullen is being brought forward, in part, to clean house for Gates and consolidate his position at Defense by sweeping out all the old Rumsfield hangovers. That won’t please Cheney, who was always the closest to Rummie in White house circles as the two of them headed the neocon cabal.

UPDATE III: A strong statement out from Sen. Chris Dodd (D-CT):

While I have deep respect for Admiral Mullen’s distinguished service, his view that this is a ‘generational war’ will not do anything to change course in Iraq. If we want to bring an end to our involvement in this civil war, we must do more than simply replace personnel — we must replace President Bush’s failed policy. Today’s move underscores the need for Congress to speak with clarity and adopt a firm, enforceable deadline for the redeployment of combat troops out of Iraq.

UPDATE IV: Here’s Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV):

Senators will be looking very closely at Admiral Mullen and General Cartwright’s views to make sure they are committed to changing course in Iraq. Both men must be advocates for our troops, not for a failed policy. It will require strong leadership to transition the U.S. mission in Iraq so our troops are not policing an Iraqi civil war. They must also refocus on the resurgence of Al Qaeda, rebuild the readiness of the United States military, and fix major problems with the delivery of health care to our troops and veterans.

[Captain Hilts]

1. CORRECT! This isn't a nefarious plot by Gates to avoid "oversight." PP was Rummy & Libby's toadie.

Gates wants nothing to do with any of them: Rummy, Libby and Toadie.