It's Recess-time Somewhere

Proud Member of the Reality-Based Sandbox

March 31, 2005

The Dating Game - Finding a Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

Given that former Defense Secretary, Robert McNamara was allowed to do all kinds of crazy things all willy nilly without much checking or balancing from the Joint Chiefs of Staff back in the good 'ol Vietnam days, military officials are hoping Bush chooses someone strong, manly and top-ish enough to stand up to current Defense Secretary, Donald Rumsfeld.

Behind Door #1 is we have Marine Gen. Peter Pace. Peter "has served as Myers's deputy since October 2001 and is the image of the solid, square-jawed Marine. His supporters say that after four years of dealing with the White House and Pentagon civilians, he has unique skills, especially in operating at the interface of political and military affairs. Pace's detractors argue that he has been co-opted by Rumsfeld. They complain that he will sometimes pull his punches in meetings with the secretary and avoid criticizing him face to face." He likes playing tiddly-winks and going out for ice cream.

Behind Door #2, we have Gen. James Jones. He is "currently the NATO commander. He's smart and sophisticated, with the polish of a corporate CEO. It's said he was considered for chairman last time around but signaled that he wasn't interested, and he was recently on the short list for director of national intelligence. Jones wouldn't be pushed around by anyone, but observers wonder whether he would have the right chemistry with Rumsfeld and Bush. He enjoys old Greta Garbo movies and roller-blading.

Behind Door #3, we have Army Gen. John Abizaid. John is "commander of Centcom. He's probably the strongest strategic thinker in the Army. It's said that Rumsfeld was ready to appoint him as Army chief of staff in 2003 but that Abizaid preferred to be in the field. He's tough, smart and outspoken, and is said to have challenged Rumsfeld, quietly but effectively, in the past." He loves backgammon and says he can be a little persnickety about food sometimes.

Now our audience members will vote on who they think is the best match for Mr. Rumsfeld. We'll be back in two and two and let you know who they chose!