As expected, the custom rubber-stamp graphic gets an encore today as the Senate rubber-stamped Smirk's choice to head the Pentagon, Robert Gates, by a 95-2 vote. Interestingly, the two dissenting voices came from the right side of the aisle, Sen.'s Jim Bunning (R-KY) and Ricky "Man-on Dog" Santorum (R-PA), because they saw Iraq Study Group alumni Robert Gates as too willing to talk with Iran and Syria in trying to solve the Iraqnam Quagmire...

Gates Confirmed As Secretary of Defense (AP) - The Senate voted overwhelmingly Wed. 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 of sorts for Bush, who named Gates to replace Donald H. Rumsfeld at the Pentagon on Nov. 8, a day after voters gave Democrats control of Congress for next year.... (more)

Even so, much of Gates' support stemmed from his pledges to consider new options in Iraq. Overshadowing the vote was 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."

Overall, 52 Republicans, 42 Democrats and one independent voted for Gates. Three lawmakers - Sens. Joseph Biden, D-Del., Evan Bayh, D-Ind., and Elizabeth Dole, R-N.C. - did not vote.

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.

"Mr. Gates has repeatedly criticized our efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan without providing any viable solutions to the problems our troops currently face," Bunning said. "We need a secretary of defense to think forward with solutions and not backward on history we cannot change."

Santorum, who lost his re-election bid last month, mocked the idea of engaging dictators and talked at length of the evils of "radical Islamic fascism." When it comes to reaching out to Iran to discuss the security of Iraq, Santorum said of Gates, "I think he is in error."

The White House said Gates would be sworn in Dec. 18..... (more)

Obviously our ruling elite have adopted conventional wisdom to some agenda not fit for public debate vis-a-vis this rubber-stamping of Iraq Study group alum Gates to head the Pentagon. As I previously yowled, there are many questions that went unasked.... might Glynn Wilson have a point, and this is just a dog and pony show to further distract the media and the public from other real problems? Not the least of which is BRING THE TROOPS HOME, NOW!!!