Sec. Gates: Know-nothing candidates not ready for ISIS

Former secretary of defense Robert Gates is one of my favorite Washington fixtures because he’s a straight shooter, avoids partisanship, and sticks to pragmatic solutions.

In other words, he’s a rare bird within the Beltway. 

He’s the only man in U.S. history to serve as defense secretary in two consecutive administrations, not to mention going from service to a Republican president (George W. Bush) to continuing service under a subsequent Democratic president (Barack Obama). 

A former CIA director, Gates has held key positions under eight presidents. So, his blunt, no-nonsense approach to government, his value as an adviser and team player, has earned appreciation in Washington for decades.

I came to especially respect and admire Gates after reading his 2013 autobiography, “Duty,”  in which he outlined numerous instances when the strengths and weaknesses of Bush and Obama intertwined from the standpoint of the 2006-11 defense secretary during times of perilous policy matters.  

On a more personal level, Gates, a Republican, offers unshaven assessments of key figures within the Bush and Obama administrations. Perhaps no commentary stands out more than his take on Vice President Joe Biden. 

In his book, Gates calls Biden (I’m paraphrasing) one of the most engaging, delightful people he has ever encountered. But he also makes it clear that he believes Biden has been wrong on every major foreign policy issue faced by the U.S. in the past 30 years.

Imagine anyone in 2016 Washington who’s immersed in seeking election or reelection stating such a blunt, bipartisan assessment of a high-ranking official.

A collection of know-nothings

With that introduction in mind, I would point out that Gates granted a TV interview the other day in which he excoriated the field of GOP candidates for president, essentially declaring them a collection of know-nothings who haven’t a clue how to deal with ISIS and the Middle East mess.

On MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” he said the GOP contenders “don’t know what they’re talking about,” and he leveled heavy criticism on Sen Ted Cruz’s plan to “carpet bomb” ISIS.

“Carpet bombing is completely useless. It’s totally contrary to the American way of war. And it’s a total disregard for civilian lives,” he explained.

On national security issues overall, he said the candidates fall far short of commander-in-chief material.

“The solutions being offered are so simplistic and so at odds with the … reality of the rest of the world,” Gates said.

Obama's disturbing ways

The former president of Texas A&M University, Gates’ criticisms on “Morning Joe” were not reserved entirely for the Republican side of the aisle.

He criticized Obama for consolidating power in the White House in disturbing ways – such as aggregating a 450-member National Security Council staff – and for assembling a team of “yes men,” so to speak, who never stand up to the president.

He never mentioned Bernie Sanders, though I suspect the Vermont senator’s foreign policy agenda, such as it is, is not worth mentioning, according to Gates.

He also never addressed former secretary of state Hillary Clinton, who he served with in Obama’s first term and who he praised for her intelligence and toughness in his book.

Decisiveness? Courage? Not here

But there was a very telling – and disheartening – moment in the MSNBC interview in which he was asked about his newly published book, “A Passion for Leadership.” 

With regard to leadership qualities of recent presidents he served, Gates said Obama displayed a willingness to make tough decisions, George W. Bush showed courage when facing serious challenges following 9/11, and Bush’s father demonstrated an ability to develop coalitions and forge a unifying effort.

So, Gates was asked, who in the current presidential field demonstrates the leadership traits of Obama (tough decisions), Bush 43 (courage) and Bush 41 (coalition building)?

“I would say no one,” he responded plaintively.

I would say anyone who has knowledge of this statesman’s career and mindset could easily conclude that he would make a finer president than anyone in the running as our election season quickly approaches.

But Gates is no politician. He’s not polished or a purist. And he’s surely not slick enough to compete with the flip-floppers and carnival barkers that dominate the 2016 political scene.