Defense chief says he works well with adviser he is quoted as saying would be ‘disaster’
By APFriday, October 8, 2010
Gates downplays quoted objection to Obama adviser
WASHINGTON — Defense Secretary Robert Gates says he works well with the man set to become President Barack Obama’s next national security adviser despite negative remarks attributed to him in Bob Woodward’s new book.
Gates had been quoted in “Obama’s Wars” as saying that Tom Donilon would be “a disaster” in the powerful White House job.
That was before word from administration officials Friday that Donilon will indeed take that job upon the departure of retired Gen. James Jones. Obama was expected to make it official later in the day.
Gates told reporters Friday he has a “good working relationship” with Donilon, “contrary to what you may have read.” Donilon is currently the No. 2 person at the National Security Council.
