Tomorrow's designated successor

Posted: Monday, January 19, 2009 10:16 AM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: White House, Congress, John Yang

From NBC's John Yang

Because of the gathering of top officials in one spot during the inaugural -- much like at the State of the Union -- there will be a designated successor tomorrow, a person in the line of succession who will not attend and will be in an undisclosed secure location.

The Bush administration and the incoming Obama team have agreed that the person will be Defense Secretary Robert Gates.

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Comments

How convenient....I dont like that idea... I think it should be Pelosi....

James Tn. (Sent Monday, January 19, 2009 10:26 AM)

Who cares, today is the last day of the Bush Administration!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Happy American!!!!! (Sent Monday, January 19, 2009 10:37 AM)

If something were to happen on the "magnitude" of taking out every single top official tommorrow during the Inauguration I don't think it would matter who was left in an undisclosed location to succeed. But I can see where it should be somebody who has the direct authority to immediately call upon and maneuver troops that would be required to contain the utter chaos.

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL (Sent Monday, January 19, 2009 10:38 AM)

Why would the Bush Administration agree to Pelosi?

Drew, Chicago (Sent Monday, January 19, 2009 10:51 AM)

I VOLUNTEER TO BE THE THE DESIGNATED SUCCESSOR!
I'M NOT GOING, ANYWAY.

VOLUNTEER TO BE THE THE DESIGNATED SUCCESSOR! (Sent Monday, January 19, 2009 10:51 AM)

Well, the Republican in the Cabinet doesn't attend the inaugeration of the Democratic President. Sounds like a good idea. Gates probably wouldn't enjoy it anyway. Another wise Obama team decision.

eagle1776 (Sent Monday, January 19, 2009 10:56 AM)

Wow. It must be an honor for him to know he is considered the most competent person for the job, by both administrations.

Amy B Portland, ME (Sent Monday, January 19, 2009 10:56 AM)

I think the Defense Secretary is about 6th in the line of succession. If we are attacked, it would be good to have the Sec of Defense on watch.
I think the line of succession goes: President, VP, Speaker of the House,Senate Speaker Protempore, Sec of State, Sec of Defense. The remaining are cabinet positions determined by when their cabinet position was included.

Ron Indiana (Sent Monday, January 19, 2009 11:05 AM)

How could they overlook "Cryin John Boehner"?
That woud be as close as the conservatives will ever come to getting back into the White House during our lifetime.

A.Brocco, Albuquerque,NM (Sent Monday, January 19, 2009 11:16 AM)

12:00 tommorow can't come fast enough!
==============================================
Kathy, Charlotte (Sent Saturday, January 17, 2009 9:02 PM)

Prez that it wasn't time for a Black. I gave a good tongue lashing by telling her... "if not now when?" As I explained to her the concept of self-determination she still didn't want to hear it.

Today she gets it. And I'm so glad for her and anyone else who realizes times are changing for the better.
Beverly in Chicago

Unfortunately, this is one of the most racist comments I have seen here. Beverly, the need to identify by race or color reflects the truth inside. It is sad in this day and after the recent election that this continues. How can anyone expect change if we don't start at home. Dems often show their real feelings given time.
=============================================
Kathy:
The truth is what's inside me is hope and inspiration. If mentioning color in a non-inflammatory way to illustrate how the history of our country would/has changed for the better; then maybe you need to look inside yourself. I am not a racist. I only espouse what is best for myself, children and their children and so on; which is what is best for America in order to form a more perfect union.
I really don't see color, gender, disability, or any “isim”. But, when a person like you, my dear White girlfriend, and anyone else, for that matter, tells me what a Black person cannot do; then I immediately see color.
Peace
Good fortune to the Peacemakers; for they shall inherit the earth.

Beverly in Chicago (Sent Monday, January 19, 2009 11:36 AM)

Samuel F. Bautista, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada (Sent Monday, January 19, 2009 11:37 AM)

Is this a slight from Obama by not having the most high profile Republican and holdover from the Bush era at the inauguration, or is it a sign of respect for Gates' ability?

http://www.political-buzz.com/

matt (Sent Monday, January 19, 2009 11:38 AM)

Jackson, Seattle (Sent Monday, January 19, 2009 12:01 PM)

From Another Post: Get a grip people.
The "great one" is human. Flesh, blood and bones.
He puts on his pants one lega t a time just like you and me.
His poop stinks just like yours and mine.
HE IS NOT GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Louise NY, NY
***************************************************

I truly do not understand people like you. I don't worship Obama, nor do I suspect most people do. We simply are ELATED that we soon will have someone in office that not only has a heart, but a conscious. GET OVER THE LOSS!

I worship 1 God, but I certainly have high hopes for our country again. Which is much more than I can say for the past 8 years...

The clouds have parted ...Here Comes the Sun! (Sent Monday, January 19, 2009 12:12 PM)

Gates is the only one that is in both cabinets.. so it makes sense that hes designated... That way there is no nitpicking on whose cabinet's will follow the line of succession.. Bush's or Obama's.

W. Massey, Charlotte NC (Sent Monday, January 19, 2009 12:24 PM)

Pelosi? Hilarious!

Erin, Carthage, Tennessee (Sent Monday, January 19, 2009 12:44 PM)

Just be sure Cheney's on that plane to Wyoming.

One Less Dick, Washington, D.C. (Sent Monday, January 19, 2009 12:46 PM)

jg, WV (Sent Monday, January 19, 2009 1:00 PM)

So basically, the guy who controls all the ordnance we have will get to take over if something really big explodes in the one place where everybody else is located...

Not sure that's the best idea, lol.

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA (Sent Monday, January 19, 2009 1:12 PM)

Since the emancipation of slaves by Pres. Lincoln racism, discrimination still existed until the election of Obama. His victory at the polls manifested that a majority of the American people has declared freedom from these human weaknesses.
Samuel F. Bautista, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada (Sent Monday, January 19, 2009 11:37 AM)
___________

If you think a majority of the American people have declared freedom from human weakness, I have two words for you:

Proposition Eight

Jackson, Seattle (Sent Monday, January 19, 2009 1:17 PM)

Obama is not stupid! There was no way he was leaving Hillary in charge. Can you say VINCE FOSTER????

Russ, Atlanta, GA (Sent Monday, January 19, 2009 1:17 PM)

Good choice, I trust Robert Gates, dont much like any republican anymore, but I do trust him. Crying John Boehner, good grief, we could put him and the senator from S.C. Jim Demint in a bag shake them up and no matter which one falls out, we get sh-t. Thank Goodness, I really believe that 1/20/09 is going to get here, and when it does, no more Bush league politics. I will be so happy to see his ignorant butt head back to Texas for good. I think he is also building a home in Dubai, that would be a good place for him too, with all the really really rich. Wealth from no bid contract kickbacks are really going to increase his wealth considerably.

marty,s.c. (Sent Monday, January 19, 2009 1:32 PM)

GOD be with all people in all of the United States give us compation and pride in the part we all have in the history that is before us. GOD BLESS AMERICA

Kathy Senft,Quincy FLorida (Sent Monday, January 19, 2009 1:33 PM)

I am just wondering - is it common practice for the media to tell the public, who a possible successor would be/

I mean for GOD sake - can we be a bit more optimistic and not be so heartless and in a hurry to speak of something that would only happen if there is extreme and catastrophic event would take place.

Some things just don't need to be said.

It's almost as if you media folks are hoping for a terrible event and just want to be the first to have said something remotely close to it.

Shame on you -

Thank you and GOD BLESS AMERICA

The - Democrat Soldier (Sent Monday, January 19, 2009 1:33 PM)

Out with an idiot and in with a man of the people. The end's come to the worst administration in modern history.

Reno Will (Sent Monday, January 19, 2009 1:46 PM)

Why would you put the Secretary of Defense (aka the guy in charge of the military) as the designated successor? I know this wouldn't happen in America (I hope not), but what would stop him from ordering a bomb dropped on the grandstands so he could take charge?

I know that wouldn't happen because Gates doesn't seem that ambitious, but technically speaking it COULD happen. I think the successor should ALWAYS be a civilian.

Mister Anderson (Sent Monday, January 19, 2009 1:47 PM)

Why not choose Cindy Sheehan or Sarah Palin? Now there's a couple of brains, you bet'cha!

Jonathan H. Doe (Sent Monday, January 19, 2009 1:52 PM)

If a Republican were being inaugurated, the designated successor would be Terri Schiavo.

Hugh Briss, Llao Llao, Argentina (Sent Monday, January 19, 2009 4:09 PM)

If such a disaster happened, wouldn't it be the perfect time for enemies to strike? Wouldn't there possibly be riots and utter chaos? It makes sense to me to have the Secretary of Defense temporarily in charge, not only for our security here at home but also for our civilians and military around the world.

Mel, military mom in Illinois (Sent Monday, January 19, 2009 4:51 PM)

Good! Finally all the idiots will be gone after tomorrow from Washington and hten maybe all Americans will feel safer and be more secure than when Bush sat in his office playing his Guitar!!Good Riddance George!

Freddie (Sent Monday, January 19, 2009 7:54 PM)

OMG Seriously? Pelosi? Wow

Tim Moser (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 8:02 AM)

All these argument only speaks out of one thing: Not sincere opinion, from the heart of american people, but division, and a decadent generation.

George (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 8:03 AM)

You think Race was an issue. Just wait till the inauguration is overwith. Then you will see what racism really is. Just watchfor a complete reversal here.

Mike, Texas (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 8:05 AM)

Being from Canada, I am absolutely thrilled for Obama. He is a man of vision, shoots from the hip and understands he has a HUGE job of cleaning up after....what was his name, he meant nothing so I forget....tree, lawn...oh yeah Bush. Canada celebrates in your victory and looks forward to a brighter futher for myself, my family and especially to you...our southern neighbours.

Jennifer P, Halifax Nova Scotia, Canada (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 8:05 AM)

There is no one better qualified than Mr. Gates! A good decision by both outgoing and incoming Presidents.
Pelosi.........you have got to be kidding. She hasn't been able to get anything accomplished since the election!
Go OBAMA!!Let's turn this back into a nation where the leaders care about their constituents FIRST!

Michelle Cox, Austin, Texas (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 8:05 AM)

Even if the unthinkable happened and the "designated successor" became acting president, he would only serve until a speaker was selected by the House or a President Pro tempore fot he Senate was available. Since Robert Byrd won't likely be at the inauguration, he would actually be the one to become President should everyone in line of succession above him (Obama, Biden, Pelosi) not survive.
jg, WV (Sent Monday, January 19, 2009 1:00 PM)

That would be the definition of irony to quote a line from the movie Con Air. The first Black President replaced by a former member and official of the West Virginia KKK.

John Citizen, Windermere, FL (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 8:05 AM)

We are in a resession, so lets spend billions for a week long party. Stupid.

Tony Louisville, Ky (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 8:06 AM)

Two things regarding Secretary Gates/military...Secretary Gates is a civilian as are all the cabinet secretaries...and by design the military "reports" to a civilian (the President)--the founders of our country did not want our country to become a military dictatorship or controlled by the military as many other countries of the time were. Second...dropping a bomb on civilians as indicated would be an unlawful order. Secretary Gates could "order" it all day long, but it won't happen because the military won't do it.

Doemeister Joe, Fredericksburg VA (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 8:09 AM)

PRAYER ALONE.. PRAISING ALONE...DECENT DRESSES..NOT GOING TO WORK. BUT A GUY NEEDS A FULL SUPPORT FROM THE WORLD. NOW WE GOT THE LUCKIEST PRESIDENT ON THE EARTH WHO HAS TO PUT HIMSELF TO WORK ALONG WITH THE WORLD AND WHOLE BIG AMERICA...

DILIP PATEL (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 8:11 AM)

After surviving Nixon, Reagan, and Bush/Bush I'm not certain this country could survive another Republican President.
I realize Robert Gates is probably a reasonable individual and could handle the job but I think I would much prefer Bill Gates.

RO in Reno (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 8:12 AM)

It is a happy day in America -- it will be a far happier day when Bush and Cheney are tried as criminals for torture. They MUST be held accountable!

Robert Peters Youngstown OH (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 8:13 AM)

Trusting that the Almighty will be on hand, I can go with Gates to seat in his spot and just enjoy the whole day.

Marian , Albany,NY (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 8:13 AM)

You're all thinking much too linearly. This is a political decision. By making a republican the defense secretary, the democrats remove the ability of the republicans to point out how the democrats were "weak on security" for the next election. I'm sure gates is competent and intelligent, but planning ahead is the name of the game in politics. They're removing the republicans' ability to use one of their time-tested central points in their favor in a later election.

Michael, Arlington Virginia (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 8:14 AM)

FOCUS PLEASE!!! Thank, You. Forget race. Obama is a lawyer and a Democrat and the American voters have given the Democrats complete control. We are in serious trouble here folks. Oh, and just for the record, Obama is most certainly half caucasian. Why does he not embrace that? That would be a better unifier. Instead, his "blackness" is put to the forefront. Why do we keep missing the important points??

Jim, Burlington, NC (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 8:15 AM)

The beginning of an ERROR!!

Al Atlanta GA (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 8:17 AM)

Obama will lead us in the right direction and today will be a good day. ( DONT WORRY BE HAPPY )

Ed Durfey Sorrento,Fl (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 8:17 AM)

Great comment "Reno". YOU'RE the idiot, as are millions of American people. Very sad, how nearly the entire country has accepted what this new, inexperienced, OVERLY liberal "socialist" has been selling for the last year. How near-sighted and stupid has the country become?!

Sure, Bush and his administration haven't been great. But the problems we are seeing today are not his fault. Can't pay for your house? Oh well, Obama will bail you out- go ahead and borrow more than you can afford.

GM, you make crappy vehicles and can't understand why you're going broke? No worries, here's a 50-Billion dollar bailout.

"Tax cuts for All!" ..."Oh wait, i didn't really mean that- but thanks for your vote!"

My fellow Americans, what we're seeing today is truly the begginning of the end.

What Have We Done? (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 8:17 AM)

PLease read all the comments. Brilliant Dems can't spell or use any sort of grammar.

rrdreamer (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 8:18 AM)

Just curious: what has Obama done as of yet that would allow us to form an opinion on the "content of his character"? A notable piece of legislation? An executive position? The irony to me is that all the extra hoopla today is about one thing; the "color of his skin". A sad referendum given the timing with MLK day. Change is certainly coming however. The Keynesians are jumping for joy...

Concerned. Taylor, MI (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 8:20 AM)

Could we please bring back George Bush?? He is the GREATEST President we ever had. WE will surely miss him. GREAT accomplishments, peaceful USA, strong economy(just a few months of depression), free Iraq, free Afghanistan, Strong Israel. WE LOVE GEORGE BUSH!! FOREVER!!!..

JohnDoelittle (Sent Tuesday, January 20, 2009 8:21 AM)

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