Biden, Levin already wrong on Gates; Webb right

Sens. Joe Biden and Carl Levin sound like they’re full steam ahead on considering Bob Gates’ nomination to succeed Donald Rumsfeld as Secretary of Defense NOW rather than waiting.

Sen.-elect James Webb, who went through Senate confirmation himself as Navy Secretary under Ronald Reagan, has it right:

I believe that the new Senate should be the body that examines Bob Gates' qualifications for confirmation.

It’s not like the lame-duck Congress is going to significantly impact events in Iraq, nor is a new Defense Secretary going to do too much too soon. And, despite President Bush’s fine words at his press conference, it’s not likely he’s going to sign on the Congressional dotted line on Iraq ― whatever that may turn out to be ― anyway.

Let’s wait.