Fox & Friends runs with disputed claim that Gates considers Donilon a “disaster”

Doocy: “Reportedly Gates said 'that guy will be a disaster,' and now he's coming in.” On the October 12 edition of Fox News' Fox & Friends, co-host Steve Doocy introduced an upcoming segment by claiming: “President Obama's national security adviser, James Jones, is the latest adviser to join the exodus from the White House. Obama named Washington insider Thomas Donilon as his replacement, a choice that is raising eyebrows. In fact, Defense Secretary Robert Gates says Donilon's appointment would be a, quote, 'disaster.' So is the president's choice setting up a clash between the White House and the Pentagon?” After introducing guest Retired Gen. Hugh Shelton, Doocy again claimed, “Reportedly Gates said 'that guy will be a disaster,' and now he's coming in.” Doocy is presumably referring to a claim journalist Bob Woodward made in his latest book, Obama's Wars.

But Gates has disputed a current rift and praised Donilon and their “very good working relationship”

Gates claims he has a “very good working relationship with Tom Donilon, contrary to what you may have read.” An October 8 Huffington Post article reported that in a press conference, Gates said he has a “very productive and very good working relationship with Tom Donilon, contrary to what you may have read”:

A senior defense official told The Huffington Post that Gates and Donilon have enjoyed a good working relationship for many, many months, emphasizing that the characterization in the Woodward book is extremely outdated and mainly concerned the 2009 review of the administration's policy on Afghanistan and Pakistan.

In addition, the official said that Gates looks forward to working with Donilon, adding that the promotion will not speed the departure of Gates, who has indicated his intention to resign soon.

At a press conference this morning, Gates praised Donilon:

I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Gen. Jones and I have, and have had, a very productive and very good working relationship with Tom Donilon, contrary to what you may have read and I look forward to working with him.

FoxNews.com quotes senior defense official: “The comment 'does not reflect the current state of play.' ” According to an October 8 FoxNews.com article, a “Senior Defense official says the characterization in Bob Woodward's 'Obama's Wars' book of Defense Secretary Robert Gates saying Tom Donilon replacing General Jones 'would be a disaster' is outdated. The official says Gates did have concerns late last year during the Afghanistan-Pakistan review process, but suggests they have been addressed and overcome.” The article further noted: “The disaster comment this official insists 'does not reflect the current state of play, and Gates is looking forward to working with him in this new capacity.' ”

Politico quotes official to note relationship between Gates and Donilon is and has been good. In an October 8 Politico article, a Defense official noted:

Asked about Gates's view of Donilon, a senior defense official said: “The secretary did have some concerns in the past. But those date to the AfPak review process [last year], and have been addressed and long since overcome. They enjoy a very good working relationship, and really have for quite some time now.

”So the characterization that some are pointing to in the Woodward book is just outdated. It does not reflect where things are now, or really have been for months. The secretary looks forward to working with Mr. Donilon in his new capacity."