Summary

In Chapter 8, the focus is on the events that took place surrounding the 2008 Presidential election. In early 2008, there was speculation that Gates might be asked by the newly-elected President to stay on as Secretary of Defense, but he downplayed it and spoke as if he had no intention of accepting such an invitation if it came. Privately, however, he held such respect and affection for the troops serving in the armed forces that he knew if he were asked, his sense of duty would make him agree. After the conventions ended, there were sensitivities regarding briefings and information requested by candidates Obama and McCain, particularly since both were sitting U.S. Senators and Gates did not enjoy the need to navigate political minefields. In early October, a month before the election, Gates was approached by an Obama aide about whether he would be...