Why now? Glenn reacts to the accusations in former Defense Secretary Robert Gates’ new book

by Meghan

Former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates’ new book, Duty: Memoirs of a Secretary of War, is gaining a tremendous amount of attention because of the things it ‘exposes’ about the Obama Administration. Gates claims President Obama and then Secretary of State Hillary Clinton both told him that their opposition to the surge in Iraq was purely political. Meanwhile, Gates accuses Biden of “poisoning the well” against military leadership and says “he has been wrong on nearly every major foreign policy and national security issue over the past four decades.”

While conservatives and Republicans may appreciate the opportunity to say “I told you so” when it comes Gates’ reports about the current Administration’s feelings towards the military, Glenn has a major problem with the timing of Gates’ revelations.

Get Glenn Live! On TheBlaze TV

“So Robert Gates is coming out with this book, and I have no interest in it,” Glenn said on radio this morning. “And when we were on the winter break, I realized what it was. And Pat went off on a rant. And I said, you know, that’s it. That’s why I have no interest in it.”

The book, as Glenn sees, is remarkably hypocritical and a way for Gates to make a quick buck off of some of the more controversial things he witnessed during his tenure as Secretary of Defense. When you consider the gravity of the decisions Gates’ was involved in and how much he seems to disapprove of the Obama Administration’s decisions, one has to wonder why he didn’t speak up sooner.

“Where were you, you miserable worm, when this was all going on and you were carrying out the policies? Where were you then,” Pat asked exasperatedly. “They used you as a shield… And now that he can make money off it, [he] writes a book and stabs everybody in the back. Now he has a problem. Where were you then? Where were you then?”

In the book, which will be released later this month, Gates describes why he nearly quit his job at several points during the Obama presidency because he disagreed with the policy decisions. But, as Glenn, Pat, and Stu explained, telling the world how much you disagreed at the time – when tens of thousands of American lives were on the line – is simply unacceptable.

“If you think this is dangerous policy that’s hurting America, I think you have an obligation to speak up,” Pat said. “[This is about] saving lives on the battlefield. This is about war. This is pretty serious stuff.”

Glenn: General Boykin is an honorable man, such a remarkable man. And I’ll never forget when he said, on my set, and I think he said it on air. If he didn’t, I know he wouldn’t have a problem with me saying it. He said, it is past time that somebody with actual stars on their shoulders walk in to the Oval and put them down. I cannot do it another day. I resign and I am going outside of this building and I’m going to hold a press conference and say why I resign. He said, there’s nobody left that will do that. Gates should have done that. Now Gates will play this little game in his head, well, I couldn’t have done that because they would replace me with somebody worse. So I did my duty by standing in the line of fire. And then what? Then what? You write a book? You go write a book? Oh, okay. I got it. If you are going to dedicate your life to now reversing all of the things that you were a part of, it’s despicable. Really despicable. I have a problem with people writing books.

Glenn has no problem with Gates’ right to write a book about and make money off of his experience, but he does have a problem about the way in which Gates has handled this situation.

“I don’t have a problem with people writing books and making money. I don’t have a problem with people staying in [a job] because they think: ‘If I leave, they are going to replace me with somebody worse.’ I don’t have a problem with people resigning when they figure out what’s going wrong,” Glenn explained. “But I do have a problem with people that resign their commission or post and go out and try to repair, try to correct the injustice and the problems that they found. What’s he doing? He’s writing a book. Making money. Then what? Then what? What are you doing then?”

When you consider the platform Gates had while he was in office and power his opinion had, one has to question his true intentions if he could wait four plus years to make these fear known to the American people.

“Can you imagine what this guy could have done if he was in front of a Congressional hearing? Can you imagine if he didn’t have that conversation behind the scenes,” Glenn asked. “He could have gone to his people and said, ‘I want to you have a joint session that it’s televised.’ And he could have gone up to Capitol Hill and… [said], ‘I want the American people to know, and I want Congress to know exactly what I have found and what’s going on.’ Do you know how this man could have changed the world?”

Ultimately, Glenn concluded that he will not be lining up to purchase Gates’ new book, and he had this to say to anyone in government who is not speaking up about problems they have observed:

The world is looking for heroes. We’re not looking for revolutionaries. We’re looking for heroes. Looking for somebody who has the balls to stand up. Somebody who has the balls to say, ‘You know what? To hell with it all… Something else is bigger than me. Something else is bigger than my bank account. Something else is bigger than my fame, my fortune. Something else is bigger than even my family.’

Well, Mr. Gates… how can I trust you? How can I trust anybody? How can I trust you to tell me the truth about the NSA? Did that play a role in you staying? Has that played a role with anybody in Congress? The NSA still won’t answer the question: Are you spying on members of Congress? Can we trust members of Congress to tell us the truth on the NSA, when the NSA will not confirm that they are not spying on members of the Congress?

And oh, by the way, do you trust the NSA? Do you think Mr. Clapper is going to tell you the truth? Do you think Mr. Clapper, even if he was on truth serum, knows what the truth is? The guy was the one who told us that the Muslim Brotherhood is totally fine. And he’s the one that we’re getting our guarantee from on the NSA?

I’m sorry, Mr. Gates, I’m a busy man… And I get home and just like every other American, Mr. Gates. All I want to do is play with my kids. All I want to do is be with my kids. All I want to do is study the things that are important. I’m sorry, Mr. Gates, I don’t have time to purchase or read your book. But thanks for the tip that we can’t trust this administration. That comes as a total surprise.

  • rmnewt

    note the title is “Duty” and doesn’t include the famous “Honor and Country” words from West Point.

    • Anonymous

      Mysterious, indeed. Hail Satan!

  • landofaahs

    The Gates are busting wide open on the cat that is Obama. His policies will crash and burn as idiocy always does.

    • Anonymous

      Our Father adores your smuggy buggy attitude. Hail Satan!

      • Anonymous

        Now try to say something intelligent.

        • Anonymous

          Something Intelligent. (rimshot)

          Demon Humor! Ha ha ha ha.

  • landofaahs

    The Gates are busting wide open on the cat that is Obama. His policies will crash and burn as idiocy always does.

  • Anonymous

    “And when we were on the wreak break, I realized what it was. ”

    I wish I realized what a ‘wreak break’ was.

    • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8FvmesaxXg Sam Fisher

      Moderators this guy is HP mclovingcraft please get rid of him again thank you.

      • Anonymous

        You sure are paranoid today, brother.

      • Anonymous

        I agree, he is an ignorant troll.

    • Anonymous

      If you are going by only the spoken word, you may have missed it. The written text clearly says it was over the “winter break.”

      Now you know.

      What else are you missing?

      Laus Deo

      • Anonymous

        It was a typo from yesterday, love.

        The staff just quietly changed the text without admitting to either an error or making a correction.

        Bad Form!

    • Anonymous

      I wish you realized what anything is–at all.

      • Anonymous

        I wish you had more than a child’s intellect. Such a silly mortal!

  • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8FvmesaxXg Sam Fisher

    Tell us something new Gates.

  • Baguette

    Sorry to see you take a cheap shot at Gates today .
    At least he wrote the book . No one knows what is in another
    mans soul . No one knows what he went through .
    Not soon enough for you possibly but don’t condemn him.
    That sir , is hubris .

    • Anonymous

      Yes, you may be right, that there is some element of hubris, but I have another take on it. True, Glenn hasn’t read the book (yet) (and at this point, I doubt he will, for some time) so his comments are based on what someone else is saying about its contents and revelations. Based on that, I feel Glenn’s comments are justified to a great extent. Yes, a rant, but asking “Why didn’t you stand up sooner?” seems to be a somewhat valid question at this point.

      Quoting Gen. Boykin is telling, to back up Glenn’s point he is trying so strongly to make. Who, indeed, has the intestinal fortitude to do just that? Put his stars on the desk and tell the world why?

      Who, indeed?

      In lieu of that, we have a Glenn Beck (and others, no doubt) calling attention to the mishandling of our Nation’s interests.

      Okay, so you don’t like Glenn’s take on it. Tough. Then YOU speak up. Tell us all, not just on this forum, but the world, what is going wrong with this administration. Someone with enough clout needs to.

      Okay, Gates’ book is one voice, late, but there. No stars on the desk though, it seems.

      Laus Deo

  • Anonymous

    As refreshing as it is, hearing the ugly truth about the progressive agenda, it is a bit too late. Why not raise your voice while still in office, when something other than book sales meant something?

    • Anonymous

      Do you expect everybody with inside knowledge to raise their voice while still in office? You need to think before you speak. There are countless such heores who wanted to speak while in office but never got their chance. They paid with their lives. Are you a hero for trying to tell them what they should do?

      • Anonymous

        I expect men and women who enter into political office to uphold and protect the rights of the American citizen. I expect them to honor their sworn oath of office and duly represent the constituents who placed them there. If that means going against the political grain, then so be it. If our people would insist upon that simple formula…this nation would still be standing strong within the community of nations. instead, we have become the current laughing stock of the world. We have ignorantly assumed our leaders truly care for what is right and good and what benefits the masses, but, the frightening reality of history proves politicians – do not – represent – we the people – they are in it only, for personal wealth and gain. So, we need brave leaders, real heroes, now, more than ever before in the history of this nation. If this lacking ability of foresight continues and the problem in American leadership isn’t corrected and soon, then this nation is through.

      • Anonymous

        Exactly correct. I would imagine he felt he had to have the courtesy to his boss and the President of the U.S. to be loyal while in office.

    • Anonymous

      Are you a veteran? No? You have lots of company all over our government. Have you any clue what you just asked? Have you no shame, or no brain?

      • Anonymous

        When you get out of reform school, why not run for political office. Maybe you can bring back the prestige that this nation once carried. But if you do…remember to suck it up and do as you’re told by the bloated lifers, who love their seat of power and don’t rock the boat rookie.

        • Anonymous

          Been there, done that. Much lower office than Lt. Col. West. Similar outcome. Have you read Steve Allen’s ‘DUMBTH’ yet?

          One look at the graph representing Amerca’s historic national average S.A.T. scores would be enough to turn a Mother Teresa hysteric.

          Coincidental or Managed, our dumb-down is a wild success!

          • Anonymous

            We live in a very different day and age than what our grandparents lived. Americas finest generation, were not confronted with the onslaught of technology that is readily available today. Spell-check, for example, has not helped the user (in general) to “spehl beter” but its use has helped communications advancement immensely .

            I’ll agree that America has been dumbing-down for decades, but when the liberal philosophy permeates academia, with its get way of thinking – what is the prod for one to educate himself, after all, “I can live just as comfortable as the college educated individual down the street and I never have to get my rear up off the couch” – not only that, there isn’t the heavy burden of repaying tuition loans that in most cases, last for decades. Then, as is the case here in America today, many college graduates can no longer find employment in their chosen field.

            Now, when it comes to national security, or whistle blowers as they are known, it all depends on personal choice, is your financial gain going to be effected in any way, if that question crosses ones mind and it effects the outcome of his actions or decisions, especially when our very national survival greatly depends on said persons duly sworn service to country – then that’s an entirely different issue, again, what has happened to American hero’s…there was a time in our history when real heroic individuals walked barefoot through winter storm, in order to preserve what we had started as a fledgling nation.

    • Anonymous

      Whistleblowers do not fare well in America! Snowman is in exile and in fear of assassination by the CIA. Countless others have loss their jobs speaking out only to have everything swept under the carpet having done little to no good. It would have been better if Roberts Gates came out with his book just before the 2012 elections. It means very little now.

      • Anonymous

        I agree, but, where are the virtues found in American leadership. Or better stated, “Is there any virtue left” This nation is quickly swirling down the cesspool of self destruction. We need someone, and yes Snowden did try to make a difference, but the way he went about his business is questionable, I’ll agree, at least he attempted to do his part, the verdict isn’t in yet in my mind if this man is for or against America, do patriots place the lives of countless innocent Americans in danger, by way of, the very conduct and information they release – how can that be the best avenue of attack.

        You’re right, if Mr Gates would have released this information prior to the ’12 elections, it may have carried some real weight, in fact, it could have turned the tide of the elections in favor of the conservatives.

        • Anonymous

          We have a government that has thrown the Constitution in the toilet. If they tell you they did it to protect your life would you believe them? We also have a President who lies daily to support his narratives.

          Real Clear Politicts
          “If a person in government says the sun will come up tomorrow, it’s sensible to believe that person — but not until the first rays seep over the horizon. Skepticism is even more justified when the government has been caught hiding something from the public and needs to excuse the secrecy.

          In the aftermath of Edward Snowden’s leaks about surveillance conducted by the National Security Agency, its defenders have made two basic assertions. The first is that these programs were vital in stopping terrorists. The second is that by revealing their mere existence, Snowden did grave damage to national security.

          On the first claim, NSA Director Keith Alexander and others have gone into great detail, crediting the programs for foiling some 50 plots. But on the second one, they have been curiously reticent.

          Now, it’s hard to believe it would come as a great surprise to al-Qaida that American spies might be examining their phone records. Nor is it likely that hardened militants were slapping their foreheads to learn that someone in Washington may have been reading their email or
          listening in on their Skype chats.

          But those in power insist that unveiling the information put lives at risk. Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Mich., chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, decried these “dangerous national security leaks,” insisting that the “effectiveness of these programs depends on them being kept secret from the foreign terrorists they target.”

          Alexander echoed that claim in testifying before the committee last week. Asked whether the revelation was harmful to security, he replied, “I think it was irreversible and significant damage to this nation. … I believe it will hurt us and our allies.”

          But how? My curiosity whetted, I contacted Rogers’ office for information on what the terrorists gained. A spokesman emailed to say the chairman could not be bothered to offer support for his allegation: “He does not have space available in his schedule this week to re-address issues that have very clearly been addressed in the open hearing.” No transcript of the hearing was available, but I was assured I would get the answers if I watched the video.

          Filled with hope, I watched all three hours — but was disappointed. Only three times did the subject come up at all, and then briefly. No one offered anything to substantiate the claim.”

          • Anonymous

            Our constitution has, all but, been destroyed, where there is no law, chaos quickly follows. I understand why Snowden did what he did. Now if his position carried official weight, then maybe, things might have turned out differently. As it was, Snowden exposed American top-secret information to the whole world, further making a mockery of our privileged heritage.

            Truth is, there really was nothing in the released material that other nations didn’t already know, or at least highly suspect. Nations like China, Russia and even Ecuador have taken full advantage of making America the bad-guy. When in fact, these three nations, have a long history of human rights violations. Who is China to lecture us about civil rights issues and Russia, it certainly is not allowing the incident to fade away, talk about exploitation, Mr Putin is playing his hand with manipulative skill.

            Truthfully, I don’t think any real harm came from Snowdens actions, other than national embarrassment. What must be considered though, is, we unfortunately live in precarious times. Technology has outpaced our ability to control it, but control, it seems, is exactly what the NSA is attempting to do. In a world such as what we are confronted with – is it any wonder that our freedoms are very much different than they were just a few short years ago. I’m not saying that surveillance should be carried out on all US citizens, but there lies the national dilemma, we’re damned if we do, and we’re damned if we don’t. That i presume, is the downfall of all modern free societies , our technological advancements have become our Frankenstein Monster and has suddenly turned on its master…so in that sense alone, the commies have one over on us, for they have never trusted their citizenry, nor have the common fellow on the street ever been able to voice his/her opinion..especially political…Siberian work camps come to mind.

            To give a thought about “Real Clear Politics” – If we had officials that truly cared for the common man on the street, who had long reputations for being honest and dependable, then when told, “the sun will rise on the morrow” why would anyone speculate otherwise.

          • Anonymous

            I know what you mean with the technology conundrum,
            Snowden has withheld releasing sensitive information but has stated that it will be released if he is assassinated by the CIA. The main stream media decides what carries official weight by what they publish and how often they publish it. Right now they are sweeping everything under the carpet to protect the liar Obama. Rand Paul is sueing over the privacy issue so that is a positive.

          • Bill Tilghman

            If Snowden had not done what he did, he wouldn’t have to worry about the CIA. I wouldn’t be surprised if this notion wasn’t put in his head by the new people he hangs with – you know that shirtless guy who used to be head of the KGB when it was the USSR?

          • Anonymous

            Snowden didn’t really want to go to Russia. He was forced to go there by Obama because that was the only option he had left and you are wrong about Snowden. Obama is implementing a government dominated surveillance society in America. It is a sad commentary on America that people have allowed Obama that power and want to blame the messenger for exposing it instead.

          • Bill Tilghman

            You are disappointed because the representative didn’t violate his clearance and report all he knows to the general public? I find it hard to believe that you even expected the man to give you that information in the first place.

            I wouldn’t allow that to cause a loss of sleep – lots of stuff happens in the world that we are all mostly ignorant of, and we are not harmed by it in the least.

          • Anonymous

            I never said I was disappointed that the representatives did not release all the documents nor was I thinking it. I do believe in a transparent goverment and want to know when the government is overstepping its Constitutional authority. I am not looking for dirty laundry of no consequence.

        • Anonymous

          Zerogon I hope you do not mind me sharing some quotes with you that I like.

          Faced with crisis, the man of character falls back on himself. He imposes his own stamp of action, takes responsibility for it, makes it his own.
          Charles de Gaulle

          History does not teach fatalism. There are moments when the will of a handful of free men breaks through determinism and opens up new roads.
          ~Charles de Gaulle

          Freedom, however, is not the last word. Freedom is only part of the story and half of the truth. Freedom is but the negative aspect of the whole phenomenon whose positive aspect is responsibleness. In fact, freedom is in danger of degenerating into mere arbitrariness unless it
          is lived in terms of responsibleness. That is why I recommend that the Statue of Liberty on the East Coast be supplemented by a Statue of Responsibility on the West Coast.
          Viktor Frankl

          • Anonymous

            very good – freedom does come with a cost, maybe a visible reminder on the west-coast may not be such a bad idea.

  • landofaahs

    If Obama is not incompetent, then he is deliberately destroying American credibility and America itself with the help of the democrat party. For surely that is what is happening.

    • Anonymous

      His IS deliberately destroying America. He hates the Constitution and would like to redistribute the wealth: that is pure communism.

      • Debbie Pelletier

        Destroying America has been his agenda all along. I thought that was common knowledge. I figured that out during the campaign for the 2008 election.

        • Anonymous

          Debbie, again you are so smart.  No one else has ever figured that out but you.  The rest of us are just “hanging in there.”

  • Anonymous

    Gates is a day late and a dollar short (hopefully).

  • Anonymous

    Gate is a day late and a dollar short (hopefully).

    • Anonymous

      How’s that. Bummer still has another 3 years. So stand up and do something instead of criticizing.

  • Anonymous

    I question Beck’s “take’ on Gates book. THis ‘WHY DIDN’T YOU DO THIS OR THAT” criticism is useless, and certainly discourages others who may want to offer similar insights. If we deplore the lack of honesty in the Obma Administration, we should have some recognition that the millions who bought his “pig in a poke ” agenda are still an obvious block. To respond to honesty with “shoulda,’ is an accusation without any redeeming qualities. “Coulda” is a nagging realization of any person of honor. “Woulda” becomes a matter of integity and self evaluation. To dismiss Gates book as a cheap attempt to make money is unfair and untrue. He will be pillored by both Obama and Hilllary.and Beck is aiding and abeting!!! Beck is not without “earning a buck” with his ideas. We need more people who KNOW from personal experience what has gone on, to come forward with humility and courage. Without that…alll the accusations are useless.

    • Crassus

      Gates is a gutless hack who should have resigned long before he actually did if he was so displeased by the policies of the Obama administration regarding Iraq and Afghanistan. Also, according to what I’ve read about the book, he virtually wet kisses Shrillary (with a couple of exceptions). Perhaps he’s trying to stay in her good graces in order to get a slot in her administration in 2017. That’s another topic that needs to be discussed about Mr. Gates’ book.

      • Anonymous

        Baloney, he probably felt like he could do some good. Why don’t you read the book and then know what you are talking about.

    • Baguette

      You said that much more eloquently than I .
      Same sentiment and I truly believe Glenn
      gave him short shrift .

    • Philip Bickley

      It’s FAR from useless. It’s a challenge-which Beck made-to all those who are in Gates’ (former) position to make a stand for conscience’s sake or for all those who will be in such a position in the future. I remember hearing of liberals who “resigned in protest” over some policy during conservative/Republican administrations. I can’t recall the last time anyone did such a thing under a Democrat. They could be disagreed with, but only such a resignation can guarantee the integrity of the stated convictions-because they are made at great personal cost. As for Gates’ being pilloried, the “controversial” statements in the book are only grist for the book sales mills, and only a fool would believe-even now-that Gates himself is saying anything out of conscience or genuine conviction. I choose, like Glenn, to let the book die of public indifference. I don’t have to damn any of the people who could have at least tried to make a difference when they had the chance: their consciences are condemning them already. Even if they have an attack of conscience, they should be offered NO absolution. Let them donate EVERY PENNY of income from the sales of their misbegotten materials to a charity that ministers to the needs of those they MIGHT have helped while they were in power. Then and ONLY then will I care to hear even a single word of what they have to say.

      • Anonymous

        Nonsense. WRONG on all statements.

    • Anonymous

      Beck is WRONG! Many politicians and bureaucrats write books after they are out of office, and all Presidents do, as does Beck. The man has a right to write book any time he wants. I’m sure he felt it wasn’t appropriate to write a “kiss and tell” book while in office. I wouldn’t either.

      • Debbie Pelletier

        Then you don’t have much of a spine, do you? While in the military, I went up against a lot of my superiors. As long as I had the truth and logic on my side, I found they respected me more for standing up to them rather than being a “yes man”. There would’ve been absolutely nothing wrong with Mr. Gates standing up and telling the truth while he was in the position he was in. The American people would probably had respected him a lot more for it.

        • Anonymous

          Oh wow, Ms tough guy Debbie.  You are quite the man.  You told all the scandalous stories about your superiors, then looked them in the eye and told then it was OK, huh?  I can’t tell you how much I admire you.  Of course, the American people would have respected you more if you wrote a book about what all your superiors did wrong while you were still in their command.  Debbie, you are an idiot.  There is such a thing as protocol.  You might want to look that word up.

        • Bill Tilghman

          Being female in the military – especially after Vietnam – is a lot different than being a man, especially an enlisted man. If you were in the military perhaps you have forgotten that.

          Sorry, but I don’t believe that you stood up to your superiors unless they decided you were a trouble maker and they could turn around and get someone else to carry out the orders you defied. Maybe it was easier to let you go off and take care of the problem later. What did you do in the military? When I served in the Army as an enlisted man, if I had done what you claim to have, I would have been subject to an article 15, extra duty, or some other form of punishment. Back in the Vietnam war era military personnel knew better than to disrespect their NCO’s and Officers. It was known as being disciplined.

  • Suni Godbold

    Its too late to shut the barn door, Mr. Gates. If this administration continues us on the downward spiral there will be another civil war. Would you sir like to be one of our leaders? You were too chicken to stand up and shout while in office, possibly you were afraid? Now you should be more afraid.!!! The Clintons left a blood trail and people disappeared, remember? Bengazi? Just what did happen there Mr. Gates?

    • Anonymous

      Stupid remark. It is NOT too late. Obummer has another 3 years. I would like to see you stand up and take on the President RIGHT NOW!

  • Guest

    Beck hasn’t read the book, of course; but ignorance has never stopped a blowhard from spouting off. That’s why the subtitle of his biography is entitled Glenn Beck and the Triumph of Ignorance.

    • Anonymous

      Indeed, but he brings Satan many souls.

      • Anonymous

        Including yours.

        • Anonymous

          We are Legion, a Knight of Hell. We have no need for a soul.

    • Bill Tilghman

      Speaking of ignorance spouting off – here you are!

  • Charlene Mann

    I too think he was so wrong, but Glenn why do you spout forgiveness and then say the things you have said? Peter denied Christ and was forgiven. Is this worse? We need to walk the walk especially when we talk ‘faith’ as much as you do. Don’t buy his book – I won’t either, but think that he might have looked back and regretted his wrongs and is trying to make them right. Have you ever done something you knew was wrong at the time and later wanted to make it right?

    • Anonymous

      Of course not. Glenn is a fine servant of our Master, Lord Satan.

  • TheCrazyLady3

    gotta love Glenn Beck

    • Anonymous

      Yes, I love parting his buttcheeks. He farts like human women quiff. I find it quite charming.

      • TheCrazyLady3

        be nice

        • Anonymous

          But Glenn likes it rough.

      • Anonymous

        You are an ignorant, boring person.

        • Anonymous

          You are indeed a fine follower of Satan, brother! Keep up the Dark Work!

          Matthew 5:22, Luke 11:42, 40, Matthew 23:17

  • Anonymous

    I think Glenn is spewing ignorance and his own hypocricy. How many books has he written and every time is pushing his audience to buy, buy and buy? Glenn, you can’t condemn another person if you were’nt in his shoes. YOU have no idea how another is tormented internally and you certainly haven’t held high positions of authority. You say that America needs heroes, especially in government, then why don’t YOU run for office and show us what a true hero is all about? Your diatribe is full of hate. Just look at all the people who tried to become heroes during their tenures and see what happened to them. The lists are long if you care to seek the truth.

    • Anonymous

      I love Glenn Beck, but, unfortunately, you are correct. Beck did wrong.

    • Debbie Pelletier

      Seems like it was just a couple of months ago, Glenn did say a variety of people wanted him to run for office. He told them “no” because he felt his calling was to remain doing what he does so well – inform the American people what is going on. What’s wrong with that?

  • Charlie’

    I agree with Glenn’s points, but he has left something important out.
    Exposure of what this Administration has labeled as ‘conspiracy’ theory.
    To Date, NO ONE (Elected/appointed) has really had the balls to publicly stand up against the Chicago machine…..until after they’ve left post/position which diminishes any success of bringing them down.

    • Anonymous

      Have you stood up?

  • Klaus Cook

    I feel the same way, Mr. Beck…..don’t have time to purchase or read any of your books……

    • Anonymous

      Ah, sloth. Ave Satanas, brother! Glenn Beck does the work of Our Dark Father!

      • Anonymous

        Why don’t you grow up and go see a psychiatrist?

        • Anonymous

          I might eat a psychiatrist, but as far as sight goes, all humans look the same to my kind.

    • Anonymous

      That’s why you’re so ignorant.

      • Anonymous

        Satan approves of your Anger. You serve our Master well. Ave Satanas, brother!

  • Steven A

    Normally I rather agree with Glenn, but I think he kind of misunderstands the role of the secretary of defense. As SECDEF, you’re part of the chain of command for hundreds of thousands of Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, & Marines. You’re also one rung on that ladder beneath the Commander in Chief, the President. Disagreement between the two, I’m sure, is common. But in the same way Private Snuffy won’t ever catch his Battalion and Brigade commanders arguing, so too Secretary Gates wasn’t going to make his dissent against the President public during his tenure. And when the President is establishing policy (with or without consulting all relevant persons) publicly, how does the SECDEF disagree that doesn’t look like dissent and doesn’t undermine the confidence of the soldiery to accomplish the mission? Resign in protest?

    Gates was SECDEF during some of the most momentous decisions of GWOT. We can all armchair quarterback about how much he should have agreed or disagreed with this or that policy, but after his years of service to our country, and quietly at that, I think he earned the right to speak his piece.

    • Anonymous

      Excellent comment, and right on the money. If some of these naysayers, including Beck, would stop and think about what you just commented here, maybe there would be some understanding.

  • Rob

    Sickening.

    He put troops lives in danger knowing the commander in chief didn’t believe in their mission, but did so for political reasons. Maybe he fits right in with the last administration he worked for.

    • Anonymous

      And when did you graduate from West Point? What would you have done Mr. Know-it-All?

  • LibertyDwells

    Beck is correct in general: Gates is a hypocrite and a hack. That makes him, mostly, perfect for any job in DC. With that said, the only thing that matters here is yet another glimpse into the corrupt incompetence of the 0bama Regime and that nasty bitch, Hillary. Whatever Gates may be, use the insider info he spews to club these “people” into submission in the next two elections.

  • Anonymous

    Glenn Beck missed what is perhaps the most serious problem with Gates’ commentary – his wholehearted endorsement of Hillary Clinton’s leadership. He seems to be setting Hillary up for a successful 2016 election and seems intent on rehabilitating her from her disaster in Benghazi. I’m surprised that Glenn Beck doesn’t address this fatal aspect of the book. .

    • Tim Rowland

      I caught that as well, I wonder if his book will “reveal” that Hilary disagreed as well, but was just doing her job? Or that she was kept out of the loop on Obama’s ineptitude? He does seem to speak glowingly of her…..

      • Anonymous

        When did you read the book? Can you give us chapter and verse where he did this.

        • Tim Rowland

          I wonder if you understand the meaning of “wonder?” I’m speculating on what the rest of the book might contain, not making a statement.

          I also wonder if you’ve read any of the articles written by news outlets who HAVE read the book like the Washington Post, who reported that:
          “Earlier in the book, he describes Hillary Clinton in the sort of glowing terms that might be used in a political endorsement. ‘I found her smart, idealistic but pragmatic, tough-minded, indefatigable, funny, a very valuable colleague, and a superb representative of the United States all over the world,’ he wrote.”

          I wonder if you know what the phrase “glowing terms” and the word “endorsement” mean?

          I also wonder what the freakin’ point of your comment is?

    • Anonymous

      Is this something you read in the book?

    • Anonymous

      Don’t know where you got that. Gates took down Hillary as well as Obama, what spin are you getting?

      • Tim Rowland

        He got from the NYT, McClatchy News Service & the Washington Post, who reported that:
        “Earlier in the book, he describes Hillary Clinton in the sort of glowing terms that might be used in a political endorsement. ‘I found her smart, idealistic but pragmatic, tough-minded, indefatigable, funny, a very valuable colleague, and a superb representative of the United States all over the world,’ he wrote.”

        He writes about Hillary like she is brilliant and a capable world leader. How is that spin?

        • Bill Tilghman

          I would reserve judgement until I saw the totality of his comments about Ms. Clinton before making a statement about it. Do you think that the NYT, McClatchy and Wapo might have been cherry picking or not?

  • Anonymous

    Glenn, once you’ve served your country for forty-some years, I might be interested in your self-righteous judgement of Gates, especially after not having even read his book. Amazing you criticize Gates for not doing enough when your whole career amounts to little more than an insatiable need for popularity.

    • Anonymous

      I agree with the first half of you comment. But, you are terribly, and woefully, wrong about Glenn just seeking popularity. Glenn is hated and despised by many and needs a 24-hour bodyguard because of how he stands up to the administration. You have a lot to say, so put your action where your mouth is and help take on the administration.

      • Anonymous

        I’ve heard Beck exaggerate, make false accusations, drive points on information out of context or misinformation, and over-dramatize for entertainment. Rarely do I here objective analysis issues that explores the complexities inherent in hard decisions. Beck understands his audience likes good verses evil, so he tends to keep it there. If a government policy bothers me, I’ll write my Congressman and vote. That’s my action.

        • Anonymous

          IMHO, you are a leftist troll who knows nothing about what you are talking about.  If I thought it would do any good I would list the many things Glenn has done for this country, but I would be  wasting my time against someone who probably thinks George Soros is a hero.

          • Anonymous

            Perhaps. Or maybe you get pleasure from conspiracy theories and get excited by anything Beck dreams up.

  • jalina susan stutte

    Glenn by staying in there Gates was able to learn and hear many things that Obama and his communists did and are planning for us. So I think it was a good thing.

    • Anonymous

      I agree.

  • Brent Smith

    Exactly Glen!! you nailed it. way to many Cowards in Washington and I have brought up the question multiple times- what does the NSA have on them that is keeping everyone so quite?

    • Anonymous

      So, then, you would have stood up and ended up like Snowden. You’re all talk and no action.

  • Anonymous

    So Gates resigns, and then he is replace with a left wing progressive who thinks exactly like Obama.and then thing really get bad. At least Gates had the troops best interest in mind. Beck has become, Obama in that he thinks he is God. I have lost all respect for Beck.

  • Kit VN

    Glen: get rid of the beard. It isn’t doing you any favors. Otherwise, I do agree with you.

  • http://suzeraining.wordpress.com/ suz

    disagree w/glenn here. inform. tell. expose any way you can. ed snowden said ‘to hell w/it all.’

    gates was probably more concerned about the troops than anything else. gates, by his own admission, was passive aggressive in nature…he bit down on his tongue.

    NOW, perhaps, if he has that kind of hero in him, he will do something about what he knows. time will reveal that one.

  • Billy

    Obama has so much power, and has his Homeland security which is comprises of NSA, ATF, FBI, ICE, IRS And a dozens other alphabet. He said when he first ran for office and said that he was going to build a federal police force more powerful , better equip better arm then the military. He now has that and has them at his beckon call to shut anybody and everybody who is a threat to him or his administration and his twisted agenda. He out right said what his dream look like for a new American and people ignored the negative parts and voted and stood behind hm. They even voted him in for a second term in office knowing what he intended to do yet they voted him anyway. So as far as any one person standing up to Obama to point out his short comings , not sure anyone can or will be able to do that. All we can do is get ready for the up coming elections for 2014 and 2016 and make sure the harm he has caused is pointed out so that voters will see things

    • Bill Tilghman

      The real question is this: will he relinquish that power in 2016?

  • Anonymous

    Back in 2010 I asked a retired Air Force friend of mine why Gate’s was still Sec-Def and was promptly informed that he is still there to protect our troops from the pos potus… period.

    He’s a patriot that had our troops well being first and foremost in his mind.

  • Anonymous

    Do you honestly think that obama is going to stand up before the American people and say,’I am going to destroy America by over spending, downsizing the military and make friends with our enemies, NO’. This will all come out after he leaves office and has a chance to sit down and write his own book, but he would never let the American people know that. His legacy is much to important to him. I believe Mr. Gates in what he said – just should have been sooner. What has happened to our men and women who use to have integrity, morals and character? There is not a one in Washington who is willing to stand for their convictions. Well, take that back probably about 5. In order for our country to be better we have to get better and no settle on electing the same old ones back in office every time their term comes around.

  • Anonymous

    Allen West was [arguably] the member of Congress most vocal about Obama’s treachery [and treason?] but did not do books until leaving office after his [A.C.O.R.N.-corrupted?] reelection defeat. Were West vengeful, he could have gone after the insane Political Correctness policies that wrecked his chosen career, but took it on the chin instead. Does Glenn have an issue with West’s books too?

    Was Glenn not clear enough that he resents Gates’ authorship for its timing?
    Whether or not financial gain is Gates’ prime motive for publication, his sudden dissent could indeed be aimed at 2014 or 2016,, when it could have affected 2012.

    Liberals have no monopoly on DUMBTH. Many Conservatives are also infected.

    i

  • Daniel Lamon

    think the Media would have blocked him out, destroyed his rep. if he resigned and told truth,

  • Colleen Campbell

    Glenn: There is this one thing I am still having a problem getting out of my mind. First off I am a 63 year old great grand mother that was born again and asked Jesus to forgive me of all my sins and accepted Him as my Savior and my Lord at 16 years old. Being that said I have had many years to study the Holy Bible and do the best I could to share the truth about Jesus Christ when ever the Holy Spirit opened the door and anointed me to be used and offer to them all that God would have me to say. While I have had all of these years to study the Holy Scriptures there are these couple of things that I have learned and they keep running through my mind and they won’t stop. God said in His Word that our tongues have the power to give life and the power to take life. Since God spoke everything into existence and we were created in His image just why hasn’t anyone else stated what I am going to say? If we call ourselves born again believers and then we should believe whatever we say and we believe that it to be true that it will become true. Calling those thing that are not to become those things that we speak into existence. We as the LIGHT of the world need to take a stand against the evil and darkness in the only “FREE NATION” we were and truly still are if we believe it to be true, hand in hand all around OUR NATION and speak out exactly that as a Christian Country we demand OUR COUNTRY to be RESTORED to WE THE PEOPLE and SPEAK OUT TO THE EVIL ONES TO BOW DOWN TO THE KING OF KINGS AND TO THE LORD OF LORDS AND WE AS CHILDREN OF THE MOST HIGH GOD OUR CREATOR AND FIRST OF ALL ASK GOD TO FORGIVE US FOR NOT PAYING ATTENTION TO OUR GOD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST. The answer is in the power of the TONGUE and we need to wake up and use our tongue in the right way. The WAY that OUR GOD would have us SPEAK. QUOTING GODS WORD TO THE DARKNES AND DESTROY ALL OF GODS ENEMIES the power we need is in the TONGUE and in GODS SCRIPTURES and we need to focus on that strategy not on all the BS that the world is throwing out there to keep us all upset. I speak PEACE to all the BELIEVERS right now in the MIGHTY NAME OF JESUS CHRIST. We need to unite in PRAYER and get to D.C. hand in hand Praying and Singing Praises to OUR GOD because HE is MORE THAN WORTHY and He is OUR SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST THE LAMB OF GOD WHO TAKES AWAY THE SINS OF THE WORLD. God Bless you Glen and your family. Thank you for everything you do to bring truth to the world, -AMEN-

  • Andy Breitbart

    I agree completely. Gates soldout and went to bed with the devil. Now that he’s out, he wants conservatives to buy his book. And there are many more Gates working for Obama right now who we pray to God would speak up because many lives are on the line. But they don’t speak up. Alert: more books coming in the future timed only to make a buck.

  • Bill

    I’m disappointed in Glenn’s reaction to the Robert Gates Book. If anyone has ever serviced in the military, you know you do not question your superior officer in front of others while in uniform during duty. It’s called insubordination, and I’m sure all military officers expect the same down thru their ranks. Whether it’s a uniform or a suit, Gates would have set a terrible example in the middle of Congressional Hearings verbally question the orders of the Commander in Chief. Once retired, however, like so many other ex-officers, I feel he has the opportunity and the right to speak his mind as a private citizen. To question his motives to now make money by writing a book is a total cheap shot not worthy of Glen who sells everything from books to tee shirts. If Glen doesn’t have time to read Gate’s book that’s find, but I think to ignore a historical perspective of the Obama Administration from the inside by a person of integrity is, quite frankly, pretty stupid and not something I’d expect from a person of Glenn’s intellect and rational thinking. I’m very suprised and disappointed.

  • Josh Scott

    Glen slamming someone for writing a book about things he knew that he could have exposed. LOL. I want to like Glen Beck but when he repeatedly says” We have news that will change America, tune in tomorrow” he loses me.

  • Anonymous

    I am with you, Glenn, on 98% of the issues. But not on this one. Sorry,
    but I do respectfully disagree. Gates knew, as others do now, that
    disagreeing with this horrible and intimidating regime in office means
    that you will be booted out, replaced, and retired in a few swift
    moments. BO is the Commander In Chief, and all military decisions he
    makes are on his shoulders, not on the Generals to whom this sick
    president will not even listen. Gates hung in there trying to make a
    difference. We are reasonably sure that he voiced a dissenting opinion,
    but to no avail. When it came down to it, it was “Yes Sir!” because that
    is the way the military operates. The military is not a civilian
    organization, even though it is purposed to protect the citizens. I do
    not blame the soldiers for being angry, or their families for this
    worthless excuse for a leader in DC. But the bottom line is that the
    decision to make Iraq and Afghanistan political had nothing to do with
    Gates, and all to do with BO. Keep the focus there. The blood of those
    soldiers will be on BO’s hands when he faces the final judgment. So, for
    me, I am anxiously awaiting my copy of Gates’ book. I am glad he chose
    to write it, even if it is after the fact. And if he profits from it,
    that’s OK. I also believe in capitalism. I think Gates would be open to
    widespread criticism if he chose to not write the book, or maybe even
    give the information to Snowden to lead out to our enemies. Take your
    rant out on someone else, please. Gates is an honorable man.

  • Anonymous

    well said glenn!!! he came forward just when it’s convenient enough but not to do anything to bring our nation to its prowess, when he took the oath to uphold those very things he was
    vetting. cowardize! self aggrandization. nothing to help this country heal its wounds that he has been witness to. tragic use of knowledge.

  • Anonymous

    I have to disagree with you, Glenn. We have seen what happens to those in the military who disagree with the POTUS. Remember what happened to Gen. Petraeus? This admin will dig and dig and dig into your past until they find something to blackmail or disgrace you with. It s just possible that Gates stuck it put to try and protect his men and women in uniform. We have al seen how much POTUS dislikes the military and having a proponent in this admin is becoming a rarity, especially after al of the replacements he has been making. To dismiss this as an attempt to rake in the bucks is totally unfair.
    I don’t understand how Glenn can dismiss this book and support others.

  • Anonymous

    Sorry Glenn, every military and retired military [including myself] person I have
    spoken with supports Gates’ on this.

    You are of course entitled to your opinion, but it is trumped by those of us that
    have served and are serving.

    Back off……

  • Anonymous

    From community organizer to millionaire with no discernible skills. I don’t begrudge Gates a payday – although his responsibility was to the country, not to his bank account.

  • Anonymous

    Where are the “real men” in America? Are there any left? I would love to see an American wearing a White Hat walk into the Oval Office and push in the face of the man wearing the Black Hat. Gates is wussified, like most men we see in politics.

    • gunnyjeep

      There really are not any left – this administration has fired/forced into retirement over 25 of our most combat experienced Flag Officers (compare that to 2 that Bush got rid of during his term) and I can not even count how many Senior Staff NCO’s have left because of policies that has been put in place in the last few years

  • Bill Tilghman

    It is clear that after serving in his capacity in this administration, he decided to resign because of the way things were being done. I think that Gates put up with a lot from this administration and served to the best of his ability, but it is clear to me that his advice was not heeded, and in some cases was rejected outright for the sake of politics.

    I don’t blame him for staying on, and I think he is due a lot of credit for trying to keep this president and his other advisors from wrecking the military. Anyone who thinks he should have fallen on his sword and made his observations public while he was in office is not thinking clearly. Of course it is not a revelation that this administration is untrustworthy, but people who expect a life long bureaucrat to take on the power of the Whitehouse by exposing the things he reports in this book are not very realistic. Perhaps he thought he could influence the president and teach him to make sensible and correct decisions about how to deal with being Commander in Chief. Apparently that wasn’t working out so well, hence his departure and this book. He at least gave the job time and made a good faith effort to point the president in the right direction, but with all the other people who handle this POTUS, it is no wonder he found it frustrating to deal with.

    Having read part of this book, I can say that most if not all of the assessments Mr. Gates has put on paper are consistent with what this administration has revealed about itself. His writings are just a confirmation of what we all know in our heart of hearts to be true.

    • gunnyjeep

      I have to agree with Glenn on this – why did he wait so long when American Lives are on the line – the ROE’s (Rules of Engagement) that this Administration has imposed on the Military here in Afghanistan is a major reason we have in the last 5 years 3 times the KIA’s as we did the 7 years before. .

      I am personally getting tired of as the case of one FOB I was on hearing taps played over the pa system every time a Angel Flight left (went 2 weeks straight last year hearing that every single day) and the base I am currently on have watched 2 Angel Flights leave carrying the Flag Draped Coffins of 4 Americans on their final flight Home just in the past week.

      Our Servicemembers are being killed not by an increase in operational tempo or because the Taliban are getting better, they are dying because of having their hands tied behind their backs – I am totally disgusted and after 6 1/2 years between Iraq and here this year is it for me after the Taliban spring offensive I am not coming back

      • Bill Tilghman

        Well these political hacks have turned Iraq and Afghanistan into a repeat of the mistakes made when we left Vietnam. Peace without honor. My generation was where you are now 40 years ago. I never wanted to see anything like this happen again to anyone who cares enough about this country to wear a uniform and go to war for it. This administration is an absolute disgrace.

        I feel that Gates did what he could during his time as Secretary of Defense to protect the military, but he was facing overwhelming politics going against him and I wonder how many people would have done what he did. I think his book is a good way for him to reveal the inner workings of this corrupt and morally bankrupt administration.

        Thank you for your service, from a man who was there when the politicians pulled this stuff the first time.

  • Bill Tilghman

    Lots of brave armchair quarterbacks here – I wonder if those who expected Gates to reveal all he saw while he was the Secretary of Defense have been so brave and bold in their personal lives when ever the situation presented itself?

    So many people expect superhuman behavior of others, yet exhibit that trait not.

  • The Roadster

    Carelessly using the word “democracy” is dangerous because it implies that democracy’s potential good mandates its continuous expansion.

More from Glennbeck.com