[Sigaba]

I believe John Lehman did stalwart work on the 9/11 commission. However, I don't know if he'd be the right man for the the position of secretary of defense in the current environment, especially so soon after Rumsfeld's tenure.

Documents in the operational archives at the Naval Historical Center have led me to conclude that rather than trying to build consensus, Lehman was more likely to attempt to intimidate and to insult people if they appeared to challenge his views.

As an example, in 1981, Lehman displayed significant hostility towards General Donn Starry. Lehman accusing him of 'gross parochialism’ and being 'obsessed with the central front.' In fact, Starry actually wanted the navy to have an even larger fleet and only sought a better understanding of how a revitalized navy would fit into a 'balanced global strategy' [Lehman Papers, box 14, folder 5].

If Lehman was this confrontational with those who agreed with his views, what he'd be like with those who may offer dissent is anyone's guess.

I'd like to see F.J. (Bing) West get some consideration for secretary of defense.

I'd like to see J.C. Watts as White House press secretary. He'd eat the MSM for breakfast every day.