Robert Gates vs. Putz.

Based on his testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee yesterday, Robert Gates and Putz don't seem to agree on too much.

Gates: "There clearly were insufficient troops in Iraq after the initial invasion to establish control over the country."

Putz: "But there was rioting in France, too! Heh!"

Sen. Carl Levin (D-Mich.): "Mr. Gates, do you believe that we are currently winning in Iraq?"

Gates: "No, sir."

Putz: "Hmm. He's clearly not paying attention."

Gates: "It's my impression that, frankly, there are no new ideas on Iraq."

Putz: "I'm going to try a blog symposium on Iraq, Iran, and Syria. I want some new ideas -- beyond "cut and run" or "stay the course" -- on things we're not doing that we should be doing."

Gates is definitely unserious and possibly troops-undermining and/or terrorist-emboldening.