Gates says Pace is out because he didn’t want him to face a confirmation hearing

From Crooks and Liars:

Defense Secretary Robert Gates said that he didn’t want Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to face a confirmation hearing so he let him go. Surprisingly–Barbara Starr reported that this is an unusual move because Pace’s job is supposed to be Bush’s call and not Gates.

Gates: It would be a backward looking and very contentious process. (Video)

A reporter asks Gates if he’s depressed by this move. It’s very telling to see that a major man in the military is ousted because the administration (was this Gates decision alone?) doesn’t want him to answer question about the Iraq war in front of Congress. Do you remember his take on gays serving in the military… He also wrote a letter of support for Scooter Libby… How’s that surge working?