Obama winning over military skeptics

WASHINGTON, Nov. 30 (UPI) -- U.S. President-elect Barack Obama seems to be winning over skeptical military commanders who at first distrusted him, analysts say.

With Obama set to announce the leadership of his national security team Monday in Chicago, he has been meeting with Adm. Michael Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and other armed forces leaders who are usually suspicious of Democrats and doubted Obama's readiness to be commander-in-chief, The Washington Post reported Sunday.

Mullen's Obama meeting "felt very good, very positive," spokesman Capt. John Kirby told reporters, echoing comments from other military leaders who say although Obama may not always do what they want, he is not ideologically motivated and will listen to all their views, the newspaper said.

"Open and serious debate versus ideological certitude will be a great relief to the military leaders," retired Maj. Gen. William Nash of the Council on Foreign Relations told the Post, adding that while Obama has been criticized by some for his opposition to the Iraq War, many in the military agreed but felt unable to say so.

Sources said the Pentagon is relieved Obama will likely retain Robert Gates as defense secretary.