He says that he met with Obama the day Obama had met with George Bush. Gates and Obama met at the fire station at the national airport, he said.
A reporter asked about Gates' opinion of Obama.
"I have been very impressed by several things," Gates said. Obama respects the military and he has reached out to military leaders, he said.
"I was impressed by him reaching out to Admiral Michael Mullen." He's made clear that he wants to reach out, Gates said.
Gates also said he is impressed by Michelle Obama's desire to reach out to military families.
A reporter asked if Gates felt strange to be a republican among democrats at yesterday's press conference on Obama's national security team.
He said it didn't feel strange and that Obama will be the 8th president that Gates has served.
The Swamp has the entire Q&A with Gates transcribed.
