file under: no shit

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates had this to say as he expanded his carbon footprint for reasons no one can seem to explain:

We probably all underestimated the depth of the mistrust and how difficult it would be for these guys to come together on legislation, which, let’s face it, is not some kind of secondary issue.

Let’s pretend I’m on that airplane with Gates: After I say, “DUH,” here are my three follow-up questions (you know, the ones that a journalist would ask):

• And by “we,” you mean. . . ?
• And why do you think that is that you all underestimated the problem?
• And how is the Bush Administration military strategy helping change this situation?