DEE-fense

During the primaries and the general election, Barack Obama's national-security credentials came under fire. Hillary Clinton wanted to know how he would respond when the presidential phone rang at 3 a.m. Joe Biden charged that Obama lacked his perceptive view of the world. John McCain and Sarah Palin reminded voters that the Democratic nominee never had been tested under fire.

Indeed, as a candidate and during his formative years, Obama embraced the routine leftist approach to the issues that define the principal obligations of the federal government. The transition has seen steadier steps. With Robert Gates at the Pentagon and James Jones at the National Security Council, he has assembled a defense team of the highest rank. He has earned a salute.

Gates is a holdover; his performance as secretary of defense for the past two years has contributed to progress in Iraq. A graduate of William and Mary, Gates combines intellectual heft with administrative acumen. His career also includes service as director of Central Intelligence during the administration of the first President Bush. Although not hyper-partisan, Gates has flourished when Republicans occupied the White House. By selecting him, Obama has made the wisest Cabinet selection since Democrat Franklin Roosevelt named Republican Henry Stimson secretary of war.

Jones is a retired Marine general whose résumé reports service as commandant of the Corps as well as supreme commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Europe. He enjoys the confidence of the military and civilian leadership. Jones appears to be one of those professionals whose advice is more to be trusted than that offered by ideologues and wonks.

With Gates and Jones, Obama will have top talent in crucial positions. The commander-in-chief will make his own decisions, and it is possible that over time Obama's more disturbing inclinations will prevail. For now national security is in good hands. Gates in particular will provide a continuity that not only will benefit the twin wars in Iraq and Afghanistan but will allow Obama to focus his energies on the economy. He is earning his stripes.