Officials Downplay Tension Between Gates and Donilon

A Senior Defense official says the characterization in Bob Woodward's "Obama's Wars" book of Defense Secretary Robert Gates saying Tom Donilon replacing General Jones "would be a disaster" is outdated. The official says Gates did have concerns late last year during the Afghanistan-Pakistan review process, but suggests they have been addressed and overcome.

Donilon, who is currently deputy national security adviser, is replacing outgoing National Security Adviser General James Jones. President Obama will make the announcement Friday afternoon at the White House.

The official says they now enjoy a good working relationship.

The disaster comment this official insists "does not reflect the current state of play, and Gates is looking forward to working with him in this new capacity."

Gates stood by Donilon Friday, "I have thoroughly enjoyed working with General Jones and I have had a very productive and very good working relationship with Tom Donilon contrary to what you may have read. And I look forward to continue to work with him."