according to the actual police report
there were "several Harvard Univ police officers, and at least 7 witnesses on sidewalk" who witnessed Gates being an unruly jerk to cop basically from the jump
http://www.scribd.com/doc/17512830/Gates-Police-Report
Once those witnesses corroborate the cops story, gates will look like ajn idiot. however, if they say the cop was a jerk then, we know the truth.
I dont even like cops, but I yes sir them and have never resisted to show my ID, and ive had cops come to my home and have provided my ID without any issue.
the police report clearly states he was in public view being "disorderly"