Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld has resigned.
If Bush’s legendary loyalty is to be believed, he wasn’t “asked” to resign — though that doesn’t mean that some of the folks around Bush didn’t suggest it strongly. And certainly somebody needs to take the blame for the election — even before the fact, since Rumsfeld’s decision was made before Tuesday.
My read on Rumsfeld is that he was an idea guy, a technocrat, someone who figured he had The Way to remake the armed forces for the 21st Century, and steadfastly refused to back away from it or from the way it should work “in theory” in Iraq. Aspects of his ideas — a more mobile army, etc. — make some sense, moreso than relying on Cold War arms and tactics. But just as Bush’s inflexibility in the politics of Iraq has made a mess of things, even moreso Rumsfeld’s inflexibility in the military side
of Iraq has truly cocked things up.
His departure — though relieving the Dems of an easy target — can only be for the good.
His designated successor, Robert Gates, is an old CIA maven from the Bush 41 days. It’s an interesting choice, being both non-military and, moreso, being from the intelligence side of things (esp. given how Rumsfeld kept trying to draw intelligence operations over to the Pentagon).
Yes, it’s an interesting choice indeed.
From: http://billmon.org/archives/002945.html
Independent Counsel found insufficient evidence to warrant charging Robert Gates with a crime for his role in the Iran/contra affair. Like those of many other Iran/contra figures, the statements of Gates often seemed scripted and less than candid. Nevertheless, given the complex nature of the activities and Gates’s apparent lack of direct participation, a jury could find the evidence left a reasonable doubt that Gates either obstructed official inquiries or that his two demonstrably incorrect statements were deliberate lies.
More from the Iran-Contra report quoted above.
A critical statement about Gates’ nomination to Director CIA in 1991.
Wikipedia on Gates.
I stand corrected (and — wow). Evidently Bush *did* push Rumsfeld off the sleigh.
For Bush to kick out someone he’s had by his side so long is amazing. It’s even more amazing that, essentially, Bush blatantly lied (and damned clumsily) when he said just a week ago that Rumsfeld would *not* be fired. (No, it’s not amazing that he lied — just that it was so blatant.)
Watched the news conference. Boy, was Bush peeved this morning.
First off, when asked about why he gave a different answer (about Rumsfeld staying) last week, when he was already looking at a replacement, Bush’s answers (paraphrased):
1. Wanted to change the subject, so I told you something like that because I didn’t want to inject a major decision about the war into the middle of a campaign. [Huh?]
2. I hadn’t had a chance to visit with Bob Gates yet (happened Sunday), and hadn’t had “final” conversation with Don Rumsfeld. Had been talking with Rumsfeld for some time about “fresh perspective.” And he and I have been constantly assessing (and I’ve been assessing all by myself) if we have the right people, the right strategy, constantly changing tactics. He and I both agreed yesterday that it was appropriate that I accept his resignation. Actually thought we were going to do fine in the election. But win or lose, Bob Gates was going to become the nominee.
The irony is that if he *had* announced it, it might have actually helped the GOP in the election.
And …
3. When I met with those reporters I hadn’t made up his mind. Boy, you’re a clever reporter. So, no, I hadn’t made up my mind that Rummy was leaving. I had made the decision I wasn’t going to talk about hypothetical troop levels or major command changes right before the election. That discourages the troops, if it sounds like it’s being affected by politics. And, besides, I hadn’t met with Gates, like I said. And I hadn’t had my final conversation with Rumsfeld.
Yeesh.
Bush promised that Cheney would be around for the rest of the term.
Oh my yes…. 🙂
The Networks should broadcast the pressor in its entirety….they won’t but the should.
The anger at questions was amazing.
One has to wonder if bubble boy was kept in the dark far to long and suddenly this morning his handlers could no longer keep him in the dark.
I think he was up way too late last night, and way too early this morning.
I really do wonder, though, whether he actually thought they’d lose the House.
Don’t let the door hit you in the ass, Rummy.
If I’m not mistaken, answer #1 boils down to “I lied.”
Uh, in so many words, yes.
Lied? Maybe he did a signing that says it’s OK for him to lie. Heck, lying is nothing compared to ordering torture.