11.08.2006

Times they are a-changin'

WASHINGTON Nov 2, 2006 (AP)— President Bush said Wednesday he wants Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and Vice President Dick Cheney to remain with him until the end of his presidency, extending a job guarantee to two of the most-vilified members of his administration.
"Both those men are doing fantastic jobs and I strongly support them," Bush said in an interview with The Associated Press and others.
On the war in Iraq, Bush said the military has not asked for an increase in U.S. forces beyond the 144,000 already there. He said U.S. generals have told him "that the troop level they got right now is what they can live with."


WASHINGTON Nov 8, 2006 (AP)— Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, architect of an unpopular war in Iraq, intends to resign after six stormy years at the Pentagon, Republican officials said Wednesday.

Officials said Robert Gates, former head of the CIA, would replace Rumsfeld. The development occurred one day after midterm elections that cost Republicans control of the House, and possibly the Senate, as well. Surveys of voters at polling places said opposition to the war was a significant contributor to the Democratic victory.


Uh, would that be a flip-flop, Mr. President? Or a cut and run?

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

CYA? Except that A is so exposed it can't possibly be covered, not even by something as large as the back of Rumsfeld deparating.

It's a fine day today, isn't it LK? And hooray for Nancy Pelosi.

LK said...

A Bee-you-tee-full day, Bloglily! I really hope Nancy Pelosi shows all of the doubters and hysterics that she's a fair, smart, consensus-building legislator. Show 'em those SF values!

Brandon said...

Well, THIS came as a shock when I first heard it. I thought Bush had unwavering confidence in ol' Rummy. Ah, well. I guess it's good, but kind of bittersweet. His resignation was six years and 2,800 deaths too late.

I really hope both parties learn from yesterday. The Democrats can't let victory go to their heads--they'll really have to prove themselves now--and the Republicans should take their humiliation as a reminder of who really has the power in this country.

I do have a bit more confidence in a Democratic House and Pelosi as Speaker. If she'd been Speaker before, I don't think she would've let Foley off with just a slap on the wrist.

I don't think much will be accomplished in the next two years, but at least this will give the Democrats a chance to sell their agenda and prove that they deserve the White House in 2008.