WASHINGTON - President Bush said Wednesday Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld is stepping down and former CIA Director Robert Gates will take over at the Pentagon and in prosecuting the war in Iraq. Rumsfeld, architect of an unpopular war in Iraq, intends to resign after six stormy years at the Pentagon, Republican officials said. 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. Bush described Rumsfeld as a "superb leader" in a time of change, but said his defense chief recognizes the value of "fresh perspective." He said Rumsfeld is a "trusted adviser and friend," and that he's "deeply grateful" for his service to the country. Bush said he and Rumsfeld agreed that "the timing is right for new leadership" at the Pentagon. Last week, as he campaigned to save the Republican majority, Bush declared that Rumsfeld would remain at the Pentagon through the end of his term. Rumsfeld, 74, was in his second tour of duty as defense chief. He first held the job a generation ago, when he was appointed by President Ford. Gates is the president of Texas A&M University and a close friend of the Bush family. He served as CIA director for Bush's father from 1991 until 1993. Gates first joined the CIA in 1966 and served in the intelligence community for more than a quarter century, under six presidents. His nomination must be confirmed by the Senate. Whatever confidence Bush retained in Rumsfeld, the Cabinet officer's support in Congress had eroded significantly. Rep. Nancy Pelosi (news, bio, voting record), D-Calif., the House speaker-in-waiting, said at her first post-election news conference that Bush should replace the top civilian leadership at the Pentagon. And Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, who had intervened in the past to shore up Rumsfeld, issued a statement saying, "Washington must now work together in a bipartisan way — Republicans and Democrats — to outline the path to success in Iraq." http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061108/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/rumsfeld_resigns
Anyone else hear bush's response to the question of why bush flip-flopped all of a sudden and had rumsfeld resign after he had voiced his support of rumsfeld just a week ago? His response was that he knew all along that he was going to resign but he didn't want to say that because people would accuse him of manipulating the election So the President admits he lied to our faces?
Although I think that is a lie, I cannot disagree with the sentiment it implies. It would have been viewed as manipulative.
Well, in a way, this is the end of Bush's term. This could be one of the longest eras of a lame duck president ever. Strange timing, but good news none the less. I predict we'll see more of these kind of moves over the next few months. Bush is going to have to find some people that work and play well with others. Clearly, Rumsfeld is not one that would have been able to get along with those that will now run the committees that he has to answer to. Good times. Good times.
THere are plenty of reasons for you to dislike the President without trying to make ones up. Waiting until after the elections was actually noble of the President. Had he done it beforehand it would have given at least some sort of boost to the Republicans in this election yet he waited. I see no reason to blast him for that.
from josh -- Late Update: Okay, I think this presser may actually set a record for open and shut contradictions. But about five minutes after saying he hadn't had his final convos, he just said that he had. In the course of the last few minutes he's also said both that he hadn't decided to replace Rummy pre-election, and that he had. I think he also said he lied to the reporters in the pre-election conversation he had on Rumsfeld. -- Josh Marshall
not that I'm upset with the decision, but wouldn't the repub (or other) voters now feel deceived if that would have had an impact?
i actually think he's doing pretty well considering nancy pelosi has got his balls in a vice. edit: i'm referring to his press conference. i like george a whole lot better when he has no choice but to participate in democracy.
do you honestly think Bush & co won't jump on a chance to keep themselves in power? If he thought sacking rumsfeld before elections will give repubs a boost he would have done it already.
Sitting in front of the computer, watching Bush's press conference, and eating a sandwich... I don't think a sandwich has tasted this good in a long time... weird.
They all are. Loyalty to Bush and the Bush family is by far the most important part of being a member of the Bush team. This may seem like an exaggeration, but almost every book or article about George or Karl Rove makes this statement.
