Rumsfeld stepping down

[TheDude]

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Defense Secretary Donald H. 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 congressional elections that cost Republicans control of the House of Representatives, and possibly the Senate as well. Surveys of voters at polling places said opposition to the war was a significant contributor to the Democratic Party's victory. (Watch why the Army Times said Rumsfeld had to go -- 1:49 )

President George W. Bush was expected to announce Rumsfeld's departure and Gates' nomination at a news conference. Administration officials notified congressional officials in advance.

http://www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/11/08/rumsfeld.ap/index.html

 

[JohnnyBz00LS]

Dang, you beat me to it

:Beer

Now that's a sigh of relief. Not a big surprise though. Smart move on GW's part.

 

[fossten]

If Bush thinks that kissing Pelosi's ass is going to keep her and the Dems from investigating the living crap out of him and Cheney and anyone else they can think of, he's living in a dreamworld.

Next stop for Rumsfeld: Senate War Crimes Investigations.

 

[pbslmo]

:Beer

Now that's a sigh of relief. Not a big surprise though. Smart move on GW's part.

Time to clean house..

 

[Calabrio]

No, this wasn't a reaction to the "thumping" last night. It looks to me like it was planned to be announced AFTER the Republicans retained narrow margins in the Congress. It just didn't work out that way.

This kind of thing rarely just happens over night.

And, it is extremely rare to ever see a Sec. of Defense stay in their position for more than 4 years. Usually they burn out before the end of just one term. A new set of eyes is a good thing. I think Bush tried to make the Rumsfeld resignation a NON-political move and that's why it waited until after the election.

 

[pbslmo]

ba-bye Rumsy. Why are they constantly bring out the dusty old kooks? Isn't there anyone out there that is younger and brighter than someone who served in Daddy's cabinet 12 years ago?

 

[Joeychgo]

If Bush thinks that kissing Pelosi's ass is going to keep her and the Dems from investigating the living crap out of him and Cheney and anyone else they can think of, he's living in a dreamworld.

Next stop for Rumsfeld: Senate War Crimes Investigations.

honstly, I would rather not tie up the time and resources.

 

[fossten]

ba-bye Rumsy. Why are they constantly bring out the dusty old kooks? Isn't there anyone out there that is younger and brighter than someone who served in Daddy's cabinet 12 years ago?

Younger doesn't usually mean brighter when it comes to foreign policy and defense. Experience matters in these situations. Haven't you ever heard of the "cagey veteran?"

 

[biglou71]

I would gladly serve as Defense Secretary, and I promise to change the way the war in Iraq is being conducted. :shifty:

 

[marked8]

honstly, I would rather not tie up the time and resources.

They won't simply because there are bigger fish to fry, like making a positive image and winning the election in '08.