Donald Rumsfeld Resigning as Defense Secretary

Cross Posted from Yet Another Conservative Right Wing Blog: Well, the democratic victory in the mid-term election is complete. It is the iceing on the cake, and I can hear the dancing in the streets now.

The terrorists, the UN, and the Democrats all got their wish. What exalted company our current congressional leaders find themselves in.

From CNN:

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.

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.

I am sure Rumsfeld, who realizes funding for the war depends on congress, could see the writing on the wall. There have been consistent calls from the left for Rumsfeld to step down. This places more and more responsibility in the party who, so far, has nothing to offer but rhetoric.

Sister Toldjah

Is this a little concession Bush is offering to the newly-crowned Dems??

The Political Pitbull

This a good thing. Period. I think this was probably going to happen regardless of which party took control, but with the Dems now with the purse strings, I think this shows that President Bush is more serious about winning in Iraq than he is about “staying the course.”

Of course this is politically motivated, but if this move was decided upon then wouldn’t it have been a better strategy to make this happen before the elections?

QandO

Just heard a discussion about the Rumsfeld situation by COL David Hunt. He says it was a forced resignation and that many in the Pentagon are turning cartwheels in the corridors. He also alleged that Rumsfeld was a micro-manager who made LBJ’s outhouse hunting in North Vietnam look benign. I’m sure a lot things like this will begin coming out now.

Gates has to go through confirmation hearings prior to assuming his post. Can you say ‘contentious’? A perfect venue for the Democrats to set out their “new direction” for Iraq. I can promise I’ll be waiting to hear how they now plan on solving the “Iraq problem”.

Lots of coverage at Hot Air
Gateway Pundit
Texas Rainmaker thinks he should have nominated Lieberman.
MKH has the transcript.
Rick Moran:

WHY IN GOD’S NAME DIDN’T YOU DO IT BEFORE THE ELECTION!

Is John Bolton next?

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