The Political Chase

Bush Bumps Rumsfeld, Nominates Gates

In a press conference earlier today, President Bush announced the “resignation” of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld immediately followed by nominating Robert Gates to be Rumsfeld’s replacement. Gates has substantial intelligence experience and is a former CIA Director serving under President George H. W. Bush (41).

Literally, as early as Monday of this week - prior to the election - the President expressed substantial confidence in Rumsfeld and Veep Dick Cheney, and was emphatic both would continue their roles for the remainder of Bush’s term. Although Rumsfeld serves at the pleasure of the President, Bush theoretically cannot fire Cheney. As Vice President, Cheney is an elected Constitutional officer.

Bush stated the results of yesterday’s election was not the catalyst for Rumsfeld’s dismissal, but I believe it was the primary factor. Bush, admittedly or not, knew if he took a beating in the election, he had to make a change at the Pentagon, hence Bush’s advance preparation to nominate Gates. I suspect Rummy’s termination was a contingency (forced or self-directed): disastrous election results - play the Rummy card; negligible election damage - Rummy could stay (at least for awhile) and Bush’s pre-election commitments remained in force.

What has not been said, to my knowledge, is the pressure Bush may have received from Republican Senate and House leaders subsequent to the election or in his meeting with the GOP leadership this morning. Regardless of pre- or post-election, it is highly likely that Republican Congressional leaders gave Bush an ultimatum. The GOP leadership probably dropped the election results in Bush’s lap this morning and demanded Rumsfeld’s head in exchange for their support in Congress, however much is left.

I agree with the MSM pundits; Rumsfeld’s demise is significant and overdue, but swift action today came from a different president. I did not anticipate any action from Bush this soon, but upon reflection, did he have a choice?

Now, to the new administration rhetoric, which I believe I briefly referred to over the past 24 hours. In the press conference today, President Bush said multiple times how he would work with Democrats to bring about solutions for Iraq and other major national issues. Great. The President’s alarm clock finally rang after six years. President Bush has heretofore been diametrically opposed to working with Democrats, excepting Joe Lieberman. The true colors of this president only get brighter - consult with Democrats only after a meltdown of immense proportions and there is no escape hatch.

Furthermore, President Bush had the chutzpah to characterize his Democratic opponents as wanting what is best for the country; that Democrats seek a working solution for Iraq. Only 48 hours ago, they were defeatists, terrorist sympathizers, and unpatriotic.

Mr. Bush has many steps to take to bring about reconciliation. Mr. Bush has much work to do to ameliorate the gross division he alone has created in this country. Mr. Bush must take many actions to demonstrate humility and to gain trust. Notice I did not say regain trust. He cannot regain what he never had.