Rumsfeld stepping down

[Midnight Mike]

November 8, 2006

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.

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.

[PhilDernerJr]

I was actually pretty surprised by this. Is this a good thing or bad thing for Team Bush?

[Tom_Turner]

Its a good thing for the country.

You can't occupy a country the size of Iraq without a much larger force.

Both Falujah & Maqtada Al Saydr should've been ........ handled differently...

Tom

[T-Bird76]

Surprised??? This shouldn't be a surprise to anyone; it’s a surprise it happened the day after the election. If he did these two weeks ago the GOP probably would still be in power. You can't blame this on the media either; a number of editorials from some within the armed forces press came out and destroyed him. He lost the support of the military a long time ago; he hung on way to long. Bush has a former CIA Director in line hopefully this guy can plot a course that works. So time will tell if it’s good or bad for the Bush team.

[PhilDernerJr]

Maybe I can hire him here at NYCA.

[Matt Molnar]

I was a little surprised by the timing, but I guess I'm sure it was planned well beforehand. I haven't read any pundit analysis of this, but I'm guessing this is a carrot being handed to the Dems. Had the Republicans held on yesterday, Rummy would probably still be in.

[SengaB]

I wonder if Rice is next.....

http://static.flickr.com/25/66552954_d48f71d1e3_o.gif

Senga

[Mellyrose]

Looks like your avatar Senga!

[Matt Molnar]

From This Modern World (http://thismodernworld.com/3315):

http://www.thetalentshow.org/images/worstweekever.jpg

[hiss srq]

i was suprised by the timing yes that it happend not soo much but than again i did not really beleive it would happen nonetheless if you get what i mean. I like Donnie personally. It is a shame as far as political results go that our nation took the course it did. If it gets worse than just the house I am moving to Jamaica again

[Nick]

Great, I wonder what great military airframe the next SecDef will kill off as Rummy did the F-14.[/i]

[SengaB]

Good old Rummsey,

http://www.nycaviation.com/hosting/matrix.jpg

Senga

[hiss srq]

Too bad. Very smart guy but I do not think Connie will be the next in line thats for sure. I just do not see her in that light to be honest.