Rumor: Bush to announce Rumsfeld’s resignation? Update: AP — RUMSFELD QUITS, to be replaced by Robert Gates
posted at 12:46 pm on November 8, 2006 by Allahpundit
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A friend just phoned to say that Rush Limbaugh was talking about this at the beginning of today’s show. Supposedly there are “whispers” that today’s press conference isn’t going to be the standard “we look forward to working with the opposition” shinola that we’re expecting.
Texas Rainmaker is hearing there’ll be a “significant announcement” too.
Video of the press conference will be posted here.
The prospect of Bush sending Rumsfeld packing the morning after a hugely disspiriting loss, while Pelosi’s still giving press conferences, is excruciatingly depressing and ominous. Can him if you want, but for god’s sake, wait a week. This would be like presenting the left with his head on a platter.
If it does happen, who replaces him? Joementum?
Update: The rumors are true. Fox says the AP is reporting that Rumsfeld is “stepping down.”
Update: News moves quickly.
Update: Her wish is our command. Comments made an hour ago:
Pressed by another reporter on Iraq, Pelosi said President Bush must “signal a change of direction.” She said one good place to start would be to “change the civilian leadership at the Pentagon” - get rid of Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, in other words.
“That would signal an openness to new, fresh ideas on the subject,” she said. She indicated she’ll discuss that with Bush in future meetings.
Update: Fox is reporting that Rumsfeld will be replaced by former DCIA Robert Gates.
Update: Bush says after a series of “thoughtful discussions” both he and Rumsfeld agreed that the “time is right” for new leadership.
Update: A reporter asked him why he said a week ago that he wanted Rumsfeld to stay on. Bush’s answer (in so many words): because he didn’t want to spring an October surprise.
Update: Slublog speculates in the comments:
I think this had to be done, and quickly. I think Bush wants to get Gates confirmed before the new Senate is seated, because the WH knows we’ve lost Congress. Rumsfeld is a lightning rod for criticism, and would have been used as justification to pull funding for the war and for the Dems to pick away at the administration.
I don’t like it, but I can see why they did it.
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If this is true, it’s proof that the Dems are right. Bush doesn’t know his ass from a hole in the ground.
mikeomatic on November 8, 2006 at 12:48 PM
Just ’cause you lost don’t me ya gotta like a loser.
Bush should come out and say, “The era of bipartisanship is over! I am now the divider, not the uniter!”
That would be cool.
frankj on November 8, 2006 at 12:49 PM
Santorum is looking for work.
But Rummy deserves better than this, if it’s true.
Pablo on November 8, 2006 at 12:51 PM
Oh good Lord…
rightallthetime on November 8, 2006 at 12:52 PM
good, but too little…
jummy on November 8, 2006 at 12:53 PM
great. just great
Esthier on November 8, 2006 at 12:53 PM
It is April 75 all over again.
Limerick on November 8, 2006 at 12:54 PM
Who’s next? I am stunned..I guess this means Casey and the others in Iraq get reassigned too..how far is this going?
This makes me sick to my stomach. Scapegoat.
labwrs on November 8, 2006 at 12:54 PM
April 75?
Esthier on November 8, 2006 at 12:54 PM
What a disappointment. I have to think Rummy is resigning because he thinks he has hurt the cause; my feeling is Bush would have dug in his heels and kept Rumsfeld since he did so many times before (he’s not one to waffle).
How does losing Rumsfield help our troops? I am really afraid for the future of our country right now.
eucher on November 8, 2006 at 12:55 PM
Wait a while.
this is only the beginning.
rockhauler on November 8, 2006 at 12:55 PM
Great, another loss on the War on Terror. *sigh* Maybe I’ll go religion after this, but I have a feeling that if He does exist He’s doing all of this for entertainment purposes. He’s probably watching us like how a lot of us watch 24.
Cutty S. on November 8, 2006 at 12:55 PM
Esthier…….Operation Frequent Wind……evacuating Nam.
Limerick on November 8, 2006 at 12:56 PM
Cindy Sheehan needs a day job. Hell the quicker we get this over with the better.
LakeRuins on November 8, 2006 at 12:56 PM
Let’s get rid of the only bright spot in the administration.
On top of it, let’s pass immigration reform that your base hates.
Awesome. Just awesome.
And we thought the democrats were cheese eating surrender monkeys.
lorien1973 on November 8, 2006 at 12:57 PM
The polite explanation for losing Rumsfeld is that it is obvious that the Dems would refuse to work with him, so he is being sacrificed in order to maintain some kind of good faith working relationship.
Wow. Even the polite explanation sounds crappy.
irving on November 8, 2006 at 12:57 PM
Thanks. I’m not great on history.
Esthier on November 8, 2006 at 12:57 PM
Good point mikeomatic. long time no see
flyboy777 on November 8, 2006 at 12:57 PM
Newt as SecDef?
Marvin on November 8, 2006 at 12:57 PM
Sounds like things are looking up for Saddam. He’ll be back in those palaces in no time.
AtomicAmish on November 8, 2006 at 12:57 PM
I do keep hearing liberals say a dictator needs to take control of that country. Saddam needs new (old) employment. Seems like he’s the answer to their problems.
lorien1973 on November 8, 2006 at 12:58 PM
But aren’t the Dems going to catch Osama?
Theworldisnotenough on November 8, 2006 at 12:59 PM
Catch= Invite to the White House for a stay in the Lincoln bedroom.
Theworldisnotenough on November 8, 2006 at 12:59 PM
Rumsfeld is one of the few redeeming points of light in a decidedly mediocre Bush Administration. He and Cheney are the only figures that allowed me to believe that the adults were in charge.
I can’t take this loss…
thegreatbeast on November 8, 2006 at 12:59 PM
Robert Gates will replace him.
thebrokenchair on November 8, 2006 at 1:01 PM
Oh good Lord. As if the dems weren’t gloating enough. Now they are going to be insufferable.
jman on November 8, 2006 at 1:02 PM
This ex Republican (now an Independent because no one looks out for me like I do) believes that had this happened a month ago, the dems would not have control of the House and perhaps the Senate. What an idiot Bush is. He lost his Sec of Def and the election. It should have been only his Sec of Def.
May Bush go down in history as the Jimmy Carter of the Republican party.
voiceofreason on November 8, 2006 at 1:02 PM
This country is committing suicide.
mikeomatic on November 8, 2006 at 1:02 PM
The Dems were right. Bush is a worthless retard who should never have been allowed within ninety miles of the reins of power. Fuck him.
mikeomatic on November 8, 2006 at 1:03 PM
Cave-in #1…
SouthernGent on November 8, 2006 at 1:03 PM
It’s just the start of things. Hate to say I told you so … but I tried to point out last month that Republican decisions would not move to the right if the libs win. Republican candidates will now believe they need to move to the left to win.
They simply aren’t paying attention to what pissed off the base and no candidate will dare run on conservative principles in 2008.
Gregor on November 8, 2006 at 1:04 PM
How much is it Rumsfeld, how much is it the incredibly handcuffed PC crap that the defense department has to put up with?
Our CIA hasnt been able to do its job for years. DECADES! Washington is to blame for our cant shoot til your dead tactics.
I don’t know if I like this move or not, but if nothing changes with Rummy out, then who, or WHAT, do you blame?
shooter on November 8, 2006 at 1:02 PM
shooter on November 8, 2006 at 1:04 PM
Carl Rove?
CBarker on November 8, 2006 at 1:04 PM
Yes it does. This just stinks….let the speculation begin. Is it possible for Pelosi to gloat? How will be tell? Her face doesnt move anymore.
labwrs on November 8, 2006 at 1:05 PM
Too much; too soon. As a fan of Rummy, it doesn’t surprise me though.
Maybe Comrade Murtha should volunteer to assume the cabinet position? Better yet, let’s have Jimmy Carter head a blue ribbon panel with their recommendation going to the President via Pelosi.
Sorry, just don’t feel humorous today. :( Pissed off, yes.
jarhead05 on November 8, 2006 at 1:05 PM
Operation Cut-n-Run is now underway.
So long, Iraqis, the libs don’t care about you so we’re leaving you to fend for yourself. Hope you enjoy your next dictator, rape prisons, and mass graves.
Enoxo on November 8, 2006 at 1:05 PM
There’s an interesting thought. First, the thought of having a Zionist SECDEF is very tasty. Second, Joementum’s Senatorial replacement would be appointed by Connecticut’s Republican governor.
Ahh, Rummy. We’ll miss you, old man.
Pablo on November 8, 2006 at 1:06 PM
Austin Bay for SecDef!
shirgall on November 8, 2006 at 1:06 PM
Sorry, I had to lighten it up just a bit….
It’s not the end of the world here folks. Pelosi can’t just click her heels and chant “there’s no place like home”
CBarker on November 8, 2006 at 1:06 PM
To quote AP:
I question the timing.
Dave Shay on November 8, 2006 at 1:06 PM
Exactly…someone in the WH is WAY out of touch, but I won’t speculate as to whom.
SouthernGent on November 8, 2006 at 1:07 PM
“A series of thoughtful conversations”…It IS Robert Gates..WOW..who has the inside scoop?
labwrs on November 8, 2006 at 1:07 PM
Bush just announced it. Rumsfeld is gone.
p0s3r on November 8, 2006 at 1:07 PM
You mean WE can’t, CB. Pelosi can fantasize all she damn well likes.
mikeomatic on November 8, 2006 at 1:07 PM
Brokenchair called it…Gates
CBarker on November 8, 2006 at 1:07 PM
Is this the genius Rovian plot we’ve been waiting for?
lorien1973 on November 8, 2006 at 1:08 PM
That’s it. Fuck Bush, fuck America, and fuck Christ while I’m at it. I’m done.
mikeomatic on November 8, 2006 at 1:08 PM
The thinking must be that they pre-emptively take the Rummy club out of the Dems hands.
Pablo on November 8, 2006 at 1:08 PM
To quote Howard Dean:
AAAARRRRRUUUUGGGGGHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!
(not a happy sound)
E L Frederick on November 8, 2006 at 1:09 PM
You know it will be a lot easier to confirm people the next few days than next year, no? Smart to make changes now.
shirgall on November 8, 2006 at 1:09 PM
WTF??? What’s next? I feel like I’m taking crazy pills! I wouldn’t be surprised to wake up tomorrow to find out that K-Fed has been named as his replacement.
righteouschops on November 8, 2006 at 1:10 PM
Rumsfeld is just the first meat liberals are enjoying for their meal… there are several more courses to this feast coming.
Enoxo on November 8, 2006 at 1:10 PM
I’m listening in on the Israel Project’s conference call. They just announced his resignation now.
americanpundit on November 8, 2006 at 1:10 PM
Naysayers, listen up. We still have a great country, and it will survive just fine no matter who leads it. Rumsfeld has served his country well, and his replacement, whoever they find who is willing to remain in the cross-hairs of a Liberal media while facing a Democratic Congress, will also serve his President and his Country well.
Doug on November 8, 2006 at 1:10 PM
Can’t blame him a bit. Who would want to sit on the hill through investigation after investigation [read: interrogation after interrogation] after doing a superb job for six years and a lifetime carreer of dedication. Not to mention the interrogators would be treasonists.
Griz on November 8, 2006 at 1:11 PM
I need a refresher…who is Robert Gates? I hope he’s not a mealy-mouthed State Department-type loser…?
SouthernGent on November 8, 2006 at 1:11 PM
All of you who think we’re going to get some conservative to replace Rumsfeld better think again. Whoever it is will have to be confirmed by this lunatic left.
I keep hearing Joe Lieberman mentioned, but there’s no chance in hell the liberals would allow that to happen, unless …
Bush should name Lieberman as his replacement and Lieberman should tell the liberals that if they don’t confirm him … he will switch parties.
That ought to do it.
Gregor on November 8, 2006 at 1:11 PM
This is not a disaster.
Karl on November 8, 2006 at 1:11 PM
Thanks Rummy.
We’re with you.
y2church on November 8, 2006 at 1:11 PM
If this was imminent…wouldn’t it have been smarter to do this a week or two ago.
hoosierken on November 8, 2006 at 1:11 PM
Are ya’ll listening to Bush? he’s on right now.
pullingmyhairout on November 8, 2006 at 1:12 PM
So,
who needs an Advil? [opening bottle]
The headaches continue. Who’s next on the block, I don’t think Rummy leaves alone.
But Humpty Dumpty was pushed
CBarker on November 8, 2006 at 1:12 PM
Nope. Former CIA Director.
Pablo on November 8, 2006 at 1:12 PM
Jesus, you think they could’ve come to this conclusion before the midterm elections? At least it would look voluntary, this looks like he’s following Pelosi’s lead…
As if we weren’t dissappointed enough.
LaVentanita on November 8, 2006 at 1:12 PM
No, he was in the CIA. Close enough? ;)
lorien1973 on November 8, 2006 at 1:12 PM
Karl:
How is this not a disaster?
mikeomatic on November 8, 2006 at 1:12 PM
I wonder what “fresh prospective” is code phrase for? Cut and run?
pullingmyhairout on November 8, 2006 at 1:13 PM
Someone get Robert Baer on the phone…..
shooter on November 8, 2006 at 1:13 PM
Is he saying something to the effect of. Pelosi’s got her strap-on on, and I’m ready to take it? Yep. Probably.
lorien1973 on November 8, 2006 at 1:13 PM
Let’s all take a step back from ideological blindness. There is more to Rummy than Iraq. His ideas as a whole on how the military should be run have been wrong. All I have to say is, it’s about time! Bush could have saved us a lot of military and political pain had he done this 4 years ago. Rumsfeld does not have the strategic vision needed to prepare the US military for the enemies and wars we will face in the 21st century.
matthewbit07 on November 8, 2006 at 1:14 PM
This Gates is a Texas chap. President of A&M. Why do I not see him catching any more slack from the Dems than Rumsfeld?
Mark V. on November 8, 2006 at 1:14 PM
I can’t wait to see Pelosi in a burqa.
RedWinged Blackbird on November 8, 2006 at 1:15 PM
Next up on the resignation schedule …
Justice Stevens
Gregor on November 8, 2006 at 1:16 PM
How is it? If Rummy died, we would go on. His position is not irreplaceable without him.
What is more important is the overall strategy of the Pentagon and the whitehouse.
Do the democrats get a surge from it? Maybe, but not like they have not already been emboldened by their wins.
What it does do is put some of the momentum back in Bush’s hands, and lets him control a portion of the debate.
Karl on November 8, 2006 at 1:16 PM
Since most of us on this site are on the same page; maybe we can collectively “help” the new and improved democraps fulfill their foreign policy desires by providing them with some suggestions.
Cut and run; sure. That’s what they preach. However, let’s educate them on what better be done prior to “redeployment” of our troops. It is possible that the entire region could erupt once we leave. So, since they want us to believe that we went to Iraq for oil, we had better suck up every damn drop of it before softening our presence. If not, who knows what the hell we’ll be paying for a gallon of gas once real inter-faith (ha) genocide begins.
What a bunch of loons.
jarhead05 on November 8, 2006 at 1:16 PM
BEEEP?!?!?!?
what was that???
CBarker on November 8, 2006 at 1:17 PM
Bush just removed a big talking point. Preemptive strike? Leave the Dems constant carping, shrill and powerless. Whoops, we are out of gripes time to produce!! Two years of social programs and defense cuts will make them out to be everything we conservatives have said they are. The political gamesmanship is on! This is chess not checkers people.
Theworldisnotenough on November 8, 2006 at 1:17 PM
Rice is next up on the chopping block.
Enoxo on November 8, 2006 at 1:17 PM
exactly
Bush just took away the spot light.
Karl on November 8, 2006 at 1:18 PM
That’s a damn shame. Runny’s a good guy who did a good job with a hard task.
This is just more proof that the leftist media has America (or at least 51 percent of us) brainwashed. They have us convinced that the Battle of Iraq is lost. I meet Troops all the time at my job and they all say the media is not telling the truth about Iraq. Yet the people believe it.
Bush is still CinC and he won’t be retreating from Iraq any time soon. We’re still gonna stay until they can defend themselvesm THEN we’ll pull out. But, in so doing (if it happens within the next 2 years) it’ll appear as if the Dems got their way.
Tony737 on November 8, 2006 at 1:18 PM
that was my guess enoxo
CBarker on November 8, 2006 at 1:18 PM
Personally, I’m not surprised, I kinda had a feeling it would eventually happen, I am surprised that it happened the day after.
vcferlita on November 8, 2006 at 1:19 PM
It would have been great if he did this, gee, LAST WEEK.
americanpundit on November 8, 2006 at 1:19 PM
I just hope Gates is still pissed off from all the terrorist attacks from the 70’s & 80’s.
shooter on November 8, 2006 at 1:19 PM
At least you’ll know the expression on her face never changes. ;-)
SouthernGent on November 8, 2006 at 1:19 PM
Did I smoke the wrong type of cigarette last night? We’re on the highway to hell n handbasket!
But who cares…..I Saved 15% on my car insurance and I only had to give up additional 10% for taxes on each paycheck.
Sad and very true. Phase 1 and 2 are complete for the Demos.
Sarcasm, Just one more service I offer.
VikingGoneWild on November 8, 2006 at 1:19 PM
I don’t think Rice is next. I think she’ll stay on.
pullingmyhairout on November 8, 2006 at 1:19 PM
Yes we’d go on, but not for long. And he may not be irreplaceable, but his replacement will be picked by a Democratic congress.
mikeomatic on November 8, 2006 at 1:19 PM
Someone on The Israel Project conference call said that the Democrats may not have gained as many as we thought. I wonder why.
americanpundit on November 8, 2006 at 1:19 PM
No not Condi, she’s gotta run against Billary in ‘08
vcferlita on November 8, 2006 at 1:20 PM
I think people want a resolution to the Iraq situation. I do not think people care about anyone being PC. If they mowed the whole place down, and brought everyone home next week, people would say great, lets move on. We stand around and get into this PC garbage, civil rights for terrorists etc, no resolution or plan, that breads an uncomfort among the people.
I say lets turn the places into the stone age, move on. No holding back. The only people who care will be these press types, may liberals and nut roots.
StuLongIsland on November 8, 2006 at 1:21 PM
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