Rumsfeld Goes

Tim Russert is ecstatic. He's as happy as if the Bills won the Super Bowl.

He's been campaigning for the resignation of Donald Rumsfeld for years. Russert got his wish.

WASHINGTON -- President Bush said Wednesday Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld is stepping down and former CIA Director Robert Gates will take over at the Pentagon and in prosecuting the war in Iraq.

Rumsfeld, architect of an unpopular war in Iraq, intends to resign after six stormy years at the Pentagon, Republican officials said.

"Allahu akbar!"

Bush described Rumsfeld as a "superb leader" in a time of change, but said his defense chief recognizes the value of "fresh perspective." He said Rumsfeld is a "trusted adviser and friend," and that he's "deeply grateful" for his service to the country. Bush said he and Rumsfeld agreed that "the timing is right for new leadership" at the Pentagon.

...Whatever confidence Bush retained in Rumsfeld, the Cabinet officer's support in Congress had eroded significantly. Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., the House speaker-in-waiting, said at her first post-election news conference that Bush should replace the top civilian leadership at the Pentagon.

And Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, who had intervened in the past to shore up Rumsfeld, issued a statement saying, "Washington must now work together in a bipartisan way _ Republicans and Democrats _ to outline the path to success in Iraq."

I don't object to Rumsfeld stepping aside.

I do wonder about the timing though.

What message is that sending to our enemies?

I think they will view it as the appeasement Dems asserting their influence on the President.

Our enemies abroad will no doubt frame the replacement of Rumsfeld as a victory, sort of like Tim Russert.