WASHINGTON - Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld stepped down as defense secretary on Wednesday, one day after midterm elections in which opposition to the war in Iraq contributed to heavy Republican losses.

President Bush said he would nominate Robert Gates, a former CIA director, to replace Rumsfeld at the Pentagon.

Asked whether his announcement signaled a new direction in the war that has claimed the lives of more than 2,800 U.S. troops, Bush said, "Well, there's certainly going to be new leadership at the Pentagon."

Bush lavished praise on Rumsfeld, who has spent six stormy years at his post. The president disclosed he met with Gates last Sunday, two days before the elections in which Democrats swept to control of the House and possibly the Senate.

The GOP Sinking Ship continues...

-TM

Dreu

USA

August 2006

NOV 08, 2006 12:14 PM

This is what we have been saying should happen, now it finally did, we can be happy.

MrCrisp

Charleston, SC

August 2004

NOV 08, 2006 12:43 PM

cnn just tossed up this news alert:

President Bush says "America is safer and the world more secure" because of Donald Rumsfeld's leadership.

high fucking comedy.

Tornateaux

Fort Campbell, KY

August 2006

NOV 08, 2006 12:57 PM

So many wonderful goings on in politics today. Things are finally starting to look up. Bush as lame duck makes me happy beyond belief alone. But now Rummy stepping down? Granted, it's a concession effort on his part, doing it before the Dems could investigate him, but still, it's a great fucking thing. I just keep waiting for something really bad to happen....

mingol

Singapore

July 2005

NOV 08, 2006 01:37 PM

Jesus, I never imagined this would happen prior to January 2009, given Bush's constant refrain that Rumsfeld was doing a great job ... I'm going to go to bed very happy tonight.

Zarth

Seattle, WA

December 2004

NOV 08, 2006 01:42 PM

I love every time I open this thread to see Rumsfeld making the Poopy Face.

TOPICS: