Rumsfeld steps down

[angryoldman]

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[kite]

TweetDonald Rumsfeld Resigning as Defense Secretary

Wednesday, November 08, 2006




WASHINGTON — Donald H. Rumsfeld is stepping down as defense secretary and former CIA Director Robert Gates will be nominated to take his place.

Rumsfeld's resignation was the first Bush administration casualty after a midterm congressional election that sent at least 28 House Republicans packing and left the future of the Senate in limbo.

President Bush called Rumsfeld a trusted friend and patriot who had served his country well.

"Now after a series of thoughtful conversations, Secretary Rumsfeld and I agreed that the time had come for new leadership at the Pentagon," Bush said in an East Room press conference scheduled Tuesday night after election returns showed an incoming Democratic House majority.

"Don Rumsfeld has been a superb leader during a time of change. Yet he also appreciates the value of bringing in a fresh perspective during a critical period in this war," he said.

Rumsfeld's departures was a surprise to many after his office gave no indication earlier in the day that the congressional outcome would impact his decision. Just last week, Bush said he had full faith in Rumsfeld. Then again, he acknowledged Wednesday that he thought Republicans would retain the House.

Bush said Gates brings a long history of organization and national security credentials.

"He's served six presidents, from both political parties, and rose from an entry-level employee in the CIA to become the director of central intelligence," Bush said. Gates would have to be confirmed by the Senate, whose majority will be determined by one currently-contested election.

Bush told Iraqis not to be fearful by the changes in the United States or its own halting steps to democracy. He also warned terrorists not to start celebrating as a result of Rumsfeld's departure.

"Do not be joyful. Do not confuse the workings of our democracy with a lack of will. Our nation is committed to bringing you to justice. Liberty and democracy are the source of our strength," Bush said.

"To our men and women in uniform: don't be doubtful. America will always support you. Our nation is blessed to have men and women who volunteer to serve and are willing to risk their own lives for the safety of our fellow citizens," he said.

• Click here to visit YOU DECIDE 2006, FOXNews.com's complete election center.

Rumsfeld plans to deliver a long-scheduled speech on the global war on terrorism at Kansas State University on Thursday. Ruff said he did not know whether Rumsfeld would address the midterm election results in that speech.

[FUZO]

TweetOK WHY DO YOU THINKN HE STEPPED DOWN

[daved150]

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OK WHY DO YOU THINKN HE STEPPED DOWN

TRICK QUESTION?...BECOUSE HE SUCKED

[angryoldman]

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OK WHY DO YOU THINKN HE STEPPED DOWN

I can make this a 14 page answer, or a few paragraph answer.
First off, I don't like the idea that he stepped down. I'm more disappointed than anything. However:
1st, it's ironic he stepped down the day after the elections. What Senator said yesterday, "Clean up before we come in and clean up for you."? Bob Casey(D) from Pennsylvania said that.
Also, his mishandling of the war. When ex-Generals come out and talk about your handling of the war, it's never good. Actually, it's almost unheard of for ex-Generals to give their criticism about war. It's actually a disgrace that these people come out and talk the way they do. Look up the Sedition Act. It needs to be brought back in effect.
I can't wait to hear a certain persons "Solid" feelings on this.

[kite]

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I can make this a 14 page answer, or a few paragraph answer.
First off, I don't like the idea that he stepped down. I'm more disappointed than anything. However:
1st, it's ironic he stepped down the day after the elections. What Senator said yesterday, "Clean up before we come in and clean up for you."? Bob Casey(D) from Pennsylvania said that.
Also, his mishandling of the war. When ex-Generals come out and talk about your handling of the war, it's never good. Actually, it's almost unheard of for ex-Generals to give their criticism about war. It's actually a disgrace that these people come out and talk the way they do. Look up the Sedition Act. It needs to be brought back in effect.
I can't wait to hear a certain persons "Solid" feelings on this.

Pretty much my thoughts.

[daved150]

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his mishandling of the war. When ex-Generals come out and talk about your handling of the war, it's never good. Actually, it's almost unheard of for ex-Generals to give their criticism about war.

like i said...he sucked. he could not controll his people. poor manager in my opinion.

[angryoldman]

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like i said...he sucked. he could not controll his people. poor manager in my opinion.

"Sedition Act", my friend. Look it up. I don't give a phuque wether you think the guy wears aluminum foil antennas on is head at night and talks to Barbie dolls. In a time of war, you do not speak out against your Country or your leaders.

[daved150]

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"Sedition Act", my friend. Look it up. I don't give a phuque wether you think the guy wears aluminum foil antennas on is head at night and talks to Barbie dolls. In a time of war, you do not speak out against your Country or your leaders.

while i may agree with you, it was the poor job and his own doing that led for them to talk out against him. he had no controll. he should have stamped that shit out when it reared it's head with the very first general!! he didnt do anything to stop it! he may not have had a legal way out (i dont know) but he should have addressed them and braught them into his camp. he had no control!

[3Vandoo]

TweetHe had lesbian father and daughter days to attend

[pigmeat]

TweetThank god.....he was a liar, and i dont know many troops who gave him any respect...when you are the sec of defense and the troops dont have faith in you, then you are in trouble....not to mention the ex generals that dog his ways...

[3Vandoo]

TweetLOL

Anyone watching CNNH

some clowns put down RumsFLED resigns, what a nice convenient change of letter

[trip]

Tweetwhy????

POLITICS

if he didn't do anything, republicans would be the worse for wear in 08

he probably used it as a bargaining chip, he wants his tax cuts kept, so tit for tat on this one is my guess, and everyone is happier

also, wouldn't doubt if rumsfeld said it's best for all, not that he is a quitter, just that sometimes change is neccessary to get an emotional boost, kickstart things, like when we all muster up the first of the month type of feelings i'm going too xyz

i know one thing, i am thankful it happened asap, makes me feel confident that things will get better for all

[solidground]

TweetI can't wait to hear a certain persons "Solid" feelings on this.

lol does that refer to me?

[solidground]

TweetAlthough im glad,im not really sure what to think of it..its possible hes just being used as a scapegoat for our invasion of Iraq-and by firing him (or him stepping down) it will give the republicans some "points" with all the people that oppose the war. Could also be that Gates (al-CIA-da) would fit the job better in the eyes of the administration. Call me crazy but i really expect another terror attack to happen soon, which will of course be the democrats fault.

Anyone have interesting inffo on Gates? dont know too much about him