http://msnbc.msn.com/id/15622266/?GT1=8717

GOP officials: Rumsfeld stepping down

Defense chief has been a prime target of war critics in midterm elections


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=0...Wow...That's a shocker...Man, he was a good Secretary too...I'd like to research Gates before I say anything though...

It will make Bush look weak before the defeatist party

Not necessarily...It will make Rumsfeld look weak...Not President Bush.

How President Bush is perceived has nothing to do with Rumsfeld. It has everything to do with the media and the liberal stance on the current situation in the world.

My biggest fear is that the new people in office will try to start limiting funding for the military and basically tie their hands when it comes to the ability to carry out the current plan of action and the soon to be revised plan of action.

Gates will have a two year job and will be replaced if a democrat is elected to the office in the next election. If a republican is elected to the office there is still a likelyhood that he will be shuffled out the door.

It's a new job but it starts out being a lame duck job.

Well I'm surprised. I'm a bit disappointed too. I would have thought that considering the President's past strong support, that Rumsfeld would have stayed for a while longer. I think it was a forgone conclusion however, that he would have been target #1 for the newly emboldened Democrats. So, maybe he saw the writing on the wall and wanted to spare the President the fight? We'll have to wait and see how Gates does, I guess.

I have read that the military newspapers(like Navy Times, Army Times, etc.) all have published articles asking Mr. Rumsfeld to resign on Monday

I can't see how any of you are suprised. I am suprised that this didn't happen months ago. Trust me... We have all been waiting for this. You say he was a good SecDef... what are you smoking? He had NO, and I repeat NO support from his senior military staff. We needed this change long ago. Thank God that it has now happened.

Originally Posted by boris116

I have read that the military newspapers(like Navy Times, Army Times, etc.) all have published articles asking Mr. Rumsfeld to resign on Monday

Care to provide a link? If there isn't anything to back it up that is just hearsay.

I'm not saying that they wouldn't all have a story, they are all owned by the same publishers. If it makes one it makes them all, which also means that if it were printed it would available for a validating link.

On another throught I'm surprised that Gordon England was not moved up to take his position. I've met the man and he has more going for him than anyone I've ever met. Extremely intelligent as well as well spoken.

It should have happened 3 years ago, the man was smart I will give him that. However he had some issues like micro management, cold war thinking, and his whole it's my way or the highway attitude.