The thing is, putting a new face on is not going to solve the real problem, including the one the generals calling for Rumsfeld's removal have identified.
Bush says Rumsfeld is staying, that he, Bush is the "Decider." And he's right. The real problem is not with Rumsfeld. It's Bush. Put a new face on the whitehouse and inside, underneath, we still have Bush. Replace Card with Bolton and you still have Bush and Cheney calling the shots.
It will be interesting to see what kind of faces Bush brings in, but unless there are real, strong, leader types, who inspire trust from both sides of the partisan aisle, all the shuffling of bodies won't mean much. Karl Rove is being shuffled, but not removed. The word is he'll be more involved in strategy than policy... sorry but that doesn't mean much to me. Move the poison from one part of the plate to another and it's still toxic.
9:39 A.M. EDT
MR. McCLELLAN: Good morning, everybody. I am here to announce that I will be resigning as White House Press Secretary.
Mr. President, it has been an extraordinary honor and privilege to have served more than seven years now, the last two years and nine months as your Press Secretary.
The White House is going through a period of transition; change can be helpful, and this is a good time and good position to help bring about change. I am ready to move on. I've been in this position a long time, and my wife and I are excited about beginning the next chapter in our life together.
You have accomplished a lot over the last several years with this team, and I have been honored and grateful to be a small part of a terrific and talented team of really good people.
Our relationship began back in Texas, and I look forward to continuing it, particularly when we are both back in Texas.
THE PRESIDENT: That's right. (Laughter.)
MR. McCLELLAN: Although, I hope to get there before you. (Laughter.)
I have given it my all, sir, and I've given you my all. And I will continue to do so as we transition to a new Press Secretary over the next two to three weeks. Thank you for the opportunity.
THE PRESIDENT: First of all, I thank Scott for his service to our country. I don't know whether or not the press corps realizes this, but his is a challenging assignment dealing with you all on a regular basis. And I thought he handled his assignment with class, integrity. He really represents the best of his family, our state and our country. It's going to be hard to replace Scott. But, nevertheless, he's made the decision and I accept it.
One of these days he and I are going to be rocking on chairs in Texas, talking about the good old days and his time as the Press Secretary. And I can assure you I will feel the same way then that I feel now, that I can say to Scott, job well done.
MR. McCLELLAN: Thank you, sir.
