The Art of Politics

Playing Rummy

Know when to hold him, know when to fold him...

With the release of the Iraq abuse photos, numerous calls have come from expectedly Democrat corners for the resignation of Donald Rumsfeld as Secretary of Defense.

During his Senate testimony, he was asked by several Democrats, including the sage Evan Bayh, about resignation. Rumsfeld stalwartly declared he will stay on. The court of public opinion for now has Rumsfeld in the lead - most want to keep him on. Most like his fiery candor, and even those who oppose his policies grudgingly respect him. But there is only one person who gives the thumbs up or down - the President. And the President has given his strong thumbs up.

Why, when it might be expedient to let Rummy swing for this?

The President both respects and rewards personal loyalty. Witness the extended tenure of George Tenet, who he could have fired for several reasons. Second, the political damage of removing Rumsfeld is far greater than the political cost of keeping him - can anyone imagine an election year mid-war SecDef Senate confirmation?

These costs could change, and change the calculation - but the President isn't one to change his mind, and Rumsfeld isn't going anywhere.

When Trent Lott was twisting in the wind, it was the President's non-endorsement that spelled the end for him. With Rumsfeld on the block, it's the President who wields the axe, and he's made it clear he will not use it.

Posted by MEC2 at May 9, 2004 09:11 AM