This just in from CNN:
Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld is stepping down, sources tell CNN.
No doubt pressured by yesterday’s dramatic swing in the balance of power, sources have told CNN that embattled Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, will resign. Fox News also confirmed the report but said Rumsfeld gave no prior indication or reason for his departure. The Fox article said Eric Ruff, the Pentagon press secretary, met with the Secretary today and was given no indication of his intentions.
Rumsfeld has been the target of many anti-war critics who attributed many of the perceived problems with the war in Iraq to his leadership. Boston.com referred to him as “one of the architects of the increasingly unpopular Iraq war.”
MSNBC reported Robert Gates, former CIA director, will take Rumsfeld’s place upon his departure.
Rumsfeld’s image problems have been going on for some time now, and he has not been able to portray himself in the light desired by the veteran Republican. He was an easy target for Democrats and anti-war candidates. When the bullseye was painted on his head, everything from Abu Ghraib to his usage of a mechanical means to sign over 1,000 condolence letters to families of killed soldiers, contributed to his downfall.
President Bush had previously said Rumsfeld would serve out his term regardless of what happened on election day.
It may not have been completely his choice, but it was Rumsfeld’s time to go.