Posted on 04/14/2006 11:18:27 AM PDT by The_Victor
WASHINGTON - President Bush, brushing aside an intensifying clamor among retired military commanders for Donald H. Rumsfeld's resignation, said Friday his defense secretary enjoys his full support and that Rumsfeld's leadership of the Pentagon was "exactly what is needed at this critical period."
Bush apparently issued his statement to put to rest increasing calls for the secretary to go because of criticism that he has mishandled the Iraq war and made other mistakes.
"I have seen first-hand how Don relies upon our military commanders in the field and at the Pentagon to make decisions about how best to complete these missions," Bush said in a written statement, issued while the president was spending the Easter weekend at Camp David, the presidential retreat in Maryland's Catoctin Mountains.
"Secretary Rumsfeld's energetic and steady leadership is exactly what is needed at this critical period," Bush said. "He has my full support and deepest appreciation." In an interview aired Friday on Al-Arabiya television, Rumsfeld said he intends to serve the president at his pleasure.
"The fact that two or three or four retired people have different views, I respect their views," Rumsfeld said. "But obviously if, out of thousands and thousands of admirals and generals, if every time two or three people disagreed we changed the secretary of defense of the United States, it would be like a merry-go-round."
Bush said he had talked with Rumsfeld earlier in the day about military operations in the war on terror. "I reiterated my strong support for his leadership during this historic and challenging time for our nation," the president said.
It was an extraordinary statement by the president on the status of a top official. Bush decided it was warranted because of the "type of voices" that have recently engaged in public criticism of Rumsfeld, a senior administration official said, speaking on condition of anonymity to more freely elaborate on the White House's thinking.
The official said that Rumsfeld's case was unique. There has been no similar statement for Treasury Secretary John Snow, whose resignation is rumored to be imminent.
The administration official said Bush's statement should make it clear that Rumsfeld's job is safe for now.
Several retired military commanders, including one who turned down a promotion to lieutenant general to leave the Army, have recently made statements urging Rumsfeld's ouster. They argue that the planning for the war in Iraq was not sufficient and that Rumsfeld's management style has too often given shortshrift attention to the views of uniformed officers.
A few of them commanded troops in Iraq which in and of itself is nothing unique...the number of generals who have been deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq is staggering. Some of those other generals, themselves retired and including the boss of one of these clowns, are starting to set the record straight on this group.
Just recall them to active duty and put them on a Moped leading convoys through hot spots.
Thhis whole development is incredible. The NY Times publishes a story quoting a number of retired generals, and the next thing you know the President has to come out and voice support for Secretary Rumsfeld. Making all the news that's fit to print!
But I bet it's the lead issue on the Sunday talkies....
It's a good thing.
The MSM would keel over in shock.
He's got my vote!!!!!
My vote too! I'd love that (although SecDefRum sure deserves a good rest).
The press just doesn't "get" him. For me, he's just RUMMY!
Rummy as President. Oh, that would be a dream come true! The whiners are just jealous of Rummy, he is so far beyond their petty ways of viewing things, they don't understand him or resent someone so much greater than they are.
Is there a Rummy ping list?
It's just a matter of time before these limp-wristed "flag" officers announce they're seeking the democrat nomination and will appear on the cover of that fag magazine like Wesley Clark.
bttt
Rumsfeld is now going to be the next target of the Dems. They figure if they could get rid of Delay, it should work again. Salon had one of the most bias articles today about Rumsfield and the torture of prisoners at Gitmo. Enough to make you sick.
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