Didn't Rummy always say he served at the pleasure of the President?
That is diplo speak.....even Colin Powell was saying that right up to when he left.
I really think it came down to a stategy session between Rummy, Cheney, maybe Condi and others...doing the "what ifs" regarding the election results in November.
If the GOP had held the House especially, but preferably both houses of Congress..then I think Rummy might have stayed...but they decided ahead of time..what would be the likely scenario in 2007 and 2008 if the House went Dem.
It is like war planning...you have to make a plan for all contingencies...and Rummy "resigning" was what they decided would be the best course for HIM...if the dems won the House, and especially both...which the did.
Pres. Bush is LOYAL..almost to a fault (see George Tenet)...and so he would NEVER fired Rummy against Rummy's wishes...plus, there is a LOT we don't know about this war...and I think Rummy and Pres. Bush do know...and are doing what is best for Rummy.
Now...Pres. Bush choosing Gates...I can't answer for that one...except that Bush knew that anyone HE would really, really want would probably not get confirmed..(see John Bolton)...so, I am sure he figured since he is the CIC, and POTUS, Gates might squawk more than he would like...but Gates can't force Pres. Bush to do anything.
As it should be.