I think your analysis of the situation is somewhat correct. But i think Rumsfeld was fantastic, I love the guy. I do believe the Dems were going to grill him to no end, making everyones life more miserable, although it would have been nice to see him hand them their ass. He is probably just not up to it.
Also, there is going to have to be some serious bargaining in DC now, like it or not, for anything to happen. Bush has just set the stage. He does look "reasonable" by appearing to give them what they want. They will look absolutely retarted(they are already)when they start this BS on the war, and quite frankly, if Bush can out fox their moves (by not giving up principle, I hope)they will look worthless, rediculous, and their base will be going ballistic, even already now because of the rummy deal. The Dem base doesnt want anything but to ruin Bush in a bloodbath. They aren't happy with silent deaths.
As we all know now from recent yesterday, the base is what you need to win an election.
I'm actually hoping something good gets accomplished. I'm pretty far from a Bush kool aid drinker. Voted for him once. But I thought he sounded very good today. I would think most ppl would have liked what they heard today. He was like Coach Parcells after a loss. Brutally frank at times, totally accepting of the situation, and clearly prepared for it. I'm not saying I have forgotten that moonbats are moonbats, but we'll see. The danger is hubris, and I hope for all our sake the DEMs pass on it.