Rummy finally takes the fall

[mburbank]

He's stepping down, even as I type this.

[theapportioner]

Bush picks Bob Gates (who?) to succeed Rummy.

[ziggytrix]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Gates

[mburbank]

Career spook, Bush I adminstration.

[theapportioner]

Apparently he had ties with the Iran Contra guys. Way to go!

[mburbank]

He's going to have to go through a confirmation hearing. That should be fun.

[mburbank]

Hastert has now also stepped down, leaving an immense void in leaersh0ip by people who look like Jabba the Hut.

[KevinTheOmnivore]

That one makes sense (not that Rummy stepping down didn't). This will give them an opportunity to pick "new blood", which I use lightly, to head up the minority position.

Like Joe Barton. Bleh....

[mburbank]

My question is, will the Repubicans be able to transition smoothly into this next phase, or are they going to start ripping into each other in a Pirannah like blame fest.

[Preechr]

I can't help but wonder how fast we're gonna see the confirmation hearings for Gates. I'm betting before year's end. I think Bush wanted to get this done under a Republican Legislature while he still had the chance. Smart move.

[Preechr]

Oh yeah... and Gates is as good as anybody when his main job qualification is that he's not the guy that was running things before, right? Not that he's a bad choice. He srved for 7 presidents, not just Bush Sr.

[Cosmo Electrolux]

what's that Who lyric? Meet the new boss, same as the old boss