Planning for Ignominy: Bush backs Rumsfeld

NYT: President Bush strongly defended Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld today, despite calls from retired generals that he step down, and said Mr. Rumsfeld's leadership is vital for the United States.

"Earlier today I spoke with Don Rumsfeld about ongoing military operations in the global war on terror," the president said. "I reiterated my strong support for his leadership during this historic and challenging time for our nation."

Mr. Bush said the defense secretary had helped to transform the United States military into a force "fully prepared to confront the dangerous threats of the 21st century" and had, along with the leaders of the services, taken the fight to terrorists on many fronts.

The president's statement, issued by the White House press office while Mr. Bush is at Camp David, Md., for the weekend, came as a widening circle of retired generals have stepped forward to call for Mr. Rumsfeld's resignation, accusing him of botching the American-led campaign in Iraq. Read more

db: Rumsfeld and Bush are symbiotic, it's a snake with two heads, you cannot possibly have one without the other. And what would be the point? Is Bush going to change? Remember this president believes in what he/Rumsfeld are doing. He has conviction. His orders come direct from beyond the stars. What is more, whilst Rumsfeld is piloting the ship you can be sure that it is not 'victory' that beckons, but pure ignominy. Consequently it may be better if Rumsfeld is allowed to keep on digging - a hole big enough for two.