Rummy/Denny Fall on Their Swords

The White House is announcing the departure of Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, the lightning rod for the Iraq War and everything that has gone wrong, real or perceived. I predicted last night he'd be gone soon, but not this soon.

So who's next in the hotseat? No telling, but you can bet the confirmation hearings will be a spectacle.

UPDATE: The President nominates Robert Gates, former CIA director and current president of Texas A&M to replace Rumsfeld.

The president did something very interesting towards the end of his statement that's sure to tick off the Dems. He basically told our enemies not to gloat over the Dems victory - a backhanded slap at the Dems if there ever was one. He also cautioned the military that the country would never abandon them. Another slap at the Dems, implying that the military has something to fear from a Dem majority (which, in fact, they do).

Also, Denny Hastert will not run for minority leader in the new House. That's good. Gotta get some new blood.