Why would Rumsfeld step down now? He should have done it two weeks ago, to try to save the Mid-term Election.

Answer 1

He's stepping down, now because the republicans lost the midterms. With the democrats in power, there could be all kinds of investigations and hearings in regard to the Iraqi war. Rumsfield would probably still have a job if republicans had faired better in the elections. Although, if the Bush Admin was in fact planing to get rid of Rumsfield no matter what and he resigned two weeks ago as you suggest the media would have had 2 weeks of field days. With none stop debate and commentary about it, for example: "Are Republicans responding to poor poll numbers by forcing Rumsfield's resignation?" or "Obviously a last ditch effort to save the elections" or "Once praised by Pres Bush, Rumsfield resigns" "Rumsfield resigns, due to Iraq war miss-steps?" and on on on. And all people hear is Republican, President Bush, poor handling of the war, poor poll numbers, Rumsfield resigning. Doesn't look good, even if you support the resignation. One must also consider the Pro-War Republican base that supported Rumsfield retaining his office. It's never a good idea to piss over the base of your party just two weeks before an election, especially if poll numbers are low and voter turn out is vital.

However, in hindsight perhaps your right, considering the election results. HOw much worse could it have been for the Republicans?

Answer 2

I don't think the administration thought it would be such a landslide for Dems. Now, they had Rummy resign so they can try to get the new guy, Robert Gates through the "old" Senate(the appointment requires Senate approval) Robert Gates has some nasty ties-Iran Contra and long CIA background, Texas A &M lots of old Bush ties the Dems might not like. Rummy makes a great fall guy with investigations sure to come from the House.

Answer 3

They probably thought they might win, and if so Bush would keep Rumsfeld, but with the reality of a Dem controlled house and probably senate, I don't think that Rumsfeld wants to stick around for a bunch of showboating politicians who seek to personally destroy Bush and Rumsfeld through a series of made for t.v. senate hearings to embarrass the administration.

Answer 4

I don't know why he didn't step down, but Bush is now nominating Robert Gates to replace Rumsfield as Secretary of Defence.

Answer 5

I assume they fooled themselves into believe the beatings would not be this bad

Answer 6

You Sir....... are correct!