TSawyer2112
04-19-2006, 04:45 PM
Apologies if there's already a thread on this, however I did not see one.
Rove Relinquishes Some Control in Shake-Up
By TERENCE HUNT, AP White House Correspondent
April 19, 2006
WASHINGTON - White House political mastermind Karl Rove surrendered a key policy role Wednesday and press secretary Scott McClellan resigned in an escalation of a Bush administation shake-up driven by Republican anxieties.
Rove gave up his responsibilities as chief policy coordinator, a position he assumed just over a year ago that strengthened his influence over matters ranging from homeland security and domestic policy to the economy and national security. The promotion had left him stretched too thin in the eyes of some officials, as the White House grappled with mounting problems.
With Wednesday's change, Rove will be able to focus more on politics, fundraising and big-picture thinking with the approach of the November congressional elections, officials said...
...McClellan, the press secretary for nearly three years, was the public face of the White House and a vulnerable target in an administration trying to show off new people. He had been bloodied by contentious press briefings and media criticism about an administration loath to give up information.
"The White House is going through a period of transition. Change can be helpful, and this is a good time and good position to help bring about change," McClellan said, his voice choked with emotion as he stood alongside Bush outside the White House. "I am ready to move on."...Entire Article (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060419/ap_on_go_pr_wh/bush_shakeup;_ylt=AhJllzvEj7hBloC5huRMADpqP0AC;_yl u=X3oDMTBiMW04NW9mBHNlYwMlJVRPUCUl)
All in all, I think this is good news. I don't like the idea of a successful political guru having that much direct influence on policy. Too often, principle can lose out to politics in such situations.
As for McClellan, I have stated my misgivings previously on this forum about him as press secretary. While seeming a nice guy, I have felt he was too nice and often let the Whitehouse Press Corps run over him, the Administration, and it's policies. Perhaps his hands were tied. I don't know. However, I hope the Administration realizes that the gloves need to come off and will hire a press secretary accordingly.
Rove Relinquishes Some Control in Shake-Up
By TERENCE HUNT, AP White House Correspondent
April 19, 2006
WASHINGTON - White House political mastermind Karl Rove surrendered a key policy role Wednesday and press secretary Scott McClellan resigned in an escalation of a Bush administation shake-up driven by Republican anxieties.
Rove gave up his responsibilities as chief policy coordinator, a position he assumed just over a year ago that strengthened his influence over matters ranging from homeland security and domestic policy to the economy and national security. The promotion had left him stretched too thin in the eyes of some officials, as the White House grappled with mounting problems.
With Wednesday's change, Rove will be able to focus more on politics, fundraising and big-picture thinking with the approach of the November congressional elections, officials said...
...McClellan, the press secretary for nearly three years, was the public face of the White House and a vulnerable target in an administration trying to show off new people. He had been bloodied by contentious press briefings and media criticism about an administration loath to give up information.
"The White House is going through a period of transition. Change can be helpful, and this is a good time and good position to help bring about change," McClellan said, his voice choked with emotion as he stood alongside Bush outside the White House. "I am ready to move on."...Entire Article (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060419/ap_on_go_pr_wh/bush_shakeup;_ylt=AhJllzvEj7hBloC5huRMADpqP0AC;_yl u=X3oDMTBiMW04NW9mBHNlYwMlJVRPUCUl)
All in all, I think this is good news. I don't like the idea of a successful political guru having that much direct influence on policy. Too often, principle can lose out to politics in such situations.
As for McClellan, I have stated my misgivings previously on this forum about him as press secretary. While seeming a nice guy, I have felt he was too nice and often let the Whitehouse Press Corps run over him, the Administration, and it's policies. Perhaps his hands were tied. I don't know. However, I hope the Administration realizes that the gloves need to come off and will hire a press secretary accordingly.