What a difference 24 hours makes.
Yesterday, rejecting the mounting demands for Don Rumsfeld's head, President Bush made it clear who's making the calls at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.
"I'm the decider," he declared, "I decide what's best."
But today, commenting on Scott McClellan's resignation, the president was singing a different tune:
"It's going to be hard to replace Scott, but nevertheless he made the decision and I accepted it."
He made the decision? And you accepted it?
What gives, Mr. President? Are you not really The Decider but actually The Decidee -- buffeted about by the uncontrollable whims of others?
Does this mean you haven't actually decided that what's "best is for Don Rumsfeld to remain as the secretary of defense" but are merely waiting for Rummy to call it quits so you can accept his decision?
Of course, Rummy has offered his resignation twice before, during the height of the Abu Ghraib scandal. Offers you refused to accept. "I felt that [the president] ought to make the decision as to whether or not I stayed on," Rumsfeld told Larry King in 2005. "And he made that decision and said he did want me to stay on."
So, with Rummy, you decided not to accept his decision -- but with McClellan you did. Very decisive.
Sorry, Scottie, I guess this means the president is just not that into you.
Maybe this is something you two can hash out down the road when you are "rocking in chairs in Texas... talking about the good old days."
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