http://politicalwire.com/archives/2006/11/22/rumsfeld_sacking_causes_waves.htmlRumsfeld Sacking Causes Waves
The latest Evans-Novak Political Report suggests the way President Bush fired Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld caused considerable friction in the White House. "Even Vice President Dick Cheney is said to be profoundly disturbed by Rumsfeld's treatment."
Key points:
"On the day after the election, Rumsfeld had seemed devastated -- the familiar confident grin gone and his voice breaking. According to Bush Administration officials, only three or four people knew he would be fired -- and Rumsfeld was not one of them."
Novak also suggests Bush's "shrouded decision" came after he declared Rumsfeld would serve out the second term. "It fits a pattern of a President who is secretive and impersonal."
"Bush had likewise sacked two other appointees, both of whom were the last to know of their demise. Economic advisor Lawrence Lindsey had been assured in 2002 that he would be retained as the President's national economic adviser, but received word at around 5 p.m. that he would be fired the next day. Before Treasury Secretary Paul O'Neill embarked on a dangerous mission to Afghanistan, he requested and received assurances that he would still have a job when he returned. Instead, he was dismissed in tandem with Lindsey."
