Don't dismiss him too quickly. He earned his stripes when the nitwit was governor, and during the 00 campaign, where he was INVALUABLE, according to most sources. Just because he PREFERRED the second banana role doesn't mean he didn't have clout. And don't forget, he wasn't just the deputy press secretary, he was also on the rolls as DEPUTY ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT--he had a straight shot at the chimp, and didn't have to go through Ari in that position. Besides, you don't put your best guy out front when you are first starting out--you always make mistakes initially, you want someone who can take the hits (and get fired, if needed) out front dealing with the press. Ari was out front, but he may not have had full authority in his area of responsibility. In fact, I'll bet he didn't.
Check out this personnel announcement from the WH. Note the timelines--Ari was out a short MONTH after he announced his departure on 20 June 03. A bit HASTY, if you ask me. Almost as though he just HAD to get out of there. Makes me wonder...WHY? Ari knows WAY more than he is telling about this situation, IMHO. Some clever reporter needs to get Ari on deep background and find out just what the hell is going on. Ari will be reluctant to talk, because he has a book coming out next month, but they have to keep pushing him--hell, he could rewrite the book and make a bundle on paperback sales...
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2003/06/20030620-17.htmlPresident George W. Bush today announced that he will name Scott McClellan to be Assistant to the President and White House Press Secretary. Currently McClellan is a Deputy Assistant to the President and the Principal Deputy White House Press Secretary.Prior to joining the White House staff, he served as the traveling press secretary for the Bush-Cheney 2000 campaign.
McClellan began working as a gubernatorial spokesman for then-Governor Bush in early 1999. Previously, he served as chief of staff to a Texas state senator, worked on grassroots outreach for lawsuit reform in Texas, and managed three successful campaigns for statewide office. McClellan is a native of Austin, Texas. He received his bachelor's degree from the University of Texas.
McClellan will take over for current White House Press Secretary Ari Fleischer, who has announced that he will depart the White House next month.