Rove Is Giving Up Daily Policy Post to Focus on Vote

[cal04]

(snip)

Mr. Rove had taken the lead on what was supposed to be the main domestic policy initiative of the second Bush term, the president's proposal to remake the Social Security system. The effort to sell the plan to a skeptical Congress and voters flopped. Similarly, Mr. Rove had trouble driving forward another of Mr. Bush's priorities, an overhaul of the nation's immigration laws.

He also came under criticism for the White House's slow response to Hurricane Katrina. At the same time, Republicans on Capitol Hill have grown increasingly unhappy about Mr. Rove's dual political and policy roles. Mr. Rove was seen as spread far too thin, and was also distracted by the investigation into his role in the C.I.A. leak case.


(snip)
Mr. McClellan told reporters on Air Force One on Wednesday morning that Mr. Rove would continue to have his security clearance, but that his desk could move in the West Wing should Mr. Bolten decide to reorder the physical layout of the staff offices. Mr. Rove had moved into an office down the hall from the Oval Office last year after occupying a space on the second floor during the first term.

Other Republicans said that the change was largely cosmetic, and that Mr. Rove would continue to shape major domestic policy as he saw fit. "The notion that this is a demotion just doesn't ring true to me," said Vin Weber, a former member of the House and a lobbyist who is close to the White House. "He's been the guy who wrote his own job description pretty much. I think that is still more true than less true." Democrats applauded the change even as they used it as reason to skewer the White House's priorities.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/20/washington/20bush.html?hp&ex=1145505600&en=56c07fd912ff309e&ei=5094&partner=homepage

[AlCzervik]

1. they spin it like he's just got to much on his plate, how about the truth

how about that he's incompetent and the only thing he's good at is being a 3rd rate Lee Atwater.

[BrklynLiberal]

2. It is not good news for the Dems running in November.

He will be sharpening his pitchfork.

He will be planning the Swiftboating of every Dem candidate that matters.

[AlCzervik]

4. unless he gets indicted. n/t

[BrklynLiberal]

9. from your keyboard to G-d's ears.

[karnac]

3. I dunno..

It seems to me it would take MORE than an Atwater to get chimpy into the white house.

At least Atwater had SOMETHING to work with.

Karnac

[sandnsea]

12. It did, Karen Hughes

She's the one who knew how to spin things to appeal to middle America. We've got nothing to worry about until she starts talking about the mid-terms.

[killbotfactory]

11. Rove was also opposed to a war with Iran

Can't have dissent in the white house...

[NoSheep]

5. His sinister activities are being wasted in the White House at this point.

Criminal mother-fucker! Beast! Sadistic FUCK!

[JohnnyRingo]

6. And who's payin' the tab?

Where's he getting his paycheck while he's workin' his ass off getting Republicans elected? Why do I fear it's me and you who will retain his accustomed life style?

For that matter, why can Buxh and Cheney go on a six month Republican lovefest while employed to represent all Americans?

Is this how it always was?
I don't remember reading about Clinton cabinet members taking time off their regular duties to plot campaigns.

Anf I think I would have heard about it loud and clear.

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

7. I'll enjoy his defeat.

Champagne and heroin on ice.

[Imagevision]

8. Rove concentratig on November? -- you bet your sweet bippy,

If you were Cheney what would you want Rove to be working on, Iran? - nah! never happen, smokescreen!

[dweller]

10. just amazing that he can adapt like that to his job demands

but hey, if he can wing it from his soon to be occupied prison cell, more power to him.

maybe Bubba can help him with the 'cosmetics'.

dp