MyDD :: BBC/WSJ: Karl Rove to resign August 31st

BBC/WSJ: Karl Rove to resign August 31st

by psericks, Mon Aug 13, 2007 at 05:26:57 AM EST

From the diaries, Jerome

The BBC is carrying a story that Karl Rove has announced he will be resigning from the White House to "spend more time with his family." Rove has worked for Bush since 1993 on Bush's first bid for governor in Texas --- over 14 years.

Rove announced the decision in an interview with the Wall Street Journal:

"I just think it's time," Mr Rove said in an interview for the Wall Street Journal, adding that he was quitting for the sake of his family.

So what is the real reason for his departure? Legal troubles?

But Mr Rove has always been a controversial figure and has faced accusations of underhand tactics against Democrat opponents since his teenage years.

Last month, the US Senate issued a subpoena against him as part of an investigation into the sacking of eight federal prosecutors, but Mr Bush ordered him not to testify, citing executive privilege.

Mr Rove was also investigated in connection with the exposure of CIA agent Valerie Plame, though prosecutors decided he should not face any charges.

Or was it as a result of his demotion in the White House in April '06 away from his involvement in policy-making? Or, just maybe, is this the first step towards joining another presidential campaign? Is there a campaign that would take him on?

Here's more from the Wall Street Journal. The interview was with Paul Gigot. Rove claimed that he has been trying to step down for some time.

Mr. Rove, who has held a senior post in the White House since President Bush took office in January 2001, told Mr. Gigot he first floated the idea of leaving a year ago. But he delayed his departure as, first, Democrats took Congress, and then as the White House tackled debates on immigration and Iraq, he said. He said he decided to leave after White House Chief of Staff Joshua Bolten told senior aides that if they stayed past Labor Day they would be obliged to remain through the end of the president's term in January 2009.

"I just think it's time," Mr. Rove said in the interview. "There's always something that can keep you here, and as much as I'd like to be here, I've got to do this for the sake of my family." Mr. Rove and his wife have a home in Ingram, Texas, and a son who attends college in nearby San Antonio.

In the interview, Mr. Rove said he expects Democrats to give the 2008 presidential nomination to Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, whom he described as "a tough, tenacious, fatally flawed candidate." He also said Republicans have "a very good chance" to hold onto the White House in next year's elections.

Update [2007-8-13 9:8:54 by psericks]: As far as the speculation about which primary campaign Rove would join: Someone on DailyKos noted that the timing is a little convenient if Rove is stepping down at the end of August and Fred Thompson is announcing at the beginning of September. Thompson also seems like the best fit for Rove in terms of folksy style, social conservative background, etc., but then Thompson has had his fair share of troubles lately.

Where is the rest of the Bush campaign team going? Are there any hints?

Well, not really. Until recently, most of them were working for McCain, who seemed to be making an effort to rebuild Bush's campaign, but Terry Nelson (Bush's national political director in '04) and Brian Jones are now gone, taking most of the former Bush staff with him.

Mark McKinnon is still working for McCain but has broken pretty publicly with the White House. So has Steve Schmidt, who's been working most recently for Schwarzenegger. Mary Matalin, for one, is currently advising Thompson.

Tags: Karl Rove, White House, BBC (all tags)

Permalink :: 32 Comments :: Post a Comment

Help! (none / 0)

Sorry guys, is there a way to get this off the front-page?

One Million Strong --- Join up

by psericks on Mon Aug 13, 2007 at 05:29:07 AM EST

Re: Help! (none / 0)

Why remove this from the front page? This is big news! I think Rove is stepping down, but I wouldn't be surprised if he were to end up in a Presidential campaign, possibly later in the cycle once the Republican nomination is resolved. I can see him pulling a James Baker (who took over Bush I's campaign in the summer of '88) and coming in late to take over or to at least consult with their nominee's campaign.

HRC's supporters won't want to read this, but Rove has Hillary pegged perfectly when he says she's "tough, tenacious, and fatally flawed".

by DallasDem on Mon Aug 13, 2007 at 07:30:15 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Mix-up (none / 0)

It's just that I don't have any right to the front page. It probably just ended up there through a random mix-up.

Anyway, I do wonder about which campaign Rove would really work for: a flailing campaign like Thompson's? Would he put his eggs in Romney's basket? I don't really see it.

Maybe he'll simply end up a senior adviser to the general election nominee --- though by the general election, the Republican candidate will probably be running as fast as they can from Bush, and Rove would be an inconvenient reminder.

If Rove joined any of the campaigns now, it would kind of be seen as implying a White House endorsement, which the White House has tried pretty hard to avoid thus far.

I don't know, maybe Rove is actually telling the truth for once? He wants to leave on his terms and write a book about his time in the White House.

One Million Strong --- Join up

by psericks on Mon Aug 13, 2007 at 08:24:56 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Mix-up (none / 0)

I would be very surprised if there weren't a few candidates who would at least 'secretly' want his political advice.

by wiretapp on Mon Aug 13, 2007 at 08:33:26 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Mix-up (none / 0)

One of the front-pagers promoted it for you since it was big news and you were apparently the first to diary it.

by fwiffo on Mon Aug 13, 2007 at 09:12:16 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Mix-up (none / 0)

jerome put it on the front page

by Lucas O'Connor on Mon Aug 13, 2007 at 09:53:05 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Help! (none / 0)

if I was a conspiracy theorist, I'd say it has something to do with the '08 race and was prompted by the lack of enthusiasm for the current republican field coming out of Iowa.

where does it go from here.

The White House has moved two of the 'Big Three' bogeymen out of view (Rummy and Rove). And the Republican Presidential field for '08 looks like a clown college (the sad kind of clown).

Won't the next step be for Cheney to step out of frame in order for Bush's (meaning Rove's and/or Cheney's) hand picked successor be elevated to the Office of V.P. and run for the top spot with the benefit of encumbancy for the next 17 months.

It could all be portrayed as "BUSH 43 - PART DEUX - THE COMPASSIONATOR!''. Everything that goes right before next year's convention: any improvement in Iraq or New Orleans, or any legislation that overcomes the current paralysis of mistrust and acrimony will reflect well on the new fresh faces at the White House. If things continue to suck, the newcomer's will be able to pin it on their predecessor or the 'do nothing' Dems.

I don't know what would be the process for appointing a new V.P. at this late date or whether there would still be time to create a full blown campaign or at least an astro-turfed "Draft ___" effort in advance of the party convention.

And then there's the question of who the White House would annoint as V. P.: Jeb? Condi? one of the current announced candidates?

I'd suggest John Danforth, but I'm sure he isn't 'scorched earth psycho' enough for them.

by cargocult on Mon Aug 13, 2007 at 06:32:17 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: BBC/WSJ: Karl Rove to resign in August (none / 0)

THERE IS A GOD!!!!!!

by Trowaman on Mon Aug 13, 2007 at 06:04:58 AM EST

Re: BBC/WSJ: Karl Rove to resign in August (none / 0)

wait saying that untill we learn which campaign sign him on.

"Another problem we have...is that in election years we behave somewhat as primitive peoples do at the time of the full moon." --Harry Truman

by Ernst on Mon Aug 13, 2007 at 06:40:22 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: BBC/WSJ: Karl Rove to resign in August (none / 0)

If he was demoted like Rummy was removed, he wasn't demoted. Besides, I don't believe it.

Follow the money

by dkmich on Mon Aug 13, 2007 at 06:14:28 AM EST

Re: BBC/WSJ: Karl Rove to resign in August (3.00 / 1)

Leaving to spend time with family is a political key word for demotion.

by enarjay on Mon Aug 13, 2007 at 09:13:19 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: BBC/WSJ: Karl Rove to resign in August (none / 0)

Is there a campaign that would take him on?

if he can get him by his side, maybe rove's separated at birth twin LIEberman will throw his hat in the ring.
.

by gak on Mon Aug 13, 2007 at 08:11:31 AM EST

This means nothing (none / 0)

Nothing at all. Bush is a total lame duck, and cannot accomplish anything.

Who cares if Rove is in the WH or in Texas? I want him in jail, and if he is not in jail, all other locations are equivalent.

by dataguy on Mon Aug 13, 2007 at 08:13:02 AM EST

Re: BBC/WSJ: Karl Rove to resign in August (3.00 / 1)

I'd bet money that Giuliani will bring Rove into his campaign to help him go up against Hillary. That's fine by me. Nobody understands Rovian tactics better than Hillary Clinton and her team.

Don't for a minute believe that Karl Rove is finished being "architect" for another Republican candidate for President.

When Rudy tells his audiences that he is the only Repub candidate who can beat Hillary, then you better believe that they fear Hillary more than any other candidate.

by samueldem on Mon Aug 13, 2007 at 08:23:24 AM EST

Giuliani and Rove? (none / 0)

I actually kind of doubt that Giuliani is a good fit for Rove. Rove worked very hard on building up Bush's base in the social conservative wing of the party --- nominating Giuliani would kiss all of that work goodbye.

One Million Strong --- Join up

by psericks on Mon Aug 13, 2007 at 08:28:08 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Giuliani and Rove? (none / 0)

given recent developments I don't think Giuliani is a good fit for anybody.

by wiretapp on Mon Aug 13, 2007 at 08:34:52 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Giuliani and Rove? (3.00 / 1)

The politics of Giuliani fit Rove perfectly. Rove doesn't share the social conservative wing's policies at all, he's just very good at getting them to back his candidate.

Rove would go to that base and sell Giuliani as the only candidate that'll win. And trade conservative judges and certain legislative favors for their support.

"Another problem we have...is that in election years we behave somewhat as primitive peoples do at the time of the full moon." --Harry Truman

by Ernst on Mon Aug 13, 2007 at 10:48:04 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: BBC/WSJ: Karl Rove to resign in August (none / 0)

I hope he still has that same math program that worked so well for him in 2006.

by Kingstongirl on Mon Aug 13, 2007 at 09:44:27 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: BBC/WSJ: Karl Rove to resign in August (none / 0)

I hope he still has that same math program that worked so well for him in 2006.

by Kingstongirl on Mon Aug 13, 2007 at 09:45:35 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: BBC/WSJ: Karl Rove to resign in August (none / 0)

sorry about the double post. I'm having fun with my new MAC(not).

by Kingstongirl on Mon Aug 13, 2007 at 09:46:22 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: BBC/WSJ: Karl Rove to resign in August (none / 0)

On the serious note he's probably resigning because he realizes after 2008 they are no longer going to be able to cover up all the seriously unethical and/or illegal shit he did and I'm sure he is more than a bit concerned with the current subpoenas and possibility of Democrats airing out more skeletons in this administration's closet.

by wiretapp on Mon Aug 13, 2007 at 08:41:00 AM EST

Re: BBC/WSJ: Karl Rove to resign in August (3.00 / 1)

The biggest blot on Karl Rove's career is the failure to unite family values Hispanics and white evangelicals against the militant Islamic threat after 9/11. Had he done that instead of allowing Tancredo and the GOP to use race as a wedge issue, he would have created an enduring GOP majority. He failed and has given the Dems an opening for 2008.

by Boilermaker on Mon Aug 13, 2007 at 08:51:38 AM EST

Re: BBC/WSJ: Karl Rove to resign in August (3.00 / 1)

Romney's pretty much of a blank slate to the public at large and has shown a willingness to change positions for political gain. Who knows how he'd be positioned by Rove?

by David Kowalski on Mon Aug 13, 2007 at 08:59:30 AM EST

Re: BBC/WSJ: Karl Rove to resign in August (3.00 / 1)

I can't claim to know the true reasoning behind Rove's departure, but I'm willing to bet that there are numerous Republicans who would love to have some input from Karl Rove on how to run their campaigns, assuming he doesn't end up in jail . But, I seriously doubt if any Republican would give him the kind of dominant position he's enjoyed in the Bush white house.

Yes, I am a Clintonista for Obama.

by Denny Crane on Mon Aug 13, 2007 at 09:02:59 AM EST

Re: BBC/WSJ: Karl Rove to resign in August (none / 0)

I just want to publicly predict that Rove will end up working in Fred Thompson's campaign.

by howardpark on Mon Aug 13, 2007 at 09:24:54 AM EST

Re: BBC/WSJ: Karl Rove to resign in August (3.00 / 1)

Rove quits and says Hillary is "fatally flawed". This is the continuation of the Bushies strategy to blame the GOP troubles on anybody but themselves.

If Hillary losses the presidency, Rove can say he predicted it. If she losses it, it is the fault of the people managing the Republican nominee's campaign.

We are going to see more and more "not our fault" emanating from the Bushies concerning the Republican electoral problems.

by Big Red on Mon Aug 13, 2007 at 09:26:14 AM EST

We can only hope (none / 0)

he signs up with the Republican nominee. All he is -is a master of sacrificing long term political gain for short term political gain. He's spent. He's yesterday's political advisor.

by Cleveland John on Mon Aug 13, 2007 at 10:38:15 AM EST

Re: BBC/WSJ: Karl Rove to resign in August (none / 0)

headline: BBC/WSJ: Karl Rove to resign in August

okay....it's been August for13 days now. not very helpful header.

glad to see him go, but i fear this is a distraction.
the MSM will be chattering about this all day, and other news will be placed in the background.
i wonder what is really happening.

The sleep of reason begets monsters. -- Francisco Jose de Goya

by joe in oklahoma on Mon Aug 13, 2007 at 10:47:38 AM EST

"Last year" vs. "A year ago" (none / 0)

I love the spin. They use the words "a year ago" in a sentence that one would normally use "last year". Why? "Last year" could imply that the decision was made as a result of the disasterous November elections.

by Cleveland John on Mon Aug 13, 2007 at 11:13:18 AM EST

Legal troubles? (3.00 / 1)

Rove is being investigate by the Office of Special Counsel for violations of the Hatch Act. It seems likely they have the goods on him. I wonder if this isn't the preliminary to ongoing legal problems for him.

by cmpnwtr on Mon Aug 13, 2007 at 11:59:46 AM EST

I think it has to be something like that (none / 0)

Those tears Rove spilled were probably because he knows he is headed to prison, as Bush heads to retirement, or something eqaully bad awaits him. Karl only strikes me as the type to cry when he isn't in control anymore and somethingg bad is happening to him instead of other people.

by dpANDREWS on Mon Aug 13, 2007 at 12:35:34 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Something is up (none / 0)

Doesn't it seem strong that this dropped from the sky on a Monday? Doesn't Rove being all choked up look oddly out of place for such a moment? I would picture this as more of the retirement party where you get golf ball and golf tees and talk about fun you'll have.

I think there is something lurking here. Legal, personal, medical, or a combo of some sort, but something is up if you ask me.

by dpANDREWS on Mon Aug 13, 2007 at 12:33:40 PM EST

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