Rumors of Mark Penn's demise have been greatly exaggerated. I am writing this diary to try to set the record straight.

Mark Penn did not resign. Mark Penn was not fired. In fact, this is just another bit of smoke and mirrors from the Clinton campaign. From TheNation:

CLINTON DROPS PENN, SORT OF... After months of criticism and allegations of conflicts of interest swirling around Mark Penn, Hillary Clinton's "chief strategist," the Clinton Campaign announced on Sunday that Penn is losing his title.

Mr. Senator,

I am lifelong democrat & a successful business owner for 20 years now. My business branches are spread across 4 states. As my business grew, I have always made it a point to increase my financial support to the democratic party that I love & believe in.

I am part of thousands of proud Democratic business owners who are active members,shakers & officers of the National Chambers of Commerce. We have fought the Republican majority business owners in the Chamber who have always attempted to control the chambers agenda.

Mr. Senator, I have always stated my intention to support you 100% & vote for you in November if you were the nominee choosen by our party.

Although I am a Hillary Clinton supporter, I have always stated that I will support you over Sen. John McCain.

Despite being an ex-marine, I was willing to support you over the exemplary military credentials of Senator John McCain.

This was inspite of as much as 75% of Democratic business owners in the Chamber having the slogan of "Hillary Clinton in November or We Vote Republican", I have always resisted the temptation of joining that call.

Despite serious reservations on your readiness to be President, I was willing to give you the benefit of the doubt.

But all that changed after the shocking revelation of your disturbing 20 year relationship with an Anti-American bigot in Rev.Wright. No other american politician running for state or national office could survive this disturbing revelation.

In my Sunday conference call last night with democratic business owners spread across 12 states & attended by over 200 small & medium biz owners. These are business owners of all races. White, Jewish, Black,Asian, Latino, Middle Eastern.But for the first time ever, there was one voice. One agreement. One decision that was agreed upon by every single person in the call. And that is, Senator Barack Obama is DONE in his bid for the Presidency. When the moderator ask who plans to support Senator Obama in November, NOT A SINGLE VOICE was heard.

It ended with member after member strongly advising everyone to use our clout with Democratic Elected officials & ASK for the WITHDRAWAL of Senator Obama from this race.

We ended the call with one conclusion. Only Hillary Clinton has a chance to be President in November against McCain.

Mr. Senator, on behalf of my colleagues, I am respectfully asking you to STEP DOWN NOW & SAVE THIS PARTY.

I also respectfully withdraw my intention of supporting you in November. You do not deserve to be called Mr. President.

This is no longer a Republican vs. Democratic issue. Your despicable relationship with an anti-american racist has become a serious American Issue.
For a couple who are highly intelligent. For a couple who have reached the american dream, the highest valleys of Education, to be in the 1/2 of 1% of all americans in terms of education, you & Mrs. Michelle Obama have shown VERY POOR & VERY QUESTIONABLE judgements in associating with this man. 20 Years is a long time to be SLEEPING with Rev. Wright.
If you happen to somehow win the Democratic nomination, I together with thousands of democratic business owners spread across america will work for your defeat November.

Americans may be in dire need for new leadership. But make no mistake about it Mr. Senator, we are NOT that desperate. Senators Clinton or McCain will do just fine.

Its Time to Step Down Mr.Senator. Game Over.

Rumsfeld resigns! Finally.

Tomorrow the Air Force Times, The Army Times, The Navy Times and the Marine Times are publishing an editorial calling for Bush to fire Rumsfeld. The editorial says Rumsfeld has "lost credibility" with top officers. As a legitimate action of genuine political support of our sons and daughters at war, the implication of these editorials is enormous. They  accomplish more in one moment than 6 years of presidential appearances on military installations, in military communities and at VFW and American Legion Conventions.

In addition, the military "Times" editorials effectively counter the shabby and foolish decision of the VFW to endorse a did-not-serve cheap-talking Republican candidate rather than Democratic Congressional candidate Tammy Duckworth, an Iraq veteran who lost both legs to the Republican Occupation of Iraq.