Kerry Suggests Replacements for Rumsfeld

[DeltAlum]

I'm not a Democrat -- nor am I a Republican. However, I would say the answer to your question is no.

It's a sticky situation because folks who are against the war are torn between their (sometimes strongly held) beliefs and support of the Nation. I think that's where Kerry falls.

I think that's where the term "Loyal Opposition" comes from.

Having said that, this has been a particularly dirty campaign on both sides, and who knows what will happen in the next several months.

ETA for mrblonde,

Just how far up the ladder the "blame" goes is one of the hard questions that will be decided in the next few weeks. In a perfect model, the President is the Commander In Chief of the Military and, as such, has the final responsibility for everything it does. Of course it's ridiculous to assume he can do that, but still, in a perfect world, that's where the "buck" would stop.

President Bush is making a great show of support for Secretary Rumsfeld at the moment, but if the scandal really gets out of hand and it appears it could/will affect the campaign, I don't think he will hesitate to hang the blame on Rumsfeld and cut him loose.

(Before anyone goes nuts, I think probably ANY professional politician would do the same thing.)

And, to repeat, I think this would be a terrible time to replace the Secretary of Defense. Assume that Kerry might win -- Two new SecDef's in a little over six months while we're fighting a war. Bad News. Assume Bush wins, as I recall it's custom for all Cabinet Members to resign and be reappointed. Past Presidents have taken that opportunity to replace members who are a political liability. I think Rumsfeld will be let go -- so again, two SecDef's in a very short time.

Obviously, if Bush wins, he could re-appoint whomever he might have to appoint "now", but I suspect he would use somebody who is already in place (like an Asst. SecDef) who he can get through the Senate quickly, and then replace him/her after the election. Again, only speculation on my part, but it often seems to work that way.

Something to ponder.