President Bush has a golden opportunity to improve his approval ratings. Besides, there are simply too many reasons not to heed the call for Rumsfeld’s ouster.
Approval Ratings: The US electorate rewarded Bush with a second term and is now having to live through a worsening nightmare in Iraq with no change in sight. This is clearly reflected in his approval ratings. This a great opportunity to bump up his approval ratings.
It can’t hurt: Rumsfeld appears to be universally hated. I am yet to hear of anyone besides the President who still stands up for him! Getting rid of him can’t hurt. The war It can only help.
Time for a fresh look at Iraq: The current leadership has certainly failed in Iraq. A fresh look at the situation will certainly help the crisis. It might at least help launch a PR effort to lessen the hatred for the US in general.
Legacy Planning: Lastly, this decision might actually help soften President Bush’s hard-assed image and actually set the stage for perhaps a better legacy than what he appears to be headed for now. Changing the Chief of Staff doesn’t help beyond a certain point. President Bush needs to do more than that. Getting rid of Rumsfeld might be a good start.
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