George Bush Sr. Asked Retired General to Replace Rumsfeld

[liberalpragmatist]

Sidney Blumenthal

June 8, 2006 | Former President George H.W. Bush waged a secret campaign over several months early this year to remove Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld. The elder Bush went so far as to recruit Rumsfeld's potential replacement, personally asking a retired four-star general if he would accept the position, a reliable source close to the general told me. But the former president's effort failed, apparently rebuffed by the current president. When seven retired generals who had been commanders in Iraq demanded Rumsfeld's resignation in April, the younger Bush leapt to his defense. "I'm the decider and I decide what's best. And what's best is for Don Rumsfeld to remain," he said. His endorsement of Rumsfeld was a rebuke not only to the generals but also to his father.

The elder Bush's intervention was an extraordinary attempt to rescue simultaneously his son, the family legacy and the country. The current president had previously rejected entreaties from party establishment figures to revamp his administration with new appointments. There was no one left to approach him except his father. This effort to pluck George W. from his troubles is the latest episode in a recurrent drama -- from the drunken young man challenging his father to go "mano a mano" on the front lawn of the family home in Kennebunkport, Maine, to the father pulling strings to get the son into the Texas Air National Guard and helping salvage his finances from George W.'s mismanagement of Harken Energy. For the father, parental responsibility never ends. But for the son, rebellion continues. When journalist Bob Woodward asked George W. Bush if he had consulted his father before invading Iraq, he replied, "He is the wrong father to appeal to in terms of strength. There is a higher father that I appeal to."

The former president, a practitioner of foreign policy realism, was intruding on the president's parallel reality. But the realist was trying to shake the fantasist in vain. "The president believes the talking points he's given and repeats on progress in Iraq," a Bush administration national security official told me. Bush redoubles his efforts, projects his firmness, in the conviction that the critics lack his deeper understanding of Iraq that allows him to see through the fog of war to the Green Zone as a city on a hill.

> http://www.salon.com/opinion/blumenthal/2006/06/08/hadi...

[Olney Blue]

1. OMG. If this is true, it is a bombshell.

[drm604]

3. I was no fan of Bush Sr.

but I would take him over his son in a heartbeat.

[Olney Blue]

11. Bush Sr better watch his step, or he will be arrested for treason

and sent to Gitmo. (he might actually prefer that to living with Babs
and watching Dimson, incidently)

[femrap]

27. I fear the opposite....Poppy will

have the son whacked and thereby become a martyr. There's always Jeb, right?

[yurbud]

44. that's about the only way they'd shoehorn another one of those crooks

into the White House.

[motocicleta]

49. Aycheemama

That's about the only way they can pull themselves out of this hole they've dug, isn't it? Well, that, or a big fat terrorist attack, say in a nice big blue city?

Thanks for scaring me, femrap.

[eviltwin2525]

51. oh, great, thanks so much!

definitely even more sleepless in Seattle after that!

[SIMPLYB1980]

60. How could Bush Senior

do that to his own clone. Dr. evil loves his mini-me.

[Nothing Without Hope]

75. Bush41 loves no one. He loves only power. he'd agree if it seemed

like a good idea and the other memebers of the cabal insisted on it. (I know you were joking, with that great mini-Me photo and the ROFLs, but still wanted to make the point.) These people play for keeps, and Junior is mistaken to believe he is an indispensable god.

[motocicleta]

83. Okay, now I feel better

Clearly, Dr. Evil would never harm Mini-me. What if * is Scott, though, not Mini-me?

Welcome to DU, simplyb1980.

[SIMPLYB1980]

84. Well.

If shrub is Scott I don't think he would be able to do as much evil as he has. Sr. would tell him to ZZZZIIIIPPPPP IT and that would be the end of it. Clearly shrub is Sr. clone. Come to think about it though he could be fat bastard after he lost his weight. He does like to eat babies you know.

Thanks for the welcome motocicleta.

[motocicleta]

86. * does often appear as if he has a wee turtle head problem

so fat bastard is a possibility.

Is that your child or a stock photo? I used to have a photo of somebody's kid flipping off the photographer, but the best I could get my daughter to do was the peace sign. Which was pretty rewarding, actually.

[SIMPLYB1980]

87. Stock photo.

I pulled it from another web site. I tried to find a photo of * as fat bastard or scott but no luck I thought that would be the next best thing, could photo shop it myself but didn't really have the time. I didn't even think about the turtle head comment. You do have a point there it does often look like he is trying to pinch one off.

[glitch]

66. That and corporate voting machines are Jeb's only hope. Certainly explains

the fear behind Juniors eyes, and his nervous laugh. Heh heh heh.

[Nothing Without Hope]

74. Yes, exactly. A MIHOP assassination would kill many birds for them

with one stone. They'd blame it on Iran or any other group or country - Venezuela? - they want to attack. Bush43 would be an instant hero, what he always wanted. And yes, I can sure see the reptilian Bush41 giving consent to the plan.

[Nostradammit]

43. Bush Jr. IS Bush Sr.

I find it hard to believe that anything that they've done in the last 5 years wasn't first approved by Poppy, Cheney and Rumsfeld. I don't think Bush Jr. could give a damn about what happens in the world as long as he gets to take his pills and play commander-in-chief.

[wicket]

58. Amen to that

[Totallybushed]

34. Why?

It's been known for some time that the elder and younger Bushes had different policy ideas.

[Olney Blue]

53. The "bombshell" part is Poppy going behind Jr's back to try

to stage a coup against Rumsfeld. It is an act of defiance by father to son.

[Cocoa]

2. "Dad, you're not the decider anymore"

[file83]

50. I wonder if his dad used to say that to Jr. when he was a child...

"Daddy, I want ice creeeeeeeeeeam!!!"
"No son."
"But Daaaaaaadddyyyy...."
"Son, I'm the Decider, and I decide you don't get ice cream!"

Jr. is just getting back at daddy.

[rosesaylavee]

4. Can't BABs make him mind? n/t

[Miss Chybil]

5. "I'm the decider..." Mr. Bush stomped his foot.

"Wah, wah, wah. It's me, Daddy," he said. "I'm the decider, not you! Wah, wah, wah."

[Gregorian]

13. Son, I think we need a talk.

You see, I have a stake in what's going on. Barbara and I have decided that Donald has tarnished our reputation. You do remember that time I bailed you out of jail? And deleted your driving record? And got you into the TANG in front of the line? Well, son, the time has come for me to take a stand. Barbara has her private jet waiting for you. Please reconsider, son. We have our ways. Don't make me get tough.

[C_U_L8R]

6. WOW - the true meaning of "i'm the decider"

when we first heard the phrase.... it seemed odd and awkward..
but now... it all makes sense...
it's the shrill whine of a spoiled child
it's a baby's tantrum caterwauled across public airwaves
it's oedipus (with nukes)
it's a tempermental chimp throwing it's own shit against the walls of it's cage.
it's the last act of a bad play about an ineffective tyrant.

[stubtoe]

68. Yeah, I thought the same exact thing as you.

This is what happens when you get a political dynasty - unresolved "Daddy Issues". Very bad.

[WiseButAngrySara]

7. *B's 'Higher Father' appeal is a load of rove-filled crapola. His 'god'

ia a political ruse. I hate authors that drum it up, as it only makes the stalwart believe more in the obvious lie, and gives the lie that B* is 'religious' more credence. B*, like Rumsfeld, Cheney, Rove, Coulter, etc. (ad infinitum and ad nauseum) are the GODLESS ones. The Prince of Peace does not pre-emptively create a war based on lies and deception. Rumsfeld can't be let go! Who has profitted more by this war (other than Cheney) than Rumsfeld? And we have now, his new brand of 'terra' in the name of TamiFlu stocks!

[Nostradammit]

42. You are truly wise, Sara

That was my exact reaction to that nonsense.


Someday this madness must end.

[WiseButAngrySara]

71. Wise I am not! But angry, yes! Anger alone belies the claim

to wisdom...but as I've told several DUers, I don't know how to change my name. I AM wise enough to know B*/Rove's cynical Machiavellian use of Religion though, and I'm glad that you are that wise as well!

To paraphrase Machiavelli:

Of all the qualities a Prince must appear to have is that of Religion.

[Terran1212]

8. This is big news!

[IndyOp]

9. I wonder if WJC has been whispering in Poppy's ear? (n/t)

[bleever]

10. * will take his Oedipal rasslin' match with his dad to the bitter end.

Recommended.

[Patsy Stone]

18. And

take all of us along with him.

[autorank]

46. Patsy Stone, that avatar is even better than the last one...

if that's possible...

[autorank]

45. K&R. Bleever...poppy is going to the one to pull * out of the Oval Office

...all to the great humiliation of the * name...gotta happen

[hippiechick]

56. Bingo!

[stevedeshazer]

12. My God, what happened? >>>

George H. Bush holds George W. Bush in New Haven, CT.

[Olney Blue]

15. Even then, W was not looking his father in the eye. Strange.

[Shipwack]

72. He’s not looking him in the eye because…

the picture was taken in mid-shake, as his head was flopping back and forth.

'Twould explain much.

[C_U_L8R]

19. What happened is clearly visible

someone forgot to change Georgie's diapers

[stevedeshazer]

20. LOL

[lutefisk]

22. Looks like him- just add some gray hair, teeth, a $5,000 suit...

...and about 4,000 fifths of Jim Beam, and you've got the pResident of the United States!

[NYC Liberal]

24. Looks like he's about to drop him.

Hmmmm, now there's a thought!

[stepnw1f]

31. He Looks Stupid in that Picture Too

seriously... all in the eyes

[Auntie Bush]

38. Little did he know what a monster he created. n/t

[Nostradammit]

48. Awwwwww...

[thereismore]

65. Chucky? Anyone? nt

[Sequoia]

67. What a cute baby.

Too bad his mind got all messed up. Now you're making me feel sorry for him. I'll bet his mom slapped him around, and his dad put him down. Perfect formula for child abuse.

[Nothing Without Hope]

76. Photo must have been taken about the same time Junior stopped

his emotional maturation. And he really does look like a little monkey!

[AndyTiedye]

14. NOW Will Somebody Take the FOOTBALL Away From Him??

[Gregorian]

16. You don't think they gave him the real one do you?

He's only got the Nurf nucular football.

[AndyTiedye]

17. I Had Assumed That to be The Case Until Now

[kpete]

21. K&R

[Generic Brad]

23. This is like a Greek tragedy unfolding

And I was pulling for a Greek comedy like Lysistrata.

[DemonFighterLives]

25. Only for face saving and a rich retirement

dubco/b*shco loved donniy's performance.

[BrklynLiberal]

26. kicked and recommended!

[Toucano]

28. I am seldom amazed by anything that goes on with the president

BUT I'M AMAZED BY THIS!

I'm reminded of when Poppy said we need more families like the Waltons and fewer like the Simpsons. Now we realize he was talking abou this own family!

Good night Mary Ellen!

[CoffeeCat]

29. How sick and petulant of Junior...

...to rebuke his father's assistance.

Junior deflects his father's help--when he should be a bit more humble.

After all, if Junior wasn't born into that family---into a life of privilege--he'd be selling shirts at Barneys.

Boy...that little alcoholic, marginal student, business failure, former coke addict is quite the little pisher isn't he? He obviously has some deep-seeded "father issues."

Is that what this war is all about? "My war is bigger and badder than your war, Daddy!"

Please tell me that our country ISN'T going to hades in a hand basket, because Junior has a raging Oedipal Complex?

[calimary]

40. It sounds like a joust for Alpha Male status in the wolf pack.

The younger male(s) will challenge the senior one for dominance of the pack. I see it in our dog and the way he challenges a)my husband, b) my son, and c) other dogs for dominance. It's a fight for top-dog position. Social climbing. Another way to describe it might be pissing contest, or my dick's bigger than yours. And totally believable when you consider the Oedipal aspect of this pathetic, tawdry travesty. JEEZ. We're all living one wealthy, powerful family's frickin' soap opera.

[Rainscents]

30. Poor George... everyone is out to get him. LOL

He is one scary fucker!

[Ilsa]

32. Poppy, is always trying to fix Jr's fuk-ups.

There has never been a good thing that W didn't manage to turn to shit and need daddy or his buddoes to clean it up. Maybe Poppy should have run against him in 2004.

I can only imagine:
James Baker: "Now George, how is Junior supposed to learn anything if you keep cleaning up his messes?"

It looks like Junior's "higher father" isn't doing much to help him out. God is probably too busy trying to save the lives W is destroying.

[Strawman]

33. Did he challenge Poppy to go "mano a mano" again?

[Ilsa]

35. Last paragraph:

Rumsfeld's Pentagon, meanwhile, reinforces Bush's rigidity as essential to "transformational" warfare; by now, however, the veneer has been peeled off to reveal sheer self-justification. Rumsfeld is incapable of telling the president that there is no battle, no campaign, that can win the war. Saving Rumsfeld is Bush's way of staying the course. But it also sends a signal of unaccountability from the top down. The degradation of U.S. forces in Iraq is a direct consequence of the derangement of political leadership in Washington. And not even the elder Bush can persuade the president that his way of war is a debacle.

Same song. I wish it was the final verse.

[ginnyinWI]

47. Makes sense: * likes Rumsfeld's bubble better than reality.

How pathetic can he be. Rumsfeld is a damned fool, but he knows how to keep his power--just paint magic pictures for the little cowboy. Woe is this country because of it--all the soldier, all the people--all in the hands of a lying fool.

I hope Poppy summons up even more patriotism and gets his son impeached. He must know a few Republicans...

[Nothing Without Hope]

78. Bush41 would hate the further stain on the family "honor" - I think

he'd go with a MIHOP assassination instead. They'd blame some country they wanted to invade - Venezuela? Iran? - to start another war of choice and Junior would be an instant hero like he always wanted.

[Imagevision]

36. Bush Sr. realizes jr. can be too damn stupid to make the right moves

when caught in the headlights...

[tanyev]

57. I wish he would have realized that before he bought him a presidency.

[NJCher]

37. It never ceases to astonish me

Entire nations are being destroyed (at the very least, Afghanistan, Iraq, and the U.S.) because of the dysfunctionality of this family that is a front for the oil/defense and pharmaceutical industries.

How did it happen that good, honest, decent people have had their lives destroyed because of these nothings?




Cher

[BREMPRO]

39. ahh.. ok now the blurting out of "I"M the decider!" takes on new meaning

can you believe our PRESIDENT, the leader of the United States, who is commander in chief of the largest most powerful military force in the world, is making policy and personnel decisions for our country not based on good judgment and sound experienced advise, but on a juvenile need to rebel against his father because of his insecurities..at everyone else's expense?... unbelievable.

[Swamp Rat]

41. yep

[shance]

52. I think we all know the truth that it's not George Jr. who holds the power

But his father.

Who was instrumental in appointing Donald Rumsfeld to this position in the first place?

George Jr. appears to be yet another convenient patsy and scapegoat for the larger agenda.

[bluemarkers]

54. golf with Bill

ahhhh

everything is clearer now. They both know w has screwed the country and are trying somehow to fix it. Only to discover, that no one messes with --- "The Decider!!!".

[robbedvoter]

55. required reading: I Claudius by Robert Graves - which also brings

the Livia - er - Babs question - whom did she favor here? Did she let Jr know that the Old man is meddling in? Which line of descent is she betting on? And will Little Boots make her a Goddess?

[Ilsa]

59. I was wondering that myself. Who turned in Poppy to little boots?

I think it would have to be someone really close or the Chimperor wouldn't listen, so maybe it was Babs.

[Nothing Without Hope]

79. I'll bet RUMSFELD told Little Boots about Poppy's attempt. After all,

Rumsfeld has his fingers on the massive domestic spying network and can find out just about anything. And he surely would know how to wind up Junior with the news, making sure he pushed all the right buttons to make him explode in childish defiance - "I'M the decider!!!"

If it wasn't Rumsfeld himself, it was someone else Junior trusts and Rumsfeld arranged it all.

These parasites near Bush43 depend on him for their power and they will protect their connection.

[titoresque]

61. Bullshit!

This is bullshit! Stories like these are put out to make this President look like he's really in charge, running the show. Bullshit!
He's only a front man for people who don't need their ego's stroked.
This pResident couldn't successfully hold down a job in the McDonalds drive thru much less run a country. These stories are bullshit!

[robbedvoter]

63. Oedipus Rex - the Moron edition.

History plays first time as a tragedy, second as a farce.
Frankly, my conclusion was that Rummy is running the show (isn't he a bona fide PNAC-er?). I can see the reason for your suspicion - thinking back to Woodward propaganda - put in a bit of damning studd, get away with making W as second coming.
I doubt however that Bloomenthal has the same agenda as Woody, plus we do know Poppy has less insane views on this war as his aides wrote them in the NYT at decision time. W coming out with "I am the decider" hardly looks as "in control" - at best it's a tantrum that came through in his childish use of words. And everyone knows he sided with Unca Rummy because Unca Rummy (et all) are really in charge - so he didn't run much risk in defying daddy. (Courage is not his thing). So, yeah, I buy this as it fits all the characters in this pathetic tawdry tragedy .

Oedipus Rex - the Moron edition.

[emald]

62. fucking bushit family is the worst

thing that ever happened to this country. This evil seed has supported Nazi's, warred on mankind without reason, and given to the rich all that they don't deserve.
How much better off we all would be if this ugly family has never been.
"I'm the decider, and my war is better than your war daddy." What a fuckup dimwit is. The good old USA is caput. Done. The rich have ruined her. Bring war to the rich class.

[BrklynLiberal]

64. kick!!!!!

[WI_DEM]

69. at least Poppy is smart enough to know that junior is a miserable failure

and tarnishing the family name even more than it was.

[joeunderdog]

70. Poppy is continuing to keep the company of Bill Clinton.

They golfed together this week. WTF?

[Nothing Without Hope]

80. Clinton loves the thrill of power and will always gravitate to it.

And it's good for Hillary's presidential campaign to portray the two of them as more "centrist" than Bush43.

[Nothing Without Hope]

73. Likelihood of Bush43 assassination keeps going up - would get him

out of the way to prevent further damage to the cabal's plans and also provide an excuse to attack the country or group they decide to blame for it. If they really want war with Iran, this could set it up nicely. MIHOP assassination would also nicely push up fear of terrorists and Bush43's own popularity. Lots of birds with one stone. And is there anyone here who thinks Bush41 would reject this plot if it appeared the only way to accomplish these goals? Junior feels like an invulnerable god, but he's not.

[spuddonna]

77. What a Freudian nightmare!

We have * living in a delusion, protecting Rummy, who has failed spectacularly at leading this war...

We have * proclaiming himself the "Decider" yet he has to ask Condi if he can go take a whiz...

And we have Poppy trying to manage cabinet level changes behind *'s back, trying to bail his little tyke out yet again...

It's like a bad opera...

[Major Hogwash]

81. Incredible, if true.

I don't think anyone will ever be able to convince Bush to get rid of Rimsfeld.

Rumsfeld is doing exactly what Bush wants, so Bush has no reason to get rid of him.

[BlueStater]

82. Bush is such an arrogant punk he won't even listen to his own dad n/t

[thoughttheater]

85. Shades of Richard Nixon

Read an article that discusses the influence of George Bush's relationship with his father and how his actions as President have become more and more similar to those of Richard Nixon...here:

www.thoughttheater.com