So we're all thrilled that Rumsfeld is leaving. At least I know
I am. But I was having a hard time understanding the timing until I heard John Warner call for confirmation hearings during this lame-duck Congress. Then it all fell into place for me.
Dubya knew weeks ago he needed to can Rummy. He also knew if he couldn't push for confirmation hearings during election season because he didn't want to air dirty Iraq laundry and didn't want to force Senators like Burns and Allen into unpopular votes at a difficult time. So why yesterday? Follow me below the fold for my tinfoil-hat theory...
The timing on this is PERFECT for BushCo. Gates, at any other time, would be nearly uncomfirmable because of his ties to the 1980's CIA. But now he's put Reid and co. between a rock and a hard place, but given them a political get-out-of-jail-free card.
Gates wouldn't be likely to be confirmed by the new Senate. But in the old Senate, the Dems can let him slide through without too many complaints of spinelessness from the electorate. And if Gates isn't confirmed, BushCo will nominate ... Joe Lieberman.
Lieberman would be easily confirmed by his colleagues (now or in the next Senate) but it would create a vacancy that would be filled by a six-year appointment by the republicon CT Governor. Of course, that evens the balance of power to 50-50, and Cheney breaks the tie, so the R's get the Senate back.
So. This timing is essentially a threat to Reid that if we don't confirm his boy Gates, BushCo will take the Senate back. Unless I'm underestimating Lieberman. Let's hope I am, and that he actually WANTS to be a Democrat. But I'm not holding my breath on that.
What say you all?