Emptywheel's Guesses On Why Rove Resigned

[kpete]

My Guesses on Why Rove Resigned
by emptywheel

The Sheriff Is Coming

.........................

Rove is leaving just three steps ahead of one of the many sheriffs that have him in their sites. These include:

The Abramoff Investigation

We know Rove is tied in with everyone tied in with the Abramoff inevstigattion. We know that Susan Ralston, Rove's Assistant was closely involved--and it appears that she has been refused immunity, even though some of her testimony about Abramoff appears to be quite interesting. Novak, at least, thinks Ralston would get to Rove. So it's possible that Rove is one of the ultimate targets of the Abramoff investigation.

The OSC Investigation

This is easy. We know Rove is a target of the OSC investigation into the politicization of anything and everything in the entire government. We know he did, in fact, politicize anything and everything. The ultimate outcome of an OSC investigation would consist of Scott Bloch explaining that Rove did politicize anything and everything and recommending that Bush should fire him, but then to have Bush sit on that recommendation as he has with Lurita Doan. But perhaps Rove is leaving anyway, in an attempt to prevent us all from learning how closely our government resembles that of a one-party state, like maybe the old Soviet Union.

The Iglesias Investigation

But I'm most interested in the possibility that Rove is rushing out just two steps ahead of the Iglesias investigation. HJC is collecting a great deal of evidence that DOJ employees covered up the real reasons for the Iglesias firing ... and that the real reason for the firing had everything to do with politicizing the judiciary. It not only has evidence that Will Moschella, Paul McNulty, and Alberto Gonzales lied about the reasons for Iglesias' firing, it appears that Moschella, at least, is getting downright cooperative (and note, McNulty is going to be out of DOJ at almost the same time as Rove will be out of the WH).

If this is the reason Rove is quitting, it's not just that BushCo wants him out before he's officially indicted. After all, it's not just Rove--but Bush, too--who was involved in firing Iglesias. So Rove may be leaving as part of a firewall approach in an attempt to save Bush. If it comes to it, Rove may admit to having Iglesias fired in an attempt to politicize the entire judiciary to hide the fact that--in this specific case, at least--but was involved in that process, too.

more at:
http://thenexthurrah.typepad.com/the_next_hurrah/2007/08/three-guesses-w.html#more

[Philosoraptor]

1. One would certainly hope.

[soothsayer]

2. I think Rove sees a HUGE repug loss comin next election and wants

to separate himself from it as being apart of his legacy. Too late, fathead, you are TOTALLY a reason for the coming dem sweep. So thanks! And don't let the door hit you in the arse....

[ChairmanAgnostic]

23. he'd be a fool not to.

unless we do something really stupid.

just look at Ioway results. they expected (and paid for 40,000 party goers. 14,000 showed up and less than 12,000 voted. That means that less than half of what they predicted bothered to support the GOP. It also means that Romney spent almost $1000 a head for less than 1/3 of the voters who did show, and notably, many of those 2000 who he bought off refused to vote at all and another 3000 voted for others. That means that the front runner in the GOP cannot win. With mccain's collapse becoming past tense, with Guiliani's history coming out like Chinese Water Torture, and with Freddie's problems stopping his campaign before he even announces, even a dedicated pollsmoker like Rove can read the tea leaves and see the disaster in the making. His making.

Some asshat on MSNBC, an african american neoconservative, just said it was the right time for Karl to leave. He has so many opportunities. Yeah. Like how to avoid indictment, prison time and worse.

[mwb970]

36. Was it this guy?

Christie is the worst of the mindless Bushbots that appear on MSNBC.

[Chulanowa]

42. That is an odd-looking fellow...

But I suppose being crosseyed is as close as a Con comes to seeing things straight, huh?

[ChairmanAgnostic]

46. no, the other lapdog african american guy.

at least his eyes focus on one thing at a time, but his smarmy smile is a real doozie.

[bryant69]

3. I don't know - maybe he really does miss his family

I mean it's just hard for me to believe that a fine upstanding man like Karl Rove would let himself be driven out of office by . . . wait a second, Karl Rove isn't Upstanding.

He certainly isn't fine.

And when has he ever been a man?

Maybe he's just punking out so he doesn't have to answer tough questions?

Bryant
Check it out --> http://politicalcomment.blogspot.com

[corkhead]

43. I think his definition of "family" is the same as it is when referring to the Gambino "family"

[Onlooker]

4. Fred Thompson's campaign

Rove's timing is awfully convenient for Thompson who plans on declaring in September. Rove is probably the most brilliant campaign strategist (the last Congressional election notwithstanding) in the last 20 years. (Before him, it was Lee Atwater, another evil Republican.)

[spotbird]

16. His brilliance

is in reality simply an uncanny ability to break the law without suffering consequences.

I agree that he's moving to Thompson's campaign. This move is identical to Karen Hughes' move to Texas to work on Perry's campaign. She also needed to "spend more time" with a grown step child.

It's not about the scandals or Democrat's investigations, those things are oxygen to Rove.

[The Backlash Cometh]

31. Great first line.

Probably the best summary of Rove's briliance I've ever seen.

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

30. After thinking of legal problems, my next thought was Thompson. His protege,

Voter Caging Tim Griffin is already working for Thompson.

[ChiciB1]

39. Time will Tell... But I Think I've Seen Enough To Make Me KNOW That

this guy has NO SOUL! Unless he's TRULY suffering from BRAIN cancer, or maybe some other illness (doubtful IMO) Red Rover certainly isn't fooling me!

I've seen, heard and learned by now NOT TO BELIEVE MUCH OF ANYTHING this WH does!!!

[mod mom]

5. thanks for posting. I would like to add the Noes (Coingate) to the list. They're po-ed

at Tom Noe's treatment in prison:

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070501/SRRARECOINS/305010022

[napi21]

6. Could he maybe be joining F. Thompson's campaign?

I think it's interesting that FT has been waiting and waiting to declare his candidacy, which is rumored to be Sept. I would think Rover couldn't remain in the WH and still be chief advisor to ONE candidate?

[truth2power]

7. Maybe a stupid question, but

can he still be prosecuted, even after he leaves the administration?

[H2O Man]

8. Yes. n/t

[havocmom]

27. LOL wish I were a fly on your wall

Would LOVE to know what you are muttering to yourself but not posting today, H20 Man!

[H2O Man]

33. I would suggest

that to think the Rove problems are resolved would be an error.

[havocmom]

40. Masterfully understated

:thumbsup:

My fear: that thinking his influence will cease would also be an error.

The other shoe... the other shoe...

[lazer47]

9. I think he sees red and blue lights in his rear view mirror

and their getting closer all the time

[freesqueeze]

10. I agree...A pre-indictment resignation

They don't want to be providing cover for a soon-to-be convict.

I noticed Fox news claiming that he's gettting ready to head another pro-Iraq chicken hawk republican's campaign. I can't buy another candidate signing up with someone completely wrapped up in the worst president ever.

Notice, no one's buying the more time with the family ruse. Why would Rove start telling the truth at this point?

[CanonRay]

11. I could almost be happy with Rove in a cage with some Bubba,

and the heck with Impeachmens. Well, I did say almost.

[IDemo]

29. Please try to have a little empathy for the Bubbas n/t

[Epiphany4z]

12. I am inclined to believe

that Bush wouldn't let Rove leave the protection of his executive privilege wing unless something big was about to pop that would lead to the boy king himself.

He will try to claim executive privilege like he has for Harriet but it really should not hold up...sigh..still who knows with this crew...they never let laws or the constitution get in there way before....

[DemReadingDU]

22. Same thoughts here

Something big is coming after Rove.

Besides, Rove is Bush's brain. With Rove gone, how in the heck is Bush supposed to think without Rove? No, Bush would never want Rove to resign (nor Gonzales).

[spotbird]

13. He needs to set up Bush's successor

I think he'll land with Fred Thompson's campaign, indirectly at least. Tim Griffin is working for Thompson, he may be the selected one.

[tanyev]

14. Yep. That's their last hope to shut down the investigations.

"Help me, Obi Wan Karl, you're my only hope."

[rodeodance]

20. back to the basement!

[Champion Jack]

15. Bingo!

We have a winner!

[Virginia Dare]

17. Exactly, if a Dem gets elected, who will continue to cover ass?..

there is a lot riding on the next election, Rove has been dispatched by Cheney. My guess is to Romney, as Cheney's daughter is on board with that campaign, along with many other Rove proteges.

[ChairmanAgnostic]

47. bolton fired karl

so sez the magic eight ball computer inside the bloatway. (my connection who works on the hill)

[flyarm]

18. remember that Cunningham was moved to a different jail..and the secret

court proceedure in Calif...with Dusty Foggo and the boys of Calif involved with the attorney firing..

i am guessing on this but i have had a gut feeeling from the get go..that they moved Cunningham to keep him alive..

but either way ..Aug 31st is my sons birthday so it is a great birthday gift!!

I just wonder if KKKarl will have an office at the pentagon next to Rummy and we will still be paying for his bullshit and he will still be running the ship from Crawford!

i trust nothing that these bastards do!


fly

[havocmom]

28. the 'Duke' seems the sort to give up anyone he could

Do we have an extradition treaty with Paraguay? Betting we don't.

[blogslut]

19. I agree with Marcy

KKKarl is doing this in an attempt to save his skin or his precious cowboy. Remember, he was quit/fired by GHWB and he hid under a rock behind his consulting/junk mail business after that, where he shed his skin waited to be "inspired" by the awesomeness that is GWB.

As for Dick, I think his family will be needing him soon as well.

Then the little man will be all alone.

[rodeodance]

21. and Jr is so bored with the WH/presidency.

[kickysnana]

24. My guess: Pelosi traded FISA for Rove n/a

[truth2power]

38. Everyone here talks as if he'll really be gone..

What difference does it make if he works out of the WH or from some other hole in the ground? He'll still be mucking things up.

[loudsue]

41. Not a chance. The only excuse for Nancy caving is her complete

involvement in the military industrial complex. You don't get to have clean hands with positions of power in today's government. The MIC mafia has control of our government, and nothing short of a complete overhaul is going to fix it.

:kick:

[smoogatz]

25. He's going back on the job market.

Even odds he's already been hired by Giuliani, Romney or Huckabee. Kkkarl sees himself as the great conservative kingmaker; to him, all considerations are political considerations.

On edit: I don't think Rove is worried about any investigation/indictment from any quarter. No doubt the blanket pardon is already typed up and sitting in Bush's desk drawer. If Rove goes down, Bush goes down--and Bush knows it.

[C_U_L8R]

26. Rove is praying for an indictment

before Bush leaves office... that's his only hope of a pardon.

[Blackhatjack]

32. No indictment needed for Bush to pardon Rove for anything ...

Nixon was never impeached, charged or indicted and Ford pardoned him for all crimes.

[Blackhatjack]

34. Remember, Cunningham would not cooperate with prosecutors and got a long sentence...

... nothing like spending time behind bars to help clear the mind!

Plus, the Abramoff investigation has netted lots of 'players' so the situation on the ground has changed drastically since Cunningham took the hit and remained silent regarding his cohorts.

Now that information has been 'leaked' which cannot be put back in the bottle, Cunningham realizes that the people he was protecting have been exposed and are cooperating.

The same happened with Abramoff. He was going to be a good soldier and not rat out anyone else until Bush could no longer remember who he was, claimed he read about him in the newspaper, and the WH began purging all pictures of him with Bush. Repubs turned on him and he was left afloat on the ice floe all alone. That clarified Abramoff's choices for him --he cut a deal and cooperated.

Put Abramoff together with Cunningham and their conspirators, it all leads directly to Karl Rove AND GEORGE W. BUSH.

AND IMHO the most damaging evidence which will destroy this Administration is in the massive emails and other electronic information passing through the RNC server accounts.

IF ...and this is a good possibility... there is an insider who has made copies and turned over some of this information to the Democratically led Congressional Investigatory Committees, the handwriting is on the wall --this will be much bigger than Watergate. Why? Because Bush will be implicated as an actor and not just as a co-conspirator who played a part of an effort to 'cover up' the wrongdoing of others.

Just some thoughts as to what might be going on behind the scenes.

[fooj]

50. Just my two cents...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=1576883&mesg_id=1578011

[renate]

51. I enjoy your thought processes

:woohoo:

[Venus Dog]

35. I'm with those who think there's something more to this

Why would he leave the protection of executive privilege? It makes no sense. If he were going to work on someone else's campaign - he could certainly do it from the Oval Office - Karl is a multi-tasking SOB as we all know. Something's up -- it's just a gut feeling, but this is all so suddenly strange especially with the FISA win.

Cunningham would give up his own mother for a piece of day old bread. And then there's this recent story about all the Ohio election results suddenly disappearing -- or did they?

The timing is certainly strange.

[wordpix]

37. my guess is that some of these or all will lead to indictment & Rover must focus on that

He'll be a bit busy defending himself, much less the pretzeldent

[GeorgeGist]

44. Darth to KKKarl...

they want to kill your family.

[cascadiance]

45. Maybe he's just got a job offer from Halliburton! ... and plans to move to Dubai!

Wouldn't that be "convenient" for him? Might be harder to serve him subpoenas over there!

[sofa king]

49. There's no extradition treaty between the UAE and the USA.

That's why Halliburton went there in the first place.

If you want a real dark horse scenario, look to see if Jack Gerard resigns from the American Chemistry Council in the next few weeks. Gerard was hired as CEO of that organization because he's tight with Rove; Rove in turn was using the ACC as his shadow-EPA. With Rove as a free radical (and I mean that on many levels), the ACC will certainly extend a job offer to him. He has the potential to collect millions under the table by using that association to reap huge profits for the entire chemical and mining industries.

Assuming Dick Cheney's heart doesn't explode from the stress of having to run the entire White House, that is.

[in_cog_ni_to]

48. No way. Those thugs have NEVER had to pay for their crimes and never will. KKKRove is leaving

to work on stealing more elections or to work on Willard's or Thompson's campaign. NOTHING is going to happen to him for the crimes he's committed. Teflon.

[druidity33]

52. i fear...

i dread even, the thought that he's getting out now while the gettin's good. He's blowing town before the "catastrophe"... the Marshall Law inducing Terror event, then he'll just skate away while the country's in panic mode. Maybe he is Goldfinger...

The Pretzelnit made the Congress sign that FISA bill though, so maybe our guys'll stop them bad guys this time! The unthrax will only take out Kucinich and RFKjr (maybe Ron Paul too) and nobody'll miss them folks...

Can you see it? A Global manhunt for Rove?

who's our Bond though? Hmmmmm....

[lovuian]

53. but heres the deal What power did Rove have to get

lawyers fired... that he is the front man for BUSH

Tove doesn't look good because

the unconcious haunts him
and he will always be looking over his shoulder

when its all said and done THEY FAILED