Rove Resigns and Gonzo Doesn't?

[ThomWV]

That should get your thought process stirred up a bit.

Rove has remained relatively unscathed by the recent hearings, Gonzo has perjured himself repeatedly on camera for the world to see. Yet somehow Gonzo remains and Rove goes.

Clearly pressure from Democrats isn't what prompts the difference, the heavy pressure has been on Gonzo, even members of his own Party are calling for his resignation. Rove hadn't got that far yet; but, once again, Rove leaves and Gonzo stays. Its not likely because of some sort of ideological split between Karl and George, such a thing is apparently not possible.

So, why is Gonzo still there and Rove on his way out the door?

[ben_meyers]

1. Because Rove's job in this White House is finished

and Gonzo's isn't.

[Lone_Star_Dem]

2. Two words

Jack Abramoff.

I'm betting this is the real reason.

[ben_meyers]

4. So why would Rove give up the shield of the administration

and executive privilege?

[Lone_Star_Dem]

8. In this case Abramoff himself has been talking

If, as I suspect, he's been telling on Rove's involvement then the WH would want to be able to refer to him as "former Aid" rather than let him use the executive privilege excuse. It would be next to impossible for them to fuzzy something like that in the minds of the voters.

This only applies "IF" Abramoff has already told all and has ability to prove it.

[ThomWV]

9. You're probably right

Bush can't shield Rove from a bribery charge, or any other criminal charge for that matter other than to refuse to produce evidence controled by the White House. That won't stop Abramhoff from showing up with cancelled checks or photos.

I would not bother me all that much if old Jack got a Get-out-of-jail-free card providing it puts Karl in his cell.

[Lone_Star_Dem]

12. Abramoff is a dirty criminal

And yet Rove is an even more vile criminal. If I had a choice of giving concessions to Abramoff to net Rove, I'd pick Rove every time.

Do keep in mind that all of this is my own personal speculation. There's almost a plethora of other possibilities for his resignation. This one just happens to be the one that feels most right to me.

[radfringe]

13. OK - so Rove is tangled up with abramoff

assuming Rove get's frog-marched, and assuming the trial is quick there's always a pardon, even if rove has not gone to trial by jan-'09, bush will just issue a pardon on his way out the door - and who will stop him?

[Lone_Star_Dem]

14. That's always a possibility

A very good one at that when once considers that presidential pardons are pretty much viewed by the public as a personal choice. Bush could pretty much pardon him and not have to worry about too much backlash in the party.

However, that doesn't negate Ambramoff as a viable reason for his resignation.

[rucky]

3. Somebody has to make up the rules. n/t

[spanone]

5. gonzo still has democrats to prosecute.....

[RaleighNCDUer]

6. Rove has good, if reptilitan, political instincts --

I'd bet he's been advocating throwing Gonzo under the bus, stop the damage before it reaches into the WH. Cheney disagrees. He thinks he's invulnerable.

[zabet]

7. I am thinking that more info

will come to light in the next few weeks. I feel as if Rove
will be campaigning a GOPer this election. His parting comments
to 'be with his family' - his family is the 'permanent repug
majority' he dreams of. 'Going to shoot some doves..'- I take
that as an underhanded stab at the anti-war people. Sorta like
an insider neocon joke. I feel the winds of change on this one,
who knows if it is an ill wind or not.

[Fovea]

10. What has Gonzo done to piss off Cheney?

As far as I know, prez Cheney has no beef with Gonzo, but Rove on the other hand, broke his scooter.

[CatWoman]

11. Gonzo is the Gate Keeper

he ain't going no where - not as long as Chimpy can help it.

[hisownpetard]

15. That's the big question. In another thread, I mentioned that I think Rove

volunteered to make his exit now, knowing that Bush fully intends to keep Gonzo
on board until his last day in office for reasons of protection.

Since Bush will not be running for any more elections, Rove's work for
him is done for now, so Bush decided that "donating" Karl to the party
at large might garner him some of that infamous 'political capital' he's squandered.
He may hope that, by having KKKKarl focus his sights on helping the Repubs
in 2008, less people in his party will turn against him.

But in no way will Rove and Bush be disconnected from each other. In fact,
I think I'm gonna buy some stock in pre-paid calling cards before Bush
buys them all out, to give to Karl on his last day at the White House.

[libodem]

16. short straw