White House Backs Rumsfeld
Friday, December 17, 2004
Amid controversy about the retention of Sec. of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, White House spokesman Scott McClellan issued a statement today saying, “Secretary Rumsfeld is doing a great job leading our efforts at the Department of Defense to win the war on terrorism and to help bring about a free and peaceful Iraq.” This statement has left many wondering if McClellan perhaps missed a memo or something.
McClellan perhaps missed a memo or something.
Rumsfeld has come under heavy partisan scrutiny lately by Democrats, and world leaders, and his generals, and Republicans. His critics say that Rumsfeld has mismanaged the War on Terror, and not listened to his Generals, and is cold hearted toward the common soldier, and is recklessly arrogant, and made a pass at Kobe Bryant’s wife.
"I don't think he listens enough to his uniformed officers."
Two of the most scathing criticisms come from members of his own party: Arizona Senator, John McCain, and former Senate Majority Trent Lott. Lott said, “I'm not a fan of Secretary Rumsfeld. . . I don't think he listens enough to his uniformed officers.” Lott went on to say that he would like to see Rumsfeld replaced. McCain said he had no confidence in the defense secretary.
Rumsfeld played down his critics' accusations of arrogance. “George Washington was constantly criticized, John Adams was constantly criticized, Abraham Lincoln was vilified and criticized,” Rumsfeld said during a recent radio interview. “And our country's always survived it.” So far, so good.
