Loyalty
With the heated debate surrounding Rumsfeld it is becoming clear that Bush could get a fresh start with Iraq and probably get a boost in the polls by replacing him . What was once just a cry from war critics has now become a common platform for both war supporters and Republicans seeking reelection. Rumsfeld has come to epitomize the all the mistakes (be they strategic or tactical) of the Iraq war and war supporters reason that a fresh face would allow the administration to put past mistakes behind them and push forward. There is growing concern amongst the pro-war crowd that with Rumsfeld at the helm, public support will wane and if low polls do not force Bush to withdraw public opposition may prompt Congress to act. This is why the GOP find themselves in a tough spot. The Democrats are reasonably close to taking back the House and if Bush’s loyalist politics are the center of criticism it can only help their case. If the Democrats win (and find some gumption along the way) that could mean increased difficulty for the administration, just as it did for Clinton during his last two years. Some say Bush now wants to be remembered as the savior of Iran. I suspect history will look back at the Bush administration and conclude that Bush’s greatest strength - that which won him the Presidency - and the ultimate reason for his failures as a President is his loyalty to his friends over his country.