A Tale of Two Resignations

If you compare Bush’s comments on Rove’s resignation with his comments on Gonzales’ resignation, it sure seems like Rove left on Bush’s terms, whereas Gonzales left on his own terms. Here’s how Bush announced the departure of the man who had made his entire political career.

Karl Rove is moving on down the road.  I’ve been talkingto Karl for a while about his desire to spend more time with Darby andAndrew.  This is a family that has made enormous sacrifices not only forour beloved state of Texas, but for a country we both love.

We’ve been friends for a long time, and we’re still going to be friends.I would call Karl Rove a dear friend.  We’ve known each other asyoungsters interested in serving our state.  We worked together so wecould be in a position to serve this country.  And so I thank my friend.

That’s it. No expression of regret. No celebration of Rove’s accomplishments. Just an emphasis that he and Rove would continue to be friends, as if Rove had been weeping on Bush’s shoulder all night because Bush told Rove he had a new girlfriend. "Let’s just be friends, Karl."

By contrast, Bush hails Gonzales’ career with four paragraphs of tribute. Further, Bush admits that he tried, unsuccessfully, to convince Gonzales to stay.

This morning, Attorney General Alberto Gonzalesannounced that he will leave the Department of Justice, after two and ahalf years of service to the department.  Al Gonzales is a man ofintegrity, decency and principle.  And I have reluctantly accepted hisresignation, with great appreciation for the service that he hasprovided for our country.

And Bush’s angry words made it crystal clear why Gonzales resigned.