Puzzling: Rumsfeld was never asked for his advice for going to war

[liveoaktx]

but why would he ADMIT this on Chris Matthew's show? Let's assume that Bush talked about this for months before he actually made a decision (which we believe, since he was apparently obsessed with Iraq from the beginning). Even if he discussed it all the time, one would think that, before making a decision, he would sit down with his cabinet for a more formal *lift-off* type meeting. But he didn't even discuss it with Rumsfeld. And according to Woodward, he also left Powell out of the loop, and told Hughes and Rice first. But, again, AFTER presumably he and God had a little chat.

WHY would Rumsfeld want to admit this? Is he deliberately attempting to make Bush look like a looney? It doesn't appear to be strong to rush ahead into war without consideration with one's cabinet.

[Streetdoc270]

1. One would think...

A rational, sane person would consult with the Sec. Defense before starting a war.....

[whistle]

2. Yes, but Rummy gave plenty of advise...

...and supported going to war. Aren't the rats the first to abandon a sinking ship?:nopity:

[KissMyAsscroft]

3. Because it is an election year..

And the Repuke strategy is to pain the president as strong and decisive....Rumsfeld isnt running for office, so he gave the "credit" to Bush.

Doesn't matter...if Iraq keeps going the way it's been going Bush is going to lose in a landslide.

[boxster]

8. Freudian slip?

And the Repuke strategy is to pain the president

Hey, isn't that our job? I love it!

KMA - my intent is not to be a spelling Nazi. I just find it hilarious that you typed it that way. It's almost like it was accidentally on purpose. }(

[KissMyAsscroft]

11. Nope, not that clever...

Just forgot to type the T.

[Lex]

4. Maybe when the international war crime trial

starts, Rumsfield wants to stay out of prison.

(Okay, just a guess.)

[Sparkly]

5. I was just asking my husband about this

after seeing Barry McCaffrey on CNN, saying that he simply did not believe that Chimpy hadn't consulted his administration, but instead believed they were "dissembling." Why would they do that?

Mr. Sparkly's guess is that the Chimp blurted some untruths or "inartful" statements to Woodward ("I'm the one in charge" type bragging) and now the rest of the administration has to back them up rather than admit he was lying.

Is that plausible? I can't think of a better explanation!

[liveoaktx]

6. That's what I saw, too, and McCaffrey (on Olberman) saying

that the alternative to thinking he was *dissembling* would be too bad to think about. It seems to me that, either way you slice it, it doesn't make Bush look good. Either Bush decided on his own, without much decisive interaction from his staff or Rumsfeld is lying about it in order to make himself look bad and inconsequential because the truth about Bush is worse then making himself look like a jackass.

[Gman]

7. No one had to ask Rummy

He was the one of several saying why we had to invade Iraq. Why would there have been a reason to ask him? "Oh, Rummy, I know you've been pushing invading Iraq like a spoiled brat kid that wants to open a couple of presents on Christmas Eve, but just in case anyone were to ask later, do you think we should go to war in Iraq or not?"

Of course no one asked him. I have no doubt whatsoever Rummy's telling the truth and nothing but the truth on this one.

[liveoaktx]

9. Dissembling

Interesting- so, at least in my mind, I see a process where one gathers with one's cabinet, even when each opinion is known, to get a final *sign-off*, so to speak. That's the difference. Bush plunged ahead because he already knew how everyone felt (as they knew his through his *body language*), so he saw no necessity to have any type of gathering of the cabinet for a meeting consensus to discuss the launch.

Unfortunately, Rumsfeld sees this, perhaps, as a show of how strong a leader Bush is, rather than a sign of weakness, impulsivity, and being a lone-ranger.

[Hotdiggitydog]

10. WOW. Scarborough on MSNBC....

Joe Scarborough is STUNNED by the fact that Dumbsfeld wasn't asked about whether we should go to war with Iraq. Joe is suggesting that * "isn't intellectually curious".

This could be a major issue. Bush didn't consult Powell (who had lead a friggin war in Iraq before), and he didn't consult his Sec. of Defense. What the heck was Chimpy thinking?

[shimmergal]

12. Looks like Bush only consulted those he knew would be all-out supporters.

We know how he hates to be crossed. Maybe he just didn't want to hear _any_ questions or reservations, even if they were just tactical ones (whicha re the onlyl onees Rumy was likely to ask.