Shoot the Messenger

In the dramatic "shakeup" at the White House, Scott McClellan Leaves White House Press Office. I don't know who his replacement will be. Since his briefings have been contentless, maybe they won't replace him and his salary will go to balancing the budget.

The other news is that Karl "Rove is giving up oversight of policy development to focus more on politics" I'm not sure I see that doing anything to Bush's policies. This role is now going to be filled by Joel Kaplan, who I've never heard of but was " the White House's deputy budget director." Given that we have the largest deficit ever, this seems like a brilliant choice. Josh Bolton is the new Chief of Staff. He was the head of the OMB (Office of Management and Budget). His old position is now filled by trade representative Rob Portman. Given we have the largest trade deficit ever, this seems like status quo is in order. Whew!

Here's an interesting theory on Rove's move. You might think it's just to use that evil genius of his to help the republicans not get slaughtered in the mid-term elections. Or it could be that he gave up his security clearance.

Update: Rove is keeping his security clearance.