The choice of a prince’s ministers is a matter of no little importance; they are good or not according to the prudence of the prince. When they are competent and faithful one can always consider him wise, as he has been able to recognize their ability and keep them faithful. But when they are the reverse, one can always for an unfavorable opinion of him, because the first mistake that he makes is in making this choice.
Niccolo Machiavelli
Mr. Bush is nothing if not loyal to his friends. His standing by Mr. Rove as the evidence mounts that he did indeed reveal classified information to reporters is proof enough of this. And it may only to add to his problems
Despite the attempts of Republicans and Republican surrogates at Jedi mind tricks (Ken Mehlman:”[Karl Rove] has, in fact, been exonerated by information that's came out this week”) the American public doesn’t seem to be buying it. The ABC News poll shows that only 25% of Americans believe that the White House is cooperating with the special prosecutor. And if he is guilty even Republicans think he should go (at least 7 out of ten do). Even the announcement of a Supreme Court nominee only fueled speculation that the President was trying to change the subject (too bad he can’t send the Air Force to bomb Iraq, oh wait never mind that’s been done).
I say let him keep Mr. Rove in his administration as long as he wants. Even if he is forced to resign his position, he won’t stray too far from the President’s ear. In his White House office he is an albatross around the President’s neck.
A tip of the beret to Billmon and Kos for some links
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