It looks like the Democrats now have a plan to force the Republicans to put their money where their mouths are:

Campaign strategists seek intraparty consensus by focusing on accountability rather than Iraq troop withdrawals. A “no-confidence” vote in Pentagon chief, which Democratic lawmakers might offer on defense spending legislation, could embarrass Bush while appealing to Republicans who defend ousting Saddam but criticize war’s execution.

One House Republican predicts leaders would heed White House urgings to block a vote. But a Republican consultant says some incumbents may embrace idea for distance from war setbacks.

In private comments to top aides, Rumsfeld signals he plans to remain through Bush’s term.

If the Republican leadership does attempt to block this, then it should really send a signal to not only our citizens, but more importantly, our troops. One thing you never hear in D.C. is “wow Rumsfeld is doing a heckuva job”. There’s a reason for that – everyone knows he isn’t. Considering we are in this long “struggle against Islamic extremism”, shouldn’t our security demand the highest of standards at the Department of Defense? Not in the eyes of the White House or the Republican leadership. They put partisan ship above security every chance they get.

What is really interesting is that Rumsfeld is planning to stay through Bush’s term. What happened to him asking numerous times to resign? I guess when you consider the source, and his track record of flat out lying to the American people, you need to take statements like that with a grain of salt.

Rumsfeld does not know what he is doing and is a key reason why Iraq has turned into the quagmire it is today. That is not my words – that is the words of some of this countries top generals.