In my previous post, I give my impressions of Bob Woodward’s newest book, “State of Denial.” To keep post lengths manageable, I thought I would offer some separate thoughts on the book’s implications.

On SecDef Rumsfeld

I have been generally agnostic about the issue of Secretary Rumsfeld in the past. In another era, he would have done the honorable thing and resigned after the Abu Graib scandal. But he didn’t. So I reserved judgment on his performance.

Not anymore.

It’s now evident that he is cancer on the department that he is supposed to be leading. To be sure, his portfolio of force transformation is important, and some clashes with the uniformed services over his efforts are to be expected.

But there has to be a balance. The generals and admirals have a lifetime of training in war-fighting. They’re opinion has to matter. It’s clear that under Secretary Rumsfeld that it does not.

Moreover, it’s clear that the Secretary’s leadership style is not only destructive within the Pentagon, but within the entire government. Woodward’s book has countless examples of Rumsfeld undermining the efforts of his counterparts at State and on the National Security Council staff. His paranoia and insecurity now clearly outweigh any intellectual or leadership value that he previously brought to the table.

It’s time for him to go.

On the President’s leadership

“State of Denial” clearly raised concerns about the President’s leadership. There is, of course, little we as voters can do about the President at this stage. And no opinion I express is likely to alter his behavior. So I’ll just express my disappointment. I have been a strong supporter. I suppose in some respect, I remain so. But I hope he can find his footing over the next two years and transform his positive platitudes into real action and meaningful results. I fear, at least in the case of Iraq, that it may be too late.

On Secretary Powell

I think the only person with whom I am more disappointed than the President is Secretary Powell. I share the view of one official that Woodward quotes at some length – Secretary Powell was the one person in the administration who could have overcome Rumsfeld and helped get the President and the administration on track. But he did not. And from all accounts, it seems that he could have done much more. I wish he had.

On the Mid-term Elections

With only four weeks until the mid-term elections, the information in “State of Denial” can and should impact the dialogue.

The upcoming election is about selecting representatives in Congress, and ultimately, control of both the House and Senate are likely at stake.

So, who should lead?

It’s important to understand that this isn’t a Presidential election. And in the end, there’s very little impact the Congress can have on the President’s war-fighting. He will continue to surround himself with the advisors he selects, and he will continue to define the strategy and oversee its implementation.

But as Jim has argued persuasively, there is no question that in this age of terror, Republicans are broadly better suited to protecting our nation than the Democrats. That’s the choice we have in four weeks. Plain and simple.

And, indeed, focusing on the question of the Mr. Rumsfeld’s future, it’s likely better if the Republicans retain control of the Senate. Should Mr. Rumsfeld resign or be dismissed, the ensuing confirmation battle for his successor will be brutal. But if Republicans are in the majority, there is at least a reasonable chance that the President’s choice will be confirmed. If the Democrats are in control, there is almost none. That’s a powerful – and probably decisive – disincentive for the President to make a change.

So if you want to see Mr. Rumsfeld move on from the DoD, it’s probably better to root for a GOP win on Election Day.

Conclusion

Too often, books like “State of Denial” get torn to shreds in the media by people who haven’t bothered to read them. This book is important. And it’s worth the read.

You also shouldn’t take my word for it. Go and get a copy and judge the content and conclusions for yourself. The issues are that important.