Washington – In taking leave of the White House on Monday, Karl Rove opened a new phase of the politically battered Bush presidency as it heads to its final months without some of the central players who shaped it.
Rove became the latest Bush adviser to head for the door, announcing that he will resign Aug. 31.
The wave of departures signals a broader transition as Bush shifts away from the sort of sweeping domestic initiatives on taxes, education, Social Security and immigration that Rove favored, and refocuses his presidency to a more defensive posture in the face of an opposition Congress and sunken poll ratings.
During his presidency’s last 17 months, Bush’s domestic front will consist of trying to preserve programs enacted in his first term, finding opportunities for discreet victories and engaging in veto battles with Democrats over spending and taxes. Much of the focus will center on foreign policy, where the stakes remain greater and the outcome more uncertain, particularly regarding the war in Iraq.
The White House labored to dismiss the sense that Rove’s resignation underscores a lame-duck presidency, even as it felt like an era was coming to an end Monday morning on the South Lawn.
“Karl Rove is moving on down the road,” Bush said as the two appeared together for an emotional coda to their 14-year political partnership. A few moments later, Bush turned to Rove and added: “I’ll be on the road behind you here in a little bit.”
Bush’s voice quavered as he spoke, and the two hugged before flying off to Texas together.
