The Moderate Voice - Is Homeland Security's Michael Chertoff About To Be Axed?

The Moderate Voice - Is Homeland Security's Michael Chertoff About To Be Axed?

Is Homeland Security's Michael Chertoff About To Be Axed?
by Joe Gandelman

According to the conservative website Human Events, Homeland Security Chief Michael Chertoff may soon be sending out his resume:

In the aftermath of the public revelation of the presidential "teleconference" and mounting criticism of the performance of Michael Chertoff, Administration sources told HUMAN EVENTS today that the secretary of Homeland Security has "only a few days left" in the Bush Cabinet.

As one source acquainted with the former federal prosecutor and U.S. appellate judge said under promise of anonymity, "They will give [Chertoff] a little time so it won't hurt his reputation too much, but he's probably got only a few days left."

For weeks, Chertoff has been under fire from Capitol Hill and in the media for his performance during the disaster last year. In addition, more criticism has been fuelded by his clash with former FEMA Director Michael Brown in the so-called post-Katrina "blame game."

Two things: (1) It wouldn't be surprising since the image people saw of Brown on those videos didn't coincide with how he was being characterized in early post-Katrina reports. Who put out that early info (was it an operative in the White House encouraging some of the news stories or someone in Homeland Security)? (2) President George Bush is again politically bleeding due to these videos (even though his staunchest partisans are telling millions of Americans who saw them that their impression was wrong). Letting Chertoff explore new career areas would help stem it (i.e., bring in a fresh face).

Another factor: in his appearances on MSNBC's Hardball and elsewhere, Brown is making it clear that he faults Chertoff (whom he suggests is getting off easily and should be fired) and defends Bush (whom he says he talked things over with extensively and whom he feels is getting a raw deal). Most news reports and also sentiment in Congress are critical of Chertoff, in particular.

So, to be blunt: no matter how it's couched ("...wants to spent some time in new areas....wants to move in another direction...is accepting a new position at...wants to prepare for his upcoming appearance as a contestant on American Idol...") dumping Chertoff ASAP would be a smart political move (take the heat off) and a smart administrative move (he failed to provide efficient leadership in one of the worst natural American catastrophes ever).