Interesting change. Just a few days ago, Bush wanted him to stay on for the rest of his term. I guess either Bush finally got the message on Iraq or it was all planned in advance as an election strategy for party solidarity.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061101/ap_on_go_pr_wh/bush
Isn't it ironic though? Replacing Rumsfeld before the election might have kept enough swing voters from voting democrat. Bush could have maintained Republican control on the Hill by listening to the American people instead of ignoring them.