Reid says recent calls for Rumsfeld's ouster aimed at Bush

Recent calls by a half-dozen retired generals for Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld's ouster probably are aimed as much at President Bush as at the Pentagon boss, Sen. Harry Reid said Monday.

"It's a question of Secretary Rumsfeld that I think is more a question of leadership from the president," said Reid, D-Nev.

The retired generals have categorized Rumsfeld as a micromanager who did not listen to military leaders about the conduct of the war in Iraq. Some suggested that intimidation by Rumsfeld might have discouraged officers from disagreeing even when they felt policies were flawed.

"These are generals -- not some nay-sayers. I think the president should listen," Reid said.

Bush rebuffed the recommendations Friday, saying Rumsfeld's stewardship at the Pentagon was crucial for the United States.

FULL STORY