McChrystal Statement: I Resigned to See the Mission Succeed

Gen. Stanley McChrystal arrives at the White House in Washington on Wednesday.

/ CBS

Gen. Stanley McChrystal was ousted by President Obama on Wednesday as the top U.S. general in Afghanistan.

Following Mr. Obama's Rose Garden remarks announcing the move, McChrystal released a statement saying he still "strongly" supports the mission in Afghanistan and that he resigned "out of respect for this commitment" and "a desire to see the mission succeed."

The full statement is below:

This morning the President accepted my resignation as Commander of U.S. and NATO Coalition Forces in Afghanistan. I strongly support the President's strategy in Afghanistan and am deeply committed to our coalition forces, our partner nations, and the Afghan people. It was out of respect for this commitment -- and a desire to see the mission succeed -- that I tendered my resignation.

It has been my privilege and honor to lead our nation's finest.

More Coverage:

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David Petraeus Brings Experience to the Job
What Happened in the Oval Office
In Afghanistan, a New General -- But An Old Strategy
Bob Schieffer and Bill Plante React to the Announcement
McChrystal Statement: I Resigned to See the Mission Succeed
McChrystal Situation Imperils War Funding Bill
Washington Unplugged: McChrystal Fallout Shakes Up Administration
Is McChrystal "Damaged Goods"?
Pictures: General McChrystal and President Obama
CBSNews.com Special Report: Afghanistan

9 Photos

General McChrystal and President Obama

[RespectOthersAlways]

by RespectOthersAlways June 23, 2010 8:48 PM EDT
Gen. McChrystal is a product of the toxic environment created by Tea Bagger extremists who have a no-holds barred campaign to delegitimize President Obama's administration with a vitriolic campaign of devaluation, denigration, vilification and nullification.

These Tea Baggers have carried partisan politics to its illogical conclusion. They created an environment where a 4-Star General felt it was Ok to violate every cannon of military discipline and the time-honored constitutional underpinnings of this democracy ? the precepts and principles of which he, Gen. McChrystal, not only swore to uphold, but fought for and defended along with countless others for decades.

In a real sense, General McChrystal is a victim of this Tea Bagger extremist illness afflicting the nation. So, while we blame McChrystal for a total breakdown of discipline and chain of command, we must see this travesty for what it truly is: the bitter fruits of Sarah Palin, John McCain, Scott Brown, Rush Limbaugh, Mario Rubio, Glenn Beck, and others who, everyday, sow toxic seeds of intolerance and disregard for the lives of their opponents. Along with these Tea Bagger extremists, we must also blame the House and Senate Republican leadership who, by their deafening silence and disciplined unreasonableness, continue to fan the flames, cuddle up to the extremists, and nurture a dangerously toxic political environment unworthy of civilized and intelligent humanity.

Yes, Gen. McChrystal got carried away with the excesses of Sarah Palin, Scott Brown, Mario Rubio and others. In so doing, he ruined a great career. Unfortunately, this lesson will certainly escape most of our Tea Bagger Republican friends who profit significantly from this extremism.

[Mortar_29]

So, let me get this straight...

McChrystal was relieved of command. I get that and that was proper.

But Patraeus chose to be demoted in order to run Afghanistan even though he was already running Afghanistan in his current position.

So, why would he accept demotion in order to run a war he was already running??

[thanksgreed]

Guess you have to ask him.

[Mortar_29]

And a second question to that...why would Obama want him demoted to run a war he was already running?

[longtree-2009]

hopefully mcchrystal has learned to engage brain before opening mouth. he should just go away and lay low. if you have ever served in the military, as enlisted or as an officer, you know mcchrystal was way out of line and should resign, retire for good.

[jcdugger1234]

Wow. 62% on CBS's quick poll said they agree with Obama's decision to remove McChrystal. With so many haters out there, no matter what he does, I'm shocked 62% were able to overcome their dislike for Obama and actually clicked on the radio button "yes" to agree with Obama on something! Amazing! I didn't think you could get 62% of people to say yes to the question of "Do you agree with Obama that the sky is blue?", much less this!! Wow...a lot of you quit drinking Hatorade this morning, I'm shocked!

JD

[Mortar_29]

Again, with all of this...we now have two war heros no longer in their jobs.

McChrystal has been relieved of command and Patraeus has been demoted.

[thanksgreed]

McCrystal admitted to "compromising the mission" and Petraeus CHOSE to accept the position. facts, not opinions.

[Mortar_29]

So, Patreus chose to be demoted?

[maureenrita]

What an egotistical maniac!!! I don't like boss either but I certainly do my job!!

[Confidential416]

The president made the right decision. You can not undermine the authority of the commander and chief and then expect that same commander and chief to trust you. In any other environment , corporate, or otherwise, McChrystal would have found himself exactly where he found himself today. Fired. Negativity breeds negativity. Once McChrystal aired negativity openly in front of his subordinates, he lost the ability to be a positive leader.

[45ford]

There is no honor in McChrystal's statement. His statement serves as an acknowledgment that he isn't a leader so he gave up the reins. Nice try to save face but people can see the message between the lines.

[Palin_for_Presidentess]

Thank you. McChrystal was fired. Him "offering his resignation" is just the customary fig leaf.

[Mortar_29]

So, now General Patreus has been demoted. Nice.

[thanksgreed]

no one held a gun to his head

[Mortar_29]

So, he was going to say "no"??

[bobnjersey]

[It was out of respect for this commitment -- and a desire to see the mission succeed -- that I tendered my resignation.]

nice sentiment ... but it makes absolutely no sense at all ... unless he believed that him staying meant it was going to fail.