WASHINGTON, June 1, 2007

Dan Bartlett, Trusted Bush Aide, Resigns

Bartlett Ends "Roller Coaster" Ride As Longest-Serving Adviser To President

  • Play CBS Video Video Trusted Bush Aide Resigns

    White House counselor Dan Bartlett, one of President Bush's most trusted advisers, is stepping down. Susan Roberts reports it's the most significant resignation for the administration since Rumsfeld.

  • Video Dan Bartlett Steps Down

    One of President Bush's most trusted advisers, Dan Bartlett, is ending his "roller-coaster" ride in the White House to spend more time with his family. Susan Roberts reports.

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(AP)  Dan Bartlett, one of President Bush's most trusted advisers and his longest-serving aide, said Friday he is resigning to begin a career outside of government.

The move was announced on Bartlett's 36th birthday. He has been with Mr. Bush for nearly 14 years, from Mr. Bush's first campaign as governor of Texas, through two races for the White House and more than six years of a presidency marked by costly wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and an ongoing battle against terrorism.

"His contribution has been immeasurable. I value his judgment and I treasure his friendship," Mr. Bush said in a statement. "Since coming to work for me fourteen years ago as I prepared to run for governor, Dan has become a husband and a father. I understand his decision to make his young family his first priority."

As counselor to the president, Bartlett has been at the center of White House decision-making, stepping into the public eye in times of trouble to defend Mr. Bush on everything from the unpopular war in Iraq to the government's bungled response to Hurricane Katrina and the Republicans' loss of Congress.

He is known as someone who has Mr. Bush's ear, one of a few people who can give the president bad news or tease him about wearing a brown suit disliked by the White House staff and nicknamed Big Brown.

"He can talk to the president in a candid way, in sort of a family way, that almost nobody else can," White House chief of staff Joshua Bolten told The Associated Press. "He can talk to him about Big Brown, he can joke with him. He's got the Texas roots that make it possible for them to talk about characters in Texas politics or Longhorn football or Texas Rangers' baseball. He's been a good friend of the president as well as a counselor."

Continued



© MMVII The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Add a Comment See all 63 Comments
by r9119111 June 1, 2007 10:55 AM PDT
GOOD!~!!
Reply to this comment
by terrapin78 June 1, 2007 10:56 AM PDT
Another rat abandons the burning, sinking ship of George Dumbya Bu$h.

Reply to this comment
by gkc99 June 1, 2007 11:08 AM PDT
"You're doing a heck of a job, Danny Boy"--George W. Bushit.

"You're doing a heck of a job, Georgie"--Darth Chickenshit.
Reply to this comment
by ioweign June 1, 2007 11:25 AM PDT
Dan Bartlett is out and Jack Kevorkian is in.
Reply to this comment
by bobnjersey June 1, 2007 11:26 AM PDT
[He has been with Mr. Bush for nearly 14 years, from Mr. Bush's first campaign as governor of Texas, through two races for the White House and more than six years of a presidency marked by costly wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and an ongoing battle against terrorism. ]

i'll bet he lands at goldman sachs.
Reply to this comment
by neoconrcrazy June 1, 2007 11:29 AM PDT
Dan has become a husband and a father. I understand his decision to make his young family his first priority." bushit

Do you? You pile of texas chickenshitt?

What the thousands of others, already dead in Iraq - Americans and Iraqis?

Did you ever think of their priorities?

Rot in helll bushit.

Reply to this comment
by tejasdemo June 1, 2007 11:35 AM PDT
Who gives a ***. How many people are going to die in Iraq today ? I wonder what their priorities are ?

Go to hell Bush, Cheney, and the rest of you neocon fruitcakes
Reply to this comment
by micma-2009 June 1, 2007 11:37 AM PDT



"...one of a few people who can give the president bad news..."


"He can talk to the president in a candid way, in sort of a family way, that almost nobody else can," White House chief of staff Joshua Bolten told The Associated Press.




A real leader creates an atmosphere where his advisers can be honest and frank without fear. Bush surrounds himself with yes-men and cronies who tell him what he wants to hear or else.


This sounds like the Bush we all know and loath. Unable to accept views other than his own, unable to take criticism, unable to accept reality, utterly in denial.
Reply to this comment
by blindersoff June 1, 2007 11:40 AM PDT
Hang up your spurs? This is all a game to these people and the ones that blindly follow them, please know that this group of individuals could CARE LESS about this country. They are concerned with making money, and the welfare of their immediate circle of friends and family. I don't understand the people that can dispute this fact. No regrets? I bet you don't. You didn't lose anybody in Iraq, come from a neighborhood that has lost some in Iraq, or feel this war in any way shape or form. The country is with the president on Afghanistan because this is the main fight, Iraq was a side issue that was always sought by certain factors (Wolfie) for their own agenda.
Reply to this comment
by clestes-2009 June 1, 2007 11:51 AM PDT
Getting on the last life boat before the Bush Titanic presidency goes completely under. He hung in there longer than most of the neocons, but delivering the bad news everyday was probably a super duper drag, espcially when it is well known that dubya can't handle anything not going his way.

I am surprised he lasted this long.
Reply to this comment
by bm6005 June 1, 2007 11:54 AM PDT
F*kin Texans. May they all rot in hell!!!
Reply to this comment
by lastdance2 June 1, 2007 11:56 AM PDT
Off Topic ! ! !
I missed the original "Topic"
But ! This does have a relationship

Topic : Putin: U.S. Pursuing "Imperialist" Policy

Putin is right on - He couldn't - of defined the :
"Bush Administration" - More clearly"

Remember :
No one hates a : "Nazi" more so than a : "Communist"

It was the :
The "Reagan" - Communist witch hunts that
Defined him - as a : "Nazi"

The "Nazi" ideology - The "Communist" ideology.

Both striving for the same : Objectivity

One extremley rich society.
One extremley poor society.
(No middle class)

Both battling for World Conquest

"One World Order" - under - "One Subversive Ideology"

Ruled by one Totalitarian :
"Dictator"

It's too bad - Putin - does not give up
The evidence for the world to see.

He has it ! ! !

There was a time when - "Treason"
Was a criminal offense.

Lastdance
Reply to this comment
by bm6005 June 1, 2007 11:57 AM PDT
This guys 36 yrs old. What the f*k does he know to be an advisor? What can he possibly bring to the table having spent his entire life as a political yahoo??!! This country is sick. What ever happened to the wise old men? This kid can't wipe his own a$$ in the real world!!!
Reply to this comment
by tnichlsn June 1, 2007 12:04 PM PDT
Only 36? He's still young enough to go off to Iraq and put his life on the line for George's noble cause there. Lots of husbands and fathers of young families already over there fighting W's 'war on terror' to help keep America safe. I'm sure there are loads of recruiting offices in Texas that will gladly help Dan sign up to do his patriotic duty.
Reply to this comment
by micma-2009 June 1, 2007 12:04 PM PDT



"...one of a few people who can give the president bad news..."


"He can talk to the president in a candid way, in sort of a family way, that almost nobody else can," White House chief of staff Joshua Bolten told The Associated Press.




What are we doing with a leader who can't be given bad news?

What are we doing with a leader who doesn't want frank advice from the people around him who's job it is to give him frank advice?

What are we doing with a leader who can't be bothered with reality?

What are we doing with a leader who surrounds himself with yes-men?

Bush would make a great delusional, maniacle dictator but the leader of the free world?

God save us from the worst leader we've ever had.



Reply to this comment
by bareemperor June 1, 2007 12:07 PM PDT
More
Rats
Jump
Ship
Reply to this comment
by seanyg2 June 1, 2007 12:08 PM PDT
Huh, .. Oh, Yeah... Bartlett... no jail timer huh?...
Is Bush still in office too?..
.. & Cheney?...

Huh... sounds like Bush thinks a troop drawn down MIGHT be in order.. JUST before next year's elections.

When will we send the war criminals to jail, & elect REAL representatives again?...

Sean, Mpls-
Reply to this comment
by bm6005 June 1, 2007 12:11 PM PDT
Only 36? He's still young enough to go off to Iraq and put his life on the line for George's noble cause there.
Posted by tnichlsn

Really good point there. I think we should volunteer his name to the military, altho he'd be an a$$wipe officer I'm sure. Probably wouldn't get out of the Emerald City!!
Reply to this comment
by johnshaft4 June 1, 2007 12:11 PM PDT
As attested by the abject failure of the Bush administration, who would want to hire any of his so called "advisors" or "aides"? What a pack of losers...
Reply to this comment
by jerr11 June 1, 2007 12:16 PM PDT
Time to cash in, Dan.

You've paid your dues, helped this administration embark on the most ambitious corruption scheme ever, in the nations's history -- created a war where the prime instigators of the war is its biggest benefactors!

All hail to the the greatest scammers in history, our beloved VP, ******** Cheney and his co-conspirators, Wolfowitz, Perl, and their lapdog, George.
Reply to this comment
by roger_inkart June 1, 2007 12:17 PM PDT
Yes, the private sector now has access to another Bush crony. It's sad there's such a big market for lies, distortions and shameless right-wing propaganda.
Reply to this comment
by mizpah63 June 1, 2007 12:23 PM PDT
According to the article, Bartlett's expected departure date is around July 4. Independence Day will be especially worth celebrating this year.
Reply to this comment
by pepperp1 June 1, 2007 12:28 PM PDT
....had retained Washington attorney Bob Barnett to help him in the search...that all Dan we get kind of suspious when folks quit there cushy jobs wiht GBII after all there is obsiulsy not expecation of compent performance required, just massive brown nose capacity........
Reply to this comment
by docpeter-2009 June 1, 2007 12:37 PM PDT
From the story line: "Dan Bartlett, one of President Bush's most trusted advisers and his longest-serving aide, said Friday he is resigning to begin a career outside of government."

In other owrds he is becoming a highly paid lobbyist for some industrty.
Reply to this comment
by starleo146 June 1, 2007 12:39 PM PDT
I thought Andy Chard 's resignation was strange not any more after the reports lately. Wonder what is behind this resignation, I know what they say is not the truth so I guess we will have to wait for a leak or the book.
Reply to this comment
by j-whitman June 1, 2007 12:50 PM PDT
Only 36 years old ??? The Army will take him untill age 42 ------ He helped cause 3,457 American deaths & killed thousands of innocent civilians, & LIED. ---- GOOD RIDDANCE
Reply to this comment
by vjhahn June 1, 2007 12:50 PM PDT
He's only 36? Those 14 years with Bush haven't done much for his aging process. He looks about 10 years older.
Reply to this comment
by jjreding-2009 June 1, 2007 1:07 PM PDT
Hmmmmm, yet another Bush rat deserting a rapidly sinking ship. How many are left? It's no wonder Bush is suddenly sounding conciliatory in so many ways. Too bad it's too late for him to save his horrible legacy.
Reply to this comment
by buckheaddad-2009 June 1, 2007 1:19 PM PDT
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

'DENIAL' is the key word, but toooooooooooo late.
I don't know of any AA meeting OR "Treatment Facility" in this country that would take POTUS.

How DO these people sleep at night?

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Reply to this comment
by tuckerndfw June 1, 2007 1:20 PM PDT
From the story:

"(Bartlett) said he had no regrets about the Iraq war and he believes Mr. Bush's low approval ratings were the result of making tough decisions."

No, Dan, Bozo's low approval ratings are due to the fact he makes lousy decisions, is a pathological liar, megalomaniac and is the worst president in US history.

And, you have a bright future as a used car salesman given your ability to lie with a straight face. Your ability to unabashedly represent a pig as a silk purse will also be helpful in your next career. So long as it involves *** people out of their money, that is.
Reply to this comment
by forthepeopl1 June 1, 2007 1:36 PM PDT
one more k/i/s/s/a/s/s/ gone
Reply to this comment
by imprisonbush June 1, 2007 1:36 PM PDT
"It's been a roller coaster that seems always to go up," Bartlett said of his White House years.

No, Dan. It was a roller coaster that has continued to spiral downward. You just thought it was going up because you were on your knees licking Bush's boots.
Reply to this comment
by rip_pockets1 June 1, 2007 1:48 PM PDT
Ron Paul- the only one running for President that has not bowed down to the corporate lobbyist selling us out for a buck!
Reply to this comment
by ezillyamused June 1, 2007 1:59 PM PDT
Hmmmmm, yet another Bush rat deserting a rapidly sinking ship. How many are left? It's no wonder Bush is suddenly sounding conciliatory in so many ways. Too bad it's too late for him to save his horrible legacy.
Posted by jjreding at 01:07 PM : Jun 01, 2007

I couldn't have put it better myself!!!
Reply to this comment
by fairandbal June 1, 2007 2:10 PM PDT
'you've done a heck of a job Barty'

Thanks for helping the worst president in our history to come to power. Thanks for helping him to stay in his little bubble and uninformed while he drives the rest of the world and his country into oblivion by his delusional and disastrous foreign and domestic agenda.

If you think your time with Bush was a roller coaster ride that went mainly up, please keep riding your roller coaster with no regrets. The rest of us knows very well where that roller coaster is heading.

Reply to this comment
by stevepdx1 June 1, 2007 2:23 PM PDT
wondering if anyone saw this in the Dallas Morning News here is an exerpt and a link:

"But by all reports, President Bush is more convinced than ever of his righteousness.

Friends of his from Texas were shocked recently to find him nearly wild-eyed, thumping himself on the chest three times while he repeated "I am the president!" He also made it clear he was setting Iraq up so his successor could not get out of "our country's destiny." "

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/opinion/viewpoints/stories/DN-geyer_31edi.ART.State.Edition1.4370227.html

Reply to this comment
by pepperp1 June 1, 2007 2:23 PM PDT
Seems another GBII aid may be wanting to resign soon, there are news reports that there is now sworn testimony for a loyal repub not in jail by the way, that Rove is linked to the political prosecution of the ex- Alabama governor to dissuade him from counting the votes when the tallies all of a sudden changed in favor of his opponent, so can a President pardon in advance of prosecution and conviction, hope not? Seems the former Gov appointed a fellow to a position as a possible reward for a big contribution to the States Lottery, lol can%u2019t wait for this one to be overturned this can not be against the law can it, and the USA was one of the alleged conspirators wife. %u2026%u2026.movie I think.
Dominoes anyone? Ashcroft making Gonzo look good.

Reply to this comment
by toldyouso21 June 1, 2007 2:30 PM PDT
"Bartlett said he was open to job opportunities and had retained Washington attorney Bob Barnett to help him in the search. "

Why would anyone retain a lawyer to help in a job search? Just by mentioning how close this man was to Bush makes him seem like a criminal--retaining a lawyer does not help. Either he will be outright despises or welcomed by a company--it all depends on whether the company has morals and integrity or lacks them. Guilt and smear by association Bartlett.
Reply to this comment
by rich1620 June 1, 2007 2:32 PM PDT
I believe that this man will be assinated if he doen't turn states evident and goes under protection of the FBI, but the Attorney General who has told the most lies in history before a congressional investigation protecting Bush is over the FBI(the whole Justice Department). I just thought, he has no law enforncement agency to seek help without them getting to him. This sound like the TV series "24". He is attempting to get away from the Bush administration hoping that he will escape jail. He will eventually attempt to write a book that will further shed light on why Bush is committing treason agaist the United States.
Reply to this comment
by iceman_1960 June 1, 2007 2:33 PM PDT
"Dan Bartlett, one of President Bush's most trusted advisers and his longest-serving aide, said Friday he is resigning to begin a career outside of government."

According to unconfirmed reports, Jack Kevorkian was approached to succeed Bartlett, but declined. "Too depressing," he said.
Reply to this comment
by tylenol6 June 1, 2007 2:42 PM PDT
Wonder if Bartlett resigned because of this new
law Bush signed in this month called NSPD-51. He
probably didn't want his fingerprints on that one.
Reply to this comment
by tylenol6 June 1, 2007 2:53 PM PDT
Mr. Bartlett should join the military since he
is young enough to join since he has no regrets about the Iraq war. Actually, he should have his
children join also.
Reply to this comment
by wiredwilly June 1, 2007 3:17 PM PDT
Is it possible to give Texas back to Mexico ?
Reply to this comment
by crater7 June 1, 2007 3:25 PM PDT
This guy looks like he is 50-55 ish.
I guess thats what 14 years of lying for bush will do for you?
Reply to this comment
by pepperp1 June 1, 2007 3:27 PM PDT
...and the the Rove appointed USA in Bill and Hillary's former home town just resigned from the DOJ%u2026%u2026%u2026%u2026.did you know that Bartlett prior to joining Bush worked for Karl Rove and Company at his political consulting firm....
Reply to this comment
by tuckerndfw June 1, 2007 3:41 PM PDT
This is worth repeating:

"wondering if anyone saw this in the Dallas Morning News here is an exerpt and a link:

"But by all reports, President Bush is more convinced than ever of his righteousness.

Friends of his from Texas were shocked recently to find him nearly wild-eyed, thumping himself on the chest three times while he repeated "I am the president!" He also made it clear he was setting Iraq up so his successor could not get out of "our country's destiny." "

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/opinion/viewpoints/stories/DN-geyer_31edi.ART.State.Edition1.4370227.html

Posted by stevepdx1 at 02:23 PM : Jun 01, 2007

George Bush resembles Adolf Hitler more and more with each passing day. I wonder when he will order Muslims confined in concentration camps... oops, never mind, he already did.
Reply to this comment
by crater7 June 1, 2007 3:41 PM PDT
Is it possible to give Texas back to Mexico?

Bush and co. are working overtime in order to make that happen. 'Stay Tuned'
Reply to this comment
by tbweb June 1, 2007 4:21 PM PDT
We said Gonzos head not Bartletts! And another one bites the dust!
Reply to this comment
by ioweign June 1, 2007 4:29 PM PDT
Is it possible to give Texas back to Mexico ?
Posted by wiredwilly at 03:17 PM : Jun 01, 2007

From the behavior of the Texan politicans and advisors, I would say it took place sometime ago.
Reply to this comment
by superhybrid June 1, 2007 5:03 PM PDT
Looks like the rats are jumping ship. We can only hope the rest of the "crew" goes down with the captain.
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