Rove's loss of duties related to Social Security, possible Plame charges

ABC News reports on what insiders say brought about the change of duties for Rove. Rove was replaces as Domestic Policy Advisor, and redirected to working on the election in November. No official reasons were given.

Insiders say the move is not just window dressing. They say that Rove's role in the CIA leak investigation may have also triggered the move, and that Rove has not proven as adept at the nuts and bolts of policy as he is at political strategy, citing the failure of Social Security reform and the lack of a compelling domestic policy agenda. [Snip]

Rove's change in responsibility is still bound to be a disappointment to him. Years ago, he was frustrated at being known only as a political wizard.

With Rove's possible indictment by Fitzgerald in the Plame case becoming highly possible, that would seem to be enough reason. Still, the collapse of the President's Social Security initiatives really should have caused someone to pay.

Perhaps Josh Bolton was only induced to take the Chief of Staff position replacing Andy Card because the President gave him real power to make people responsible. It is unlikely that the changes of duties for Rove and the resignation of Scott McClellan as Presidential Spokesman have occurred so soon after Bolton moved into his new office by coincidence.

Things in the Bush White House are becoming more interesting.