by Dan Pashman

Yesterday we talked to liberal blogger Bill Scher about Karl Rove's resignation, so today we want to get a different take on the issue. We sent six questions to conservative blogger Rob Bluey from BlueyBlog, and he sent back six answers. Why six? That's just how many questions we thought of.

 

The Bryant Park Project: Were you surprised by the news of Karl Rove's resignation?

Rob Bluey: The last thing I expected at this stage of the Bush presidency was the departure of Karl Rove. For all that Rove and Bush have been through together, I figured we'd see them walk out of the White House together on Jan. 20, 2009.

BPP: What do you think will be the ramifications of Rove's departure on the GOP?

RB: Rove is considered a genius because he's a savvy political strategist and a policy wonk. When Rove departs, the Republican Party will no longer have someone of his stature in that position keeping an eye on the big picture. It could spell trouble if no one emerges to fill that void.

BPP: Do you think Rove will be more or less powerful outside the White House than he was inside it, and why?

RB: My suspicion is that Rove will take some time to rehabilitate his image from the withering attacks of the left, so we probably won't see him popping up on TV anytime soon. I'm sure he'll continue to counsel the president in private, but his influence won't be nearly as significant. After some time away from the political spotlight, however, I could definitely see Rove transforming himself into a Newt Gingrich-like figure.

BPP: Who will liberal bloggers beat up on now?

RB: My guess is that presidential counselor Ed Gillespie will bear the brunt of the attacks. He's a former Republican National Committee chairman who is likely to inherit some of the load from Rove at the White House.

BPP: What do you see as Rove's legacy?

RB: Karl Rove will be remembered as one of the great political strategists of modern times, helping to redefine campaigns and elections by embracing new technology and methods that are being copied by nearly all of the campaigns in 2008. But politics aside, Rove also leaves behind a solid legacy in the policy arena. Although I didn't agree with every policy he pursued, there's no denying the tremendous impact he's had on our government. He came to Washington to tackle big ideas. He didn't accomplish everything he set out to do, but he certainly tried.

BPP: In Rove's exit interview with the Wall Street Journal, he predicted a rosy future for President Bush. What's your take on that prediction?

RB: History will treat President Bush favorably, but I'm not sure anything with offer him a boost in the short term. Given the fact that we're fighting a war, it's no surprise the president's popularity continues to suffer. The best thing that Bush and Republicans can do is stand firm on principle.