Rove Reality Check

Lest anyone begin to think that all of this Rove leak investigation stuff might amount to a hill of beans, the National Journal’s Insiders’ Poll this week shows a bipartisan consensus that Karl Rove‘s job is pretty secure.

The poll tracks the opinion of 114 insiders–58 Democrats and 56 Republicans–and this week they were asked, “Do You Think Rove Will Still Be In The WH 6 Months From Now?”

A full 94 said yes, including 53 GOPs and 41 Dems. A mere twenty said he’ll be gone. A few suggested that the process would take longer than six months, but most saw it as a broader vote of support in his overall staying power.

The two views (PDF):

Pro: “The administration has a choice between underscoring its commitment to national security or its loyalty to its political godfather. George Bush will choose the latter–surprise–and battle the storm.”

“It is unlikely that the law as written will force the president to ask him to leave. And lacking an indictment, he stays, no matter what the political heat.”

Con: “This will be untenable for Bush by the end of the summer. You know August–it’s always ‘Scandal Time’ in D.C., and Rove will be history.”

“He is loyal enough to take himself away at some point. Will he be less involved wherever he is? Of course not!”

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