Bob [tag]Zoellick[/tag], the number-two man at the [tag]State Department[/tag], who has overseen Darfur peace negotiations for the administration and played a major role in managing U.S.-China relations, appears to be on his way out of government. Apparently, he wanted a promotion, but the Bush gang decided he was far too qualified.
Robert B. Zoellick intends to resign as deputy secretary of state, the department’s second in command, after barely 15 months in the job, aides and associates said Wednesday.
From his first days at the State Department, Mr. Zoellick has chafed at his subordinate position, frequently remarking that he was finding the adjustment difficult after running his own office during four years as United States trade representative, which is a cabinet position.
Zoellick apparently hoped to replace John Snow as [tag]Treasury[/tag] Secretary, but the Financial Times reported that Zoellick hasn’t been considered for the job because the White House wants a cheerleader and he is “more widely admired for his policy knowledge.”
Kevin Drum summarized the problem perfectly.
Rule #1 in the Bush White House: never admit that you take [tag]policy[/tag] analysis seriously if you want to get ahead. As near as I can tell, you can overcome nearly any other obstacle but that one. […]
[W]hat truly makes [Bush] unique is what’s missing: a respect for policy analysis. After eight months of working in the Bush White House, John DiIulio reported that “the lack of even basic policy knowledge, and the only casual interest in knowing more, was somewhat breathtaking.” Paul O’Neill described Bush in cabinet meetings as “a blind man in a roomful of deaf people.” A senior White House official told Ron Suskind that the Bush White House is “just kids on Big Wheels who talk politics and know nothing. It’s depressing.”
If Zoellick were an unqualified hack who had failed miserably, he’d probably be considered for a presidential Medal of Freedom. Instead he’s a moderate policy wonk. No wonder he’s on his way out the door.
The “[tag]Mayberry Machiavellis[/tag]” strike again.