It’s being reported that Gen. McChrystal has submitted his resignation to President Obama and Secretary Gates. And that’s being played in some publications as meaning McChrystal’s out.
Not even close. It’s entirely possible that McChrystal will be out this afternoon. But in the present circumstances McChrystal submitting his resignation is a given; it is absolutely essential for him to do. He has no choice. And it goes without saying.
The question is whether Obama and Gates choose to accept. His submitting his resignation simply isn’t the bombshell some are presenting it as.
(It’s definitely a scoop for the folks reporting it correctly.)
Wait till you hear that the resignation has been accepted.
Late Update: Like I told you, now there’s further clarification. McChrystal has “offered to resign.” To be perfectly clear: great scoop from Joe Klein. Wish we would have gotten it. But the offer to resign, even submitting your resignation isn’t the same as having it accepted. And in this case, it almost goes without saying. Don’t be misled.
