By GottaLaff
UPDATE:
His statement: "I have just informed the president that I am withdrawing my name from consideration... If 30 years of exposure to the challenges inherent in our system has taught me anything, it has taught me that this work will require a leader who can operate with the full faith of Congress and the American people, and without distraction. Right now, I am not that leader and I will not be a distraction."Pres. Obama accepts the decision "sadness and regret."
MSNBC is reporting. He withdrew his name, saying he knows he would be a distraction and that's not what he wants to be.
Andrea Mitchell on MSNBC right now: He sounded tearful. He read the NY Times this morning, and realized he couldn't pass health care if he is this much of a distraction.
He also has ties to the health care industry, so "wouldn't have the street cred" he needs, per Mitchell.
Mark Whitaker: Timing is everything in politics. He might have survived had it not been for Geithner, and of course now, Killefer. Obama's loyalty cuts both ways. Daschle was genuinely upset by the prospect that this could hurt Obama and the health care package. This was an act of loyalty to the new president.
Mitchell: There was a sense growing that the pressure was too much to bear. The administration has to preserve its identity that it's an agent of change.
Whitaker: And change the culture of Washington, lobbyist influence, cashing in. Although Daschle is widely respected, everything he's done since he left office becomes an issue in that light. The limo, the firms he dealt with. As sad as this is for Daschle and Obama, for the health care world, the way he conducted himself since leaving the Senate raised a lot of issues.
Jim DeMint: It's the right thing. But Obama should have shown leadership by stepping forward and withdrawing Daschle's name first. It's not a partisan issue, though. Republicans weren't bashing him. It was about presidential leadership to change this place, and this got in the way.
Senate Republicans (Lindsey Graham, John McCain) are saying it was the right thing to do, they like him personally, and believe he can contribute in other ways.
Joe Scarborough: A man of great character, a man D.C. knew. He didn't lack the character for this job...Daschle would have been a great choice. But politically, the White House has a real problem (taxes). This would have been a real distraction, so it was the right thing to do politically. Had this been the only problem, he would have survived it, but with the others... unfortunately for Daschle, this is strike three, you're out. Republicans will still use these instances, but it won't have as much of a bite because Daschle won't be running HHS.
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