Karl Rove is leaving

From the Wall St. Journal, by way of Drudge.

Karl was a brilliant political strategist, and really seemed to understand how to capitalize on the Republican base while keeping focused on issues that the Republicans were strong on, rather than getting pulled into fighting whatever battle the Democrats picked. Also, if your game is politics, and your political opponents constantly demonize you, and envision your face on their image of Satan, you're a winner.

For many people, the 2006 midterms shattered Karl's winning legacy, but let's take a look at the bigger picture. Karl presided over 4 elections. He won 3. The first one was contested in the courts, and he won. The second one was an almost-unheard-of gain of congressional seats by the President's party in a midterm. The third one got a President with a so-so approval rating the most Presidential votes in history, ever, and more congressional seats. The fourth was, by historical standards... nothing more than typical.

Congratulations and best wishes to Karl and his family.