Sep 8, 2009

Van Jones - just another name on White House casualty list

When Van Jones, Mr. Obama's controversial green jobs adviser, submitted his resignation he was the first casualty of the Obama administration not to go quietly.

Where other departing officials have given explanations about process or used predictable lines about spending more time with their families, Jones released a statement accusing his critics of using "lies and distortions" about him.

Van Jones claimed a “vicious smear campaign” containing “lies and distortions.”

Breaking with the custom of this White House, the administration offered no reason for Jones's resignation.

To give a reason for the Van Jones resignation would have required details of Mr. Jones racial rants, radical background, calling Republicans X-rated names and his membership in a 9/11 "truther" group that believes the destruction of the twin towers was an inside job.

Names on the casualty list:

1. Van Jones was forced to resign for reasons outlined above.

2. Louis Caldera (upper photo) resigned after the New York City flyover incident.

3. Ellen Moran was removed from the West Wing.

4. Steve Rattner (lower photo). Timothy Geithner quietly announced that Rattner’s job “was done.”

5. The president pulled Gen. David McKiernan from the field.

Link here for more on the story above. Link here for more on the Van Jones story.