bigrovebush2.jpgAmusing comment of the morning comes from Chris Matthews:  "Is this going to be like a conjoined twin break-up?"  Don't know why, but I found that one rather humorous.

CNN's current headline on the Rove resignation:  "Rove Says He Was Not Forced To Quit."  Gosh, and taking Rove at his word has proved to be so reliable in the past, now hasn't it?

(Photo via BagNewsNotes.)

Presser begins.  11:26 am ET

PRESIDENT BUSH:  I...uh...have been talking to Karl for a while about...uh...his desire to spend more time with Darby and Andrew.  This is a family that has made enormous sacrifices not only for our beloved Texas, but for a country we both love.  We have been friends for a long time.  And we're still going to be friends.  [CHS notes:  Bush looking a bit weepy this morning.]  I'd call Karl Rove a dear friend.

We've known each other as youngsters interested in serving our state.  We worked together so that we could be in a position to serve our country.  So I thank my friend.  I'll be on the road behind you here in a little bit.  I thank Darby and I thank Karl for making a tremendous sacrifice and I wish you all the very best.

KARL ROVE:  Today I submitted my resignation as Deputy Chief of Staff (CHS notes:  which, according to the CNN report is inaccurate, because they say his resignation was submitted to the President on Friday...just FYI.) and Senior Advisor effective the end of the month.  Mr. President, we are grateful for the opportunity that you gave me to serve our nation and you.  And I'm grateful for being able to work with the extraordinary men and women that you have drawn into this Administration.  And I'm grateful to have been a witness to history.  [CHS notes:  Rove is wearing a spring green tie with little designs on it, and I'm trying to determine whether they are frogs.  Amusing.  Rove is also a bit weepy this morning.]   It has been the joy and honor of a lifetime.

I've seen a man of far-sighted courage put America on a war footing, and protect us against a brutal enemy in dangerous conflict that will shape this new century.  I've seen a leader respond to an economy weakened by recession, corporate scandal and terrorist attacks by taking decisive action to stengthen the economy and create jobs.  I've seen a reformer who challenged this Administration, the Congress and the country to make bold changes to important institutions in great need of repair.

Mr. President, the world's turned many times since our journey began.  We've been at this a long time.  It was over 14 years ago that you began your run for governor.  And over 10 years ago that we started thinking and planning about a possible run for the presidency.  It's been an exhilarating and eventful time. 

Through it all, you have remained the same man:  your integrity, character and decency have remained unchanged and inspiring.  Through all those years, I've asked a lot of my family and they've given all I've asked of them.  Now it sems the right time to start thinking about the next chapter in our family's life.  It's not been an easy decision, as you know from our discussions that started last summer.  It always seemed there was a better time to leave somewhere out in the future -- but now is the time. 

I will miss -- deeply miss -- my work here, my colleagues and the opportunity to serve you and the nation, Mr. President.  But I look forward to continuing our friendship of 34 years.  To being your fierce and committed advocate on the outside and of the next journey that we might make together. 

At months end, I will join those whom you meet in your travels -- the ordinary Americans who tell you they are praying for you.  Like them, I will ask for God's continued gifts of strength and wisdom for you and your work, your vital work for our country and the world, and for the Almighty's continued blessing for our great country.  Thank you again for this extraordinary opportunity.

Presidential hug.  Both look weepy, and they are headed across the lawn.

David Gregory just called Bush and Rove "political soulmates."  That pretty much sums it up for me...