Did he jump, or was he pushed?

Intelligence czar John Negroponte had resigned from his position as the nexus of all sixteen intel agencies operating in the United States government, with a total budget of 42 billion dollars. He is leaving the post he has held since it was created approximately two years ago to be Deputy Secretary of State.

Now, what precipitates the move? Less than a month ago, Negroponte stated that he was inclined to stay in the chief intelligence position until the final curtain was drawn on the Bush administration. Now suddenly he is back at State.

I have seen a lot of speculation that he wasn't up to the Director of National Intelligence position, but I don't think that's what precipitates this move. Remember that Negroponte is a career diplomat, and Condoleeza Rice is a failed Secretary of State.

Firing the useless Rice would direct too much attention on the inherent cronyism and the multiple shortcomings in the Bush administration's many policy failures. Instead, they are attempting to salvage some respect for State by installing a competent Deputy to do the real work of diplomacy. It is painfully obvious that Rice is not up to the task. If I were a wagering sort, I would bet that Negroponte is going back to salvage the ship of State.