The withdrawal of Judd Gregg's nomination for Commerce secretary has commentators and editorial boards reeling. Here's a roundup from some of the major newspapers and Web sites.
The Washington Post predicts that "there will be plenty of questions about both sides of this collapsed merger."
According to the Wall Street Journal, Gregg's departure "indicates that President Obama's life with the left-wing of his party may become a sea of troubles."
"Obama is lucky to be rid of Gregg," declares The Nation's John Nichols. "This nomination was always a case of taking the 'team of rivals' fantasy to extremes."
George Stephanopoulos views Gregg's withdrawal as an "embarrassment to both men."
The London Daily Telegraph's Toby Harnden gives 10 reasons why this is a "major blow" to Obama.
Edward Luce sees this as evidence that Obama's "once widely praised vetting machine is in danger of seizing up" and as "a setback for Mr. Obama's bipartisan aspirations."
Recounting the other three major departures from Obama's Cabinet, the New York Post editorial board writes that "it's refreshing to hear that Gregg's departure is occasioned not by scandal, but by something rarely seen in Washington -- principle."
Kansas City Star columnist Barb Shelly believes "things are looking good for Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius being offered the Health and Human Services position. With Obama's people now back at Square One on the commerce job, they'll probably want to get the HHS post filled quickly. Or maybe she'll get a look for commerce secretary."
Karl Rove, Linda Chavez and other political insiders offer their thoughts in the Washington Post.
Hotline On Call has a roundup of Thursday night's TV commentary.
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