Karl Rove Unleashed! Spotted by Matthew Yglesias: the Washington Post on the immediate consequences of Karen Hughes’ departure:

A White House source said Hughes’s departure also will increase the already wide latitude enjoyed by Bush’s senior adviser, Karl Rove. “She is the brake,” the source said. “Karl always says, ‘Let’s just do it,’ and she says, ‘No, no, no.’ For good or bad, she prevents precipitous action. There have been missed opportunities, but there haven’t been crash-and-burn fumbles.”

Small knots of highly-placed sources were seen to be unsure whether to laugh or cry. Electrolite’s advice: Do both. Also, commence drinking heavily. [07:20 PM]