Who is in charge of the Executive Branch?

[metapunditedgy]

The last couple of weeks I seem to remember hearing two stories.

1) White House says troops will be withdrawn from Afghanistan on some shorter time scale. Gates immediately says, no, the troops are staying for a while.

2) White House says that $200 billion will be taken back from unused TARP funds. Geithner immediately says, no, we need to keep those funds for the banksters.

Do I mis-remember those stories?

[theoldman]

1. The president is in charge.

One thing he cannot control is the mouth of the various Secretaries.

[metapunditedgy]

2. He can do something about it if he wants to. n/t

[RedRubberBall]

3. This way the Ex 'Branch' is

always correct on any issue.