If this is true it's actually more scary than the alternative in a way. Means Ashley actually thought JFK could do a job.
I'd agree. And Joe's limitations when it comes to a conventional DOF role would have become apparent very early.
At the time he was appointed, despite all he was saying, there was word that Joe was not nearly as powerful as he was making himself out to be.
There's always the possibility that this was a genuine resignation. That he got fed up of the restrictions around him, and ended up having a row with the boss.
are you joking?