USA: Bush ready to work with Democrats, accepts Rumsfelds' resignation

U.S. President George W. Bush conceded on Wednesday (November 8) that voter discontent with his Iraq policy helped fuel his party's election defeat. "I'm obviously disappointed with the outcome of the election and, as the head of the Republican Party, I share a large part of the responsibility. I told my party's leaders that it is now our duty to put the elections behind us and work together with the Democrats and independents on the great issues facing this country," Bush told a White House press conference. Bush congratulated Pelosi and other Democratic leaders, pledging to work with them. The President was asked if he could work with Pelosi given the harsh words Pelosi has used over the years to describe Bush's leadership skills. "I've been around politics a long time. I understand when campaigns end and I know when governing begins. And I'm going to work with people of both parties. You know, look, people say unfortunate things at times. But if you hold grudges in this line of work, you're never going to get anything done. And my intention is to get some things done, and soon," Bush said. But even as he announced the resignation of Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, a lightning rod for criticism on Iraq, Bush otherwise gave little ground to victorious congressional Democrats demanding a change of course in Iraq. Bush said "over the past six years, I've relied on Don Rumsfeld's advice and counsel. I've come to know his character and his integrity. As the Secretary of Defense, he has been dedicated to his mission, loyal to his President, and devoted to the courageous men and women of our Armed Forces." Am emotional Rumsfeld told reporters in the Oval office "I must say that it's been the highest honour of my life to serve with the talented men and women of the Department of Defense, the amazing men and women -- young men and women in uniform. It's a privilege. And their patriotism, their professionalism, their dedication is truly an inspiration. They have my respect; they will remain in my prayers always. " Rumsfeld was admired by some as a patriot who reinvigorated the military but was also painted by detractors as a reckless warmonger who botched the Iraq occupation planning, failed to anticipate the bloody insurgency, sent troops into combat without enough armour and sullied the U.S. reputation by sanctioning detainee abuse. He also alienated some U.S. allies in Europe, maintained icy relations with U.S. lawmakers, even some fellow Republicans, battled with Cabinet rivals including former Secretary of State Colin Powell and intimidated some senior military officers. Rumsfeld made millions as a corporate executive between Pentagon stints. He has been married to his wife Joyce since 1954. They have two grown daughters and a son. President Bush will nominate former CIA Director Robert Gates as a replacement for Rumsfeld. Gates, 63, served as director of the Central Intelligence Agency from 1991 until 1993. He was the only career officer in CIA history to rise from entry-level employee to director of central intelligence. He joined the CIA in 1966. He has recently been deeply involved in bipartisan discussions on Iraq as member of Iraq Study Group headed by former Secretary of State James Baker. The group is expected by the end of the year to issue alternative ideas for a way forward in Iraq. Gates said "I did not hesitate when the President asked me to return to duty. If confirmed by the Senate, I will serve with all my heart, and with gratitude to the President for giving me the opportunity to do so." Gates was first nominated as CIA director in 1987 by President Ronald Reagan but withdrew amid questions over his and the CIA's role in the secret sales of arms to Iran and the diversion of profits to Nicaragua's contra rebels. In hearings in 1991 Gates admitted mistakes and said he should have done more to get at the truth.

ITN Source | November 9, 2006

Tags:. .accepts. .replacement. .fellow. .voter. .married