WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President Bush on Wednesday took responsibility for his party's losses on Election Night and said he is willing to work with congressional Democrats on the major issues during the last two years of his presidency.
"Bush said the decision to replace Rumsfeld was made before the elections. "
"The reason why
is I didn't want to inject a major decision about this war in the final days of a campaign," Bush said.
"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," Bush said during a East Room news conference at the White House."
"There were different factors that determined the outcome of different races, but no question, Iraq was on people's minds," Bush said. "And, as you have just learned, I am making a change at the secretary of defense to bring a fresh perspective as to how to achieve something I think most Americans want, which is a victory. "
On Tuesday, Democrats picked up at least 28 seats in the House of Representatives, giving them control of the chamber for the first time since the Republican sweep in the 1994 midterm elections. (Full story)
http://www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/11/08/election.bush/index.html
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Interesting Bush finally taking responsibility, but this is what really stuck out:
"At the news conference, Bush also announced that Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld is resigning and will be replaced by former CIA Director Bob Gates. Bush said the decision to replace Rumsfeld was made before the elections."
"The reason why is I didn't want to inject a major decision about this war in the final days of a campaign," Bush said.
"There were different factors that determined the outcome of different races, but no question, Iraq was on people's minds," Bush said. "And, as you have just learned, I am making a change at the secretary of defense to bring a fresh perspective as to how to achieve something I think most Americans want, which is a victory. "
One week after saying he was keeping Rummy till the end, he admits he did oust him. So much for stay the course. And the Furher always makes someone pay. Not that I'm not glad it's rummy.