Rumsfeld out as defense secretary

WASHINGTON (Map, News) - One day after Democrats won control of the House, President Bush announced Wednesday that embattled Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld will be replaced by former CIA Director Robert Gates.

“I have been talking with Don Rumsfeld over a period of time about fresh perspectives,” Bush told reporters in an East Room news conference. “He, himself, understands that Iraq is not working well enough, fast enough.”

Later in the day, during an appearance with Bush and Gates in the Oval Office, an emotional Rumsfeld said the war on terrorism, including the conflict in Iraq, “was not well understood — it is complex for people to understand.”

Reflecting on his six stormy years as defense secretary, the 74-year-old Rumsfeld said “it’s been quite a time” and quoted Winston Churchill.

“I have benefited greatly from criticism, and at no time have I suffered a lack thereof,” he said, as Bush chuckled.

Bush made clear that he was letting Rumsfeld go as an olive branch to Democrats, who on Tuesday won control of the House and possibly the Senate, although the outcome of two key races remained in question. Top Democrats, including New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, a likely 2008 presidential candidate, have long demanded Rumsfeld’s ouster.

“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,” Bush said.

Democrats credited Bush with finally acknowledging the public’s growing dissatisfaction with the direction of the Iraq war.

“The president got the message, thank heavens,” said Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif, who is expected to become House speaker. “I think it signals a new change, hope, for the better in Iraq.”

Though Bush had spent much of the campaign saying Democrats want to “cut and run” from Iraq, he spent much of Wednesday trying to assure various audiences that his Iraq policy would not be fundamentally altered.

“Amid this time of change, I have a message for those on the front lines: To our enemies, do not be joyful,” he said. “Do not confuse the workings of our democracy with a lack of will. Our nation is committed to bringing you to justice.”

Finally, Bush urged soldiers in harm’s way not to be rattled by Rumsfeld’s ouster.

“To our brave men and women in uniform: Don’t be doubtful,” he said. “America will always support you.”

bsammon@dcexaminer.com

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