Said the President:

"I had been talking with Don Rumsfeld over a period of time about fresh perspective. He likes to call it fresh eyes. [He's 78] He, himself, understands that Iraq is not working well enough, fast enough. And he and I are constantly assessing. [this is the good part] And I'm assessing, as well, {pause} all the time, {pause} by myself, {pause} about, {er....} do we have the right people in the right place, or do we {uh..} -- {y'know} got the right strategy? {now with conviction} As you know, we're constantly changing tactics {!}. And that requires constant assessment{satisfied}."

I didn't watch the video before writing this.

Here's the video feed:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2006/11/20061108-2.html#

"And so the decision was made -- actually, I thought we were going to do fine yesterday. Shows what I know."

I did watch the video and caught this.

"I know there's a lot of speculation on what the election means for the battle we're waging in Iraq. I recognize that many Americans voted last night to register their displeasure with the lack of progress being made there. Yet I also believe most Americans and leaders here in Washington from both political parties understand we cannot accept defeat.

In the coming days and weeks, I and members of my national security team will meet with the members of both parties to brief them on latest developments and listen to their views about the way forward. We'll also provide briefings to the new members of Congress so they can be fully informed as they prepare for their new responsibilities.

As we work with the new leaders in Congress, I'm also looking forward to hearing the views of the bipartisan Iraq Study Group, co-chaired by Secretary James Baker and Congressman Lee Hamilton. This group is assessing [that's the money word] the situation in Iraq and are expected to provide -- and the group is expected to provide recommendations on a way forward. And I'm going to meet with them, I think, early next week.

[And then Rumsfeld...]

"The election has changed many things in Washington, but it has not changed my fundamental responsibility, and that is to protect the American people from attack. As the Commander-in-Chief, I take these responsibilities seriously. And so does the man who served this nation honorably for almost six years as our Secretary of Defense, Donald Rumsfeld. Now, after a series of thoughtful conversations, Secretary Rumsfeld and I agreed that the timing is right for new leadership at the Pentagon.

"Our military has experienced an enormous amount of change and reform during the last five years while fighting the war on terror, one of the most consequential wars in our nation's history. Don Rumsfeld has been a superb leader during a time of change. Yet he also appreciates the value of bringing in a fresh perspective during a critical period in this war. Don Rumsfeld is a patriot who served our country with honor and distinction. He's a trusted advisor and a friend, and I'm deeply grateful to his service to our country."

[What is a consequential war? Aren' all wars consequential? Why is America continuously fighting wars?]

[How many consequential wars has America been involved in? I actually have a number for this... ]

"People want their Congress -- congressmen to be honest and ethical. So in some races, that was the primary factor."

[Some{!}]

and now the Media kicks the President's Ass...

"Q This is a very competitive environment. No, but we asked you about the fate of Secretary Rumsfeld and Vice President Cheney. Vice President Cheney, of course, has made -- takes many of the same positions that Secretary Rumsfeld did on the war. Does he still have your complete confidence?

"THE PRESIDENT: Yes, he does.

"Q Do you expect him to stay --

"THE PRESIDENT: The campaign is over. Yes, he does.

"Q And he'll be here for the remainder of your term?

"THE PRESIDENT: Yes, he will. Thank you.

"Suzanne.

"Q Thank you, Mr. President. With all due respect, Nancy Pelosi has called you incompetent, a liar, the emperor with no clothes, and as recently as yesterday, dangerous. How will you work with someone who has such little respect for your leadership and who is third in line to the presidency?"

{ha!}

[later...]

"I understand they're frustrated. I am, too, as I said the other day. I wish this had gone faster. So does Secretary Rumsfeld. But the reality is, is that it's a tough fight, and we're going to win the fight. And I truly believe the only way we won't win is if we leave before the job is done.

"Yes, Jim.

"Q May I follow, sir?

"THE PRESIDENT: I know, terrible principle. I'm sorry.

"Q Thank you, sir.

"THE PRESIDENT: You think I'm nuts? (Laughter.) You think -- you think my sensibility has left me as a result of working hard on the campaign trail, Gregory? (Laughter.)"

[next]

"Q Mr. President, you mentioned the prospect that your successor would be dealing with the war. You'll be making your first trip to Vietnam in roughly a week. Some people are still -- are looking at the war as another Vietnam War. Are they wrong to do so? And if so, why?

"THE PRESIDENT: I think they are. I think they are. First of all, Iraq, after the overthrow of the tyrant {our bitter foe}, voted on a constitution {that we made them sign} that is intended to unite the whole country {by our rules and for our reasons}. And then they had elections {overseen by us} under that constitution where nearly 12 million people voted {'cause we made them believe it would matter} for this unity government. Secondly -- which is different from Vietnam."