Rumsfeld quitting as
defense secretary
CNN Breaking News,
1:29PM, November 8, 2006
WASHINGTON -- President Bush
announced Wednesday that Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld is stepping down from
his post.
"The timing is right for new leadership at the Pentagon," Bush said in a White
House statement Wednesday afternoon.
Rumsfeld has been heavily criticized for his policies in Iraq, and exit polls
taken during Tuesday's midterm election showed strong voter dissatisfaction --
57 percent -- with the Iraq war.
"I recognize that many Americans voted last night to register their displeasure
with the lack of progress being made" in Iraq, Bush said.
Bush said he has "a series of thoughful conversations" with Rumsfeld about the
defense secretary's resignation.
Former CIA chief Robert Gates,who headed that agency from 1991 until 1993, will
be nominated to take over as defense secretary, Bush said Wednesday.
Gates is now president of Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas.
Rumsfeld, 74, has served as defense secretary since January, 20, 2001, the
beginning of Bush's first term.
He also served as defense secretary under President Ford from 1975 to 1977.
"Don Rumsfeld has been a superb leader during a time of change," Bush said
Wednesday. "Yet he also appreciates the value of bringing in a fresh
perspective during a critical period in this war."
With the change, Bush pledged to stand by the people of Iraq.
"Do not be fearful," Bush said in reference to Iraqis. "As you take the
difficult steps toward democracy and peace, America's going to stand with you.
We know you want a better way of life, and now is the time to seize it."
|
