Bush on the seat of heat

Bush at Press Conference Offers to Help Pelosi Decorate New Office
NEW YORK President Bush met the press this afternoon, and announced the departure of Pentagon chief Donald Rumseld, saying he had served with "honor."

But he also answered questions from the press, often cracking jokes. He admitted that the Iraq war had at least "something to do" with the Democratic gains in yesterday's election. "It's tough in a time of war, when people see carnage on their television screen." But he warned that the insurgents there should not be "joyful" over that.

He said he'd had a "gracious" conversation with Rep. Nancy Pelosi, who will be the new Speaker of the House, this morning, adding that it went well. He added that he took some responsibility for his party's defeat, and offered to give Pelosi help on interior decorating and picking out drapes for her new office.

Although Vice President Cheney and many other Republicans had said, during the recent campaign, that a Democratic victory would aid the insurgents in Iraq, Bush said, "I truly believe that Congresswoman Pelosi and Senator Reid care as much about the security of this country as I do. ... Their spirit is such that they want to protect America." He added: "Democrats will support our troops as much as we will." Editor & Publisher