President Bush said the American people’s
freedom to choose their leaders is the source of the nation’s
strength, and he warned America’s enemies not to confuse
the changes in the government in Washington with a lack
of American will.
Speaking in his weekly radio address on
November 11, after the midterm election that will give the
Democrats a majority in both houses of Congress, Bush reiterated
his willingness to work with the Democratic leaders. "Whatever
your opinion of the outcome, all Americans can take pride
in the example our democracy sets for the world by holding
elections even in a time of war," Bush said.
He added that the threats posed by international
terrorists remain the same. "America faces brutal enemies
who have attacked us before and want to attack us again,"
said the president.
Calling Iraq "the central front in
this war on terror," he said he is looking forward
to listening to the ideas from the new Democratic leaders
of Congress "on the best way to support our troops
on the front lines – and win the war on terror."
Bush also said he is looking forward to hearing recommendations
from the bipartisan Iraq Study Group led by former Secretary
of State James Baker and former Congressman Lee Hamilton.
Bush expressed his gratitude for the service
of the outgoing Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, whom
he wants to replace with former CIA director Robert Gates.
"History will record that on Secretary Rumsfeld’s
watch, the men and women of our military overthrew two terrorist
regimes, brought justice to scores of senior al Qaeda operatives,
and helped stop new terrorist attacks on our people,"
the president said. (See related
article.)
On November 8 and 9, Bush met with the top
two Democrats in the House of Representatives, Congresswoman
Nancy Pelosi of California and Congressman Steny Hoyer of
Maryland and with the top Democrats in the Senate, Senators
Harry Reid of Nevada and Dick Durbin of Illinois to discuss
the agenda of the outgoing Congress and relations between
the executive and the legislative branches of the government.
(See related
article.)
In his Saturday radio address, he said the
American people "want their leaders in Washington to
set aside partisan differences, conduct ourselves in an
ethical manner, and work together to address the challenges
facing the nation."
For additional information on the U.S. elections
and their aftermath, see 2006 Midterm Elections.
Following is the transcript and audio link
of the address:
(begin transcript)
The White House
Office of the Press Secretary
Saturday, November 11, 2006
RADIO ADDRESS BY THE PRESIDENT TO THE NATION
AUDIO
THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. This weekend
we commemorate Veterans Day, a day when America honors every
man and woman who has worn the uniform of our military.
In Veterans Day celebrations across our Nation, we remember
those who have served in previous wars, those who are serving
today, and those who did not live to become veterans. Especially
in a time of war, we see in our veterans an example of people
who stepped forward to serve a cause larger than themselves.
This weekend, I ask you to take a moment to thank our veterans
for their service, and express your appreciation for the
sacrifices they have made to preserve our freedom and way
of life.
One freedom that defines our way of life
is the freedom to choose our leaders at the ballot box.
We saw that freedom earlier this week, when millions of
Americans went to the polls to cast their votes for a new
Congress. Whatever your opinion of the outcome, all Americans
can take pride in the example our democracy sets for the
world by holding elections even in a time of war. Our democratic
institutions are a source of strength, and our trust in
these institutions has made America the most powerful, prosperous,
and stable nation in the world.
As a result of this week's elections, the
Democrats now hold a majority in both Houses of Congress.
After the elections, I called the Democratic leaders in
the House and the Senate to congratulate them on the victory
they achieved for their party. On Thursday, I had lunch
with Congresswoman Pelosi and Congressman Hoyer, and on
Friday I met with Senators Reid and Durbin. We had good
discussions. I told them what I have told the men and women
in my administration: We must put these elections behind
us, and work together on the great issues facing America.
The elections will bring changes to Washington.
But one thing has not changed: America faces brutal enemies
who have attacked us before and want to attack us again.
I have a message for these enemies: Do not confuse the workings
of American democracy with a lack of American will. Our
Nation is committed to bringing you to justice, and we will
prevail.
Iraq is the central front in this war on
terror. I look forward to listening to ideas from the new
leaders of Congress on the best way to support our troops
on the front lines -- and win the war on terror. I also
look forward to hearing recommendations on the way forward
in Iraq from a bipartisan panel led by former Secretary
of State James Baker and former Congressman Lee Hamilton.
In the meantime, I have made an important
change to my national security team. On Wednesday, I accepted
Don Rumsfeld's resignation as Secretary of Defense, and
announced my intent to nominate Bob Gates to replace him.
Bob is a proven leader who has served six Presidents --
four Republicans and two Democrats. As a former CIA Director
and the current President of Texas A&M University, he
has experience leading large and complex organizations,
and he has shown that he is an agent of change. As Secretary
of Defense, he will provide a fresh outlook on our strategy
in Iraq, and what we need to do to prevail.
Bob replaces the longest serving member
of my Cabinet, Don Rumsfeld. History will record that on
Secretary Rumsfeld's watch, the men and women of our military
overthrew two terrorist regimes, brought justice to scores
of senior al Qaeda operatives, and helped stop new terrorist
attacks on our people. America is safer, and the world is
more secure because of the leadership of Don Rumsfeld, and
I am deeply grateful for his service.
The message of this week's elections is
clear: the American people want their leaders in Washington
to set aside partisan differences, conduct ourselves in
an ethical manner, and work together to address the challenges
facing our Nation. This is important work that will demand
the hard effort and good faith of leaders from both sides
of the aisle, and I pledge to do my part.
Thank you for listening.
(end transcript)
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