Excerpts from Bush Press Conference

"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's a patriot who served our country with honor and distinction. He is a trusted adviser and a friend, and I'm deeply grateful to his service to our country."

"I've asked Bob Gates to serve as the Secretary of Defense. Bob is a former director of the CIA and current president of Texas A&M University. If confirmed by the Senate, Bob will bring more than 25 years of national security experience and a stellar reputation as an effective leader with sound judgment. He served six presidents from both political parties and rose from an entry-level employee in the CIA to become the director of Central Intelligence. During his service at the CIA and at the National Security Council, Bob Gates gained firsthand knowledge that will help him meet the challenges and opportunities that our country faces during the next two years. He is serving as a member of the Baker-Hamilton commission. He is a steady, solid leader who can help make the necessary adjustments in our approach to meet our current challenges."

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"To our enemies: Do not be joyful. Do not confuse the workings of our democracies with a lack of will. Our nation is committed to bringing you to justice. Liberty and democracy are the source of America's strength, and liberty and democracy will lift up the hopes and desires of those you're trying to destroy.

"To the people of Iraq: Do not be fearful. 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."

"To our brave men and women in uniform: Don't be doubtful. America will always support you. Our nation is blessed to have men and women who volunteer to serve and are willing to risk their own lives for the safety of our fellow citizens."

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In response to a question asking how he can work with Nancy Pelosi when she has called him "incompetent, a liar, the emperor with no clothes and, as recently as yesterday, dangerous":

"I've been around politics a long time. I understand when campaigns end, and I know when governing begins. And I'm going to work with people of both parties.... People say unfortunate things at times, but if you hold grudges in this line of work, you're never going to get anything done. And my intention is to get some things done. And as I said, I'm going to start visiting with her with the idea of coming together."

"I mean, look, this is a close election. Race by race, it was close. The cumulative effect, however, was not too close, it was a thumpin'. But nevertheless, the people expect us to work together. That's what they expect. And as I said in my opening comments, there comes responsibility with victory, and that's what Nancy Pelosi told me this morning. She said in the phone call she wants to work together, and so do I. And so that's how you deal with it."

"This isn't my first rodeo. In other words, this is not the first time I've been in a campaign where people have expressed themselves and in different kinds of ways. But I have learned that if you focus on the big picture, which in this case is our nation and issues we need to work together on, you can get stuff done."