Bushreplaces Rumsfeld to get ‘fresh perspective’

WASHINGTON (CNN) President Bush introduced Robert Gates on Wednesday afternoon as his nominee to replace Donald Rumsfeld as secretary of defense, saying the country canada goose needs a “fresh perspective” on Iraq.

Gates, a former CIA chief, was cheap Canada Goose a member of the Iraq Study Group, a bipartisan panel that is making recommendations to Bush on how to proceed in Iraq.

Gates traveled with the panel to Iraq earlier Canada Goose Online this year, an experience, Bush said, that will enable Gates to come up with “new ideas on how America can achieve our goals in Iraq.”

Gates, 63, said Wednesday he accepted the nomination because “the United States is at war” and the Canada Goose Outlet president called.

“I cheap canada goose uk believe the outcome of these conflicts will shape our world Canada Goose online for decades to come,” Gates said. (Watch what Gates might bring to the job 2:24 )”The timing is right for new leadership at the uk canada goose outlet Pentagon,” Bush said canada goose black friday sale in announcing the resignation.

Bush said Rumsfeld “understands that Iraq is not working well enough, fast enough.”

Rumsfeld has been heavily criticized for his policies in Iraq, and exit polls taken during Tuesday’s midterm election, seen by some as buy canada goose jacket cheap a referendum on Bush and his administration, showed strong voter dissatisfaction 57 percent with Canada Goose Jackets the Iraq war.

“I recognize that many Americans voted last night canada goose store to register their displeasure with the lack of progress being made” in Iraq, Bush said.

Gates headed the CIA from 1991 until 1993, part of 40 years of public service that Bush said prepares him well for the challenges he’ll face at the Pentagon. (Gates’ profile)

Bush heralded Canada Goose Coats On Sale Gates’ time as deputy director of central intelligence in the Reagan administration, when “he helped lead America’s efforts to drive Soviet forces from Afghanistan.”

Gates also served as deputy national security adviser canadian goose jacket to Bush’s father during the Gulf War in 1991, something the younger Bush said Wednesday helped Gates understand what needs to be done canada goose clearance sale in Iraq.

Gates is canada goose uk black friday president of Texas A University in College Station, Texas, a position he said Wednesday was the best job he’s canada goose uk outlet had, despite serving in six presidential Canada Goose UK Black Friday administrations.

Rumsfeld, 74, has served as defense secretary since January 20, 2001, the beginning of Bush’s first term, and is Bush’s longest serving Cabinet member.

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 buy canada goose jacket a fresh perspective during a critical period in this war.” (Bush discusses Rumsfeld’s resignation 1:27)

With the change, Bush pledged to stand by the people of Iraq.

“Do not be fearful,” Bush Canada Goose sale said in reference to Iraqis. canada goose coats “As you take the difficult steps toward canada goose factory sale democracy and peace, America’s going to stand with you. military personnel.

“Don’t be doubtful. America will always support you,” the president said. “Our nation is blessed to have men canada goose coats on sale and women who volunteer to serve and are willing to risk their own lives for the safety uk canada goose of our fellow citizens.”

Bush said he wants to bring the troops home from Iraq. casualties mount in Iraq. troops since the 2003 invasion, with 105 Americans killed. troops to Iraq or plan for the country’s salecanadagooseoutlets occupation and reconstruction.

The sometimes prickly defense chief also has had his detractors in Congress, including many Democrats and some fellow Republicans.

“There were many of us who had expressed Canada Goose Parka a lack of confidence” in Rumsfeld, Sen. John McCain, R Arizona, said Wednesday.

Bush said canada goose clearance while Rumsfeld’s resignation had been in the works for a canada goose uk shop period of time, he held off any announcement until Wednesday because he “didn’t want to inject a major decision about this war in the final days” of the election campaign.