Bush Praises Rumsfeld
Charles Johnson
Mon May 10, 2004 at 2:35 pm PDT • Views: 125
Bush Praises Rumsfeld on War on Terror.
WASHINGTON - President Bush issued a strong endorsement of embattled Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld on Monday, telling him, “You are doing a superb job.”
The president also saw more than a dozen additional photos depicting scenes of U.S. troops abusing Iraqi prisoners, White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan said.
“The president’s reaction was one of deep disgust and disbelief that anyone who wears our uniform would engage in such shameful and appalling acts,” McClellan said. “It does not represent our United States military, and it does not represent the United States of America.”
The president was shown photos not yet seen by the public, a senior defense official said. …
With Rumsfeld at his side, Bush said his Cabinet officer was “courageously leading our nation in our war against terror. … You are a strong secretary of defense and our nation owes you a debt of gratitude.” …
Blinking into the cameras, Rumsfeld stood ramrod straight to Bush’s left with his hands clasped behind his back. Vice President Dick Cheney, who had over the weekend called Rumsfeld the best secretary of defense ever, also was there. …
Bush pledged that those who abused prisoners would be brought to justice.
“We will honor rule of law,” he said.
Bush said that “all prison operations in Iraq will be thoroughly reviewed to make certain that such offenses are not repeated.”
Frank says: