Clyburn: Rumsfeld Departure, Hope for New Direction in Iraq

(Washington, DC) -- House Democratic Caucus Chair James E. Clyburn had the following reaction today to President Bush accepting the resignation of Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld:

"I believe the American people spoke loud and clear to the Bush Administration in yesterday's election that they disapprove of the current direction in the war in Iraq. As a result, the President wasted no time in dumping Secretary Rumsfeld.

"This is victory for the American people. Rumsfeld's departure signals a change in course for the Iraq war. Democrats are committed to mapping a new direction in Iraq, and we will work with the President and the new Defense Secretary to ensure that the will of the American people guides our future actions.

"Our top priority is our troops, who are making the extraordinary effort to fulfill the mission they have been given. Democrats will work with this Administration to better define that mission and a realistic expectation of success in Iraq."