    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 46 (Monday, November 20, 2006)]
    [Pages 2044-2045]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

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    The President's Radio Address

    November 11, 2006

        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 frontlines 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

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    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 Qaida 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.

    Note: The address was recorded at 12:15 p.m. on November 10 in the
    Cabinet Room at the White House for broadcast at 10:06 a.m. on November
    11. The transcript was made available by the Office of the Press
    Secretary on November 10 but was embargoed for release until the
    broadcast. The Office of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish
    language transcript of this address.