Defense Secretary Rumsfeld Resigns, Bush Appoints Former CIA Director Successor

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• JIM LEHRER:

  President Bush conceded Republicans took a thumping on Election Day, but he said today he wants to work with the Democrats. Here are excerpts from his White House news conference.

  GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States: Say, why all the glum faces? Yesterday the people went to the polls, and they cast their vote for a new direction in the House of Representatives. And while the ballots are still being counted in the Senate, it is clear the Democrat Party had a good night last night. And I congratulate them on their victories.

  I'm obviously disappointed with the outcome of the election. And as the head of the Republican Party, I share a large part of the responsibility.

  I've told my party's leaders that it is now our duty to put the elections behind us and work together with the Democrats and independents on the great issues facing this country.

  This morning, I also spoke with the Democrats. I told Congresswoman Pelosi that I look forward to working with her and her colleagues to find common ground in the next two years.

  The election has changed many things in Washington, but it has not changed my fundamental responsibility, and that is to protect the American people from attack. As the commander in chief, I take these responsibilities seriously, and so does the man who served this nation honorably for almost six years as our secretary of defense, Donald Rumsfeld.

  Now, after a series of thoughtful conversations, Secretary Rumsfeld and I agreed that the timing is right for new leadership at the Pentagon. I appreciate your interest. Now, I'll answer some questions.

  Terry?