In recent months, the Justice Department determined that new leadership in several of these positions would better serve the country. I strongly support the Attorney General in this decision. I also appreciate the hard work and service of the U.S. Attorneys who resigned. And I regret that their resignations have turned into a public spectacle. Earlier this week, my Administration presented to Congress a reasonable way forward that balances the constitutional prerogatives of the Presidency with Congress's interest in learning more facts behind the decision to replace eight of the 93 U.S. Attorneys.

Uhh, through it all, it's been, uhh — I, I have, umm, respected you. Umm, sometimes didn't like the stories that you wrote or reported on. Sometimes you, umm, misunderestimated me. But, always the relationship I have felt has been professional. And, uhh, I appreciate it.

Here's Derek. Derek is the CEO of a small bio-tech firm. He is a economic entrepreneur. But I'm heralding Derek today because he's also a social entrepreneur. He's a person that understands that with freedom comes the responsibility to nuv - love a neighbor like you'd like to be loved yourself. And I appreciate that spirit, Derek. He started what's called St. Louis Cares. It is a recruiting vehicle to help match people with kind heart with people who need kind hearts in their lives. And the reason I want to talk about the Dereks of the world is because in order to win the war against evil, this nation must continue to practice acts of decency and kindness and goodness. [Applause] That there is no question that the entrepreneurial spirit in America makes us unique, I think.

You know, I said — home ownership is valuable. We talked about home ownership here, how important it is — and somebody wakes up the next morning and their home's gone, and not only that, they ended up out in — somewhere else, you know? Good news is those people found love, which is a wonderful thing about our country. And I think about those kind of things, so to answer your question, I appreciate that, umm — first, I'm wise enough not to fall into your trap, because — there are some keen reporters payin' attention to every word I'm sayin'.

REPORTER: Mr. President, you've made it a practice of not commenting on potential personnel moves —
DUBYA: Of course I did.
REPORTER: — of calling it speculation —
DUBYA: You can understand why —
REPORTER: But on five —
DUBYA: — because we've got people's reputations at stake. And on Friday I stood up and said I don't appreciate the speculation about Don Rumsfeld. He's doing a fine job. I strongly support him.
REPORTER: But what do you say to critics who believe that you're ignoring the advice of retired generals, military commanders, who say that there needs to be a change?
DUBYA: I say, I listen to all voices, but mine's the final decision. And Don Rumsfeld is doin' a fine job.

Uhh, Mr. Ambassador, thanks for comin'. Ambassador, uh, Meh, Ma, Mallias is will us today. Mister Amb — there you are, right there, Ambassador. Thank you. It's good to see your wife. Appreciate you all bein' here. Ambassador, uhh, Kukouris of, umm — uhh, to Cyprus is with us — from Cyprus to U.S. is with us. Senator, thank you for comin'. It's good to see you again.

1983, uh, Tip O'Neill, Ronald Reagan, Bob Dole said, we've got a problem, let's, stret, see if we can't fix it. And they put together a 75-year fix, they said. First of all, I appreciate the spirit of Republicans and Democrats comin' together. But it wasn't a 70-yah, 5-year fix. This was 1953. We're only in 2005.

And all the representatives from America Samoa, really appreciate you all coming. Apologize for the weather, but I don't apologize for the policy, because we're fixing to do some fabulous policy.

I appreciate all the local and state officials who are here today. I particularly want to point out one person — Staff Sergeant John Forbess. I had the honor of meeting John at the base of Air Force One. He was severely wounded in a helicopter crash in Iraq in 2003. Yet, despite his wounds, he volunteers in the Fisher House.

I'm very fond of this part of the country. It's not that far away from my home state. And so, appreciate your time. Appreciate the good folks in this part of the world. I do want to thank all those who have said prayers for me and Laura during our presidency.

There's no doubt where he [Russian President Vladimir Putin] stands. That's why I like him. You don't have to guess. And he is concerned about it. Yet Russia appreciates the confidence-building and transparency measures that we have proposed, and declared that if agreed and implemented, such measures will be important and useful in ensuring Russia concerns.

Father Alex, good to see you again, sir, thanks. I appreciate very much my Greek — fellow Greek American citizens coming, as well as those who wear the uniform.

And so, [Lieutenant] General [Ray Odierno], I want to thank you for your service. And I appreciate the fact that you really snatched defeat out of the jaws of those who are trying to defeat us in Iraq.

There's one person with us today who remembers that first annual Christmas tree lighting — and, Santa, we are glad you're here. We know this is a busy time of year for you, and we're thrilled you're here, and we really appreciate you bringing Mrs. Claus. Both you and I married well.

This is a fantastic hall. It is really special. I know you all are proud of it. I appreciate the great history of this part of the world.

I appreciate the fact that Hank Paulson agreed to join my administration, after a long career as one of the world's most successful investment bankers. Here's how he puts it. He said, 'This is far and away the strongest global economy I've seen in my business lifetime.' In other words, not only is our economy strong, but so is the economies around the world.

I appreciate the Governor of this great state and his wife, Sue. I'm proud to call you friend, and thank you very much for your thoughtfulness today. The Governor gave me a helicopter tour of this beautiful part of the world. The tall ships were magnificent.

We talked about Darfur. We talked about Afghanistan and Iraq. And I appreciate very much the EU support of the international compact that will be meeting on Iraq here in Sharm el-Sheikh.

My position is, is that he [World Bank Group President Paul Wolfowitz] ought to stay. He ought to be given a fair hearing. And I appreciate the fact that he has advanced — he's helped the World Bank recognize that eradication of world poverty is an important priority for the bank.

The comfort women issue is a regrettable chapter in the history of the world, and I accept the Prime Minister's apology. I thought it was very — I thought his statements — Kono's statement, as well as statements here in the United States were very straightforward and from his heart. ...We had a personal visit on the issue. He gave his — he told me what was on his heart about the issue, and I appreciated his candor.

Earlier today, my staff met with congressional leaders about the resignations of U.S. Attorneys. As you know, I have broad discretion to replace political appointees throughout the government, including U.S. Attorneys. And in this case, I appointed these U.S. Attorneys and they served four-year terms. ...I recognize there is significant interest in the role the White House played in the resignations of these U.S. Attorneys. ...I also want to say something to the U.S. Attorneys who resigned. I appreciate your service to the country. And while I strongly support the Attorney General's decision and am confident he acted appropriately, I regret these resignations turned into such a public spectacle.

President Calderón is taking a tough stand against organized crime and drugs, and I appreciate that. I made it very clear to the President that I recognize the United States has a responsibility in the fight against drugs. And one major responsibility is to encourage people to use less drugs.

Mr. President, thanks. Your press conferences are nice. I appreciate the Brazilian press for coming. Glad the American press behaved okay. Be careful, they may spend a lot of time at the bars around here.

I appreciate the Mayor. Mayor, are you here somewhere? Oh, Mayor, good to see you. Thank you for serving. Appreciate it — just fill the potholes, that's all I can tell you. And I'm sure you are.

Failure — and this is what is hard, I think, for the American people to understand and one of the reasons why I appreciate talking to you is that people have got to understand that if we fail in Iraq, it is likely there will be safe haven from which people will be able to launch attacks from America.

I appreciate the Mayor of Columbus, Georgia, Mayor Wetherington. Mr. Mayor, thank you for being here. Thanks for coming. Mayor Hardin, of Phenix City, Alabama has joined us. Mr. Mayor, appreciate you coming. I know you didn't ask, neither of the Mayors asked, but sometimes I like to remind them, just go ahead and fill the potholes. I'm not suggesting there are any, it's just my advice.

I appreciate the Chaplain for the Navy — excuse me, for the Marine Corps. I didn't mean to insult you.

I appreciate the Prime Minister's answer to this lad — we call them lads, in Great Britain.

I'm proud to be the first sitting American President to visit Estonia. I'm really glad I came. Yours is a beautiful country and a strong friend and ally of the United States. I appreciate the warm welcome I've received. My only regret is that Laura is not with me. She's receiving the Christmas tree at the White House. She sends her very best, Mr. President.

The stakes are high. As a matter of fact, they couldn't be higher. ...The strategic goal is to help this young democracy succeed in a world in which extremists are trying to intimidate rational people in order to topple moderate governments and to extend a caliphate. The stakes couldn't be any higher, as I said earlier, in the world in which we live. ...Our policy is to help this country succeed, because I understand the stakes. I'm going to repeat them one more time. As a matter of fact, I'm going to spend a lot of time repeating the stakes about what life is like in the Middle East. ...And so Iraq is an important part of dealing with this problem. And my vow to the American people is I understand the stakes, and I understand what it would mean for us to leave before the job is done. And I look forward to listening how — what Jimmy Baker and Lee Hamilton say about how to get the job — I appreciate them working on this issue because I think they understand what I know, and the stakes are high. And the stakes are high when it comes to developing a Palestinian state so that Israel can live at peace. And the stakes are high when it comes to making sure the young democracy of Lebanon is able to fend off the extremists and radicals that want to crater that democracy. ...I understand how hard it is. And I also understand the stakes. ...We'll change tactics when we need to change tactics to help this young democracy succeed. But the stakes are high if we were to leave. ...The stakes are really high.

STUDENT: My question is in regards to private military contractors. Uniform Code of Military Justice does not apply to these contractors in Iraq. I asked your Secretary of Defense a couple months ago what law governs their actions.
DUBYA: I was going to ask him. Go ahead. Help.
STUDENT: I was hoping your answer might be a little more specific. Mr. Rumsfeld answered that Iraq has its own domestic laws which he assumed applied to those private military contractors. However, Iraq is clearly not currently capable of enforcing its laws, much less against — over our American military contractors. I would submit to you that in this case, this is one case that privatization is not a solution. And, Mr. President, how do you propose to bring private military contractors under a system of law?
DUBYA: I appreciate that very much. I wasn't kidding — I was going to — I pick up the phone and say, Mr. Secretary, I've got an interesting question. This is what delegation — I don't mean to be dodging the question, although it's kind of convenient in this case, but never — I really will — I'm going to call the Secretary and say you brought up a very valid question, and what are we doing about it? That's how I work. I'm — thanks.

I appreciate Lieutenant General Michel Maisonneuve. She's in the Canadian Air Force. She's NATO Headquarters Supreme Allied Commander Transformation Chief of Staff.

I want to thank Mayor Tom Dale of Nampa. I appreciate you, Mr. Mayor. Mr. Mayor — he didn't ask for any advice, but I'll give you some anyway — fill the potholes.

The comments by the number two man of Al Qaeda make it clear that Iraq is a part of this war on terror, and we're at war. In other words, he's saying, leave. As I have told the American people, one, that people like Zawahiri have an ideology that is dark, dim, backwards. They don't trust — they don't appreciate women. If you don't agree to their narrow view of a religion you'll be whipped in the public square. That's their view, and they have tactics to help spread that view. In other words, they've got goals. They want to spread that point of view throughout the world, starting in the broader Middle East. And part of their goal is to drive us out of the broader Middle East, precisely what Zawahiri said. In other words, he's threatening.

I want to — I appreciate our Secretary of State who has joined us today. Condoleezza Rice, I'm proud you're here. Thanks for joining us. You're doing a fabulous job, by the way.

DUBYA: I appreciate the Secretary of Energy joining me today. He's a good man, he knows a lot about the subject, you'll be pleased to hear. I was teasing him — he taught at MIT, and — do you have a PhD?
SECRETARY OF ENERGY BODMAN: Yes.
DUBYA: Yes, a PhD. Now I want you to pay careful attention to this — he's the PhD, and I'm the C student, but notice who is the advisor and who is the President.

I want to thank the President and the CEO of Constellation Energy, Mayo Shattuck. That's a pretty cool first name, isn't it, Mayo. Pass the Mayo. His wife, Molly, appreciated that.

I appreciate the President's good advice — and we share the same goals — peace on the Korean Peninshula — and peace throughout the world. We share the same goals. We want our peoples to grow up in a peaceful society that's a prosperous society... I would say the alliance is very strong, Mr. President. And I want to thank you for your, your frank assessment, uhh, and, uhh, of the situation on, on the peninshula. And I'm lookin’ forward to having lunch with you. I'm hungry, like you are... Uhh, no, I, I, I, I – the South Korea and the United States share the same goal, and that is a Korean Peninshula without a nukyular weapon... We're making it very clear to him that the way to join the community of nations is to, uhh, is to listen to, uhh, uhh, China and South Korea and Japan and Russia — and the United States — and that is to give up nukyular weapons. And, uhh, we'll continue to work, to have one voice.

MR. MOORE: Today I'm very grateful that I have that safety net. But I'm also fully aware, sir, that this is not about me, it's about the 30-year-olds today, and the children and the grandchildren today — of which I'm happy to say that two, wherever they are, Heather and Alicia —
DUBYA: Don't hide now. There they are. Lousy seats. Wait a minute. You thought they would get a better seat, with their grandfather up here starring, the way he is. Sorry about that. Talk to the advance man, you know. Blame it on the Chamber. This is a generational issue. Jack, do you have any concern that you're not going to get your check?
MR. MOORE: Oh, not a bit. This is not about me.
DUBYA: I appreciate him understanding that. Some are concerned you're not going to get your check. I know that. Some seniors hear the debate, and all they think is, well, that just means old George W. is going to make sure I don't get my check. That's just not the way it's going to work, folks. And Jack understands that. Once you understand that, if you got your check here in Arizona, then do you know what the next question is going to be? Just like Jack — what are you going to do for my grandkids? You've got a problem, members of Congress, Mr. President. Go fix it now so that we don't saddle my grandkids with an unnecessary burden.

I really appreciate the different backgrounds of the people who spoke. We had your entrepreneur, we had your academic, we had your corporate leader, we just had plain old citizens show up.

AUDIENCE MEMBER: With expansions to the Patriot Act and Patriot Act II, my question to you is, why are my rights being watered down and my citizens' around me? And what are the specific justifications for these reforms?
DUBYA: I appreciate that. I really don't think your rights are being watered down. As a matter of fact, I wouldn't support it if I thought that. Every action being taken against terrorists requires court order, requires scrutiny.

Mr. Chairman — you probably think I've come here to sign an important piece of legislation. Actually, I'm here for a different reason. The south lawn of the White House has a lot of grass — I'm looking for somebody to mow it. And so Mr. Chairman, you shall now be known as 'Grass-mower.' And, by the way, when you're through using that car — I've always liked an old Olds. I appreciate you being here, Mr. Chairman. Proud to call you friend. ...And I really do appreciate working with Mr. Chairman.

I appreciate the good folks from Minnesota and Iron Ridge and Northern Wisconsin who are with us today. Thanks for coming. And by the look of things, I'm in Bush-Cheney country.

I just met with Specialist Chris Hill's family from North Carolina. You know, I told the family how much we appreciated his sacrifice — he was killed in Iraq — and assured him that we would stay the course.

We increased expenses, particularly in two areas — the military. If I put somebody in harm's way, they're going to get the best, as far as I'm concerned. [Audience applauses...] Thank you all. Sit down, please. Yes, I appreciate you applauding our troops. That's who you're applauding.

I appreciate Charlie Curie here, he's the administration of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services of the Department of Health and Human Services.

Yes, that's a — first of all, Mom, you're doing — that's tough. But it's — I appreciate that. I appreciate the idea of you wanting to give your children the education from you and the mom.

Pete, I appreciate your friendship. Just one piece of advice. Just remember, it's the birds that's supposed to suffer, not the hunter.

I really appreciate the hardworking staff — the docs, the nurses, the people who make this fantastic facility operate in a way that makes me pride, and in a way that will make every American proud when they learn your story.

I appreciate Dwight Adams, who is the Director of the FBI Laboratory. He just gave me a fine tour. It's pretty sophisticated facilities.

And, obviously, the more help we can get, the more we appreciate it. And we are continuing to work with other nations to ask their help advice.

I appreciate the desire for flexibility, I support the governor's desire for flexibility so long as, one, federal monies going to the states are used only for Head Start. In other words, what we really don't want to do is say we're going to focus on Head Start, the Head Start money goes for, you know, the prison complex — I know that won't happen with Governor Ehrlich, but there needs to be a guarantee that the federal money spent on Head Start, only go to Head Start. Secondly, states and local governments must put money into the program, which would lock in the Head Start money for Head Start. So, the flexibility given to the State would not allow the state's budget flexibility. Governors ought to have that flexibility to hope that Congress will provide that flexibility so that when the accountability systems kick in, fully kick in, that a governor can truthfully say, well, I've had the tools necessary to make sure the Head Start program fits into an overall comprehensive plan for literacy and math for every child in the state of Maryland, in Governor Ehrlich's case.

I appreciate [Florida Governor] Jeb [Bush] — talk about swamping somebody, he knows the definition of 'swamp' when it comes to political campaigns.

The American people appreciate Ireland's work... to help secure passage of Resolution 1441. ...We appreciate our own support for ensuring that the just demands of the world are enforced.

I want to thank all the local and state officials who are here with us today. I see governors and county judges, mayors for coming. My own mayor — the Mayor of Washington, D.C., I appreciate you coming, Mr. Mayor. I want to thank the local and state law enforcement officials who are here, the chiefs of police and fire chiefs who are with us today. I see the chief of my city now is here as well. Thank you, Mr. Chief, for coming.

I'm honored that Governor Shaheen is here today. I appreciate her taking time out of her schedule to come and pay her respects to the Presidency.

I appreciate all the members of Congress working to come up with a resolution. It sends a clear signal to the world that this country is determined to disarm Iraq, and thereby bring peace to the world.

I appreciate these two senators here, standing strong for doing what's right, for leaving a legacy behind so future Presidents can more likely deal with an enemy who could care less about rules and regulations, an enemy which is willing to move fast.

I want to appreciate very much Congressman John Conyers as well, and Sander Levin and Nick Smith from the both Republicans and Democrats.

I appreciate so very much the Prime Minister, Jean Chretien, for joining us here. He has been a steadfast friend. I really enjoy dealing with him on a personal basis. He's a plain-spoken fellow, with a good sense of humor. Probably won't go too good up here in Canada, but he'd be a great Texan.

I want to appreciate Don Nickles.

I appreciate Congressman Greg Walden being here, as well. I don't know if —All I can see is a hand and an shining head. But Walden is a good man; he's doing a fabulous job as a congressman.

I came away from that summit that the small business person feels constrained by tax policy and regulatory policy and I was really appreciated the people coming.

I appreciate so very much your governor, Bill Janklow, for being here. Bill has been a friend of mine for a long period of time. He might have invented the word "piece of work." But he's a good piece of work.

I appreciate some of the good folks who work here in Michigan — the Lt. Governor Dick Posthumus is here. Candice Miller is supposed to be here somewhere. I appreciate Candice is the Michigan Secretary of State.

It's important for us to be realistic about how to provide help so that there is insurance coverage for projects. We can do so that creates jobs — not jobs for trial lawyers. We must not have legislation — this legislation must keep in mind the workers of America, and not open up our government and/or employers to unnecessary and frivolous and junk lawsuits. And I appreciate — I appreciate the reform-minded folks here in the state of Alabama who understand that junk and frivolous lawsuits affect small business owners like Thornton. It makes it hard for him to expand his business, to hire people. Listen, you ought to have your day in court, no question about it. But we've got to make sure that these junk and frivolous lawsuits stop running up the cost of doing business and make it harder for people to employ people here in America.

I appreciate you hear me say that I appreciate the fact that our country prays for me and Laura.

And I appreciate so very much the honorary degree you're conferring upon me today. I'm delighted that George Steinbrenner is receiving one as well. I guess we're both being honored as legends of baseball — legends, at least, in our own minds.

I really am honored to be here with [Alaska Senator] Ted [Stevens]. ...I appreciate he's a straightforward fellow. ...That's good for the Senate, that's good for the people of Alaska and, more importantly, it's good for the United States of America.

I appreciate Thomas Downs, who's your superintendent. Interestingly enough, he showed me a picture of he and my dad when he was — I think a teacher, he said — in Iowa.

I want to thank Al Gonzales. He's "mi abogado". He's been my lawyer, he's been — served on the — as Secretary of State in Texas. He's served on the U.S. — or the Texas Supreme Court. He and his able staff work long hours to really find the best possible nominees for the bench. And I want to — I appreciate Al's leadership, and I appreciate those who work with Al on behalf of the White House for their long hours.

I had great visits with the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia. They're — according to some American newspapers, they're, you know, very much engaged, and I appreciate that. I'm pleased with that. I think that's a positive development.

I want to appreciate the Senate Majority Leader, Tom Daschle, for being here today.

I appreciate Lieutenant Governor Judi Kell for being here. Great to see you again, Judi.

I appreciate so very much Tom Ridge's service. You know, he was a governor there in Pennsylvania, just kind of cruising along.

I confirmed to the prime minister that we appreciate our friendship.

I appreciate that question because I, in the state of Texas, had heard a lot of discussion about a faith-based initiative eroding the important bridge between church and state.

This is Preservation Month. I appreciate preservation. It's what you do when you run for president. You gotta preserve.