The famously anti-intellectual president tells reporters: ” … I read the front page and I know the speculation. But I’m the decider and I decide what’s best. And what’s best is for Don Rumsfeld to remain as the secretary of defense.” (Via Huff Po.) “I’m the decider, and I decide what’s best” … someone call Jacob Weisberg to update his “Bushisms” book.


AP:

President Bush on Tuesday nominated Trade Representative Rob Portman (news, bio, voting record) as the White House budget director, turning to a Washington insider and longtime friend as part of an effort to re-energize the administration and boost the president’s record-low approval ratings. Bush also selected Susan Schwab, the deputy trade representative, to move up to the top trade job, replacing Portman.

Bush said more changes are in the works under his new chief of staff, Joshua Bolten.

“With a new man will come some changes,” the president said. But he emphasized anew that Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld’s job is safe, despite calls for his resignation from a half dozen retired military commanders.

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