Stop on a dime?_其他_趣味英语-查字典英语网

Stop on a dime?

- Honouring a great, NHL.com, July 2, 2009.

2. For five years, ever since the Sept. 11 attacks, President Bush has pursued the war in Iraq, his legislative agenda and his policies for fighting terrorism with a single-mindedness that inspired admiration among the Republican faithful -- and, if the election results are an accurate gauge, increasing consternation among the American public.

This afternoon, Bush showed that he could turn on a dime if necessary: Bush ousted Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld only a week after telling reporters he would stay through the end of the administration. And he voiced great willingness to work with Democrats on Capitol Hill, following an election campaign in which he regularly impugned the opposition for policies he said could weaken America and lead to the victory of terrorists.

At a news conference today, Bush made clear that had heard the results of Tuesday’s stunning election results, which left Bush facing not only a House but also, possibly, a Senate in the hands of the opposition party -- should the narrow Democratic lead in Virginia hold up.

Bush offered an unusual dose of self-criticism, saying he shares a “large part of the responsibility” for Tuesday’s GOP election debacle. He said he hopes to find “common ground” with the Democrats and he wanted a “fresh perspective” at the Pentagon. Asked how he could work with the Democrats after harsh rhetoric on both sides, Bush replied: “I’ve been around politics a long time; I understand when campaigns end, and I know when governing begins. And I am going to work with people of both parties.”