Replies

Bayh: You serve at the pleasure of the President. I assume he sets policy and accepts responsiblity for implementation. Long tradition of buck stopping at 1600 PA Av. Question of presidential response. Difficult question is to follow up on Graham's question: your resignation has been called for. You said if you could not be effective you would step down, but not because of a political witch hunt.

Though you weren't involved in underlying acts, wouldn't it help our reputation if you did step down?

Rumsfeld: It's possible.

Bayh: Effort may be bogging down. Read from Tom Friedman's column of yesterday. "In danger of losing America as _____ of morality." Do you believe we're on the right course, or is it necessary to regain momentum.

Rumsfeld: It's a tough road, a bumpy road. I am convinced that we are doing exactly what ought to be done -- pass responsiblity to Iraqis, recognizing that they must provide for their own security -- why so much effort into training.

Chambliss: Tear down Abu Graib. One thing leaders sometimes do is hide behind underlings. But Rumsfeld came in and admitted mistake was made and he will correct mistake shows what kind of leader he is. I commend you. I commend you on selection of General Miller. Observed interrogations on Gitmo; Miller did correct problems there.

General Rider made report based on October visit. That's when alleged atrocities took place. Rider said he wasn't told. Atrocities occured on night shift? Failure in chain of command. Hope you will address.

Re guards trained to guard and in GC provisions. But these guards were not trained. Hope you're improving training, esp. for reservists. Reserve brigade - poor leadership and poor training. Failure in chain of command. Must assure that there's no good ol' boy system in the U.S. Army. Must get to the bottom, corrective action, criminal action. Failure in keeping info from Rumsfeld.

Rumsfeld: Investigations must go forward, respecting rights but reflecting gravity. Does not matter one whit where it falls.

Smith: Reserve unit must be on same standard as regular.

Chamblis: Tagabu report says reserve unit did not receive the same training.