George Bush actually said...

"He's a good, decent man. He's a caring fellow. You know, sometimes perhaps his demeanor is rough and gruff, but beneath that rough and gruff, no-nonsense demeanor is a good human being, who cares deep..."

"When I asked the (UNINTELLIGIBLE) -- the secretary to stay on as secretary of defense, I was very pleased when he said yes. And I asked him to stay on because I understand the nature of the job of the..."

"You are doing a superb job. You are a strong secretary of defense. And our nation owes you a debt of gratitude."

"I have seen the anguish in his, or heard the anguish in his voice and seen his eyes when we talk about the danger in Iraq. You know, sometimes, perhaps, his demeanor is rough and gruff, but beneath th..."