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What did Bush say?

Well, as usual I didn't get a chance to listen. But here's the AP lead:

By TERENCE HUNT

AP White House Correspondent

WASHINGTON (AP) - Summing up a year of setbacks, President Bush conceded Wednesday that insurgents in Iraq thwarted U.S. efforts at "establishing security and stability throughout the country."

Looking to change course, Bush said he has not decided whether to order a short-term surge in U.S. troops in Iraq in hopes of gaining control of the violent and chaotic situation there.

"There's got to be a specific mission that can be accomplished with the addition of more troops before, you know, I agree on that strategy," the president said.

The president spoke as Robert Gates made his first visit to Iraq since being sworn in earlier in the week as defense secretary. Bush said he has asked his new Pentagon boss to report to him as quickly as possible on plans to enlarge the size of the Army and Marine

Corps.

At his traditional year-end news conference, Bush pledged to work with the new Democratic Congress, as well.

By the way, Amy Klobuchar is on Midday at 11. I probably won't have time to listen to her either!

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