During the six years of George Bush as President, he has made many statements about individuals who later on turned out to be perhaps not the best suited for their jobs. Here's a quick compilation of President Bush's own quoted statements and some background information about some of the individuals he has praised.
"I want to thank the grassroots activists. I want to thank ... and Tom Noe for their leadership in Lucas County." - October 29, 2004
Tom Noe, an Ohio Republican party fundraiser and activist, pleaded guilty of money laundering for the 2004 Bush-Cheney campaign and of theft and corruption in the Ohio "Coingate" scandal.
"I appreciate the leadership of Congressman Tom DeLay in working on important issues that matter to the country...He's been a very effective leader." - April, 2005
Tom Delay was indicted September 28, 2005 for conspiring to violate Texas state election law by using his political action committe, TRMPAC, to accept corporate contributions, launder the money through the Republican National Committee, and then direct it to Republican candidates in Texas.
"Brownie, you're doing a heckuva job." - September 2, 2005
After grossly incompetent handling of Hurricane Katrina recovery and amid allegations that he falsified portions of his resume, Michael Brown resigned on On September 12, 2005.
"I'm confident that Harriet Miers will add to the wisdom and character of our judiciary when she is confirmed as the 110th Justice of the Supreme Court." - October 3, 2005
Harriet Myers was nominated by President Bush for Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, but then the President withdrew her nomination after outcries over her lack of credentials and from conservative groups.
"I don't appreciate the speculation about Don Rumsfeld; he's doing a fine job; I strongly support him." - April 14, 2006
"America is safer and the world is more secure because of the service and the leadership of Donald Rumsfeld." - November 1, 2006
Donald Rumsfeld was the primary architect of the largely unsuccessful Iraq War, was in charge of the military during the Abu Ghraib prisoner abuse scandal, and used a machine to put his signature on over 1000 letters of condolence to families of soldiers killed in Afghanistan and Iraq.
"I've gotten to know ... and Roy Blunt over the past six years; I value their friendship, I look forward to working with them. And I know that the Republican Party is in good hands in the House of Representatives with these fine leaders." - January 26, 2007
Roy Blunt paid roughly $88,000 in fees since 2003 to Jim Ellis, a consultant indicted in 2005 with Tom DeLay for laundering campaign cash. Ellis, who ran Americans for a Republican Majority (ARMPAC), DeLay's national fundraising organization, was indicted in Texas along with DeLay for allegedly funneling corporate campaign contributions into Texas state elections in 2002 in violation of Texas law.
"I do have confidence in Attorney General Al Gonzales." - March 14, 2007
Alberto Gonzales is "an honest, honorable man in whom I have confidence." - April 23, 2007
Alberto Gonzales, as US Attorney General, was involved in the politically-motivated dismissals of eight US attorneys in 2006 and early 2007. His inconsistent admissions to Congress about his involvement have undermined his credibility as being suitable to lead the DOJ.
"I think Paul [Wolfowitz] will be a strong President of the World Bank. ... He's a compassionate, decent man who will do a fine job in the World Bank." - March 16, 2005
Paul Wolfowitz, one of the chief architects of the Iraq War, was pressured to step down from his post as President of the World Bank in April, 2007 after admitting to helping his girlfriend, an employee at the Bank, win a promotion and pay raise. This after he continued a wide-ranging effort to root out corruption.
If history is a guide, the future could be very interesting...
"Karl [Rove]'s got my complete confidence. He's a valuable member of my team." - August 2, 2005
"I trust Karl Rove." - June 14, 2006