Obama Admits He "Screwed Up" With Nominations

Earlier today, President Obama said, "We know the only way to solve the great challenges of our time is to put aside stale ideology and petty partisanship, and embrace what works," while introducing new Commerce Secretary nominee Judd Gregg, a Republican senator. Of course, Gregg is the second nominee for that position—former New Mexico governor Bill Richardson dropped out due to a corruption probe. And, today, two other appointees—Nancy Killefer, Chief Performance Officer nominee, and former Senate majority leader Tom Daschle, Health and Human Services Secretary nominee—withdrew their names from the running due to tax issues, an issue that mired Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner's confirmation process in some drama.

Obama spoke to NBC News' Brian Williams tonight and admitted his mistakes. You can see video below; here's the President's answer when Williams asked if losing two nominees made him angry:

Oh it made me angry and disappointed and it's something I have to take responsibility for. I appointed these folks. I think they are outstanding people. I think Tom Daschle as an example could have led this health care effort, a difficult effort better than just about anybody. But as he acknowledged, this was a mistake. I don't think it was intentional on his part but it was a serious mistake. He owned up to it and ultimately made a decision that we couldn't afford the distraction and I've got to own up to my mistake which is that ultimately it's important for this administration to send a message that there aren't two sets of rules. You know, one for prominent people and one for ordinary folks who have to pay their taxes. And so I'm frustrated with myself, with our team, but ultimately my job is to get this thing back on track because what we need to focus on is a deteriorating economy and getting people back to work.

He also said, "I'm here on television saying I screwed up and that's part of the era of responsibility, is not never making mistakes, it's owning up to them and trying to make sure you never repeat them and that's what we intend to do." Obama spoke to a number of other news anchors about his mistake. Interestingly, many lawmakers of both parties were surprised about Daschle's decision, instead expecting for his confirmation to proceed. Now, the NY Times analyzes, "The abrupt collapse of Tom Daschle’s cabinet nomination on Tuesday undercut President Obama’s mission to expand health care by depriving him of an unusually well positioned architect for a big legislative campaign and leaving him without a backup plan."