Lugar, Bayh Split on Rumsfeld's Fate

April 16, 2006 — -- In an exclusive interview on "This Week with George Stephanopoulos," Sen. Richard Lugar, R-Ind., defended the President's decision to stand by Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, insisting, "I think that's a good call."

Also appearing exclusively on "This Week," Sen. Evan Bayh, D-Ind., Lugar's Indiana counterpart in the Senate, called for the Rumsfeld's resignation two years ago and reiterated that call with criticism for the president, asserting, "This is about the president's decision-making and judgment."

Bayh contrasted Bush's leadership with President Lincoln's stewardship of the Civil War.

"[Lincoln] changed commanders until he found the right team," Bayh said. "This president just doesn't seem to be able to do that."

On the issue of whether or not the United States should set a firm deadline by which troops would withdraw from Iraq, the Hoosier senators had more in common.

"There's no question that we have to put the pressure on the Iraqi leadership," Bayh said. But he backed away from supporting any deadlines, believing, "We need to give ourselves some flexibility here."

Sounding a similar but more optimistic tone, Lugar countered, "I think there's plenty of pressure on the Iraqi leadership."

"I would cool it a little bit with regard to deadlines," he added. "These are comfortable for Americans who are frustrated with the whole war."

Lugar told ABC News chief Washington anchor Stephanopoulos he supported direct talks with Iran, while Bayh cautioned, "I don't think we should have any illusions either, George; I don't think they will respond to words alone."

Bayh added that the United States needed to impose "tangible consequences" on Iran. But Lugar, chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, held back, saying of any sanctions, "I would hold off for the time being until we're certain they're going to be effective. … I believe for the moment we ought to cool this one too."