Gates: ‘I Don’t Know’ Was Taken Out of Context

ABC News’ Luis Martinez Reports: Defense Secretary Robert Gates was taken out of context when he reportedly said "I don’t know" when asked by columnist David Brooks whether the Iraq war was worth it, Pentagon press secretary Geoff Morrell said Thursday.

Morrell said Gates told him his "I don’t know" comment was taken out of context, and that before he answered Brooks he rephrased the question to his liking.

"[Gates] tells me he deliberately rephrased the question to get it to a point where he was comfortable answering it," Morrell said, "And [Gates] answer to, "Would I have done the same things or would I have done it the same way?" is, "’I don’t know.’"

Gates, Morrell explained, was "not referring to the initial decision to invade Iraq."

Geoff noted Gates speeches prior to taking office, where he expressed support for overthrowing Saddam Hussein because he posed a threat to the region and said those statements "still stand."

During Thursday morning’s press conference when President Bush was asked if he construed Gates’ comments to Brooks as "second guessing" of his administration, Bush also referenced Gates’ support in overthrowing Saddam Hussein’s regime.

"I don’t know about this column, but I know his previous statements, he said getting rid of Saddam Hussein was the right decision," Bush said before reaffirming his backing of Gates.

Bush said: "I am absolutely convinced Secretary Gates knows that removing Saddam was the right thing, and I’m absolutely convinced he believes we will succeed in Iraq."