Bush Dismisses 'Background Noise'

President Vows Not To Be Distracted By Political Problems

(CBS/AP)  Despite investigations of top aides and a tough fight on a Supreme Court nomination, President Bush is vowing to plow ahead with his agenda, reports CBS News Correspondent Peter Maer.

He pledged Thursday to avoid the "background noise" of political problems to focus on the nation's needs.

"The American people expect me to do my job, and I'm going to," the president said.

With his political stock falling and several allies under investigation, Mr. Bush tried to keep his focus on U.S. business at a White House news conference with Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas.

Even with a foreign leader at his side, it was hard for Mr. Bush to ignore the contretemps of Washington. He was asked about his political problems in general, and one in particular: the troubled nomination of Harriet Miers (video) to be a Supreme Court justice.

He acknowledged that Miers, a longtime friend, emerged from a "little different process from the norm."

After relative smooth sailing with the nomination of John Roberts to be chief justice, Mr. Bush faces criticism from both sides of the political divide — most notably from longtime conservative allies — over Miers. His claim that she is the most qualified candidate has been roundly criticized.

With opponents calling for her withdrawal, Mr. Bush said the process will show that Miers is a "competent, strong, capable woman" who shares his conservative judicial philosophy.

A federal prosecutor is wrapping up his investigation into the leak of a CIA agent's identity, putting the White House on edge as the fate of two senior advisers hang in the balance. Mr. Bush's long-serving political confidant, Karl Rove, and a top aide to Vice President Dick Cheney, I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby, are key figures in the inquiry.

Former House Leader Tom DeLay faces conspiracy and money-laundering charges in Texas. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist's stock transactions are being scrutinized by federal prosecutors and the Securities and Exchange Commission.

DeLay and Frist are loyal foot soldiers to the president in Congress. But their ethical issues threaten the White House legislative agenda.

Mr. Bush's political woes came into focus with a natural disaster: the sluggish response of state, local and federal governments to Hurricane Katrina dented his aura of sure-footed leadership. He has sought to recover politically by promising a massive relief effort on the Gulf Coast.

Asked how he is dealing with such a full plate, Mr. Bush said: "There is some background noise here, a lot of chatter, a lot of speculation and opining, but the American people expect me to do my job and I'm going to."