Bush Ducks Questions On Leak

(CBS/AP)  President Bush sidestepped questions Friday about whether he owes the American people an apology for the role of administration officials in the CIA leak case. He also refused to comment on calls for a staff shakeup.

"We're going through a very serious investigation," Mr. Bush told reporters at the America's Summit in Argentina. "I have told you before that I'm not going to discuss the investigation until it's completed. My obligation is to set an agenda and I have done that."

He also declined to say whether Karl Rove, his closest adviser on political matters, should remain in his job. Rove remains under investigation.

Asked about whether he would replace key members of his administration, as suggested by prominent Republicans, Mr. Bush said, "Again, you're trying to get me to comment on an investigation. I'm not going to do that."

Mr. Bush also deflected questions about public opinion surveys which show his credibility in steep decline. He said the way a president establishes credibility with people is to push "an agenda that relates to their lives."

Only 35 percent of Americans in this week's CBS News poll said they approve of the job Mr. Bush is doing, his lowest rating ever.

Mr. Bush's remarks came a day after Vice President Dick Cheney's former chief of staff pleaded not guilty to five criminal counts in the leak case.

Lewis "Scooter" Libby was charged with lying to investigators about leaking the identity of covert CIA operative Valerie Plame, wife of Bush administration critic Joseph Wilson.

Bush administration officials including the vice president could be summoned to testify in Libby's trial.

Senate Democratic leaders accused the White House on Thursday of continuing to "stonewall" on the case and demanded the administration clean house, reports CBS News correspondent Bob Fuss.

The Democrats noted that Cheney hasn't apologized for the actions of his chief of staff and promoted two other staffers who have been linked to the CIA leak affair as well.