Bush Backs Rove, Palmeiro, 'Intelligent Design'

"Q On another Texas-related subject, when did you first know and how did you find out that Karl Rove had discussed Joseph Wilson's wife with a reporter?

"THE PRESIDENT: We're in the midst of a serious investigation. There is a very fine lawyer looking into all this, all the allegations. I caution the media not to prejudge. I will be glad to comment on the particulars of this investigation once it's finished. Karl has got my complete confidence. He's a valuable member of my team. And Mr. Fitzgerald will complete his work, and when he does we will all know the facts.

"Q You have said [if] anyone violated the law, they would be out of your administration. Are there measures lower than the law that would force you to ask someone to leave your administration?

"THE PRESIDENT: See, what's happened here in this case is that many have started to prejudge the outcome of Mr. Fitzgerald's investigation in the newspapers. And I've asked people to wait until he puts out his report. And I'll be more than happy to comment upon that when I find out the facts.

"Q Without telling us the facts, which clearly you won't, do you at this point --

"THE PRESIDENT: Well, how do -- I mean, how do you know --

"Q -- do you feel like you know the facts about what happened involving your staff members?

"THE PRESIDENT: We have been -- we have been cautioned about talking about this issue.

"Q Even amongst yourselves and amongst the staff?

"THE PRESIDENT: Yes.

"Q Okay. So you don't know the facts on what Mr. Rove may or may not have said?

"THE PRESIDENT: As you know, I occasionally read the newspapers. It depends on who the writer is, in your case --