Bush Demands Broad Homeland Powers

MOUNT RUSHMORE NATIONAL MEMORIAL, S.D. (AP) - With four presidents staring down at him and one potential rival, Tom Daschle, looking on, President Bush ( news - web sites) on Thursday demanded broad authority to oversee the new Homeland Security Department.

"I don't want our hands tied so we cannot do the number one job you expect, which is to protect the homeland," Bush said.

Just off to Bush's right was Daschle, the Senate majority leader who has clashed with Bush on how much flexibility Bush should have over the proposed department's personnel. Daschle, a Democrat who represents South Dakota, is considering challenging Bush in 2004.

The White House invited Daschle to the event, and Bush went out of his way to welcome him in opening remarks. But Bush also shouted at times, and seemed to look directly at Daschle occasionally, as he outlined an agenda that Daschle has frequently bottled up on Capitol Hill.