US president Barack Obama admitted in TV interviews that he has made mistakes. The admission came as two key nominees withdrew from his administration due to tax wrongdoings and questions were raised about several appointees for not meeting standards set by Obama.
"I think I screwed up. I take responsibility for it and we’re going to make sure we fix it," he said.
In a setback to Obama’s two-week administration, Tom Daschle and Nancy Killefer withdrew from their nominated posts of secretary of health and White House chief performance officer. Both had failed to pay taxes.
Obama accepted responsibility for the mistake his team made in vetting individuals about whom questions were raised.
"What became clear to me is that we can’t send a message … that we have got two sets of rules: one for prominent people and one for ordinary people. I consider this a mistake on my part and one that I intend to fix and correct," Obama said.