'I think I screwed up' admits Obama

Washington, Feb 4: US President Barack Obama admitted on Tuesday, Feb 3 that he has committed mistakes after his two key nominees withdrew from his administration because of tax wrongdoings.

Obama said , 'I think I screwed up' after his political soul mate and pick to lead health reform Tom Daschle withdrew in a storm over personal tax issues.

It is the worst day for Obama in the White House and a setback to his two-week old administration. He also lost another nominee, Nancy Killefer. Nancy was named as government budget watchdog, and termed one of his most 'important' appointments -- also over tax issues.

Obama took the responsibilities of the mistake that his team has made where questions are being raised about several other appointees for not meeting the standards set by him.

In a interview Obama admitted: "I don't want to send a message to the American people that there are two sets of standards, one for powerful people, and one for ordinary folks who are working every day and paying their taxes."

"I think this was a mistake. I think I screwed up. And, you know, I take responsibility for it and we're going to make sure we fix it so it doesn't happen again," he said.

Obama had hoped to pile pressure on senators debating his massive stimulus plan, but the distractions scuppered the media offensive as he was forced to face down ethics questions instead.

OneIndia News (With inputs from Agencies)