Bush sees himself as flexible with 'thick hide'

WASHINGTON, Jan 15 (Reuters) President George W Bush says he is flexible and open-minded, rather than stubborn, but with a ''thick hide'' to absorb criticism.

In an interview with CBS's ''60 Minutes'' conducted last week, Bush also denied his spirits had suffered because the Iraq war had not gone as well as hoped.

''Quite the contrary,'' he said, according to a transcript of the interview airing yesterday. ''My spirits are strong.

''I really am not the kind of guy that sits here and says, 'Oh, gosh, I'm worried about my legacy.' I'm more worried about making the right decisions to protect the United States of America,'' he said.

''I understand criticism. But I've got a pretty thick hide.'' Bush was asked if he agreed with a perception that he was stubborn.

''I think I'm a flexible open-minded person. I really do. I really do,'' he said.

Bush said he spent a lot of time listening to people about Iraq policy. His new strategy to send 21,500 additional troops to Iraq has met a wall of opposition from Democrats who now control Congress, as well as disagreement from some Republicans.

''I fully understand the decisions I make could affect the life of some kid who wears the uniform,'' Bush said. ''Or could affect the life of some child growing up in America 20 years from now.'' Reuters AD VP0750