White House: Daschle Wasn’t Pushed

Press Secretary Gibbs repeatedly tells reporters Tuesday that there was no signal given to the former Cabinet nominee to pull out. "I don't know how much more clearly I can say 'no.'" Full transcript here. Plus: Axelrod tells reporters he thinks Obama was surprised by Daschle's decision. "There was no precursor of it." More quotes here. Earlier: Daschle drops HHS Secretary bid, citing distractions caused by his failure to pay $146,000 in back taxes. Full statement here. Obama statement: "I accept his decision to withdraw with sadness and regret..." More here.