WASHINGTON -- If he didn't think the mission in Iraq were vital to U.S. security, President George W. Bush said Wednesday, he would bring the troops "home tomorrow."

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Speaking at a news conference at the White House, Bush called the situation in Iraq a war "against extremists and radicals" and said security at home depends on Iraq not becoming a terrorist haven. While he said he is "not satisfied" with the situation, he said the U.S. is "absolutely" winning.

Acknowledging the deaths of 93 U.S. troops this month, Bush said the losses are of "serious concern" to him. But he said the only way the United States would lose is by leaving before the job is done.

The president said he believes Americans "want to win" and will be supportive as long as they can see a "path to victory." To that end, Bush said an independent panel is looking at the war, and that he will "carefully consider" any proposal to achieve victory.

Bush also insisted that, despite his frequent calls to "stay the course" in speeches this year and last, his administration is not inflexible when it comes to handling the violence.

"As the enemy shifts tactics, we are shifting our tactics as well," he said. "Our goals are unchanging," he said, but we "we are flexible in our methods" to achieve those goals.

"There is tough fighting ahead. The road to victory will not be easy. We should not expect a simple solution," Bush said. "The fact that the fighting is tough does not mean that our efforts in Iraq are not worth it." He said the war in Iraq will have a "decisive impact" on the security of the U.S.

He said he's met too many people who have lost husbands and wives, too many children who have lost parents, to abandon the fight now. He said he owes it to them, and to families who still have loved ones in harm's way, to ensure that their "sacrifices are not in vain."

Bush's meeting with reporters came less than two weeks before midterm elections where Republicans are anxious about losing control of the House or Senate -- or both. Iraq has emerged as the top issue and polls show that most Americans are unhappy with the president's strategy.

October has been the deadliest month this year for American forces. The military Tuesday announced the deaths of two more U.S. Marines, a sailor and a soldier. Since the start of the war, more than 2,800 U.S. service members have died in Iraq. There are currently 144,000 U.S. servicemen or servicewomen in Iraq.

The Baghdad government has agreed to a schedule for resolving issues such as disarming illegal militias and death squads, Bush said. As that happens, the U.S. is working with political and religious leaders in Iraq, urging them to restrain their followers.

Bush acknowledged that after decades of Saddam Hussein's rule, reconciling grievances in Iraq has not been easy.

Rumsfeld Defended

Bush took another opportunity to defend Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, even as he admitted that "many Americans are not satisfied with the situation" in Iraq.

Bush said he's "satisfied" with how Rumsfeld has "done all his jobs." He described Rumsfeld as a "smart, tough, capable administrator."

Bush also said any accountability for the war in Iraq rests with the president himself.

Bush Enjoys Campaigning

Bush said Democrats appear to be "dancing in the end zone" before scoring the touchdown in the Nov. 7 elections. But the president said he is confident the GOP won't lose control of Congress.

Bush said he believes the elections will come down to a referendum on which party can keep the economy growing and protect the American people. On the latter, Bush adds success in Iraq will make the United States more secure.

However, national polls have consistently shown in recent months that most Americans see the war in Iraq as separate from the overall world on terrorism, and most are unhappy with how the war is going.

The president said he likes campaigning, calling it "what guys like me do." Yet he acknowledges there are some fellow Republicans who don't want him on their campaign trail, something Bush insists he's "not resentful" about.

He also quips that he doesn't mind Democrats using his picture in their ads, but asks that they "pick out a good one."

North Korea 'Tests Will'

Bush said North Korea's leader is "testing the will" of the countries that are challenging North Korea's nuclear weapons testing.

North Korea warned South Korea on Wednesday not to join international sanctions against the North. The warning said South Korea would "pay a high price" if it joins the U.S.-led drive to punish Pyongyang for its nuclear test.

"The leader of North Korea likes to threaten," Bush said, adding that this isn't the first time Kim Jong Il has issued threats.

Bush said the U.S. will remind its partners that by working together, they're more likely to "solve this program diplomatically."

Iran Urged Against Isolationism

An "active" diplomatic effort is under way to deal with Iran, Bush said, pointing to a blue ribbon commission, led by former Secretary of State James Baker, is considering whether the U.S. should solicit help from Iran in handling Iraq.

The president said the United States has "a lot of issues" with the Tehran government, including whether it will help the fledgling governments succeed in Iraq and Lebanon.

Then there is the nuclear issue. Bush said if the Iranians will take verifiable actions to stop enriching uranium, the U.S. will talk to them on several issues. He said both Iran's government and people need to realize there's a better way forward than to be isolated.

Bush said he is also sending a message to Syria that it needs to stop Hezbollah militants from plotting attacks and undermining the Lebanese government.