White House Gaggle

By Kevin Little
The president had his usual briefings this morning. He was interviewed this
morning by "The Sun" about his upcoming trip to the United Kingdom. He also
participated in the presentation of the National Humanities Medal Awards with

Mrs. Bush and Mrs. Cheney. He will later tape a radio address on Medicare. At
11:25 this morning the President will meet with President Ciampi of Italy to
discuss relations, the war on terrorism and Iraq. He will have lunch in the
residence with President Ciampi. This afternoon the President will sign the
Proclamation in honor of the "National Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve
Week" (Nov. 16-22).

On Iraq:

In response to questions on Ambassador Bremer, White House Press Secretary Scott
McClellan said Bremer will continue to have discussions with members of the
Iraqi Governing Council to determine how to transfer power to the Iraqi people
as soon as possible.

On questions regarding Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld’s recent remarks about
accelerated efforts in Iraq, McClellan said, "We are working to . . . accelerate our
efforts on all fronts. That includes the security front, the political front
and the reconstruction front."

Concerning questions on a quote by the President saying that U.S. forces will
not leave Iraq until they capture Saddam Hussein, McClellan said, "We will stay
until the mission is complete, and the mission . . . is until we achieve a free,
peaceful and democratic Iraq." McClellan said there will be continued
discussions with Iraqis, and that "we will stay as long as necessary, and not a
day longer."

On gubernatorial campaign support:

In response to a question about why, after the President visited the Republican
gubernatorial campaign sites in Kentucky and Mississippi, he had not been to
Louisiana to support candidate Bobby Jindal, McClellan said the President fully
supports Jindal and will continue to do so.

Next week:

On Monday, the President will participate in photo opportunities with recipients
of the 2003 Nobel Awards, and will participate in a meeting with Iraqi women
leaders. On Tuesday the President will depart for London, England.