White House Gaggle

By Jay Tamboli
Press Secretary McClellan started the briefing by noting that three years ago today was President Bush’s inauguration.

President’s Schedule:

The President began his day with his usual briefings, followed by a meeting with the Foreign Minister of India. The President congratulated the Minister on the progress being made on the relationship between Pakistan and India, and the two discussed the strategic partnership between Indian and the US. The President will be doing one final walkthrough of his remarks this morning, and then at 11:00 he will welcome Iraqi Governing Council President Adnan Pachachi. This evening at 9:01 PM the President will address Congress on the State of the Union. Excerpts from the speech and a seating chart of guests in the First Lady’s box will be out by 5:00. Embargoed remarks and a fact sheet on proposed policies will be released by 8:00. There will be no briefings today. On Ask the White House today is White House Communications Director Dan Bartlett at 2:00 PM. Tomorrow the White House will host Radio Day, which will provide radio hosts opportunities to talk with cabinet members and senior administration officials.

Press Secretary McClellan was asked if Adnan Pachachi would still be in town to attend the State of the Union. McClellan, with a smile, repeated that the guest list would be out by 5.

Iowa Democratic Caucus:

Asked for a reaction for the President, McClellan said "We congratulate those candidates who did well." One reporter noted that the White House has previously shied away from making any comments on the Democratic campaigns and asked McClellan if this was a change from that policy. McClellan said that he "will let the Democrats deal with their own primary. I’m going to stay focused on the American people." A reporter asked if the President had been watching the Iowa Caucus results on television, but McClellan said the President had been working on his State of the Union address last night and had been updated by senior administration officials.

Meeting with Indian Foreign Minister:

McClellan was asked if the President and the Indian Foreign Minister had discussed arms deals with Russia; he responded that he would characterize the meeting as he did, and pointed out that the meeting lasted only 15-20 minutes.