White House Gaggle

By Joshua Wiersma
February 6, 2004

President’s Schedule:
The President began his morning by calling Russian President Vladimir Putin and offering his deepest condolences on behalf of the American people for the tragic loss of life from today’s terrorist attack in Moscow. President Bush and Putin underscored the need to work together in the fight against terror. The President then had his usual morning briefings. This morning the President met with Charles Dilfer, the new head of the Iraq Survey Group, to thank him for his service. Also this morning, the President will sign the 2004 Economic Report, which is scheduled for release on Monday. At some point this morning the President will tape his weekly radio address, which will focus on the economy. At 1:50 the President will leave for the National Targeting Center, a unit of the Homeland Security Department, he will tour the facility before returning to the White House at 4:00. McClellan will brief again at 12:00.

Commission to Investigate Weapons of Mass Destruction Intelligence:
When being questioned about the announcement of an independent commission to investigate intelligence failures prior to the war in Iraq McClellan said details of the commission are not finalized. The White House wants to finalize all details of the commission before an announcement is made but the announcement is expected soon. According to McClelland the commission will be independent and bi-partisan and "the President will appoint qualified individuals, with integrity who have a lot of experience to bring to the commission."

Iraq Survey Group:
McClellan said that the Iraq Survey Group still needs to finish its work and that the President wants to find the whole truth. According to McClellan the Iraq Survey Group is learning more each day and that what has been learned on the ground since the war is that "Iraq was a gathering threat" and the President "made the right decision" to go to war.

Pakistan:
After repeated questioning McClellan would not respond to the question of how long President Bush knew about the proliferation network of Dr. Kahn before it was broken up this week. McClellan praised the Pakistani government for breaking up Dr. Kahn’s network and said President Musharraf’s government is committed to stopping the proliferation of nuclear weapons.

Economy:
McClellan noted that today’s job growth numbers indicate the strength of the U.S. economy. Today’s report is another sign that "the economy is continuing to grow strong and jobs are being created." The President is not satisfied because there are still people looking for work and he will continue to urge Congress to act on his six point plan.
Appearance on Meet the Press:
The President sees his appearance this Sunday on Meet the Press as an opportunity to discuss the challenges and choices of our time. McClellan said the President has acted decisively during his time in office and that the President welcomes the opportunity to talk about the decisions he has made.

The Week Ahead:
On Monday, the President will be in Springfield for a conversation on the economy. Tuesday the President will meet with economic leaders at the White House. On Wednesday, the President will participate in a luncheon with the Republican National Committee at the White House. On Thursday, the President will be in Harrisburg, PA to participate in a conversation on education and the 21st Century Jobs Initiative. Friday, the President with be in Washington D.C. to discuss school choice. Nothing is scheduled for Saturday. Next Sunday, the President will be in Daytona, FL to attend the Daytona 500 and he expects to overnight there.