White House Gaggle

By David Gruen
President’s Schedule

The President began this morning with his usual briefings and then spoke with two world leaders. President Bush called President Chirac of France to thank him for his support and cooperation in dealing with Haiti. President Bush also spoke with President Lula of Brazil to discuss regional issues, and to thank him for his continued cooperation with Haiti and the U.N. Security Council. The President then welcomed representatives of the Boy Scouts of America to the White House for their annual Report to the Nation highlighting their achievements. At 10:00 am the President will make remarks to the employees of the Department of Homeland Security. He will address the Department’s one-year anniversary, and commend the employees for their hard work. Later this afternoon, President Bush will participate in a photo opportunity with members of student youth organizations. Press Secretary Scott McClellan will brief again at 12:30 pm.

Baghdad and Karbala Attacks

Press Secretary McClellan said that President Bush strongly condemns today’s brutal terrorist attacks in Iraq. McClellan called the perpetrators enemies of freedom, and said that democracy has taken root in Iraq and that nothing can stop it. He said it is too soon to know who is responsible for the attacks, but noted that remnants of the old regime still remain in the country.

Tax Cuts

McClellan reiterated the President’s strong commitment to making all of America’s tax cuts permanent. He said of greatest importance were those set to expire this year. According to McClellan, the President looks forward to working with Congress on the tax cuts and still plans to cut the deficit in half within the next five years.

Haiti

The Press Secretary confirmed that Canadian, French, and U.S. troops were currently operating in Haiti, but stressed that a U.N. multinational force would eventually take over. In response to allegations by ousted Haitian President Aristide that the U.S. deposed him in a coup, McClellan said that the decision to leave was made at Aristide’s request. He said that the U.S. saved Aristide’s life and the lives of many Haitians by stopping the fighting and mass migration. McClellan asserted that the White House supported a constitutional and democratic solution to the problem, and suggested that further questions regarding Aristide’s resignation be directed to the State Department.