White House Gaggle

By Kathryn Krupnik
July 6, 2004

President’s Schedule:

The President began his morning with his usual briefings. He then participated in a National Security Council meeting. At 10:20, the President welcomed Prime Minister David Oddsson of Iceland. This afternoon, the President will be conducting an interview for Hispanic Magazine’s August issue.

Senator Edwards as Kerry’s Vice President pick:

McClellan said that the campaign is about to, if they have not already released a statement, welcoming Senator Edwards to the race. McClellan said, "The President looks forward to spirited discussion on the choices and differences voters face."

President’s trip to North Carolina:

When asked about tomorrow’s fundraising trip to North Carolina, McClellan said that this trip was not made because of a tip announcing Edward’s nomination. McClellan said the President will, "Talk about the clear choice that voters face during this election," during his fund raising trip.

Definition of Marriage:

When asked whether the President is looking for the marriage issue to help him in his campaign, McClellan said the issue is, "An important priority for the President. The president, in terms of the sanctity of marriage, his position is well known on that issue and he will continue to talk about it to make his views known on that issue." When asked about the constitutional amendment McClellan said, "The President talked about how there were some activist judges who were seeking to impose their own rule and not let the people’s voice be heard. The President felt strongly, it was important that the people’s voice be heard in this discussion and that is why he came out in support of a constitutional amendment. He believes strongly in protecting the sanctity of marriage." When asked why now, McClellan said, "it is important to get that process started because of the actions you saw taking place in states like in Massachusetts, actions being taken place in California and other places."

CIA Information:

When asked whether the President felt that he was denied CIA information, McClellan said the reporter was asking about the Senate Intelligence Committee report. McClellan said that he has seen a bit of the information in the newspaper but is still waiting for the release of the report.

Tenet successor:

When asked about the CIA director’s successor, McClellan said that he "never speculates about the timing of announcements."

Judicial nominees:

The last vote will be taken today. McClellan said, "The President continues to call on the Senate democrats to stop playing politics and give those nominees an up or down vote."

Weapons of Mass Destruction:

When asked about weapons of mass destruction, McClellan referred to Britain’s Prime Minister who said on the topic that they do not known what happened to the weapons of mass destruction. McClellan said, "Obviously, The Iraq Survey Group continues to do its work so that we can learn more about what happened to the weapons of mass destruction. We known from the work of the Iraq Survey Group, Saddam Hussein regime had the capability."

Edwards’ nomination:

When asked about whether the President is reconsidering Vice President Dick Cheney as his running mate, McClellan said, "His choice is well known."

McCain not as Vice President on Kerry ticket:

When asked how the President felt about the Kerry campaign pursuing Senator John McCain earlier this year, McClellan said McCain "made his views very clearly, we appreciate the strong support for the president."