White House Gaggle

By Ellen Ratner
November 29, 2004

President’s Schedule:

The President had his usual round of briefings. He then participated in a NSC meeting. He will be meeting this morning with the Secretary of Defense. Later he welcomes the King of Bahrain. He has invited the President of Senegal on December 6th. Mrs. Bush receives the White House Christmas tree this morning.

Appointments:

The President will announce his nominee for Secretary of Commerce later this morning. It will be Carlos Gutierrez, CEO of Kellogg. Scott McClellan was asked if they asked Senator Lugar to delay the confirmation of Dr. Rice until January. McClellan replied that the White House wanted a continuous process for confirmations, "not one that starts and stops." He said that the White House believes that they will be able to move quickly when they return in January. Asked about the support of Secretary Snow and if the President said that Secretary Snow could, "stay but not too long", McClellan would only say that "the President appreciates the job he is doing." Pressed in terms of, "appreciates the job verses likes the job" Scott would not answer. He did say not to pay attention to too many rumors as Steve Friedman was never trying to seek the position of Secretary. He said that the economic team is doing a great job.

Priorities in the Second Term:

McClellan refused to answer which priority is first but did say that by the end of the year, the President hopes to name a panel to make recommendations on tax reform to the Secretary of the Treasury. He also said that, "we intend to move on Social Security."

Intelligence Bill:

Scott McClellan said that the White House will work with Congressional leaders to get the intelligence bill passed and is in contact with the Speaker of the House. He said that some recommendations from the 9/11 commission, "we can do ourselves". He also said that some members of the White House staff are attending the Republican Congressional retreat and the President will send a letter to Congressional leaders later this week.

Iran:

In terms of Iran and compliance with weapons enrichment, Scott said that, "implementation and verif ication of the agreement is critical". Several times Scott said that we have, "worked closely with our European friends." Asked if this agreement was one that is watered down, Scott replied that the resolution did address verification. He said, "we expect Iran to fully comply with its commitments."

Ukraine:

Scott said that the President, "continues to support the Democratic outcome in Ukraine". We continue to emphasize that no violence be threatened or incited".

Ireland:

The President supports the Blair-Ahern agreement and hopes that the process continues.

NAACP:

April Ryan said that a conciliatory letter was sent to the President by the NAACP and wanted to know the status of the letter with regard to a potential meeting with the President. McClellan said that, "the President wants to reach out and work with all those who are committed to our shared priorities."