White House Gaggle

By Ed Stephen
White House Gaggle

By Ed Stephen

December 13, 2004

The President had his usual briefings this morning. He concluded a
National Security Council Meeting and will be meeting shortly with the
Secretary of State. At 10:20 AM, President Bush will announce his nominee

for Secretary of Health and Human Services. Later today, the President
will attend a briefing for Americans for Tax Reform Legislation. He will
also attend two staff receptions. On Friday, December 17, the President
will sign the intelligence reform bill into law at the Mellon Auditorium.

Bernard Kerik Withdrawal

In response to questions on the withdrawal of Bernard Kerik as Secretary
of Homeland Security, the Press Secretary said the President "had no prior
knowledge" that Kerik hired an illegal immigrant as a nanny. McClellan
pointed out that Kerik has publicly stated that it "was a mistake that was
made" and that the President respects Kerik’s decision to withdraw his
name from nomination. In response to a question as to whether the
President thinks any less of Mayor Rudy Giuliani for pushing Kerik for the
nomination, McClellan said "absolutely not" and mentioned that both the
President and Mr. Giuliani shared dinner together over the weekend. The
Press Secretary repeatedly said that there is a "thorough vetting process"
when deciding a nominee, which includes an independent investigation of
the nominee’s personal, financial, and professional background.
McClellan said there was a thorough investigation of Kerik’s background,
but admitted the vetting process often continues after the announcement of
nomination has been made. McClellan declined to comment on any potential
future nominees for Secretary of Homeland Security and also refused to
provide a timeline for such decision.

Relations with Russia

In response to a question about the status of US/Russian relations, Press
Secretary Scott McClellan stated that the President has a "good
relationship" with President Vladimir Putin, and that the President is
"always looking at ways to strengthen our relationship" with countries
like Russia. McClellan says that the President looks forward to working
together with President Putin in his second term.

First Anniversary of the Capture of Saddam Hussein

The Press Secretary stated that ousted leader of Iraq, Saddam Hussein,
will be "facing Iraqi justice" and tried by the Iraqi people through an
Iraqi court system. Asked if Hussein’s capture has had any negative
effect on the security in Iraq, in the face of rising insurgency, Press
Secretary McClellan said that "as we move closer to elections, we expect
more violence." McClellan reiterated the President’s commitment to
ensuring democracy in Iraq.