White House Gaggle

By Adam Sharon
January 6, 2005

The President’s Schedule

The President this morning received his regular security briefings. He then spoke with President Saakashvili of Georgia by telephone about the ongoing situation in Ukraine. Later this morning, President Bush will meet with Republican leaders about reforming Social Security. This afternoon, President Bush will meet with senate and congressional leaders to discuss the Class Action Reform issue. Then, at 2:15, the President and Mrs. Bush will participate in the presentation of Miss Beazley, the First Family’s new dog.

Vote Recount in Ohio

Press Secretary McClellan stated that the American people have accepted the outcome of the 2004 presidential election. "The American public," McClellan stated, do not believe in "conspiracy theories" regarding voter fraud in Ohio.

Judge Gonzales and the Senate Judiciary Committee

Press Secretary Scott McClellan had little comment on the nomination hearing currently underway for White House Counsel Alberto Gonzales. The President, McClellan stated, "has full trust in him," adding that Alberto Gonzales had "done an outstanding job" as White House Counsel. McClellan did not anticipate that President Bush will watch the hearing.

Social Security Reform

Scott McClellan stated that the White House is determined to reform Social Security. This Social Security issue was raised in regard to a memo leaked to the Wall Street Journal stating that Social Security benefits paid to future retirees must be reduced. McClellan stated that empty promises can no longer be made to young people who will experience a future tax increase or eventual cut in benefits unless the system is fixed before they reach the retirement age. President Bush has met with bipartisan leaders, McClellan stated, to gather a variety of viewpoints on Social Security reform. McClellan concluded that personal retirement accounts are part of a comprehensive reform solution.