White House Gaggle

By Ellen Ratner
March 17, 2005

Schedule

The President had his usual round of briefings. He will meet with Prime Minister Ahern and looks forward to receiving his annual bowl of shamrocks. He will then meet with representatives of Northern Ireland. He will then attend a reception on the State floor. He will go to the Capitol for the traditional St. Patrick’s lunch and make remarks there. He will meet with the National Commander of the American Legion this afternoon. He will also tape the radio address which will focus on the second anniversary of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The State department briefs at 12:45 and Scott briefs at 1:00 pm.

Terry Schiavo Case

Press questions focused on states rights and the President’s view. Scott McClellan said that the President believed in building a culture of life and that those that live at the mercy of others deserve to be protected. He said that President is on the side of defending life and that the Congress has moved on legislation.

Northern Ireland

He said that the United States has good relations with Northern Ireland and that in his meetings with Prime Minister Ahern that they will work together to solve common challenges.

Iraqi Security Forces

He said that our focus is "on completing the mission" and then our "troops can return home with honor."

Congressman Rob Portman

Asked why the President nominated someone with no international experience, Scott replied that he had been an international trade lawyer. Scott also said that he had a record of working in a bi-partisan fashion to get things done and that he shares the President’s commitment to free and fair trade. He also said that opening markets "is important to job creation here at home."

Rebiya Kadeer release

Scott said that the White House welcomed China’s release of Kadeer but that he would have more information on that later during the afternoon briefing.

Rendition

Helen Thomas first stated: "We know the President doesn’t read newspapers." Then she asked about the President’s comments during the news conference yesterday. Scott replied that we are a nation at war and that we have an obligation to protect the American People. He said we adhere to laws and values. When asked about not returning people to countries of origin he said that he could not get into specific cases. He then said that we do not render people to countries that we believe will torture them. Asked if the President knew which countries people were rendered to he said he could not get into discussing specific intelligence matters. He then ended the gaggle but he was asked another question about the trade deficit and continued briefing reporters.

Trade Deficit

He said our economy is strong and that is why our trade deficit is so large.