White House Gaggle

By Adam Sharon
March 14, 2005

President’s Schedule

The President this morning ate breakfast with Secretary of State Rice and Karen Hughes. He then made remarks at the National Medals of Science and Technology presentation in the East Room. This afternoon, he will meet with the leadership of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the new president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. This evening, he will host a reception for the Diplomatic Corps at the White House.

China-Taiwan

The White House views the anti-secession laws passed by the Chinese parliament allowing for the use of force should Taiwan proceed with formal independence as unfortunate. The law, stated Scott McClellan, enables China to use force against Taiwan. "We believe that the future of Taiwan must be resolved by peaceful means," McClellan stated.

Video News Releases (VNRs) and the White House

A GAO report released last week states that some Administration VNRs could be construed as propaganda. McClellan noted that VNRs provide factual information on government programs, adding that the Clinton administration used VNRs too. According to McClellan, the White House Office of Legal Counsel disagrees with the GAO report and government agencies have been instructed to "follow the legal counsel’s" decision and to proceed with the usage of VNRs.

Atlanta Shootings

The President was kept updated about the shooting in Atlanta on Friday. McClellan recommended that reporters contact the Department of Justice with questions about plans to increase security in and around the nation’s courthouses.

Condoleezza Rice Announcement at Noon

Secretary of State Rice will announce the nomination of Karen Hughes today as the next Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs. Karen Hughes, McClellan stated, "is a valued member of the president’s team." Helen Thomas than interrupted McClellan, and questioned: "What is she supposed to do?"