White House Gaggle

By Adam Sharon
President’s Schedule and Speech at National Defense University

President Bush received his usual security and intelligence briefings this morning. He then met with Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld before departing the White House for National Defense University. At NDU, he will talk about the Global War on Terror and opportunities for peace in the Middle East. According to Press Secretary Scott McClellan, President Bush will state that "authoritarian rule [in the Middle East] is part of the discredited past, not the wave of the future." The U.S. will push for hope and freedom in the region and seek an end to tyranny. "This is a generational commitment," McClellan continued, adding that "there will be good days and tough days" ahead. The changes occurring in the Middle East will require new thinking and policies in world capitals including in Washington, DC. The President will then return to the White House and meet with President Vaclav Klaus of the Czech Republic. The two leaders will discuss the transatlantic relationship between Europe and the United States. President Bush will update the Czech leader on his recent trip to Europe. This afternoon, President Bush will receive an update on tsunami relief efforts from President H.W. Bush and President Clinton. The President will thank his two predecessors for their commitment to helping the tsunami-hit countries of Southeast Asia. Later this afternoon, the President will attend a credentialing ceremony for new foreign ambassadors to the United States. The President will then meet with Republican senators at the White House to discuss Social Security reform.

International Women’s Day

Secretary of State Rice was joined by First Lady Laura Bush today to commemorate International Women’s Day today at the State Department. Mrs. Bush talked about the importance of spreading freedom around the world.

Counter Demonstrations in Lebanon

The White House welcomes the peaceful demonstrations in support of Syria taking place today in Lebanon. The U.S. wants "free and fair elections" in Lebanon, McClellan added. "We believe the Lebanese people want freedom," he continued. The leaders of Germany, Russia and France agree that change is needed, the Press Secretary concluded.

Response to Senator Harry Reid’s Comments on Chairman Greenspan

Press Secretary Scott McClellan called Senator Harry Reid’s description of Chairman Alan Greenspan as a "political hack" a "somewhat surprising" comment. McClellan stated that Mr. Greenspan is a widely respected individual responsible for directing U.S. monetary policy.

John Bolton Nomination as U.S. Ambassador to U.N.

Scott McClellan called John Bolton a "smart, capable advocate," "a tough minded diplomat," and "a multilateralist" who shares the President’s commitment to getting "things done at the U.N." McClellan pointed out that Mr. Bolton was the chief U.S. negotiator for multiple treaties intended to reduce the spread and proliferation of nuclear warheads.