White House Gaggle

By Gregory Gorman
May 18, 2005

President’s Schedule

The President had his usual briefings and met with the Secretary of Defense. This morning the President welcomed the Prime Minister of Egypt to the White House. This afternoon he will attend the official swearing-in ceremony for the Director and Deputy Director of National Intelligence followed by a meeting in the Cabinet room with some Republican members of the House of Representatives to discuss some of the President’s second term agenda items including Social Security and CAFTA. Tonight the President will give remarks at the International Republican Institute Dinner regarding the importance of supporting freedom in emerging democracies.

Active Grenade in Georgia

Press Secretary Scott McClellan commented on the news that the grenade discovered in a crowd during a speech the President made last week in Georgia was active by saying that the FBI is leading the ongoing criminal investigation into the matter and is working closely with Georgian authorities. McClellan said that the administration stands by the FBI’s statement that the grenade should be looked at as a threat to President Bush, President Saakashvili and the people of Georgia who attended the event. McClellan would not go so far as to say that the grenade incident will affect the way that the Presidential speeches are given in places where there is a problem with security, however, he did say that the Secret Service is looking into all those issues. McClellan stated that the administration has "absolutely not" lost any confidence in the Secret Service as a result of what happened in Georgia.

Emerging Democracies

McClellan stated that the President will make remarks tonight on his vision for advancing freedom and democracy in the world. The President’s remarks will focus on the important work of helping emerging democracies establish lasting democratic institutions such as freedom of speech, freedom of assembly and freedom of worship. The President believes that, "all of us have an important role to play in helping young democracies succeed and build free institutions".

War Apology to the American People

Since according to Helen Thomas, "apologies seem to be in order . . . ", she asked McClellan if the administration was ready to apologize for invading Iraq when there were no Weapons of Mass Destruction. McClellan responded by saying that the administration’s response has not changed on this issue. McClellan admitted that the intelligence was wrong and, "that is why we have taken steps to make sure that our intelligence has improved".

Highway Bill Veto

McClellan was asked a question regarding the precise circumstances under which the President would veto the Highway Bill and if there was a cutoff amount that would invite a presidential veto of the bill. McClellan responded by saying that the administration believes that an acceptable amount is $283.9 billion.

Senate Debate on Television

McClellan stated that the President is not watching the televised debate in the Senate related to the nomination of Judge Priscilla Owen. He said that the President is participating in meetings this morning. He did not know if the President would "glance at it or not".