White House Gaggle

By Lovisa Frost
October 25, 2005

President’s Schedule

The president had his usual intelligence briefings this morning as well as a hurricane briefing, which included Secretary Chertoff. They discussed the latest developments in the aftermath of Hurricane Wilma as well as the ongoing recovery and rebuilding efforts for Hurricane Katrina. White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan referred to acting head of FEMA, David Paulison who said, "The great job the state of Florida was doing in responding to the needs of the people of Florida. In the aftermath of Hurricane Wilma, we remain focused on the top priority which is saving lives and the search and rescue operation." McClellan said that the White House is working to support the state, but they were well prepared for this and the president receives updates throughout the day. Later this morning President and Mrs. Bush are posing for official portraits in both the Rose Garden and the Oval Office.

At 11:30 am, President Bush departs for Bolling Air Force Base Officers’ Club, where he will be making remarks at the Joint Armed Forces Officers’ Wives’ Luncheon. The remarks will be on the war on terrorism. McClellan said, "The president is continuing to reach out to the American people to talk to them about the stakes involved in the nature of the enemy that we are up against in this global war on terrorism." McClellan continued to say that the president is expected to talk about some of the progress made in Iraq and the challenges ahead. He will also discuss the new Iraqi Constitution. This afternoon, the president will meet with President Barzani of the Kurdistan Regional Government in the Oval Office. This meeting is an opportunity for President Bush to personally thank Mr. Barzani for his leadership and commitment to building a free and democratic Iraq. Following the meeting they will make a joint statement either in the Rose Garden or the Oval Office depending on weather. Later this afternoon, President Bush will participate in a photo opportunity with the National Physical Fitness Champions in the Oval Office. This evening he will be making remarks at a Republican National Committee Dinner in Washington, D.C. On Thursday, the president will travel to Florida, where he will tour areas damaged by Hurricane Wilma. On Friday the president goes to Norfolk, Virginia, where he will make remarks on the global war on terrorism.

Vice President Cheney

When asked if the president has confidence in Vice President Cheney, McClellan laughed and said, "The vice president is doing a great job as a member of this administration, and the president appreciates all that he is doing."

Iraq

When asked about what kind of message is being sent to Turkey and Iraq’s Sunni leaders regarding today’s meeting with Mr. Barzani, McClellan answered, "Let the meeting take place and hear from the two leaders about the purpose of the meeting. In terms of the elections, it is a landmark
day in the history of Iraq. We congratulate the Iraqi people. The results have been ratified by the Iraqi Election Commission". McClellan continued, "We have also heard from Ms. Perelli, the head of the United Nation team that provided technical assistance to the Iraqi Election Commission and she indicated that the results were accurate and they followed international standards. The Election Commission said that according to the latest information, 63% Iraqis turned out to vote, more than 9.5 million people. The political process is continuing to move forward in Iraq and it is an encouraging sign that more and more people are participating in the process. "

Harriet Miers

Harriet Miers has now made 24 courtesy visits to members of the Senate and is expected to meet with three more today. In less than two weeks she will go before the Senate Judiciary Committee to begin the hearings. McClellan
told reporters, "The president nominated her because he believes it is important to bring a different perspective to the Supreme Court. She is someone who has real world experience in dealing with important legal issues."