White House Gaggle

By Lovisa Frost
White House Gaggle
By: Lovisa Frost
January 9, 2006

President’s schedule

In the morning, President Bush has breakfast with Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito before he receives his usual intelligence briefings.

Later he travels to the North Glen Elementary School, Glen Burnie, Maryland where he makes remarks on the No Child Left Behind Act, marking the fourth anniversary of the bi-partisan egislation.

In afternoon, the President has some policy time on the economy and healthcare issues.

This evening, President Bush holds his annual meeting with the joint chiefs and combatant commanders in the Cabinet Room. Following the meeting there will be a reception at the residence.

White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan briefs the press at noon today.

On "Ask the White House," Secretary Spelling will be talking about education.

Vice President Cheney

Vice President Cheney returned to his residence this morning. The President spoke with him just after the appearance with Judge Alito in the Rose Garden, and Vice President Cheney indicated to President that he was "feeling fine."

Cheney plans to attend meetings in the afternoon. All other questions
regarding the Vice President health were directed to the Vice President’s
office.

Rep. Tom Delay (R-TX)

When asked how the President feels about Tom Delay’s decision to step down as House majority leader, McClellan says that, "We respect the decision that the Congressman have made, to put the interest of the American people, Congress and the (Republican) Party first." The President is looking forward to work closely with Speaker Hastert and House Republicans.

McClellan was also asked if the President has weight in on Congressman Delay’s guilt or innocence, to which McClellan replied that there
is "a presumption of innocence". He explains that his response is based on the presumption of innocence in our judicial system.

Iran

McClellan says Iran is a nation that needs to abide by international agreements and obligations already set forth.

"The comments and actions of the regime only further isolate Iran from the rest of the International Community", McClellan said.

He also talked about the growing concerns about the regime’s pursuit of
nuclear powers; saying that they have a history of concealing their activities from the international communities.

Samuel Alito Confirmation Hearings

McClellan stated that Judge Alito is the most experienced nominee to the Supreme Court. "He is highly qualified to serve on the nation’s
highest court. Whether or not he receives a fair and dignifies hearing that is going to be up to Senate Democrats to determine."