White House Gaggle

By Lovisa Frost
White House Gaggle
February 14, 2006

President’s Schedule

This morning, President Bush had his usual intelligence briefing. He is
scheduled to have lunch with the Secretary of Defense. This afternoon, the

President and Mrs. Bush will participate in a photo opportunity, and make
remarks to the 2005 NCAA National Football Champions from the University
of Texas. At 2.10 pm, the President meets with his Council on Service and
Civil Participation in the Roosevelt Room of the White House. At 3.55 pm,
President Bush convenes a bi-partisan group of Senate leaders to discuss
the energy initiative. This evening, President and Mrs. Bush attend a
Valentine’s Dinner at the White House, followed by entertainment in the
East Room.

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

Vice President Cheney

When asked if the President thinks the Vice-President should make a public
statement about this accident, McClellan said that the Vice-President’s
office has expressed its concerns for Mr. Whittington. Reporters asked
McClellan if the President was concerned that he did not find out about
the incident personally from Cheney, but McClellan assured them that the
President was informed about the incident and said there are different
ways of going about the line of information. He was also asked if
Vice-President Cheney has been involved in any another accident of any
nature, or has had a serious medical situation about which the press was
not informed; McClellan referred the question to the Vice-President’s
office. The press is concerned about the lack of personal responsibility
and the fact that there have been no words by Cheney himself. McClellan
replied that "I don’t think he has had any public events scheduled, but
you have heard from him through his spokesperson."

Leaks

McClellan was asked if it is illegal to leak classified documents, and he
replied that President has made his view very clear when it comes to
leaking classified information, and others have talked on how damaging the
unauthorized disclosure of the "terrorist surveillance program" is.

Israel and Hamas

"Our view has always been very clear and consistent," McClellan said and
continued, "we have the same conversations with the government of Israel,
that we have with Arab governments." However, McClellan stated that Hamas
has a choice to make if it wants to have a better relationship with the
international community; first they must renounce violence, recognize
Israel, and disarm as called for by the Quartet. "We want a partner in peace."

Secretary Chertoff

Speaking of his confidence in Secretary Chertoff, McClellan said that the
Secretary is fully committed to doing everything he can to protect the
American people and make us better prepared to respond to all threats.

Trip to India

When asked if the President will postpone his trip to India, McClellan
said that he did no know anything about that.