White House Gaggle

By Victoria Jones
McClellan was asked his feelings about leaving the White House, as this is his last day on the job. He replied that it had been an honor to work at the White House, and to work with the press, to serve the American people and to help the president advance his agenda. "This is a day of gratitude", McClellan said. He went on to say that this is a day to express what an honor it had been to serve in this administration.

When asked if he had made any mistakes, McClellan replied that he was sure that if he had, the press would have pointed them out. Asked about future plans, McClellan said there were a number of interesting opportunities, including speakers’ bureaus, the speaking circuit, and other opportunities from various organizations. He said he has been approached about a couple of book opportunities. He said the speaking circuit sounded interesting,but that he would take time to think about all of it.

McClellan said that this position requires your full attention, and that you cannot think about what is next. He said he was part of a great team, and that this position relies on support from the White House and the administration.

McClellan said he had great respect for the White House press corps. He said they are a good group of professionals, and that he would miss them, at least individually. He said it has been a privilege to work with them.

McClellan said that eventually he wants to return to Texas, but that he is not rushing off. He will do what he can to help his mother’s election campaign.

When asked what he liked best about his job, McClellan replied that it was being at the center of activity, of decisions that are made that affect Americans all across the country. To have the opportunity to be at the president’s side and travel with him across the country and the world is one you will never have again. He added that he was looking forward to the next step too.

The thing that he will remember most about working as Press Secretary, McClellan said, was visiting the troops all over the world and in this country. Some of the most memorable moments are some of the toughest moments, he said, such as being with the President when he visited with families of the fallen, or going to Bethesda or Walter Reed and visiting with the wounded.

When asked what advice he would give to his successor, McClellan replied that he had already given Tony Snow some of his thoughts. The public advice he would give is, "Enjoy it, have fun". He said they have had a number of conversations, Snow has asked a number of questions and that he has offered to provide any help that he can.

McClellan said his job has been to help the president advance his agenda and to work with the press to make sure the American people are getting accurate information. He said he has always tried to provide accurate information and to tell the press what he believed to be true.

McClellan said one of the things he focused on was to find ways to increase access and do more press conferences. He said he expected Tony Snow will build on that. He said he had expressed that it was important to put the president in front of the American people as much as possible.