White House Gaggle

By Ellen Ratner
White House Gaggle
April 23, 2007
Briefer: Dana Perino
By: Ellen Ratner

Schedule

Dana began the briefing with a statement about the students at Virginia Tech returning to classes today and beginning the first step towards normalcy. The President had a call with President Putin of Russia this morning. He will have a meeting with his National Security Council and General Petreaus. Included in that meeting will be General Pace, Gordon England and Secretary Rice. The President will make a statement in the Oval Office after the meeting. Later today he will be meeting with the President of Peru and the White House is expediting a visa for the father of a student at Virgina Tech who is from Peru. They will discuss free trade. Later today he will have a meeting on Medicare Part D in the Roosevelt Room. He will meet with Veterans Secretary Nicholson to discuss the panel recommendations for returning soldiers from Iraq. Later he meets with the Colts for a photo op on the South Lawn.

Iraq

In response to a question about Senator Reid making a statement today, Dana said that the Democrats are talking themselves into believing that we are not facing a determined enemy and that the "consequences could be dire". Dana said that the Senate confirmed General Petraeus unanimously and he will do multiple appearances on the Hill this week. She reminded the Press Corps that it is the 77th day after the request for troops. Asked about the wall in Iraq she said the goal was not permanent barriers.

Gonzales

Dana said that the American people have seen that the Attorney General acknowledged the mishandling of the situation. She said "he has been a very good leader at the Department of Justice . . . . And that he has the full confidence of the President." She also said that the Department of Justice has many responsibilities and the US Attorneys serve at the pleasure of the President. Dana said "It is an isolated incident absolutely"

French Election

Asked about the President’s opinion, Dana said she would not touch that with a twenty.