White House Gaggle

By Victoria Jones
Briefings next week will take place at 450 Old Executive Office Building..

President’s Schedule

The President had his usual briefings. At 10.55 the President will make remarks at the rededication of the Islamic Center of Washington. At 1.45 there will be a meeting on health care in the Oval Office. At 3.15 there will be an interview with Hannah Storm of the CBS Early Show. The President will attend a Tee ball game on the south lawn at 3.45. It is the 7th year of the President’s Tee ball initiative.

Senator Lugar

It was stated that Senator Lugar has said that the September deadline may be fine, but much of Iraq may be ungovernable, and that is not going to change with the surge. White House Press Secretary Tony Snow said Senator Lugar had also referred to brilliant successes of the generals. The surge is still being put in place. We also want progress in all fronts. It is essential to let the surge work. It is always important to take into account the opinions of thoughtful people like Senator Lugar.

It was pointed out that while the administration’s focus is on Al Qaeda, there is a great deal of sectarian violence. Senator Lugar’s assertion that Iraq is essentially ungovernable does not seem to be taken for the better. Snow replied that there have been different assessments. This is not something that will magically resolve itself. It is important, when focused on the Baghdad security plan, which is focused on Baghdad and Anbar, that there is the opportunity to get people into place and to judge it on the merits. Congress itself not long ago, laid out the process.

Snow was asked if the White House is concerned that their natural allies are putting pressure on it in this way. He replied that the White House wants to listen to the concerns of its allies. It is also important to talk through the best way to make sure that a vacuum is not created. The senator also mentioned polls. There are a lot of people in the US who, understandably, want to see this war come to an end. The key question is: do you want to have the operation end in a way that is going to make America safer in the long run, or do you want to risk creating a vacuum?

Prime Minister Tony Blair

Snow was asked to comment on the record and importance of Blair. He said that Blair has been a very close friend, ally and counterpart, colleague and advisor to the President. When the President first took office, one of the first people to reach out to him was Tony Blair. He has been an extraordinary leader through difficult times. He is going to be historically a significant leader. It has been an extraordinary relationship.

Snow was asked what made him think Blair would be successful in his new role (as Mid-East envoy). Snow replied "What new role?" He said that no announcements have been made.

President Putin’s Visit

Snow was asked for some details of Putin’s visit with the President. He said that they would talk about a lot of things. It is important to continue the personal relationship.