White House Gaggle

By Lovisa Frost
White House Gaggle
December 7, 2007
Briefer: Tony Fratto

President’s Schedule

President Bush taped his radio address this morning on the topic of the housing initiative. Later this afternoon, he will also meet with the First Minister of Northern Ireland and the Deputy First Minister in the Oval Office.

Secretary Henry Paulson will be on "Ask the White House" today and discuss housing issues.

Deputy White House Press Secretary Tony Fratto presented new payroll data showing creation of 94,000 new jobs, and a unemployment rate of 4,7%
White House Press Secretary Dana Perino will brief the press at 12.15 pm today.

CIA Tapes

When asked if the President knew about this, or if he had seen any of the tapes, or agreed to have them destructed, Fratto had no information and said, "The story just broke, and I don’t have anything for you right now."

NEI and Missile Defense

When asked about any change in the concern about missile defense in regards to the new findings in the National Intelligence Estimate. Fratto said that he had not heard of anything like that, and there should be no reason for a change, as it is a long term effort to protect America and its allies. Secretary Gates and Secretary Rice have had conversations with NATO and others and they are not expecting any changes.

Mitt Romney Speech

Fratto was asked if the White House has a comment to presidential candidate Mitt Romney’s remarks yesterday about his faith and religion in the White House, and he replied that he wasn’t sure that the President saw Governor Romney’s remarks. However, the President has spoken about his faith and how important is has been to him as a President. "The President believes strongly that his faith helps him as a President every day," Fratto stated.

Week Ahead:

This Sunday December 9, the President and Mrs. Bush will go to the National Building Museum for "Christmas in Washington". On Monday, the President will meet with Jewish leaders and later make remarks at a Hanukkah reception in the White House. On Tuesday, December 11, there will be a meeting on teen drug statistics, followed by a statement on drug control policies. There is also a meeting with the President of Italy in the Oval Office. On Wednesday, the President has a photo op with recipients of the Public Safely Officer Award. On Thursday, December 13, President Bush participates in meeting with the President of Nigeria. On Friday, the President meets with his Cabinet. There are no public events for Saturday or Sunday, though he will remain in Washington.