White House Gaggle

Briefer: Tony Fratto

President’s Schedule:

President Bush had his normal briefings this morning. At 10.30 am, the President participates in a video teleconference with Afghanistan provincial reconstruction team leaders and brigade combat commanders. This afternoon at 1:15 pm, the President will meet with the Chairman of the National Mathematics Advisory Panel.

Deputy White House Press Secretary Tony Fratto will brief the press at 12.30 pm today.

Fratto made an announcement about White House Correspondent Ivan Scott who passed away earlier this week. The White House said that they have the Scott family in their thoughts and prayers.

Economy

Fratto was asked about the newly released retail numbers for last quarter, and he replied that they were expecting them to be lower, and they had anticipated this as being a difficult month. This was already foreseen and that is why the President laid out the economic stimulus package last quarter that was passed by Congress. The tax benefits for businesses are starting now followed by checks for individuals. When asked about the price of gold hitting record high levels, and if this could be considered to be an economic indicator, Fratto said that he does not want to do a forecast and there are lots of reasons for the high gold prices. Fratto was also questioned about the President’s upcoming speech on the economy tomorrow, and what he can tell Americans what they do not already know. He said that the President will present his view on the economy.

War in Iraq

With the fifth anniversary of the War in Iraq coming up soon, Fratto was asked what significance this has, and if the there are any events marking the anniversary. He said that it is obviously a marker, but the Administration is instead focused on looking at the future of Iraq. We are expected to hear from General Petreus and Ambassador Crocker soon, as they come back to Washington with a spring report to Congress. Fratto did not know if there were any events scheduled to mark the anniversary date, but he would find out. When asked about a comment from the White House on the Archbishop of Mosul who has been found dead, Fratto said the had heard of it, but had no comment right now.