At a speech in front of the United States Agency for International Development, President Bush reflects on the victims of tyrannical governments he has met, among them: Blanca González, whose son Normando Hernández González is a political prisoner in Cuba, and Olga Kuzulina, whose father Alexander Kozulin is imprisoned in Belarus for running for president. (1:50)
Senator John McCain’s (R-Ariz.) presidential campaign held a conference call on the one-year anniversary of Senator Barack Obama’s (D-Ill.) declaration that he would hold diplomatic meetings with various dictators “without preconditions” once he becomes President. (more…)
Vice President Dick Cheney says that the United States’s dependence on oil will not fade overnight and that an increase in domestic supply would lower prices and create jobs. Cheney also notes that China is working with Cuba to drill for oil off the coast of Florida. (1:08)
White House Gaggle
Briefer: Dana Perino
President’s Schedule
At 8, the president had his normal briefings, then at 10:30 he will have a briefing by the Office of Faith-Based Community Initiatives. At 11:00 he meets with the National Governors Association. Tonight at 7:00 the President will make remarks to 2008 Republican Governors Association Gala at the National Building Museum.
This morning the White House will release a statement responding to the Washington Post Op-Ed by Congressional Democrats on FISA.
Perino also announced that King Abdullah II and Queen Rania of Jordan will visit the White House on March 4, 2008.
Governors
Responding to a question about governors possible infrastructure improvements as part of a second stimulus package, Perino said that the President will meet with the governors and hear their views. Infrastructure improvements were not sought as part of the first stimulus package because they take time to have an effect.
Turkish border
On the Turkish forces going into northern Iraq, Perino said that it was not an ideal situation, but that the “PKK is a common enemy of Turkey and the United States.” She said that the White House hopes this is just a short-term incursion and is in contact with Turkey.
Kosovo
Responding to a question about Serbian parts of Kosovo wanting to remain part of Serbia, Perino said that there are people with mixed emotions, and the White House has encouraged Kosovars to ensure minority rights are protected.
Cuba
Perino said she was not aware of any discussions about possibly lifting the embargo against Cuba.
Supreme Court gun control case
Vice President Cheney has signed on to amicus brief filed by a party other than the Department of Justice. Perino said, “It’s no problem.”
Talk Radio News Service Bureau Chief Ellen Ratner interviews Cristina Khuly director of “Shoot Down”a documentary film about the Cuban government’s authorization of the downing of two U.S. civilian aircraft in 1996.
Ellen Ratner interviews Cristina Khuly about her film "Shoot Down" in Washington DC: Play Now | Play in Popup | DownloadTalk Radio News Bureau Chief Ellen Ratner interviews the Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez at the Washington D.C. at a showing of “Shoot Down,” a documentary film about the Cuban government’s authorization of the downing of two U.S. civilian aircraft in 1996.
Ellen Ratner interviews Carlos Gutierrez, the Secretary of Commerce: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download