For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
December 3, 2003
Press Briefing by Scott McClellan
The James S. Brady Briefing Room
12:32 P.M. EST
MR. McCLELLAN: Good afternoon. I want to begin with one
statement. Yesterday the President informed Robert L. Bartley of his
decision to award Mr. Bartley the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the
nation's highest civil honor. The citation will read as follows.
"Robert L. Bartley is one of the most influential journalists in
American history. As a reporter, author, editorial page editor, and
columnist, he helped shape the times in which we live. A champion of
free markets, individual liberty, and the values necessary for a free
society, his writings have been characterized by profound insights,
passionate convictions, a commitment to democratic principles, and an
unyielding optimism in America. The United States honors him for his
contributions to American journalism and to the intellectual and
political life of our nation."
And with that, I will be glad to go into questions.
Q Is he retiring?
MR. McCLELLAN: I'm sorry? He's, I believe, editor emeritus now
with the Wall Street Journal.
Q Scott, how are these plans to cap in trade mercury emissions
not a giveaway to the industry?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, first of all, you're presuming that decisions
have been made. And decisions regarding what you bring up have not
been made. The EPA is moving forward on a rule-making process. What
the President is interested -- anytime you talk about the environment
or any other issue -- is results. That's what -- the President is
focused on results, and what is the best way to achieve those results.
This is an administration that is committed to improving our air
quality, to improving our water quality, and to protecting our land,
and to building upon the progress we have made over the past decades.
And that's what we are doing. The President has put forward a proposal
to Congress, called his Clear Skies initiative, to significantly reduce
the amount of emissions from power plants by 70 percent. This would be
the most aggressive reduction in power plant emissions ever if enacted
by Congress.
We continue to urge Congress to enact -- to pass that. But this
administration is not going to wait to take steps that improve our air
quality. And that's why we are moving forward on -- and this is for
the first time in history -- we are moving forward on an effort to
implement tough, new rules that would cut mercury emissions by 70
percent from power plants.
And there are two options that are being explored. You mentioned
one. One would be the command and control approach, and the other
would be a market-based approach based on the successful acid rain
program that imposes a mandatory cap on emissions. Now, there will be
a public comment period to where we can hear views on -- from all sides
on both these options and what the benefits would be, what the
consequences would be.
So it's important, when you look at how you approach the
environment, to always take into account what the benefits are going to
be and what the consequences would be for the American people. And the
President is most interested in the best approach that yields
meaningful results to reduce emissions from power plants and improve
our air quality.
Q But is the President not concerned that under a cap in trade
policy, while you may get reductions in mercury emissions in certain
markets, you will still have plumes of one of the most toxic substances
known to man, and others?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, again, there hasn't been a decision that's
been made. There's going to be an extensive public comment period
available for people to comment on it. And what we want to do --
Q I understand that. But is he concerned that under a cap in
trade policy, you'll still have mercury --
MR. McCLELLAN: If you look back the market-based approach, look
back to the acid rain program. It's been highly successful.
Q But acid rain is different than mercury --
MR. McCLELLAN: And what our approach will do will significantly
reduce emissions from power plants, reduce mercury emissions from power
plants --
Q Yet you will still have markets --
MR. McCLELLAN: -- by 70 percent.
Q -- where there will be plumes. And I'm wondering if he's
concerned about those markets?
MR. McCLELLAN: And I think you have to look at -- look at the
approaches, and which one gets us to the point where we want to be in
the best way and the fastest way possible.
Q But is he concerned that this cap in trade policy could help
some people, but won't help others?
MR. McCLELLAN: I think that we believe that a tough, mandatory
cap, with trading, offers a promise for greater reductions in mercury
emissions over a longer period, because of the improvements in
technology and innovation that would follow. But at the same time, we
want to explore both options.
Q Scott, does the President think Secretary Powell should meet
with the architects of this informal Middle East peace plan?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, I think the decisions of who Secretary Powell
meets with are made by the Secretary, and we support his decisions on
who he meets with.
But when you talk about our efforts in the Middle East, we have a
vision that the President put forward on June 24th, that outlines a
two-state vision of a Palestinian state and an Israeli state living
side by side in peace and security. And we remain focused on that
vision. We remain actively engaged in working with the parties to move
forward on the road map that the President outlined, and that was
endorsed by the United Nations and other countries to realize that
vision.
And we believe the best way forward toward realizing the
President's June 24th vision is the road map. And so that's what we
remain committed to. That's why Assistant Secretary of State Burns was
in the region a few days ago, or over the last few days, visiting with
the parties to get them focused on what is outlined in the road map.
Because what ultimately has to happen is for the government of Israeli
and the new Palestinian cabinet to come to an agreement in discussions
on moving forward.
Q Do you see any merit in this informal plan, or do you just
think it should be put aside?
MR. McCLELLAN: We believe that the vision the President outlined
is the best way forward, and that the road map is the way to realize
that vision. And we remain focused and actively engaged in moving
forward on that road map. That's what we are doing. There are,
obviously, a lot of different private entities or private efforts that
people have from time to time on a variety of issues, and those can be
useful at times.
But make no mistake about it, we remain focused, because that is
the best way forward. And we are strongly working -- strongly
committed to continuing to work toward the President's vision, based on
the road map that was outlined.
Q So you would rather people just stopped talking about this
and get back to the focus on the road map?
MR. McCLELLAN: No, what I said is that ultimately, for actual
progress to be made, the parties in the region must continue to work to
reach agreements on the way forward. And that's why we have been in
the region, officials of the administration have been in the region
meeting with the parties to get them focused on moving forward on the
road map. That's the best path forward.
Q Scott, just to follow up on that. The fact that the
Secretary of State is meeting with a group of people who are working on
a plan that Ariel Sharon opposes is no small thing. Why is he doing
that? Is he trying to send a message to Ariel Sharon about --
MR. McCLELLAN: I think you need to ask the Secretary -- ask the
State Department about the meetings the Secretary of State has --
Q -- reports to the White House, he reports to the President.
MR. McCLELLAN: The Secretary of State meets with a lot of people
on a lot issues, but I can assure you that this administration and the
Secretary of State remain firmly committed to the vision the President
outlined, and the road map is the best way forward toward achieving
that vision. That's where our focus is. That's why we are continuing
to work to move forward toward that vision. And that's why we're
working with the parties. We remain actively engaged in discussions
with them, and we will continue to do so.
Q Is this a message to Ariel Sharon?
MR. McCLELLAN: Is what a message?
Q The fact that he's meeting with a group of people who are
working on a plan to --
MR. McCLELLAN: Again, in terms of specific meetings that the State
Department may have, direct those questions to the Department of
State. But the Secretary of State meets with people on a variety of
issues all the time.
Q So does that mean that nobody from the White House, the NSC,
is going to be a part of this meeting?
MR. McCLELLAN: No, I wouldn't say that. There's obviously always
an interagency involvement on issues of this nature.
Q Should we expect somebody from NSC --
MR. McCLELLAN: I don't get into discussions -- all the different
staff level meetings that may or may not occur.
Q So we don't know when anybody --
MR. McCLELLAN: Let me finish. We are focused on the vision the
President outlined. The President outlined a very clear vision, and we
outlined a road map to achieve that vision. That road map is the best
path forward. It calls for steps by all parties in the region to be
undertaken and for them to meet certain steps over the course of that
road map. And so that's where we are.
And to get back to moving forward on the road map, what needs to
happen is that the new Palestinian cabinet needs to focus on cracking
down on terrorism. There are responsibilities that all parties have,
but the foundation for moving forward is cracking down on terrorism and
cracking down on the violence in the region.
Q May I follow up on the mercury question? President Clinton
-- the Clinton administration had an approach to controlling mercury
admissions. Why change it?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, hold on a second. This would for the first
time in history the federal government moving forward on implementing
tough new rules.
Q Towards the end of the Clinton administration --
MR. McCLELLAN: You're saying -- there are some legal issues
involved here, and some agreements reached and settlements that I think
you're talking about. But we are working to move forward to
significantly reduce mercury emissions from power plants. That's what
we are doing.
Q But towards the end of the Clinton administration --
MR. McCLELLAN: And this is an effort for the first time in history
--
Q -- before they had time to implement a rule, they suggested
an approach which would have been this maximum allowable concentration,
what you call the command-and-control.
MR. McCLELLAN: I said there are two options that are being
considered and that will be under discussion.
Q So the other one --
MR. McCLELLAN: There hasn't been a decision that's been reached at
this point.
Q Fair enough. Then does the President believe -- does the
administration believe that mercury is different, more toxic than acid
rain, should be treated differently?
MR. McCLELLAN: The President believes that it's important for,
one, Congress to act on his Clear Skies initiative that would
significantly reduce the emissions for mercury, as well as Sox and Nox,
the other two emissions under that Clear Skies initiative, that would
reduce emissions by 70 percent. It's important that we continue to
build on the progress that we have made to improve our air quality.
And that means taking steps to address power plant emissions. That's
what we were doing, and doing it in a way that allows for continued
innovation and investment in technology, that can help us achieve even
more meaningful results. That's what he believes.
Q But mercury is different or not different from --
MR. McCLELLAN: We're moving forward -- we're moving forward to
reduce mercury emissions significantly.
Q Okay. And then, finally, in developing these two proposals,
did the administration reach out to members of environmental groups,
scientists, industry representatives in doing that? And would you
share with us --
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, we talk to a variety of people all the time
on issues of this nature. There's going to be a public comment period
that will be available during this rule-making process. And that's
where it stands. So people will be able to express their views.
Q Has the President made up his mind on the steel tariffs?
MR. McCLELLAN: No, the President has not made a decision. It
remains under review. Obviously, he will be making a decision in due
course. He has effectively -- or, essentially, stated that in the
past. I think that from this point foreword, what I'm going to do is
not get into speculation about it. When we have more to share about
any decision, then we will let you know at that time. So I'm going to,
from here out, avoid getting into whether or not decisions are made, or
what the status of an announcement may be.
Q Well, is that because a decision is imminent, Scott? Is that
because --
Q Following -- yes, Wendell's question.
MR. McCLELLAN: Do you yield?
Q Yes.
MR. McCLELLAN: Wendell.
Q Is that because the decision is imminent and you don't want
to get caught in a situation of saying he's not made a decision when he
actually has, and you're not ready to announce it yet?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, I just think -- on Monday, there were
questions about, is he going to make -- is there going to be an
announcement today, and I said, no. I just think as we move forward,
and we're getting closer to a decision being reached, it's best that I
not get into speculation. There's a lot of speculation going on the
media, and as the spokesman for the President, I make my comments based
on the decisions that he makes, when he makes those decisions.
Q Can we assume, however, that any decision the President makes
will have ways to -- for want of a better term -- cushion the blow to
the steel industry?
MR. McCLELLAN: Now you're assuming certain things about a
decision. And I'm not going to get into speculating about any
decision, one way or the other -- and that would force me to get into
some of the speculation that is going on.
Q Is the President taking into consideration the concerns of
steel industry officials about removing the tariffs in advance of their
three year expiration as he makes the decision?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, you know under the decision that he made to
impose the safeguards there is an ITC report that was done at the
midway point to look at the impact of that decision on the steel
industry. We have been listening to all parties involved -- we've been
listening to producers, we've been listening to consumers, we've been
listening to members of Congress, we've been listening to others --
about their views.
And the President will make a decision all in due course, and then
we'll have more to say about it at that time.
Q Scott, back on the steel tariffs. Some people are
speculating -- I don't want to use "speculating" -- that the reason why
the President did not make any kind of statement on steel tariffs
yesterday in "steel town" is because he is leaning to repeal or take
back these tariffs.
MR. McCLELLAN: As you said, those people are speculating.
Q What do you say to those people?
MR. McCLELLAN: The President made the decision that he made in the
first place to impose the safeguards because he thought it was the
right decision for the country, it was the right decision for the
American people. It was an opportunity to give the steel industry time
to restructure and consolidate and to adjust to import competition.
That's why the President made the decision that he made.
And you have the ITC report now, which has been under review, we've
been looking at that, we've been listening to all the parties. And,
again, the President will make a decision in due course.
Q So the fact that he did not say anything yesterday, people
should not look into that as it relates to his decision?
MR. McCLELLAN: The President will make a decision based on what he
believes is right for the American people.
Q Secondly, on Kenya real quick, these terrorist threats. The
President said that he was going to cooperate with the Kenyan
government to help thwart any kind of terrorist activity. What did he
promise the Kenyan government, and is it in place now to help thwart
these possible terrorist attacks there?
MR. McCLELLAN: We're working with a number of countries, including
Kenya, to combat terrorism. There are some advisories that have been
put out by the embassy, by embassies in Kenya, in Saudi Arabia, and you
might want to direct specifics about those to the State Department.
Q But what did he promise on the state visit --
MR. McCLELLAN: I'm sorry?
Q What did he promise during this past state visit --
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, we put out some statements then, I believe,
and we talked about the importance of working together to combat
terrorism. And there are a lot of different ways you can work together
to combat terrorism -- whether it's law enforcement, whether it's
intelligence gathering, whether it's other action. And that's what
we're doing with a lot of nations.
Q Scott, can you give us a readout on the conversation the
President had with Thomas Usher yesterday?
MR. McCLELLAN: It was just a brief conversation. They visited
briefly during the photo opportunity before the campaign luncheon. And
it's essentially what I think I told the pool yesterday, that I think
he expressed that -- Tom Usher expressed his views to the President;
the President let him know that he had not made a decision. And so,
again, there's another example of listening to the views of all
parties.
Q I have two more questions. Why is the President meeting with
King Abdullah tomorrow?
MR. McCLELLAN: For the reason I stated earlier. He's here on a
private visit, but obviously, he has been a good friend, and the
President looks forward to meeting with him to continue to talk about a
number of important issues while he's in the United States.
Q Do you think you could be more specific --
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, we'll have more to say tomorrow, or the
President and the King will have more to say tomorrow after the
meeting, or before the meeting.
Q And then, finally, back on mercury. As you know, mercury
causes birth defects, and many pregnant women don't eat fish because of
mercury. And the headlines today said that the Bush administration is
going to roll back these emissions.
MR. McCLELLAN: I don't know that I'd always pay attention to the
headlines.
Q Okay. Are those categorically wrong?
MR. McCLELLAN: I'm sorry?
Q Is the Bush administration --
MR. McCLELLAN: We're rolling forward on improving air quality.
That's what we're doing. We're rolling forward to significantly reduce
mercury emissions. And that's why I pointed out that -- the way we
look at it, that a tough mandatory cap with trading offers promise for
greater reductions in mercury emissions over a longer period because of
the improvements in technology and innovation that would come along
with that. But we are continuing to explore both options. But the
bottom line is, we are moving forward to significantly reduce mercury
emissions from power plants.
Q And can you just explain that for us --
MR. McCLELLAN: But you have to keep in mind, when you're looking
at this, you have to keep in mind the impact on the American people and
the consequences of the approach that you take, as well as the
benefits. And that's why we're interested in what achieves the most
meaningful results in the best way possible for the American people.
Q Scott, by calling the other option, command and control,
that's -- you're dismissing it. That's a fiction --
MR. McCLELLAN: Look, there are times -- again, if you look at
results, go back to some of our diesel rules -- go back to some of our
diesel rules that we implemented to significantly reduce diesel
emissions. There is an approach -- a command and control approach that
we went forward on. There are other approaches, where on the Clear
Skies initiative, where we are moving forward on a mandatory cap in
trade effort. We're urging Congress to act on that effort. That is
based on past success with the cap in trade market-based approach under
the acid rain program. It's proven very successful and we've realized
great benefits.
Q But then --
MR. McCLELLAN: But the bottom line is that we want to continue to
build upon the progress we are making to improve our air quality, and
do it in the best way for the American people.
Q But command and control is still alive --
MR. McCLELLAN: And so that's why we're looking at this. But
you're assuming the decisions have been made. Decisions have not been
made. But if you look back at what has been successful and what has
worked similar to this, look back at the acid rain programs, I think
you'll see some very meaningful results there.
Q Scott, back on steel, are you saying to us that the President
will not consider politics when he makes this decision, and by
implication, he did not consider politics when he made the decision in
March of --
MR. McCLELLAN: The President made the decision based on what he
felt was right for the American people. You have to look at the
circumstances of where we were and what we were trying to do, and the
President is strongly committed to free trade with a level playing
field, that ensures that America's industries and workers can compete
on a level playing field with others. And that's why he imposed the
temporary safeguards in the first place, to give the domestic industry
an opportunity to adjust to import competition and to compete on a more
level playing field.
Q Scott, can I follow on that?
Q So we can assume that Karl Rove has not been a part of these
conversations?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, first of all, when you talk about Karl Rove,
he is a senior advisor to the President. I have not seen political
before that title. He advises the President on a variety of issues,
that's his role, as a senior advisor.
Q Scott, if we grant you the idea that the decision hasn't been
made, can you some way describe to us all --
MR. McCLELLAN: If? (Laughter.)
Q We'll grant it to you. Can you, in some way, describe for us
the amount of pressure that the President is getting from all sides on
this steel decision?
MR. McCLELLAN: Like I said, we've been listening to all parties.
We've been listening to the views of all parties. We welcome their
views and their input.
Q Who is he listening to the most?
Q Is there some way of -- some sense you have of how much --
MR. McCLELLAN: The President is looking -- looking at the facts,
looking at what would be in the best interest of the American people.
That's what he's doing. And he's listening -- he's been listening to
all views.
Q Scott, can I follow on that?
MR. McCLELLAN: Yes.
Q You said a minute ago that the President put these tariffs in
place to allow the industry time to consolidate, to adjust to
competition and to restructure. There are many analysts who believe
that has happened during this period of time, and, in essence, mission
accomplished. Has the President seen any evidence to suggest that?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, and look at the ITC report. The ITC report
pointed out some of the restructuring and consolidation that has taken
place. I think you can talk to people in the steel industry, as well.
But, again, I'm not going to get into speculating about what the
decision may or may not be at this point.
Q Scott, can I follow on the Mideast?
MR. McCLELLAN: Yes.
Q Does the President believe that these Geneva accords would,
in any way, undercut the goals of the road map?
MR. McCLELLAN: We believe the road map is the best way forward.
That's the way forward to achieving the President's vision he outlined
on June 24th, of two states living side by side in peace and security.
That's why we remain actively engaged in the region, working toward
that vision, and working with the parties to move forward on the road
map. It's always a difficult process, and there's always steps forward
and steps back during this process. But we are going to remain fully
engaged toward realizing the vision that the President outlined,
because of the importance of that to the region.
Q Is there anything in the Geneva accords that would contradict
that goal?
MR. McCLELLAN: Again, the best way forward is the road map.
That's what we believe. That's what we're working. That's where our
focus is. And that's where it will remain.
Q Thank you. Memos from the Senate Judiciary Committee that
were leaked to The Wall Street Journal show that Democrats opposed
Miguel Estrada, and I quote, "because he is Latino," and Priscilla
Owen, "because she is a woman from Texas." Is the White House going to
call for an EEOC investigation into the unlawful racial and sexual
discrimination against these nominees?
MR. McCLELLAN: I don't know about the specific reports, but the
President appoints people who he believes is the best individual for
that position. And he appoints people of -- people that have a
conservative judicial view that will interpret the law, not make law,
from the bench. And that's the President's views and Congress needs to
act to vote -- or the Senate needs to allow up-or-down votes on all of
his nominees, and that's what we're continuing to do, that's where our
focus is. The Senate needs to fulfill its responsibility to allow all
individuals that the President has nominated to judicial positions to
receive an up-or-down vote.
There are also a number -- Congress will be coming back in town
next week, there are a number of nominations, some hundred nominations
that are pending out there, beyond just judicial nominees, that the
Senate has yet to act on. And we would encourage the Senate, when they
return, to move forward and act on those nominees. These are a number
of important positions.
Q Can you fill us in a bit on what role the White House had in
the decision to let Yaser Hamdi have a lawyer? Did you have any role
in that? And what's your view on the change of heart in the Pentagon?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, let me mention, I guess, a couple of things
in regards to that -- and I think the Pentagon has previously talked
about this, if you look back. Our position has been, and remains, that
enemy combatants are not legally entitled to access to counsel. This
has been a legal position that has been affirmed by the 4th Circuit
Court of Appeals. One of the reasons consistently given for not
providing access to counsel is America's national security need to
gather intelligence to help us prevent future terrorist attacks.
Obviously, the President's highest priority is preventing future
attacks.
And so that's one of the reasons the decision to provide counsel,
in this case, was based solely on the Department of Defense's
conclusion that Hamdi had no further intelligence value, and that
providing access to counsel would not compromise national security in
any way. And so that's why that decision was made.
Q Any role in the White House in the making of that decision?
MR. McCLELLAN: I'm sure that there are discussions that are had
with Counsel's Office. I don't know about any specifically. But the
decision was based upon the Defense Department's conclusion.
Q Scott, a two-part. While Democrat Senators Kerry, Edwards,
Clinton, and General Wesley Clark all commended the President for his
33-hour trip Thanksgiving with our troops in Iraq, one of your
predecessors, named Joe Lockhart, was quoted on page one of The
Washington Times as saying, "This is a President who has been
unwillingly to provide his presence to the families who have suffered,
but thinks nothing of flying to Baghdad to use the troops there as a
prop."
Question, surely you must have a response to this incredible
statement by your predecessor, don't you, Scott?
MR. McCLELLAN: Let me just say, Les, that the President was
honored to go and pay a visit to our troops in Baghdad. He went there
to show them this country fully supports them in their efforts and that
we are grateful --
Q But what about Lockhart --
MR. McCLELLAN: -- and that we are grateful for their service and
sacrifice. That's what I think.
Q But Lockhart -- wait a minute, I had a two-part --
MR. McCLELLAN: One a day.
Goyal.
Q Scott, quick question.
Q That's an evasion.
Q On Thanksgiving, India and Pakistan both announced cease-fire
in Kashmir as far as the violence between the two countries over
Kashmir. If President was informed, or if the President is playing any
role in the cease-fire or future parties to solve their problems --
MR. McCLELLAN: We're very well aware of what's going on in the
region between India and Pakistan, and we welcome the steps that are
taken to reduce tensions in the region. It's important for the parties
to continue working together to reduce those tensions. So we welcome
efforts --
Q Has the President has spoken with anybody?
MR. McCLELLAN: I'm sorry?
Q If the President has spoken with anybody, any of the leaders
--
MR. McCLELLAN: I don't know. I don't have any updates on world leader calls beyond what we've done recently.
Q Scott, on the regulations for mercury emissions, has the
administration taken into account the long-term health effects of
option A, versus option B?
MR. McCLELLAN: I think that we always look at all the -- the full
impact of any decisions that are made. That's what the President
expects to happen. You need to look at all the impact, the impact that
it would have in a number of different areas.
Q You make reference to acid rain, which, as we know, corrodes
metals, but it doesn't do long-term neurological damage or cause birth
defects.
MR. McCLELLAN: And we are moving forward, for the first time in
history, to implement tough, new rules that would significantly reduce
mercury emissions. It's something that we believe is an important
priority. It's something that was part of our Clear Skies initiative.
Congress continues to need to act on the President's Clear Skies
initiative. We're continuing to urge Congress to move forward on the
proposal the President put forward, which will be the most aggressive
reduction in power plant emissions ever, if passed by Congress.
Q And you're confident that those people who are in a
non-compliant area will not suffer adverse --
MR. McCLELLAN: I think you have to go back and look at which
approach is best to achieving the result that we all want to achieve,
which is reduced emissions, better air quality, and improved public
health. That's something we all share. And I think you have to look
at it in that context. The President is interested in what is the best
way to achieve those results. That's what we're doing.
Q What do the people do in those areas? Do they relocate to a
--
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, again, there's a public comment period that
will be going on during this rule-making process, and people will have
a lot of opportunity to weigh in on this. There hasn't been a decision
that has been made. There are two options being looked at, and I
outlined what those two options are.
Q Scott, on the Middle East, recently the President of Syria
said in an interview with an American newspaper that his government is
ready to revive the negotiations with Israel. Does the President
believes that it is time for Syria to work with Israel to keep the
peace, or they have to wait until the road map finally --
MR. McCLELLAN: We've expressed a lot of concerns about some of the
actions that Syria has taken. I saw the interview, I think, that
you're referring to. Obviously, I think those parties can talk amongst
themselves about ways to move forward. But we continue to emphasize
that Syria needs to reverse course in a number of areas.
Go ahead. Sara, go ahead.
Q Thank you. Scott, another cleric in Iraq is calling for
popular elections to choose a new government, rather than the U.S. plan
of having a constitutional legislation chosen by caucuses. Will the
President change the U.S. plan in light of this opposition?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, the coalition and the Governing Council
agreed upon a framework on November 15th. It included principles and a
timetable for achieving a sovereign and democratic Iraq. The coalition
is now working with the Governing Council on implementation of that
agreement, where the coalition will assist them as they move forward.
And that process calls for an early restoration of Iraq's
sovereignty, for free and fair elections for the drafters of Iraq's
permanent constitution and for a government elected under that
constitution as soon as it has been ratified. So that's the plan that
was agreed to, and that's the approach that the Governing Council is
moving forward on. They have already appointed some committees to move
forward on implementing that approach. Our goals remain the same:
achieving a free, democratic, stable Iraq and early transfer of
sovereignty to the Iraqi people. And that's what we've been working to
do, to transfer full authority to the Iraqi people as soon as
possible.
Q Scott, since the President is spending so many days a week
fundraising, what's he going to do with all of that money? And will he
accept federal matching funds?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, one, now you're getting into a campaign
discussion. You might want to talk to the campaign about specific
campaign questions. We're focused on the people's -- on the people's
priorities --
Q Well, we're in the White House and the President is leaving
three days a week to fundraise. -- we're focused on the people's
priorities.
MR. McCLELLAN: Let me finish, Helen. Obviously, we remain focused
on the people's priorities, our nation's highest priorities, in
particular, winning the war on terrorism and strengthening our
economy. That's where the President's focus is. There is an election
next year, and obviously the campaign is working to reach out to people
and build support for the President's reelection efforts.
But there will be a time to discuss the campaign down the road.
Now is not the time. There is a Democratic primary going on and we'll
let them have their own debates. But, of course, the President is
going to reach out and build support for his campaign. But he remains
focused on our highest priorities right now.
Q I asked you if --
MR. McCLELLAN: I think those are questions you need to direct to
the campaign in terms of what decisions may or may not be made.
Q Scott, may I follow on the Middle East?
MR. McCLELLAN: Yes, go ahead.
Q Before I do, nobody's congratulated you on your wedding.
Congratulations.
Q I'll congratulate you on your wedding.
MR. McCLELLAN: Actually, they have. They just were afraid to do
it publicly. They were trying to --
Q I think Joe Lockhart might congratulate you.
Q If you want to tell us about your wedding and your honeymoon,
we would be happy to hear. (Laughter.)
MR. McCLELLAN: She's a wonderful woman and we had a great time.
Q Are we going to meet her?
MR. McCLELLAN: Thank you for your congratulations.
Q When are we going to meet her?
MR. McCLELLAN: I'm sorry?
Q When are we going to meet her?
MR. McCLELLAN: Some of you already have. Some of you I may not want
to. (Laughter.) Not you, Les.
Q Thank you very much. (Laughter.)
Q What message is the White House sending to Israel by cutting
the loan guarantees? And will Israel have to stop the security fence
and stop expanding settlements in order to get those loans?
MR. McCLELLAN: Yes -- I mean, I think the President's views are
very well known. He spoke most recently, I think, about that at
Whitehall Palace in London, in terms of the steps Israel needs to take
to help get things moving toward the President's vision that he
outlined. And our views remain the same. We've expressed those
concerns to Israel.
Q Thank you.
MR. McCLELLAN: Thank you.
END 1:06 P.M. EST
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