For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
February 23, 2004
Press Briefing by Scott McClellan
The James S. Brady Briefing Room
12:43 P.M. EST
MR. McCLELLAN: Good afternoon. I want to begin with some open
remarks on an important issue. The President is providing
unprecedented leadership and commitment of resources to fight the
pandemic of AIDS in the world's most afflicted countries. Secretary of
State Powell and Secretary of Health and Human Services Thompson and
Ambassador and U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator Randall Tobias today are
sending Congress our five-year strategy for the President's emergency
plan for AIDS relief.
As of today, just one month after Congress appropriated funds for
the President's emergency plans for AIDS relief, $350 million is going
out the door and into the hands of service providers who are bringing
relief to those who are suffering in some of the hardest-hit countries
in the world.
These initial resources are going to organizations that can quickly
get help to those who are suffering, because they are already providing
prevention, care and treatment services focused on the key objectives
of the President's emergency plan, including anti-retroviral therapy
for AIDS-infected persons; HIV/AIDS prevention programs through
abstinence for youth; care programs for orphans and vulnerable children
affected by HIV/AIDS; and safe medical injection and safe blood
programs.
While these activities will supplement ongoing United States
government bilateral activities in order to take advantage of existing
programs that can be rapidly scaled up, the next round of funding will
place increased emphasis on also encouraging new partners in our
efforts to fight AIDS. We expect awards for the next round of funding
to begin going out in the next few months.
All these efforts are working towards the President's goals of
treating 2 million people with anti-retroviral therapy; preventing 7
million new infections; and caring for 10 million individuals infected
or affected by HIV.
And with that, I will be glad to take your questions. John.
Q So how loud was cheering yesterday when Ralph Nader announced
he was getting into the race? (Laughter.)
MR. McCLELLAN: John, I think that's all part of our democracy.
It's been interesting to watch some the reaction. The great thing is
that, in the end, it's the voters who get to decide.
Q Are you looking at what happened in the 2000 race as an
indicator of what could happen this year?
MR. McCLELLAN: John, I think we'll leave the political analysis to
all the pundits.
Go ahead, Goyal.
Q Scott, can you clarify the term -- Governor Schwarzenegger
was asked a question the other day that everybody in the U.S. who has
been living, and citizen of the United States for at least 20 years,
should be, or can run for the President of the United States? In
India, anybody can run for president or prime minister.
MR. McCLELLAN: The President actually was asked about that, I
believe it was a couple months ago, when he did an interview with
People Magazine. And he said it's something we probably ought to look
at.
Q And my other question is that some people are being released
from the Cuba base. There are at least -- 82 Pakistanis are being
held, at least, now. Are they being released because of pressure from
their governments, or those people are no longer threat, and those who
are being held are still threat?
MR. McCLELLAN: No, actually, if you'll recall, Secretary Rumsfeld
talked about the review process that we have in place for those enemy
combatants who are being detained at Guantanamo Bay. And we have been
working on a case-by-case basis with some other countries about some
specific individuals. And those countries to which some of the
detainees have been returned have assured us that they will make sure
that they no longer pose a threat to the United States, or to our
friends and allies.
Q Scott, on the President --
MR. McCLELLAN: Jacobo, go ahead.
Q Yes, this morning you spoke about --
MR. McCLELLAN: Join us, Jim. (Laughter.)
Q -- about the Haitian situation. What is the latest the White
House knows? And what else are they contemplating, besides sending 50
Marines to safeguard the embassy and --
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, this is a political situation that requires a
political solution. We continue to deplore the ongoing violence and we
regret the continuing loss of life in Haiti. The United States is
strongly committed to a peaceful, negotiated, constitutional and
democratic solution of this crisis and we're working closely with the
government of Haiti and the political opposition toward that goal.
As you are aware, there is a mission that went to Haiti this
weekend. Assistant Secretary Noriega represented the United States in
that delegation and we met with the government of Haiti, we met with
the political opposition. We're still waiting to hear back from the
political opposition. We're hopeful that they will agree to the
consensus plan that emerged from the United States, the CARICOM
nations, the Organization of American States, France, Canada and others
who had been working on that consensus plan last week.
Q What are the numbers of Americans, as far as you know, that
are still there? Because I know you put out a warning for them to
leave the country.
MR. McCLELLAN: The State Department could probably give you that
information. They did put out a travel advisory encouraging people to
leave Haiti, Americans to leave Haiti. And as you are aware, too,
there is a team from the Pentagon, at the request of Ambassador Foley,
our Ambassador in Port-au-Prince. He made a request for a security
team to come to the embassy, to protect the embassy and protect the
people in the embassy. And they are on their way to Haiti now; they
will arrive there this afternoon.
Q A follow-up on Haiti -- in particular, the boat people. The
President said on November 7, 2002, that the immigration laws ought to
be the same for Haitians and everybody else, except the Cubans, and the
difference, of course, is that we don't send people back to Cuba
because they're going to be persecuted.
Well, what more proof do you need --
MR. McCLELLAN: April, I think you're referring to a different
situation. At that time it was involving a specific --
Q Cubans versus Haitians and the boat people --
MR. McCLELLAN: -- it was involving a specific incident. And, yes,
the President's remarks there stand. But the migration policy of the
United States is very clear, and we have made it very clear that we
have a plan in place to stop any boats and we will return people to
their country of origin.
Q But, Scott, these people are risking shark-infested waters
versus staying in a country where they cannot be protected by their own
President. And even President Bush talks about compassionate
conservatism in his religion. Why not?
MR. McCLELLAN: And, April, we are providing a significant amount
of humanitarian assistance to the people of Haiti. And we are working
to bring -- we are working an ongoing diplomatic efforts, we are
actively engaged in ongoing diplomatic efforts to bring about a
political solution to the situation in Haiti. That's where our efforts
are focused. We continue to deplore the violence going on in Haiti.
We regret the loss of life. And the United States is actively engaged
in ongoing diplomatic efforts to bring about a solution.
Q Well, on another topic, there's a congressman who says he's
answering the call, President Bush's call to simplify tax issues.
Congressman Chaka Fattah is talking about just eliminating all taxes
and coming up with a somewhat sales tax, a 1 percent sales tax that he
says will cover everything -- it will cover government expenses, as
well as fix the deficit -- a 1 percent sales tax on anything $500 and
above. He's trying to talk to the Department of Treasury. What is the
White House thinking about this?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, I think the tax relief that the President
advocated and passed does make our tax code more simple and fairer for
Americans. If you look at what he proposed and what he passed, it
brings about a simpler and fairer tax system for the American people.
It makes the tax burden on middle and lower-income Americans more fair,
and by expanding the child credit and reducing the marriage penalty and
other measures, it makes it more simple.
Q So you're not even thinking about this one, even as he's
trying to present it?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, what we're focused on is continuing to
strengthen our economy and create as robust an environment as possible
for job creation. And so we continue to call on Congress to act to
make the tax cuts permanent. The last thing we need to do is to
provide uncertainty to the American people and raise -- and/or raise
taxes.
Q Just to follow up on that. It's your position that the tax
code is simpler now than it was when the President came into office?
MR. McCLELLAN: The President has committed to making the tax code
more simple and fairer.
Q Well, is it simpler now than when he came to office -- fewer
pages, fewer regulations?
MR. McCLELLAN: Because of the tax relief we passed, yes.
Q Does the President believe that the International Court of
Justice is the appropriate venue to determine the legality of the
Israeli security fence?
MR. McCLELLAN: We've previously expressed our opinion on this
issue, along with other Western countries. A couple of weeks ago, we
sent a brief saying that the International Court of Justice should not
be involved in this issue. It is our view that this is a political
issue and it should be resolved through dialogue and negotiation
between the parties. And so we're not participating in that.
Q Why is it a political issue? It's an international --
violation of international accords.
MR. McCLELLAN: And, Helen, we continue to remain actively engaged
in the Middle East, working to bring about the President's two-state
vision.
Q Scott, the U.N. said today -- Lakhdar Brahimi said that
elections in Iraq couldn't happen until the end of 2004, perhaps early
2005. Is that what the Bush administration timetable is at this
point? And what happens between June 30th and that time?
MR. McCLELLAN: I think the coalition and the Iraqi Governing
Council, the United Nations and the Iraqi people all support the
transfer of sovereignty by June 30th, as well as direct elections at a
later date. We are all in agreement about the feasibility of elections
before that date. But we all share a commitment to moving forward as
quickly as possible on elections. And we appreciate the work of
Secretary General Annan and Mr. Brahimi, and we are supportive of
recommendations that they have made in that regard.
We haven't been able to review all the specifics of the
recommendations put forward today. We will take a look at them. But
it is our strong belief that the United Nations has a vital role to
play. They were playing a vital role and we believe they can continue
to play a vital role in the future of the Iraqi people.
Go ahead, Ken. I'll come to you next, David.
Q Following up on John's opening question, there was some
back-and-forth this weekend between spokespeople for the President and
also Senator Kerry. Is the President open to possibly debating very
early in the season, sometime between the primaries and the
conventions?
MR. McCLELLAN: One, here at this podium, I remain focused on
talking about the President's priorities that he is working to
accomplish on behalf of the American people. Obviously, there is still
a Democratic primary process that's ongoing at this point. There will
be plenty of time to debate the differences. And the President will
look forward to debating the choices that the American people have.
But in terms of specifics, I think you need to address those questions
to the campaign.
Q So he will vote for a debate?
MR. McCLELLAN: The President looks forward to, at the appropriate
time, debating and discussing the choices the American people face.
Q Can you say, Scott, whether or not the President is aware
that he was challenged to a debate over the weekend, and whether or not
he's acknowledged it, and --
MR. McCLELLAN: I think the President is fully aware of the
political events that are going on.
Q On the 9/11 Commission, why -- you've indicated that the
President has agreed to a private meeting with the co-chairs of the
commission. Why is the President unwilling to meet with the entire
commission? And why, at this point, is he unwilling to provide public
testimony? What's his position on this?
MR. McCLELLAN: A couple of things. One, let me get to the first
part of your question. The chairman and vice-chairman of the 9/11
Commission sent a letter requesting a private session with the
President. The President agreed to the request. We believe that all
the necessary information could be provided in that private meeting.
In terms of the actual details, we are still discussing those details
for that private session with the chairman and vice-chairman. That's
where it stands at this point.
Q How is that going? (Laughter.)
MR. McCLELLAN: It's ongoing; it's going.
Q It doesn't appear like he is willing to sit down to offer
testimony to the entire commission, and I'm wondering why not?
MR. McCLELLAN: I think the President believes that all the
necessary information they need can be provided in a private session.
Q Why --
Q Then why is he appearing?
Q Why -- hold on, Helen. What about -- why not a public
session?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, I think that he feels that everything can be
provided in that private meeting, that's why.
Q Right, but they apparently feel differently, so --
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, I'm not sure -- speaking for the entire
commission, but the chairman and vice chairman requested the private
meeting. And that's what we're moving forward on discussing with them
right now.
Q Would it be inappropriate, in your view, in the President's
view, for him to offer testimony under oath to this commission?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, look, the President will be pleased to talk
to them in a private session. And that's where it stands right now.
Q So you're not answering the oath question?
MR. McCLELLAN: I'm sorry?
Q You're not -- does he think it's inappropriate to be under
oath for something like this?
MR. McCLELLAN: The President is going to share with them what
information he knows, and he's pleased to do it.
Q So he'll do it under oath, if necessary?
MR. McCLELLAN: I don't know if that's necessary. I think he can
accomplish it all in private meeting, and provide the commission the
necessary information in that format.
Q But he's -- but he's against anything being made public?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, I don't know that I said that. They will
obviously have a private meeting with him and have an opportunity to
discuss with the President information that is relevant to their work.
Q Can they share that testimony then?
MR. McCLELLAN: And we're working all the details. I don't know
the specifics, David, of all the details that are involved in this.
Obviously, we still are able -- we're still working to discuss those
details with them. But, certainly, this is information that they would
use in preparing their report to the American people. So I expect that
they would share information.
Q With the President starting to do more campaign events and
activities, could you please lay out for the public the guidelines that
the White House and the campaign use, in terms of splitting the cost,
whether it's a trip to the convention center tonight, or our two-state
visit on Thursday?
MR. McCLELLAN: You're asking me to use my legal expertise, which
I'm not a lawyer, but let me just tell you that --
Q Just some general guidelines.
MR. McCLELLAN: Yes, and I'll be glad to provide you with more
information if that's what you need. But the practices that we are
following are consistent with all the applicable rules and laws
governing elections, and they're consistent with practices of previous
administrations.
Q Scott, on that point if I could --
MR. McCLELLAN: Jim. Jim was trying to get in there. I'll come to
you next.
Q All right.
Q The President, we are told, will present himself as a
candidate for reelection tonight. How would you describe the speech
he's going to give?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, I think the campaign has described the speech
to some extent. But I would just say that -- and I don't know that I'd
necessarily agree with the way you started your question, but this is a
critical period for our nation and for our future. This nation faces
big challenges, and the President has worked to meet those challenges.
The President remains focused on our biggest priorities. This is a
time when Americans are faced with clear choices about serious
challenges this nation faces, and the President believes it's important
for the American people to have an honest discussion about those
choices that we face. And the choice is very clear. And we will
continue to confront the big priorities facing the American people.
The two biggest priorities continue to be winning the war on
terrorism, and strengthening our economy even more. And that's where
we ought to have an honest discussion about the decisions and choices
that we are making. The President has outlined a positive, optimistic
agenda for America's future. And he is proud of our record of
accomplishment to address those big challenges we face. So he will
focus on his record of achievement and his positive vision for the
future.
Q You're not suggesting that tonight's speech is not a
political one in which he is essentially beginning an effort to make
his case --
MR. McCLELLAN: I think -- no, it's just the first part you said,
announcing his reelect. I think it's well-known that he is obviously
running for reelection. So that's all I was stating with that.
Q Yes, but doesn't this represent a shift that the President
will now --
MR. McCLELLAN: I think the campaign talked about how they're
accelerating some of their efforts. And he will certainly tonight talk
about the clear choices that the American people face going forward at
this critical period in our nation's history.
Q Do you know whether or not he intends to make a formal
announcement that he will seek reelection?
MR. McCLELLAN: I would leave those questions to the campaign to
address.
Q Scott, on Thursday, is that a policy trip, a presidential
trip? Or is that a campaign trip?
MR. McCLELLAN: There's both. I think he's got a conversation on
the economy. We'll try to get you in there. (Laughter.) And then
he's got some --
Q Can't wait. (Laughter.)
MR. McCLELLAN: And then he has some campaign events, as well.
Q And back to Ralph Nader, when you said this is all part of
our democracy, so are you welcoming Ralph Nader into the race?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, that's why I said --
Q -- because part of our democracy is --
MR. McCLELLAN: That's why I said -- one, it's up to the voters to
decide in the end. And, two, we'll leave all that political analysis
to the pundits and others.
Q But are you upset that he's in the race?
MR. McCLELLAN: Look, that's -- it's up to the voters to make their
determination come next November.
Go ahead.
Q Scott, the President said many -- many times in the last few
years that the tax cuts that he pushed through Congress would create
jobs. And in his remarks to the governors this morning, he said the
unemployment rate, which is now 5.6, is a good number. That raised
some eyebrows in the --
MR. McCLELLAN: No, he said, given the -- given the circumstances
of what we've been through. The unemployment rate is declining. And
it's moving in the right direction. And I would remind you that it's
below the average of the '70s, '80s, and '90s. And it continues to go
on a steady decline from 6.3 percent in June 2003, where it was.
Q But some of the governors said that there was concern, from
both sides of the aisle, raised in that session about the quality of
jobs that the economy is gaining; that the manufacturing jobs that have
disappeared were pretty good-paying jobs, and that the jobs that are
being created now so far aren't at that level. Is that a concern that
the President shares?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, he's concerned about the loss of any job.
And the President is not satisfied, because there are still people
looking for work who cannot find a job. And I would remind you what
the President said in his remarks to the governors. The economy is
strong and growing stronger, and it is moving in the right direction.
But there is more to do to create a more robust environment for job
creation.
We've seen 366,000 new jobs created in the last five months. We've
seen the unemployment continue its steady decline -- it is now at the
lowest point in two years. So things are moving in the right
direction. But we continue to need to take additional steps to create
as robust an environment for job creation as possible. That's why he's
calling on Congress to act on his six-point plan. The last thing we
need to do is turn back from the direction we are moving. We continue
to need to build upon the efforts that the President has undertaken
previously.
Q California's Democrat State Attorney General, William
Lockyer, has refused to obey Governor Schwarzenegger's direction to,
"take immediate steps to obtain a definitive judicial resolution of
this controversy," because San Francisco's actions and the Governor's
words present an imminent risk to civil order. And my first question,
why won't the President, under his obligation in Article II, Section 3,
of the Constitution, send federal agents to stop any more of these now
3,000 violations of state law by the mayor?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, I think, one, the governor of the state of
California is working to address this issue, as you pointed out. It
continues to be troubling that there are people who are ignoring the
law. And there was a Superior Court ruling the other day that allowed
these licensings of same-sex marriages to go forward. The President is
committed to protecting and defending the sanctity of marriage. And he
views some of these events as deeply troubling. And he continues to
look very closely at this issue. Those events are certainly having an
influence on his decision.
Q Your explanation, that the President is giving this issue
serious thought, is called, "politically foolhardy hesitancy that makes
true believers think he's not with us," by Bay Buchanan. Gary Bauer
says, "There is nothing else on the President's agenda that comes close
to the polling numbers on this." And Tony Perkins, of Family Research
Council, calls this a tremendous cultural crisis. And my question --
MR. McCLELLAN: I was wondering if you were getting to the
question.
Q How long is the President going to fail to take action
against what the governor recognizes as an imminent risk to civil
order? And how many millions of evangelical votes does he expect to
lose by this hesitation?
MR. McCLELLAN: Les, this is a principled decision for the
President of the United States. His views are very clear. Marriage is
an enduring institution of this country, and he is committed to
protecting the sanctity of marriage. He has made it very clear that he
is committed to doing what is legally necessary to protect and defend
the sanctity of marriage. He continues to look at this issue very
seriously, and it's an issue that he feels strongly about and he will
stand on principle on this issue.
Q When will there be any action, Scott, any action?
MR. McCLELLAN: As I said, he continues to look at it very closely
and he is committed to doing what is legally necessary to protect the
sanctity of marriage.
Q I have two questions, if I may. The President wants to bring
Hispanics from south of the border to this country to work. But the
latest unemployment figures show 7.3 percent of Hispanics in America
are unemployed. Why not put them to work first?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, I think you're mischaracterizing the
President's proposal, first of all. The proposal on immigration that
you mentioned was relating to a temporary worker program where you
would be filling jobs that Americans cannot be found to fill first.
Go ahead.
Q We know the President married well and we know he has trouble
with English, but does he really have big biceps? (Laughter.)
MR. McCLELLAN: No, but you did bring up an issue that the
President feels strongly about, and that is to promote healthy
choices. And it's something he has been very committed to, leading by
example on.
Q This is on Iraq. Last week, Senator Tom Daschle told an
audience in South Dakota, "I give the overall effort real credit," in
talking about the war in Iraq.
MR. McCLELLAN: Right, I saw those remarks.
Q Would you interpret his statement as a significant
endorsement of administration policy, considering his own party and
most of the media coverage says that the war in Iraq is going so
badly?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, I think there is a growing recognition that a
free and peaceful Iraq is vital to our nation's interests. A free and
peaceful Iraq will help bring about stability and peace in a very
volatile region of the world. This is a generational commitment the
President is making to the Middle East, and Iraq can be an important
step in moving toward freedom and democracy throughout the greater
Middle East. And the President is strongly committed to making sure
that we stay the course and finish the job in Iraq, for that very
reason.
Q Don't you think Daschle's breaking ranks with his own party
to essentially praise the war effort in Iraq is significant?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, again, I don't want to interpret everybody's
remarks, but I did see those remarks. We are making important progress
in Iraq. It's very work that we are -- have undertaken. We are
working closely with the Iraqi people and leaders in Iraq to bring
about a peaceful, democratic and free Iraq.
Q Scott, there was a report earlier today that the White House
is considering lifting the air ban on Libya. Do you have anything on
that?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, if there's any additional announcements to
make, I expect they would come out of the State Department first. The
President's views on that are very clear and we continue to see
progress being made by the government of Libya and we have said, as
that progress is made, it will lead toward better relations.
Q Scott, has the President ever said whether or not he thinks
it's appropriate for his Vice President to have gone on a duck hunting
trip with a Supreme Court Justice, when Mr. Cheney has a case coming
before the Supreme Court?
MR. MCCLELLAN: Well, one, I think you ought to address that
question to the Vice President's office if you have a specific question
about trips that he may take. I think that Justice Scalia has
previously addressed that matter, as well.
Q I'm just wondering if the President has an opinion on the
behavior of his Vice President?
MR. MCCLELLAN: I haven't heard a discussion about it.
Go ahead.
Q Scott, there's an appointee in the Veterans Administration,
John Thomas Birch, who has bought up domain names on the internet,
Veterans for Kerry, and such. He has helped -- he helped the President
in the 2000 campaign on veterans issues, and I wonder if Mr. Birch is
acting on behalf of the campaign, if he's acting in concert with you,
with --
MR. MCCLELLAN: I don't know anything about those activities. You
might want to address that question to the campaign.
Go ahead.
Q Is there anything being done to help U.S. companies invested
in Haiti?
MR. MCCLELLAN: I'm sorry, what?
Q Is anything being done to help U.S. companies that are
invested in Haiti?
MR. MCCLELLAN: To help those companies?
Q That may --
MR. MCCLELLAN: Well, I think what we're doing to help in Haiti is
to bring about a peaceful political solution to the current crisis.
That's what we are doing.
Q -- losses because of --
MR. MCCLELLAN: Well, our focus right now -- well, one, our focus
right now is on working with nations in the Caribbean and the
Organization of American States and France and Canada and others to
bring about a peaceful resolution to the situation in Haiti. We also
are working on the humanitarian assistance to the Haitian people who
are in need right now. That's where our focus is right now.
Q Thank you.
MR. MCCLELLAN: Thanks.
END 1:10 P.M. EST
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