September 30, 2004 | 11:34 a.m.(EDT)

Q: Dawn Young from Portland, Oregon:
Hi Barney, I want to wish you a very happy birthday today! Mine was on the 23rd and I thought of you as I know yours is in September too! My dogs Cricket and Lacey send their happy b-day wishes as well and would like to have a poster of you to hang up in their newly re-furbished dog house OR the laundry room which is where they stay during the day while I am at work. Best wishes for a muttnificent day!!!

Dawn Young
Portland, OR
P.S. I enjoy seeing you pictures on the site each day along with a little bit about your activities. You are a very active and interesting dog. Please say hello to Willy for me.

A: Barney, First Dog:
Bow, Wow, Woof.

September 28, 2004 | 11:16 a.m.(EDT)

Q: Miss Wilson's Class, Sea Gate Elementary writes:
Dear Barney,

Happy Birthday to you! How old are you? We enjoyed your movies and your biography. We hope you will make another movie soon! We are looking forward to seeing it!

"Happy Birthday to you!

Happy Birthday to you!

Happy Birthday, dear Barney!

Happy Birthday to you!

We hope you get a new soccer ball for your birthday!

Write back to us if you can!

Lots of love,
Miss Wilson's Wonderfuls

A: Barney, First Dog:
Bark, Bark, Woof, Arf. : )

Editor's note: Barney turns four on September 30.

September 14, 2004 | 5:54 p.m.(EDT)

Q: Andrea, from Fort Myers, FL writes:
I recently saw a special the History Channel did about the war of 1812. Does the portrait of General Washington that Dolly Madison risked her life to save hang in the White House today? If not, what became of it?

A: Bill Allman, White House Curator:
Yes, the portrait of George Washington that Dolley Madison took with her when she fled the White House in 1814 does hang in the house today. It is on display in the East Room on the State Floor. Mrs. Madison left the White House on August 22, 1814, in advance of British troops who set fire to the White House and other government buildings. In addition to packing and removing cabinet documents and a few furnishings, Mrs. Madison had Gilbert Stuart's 1797 portrait of George Washington removed from its frame and taken safely into the countryside. In 1817, the painting was returned to the newly rebuilt White House. It has remained here ever since with one exception--the portrait was stored at the National Gallery of Art from 1949-1952 during the Truman renovation.

September 10, 2004 | 5:58 p.m.(EDT)

Q: Ty, from Orlando, Florida writes:
For the past two years, The President has proclaimed September 11th as Patriot Day and directed the flag of the United States to be flown at half staff. To date, no similar proclamation has been made for September 11, 2004 which is tomorrow. Is there going to be a proclamation this year?

A: Andy Card, White House Chief of Staff:
That's correct. The President signed a bill into law in December of 2001 that designated each September 11 as "Patriot Day." Each year since, the President has issued a proclamation requesting that the people of the United States display the flag at half-staff on Patriot Day and observe a moment of silence beginning at 8:46 a.m. eastern daylight time on September 11, to honor the innocent victims who lost their lives as a result of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

In addition, the President has proclaimed each year, "National Days of Prayer and Remembrance," calling on the people of the United States to join together and pray for those who were lost, and for their loved ones. This year, the National Days of Prayer and Remembrance are September 10 through September 12, 2004.

Patriot Day should not be confused with Patriots Day, which is celebrated on April 19th, marking the start of the Revolutionary War with the Battle of Lexington and Concord as well as Paul Revere's "Midnight Ride" on April 19, 1775.

You can find this year's proclamations right here on the White House Web Site.

August 23, 2004 | 5:20 p.m.(EDT)

Q: Trish, from Portage, IN writes:
I have never seen the Cats Picture. I have no idea whats hes or she name is. Show more of the Cat. I am a Cat Lover.

A: Jimmy Orr, White House Internet Director:
We have featured Willie the Cat twice (when we ran out of Barney photos). Willie is elusive and far harder to capture on film (kind of like the Loch Ness monster). Click either thumbnail to see the Willie photos and check back for more Willie photos.

August 23, 2004 | 5:20 p.m.(EDT)

Q: Trish, from Portage, IN writes:
I have never seen the Cats Picture. I have no idea whats hes or she name is. Show more of the Cat. I am a Cat Lover.

A: Jimmy Orr, White House Internet Director:
We have featured Willie the Cat twice (when we ran out of Barney photos). Willie is elusive and far harder to capture on film (kind of like the Loch Ness monster). Click either thumbnail to see the Willie photos and check back for more Willie photos.

August 11, 2004 | 1:43 p.m.(EDT)

Q: John K., from Washington, D.C. writes:
Why is Willie always referred to as "Willie the Cat", but Barney is never referred to as "Barney the Dog"? Does the President favor his dog over his cat?

A: Jimmy Orr, White House Internet Director:
It all has to with name recognition, John. You notice that people never say "Elvis the Singer," for example. Barney is in that same league.

August 10 2004 | 5:08 p.m.(EDT)

A:Blake Gottesman, President's Personal Aide:
Barney's very friendly (especially with kids). As the President has said, he's just independent-minded.

August 9 2004 | 5:38 p.m.(EDT)

Q: Katlin from Colorado Springs, Colorado:
Is Barney alowed to go where the visitors go?

A: Dale Haney, White House Horticulturist:
Yes, usually once during the day he visits the White House tour line.

August 9 2004 | 3:12 p.m.(EDT)

Q: Stanley from Phoenix, AZ:
President Bush has Air Force One. Does the Vice President have an airplane or does he fly commercial airlines?

A: Kevin Kellems, Assistant to the Vice President for Communications:
The Vice President travels on a plane known as Air Force Two. The plane is a modified Boeing 757-200 known in the Air Force as a C-32. This plane also is used by other senior officials such as the First Lady and members of the President's Cabinet, but it is only called Air Force Two when the Vice President is on board.

The aircraft has an interior that is designed to accommodate the working needs of the Vice President, his staff, Secret Service, and Air Force personnel. The Vice President has a stateroom on the airplane that includes a desk, telephone, and television. Air Force Two can travel long distances without refueling due to its enhanced fuel efficiency.

August 5 2004 | 5:26 p.m.(EDT)

Q: Hanna from New York:
I once saw a film where a Presidents dog slept in a real bed. Does the Presidents dog do the same, or was that just made up?

A: Dale Haney, White House Horticulturist:
Hi Hannah
Barney uses a dog pillow for his bed.

August 4 2004 | 3:42 p.m.(EDT)

Q: Joseph from Port Huron, MI:
Is it true that Lincoln's bedroom is haunted? I have heard many stories about his ghost being seen in the room at night.

A: Sara Steele, White House Deputy Internet Director:
We interviewed White House Residence staff about White House ghost stories last Halloween. Check out www.whitehouse.gov/ghosts

August 4 2004 | 2:26 p.m.(EDT)

Q: Melinda from Kansas City, MO:
Is there a way to receive the Barney picture of the day via email? Is there a distribution list I could subscribe to? It would be great to have one.

A: Jimmy Orr, White House Internet Director:
We have received many emails on this topic. I just checked with the technical folks and they tell me that this feature will be available next week.

August 4 2004 | 12:01 p.m.(EDT)

Q: James from Toledo, Ohio:
How do i get tickets to vist the whitehouse in late september?

A: Sara Armstrong, Director, White House Visitor's Office:
Thank you for your question about visiting the White House. Public tours of the White House are available for groups of 10 or more people and can be arranged through your Member of Congress. Tours are scheduled on a first come, first served basis approximately one month in advance of the requested date. I would suggest that you submit your request through your Member of Congress as soon as possible, since we are already scheduling tours for the month of September and there are a limited number of tours available. All White House tours are free of charge and are scheduled from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For more information about White House tours, click here www.whitehouse.gov/history/tours/. We hope you enjoy your visit to our nation's capital.

August 4 2004 | 11:49 a.m.(EDT)

Q: Lisa from Florida:
Hey Barney , barkbark woof woof ruff ruff grooooooowwweeelllll raroooooooooooooo bark bark bark bark !! grrrrrrrrrr .... ? LOL :oP

A: Barney, First Dog:
Bark, bark, bark. Woof, woof. Rowf. Arf. : )

August 2 2004 | 10:29 a.m.(EDT)

Q: Molly from Washington, DC:
My English Bulldog Sasha loves to go for rides in the car. Does Barney ever go for rides in the car with the President?

A: Blake Gottesman, Personal Aide to the President:
The President likes to go for rides around his ranch in his pickup truck (it's the only place he can really drive himself) and Barney often goes with him in the truck. This photo was recently taken of the President with Barney at the ranch.

July 30 2004 | 6:00 p.m.(EDT)

Q: Barbara from Bowling Green Public Library:
What must I do to have the "President" send a birthday card to a wonderful full-time wife and mother who will be 90 years old on October 26, 2004?

A: Heidi Marquez Smith, Special Assistant to the President and Director of Presidential Correspondence:
Dear Barbara, Thank you for your interest in requesting a greeting from President Bush.

You may submit a request via fax at 202-395-1232, mail to The White House, Attn: Greetings Office, Washington, D.C. 20502-0039, or by Web Mail located on the White House website at http://www.whitehouse.gov/greeting/.

Please make sure to include your mother's full name with appropriate salutation, date of birth, mailing address, and your (the requestor's) name and daytime phone number. We ask that requests for greetings are received in our office at least six weeks in advance of the event date. At this date I recommend you fax or use White House Web Mail to submit your request.

We will make every effort to send the greeting in time for your special occasion. For more information on our guidelines and the types of greetings you may request please visit the White House website at http://www.whitehouse.gov/greeting/.

July 29 2004 | 12:55 p.m.(EDT)

Q: Sren from Denmark:
Hey Barney. You should tell your humans that it is not a soccer ball you are playing with, but a volleyball!
Loved you in Barney Cam. Cheers

A: Jimmy Orr, White House Internet Director:
You are correct. I blame myself.

July 29 2004 | 12:00 p.m.(EDT)

July 28 2004 | 3:27 p.m.(EDT)

Q: Jackie from Morgantown, West Virginia
Does Barney ever eat dessert?

A: Roland Mesnier, White House Pastry Chef:
No, I don't give Barney desserts because it is against the rules and regulations. The President and First Lady have requested that we do not feed Barney because we want to keep Barney slim and trim like everyone else in the residence.

Why should he get fat?

But Barney has a way of getting his own dessert. If he happens to see me in the elevator or anywhere in the White House, he runs to my shoes and starts licking them.

Guess why? There is sugar on my shoes, and buttercream and chocolate. Barney absolutely loves it. He would know my shoes among thousands of other shoes.

July 21 2004 | 12:58 p.m.(EDT)

Q: Steve from Las Vegas, NevadA
How long do the Marines have to stand at the entrance to the West Wing? Thank You.

A: Admiral Michael Miller, Director, White House Military Office:
Marine Sentries fall under the operational control of the White House Military Office. Their primary purpose is to greet and assist guests of the President entering the West Wing; this courtesy is extended to all persons entering or exiting the West Wing when they are posted. Currently there are four Marines Sentries assigned to the White House Military Office that stand post for 30 minutes at a time - shorter if there is inclement weather.

July 20 2004 | 12:58 p.m.(EDT)

Q: Marcus from Oaktown:
I love the photo of the President's note which says, "Let Freedom Reign!" My question is to Eric Draper, White House photographer. How did this shot come about? Can you give us some background on it?

A: Eric Draper, White House Photo Director:
When I saw a piece of paper being passed to the President, I knew what was written on it would be important to document. Later, I photographed the note's contents after receiving a message from the White House Press Office that they had it for me at our hotel in Istanbul. I simply placed it on an easel I found in an office there, near a sunny window. It was a thrill for me to hold a piece of history in my hands.

July 19 2004 | 3:54 p.m.(EDT)

Q: Donna from Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Years ago there was an address one could write to for the president of the United States to send a birthday card to someone 80 years of age or older. I cannot locate the address. My grandmother will turn 90 on August 12th and I would love to request the card.

A: Heidi Marquez Smith, Special Assistant to the President and Director of Presidential Correspondence:
Dear Donna, Thank you for your interest in requesting a greeting from President Bush for your grandmother for her 90th birthday. You may submit a request via fax at 202-395-1232, mail to The White House, Attn: Greetings Office, Washington, D.C. 20502-0039, or by Web Mail located on the White House website at http://www.whitehouse.gov/greeting/.

Please make sure to include your grandmother's full name with appropriate salutation, date of birth, mailing address, and your (the requestor's) name and daytime phone number. We ask that requests for greetings are received in our office at least six weeks in advance of the event date. At this date I recommend you fax or use White House Web Mail to submit your request. We will make every effort to send the greeting in time for your special occasion. For more information on our guidelines and the types of greetings you may request please visit the White House website at http://www.whitehouse.gov/greeting/.

July 15, 2004 | 2:46 p.m.(EDT)

Q: Mac from Ridgeland, MS:
Does Barney have a favorite toy?

A: Dale Haney, White House Horticulturist:
Nowadays it is between the volleyball or the metal horseshoes. The tennis ball has definitely taken third place.

July 15 2004 | 11:00 a.m.(EDT)

Q: Tracy from PA
It has been told there are several past President's still lurking in the shadows of the White House. Has any of the current residents seen any of these ghosts?

A: Jimmy Orr, White House Internet Director:
We put together a special Halloween page last year where we discussed the myths of ghosts at the White House. Click here -- www.whitehouse.gov/ghosts/ -- it is a fun page...

July 14 2004 | 5:44 p.m.(EDT)

Q: Sam from Salem, Mass:
Before it became the Press Briefing room, there was a pool adjacent to the White House which Nixon had filled in. I heard once that this pool was tiled with dimes by Roosevelt, in honor of his March of dimes to find a polio vaccine. Is this true?

A: Gary Walters, White House Usher:
The West terrace pool was built in 1933 for Franklin D. Roosevelt to exercise as polio therapy. It was paid for by a newspaper campaign soliciting contributions large and small, like the March of Dimes, but we have no record that it was a March of Dimes project and it was not decorated with dimes.

It was a very simple pool, 50 x 15 feet, of graduated depth. In 1961, President Kennedy's father comissioned a painting of the Virgin Islands to be hung on the walls around the pool to enliven what had been a rather austere space. The painting was removed when the pool was covered over in 1969 and returned to the Kennedy family.

July 9 2004 | 2:21 p.m.(EDT)

Q: Long from Shermer High:
What's happening with the West Wing? I was there a couple months ago and saw scaffolding, hammering and whatnot.

A: Gary Walters, White House Usher:
The work occurring the north side of the West Wing is part of the comprehensive restoration of the exterior of the East and West Wings begun in 2002 by the Executive Residence. The project includes the stripping of all paint, restoration of all masonry and wood surfaces, restoration of all the windows including insulating glass and UV filtering film, and the application of new paint. These photos show progress made from early May, 2004 through today (July 9, 2004).

July 8 2004 | 11:34 a.m.(EDT)

Q: Brandon from BYU-Hawaii:
Hello,

I have always wandered if there is a red phone located in the oval office like on the orignal Batman TV series and if there is what is it used for

Thank!
-Brandon

A: Gary Walters, White House Usher:
We have no evidence of a red phone. If it were a "hot-line," it may have been concealed in a desk drawer. The various generations of regular desk phone were: black (prior to Kennedy, Nixon-Ford, and Bush 41-present), turquoise (Kennedy-Johnson, or white (Carter-Reagan).

July 7 2004 | 11:21 a.m.(EDT)

Q: Virginia from Conroe, Texas: I was wondering if there was a "virtual" tour of the Whitehouse. I was on tours there years ago and I would like for my grandchildren to see it.

A: Jimmy Orr, White House Internet Director:
Hi Virginia

There are viritual video tours of the White House and the West Wing available on our web site.

This is one of the most popular sections of the web site

July 6 2004 | 4:03 p.m.(EDT)

Q: Roseanne from Storm Lake, Iowa
First of all, I want to wish a happy birthday to President Bush! Were there any special activities planned at the White House? Thanks!

A: Andy Card, White House Chief of Staff:
Thank you for your thoughts. I will pass them on to the President.

He has been overwhelmed with birthday greetings today. The press pool even burst into an off-key "Happy Birthday" rendition during his meeting with the Prime Minister of Iceland.

President George W. Bush, at 58, is in great physical, mental and emotional shape. When he arrived in the Oval Office very early this morning there was a spring in his step and he had a clear vision for America.

The staff celebrated the President's birthday with the President's family and friends July 4th. We presented the President a three volume leather-bound set of correspondence between Winston Churchill and President Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

July 6 2004 | 2:33 p.m.(EDT)

Q: J. J. and Kathy from Cottonwood, AZ:
Happy Birthday Mr. President! Our country is truly blessed to have such a compassionate and caring visionary leader. We hope that this year is your best yet! May God bless you and continue to guide your actions. J. J. and Kathy Cottonwood, AZ

A: Laura Bush, First Lady:
Thanks so much for wishing The President a Happy Birthday. I'll pass on your message.

June 30, 2004 | 2:46 p.m.(EDT)

Q: Karen from Mays Landing, New Jersey:
Does Barney have free run of the White House or is he limited in where he is allowed to go?

A: Dale Haney, White House Horticulturist:
Barney does have free-run of the White House unless there is a special event going on. He is limited at that time and prohibited from that area. He does like to hang out in the West Wing during the day. Up in the living quarters, he seems to like napping under a table or a chair.

June 24, 2004 | 9:52 a.m.(EDT)

Q: Boomer, from Michigan:
Hello, on CNN it was noted that, this would be the first time a Senator's portrait has hung, in the White House (referring to Senator Clinton). I'm not sure that this entirely accurate. Wasn't John Quincy Adams elected Senator, after his term as President ended?

A: Bill Allman, White House Curator:
The portrait of Hillary Rodham Clinton is the first of a sitting United States Senator to hang in the White House.

Andrew Johnson was the only former president to serve in the Senate after his term as president, but he served only briefly--March 4, 1875 until his death on July 31, 1875. His posthumous portrait for the White House was commissioned five years later in 1880.

John Quincy Adams was the only former president to serve in the House of Representatives after his term as president--March 4, 1831 to his death on February 23, 1848. His posthumous portrait for the White House was commissioned ten years later in 1858.

Fifteen of the presidents served in the Senate before becoming president, including John Quincy Adams and Andrew Johnson, so technically their portraits are one-time senators.

June 22, 2004 | 12:26 p.m.(EDT)

Q: Michael, from North Merrick, NY:
I am working with my daughter on a project regarding the Flag of the US. One of the questions that I can't find the answer to is 'What does it mean when the flag is not flying at the White House?' I have looked on many web sites and count not find an answer. Then I figured, let's see if the White House Staff could help. Thank you for your assistance.

A: Tim Saunders, Executive Clerk:
Well, that's an interesting question, as the flag of the United States flies over the White House every day of every year, 24 hours a day. I'm guessing you might have viewed the flag at half staff one time and were not able to see the flag from the location you were standing.

June 21, 2004 | 1:29 p.m.(EDT)

Q: Donald Finney, Indianapolis, In:
As a proud grandparent of one of the players in last sunday's tee ball game, I was wondering when the photos would be posted on the web.

A: Eric Draper, White House Photo Director
Thanks for your question, Donald. Here is a tee-ball photo essay from this weekend's game. (click here). Hope you enjoy it.

June 18, 2004 | 09:49 a.m.(EDT)

Q: Devin, Eaglewood, CO

Bishop Elementary School
3100 S. Elati
Englewood,CO 80110

Dear President Bush,
I wanted to talk about the Tropical Rain Forests. When I was in a group with three people Tyler, Kippy, and Daniel we read about the Tropical Rain Forest. We read that by 2005 the south American Tropical Rain Forest will be gone because people keep using it as a resource facility. I'm afraid if we don't try to save it and it gets used up they'll come to our country and use our's as a resource facility.

My group and I are doing a class project on the Tropical Rain Forest. Tyler and I have some ideas. My ideas are to put a security station near by. If people want to see the Tropical Rain Forest they have to check in at the security station. They'll have to go through a metal detector. When they go into the Tropical Rain Forest they have to where plastic shoes.

Another idea of mine is to surround the Tropical Rain Forest with security guards. When the people come to the security guards they have to empty out all their metal. When they go inside they should wear plastic shoes. Tyler's idea is metal alarms. If somebody sneaks through and they have an ax and they hit the tree the alarms will go off. Obviously, you can see this is important us so I hope you can do something about it.

Sincerly,
Devin
Grade Four.

A:Jim Connaughton, Chairman Council of Environmental Quality:

Hi, Devin!

I am so happy, and I know the President would be, too, that you and your class are learning about tropical rainforest protection. This is a very important issue, one that we take seriously and are working on here at the White House. Thank you for sharing your ideas with us.

There are a lot of ways to protect, or conserve, rainforests around the world. For example, President Bush is a strong supporter of the Tropical Forest Conservation Act, which helps countries redirect their debt payments toward local projects to help protect tropical forests. To learn more, please visit http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2001/04/20010423-2.html, and http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2002/03/20020323-6.html for an example of how it works.

President Bush thinks that one of the best ways to help protect rainforests is for the United States government to work closely with other countries that have rainforests, such as the developing nations in South America and Africa, to help their governments create programs to fight illegal logging - timber that is harvested, transported, processed or sold against a country's laws.

The United States has been a leader in educating people and governments about this terrible problem, and is finding the solutions to take care of it through a variety of cooperative efforts with those countries. President Bush.s Initiative Against Illegal Logging expands those efforts by helping to improve law enforcement, getting the local communities in those countries involved, sharing our environmental technology with them, and helping the legal businesses that are regulated by their countries. governments.

You can learn more about this great program at http://www.whitehouse.gov/infocus/illegal-logging/.

We are also the largest supporter of the Congo Basin Forest Partnership, which helps countries in Africa.s Congo Basin fight poverty and illegal logging, enforce anti-poaching laws, improve how local governments work, and conserve natural resources by supporting national parks and protected areas. Participating countries include Cameroon, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, the Republic of the Congo, the United States, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the European Commission.

You can learn more about the Partnership at its Web site, http://www.cbfp.org/en/about.aspx.

June 17, 2004 | 11:10 a.m.(EDT)

Q: Mimi, California
How tall is First Lady Laura Bush?

A:Gordon Johndroe, Mrs. Bush's Press Secretary:
Mrs. Bush is 5 feet, 6 inches tall. She's just a few inches shorter than the President, so when the two of them speak at an event together, there's a hidden step that comes out of the podium for her to stand on. When she introduces the President, he pushes the step in with his shoe when it's his turn to speak.

June 16, 2004 | 3:10 p.m.(EDT)

Q: Janice from Chicago, Illinois:
Does Barney like to take baths?

A:Dale Haney, White House Horticulturist:
Barney does not like to take baths, but he will tolerate it. Once he is placed in the sink, he knows a bath is coming and he won't move. He'll just stand there and put up with it.

June 14, 2004 | 1:44 p.m.(EDT)

Q: Erickson from Washington, D.C.:
Dear Mr. or Ms. "Personal Aide to President":
Does your job require you to accompany with the President all time 24/7?
What do you do?

Thank you!

A: Blake Gottesman, Personal Aide to the President:
I am not with the President "24/7", but I am fortunate to accompany him on all domestic and international travel (the only exception is when he goes to Camp David, in which case - I only go if he has public events there). When the President is in the office, I sit with his Personal Secretary in an office between the Oval Office and the Cabinet Room.

I don't have a "deputy aide" - but there are persons who can fill in for me, if i get sick, have a family emergency, or am otherwise unable to travel with him.

My goal is to help take care of as much of the little stuff as possible, so that the President can worry about the big stuff. I can't do a whole lot about the economy, the war on terror, or education. I can try, though, to help make sure that the President's mind is free to worry about those things and not about whether we are running late, where his speech is, about changes to the next event, whether someone on his staff is trying to reach him, when he is going to eat lunch, etc. If you're interested in learning more about my job, Brad Patterson wrote a book titled "The White House Staff: Inside the West Wing and Beyond" which, if my memory serves me right (it's been a while since I read it) has a pretty good description of the role of the Personal Aide to the President.

June 11, 2004 | 5:33 p.m.(EDT)

Q: Janice from Chicago, Illinois:
Does Barney like to take baths?

A: Dale Haney, White House Horticulturist:
Barney does not like to take baths, but he will tolerate it. Once he is placed in the sink, he knows a bath is coming and he won't move. He'll just stand there and put up with it.

June 11, 2004 | 5:33 p.m.(EDT)

Q: Jay, Alpha, New Jersey:
When Barney is aboard Air Force One, does he get to wander around, or is there a specific place he stays?

A: Blake Gottesman, Personal Aide to the President:
Barney can roam anywhere on the plane, but he usually likes to stay right next to his dad. When the President is in his office (on the plane), Barney is usually curled up underneath the desk.

June 11, 2004 | 5:33 p.m.(EDT)

Q: Paula from Annapolis, MD:
Where can I find a program of the memorial service for President Reagan that would list the music played during the service?

A:Jimmy Orr, White House Internet Director:
Paula,
Thanks for your email. I found the program by going to the National Cathedral web site. Click here to review the program.

June 10, 2004 | 12:17 p.m.(EDT)

Q: Kathy from Chesterfield, Michigan:
Are churches being asked to ring their bells across the country for President Reagan's funeral? If so, when, and how should they be rung?

A:Tim Saunders, White House Executive Clerk:
Yes, President Reagan's family has asked that churches participate in the ringing of bells at the end of tomorrow's funeral service for President Reagan. As Ronald Reagan was the Nation's 40th President, the family has asked that bells be rung 40 times. The funeral is scheduled to end around 1:00 p.m. (Eastern Time). I would suggest watching the TV broadcast to best coordinate.

June 10, 2004 | 11:54 a.m.(EDT)

Q: Margaret from San Jose, California
What is the definition of a state funeral, and how is it decided to bestow that honor?

A:Peter Sobich, Special Assistant to the President and Deputy Cabinet Secretary:
By law, former presidents are afforded a state funeral upon their death. While tradition and protocol greatly influence the funeral planning, the exact sequence of events is largely determined by the family. However, most state funerals, including those for Presidents Eisenhower, Kennedy and Johnson have included the following events: repose in home state before traveling to Washington, D.C.; formal funeral procession in horse-drawn caisson along Constitution Avenue to U.S. Capitol; repose in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol; memorial service in Washington, D.C., and then travel to final resting place for internment. In the case of President Reagan, this will be at his Presidential Library located in Simi Valley, California.

June 10, 2004 | 11:00 a.m.(EDT)

Q: Patti, Covington, IN:
Can Barney swim?

A: Dale Haney, White House Horticulturist:
No, Barney does not swim. He has three layers of hair, so to make sure he doesn't sink, he doesn't try swimming.

June 9, 2004 | 9:47 a.m.(EDT)

Q: Toni from Beaver Creek, Colorado:
With President Reagan's death, what is the rule for American flags?
Does the President have to state all flags must be lowered? If so, how long must they be lowered for?
In addition, if the President doesn't order all of the flags to be lowered, can individuals decide on whether or not they would like to lower their flag?

A:Tim Saunders, White House Executive Clerk:
Upon the death of a former President, the "flag code" (4 United States Code, section 7) states that flags shall fly at half-staff for 30 days -- the flag code is designed to provide guidelines for the display of the flag.

Traditionally, the President then issues a proclamation "officially" informing the people of the United States, directs all Federal flags to be flown at half-staff over Federal facilities, and designates a "National Day of Mourning," as a mark of respect and remembrance for the former President. President Bush has designated this Friday, June 11, 2004, the day of President Reagan's funeral, as the National Day of Mourning for President Reagan.

As far as flags generally, the President directs the manner of their display over Federal facilities only -- he does not direct their display over non-Federal facilities. Individuals, other levels of government, and private concerns are simply encouraged to follow these observances.

You can find the President's proclamation here on the White House Web site.

Hope this helps,

TIM SAUNDERS
White House Executive Clerk

May 28, 2004 | 5:02 p.m.(EDT)

Q: Justin from Orlando FL:
How do you become an intern to the President of the United States? Or at least work in the White House as an intern?

A:Ann Gray, White House Intern Coordinator:
Approximately 100 interns are chosen to serve in the White House Intern Program for a fall, spring, or summer term. The program is highly competitive. For the Summer, 2004 class, twenty-five White House offices selected interns from almost 1000 applications. A White House Intern must be an American citizen, 18 years of age, and enrolled in school. An excellent candidate should have: a solid academic record, a history of school or community service, consistent internship/work experience, and a demonstrated interest in serving our President in any capacity. Additional information can be found on the White House website http://www.whitehouse.gov/government/wh-intern.html.

May 27, 2004 | 7:40 a.m.(EDT)

Q: Adam, Salt Lake City:
We all know that the President and his wife live in the White House. I am curious as to where the Vice President and his wife live.

A:Lynne Cheney, Wife of the Vice President:
Thank you for your question, Adam.

The Vice President and I live at "One Observatory Circle" located on the grounds of the United States Naval Observatory, in northwest Washington, DC. The home was first occupied in 1893 by the Observatory's superintendent, Captain Frederick V. McNair, and later became home to chiefs of naval operations (CNO) in 1923.

In 1974, Congress passed a law designating the stately home as the Vice President's Residence. Vice President Walter Mondale and his family became the first vice presidential family to actually move into the home in 1977.

Although our daughters are grown up and have their own homes, Vice President Cheney and I live in the Residence with our two dogs, Dave and Jackson.

For a more comprehensive history, please visit the White House website at http://www.whitehouse.gov/history/life/vpresidence.html, where you can also view historical photos and my online video tour.

May 14, 2004 | 6:32 p.m.(EDT)

Q: Ross from Lincoln, Nebraska
Did you ever take a photo that you didn't think would turn out well -- but when it was developed you really liked it?

A:Eric Draper, White House Photo Director:
A fraction of a second can make the difference between a good photo and a bad one. In this case, timing and a little bit of luck helped me to compose this image of Marine One flying over the heads of French fire and emergency personnel as the President departed Evian, France following last year's G-8 Summit. I didn't know exactly what I was going to get but I took a chance and I was pleasantly surprised when I looked at my film.

May 10, 2004 | 3:06 p.m.(EDT)

Q: Trevor from Bend Oregon:
My mother and father enjoy watching West Wing every Wednesday night. I try and stay up and watch it with them, my dad tells me that someday I can be the President of the United States. I was wondering how much of that show captures the real events around the white house and the west wing.

Thank you for answering my question.

A:Secretary Andy Card, White House Chief of Staff:
The show stretches reality, but frequently has story lines based on credible experiences. The real West Wing is not as "large" as it appears in the television show, and the offices are much smaller. Never have I seen West Wing staffers running around the corridors in any panic. The President is also not likely to give a long speech to his staff in the Oval Office.

May 10, 2004 | 10:55 a.m.(EDT)

Q: Linda from Harrods Creek, KY:
Are citizens allowed to tour the White House at this time?

A:Sara Armstrong, Director of the White House Visitor's Office:
Thank you for your interest in visiting the White House. Tours are available for groups of 10 or more, regardless of age or type of group. Requests must be submitted through your Member of Congress and may be submitted up to six months in advance. We recommend that you submit your request as early as possible since the White House is a popular place to visit. The tours are self-guided and are scheduled from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

You can also tour the White House by visiting our website at www.whitehouse.gov. Just click on the "History and Tours" section at the top of the homepage where you'll find interesting articles, photos and videos.

Thanks again for your interest. I hope you'll make plans to visit the White House.

April 21, 2004 | 10:00 a.m. (EDT)

Q: Melissa, Junior Girl Scout from Buffalo, New York:
Hi, I just wanted to say that it was an awesome sight this morning at the Buffalo Airport watching Air Force One land. I only wish that my brother, sister, mom, dad and me could have heard the President speak today. My mom took some pictures of the landing and of the motorcade.

I only wish that somehow, my Girl Scout troop could have welcomed the President and his friends to our city. Please, Mr. Bush...come back to our area again, and PLEASE, please, let the scouts welcome you with a flag ceremony.

A: Andrew Card, White House Chief of Staff:
Melissa -

Thank you for your e-mail. I traveled with the President yesterday when he went to Buffalo. The President was welcomed by thousands of people who lined the streets of Buffalo and waved, held signs or saluted. He participated in an important discussion about fighting terrorism with new tools included in the Patriot Act.

Yes, Air Force One is "awesome." It is a spectacular sight to see it take-off or land. It is also an unbelievable honor to be able to fly in it.

The President is frequently greeted by Girl Scouts. Just a few weeks ago, representatives of the Girls Scouts visited the Oval Office to present a report to the President.

Thank you, too, for being involved in Girl Scouts. You're helping your community and your Nation.

Keep in touch,
Andy Card

April 15, 2004 | 9:49 a.m.(EDT)

Q: Daphne, Fresh Meadows, New York:
Did President George Bush, President George W. Bush's father, really hate broccoli so much he took it off the White House menu?

A: George H.W. Bush, 41st President of the United States:
I never asked that it be removed from White House menus. I just vowed that I would never eat it again, and I have courageously stuck to that promise.

April 14, 2004 | 2:38 a.m.(EST)

Q: Betsy from Connecticut:
When is Barneys new Easter Egg Role Adventure coming out?

A: Jimmy Orr, White House Internet Director:
That's a good question. There were discussions about a new Barney Cam entitled, "Barney's Easter Egg Roll Adventure." The script was in production. Barney agreed to his third film. The supporting actors were ready. But we ran out of time.

So, we'll have to release it next year. So, when will the third installment of Barney Cam come out? Stay tuned.

In the meantime, Barney Cam and Barney Cam II: Barney Reloaded are both still available.

April 13, 2004 | 12:48 p.m.(EDT)

Q: Tiffany, North Canton Middle School, Canton, Ohio:
Can you please move the Presidents speech to another time? I want to watch American Idol. How about moving the speech to 9pm?

Thanx.

A: Scott McClellan, Press Secretary:
Tiffany

I think we are going to stick to the 8:30pm time tonight. There are some important issues that the President wants to discuss with the American people at a time when most Americans will be able to hear what he has to say. The good news for American Idol fans is that FOX is moving tonight's episode to tomorrow night at 8.

April 13, 2004 | 9:53 a.m. (EST)

Q: Kimberly from Stow, Ohio:
I was curious to know if anyone has ever gotten married at the White House and if so, how do you get to do that I am getting married in August and would love to getting married there. Just wondering.

Thank you.

A: Bill Allman, White House Curator:
Dear Kimberly,

There have been 17 weddings at the White House. Although three presidents were married while in office, only one -- Grover Cleveland -- was married at the White House, June 2, 1886, in the Blue Room.

Eight daughters had White House weddings -- Maria Monroe (1820), Elizabeth Tyler (1842), Nellie Grant (1874), Alice Roosevelt (1906), Jessie Wilson (1913), Eleanor Wilson(1914), Lynda Bird Johnson (1967), and Tricia Nixon *1971) -- but one only son -- John Adams, son of President and Mrs. John Quincy Adams (1828).

Four weddings for members of the families of first ladies -- one sister, one brother, and two nieces.

One presidential niece, one daughter of a presidential friend and one presidential assistant make up the final three weddings.

April 9, 2004 | 1:14 p.m. (EST)

Q: Brett from Watertown:
I have a question for the White House photographer. What is the favorite picture you've taken?

A: Eric Draper, White House Photo Director:
Brett,

This is the most frequently asked question I get and the most difficult to answer because I have several favorite photos. I think one the that remains in my top ten is a photo I made during the first weeks of the administration.

The picture shows the President and Vice President both checking their watches in the Oval Office before the President departed the White House for an event. It was what we call in the business a "grab shot".

I saw it happening, and I just reacted as I reached for my camera around my neck and pressed the shutter button. Lucky for me the image was in focus and perfectly composed and yes the President made it on time to the event.

April 8, 2004 | 10:54 a.m.(EDT)

Q: Rosie Marie from San Antonio, TX:
Our Aunt Bernice will be turning 100 on May 28th. I would like to know if the President could send her a birthday card from the White House for this event. How would I go about getting it?

A: Heidi Marquez Smith, Special Assistant to the President and Director of Presidential Correspondence:
Thank you for your interest in requesting a greeting from President Bush for your Aunt Bernice's 100th birthday. You may submit a request via fax at 202-395-1232, mail to The White House, Attn: Greetings Office, Washington, D.C. 20502-0039, or by Web Mail located on the White House website at http://www.whitehouse.gov/greeting/ .

April 8, 2004 | 8:35 a.m.(EDT)

Q: Tony from New Jersey:
How many women are in the president's cabinet?

A: Brian Montgomery, Deputy Assistant to the President and Cabinet Secretary:

Currently, there are three women in the President's Cabinet: Secretary of Agriculture Ann Veneman, Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton, and Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao. To learn more about the President's Cabinet, click here.

Thank you for your question.

April 5, 2004 | 12:50 p.m.(EDT)

Q: Tim from New York:
What is the President doing for the opening day of Major League Baseball?

A: Andy Card, White House Chief of Staff:
President Bush is throwing out the opening day pitch at Busch Stadium in St. Louis. The Cardinals are playing the Milwaukee Brewers. Since 1910, Presidents have traditionally rung in the new baseball year by throwing out the ceremonial first pitch on Opening Day.

The Vice President is throwing out the first pitch at The Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati as the Reds host the Chicago Cubs.