Talk Radio News Service: News, Politics, Media

By Ellen Ratner
President's Schedule:

The President had his usual round of briefings and then will meet with Bono on AIDS issues. He will have a roundtable with regional media on his Clear Skies Initiative and will also have a roundtable with state officers and other interested parties on Clear Skies. There will be an "Ask the White House" online with Mike Brown of the Department of Homeland Security on impending Hurricane Isabel.

There will be a State Department briefing at 12:45 EST and a Pentagon briefing at 1:30 with General Pace. There was some discussion about the White House releasing a transcript of the roundtable with regional media. There are not current plans to release the transcript.

Hurricane Isabel:

Secretary Ridge made the rounds of the morning shows talking about Hurricane preparedness. The White House has been working with FEMA and the Office of Personnel on preparations for the Hurricane. The President still has plans to go to Camp David on Thursday.

Iraq:

The President has been working with his international counterparts to increase international participation. He will not be involved in the meeting with France, Britain, and Germany. He has also been in contact with the other members of the permanent five.

EPA nomination:

Claire Buchan, who briefed today, said that Utah's Governor is a "well regarded individual and a consensus builder." The President urges the Senate to act quickly on this nomination said Buchan. Asked about the objections of Senator Clinton, Buchan said they have responded to her letters and offered to meet with her.

Israel:

There are no decisions on loan guarantees.

Trade:

Buchan said that the Cancun talks "were a missed opportunity" and that the WTO members will have to assess what has happened.... It is inevitable that there will be a pause in the negotiations."