Talk Radio News Service: News, Politics, Media

By Ellen Ratner
Morning Gaggle
The White House
September 2, 2003

Schedule:

Scott McClellan began the briefing saying it was like the first day back in
school. The President had his usual briefings and will have lunch with Fed

Chairman Greenspan. Then he will be given the first football of the 84th NFL
season which begins on September 4th. Later today the President has his
regular meeting with Secretary Powell. Secretary Ridge will be discussing
Homeland Security at the American Enterprise Institute this afternoon,

Iraq:

Questioned about Mr. Armitage's statement that the US might give up some powers
for more UN involvement, Scott said that a number of ideas are being discussed.
He also said that we will welcome more International troops in Iraq. Thirty one
countries are either participating or are in discussions with the United
States. Scott said that the President remains focused on his high priorities
including National and Economic Security. "Iraq is central to winning the war
on terrorism." McClellan went on to say that the President will work closely
with Congress on Iraq and that the President made sure that there were all the
resources necessary to win the battle in Iraq and that he "will (now) spend
what is necessary to secure peace. The situation remains fluid." The White
House will work with the coalition and the DOD to "determine needs and the
precise costs of going forward." He later said that the UN is playing a vital
role in Iraq and will continue to have a vital role. The President's meeting
with Paul Bremmer has been canceled as Mr. Bremmer went back to Iraq.

Jobs:

Asked about the President.s statement that we lost thousands of jobs when the
figure is in the millions, McClellan said the President is acting to address
our economic needs. He said that there are a lot of positive signs on the
economy and that the President is "cautiously optimistic." He said the
President wants to modernize Medicare and enact an Energy bill. Asked about the
new position that the President announced yesterday he said the person selected
will focus on manufacturing jobs. Questioned about NAFTA he said that "free
trade must be fair trade as well." Secretary Snow is also vesting China on this
issue as well.

Causality Stats:

Scott said he would look into it and said that the troops are "doing a good
job."