Tuesday
Dec212004
White House Gaggle
Tuesday, December 21, 2004 at 3:00AM
By Gregory Gorman
December 21, 2004
President's Schedule
This morning the President had his usual briefings. This afternoon, he will travel to Fisher House at Walter Reed Army Medical Center to meet with wounded soldiers and their families. This will be the President's 7th trip to Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Following the visit to Fisher House, the President and Mrs. Bush will depart Washington for Camp David.
Poll Numbers
Press Secretary Scott McClellan was asked about the President's response to recent poll numbers showing that approximately 60% of Americans do not support the war in Iraq. McClellan responded that, "the President is focused on what we are working to achieve in Iraq. We are working to help the Iraqi people realize a better future". McClellan also responded that the President has never been one to govern based on polls. McClellan continued to say that the President is, "continuing to build on the progress being made in Iraq" but recognizes that, "there are still some tough challenges that remain and that we are working to address those, too".
Missile Attack in Mosul
McClellan was asked about the White House's reaction to today's missile attack on the dining hall of a US Military base in Mosul. McClellan refused to respond saying that he "would leave it to those on the ground to describe the latest situation there". McClellan reiterated the President's remarks that, "as we move forward in helping the Iraqi people build a free and democratic future, the enemies of freedom will seek to derail that transition".
Guantanamo Detainees
McClellan was asked how long the administration would tolerate the shameful treatment of Guantanamo detainees. He responded by stating the President's comments from Monday's press conference, "we are a nation of laws, we are a nation of values and we adhere to our laws". McClellan also stated that if there is abuse, the administration expects it be investigated fully and that those responsible should be held accountable. The Department of Defense is investigating a number of allegations and according to McClellan, "they take this issue seriously" and that, "we expect them to get to the bottom of it and to take appropriate measures".
Executive Order on Interrogation Techniques
McClellan responded to a question about an email that has been circulating which states that the President has signed an executive order on interrogation techniques for military detainees. McClellan stated that the email is wrong and that there is no such executive order. He said that the President sets broad policy. He also reminded the press that the detainees currently held in Guantanamo, "had been picked up on the battlefield in the war on terrorism intending to do harm to Americans". The President "has an obligation to do everything in his power to protect the American people . . . and will do so in a way that adheres to our laws, values and the Constitution".
December 21, 2004
President's Schedule
This morning the President had his usual briefings. This afternoon, he will travel to Fisher House at Walter Reed Army Medical Center to meet with wounded soldiers and their families. This will be the President's 7th trip to Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Following the visit to Fisher House, the President and Mrs. Bush will depart Washington for Camp David.
Poll Numbers
Press Secretary Scott McClellan was asked about the President's response to recent poll numbers showing that approximately 60% of Americans do not support the war in Iraq. McClellan responded that, "the President is focused on what we are working to achieve in Iraq. We are working to help the Iraqi people realize a better future". McClellan also responded that the President has never been one to govern based on polls. McClellan continued to say that the President is, "continuing to build on the progress being made in Iraq" but recognizes that, "there are still some tough challenges that remain and that we are working to address those, too".
Missile Attack in Mosul
McClellan was asked about the White House's reaction to today's missile attack on the dining hall of a US Military base in Mosul. McClellan refused to respond saying that he "would leave it to those on the ground to describe the latest situation there". McClellan reiterated the President's remarks that, "as we move forward in helping the Iraqi people build a free and democratic future, the enemies of freedom will seek to derail that transition".
Guantanamo Detainees
McClellan was asked how long the administration would tolerate the shameful treatment of Guantanamo detainees. He responded by stating the President's comments from Monday's press conference, "we are a nation of laws, we are a nation of values and we adhere to our laws". McClellan also stated that if there is abuse, the administration expects it be investigated fully and that those responsible should be held accountable. The Department of Defense is investigating a number of allegations and according to McClellan, "they take this issue seriously" and that, "we expect them to get to the bottom of it and to take appropriate measures".
Executive Order on Interrogation Techniques
McClellan responded to a question about an email that has been circulating which states that the President has signed an executive order on interrogation techniques for military detainees. McClellan stated that the email is wrong and that there is no such executive order. He said that the President sets broad policy. He also reminded the press that the detainees currently held in Guantanamo, "had been picked up on the battlefield in the war on terrorism intending to do harm to Americans". The President "has an obligation to do everything in his power to protect the American people . . . and will do so in a way that adheres to our laws, values and the Constitution".
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