Talk Radio News Service: News, Politics, Media

By Ellen Ratner
White House Gaggle
May 6, 2004

Schedule

The President had the usual briefings this morning, and then he will meet with the Committee for Assistance to a Free Cuba. They will be recommending additional actions to meet various objectives. Later he will meet with King Abdullah of Jordan where he will discuss issues of trade, economic reform, and the June 30th transfer of power in Iraq as well as regional issues and Sharon's proposal. There will be a brief Q and A in the Rose Garden. The President will make remarks in the East Room for the National Day of Prayer and will also do an interview with an Arab newspaper.

Confidence in Rumsfeld

The President appreciates the job Secretary Rumsfeld is doing and has great confidence in his leadership, said Scott McClellan. They "met (yesterday) and had a good discussion." Later he said that the President greatly appreciates the job that Secretary Rumsfeld is doing. McClellan pointed out that Central Command had put out a press release on January 16th and there had been a briefing on it publicly. He said that the military took it seriously. When questioned about the President's reaction to additional photos released in The Washington Post today he said that "these images are appalling and shameful." When asked about the custody of any video tapes that were made of the abuse, McClellan directed questions to the military. He also said that the President believes it is important to "keep Congress informed."

Hostage Situation

On reports that there is another American hostage in Iraq and if there is any greater concern because of retribution for the abuse, McClellan said that "hostages are a high priority of our military."

Kerry Concerns/ Rush Limbaugh

Asked about Senator Kerry saying that the Pentagon did not respond swiftly, he said that the Pentagon took immediate steps to address this. Regarding Rush saying that this was a pure media-generated story, McClellan reiterated that this was "wrong, unacceptable and inexcusable."

Damage to Moral Authority in Iraq

Asked about the damage to American moral authority McClellan said that "these images are harmful to our efforts to advance freedom and democracy. People opposed will undermine our efforts and that is why the President is taking this directly to the Arab world."

United Nations

McClellan also said that they were looking into a United Nations resolution
to encourage more nations to participate in Iraq.