White House Gaggle

By Lovisa Frost
White House Gaggle
November 9, 2005

The President's schedule

The President had his usual briefings this morning, and then breakfast
with the Secretary of State this morning. He also met with the Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld.


At 1.20 pm this he is meeting with business leaders who are leading a
nationwide effort to encourage Americans to support the relief and
reconstruction efforts in response to the earthquake in Pakistan. Later
this afternoon, the President and Mrs. Bush will meet with the His
Holiness the Dalai Lama in the residence. Following the meeting the
President and Mrs. Bush will participate in a Ceremony for the recipients
of the presidential Medal of Freedom in the East Room.
White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan briefs at 12.15pm.

Judge Alito

Judge Samuel Alito is meeting with five Senators today, bringing the total
number of courtesy visits to members of the Senate to 40.

Gubernatorial Races

The President congratulated the winners and he "looks forward to working
with them to keep America strong and prosperous."
"These are the same results as in 2001", McClellan said and he continued;
"In Virginia, Tim Kaine ran on a platform that is very different from the
democratic national party. I think it shows that National Democrats are
out of touch with the views of voters in states like Virginia.
I think any thorough analysis of the gubernatorial election is going to
show that the election was decided on local and state issues and the
candidates and their agendas. I don't think it represents any larger
trend whatsoever. "


2006 Elections

McClellan said that it's still a long way to the 2006 elections but
stated, "The President is going to continue to support those candidates
that share his compassionate conservative agenda, an agenda that is
hopeful and optimistic and based on keeping our country safe and extending prosperity for all Americans."


Energy Prices

The President shares the concerns that a number of people in Congress have
about high energy prices. McClellan said, " that's why it's important for
all of us to do our part; government, private sector and individual
Americans to do their part too. It also means investing in the energy
infrastructure, expanding refinery capacity, pipelines, and supporting
people in need."


Ethics Guidelines

Ethics Guidelines are posted on the Office Government Ethics websites. McClellan said, "I haven't attended the ethics briefing yet, but I will be glad to talk more about it after I do."