Monday
Apr022007
White House Gaggle
Monday, April 2, 2007 at 3:00AM
By Lovisa Frost
White House Gaggle
April 2, 2007
By Lovisa Frost
President's Schedule
President Bush had his normal briefings at 8 am. This morning, the President participates in a meeting on Health Savings Accounts, in the Roosevelt Room at the White House.
Later this afternoon, he will present the Commander-in- Chief's Trophy to the United States Navel Academy's Football Team.
Notes: Last night, the President was pleased to notify Congress of his intention to enter a free trade agreement with the Republic of Korea.
Deputy White House Press Secretary Dana Perino will brief the press at 12.30 pm today.
Tony Snow
Perino corresponded with Tony Snow yesterday who has now left the hospital, and is recovering at home. Perino said that he is very thankful for the notes from both colleagues and people around the country. Snow is quoted saying, "Keep the good thoughts and prayers coming". When asked about the next step for Tony Snow, Perino replied that he did not speak of it. She said that he is still in consultations with his doctors about the course of treatment, and will get back to us when he is ready.
Free Trade Agreement
When asked what the chances are to get this trade Agreement through Congress, Perino
said she is hopeful, but that it is always difficult to pass trade legislation in Congress. She also mentioned that they are currently working on trade agreements with Peru, Panama and Columbia.
Attorney General
Perino was questioned about the Attorney General asking for an earlier date for him coming to the Hill to testify. Perino replied that this has been going on for a while and that the Attorney General thinks it would be a good idea to get up there and talk to them sooner rather than later. Perino said that she hoped that the Senators would have an open mind about his, since they are going to be in town next week.
Pelosi's trip to Syria
When asked if Speaker Pelosi has informed the Administration of any messages that Israel says she is carrying from Israel to Syria, and if is she keeping the Administration informed of her activities, Perino said that she does not know if Speaker Pelosi has reported back to the State Department yet. The visit to Damascus is the one the White House is objecting to, as it sends the wrong message.
Iran and Syria
Helen Thomas asked why the Unites States seems to be more belligerent against Iran than the Britons themselves. "Our language on Iran and the British sailors is completely consistent with the Brits. We fully stand behind Prime Minister Blair," Perino said.
Thomas also asked what the wrong message is, in terms of a new level of diplomacy in Syria, and Perino said that; The government of Syria continues to try to undermine the democratically elected government of Lebanon, they are allowing foreign enemy fighters to pass into Iraq through its borders with Iraq, which is not only targeting out American soldiers but also innocent Iraqi people. "Syria knows exactly what they need to do, and it sends the wrong message to have high-level US officials going there to have photo opportunities that Assad then exploits." Thomas asked if Perino thought that Pelosi was going to Syria for the photo opportunity. Perino replied that Assad thinks of it in that way. Thomas then questioned Perino about how she can know what Assad thinks, and continued to ask Perino if she is a mind reader. "Assad has been consistent, and we think it sends the wrong message, when we ask them not to go. But at the end of the day, they have to make their own decisions, Perino stated."
When asked if, "high-level'' officials were the reason that they didnâ
White House Gaggle
April 2, 2007
By Lovisa Frost
President's Schedule
President Bush had his normal briefings at 8 am. This morning, the President participates in a meeting on Health Savings Accounts, in the Roosevelt Room at the White House.
Later this afternoon, he will present the Commander-in- Chief's Trophy to the United States Navel Academy's Football Team.
Notes: Last night, the President was pleased to notify Congress of his intention to enter a free trade agreement with the Republic of Korea.
Deputy White House Press Secretary Dana Perino will brief the press at 12.30 pm today.
Tony Snow
Perino corresponded with Tony Snow yesterday who has now left the hospital, and is recovering at home. Perino said that he is very thankful for the notes from both colleagues and people around the country. Snow is quoted saying, "Keep the good thoughts and prayers coming". When asked about the next step for Tony Snow, Perino replied that he did not speak of it. She said that he is still in consultations with his doctors about the course of treatment, and will get back to us when he is ready.
Free Trade Agreement
When asked what the chances are to get this trade Agreement through Congress, Perino
said she is hopeful, but that it is always difficult to pass trade legislation in Congress. She also mentioned that they are currently working on trade agreements with Peru, Panama and Columbia.
Attorney General
Perino was questioned about the Attorney General asking for an earlier date for him coming to the Hill to testify. Perino replied that this has been going on for a while and that the Attorney General thinks it would be a good idea to get up there and talk to them sooner rather than later. Perino said that she hoped that the Senators would have an open mind about his, since they are going to be in town next week.
Pelosi's trip to Syria
When asked if Speaker Pelosi has informed the Administration of any messages that Israel says she is carrying from Israel to Syria, and if is she keeping the Administration informed of her activities, Perino said that she does not know if Speaker Pelosi has reported back to the State Department yet. The visit to Damascus is the one the White House is objecting to, as it sends the wrong message.
Iran and Syria
Helen Thomas asked why the Unites States seems to be more belligerent against Iran than the Britons themselves. "Our language on Iran and the British sailors is completely consistent with the Brits. We fully stand behind Prime Minister Blair," Perino said.
Thomas also asked what the wrong message is, in terms of a new level of diplomacy in Syria, and Perino said that; The government of Syria continues to try to undermine the democratically elected government of Lebanon, they are allowing foreign enemy fighters to pass into Iraq through its borders with Iraq, which is not only targeting out American soldiers but also innocent Iraqi people. "Syria knows exactly what they need to do, and it sends the wrong message to have high-level US officials going there to have photo opportunities that Assad then exploits." Thomas asked if Perino thought that Pelosi was going to Syria for the photo opportunity. Perino replied that Assad thinks of it in that way. Thomas then questioned Perino about how she can know what Assad thinks, and continued to ask Perino if she is a mind reader. "Assad has been consistent, and we think it sends the wrong message, when we ask them not to go. But at the end of the day, they have to make their own decisions, Perino stated."
When asked if, "high-level'' officials were the reason that they didnâ
Reader Comments