For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary October 25, 2005
Press Briefing by Scott McClellan James S. Brady Press Briefing Room
1:07 P.M. EDT
MR. McCLELLAN: Good afternoon. I want to begin with one update and a
couple comments. Acting FEMA Director Chief Paulison will be conducting
a briefing at 3:30 p.m. today to talk about the latest on the aftermath
of Hurricane Wilma and Florida's response efforts there.
The President participated in a hurricane briefing this morning
with Secretary Chertoff and others. We continue to work in support of
the state of Florida as they respond in the aftermath of the storm.
Florida was well-prepared and positioned to respond to the storm. The
state is doing a great job. Unfortunately, they have had to deal with
many such hurricanes in the past. The damage assessments are ongoing.
There are a few million Floridians who are without power. That is a
priority for the state. We have worked to make sure that important
emergency supplies are in the affected regions, so that people are
getting those, from food, water and ice, to generators to help with the
electricity. Disaster medical assistance teams are in the affected
areas. Our priority, obviously, first and foremost, is on saving any
lives that need to be saved. And with that, I'll be glad to go to your questions for today.
Q Scott, the President's speech today,
was that part of an effort of the White House to refocus the message on
Iraq somewhat, to kind of confront head on the U.S. casualties? MR. McCLELLAN: No, today's speech was what I previously
indicated to you all. It is one in a series of speeches that the
President is going to continue to give on the global war on terrorism.
The President believes it's important to talk to the American people
about the stakes involved and the nature of the enemy. We remain in a
-- we remain engaged in a global war on terrorism, and Iraq is the
central front in that war on terrorism. And that's why he was giving
that speech. This is something that we have planned as part of a series
of speeches to talk to the American people about what is our top
priority, and that is winning the war on terrorism. Q But the language seemed to be a little bit changed, to emphasize U.S. sacrifice more than --
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, there are some updated developments
regarding Iraq, in terms of the election. The President commended the
Iraqi people for moving forward on the political process and passing a
constitution. Now they'll be moving forward on elections in December to
elect a permanent representative government. And there was updated
language on Syria, with the recent development from the Mehlis report.
But this speech is similar to ones that he has been giving recently to
talk in detail about the enemy that we're up against. It's a
sophisticated and determined enemy that has no regard for innocent
human life, and that wants to spread a hateful and murderous ideology. Q Is he going to mention the specific U.S. casualty figure, which is right now on the verge of 2,000?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, he talked about the sacrifices of our men
and women in uniform in the global war on terrorism. There has been
tremendous sacrifice in Afghanistan and Iraq to make the world freer
and more peaceful. The sacrifice that our fallen have made is laying
the foundation of peace for our children and grandchildren. And we will
always honor their loss, and we will always honor their sacrifice. We
mourn the loss of each and every member of our Armed Forces that makes
the ultimate sacrifice in defense of freedom. Q Scott, a couple of years ago, you told us that Scooter Libby and Karl Rove had nothing to do with the CIA leak.
It appears that you may have gotten bad information before you made
that statement. Now, today, we learn through extrapolation that when
the Vice President said in September of 2003 that he didn't know who
said Joe Wilson to Niger to investigate the claims that Iraq was trying
to buy yellow cake, that he was not speaking the truth. My question is:
Can we be confident that when we hear statements from the White House
in public that they are truthful? MR. McCLELLAN: I think you can because you know that our
relationship is built on trust, and I have earned that trust with you
all. As you pointed out, you pointed back to some past comments that I
gave and I've talked to you about the assurances that I received on
that. In terms of the investigation, it is an ongoing investigation.
The policy of this White House has been to carry out the direction of
the President, which is to cooperate fully with the special prosecutor.
That means not commenting on it publicly from here at the White House.
There is a lot of speculation that is going on right now. There are
many facts that are not known. The work of the special prosecutor
continues, and we look forward to him successfully concluding his
investigation. Q But in terms of public trust, if it is true that Scooter
Libby learned of Valerie Plame's identity from Vice President Cheney in
June of 2003, would that not mean then that the Vice President made a
false statement three months later when he said he didn't know who sent
Wilson to Niger? MR. McCLELLAN: I appreciate that. A couple of things. One, the
question you bring up is relating to a matter that is under
investigation. And secondly, as I pointed out, there is a great deal of
speculation that is going on right now, and I would urge you not to
engage in that speculation. But certainly, you are pursuing this story
as you should. We will wait to see what the special prosecutor does and
learn more about the facts at that point. Q Are you not commenting on whether this report is accurate or not? Will you comment?
MR. McCLELLAN: No, I'm not going to comment because it's
relating to an ongoing investigation; the story that you're referencing
relates to an ongoing investigation. Q Given the fact that the Vice President did say publicly in
September of 2003 that he never knew about Joe Wilson or who sent him,
as John points out, and now there appears to be information to
contradict that, how do you explain that contradiction? MR. McCLELLAN: Again, there's an ongoing investigation. There
are many facts that are not known. I would encourage you not to engage
in speculation. And on top of that, if there's any additional
information that the Vice President's Office wants to provide you, you
can direct questions there. But the policy of this White House has been
not to comment on this investigation while it's ongoing. And it has
been that way for some time. Q Does that mean that if you had information that could help
clear this up and perhaps make it look like something other than what
it is, which is a contradiction, would you provide that, or would you
hold that just because you don't want to -- MR. McCLELLAN: Well, I said -- I mean, if you want to ask any
more from the Vice President's Office, you're welcome to do that, but
-- Q Have you done that?
MR. McCLELLAN: -- our policy has been that this is an ongoing
investigation, we're not going to comment on it. The special prosecutor
is the one that has been gathering the facts related to it. But just
because I'm not commenting on it doesn't mean you should read anything
into that one way or the other. Q Have you attempted to clarify it with the Vice President's Office?
MR. McCLELLAN: No, this is an ongoing investigation, and what
the President directed us to do was to cooperate fully with the special
prosecutor. And so, as part of doing that, we've been carrying out the
President's direction from the White House. That means -- we're not
doing that ourselves, the special prosecutor is doing that. Q So that's, no, you have not sought clarification?
MR. McCLELLAN: So, no -- no.
Q Does Vice President always tell the truth to the American people?
MR. McCLELLAN: Yes.
Q The President then stands by the Vice President's account in September of --
MR. McCLELLAN: I think it's a -- frankly, I think it's a ridiculous question, Terry, because --
Q Well, no, we now have reports that there are documents that
directly contradict the public statement of the Vice President of the
United States. MR. McCLELLAN: Reports. The Vice President, like the President, is a straightforward, plainspoken person.
Q One other question on Vice President Cheney. Has he met with
Senator McCain and asked Senator McCain to exempt the CIA from the
amendment that Senator McCain is attaching that is the so-called "anti-torture" amendment? Does the administration want to exempt the CIA from the restrictions --
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, as a member of the -- as the leader of the
United States Senate, the Vice President engages in conversations with
members of the Senate on a regular basis. In terms of the issue you
bring up, I think we've made our views known through a statement of
administration policy. In terms of the broader issue that some of the news reports
raise, I think the President has made our position very clear. We do
not condone torture, nor would he ever authorize the use of torture. We
have an obligation to abide by our laws and our treaty obligations, and
that's what we do. That is our policy. Q And the Senate is moving to pass a law that would affirm,
confirm, and enforce that commitment. Does the administration want the
CIA exempted from that law? MR. McCLELLAN: And we've stated our views on that amendment.
The House passed a different version of the Department of Defense
spending legislation. The Senate included some language on that. We'll
be working with congressional leaders as they move forward to pass that
legislation. Q I don't get it. Is that a yes or a no?
MR. McCLELLAN: I'm not going to get into discussions that we're
having with congressional leaders about how to move forward on the
legislation. Q You've already said the President is going to veto anything
that would exempt us from torture. You have -- this White House demeans
-- MR. McCLELLAN: No, that's not correct, that's --
Q -- you demean all Americans when you support torture. And your answer is so fuzzy --
MR. McCLELLAN: No, Helen, our answer is very clear, and that's
flat-out wrong what you're suggesting, because this President has made
it very clear what our policy is -- Q Didn't you say that he would veto any part of that legislation of defense spending?
MR. McCLELLAN: We did express our views on that legislation, but
it is not the way you characterized it, because there are laws and
treaty obligations that are on the books. We adhere to those laws and
treaty obligations. Q No, you don't. You are supporting torture.
MR. McCLELLAN: You are wrong. This is a -- the United States is a country that --
Q Is the story in the paper today wrong?
MR. McCLELLAN: -- believes in adhering to our laws and our
values. And we do. And this President believes in abiding by our laws
and our treaty obligations. Q Why do we keep reading about torture then?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, if you'll let me respond, I will. The
President has made it very clear that he does not condone torture, nor
would he ever authorize the use of torture -- Q Condone it, but does he allow it?
MR. McCLELLAN: -- and our policy is to comply with our laws and
our treaty obligations. That's what we expect everyone to do. If there
are ever instances of wrongdoing, we investigate and we follow through
and hold people accountable. Q That's not the point. He should --
MR. McCLELLAN: Sure it is.
Q -- come out flatly and say he was against torture.
MR. McCLELLAN: He has.
Go ahead.
Q The President didn't say when the troops might come home. Do
the elections in December offer you an opportunity to take another look
at this? MR. McCLELLAN: Well, part of our strategy
is to support the Iraqi people as they move forward on their political
process. Another part of our strategy is to train and equip the Iraqi
security forces. The President outlined our strategy today and the
progress that we're making on that strategy. It's important that we
continue to support the Iraqi people as they take steps to build a
lasting democracy. And they took another important step just recently
when they voted in large numbers. The preliminary information from the
Iraqi election commission was some 63 percent; we'll see what those
final tallies are, but I think it's clear to everyone that were a large
number of Iraqis that participated, including a significant number of
Sunnis. And the numbers were well above what they were in January. So
that's a very positive and encouraging sign. And as we move forward on
the political process, that will help defeat the terrorists who seek to
prevent democracy from taking hold. There is important progress being made. As the President
pointed out, there are difficulties and challenges that remain. And
that's why the international community must continue to stand firmly
behind the Iraqi people as they move forward on elections in December,
and as they continue to move forward on building a brighter future. Q So after those elections in December you might be able to look at bringing the troops home?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, again, the President doesn't believe in
artificial time lines. It will be based on circumstances on the ground.
As we stand up Iraqi forces, we will stand down coalition and American
forces. The commanders on the ground have recently briefed the American
people and the members of Congress about the progress that were making
on that strategy. It's a very clearly defined strategy. It's a strategy
for success and victory in Iraq. And the Iraqi people are showing
through their courage and determination that they want a free and
democratic and peaceful future, and we're going to continue to support
them as they move forward on that. One other thing. It was a good indication in the recent
elections that the level of violence was down from where it was in --
around the January elections. Q Scott, last week there was a story in The New York Daily
News, I think, that you -- the question is accuracy -- a question about
-- or a story about the President dressing down Karl Rove. So it would
not be inconsistent if you thought that The New York Times story was
inaccurate for you to say that? MR. McCLELLAN: Again, I'm just not going to have further comment on an ongoing investigation, and I indicated that at that time, as well.
Q Can you give us -- I have to ask -- do you know if the Vice
President talked to the President about Plame, or if the President may
have talked to Tenet, himself, about Plame? MR. McCLELLAN: Again, I appreciate the question, and it's
relating to an ongoing investigation. You need to direct questions to
the special prosecutor. Q But can you clear this up, though? You said that the Vice
President always was truthful with the American people; yet here we
have the appearance of an untruthful statement, based on this reported
memo. MR. McCLELLAN: I think it's a ridiculous suggestion in the first place, John. That's what I was responding to.
Q Scott, two quick questions. Remembering Miss Rosa Parks.
Then in 1955 it was like Mahatma Ghandi in South Africa, same thing
happened to him. And during her time, there was very little or not many
immigrants in the U.S., but today we have millions of immigrants from
all over the globe. What message do you think President will have today
as far as civil rights moments -- MR. McCLELLAN: Well, the President just spoke about her
passing a short time ago in his remarks to the spouses of our military
officers from all the branches of our military. And the President
talked about what a remarkable women she was, and how courageous she
was. She is someone who changed America for the better. She is an
inspiration to generations, and we mourn her passing. Q Second question is on the -- now again, most of
Indian-American community thankful to the President for initiating --
or did initiate the Diwali Festival of Lights at the White House. Now
it will be next Wednesday, November 1st, when millions across India and
America will -- Indians will be celebrating the festival around the
globe, including at the White House here. What they are saying in the
Indian American community, really, just like President initiates
prayers with other groups here in the White House, like Muslims and
Jews, and all that, that they are requesting him, please, to the
President, this time, that if he can take a few moments and be there at
part of the White House Festival of Lights on Wednesday, November 1st. MR. McCLELLAN: On Wednesday, November 1st? Well, we'll update you on the President's schedule later this week.
Go ahead, Sarah.
Q Thank you. Scott, does the President have any reaction to the
Court of Appeals order ending, in effect, the long investigation of
former HUD Secretary Henry Cisneros? MR. McCLELLAN: I haven't talked to him about it. I think that
that was a matter relating to a previous administration, and we'll let
others talk about that. Q Scott, a two-part. The Army Times reports that the U.S.
Border Patrol is now getting help from the Army to slow illegal
immigration, and that armored vehicles from a reconnaissance squadron
based in Fort Lewis, Washington, were stationed along a 20-mile stretch
between Columbus, New Mexico, and Playas, watching for illegal
immigrants. And my question: Why is the Commander-in-Chief using the
U.S. Army, after telling us that 2,000 new Border Patrol agents
approved by Congress for this year weren't needed? MR. McCLELLAN: I'm sorry, the President just signed
legislation that added a significant number of Border Patrol agents to
help with our security along the border region. Q But he approves the use of the Army?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, we need to continue to take steps to
strengthen our borders and make sure that we enforce our borders. The
President made that very clear in remarks last week. In terms of any
support you're talking about from military, I think those are questions
you need to direct to Northern Command. I'm not aware of any specific
matters like that. Q Reported in the Army Times.
MR. McCLELLAN: No, no, I understand, and that's why I said
direct it to the Northern Command to talk about if they're providing
any technological support in those efforts. We have a Northern Command
that is responsible for homeland security from the military standpoint.
Q Sure. New York Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney and 31 other
members of the House issued this statement yesterday: "We have a
Supreme Court nominee who won't even say if she supports a 40-year-old
Supreme Court decision affirming women's right to access birth control,
and it is important the President tells the nation whether or not he
opposes birth control, too." And my question: Can you clarify whether
or not he opposes birth control, too? Yes or no? MR. McCLELLAN: Les, I think the President has made his views known on this issue.
Q Why don't you just clarify, yes or no?
MR. McCLELLAN: And what the focus has been from this
administration is on promoting abstinence programs, that that ought to
be on the same level as the education funding for teen contraception
programs. And that's what the President's position has been, and I've
stated to that previously. You've asked this question before. I
disagree with the statement that was made regarding Harriet Miers. She
is going to be going before the Senate Judiciary Committee in less than
two weeks. She looks forward to answering their questions. And I think
that people should not try to rush to judgment on it. Q Scott, where is the FEMA briefing being held?
MR. McCLELLAN: At FEMA Headquarters, I believe.
Q Q Okay. Going back to John's question about truthfulness, you
replied our relationship is based on trust and we all think that you
are truthful to us. So in light of that, if we go back to that October
2003 question, in reply to which you said that you'd spoken with
Scooter Libby and Karl Rove and they'd assured you that they were not
involved in this, aren't you sort of mad as all get out that you were
set up, hung out to dry? MR. McCLELLAN: I appreciate the question. It's another question relating to an ongoing investigation.
Again, there is a lot of speculation. There are many facts that simply
are not known at this point to the larger public -- they're facts that
the President doesn't know, they're facts that I don't know. The
special prosecutor is continuing to move forward on this investigation;
let's let him do his work. Q She asked you, aren't you unhappy that you had to come out and tell us that.
MR. McCLELLAN: She was asking me a question about an ongoing investigation and --
Q Those are facts you would know.
MR. McCLELLAN: I appreciate the relationship that you and I have in this room --
Q Well, we want your credibility to be intact.
MR. McCLELLAN: And I think it is.
Go ahead.
Q A Treasury spokesman yesterday said that Secretary Snow
wouldn't necessarily have recommendations ready to the President by the
end of the year. And I just wondered if the administration is concerned
about yet another delay in getting these -- MR. McCLELLAN: I don't know that I'd look at it that way. The Secretary of Treasury,
Secretary Snow, indicated in the Cabinet meeting yesterday that was
held here at the White House, that the tax reform panel is going to be
sending him a report by November 1st; that was the timetable that was
set up. He will be reviewing those recommendations. He's going to give
those recommendations careful consideration, and then he'll be
forwarding on recommendations to the President for his consideration. This is a high priority. There are areas where we can simplify
and reform our tax code to make it fairer and more conducive to
economic growth. That's what the President is committed to doing, and
we look forward to seeing what the Treasury Secretary says once he
issues that report to the President. Q And with respect to the McCain amendment, you said a moment ago the President would never authorize
torture.
But if a bill passes with that exemption included in it, and if the
President were to sign a bill with that exemption, the President would
no longer need to authorize -- MR. McCLELLAN: Well, I think the President has made it pretty
clear that we do not torture, and he would not authorize or condone the
use of torture. He has made that very clear in public remarks when the
question has come up. We are a country that is based on laws and is
based on values. So it's not just laws you look at, but you look at our
values. And one of the values that we believe strongly in is human
dignity, and that's what we've worked to promote throughout the world.
And one of the values that we hold strongly is the universal right of
all people to live in freedom, and we have made great progress in the
last few years to advance freedom and promote human dignity throughout
the world. So I think you have to look at this in the larger context of
what America stands for and what we do. And our men and women in
uniform uphold those laws and values. If there are a few individuals
that don't, then they are held to account. We show through our actions
that we do not tolerate people who abuse our laws or our values. Q Has he -- the McCain amendment?
Q -- presidential authorization be required if he signs a law that exempts --
MR. McCLELLAN: The President has already -- there are a couple
of directions that he gave, and one of the directions was that we do
not torture, and that applies to the entire United States government. Go ahead, Peter.
Q Scott, just to try to put a finer point on it, is what you
were trying to signal in a couple of your earlier responses is that,
perhaps, your -- as you wait to see where this CIA leak investigation is going, are you waiting to see if you were dealt truthfully -- dealt with truthfully?
MR. McCLELLAN: Well, I'm just saying what I said earlier. There
are a lot of facts that I don't know, and the special prosecutor is
looking into all these matters. There are facts the President does not
know. And let's let him complete his work. Q So at this point, you can tell us that you don't know for a
fact that you were dealt with truthfully when you came out here in
October -- MR. McCLELLAN: I'm just not going to comment any further, thanks.
Q Scott, you said several times that we should wait and see what
facts the prosecutor develops. Is the White House expecting to get a
report on what the prosecutor determines? Should the public assume that
those facts will come out? MR. McCLELLAN: I talked about that last week. It's up to the
special prosecutor to determine how to proceed. What we have done is
work to support his investigation, and that's what we will continue to
do, at the direction of the President. Q You were talking about the support for terrorists -- Iraqi insurgency. But how about the government of Iran and its interference to Iraq?
MR. McCLELLAN: And it's what? Interference -- is that what you
said? Okay, interference in Iraq. Well, the President talked about Iran
and Syria both in his remarks today. Those are two countries that are
trending in the wrong direction from the rest of the broader Middle
East. There is great progress that we're seeing over the last few years
in the Middle East to advance freedom and democracy and peace. Those
are two countries that remain sponsors of terrorism. And we have a
number of concerns with both countries. We have a serious concern when
it comes to Iran's intentions with its nuclear program. That's why
we've been supporting the European efforts to get Iran back to the
negotiating table and to act in good faith. They have a long history of
hiding their activities from the international community and not
abiding by their obligations. We expect both Iran and Syria to contribute in a positive way
to developments in the broader Middle East, and to work in support of
their neighbors, not to try to undermine their efforts. Q Scott, can I follow up on that, please?
MR. McCLELLAN: You may.
Q To what extent is the administration satisfied by the lead or
the role that the French have played in the aftermath of the Hariri
investigation? And what outreach has there been from the White House to
other leaders in the region to get them to weigh in on this? And has
there been a level of satisfaction with their statements? MR. McCLELLAN: Well, there's a United Nations Security Council meeting that is going on today to talk about Syria,
and to get an update on the Mehlis investigation that you bring up. But
there is a larger picture here that we need to look at when it comes to
Syria. It's Syria's behavior. They are out of step with the rest of the
Middle East. They are trending in the wrong direction. We remain
concerned about their behavior when it comes to its support of
terrorism. We remain concerned about their behavior when it comes to
allowing terrorists to transit through Syrian territory to go in and
carry out attacks on innocent civilians in Iraq. We remain concerned
about Syria's support for groups that want to undermine the Middle East
peace process. And there is another report that is coming out, as well, from
Mr. Larsen, on implementation of Security Council Resolution 1559. That
is a resolution that we worked very closely with the French on. The
French and the United States both have concerns, and the larger
international community, about Syria's behavior. We're now working
through diplomatic channels to move forward on a resolution to send a
clear signal to Syria about what it needs to do when it comes to the
investigation into the assassination of Prime Minister Hariri. It is
unacceptable that Syria has not been cooperating fully with that
investigation. It is a criminal investigation that continues. The
international community cannot tolerate such behavior. And the
President made it clear today the United Nations must act to hold Syria
accountable. Q So is the U.S. and France -- are the U.S. and France synced
up this time around as they were on 1559? And what about outreach to
other leaders in the -- MR. McCLELLAN: Well, we're working very closely with the
French. I mean, those are discussions that continue, and with other
countries and members of the United Nations Security Council. This is
the beginning of the diplomatic process to move forward on this issue.
And the President has made it very clear also that there needs to be a
ministerial level meeting at the Security Council to talk about this.
It is a very serious matter. And this is one large concern we have with
Syria. There are other concerns. It needs to be addressed, and it needs
to be addressed at the ministerial level about how to proceed forward,
to hold them accountable, Thank you.
END 1:33 P.M. EDT
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