pail of beer?
Posted on 01/29/2005 12:34:59 PM PST by Wolfstar
PRESIDENTIAL NEWS OF THE DAY: The first family appears to be spending the weekend at the White House, where the President will monitor progress of the Iraqi elections tomorrow. Depending on events, it is possible he may speak with the media tomorrow.
Press Secretary Scott McClellan told the WH press corps: "My understanding is that the election will be basically taking place from about -- from around 11:00 p.m. Eastern time to 9:00 a.m. Eastern time on Sunday. And he'll receive updates as needed. And, obviously, he'll be paying close attention to it. I mean, I think most people expect the results are going to take a couple of weeks -- take a couple of weeks for the results to come in.
In his weekly radio address, the President said, "Tomorrow the world will witness a turning point in the history of Iraq, a milestone in the advance of freedom, and a crucial advance in the war on terror. The Iraqi people will make their way to polling centers across their nation. On the national ballot alone, voters will choose from nearly 19,000 candidates competing for seats in the Transitional National Assembly, in the country's 18 provincial councils, and in the Kurdistan National Assembly."
He went on to say, "This election is also important for America. Our nation has always been more secure when freedom is on the march. As hope and freedom spread, the appeal of terror and hate will fade. And there is not a democratic nation in our world that threatens the security of the United States. The best way to ensure the success of democracy is through the advance of democracy.
"Tomorrow's election will add to the momentum of democracy. One Iraqi, speaking about the upcoming vote, said, 'Now, most people feel they are living in darkness. It is time for us to come into the light.' Every Iraqi who casts his or her vote deserves the admiration of the world. And free people everywhere send their best wishes to the Iraqi people as they move further into the light of liberty."
PRESIDENTIAL CALENDAR: The week ahead. (Source, WH Press Secretary Scott McClellan's 1/28/05 press briefing.)
Monday, the President will go to the Department of Education and participate in a swearing-in ceremony for the new Secretary of Education. And then at the White House later that day, he'll participate in a photo opportunity and make remarks to the Detroit Pistons. That will be in the East Room.Tuesday, the President will sign the Presidential Proclamation on National Heart Health Awareness Month in the Oval Office. This is an effort that Mrs. Bush has been very involved in.
Wednesday, the President will deliver the State of the Union address.
Thursday, the President will make remarks at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington. Then he begins a two-day domestic trip. The President will participate in a conversation on Social Security reform starting in Fargo, North Dakota. Then he will go to Great Falls, Montana, and will stay overnight in Omaha, Nebraska.
Friday, the President will participate in a conversation on Social Security in Omaha, as well as Little Rock, Arkansas and Tampa, Florida, before returning to Washington.
PRESIDENTIAL CALENDAR: February. (Source, AP and various news reports)
President Bush plans to have dinner with French President Jacques Chirac during a European trip next month, beginning the first overseas trip of his second term.
"The president looks forward to working together with President Chirac and all our European allies to strengthen freedom, democracy and security throughout the world," Scott McClellan said Monday (1/24/05). McClellan said GWB and Chirac will have a working dinner on Feb. 21 in Brussels on the eve of a day of meetings with leaders of NATO and the European Union.
The President plans to stop in Germany, and will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin on a stop in the Slovak Republic during his visit to Europe. The President will meet with the Slovak leaders in addition to Putin.
A Feb. 23 meeting in Mainz has been scheduled between GWB and German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, according to several German media reports, which also stated that GWB might visit U.S. troops at nearby Wiesbaden Army Airfield. The German reports quoted regional and national officials. The White House previously had announced Bush’s plan to visit Germany following the Feb. 22 meetings in Brussels, Belgium, with NATO and European Union leaders. But two military spokespersons in Wiesbaden — Army Maj. Michael Indovina of the Wiesbaden-based 1st Armored Division and Donna Dean, public affairs officer for the 221st Base Support Battalion — both said they were unaware of any plan for the president to come there.
A State Department spokesman also said he did not know if Bush was coming to the Frankfurt area. "All the details are being worked out as far as we know," said Jeff Arnold, the assistant public affairs officer at the U.S. Consulate in Frankfurt. "We’re not going to say anything until the White House announces further details. We’re anxiously awaiting."
Schroeder was a vocal opponent of the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in March 2003. His country, however, has a large number of troops serving in the multinational security coalition in Afghanistan.
QUOTE OF THE DAY: This is actually a short exchange between the President and newly promoted Fox News Chief White House Correspondent, Carl Cameron. Our presidential imp poked a little gentle fun at Carl as a way of welcoming him to the WH press corps.
THE PRESIDENT: Carl, welcome to the beat. Is everybody thrilled Carl is here?
A: Yes. (Laughter.)
Carl Cameron: Thanks, very much.
THE PRESIDENT: Please express a little more enthusiasm for him. (Laughter.)
Cameron: A question on Social Security, if we may, sir. There has been, as you move forward to making your plan -- your ultimate proposal, growing concern among Republicans on Capitol Hill. We had Chairman Thomas last week with some concern about the process, and Senator Olympia Snowe on the other side suggesting that she's concerned about an absentee guaranteed benefit -- excuse me. Are you prepared today to say that those who opt into a potential private account -- personal account could, in fact, have a guaranteed benefit, as well? And what do you say to Republicans who are beginning to worry?
THE PRESIDENT: I am looking forward to working with both Republicans and Democrats to advance a plan that will permanently solve Social Security.
There is -- I met yesterday with members of the United States Senate, I'm meeting today with members of the House of Representatives to discuss the need to work together to get a -- a solution that will fix the problem. And here's the problem: the -- as dictated by just math, there is -- the system will be in the red in 13 years, and in 2042 the system will be broke. That's because people are living longer, and the number of people paying into the Social Security trust is dwindling. And so, therefore, if you have a child -- how old is your child, Carl?
Cameron: Fourteen years old.
THE PRESIDENT: Yes, 14. Well, if she were --
Cameron: He, sir.
THE PRESIDENT: He, excuse me. (Laughter.) I should have done the background check. (Laughter.)
pail of beer?
RE: FOX falling down on the job . . . I noticed early this AM that they didn't have the ditzy, annoying, empty-headed usual early morning weekend crew on . . . I think they had Juliette on for awhile, with STeve Doocy . . . I hope they do the same tomorrow . . . I think the weekend crew lives in a frat house.
Any chance I can get on the ping list for the Dose?
At the beginning of this Bush administration, GWB (and his family) made a genuine attempt to reach out to the Kennedys. I'm not sure exactly why. In the early days, the President's first priority was the No Child Left Behind Act. GWB knew Kennedy would kill it through filibuster unless he could somehow be brought on board. Maybe that's why. Or maybe we in the general public will never know. In any case, Ted's response to all of GWB's graciousness has been vile. I doubt very seriously GWB is reaching out to him anymore.
***This is not about the war in Iraq. Never was. It is about worldwide socialistfascists assumption of power and dictating life to the rest of us. It is about one phoney issue after another that the left wing fascist's bring up to scare supporters into sending them money and to get vote to take over complete control of our culture and our minds.***
Very, very well said.
Also could be said as good vs. evil.
Sure. Glad to have you on board. GretchenM keeps the ping list. I'll email your request to her.
actually, this picture is taken right before he went on camera to speak to the nation and the joint session of Congress on September 20, 2001. Remember how we were all so absolutely whacked out?
***I doubt very seriously GWB is reaching out to him anymore.***
He's getting Barney to do the dirty work! LOL!
I just feel bad for the Pres. and the others who are sincerely working to better our country and the world, and these people who only care about their own *power*, undermining the President's every effort.
I'm furious at the Dims, especially Boxer and Kennedy. But there's little we in the general public can do other than continue to bombard their offices with complaints.
Can you get Sky News they will be covering the elections
No, snugs, I can't. I don't have satellite TV, but cable. My cable company does carry the BBC, but I have no trust in the BBC. FOX and Sky are both owned by Rupert Murdoch, if I'm not mistaken. So FOX may have some of Sky's coverage.
***Remember how we were all so absolutely whacked out?***
And I also remember how reassured we all were--or at least I was!--after that speech, and the days and weeks after that where the Pres. was so steadfast and solid and confident that his way was the right way--which of course it was.
I hate to admit that it took me a llloonnngggg time after the election to actually trust GWB, and trust that he'd keep his word even if his view was not "popular." (I didn't know much at all about him--his actions as governor, etc--when he was elected. But YES, I DID vote for him!!!)
The first few years of his presidency I kept waiting for him to change his mind on things like stem-cell research, or his ultimatum to Saddaam. Now, I feel I can trust him and thank God for him every day!
Ha ha! Hilarious captions to the Barney pics. Maybe that story line can be made into the next Christmas video, Wolfstar.
LOL
That's the sad part--that these jerks will remain in office becasue of their "popularity" and money. But then again, Dashole was voted out so maybe there is hope. Kennedy's drinking and Boxer's bad hair will catch up with them someday.
How frustrating for all of you! Hang in there!
Amen, sandalwood. God bless our wonderful Vice President. His words were so eloquent and caring. I can't imagine anyone representing this country more elegantly, I don't care what he wears.
Homemom, as our federal government has grown ever more enormous, we in the general public have come to expect our presidents to be involved in such a vast array of issues that it's beyond comprehension. Even under the best of circumstances, such as in a very loving marriage, no two human beings ever agree 100% on everything. So it's unrealistic to expect to agree with any president on all the extraordinarily wide range of issues that come to public attention 24x7x365. I commend you for giving GWB the time to earn your trust.
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