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.)
Good evening how is the Iraqi prayer thread going?
That would be great fun. Too bad the WH has to maintain at least a facade of diplomacy with the Congress.
There's always hope, I suppose. Unfortunately, Kennedy and Boxer will probably still be in the senate during the next administration. If the Founders could foresee that future generations would pass the 22nd Amendment to provide for direct election of senators to six year terms, I'm sure they would have considered term limits when writing the Constitution.
Well, thanks.
AFter 8 years of x42 and his *wife* and their shenannigans, it took awhile to believe anyone in the govt. And you're right, I don't necessarily agree with everything W. says and does. However, I can be SECURE that he will do what he thinks is right, and that does NOT depend on the latest poll. Also, he bases his decisions on what he thinks is God's will, not his own, and again not depending on the polls.
The thought has popped into my head the last few days that the Pres. and Laura might show up in Iraq to watch some people vote . . . I'm sure it's entirely too dangerous, but I bet they wish they could be there. When I see Iraqi people voting, with tears of joy, dancing, saying they hardly slept last night from the excitement, I KNOW we did the right thing. :-)
To have her settled, safe, and as you say happy in her own way, is truly a blessing. I can't imagine how hard it can be for your dad and you, but I've seen a lot of very unhappy, bitter people with dementia, and it's a blessing if she's at peace, at least most of the time, and happy.
I tremendously enjoy your photos every time you post!!! But who is the black cat "Willie"? I thought President Bush has a black cat named "India". Did you write the comments over Barney's pictures? Very amusing and exquisite digs at the pathetic Kennedy.
Willie is India's nick name details on Whitehouse website
http://www.whitehouse.gov/kids/india/index.html
Yes Alabama is fortunate too. I just wish our Senators would speak up more strongly. They have very little voice compared to the outrageous Dems.
When I worked at long-term care units as a nurse, I saw many people who were bitter, mad, combative all the time . . . I often wondered if the people who became this way were as angry and bitter throughout their lives.
On the other hand, there were the little old ladies who were content and happy despite their dementia. They bring joy to each other and other residents and the nurses and aids who work there.
I remember best a "pleasantly confused" elderly lady who was in the nursing home years ago. Her son happened to be my chemistry teacher in high school. At the time he was perhaps 70 years old. I told her that I'd had him as a teacher and she looked at me and said, very seriously, "And did he behave in class???" :-)
I too have wondered sometimes why the "good guys" don't speak up as loudly as the Dims. I think it's because Repub. and other decent Senators would never dream of being so nasty, so negative, and going about it in such a loud and obnoxious way. It's just not in their personality. However, I wish they'd go out and present the truth in just as loud and public a voice.
Agreed on both points. Elizabeth Dole, for instance, is an excellent person to speak off the cuff or from written notes and I never hear her being shown or quoted. I think part of it is media bias - making a point of NOT showing the ones WE want to hear.
The Congress is our national legislature. The original intent of the Founders was that members of Congress would be citizen legislatures -- meaning that they would serve for a relatively short time before returning to civilian life. Over the past century, the reverse has happened, especially in the Senate. People get elected to the Senate and spend virtually their entire adult lives there. They become insulated, arrogant overly impressed with their own power and position, and out of touch with the general public. They feel untouchable. So they are totally free to put their own power and the power of their party ahead of the interests of their home state and of the nation.
Ted Kennedy is a perfect example. He was elected to the Senate in 1962 at the age of 32 after having done precisely nothing worthwhile between the ages of 18 and 32. He was elected solely because he was a Kennedy running in Kennedyland (otherwise known as the formerly great state of Massachusetts). And in the Senate he has stayed, doing absolutely nothing worthwhile except to commit manslaughter, drink, womanize, and bloviate.
Kennedy is only one example. There are other examples of others who have stayed in the senate much longer. If you have six years before having to face the voters again, and if you also know that the system makes any challenge to you extremely difficult, then you have no incentive to compromise with the opposition party or to moderate your extremist tendencies.
I did write the captions with the Barney photo essay today. Given Kennedy's latest hystrionic, vile speech, I had to find some way to show my disgust in a manner that was in keeping with the Dose threads.
Well, good evening, everyone. It's time I got some things done around here. Due to the Iraqi elections, it's hard to say if we'll see the President tomorrow, although he and the First Lady usually go to church early in the morning. I may wait until fairly late to post the Dose tomorrow just in case he makes a late afternoon statement on Iraq.
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