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.)
Prayers for your soldier.
Is he adopted or someone you knew before?
What most people tend to overlook is that over half of those killed in Hitler's death camps were children.
When someone mentioned that some years ago, it took me by surprise.
Typing error - have not really woken up yet.
**Three Iraqi men carrying an elderly Iraqi lady in a plastic garden chair to vote and gently putting the chair down just outside the Polling Station. One could not imagine this a few days ago.**
Of course I meant to say a few years ago not a few days ago.
Just announced on BCC no violence in the South of Iraq where the British troops are only small explosions that are normal and no casulties. This is with less than 2 hours to go before voting closes.
People looking happy, security looks great these are the pictures the world needs to see and I applaud the BBC for showing it surprised but pleased.
He is sort of "adopted" tho that was never the intention.
He was asking for items for the kids and I was able to get a really good collection going. We started e-mailing and chatting online and figured out that we have a lot in common. We are the same age (24) and like a lot of the same things. So I went from helping with his project to being sort of a shoulder to lean on or someone to talk to when he needs to "get away".
He's a very good guy with a big heart.
How true. Only that he will.
I'll bet he looks so cute with that litle bit of latte foam on his beard!!
He sounds a wonderful man have you heard from him today yet?
I have a theory as to why the White House cat has two names. When GWB first took office in 2001, word got out about his cat named India. Shortly thereafter, the people of the country, India, were supposedly up in arms over the fact that the president would insult them by naming his cat after their country. Perhaps that's around the time that the cat acquired her nickname of Willie. Just a thought.
Still no word from him today, I'm waiting as patiently as I can!
I've been cooking and cleaning to distract myself...
Good day, Snugs. It's about 9:45am Pacific time, and I'm shortly going off line in order to watch GWB's press conference. Just wanted to thank you so much for your updates on coverage in your area. Although the time difference between us sometimes makes it impossible to respond in a timely way, I always appreciate your posts.
I also wanted to send my condolences to the British people for the loss of their C-130 plane in Iraq this morning. I have not yet heard how many died in the crash. Hopefully, not a large number.
Well, got to go snuggle in front of the TV now. GWB will be speaking to us soon.
Grin...I can visualize that in my mind's eye. Very cute.
This is a great day for liberty, isn't it.
You know, you could very well be right about this. Aren't humans just plain dumb sometimes! Fortunately, in typical cat fashion, Willie India doesn't give a fig. She's happy padding around the residence of the WH and taking the occasional swat at Dims. Has to do something to earn her keep, after all.
Yes, NordP, they did it! Almost anything one can say about our Dubya would seem trite about now. He is a truly great man.
I teared up with pride watching coverage, last night.
Teared up with pride watching coverage, today.
LOVED watching our fine President speak, just now.
We are so blessed to live here!
I believe President Bush likes to give people nicknames, so perhaps "India" did become "Willie". Thanks for your response and again, many thanks for the pictures and commentary!
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