Text 1980, 981 rader
Skriven 2006-01-09 23:33:26 av Whitehouse Press (1:3634/12.0)
Ärende: Press Release (0601094) for Mon, 2006 Jan 9
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Press Briefing by Scott McClellan
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For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
January 9, 2006

Press Briefing by Scott McClellan
James S. Brady Briefing Room

Press Briefing
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  þ Iraq
      þ Reference B
      þ Reference C
  þ Vice President Cheney
      þ Reference B
      þ Reference C
      þ Reference D
  þ Alito nomination
      þ Reference B
  þ Congressman DeLay
      þ Reference B
  þ Puerto Rico
  þ Israel
  þ North Korea

12:17 P.M. EST

MR. MCCLELLAN: Good afternoon, everyone. I want to begin with a preview of
tomorrow's remarks to the Veterans of Foreign Wars here in Washington, D.C.

The remarks tomorrow are part of a continuing -- well, I would say the
remarks are part of continuing the dialogue the President initiated with
the American people in December. In those series of speeches, as you
recall, the President talked in greater detail about our strategy for
victory in Iraq. He gave a series of speeches in December that described
the nature of the enemy we face, our strategy to defeat them and how we
have adapted and learned from experience.

Tomorrow the President will also discuss what to expect in Iraq in 2006 in
key areas. Two thousand six will be a time of more testing and sacrifice.
The terrorists and Saddam loyalists want to continue to try to derail the
transition to democracy. They are fighting progress. They target innocent
civilians; they target the infrastructure; they target democratic
institutions that are taking hold in Iraq. The elections were a stinging
defeat for the terrorists; they continue to be marginalized -- more and
more people are choosing the political process -- and they will not
succeed.

The President will also talk about how 2006 will be a time of more progress
toward a democratic Iraq that can defend itself, that will not become a
safe haven for terrorists, and that will serve as an example of freedom for
a troubled region. He will focus on three key areas and discuss the
expectations in each of those areas.

He will talk about the political process and consolidating democratic gains
of the past year in helping to build the democratic institutions for a
lasting democracy. He will talk about the security process and the
importance of staying on the defensive against terrorists and Saddam
loyalists, and continuing to strengthen the capability of the Iraqi
security forces, so that they can take control of more territory and take
the lead more and more in the fight. And he will also talk about the
reconstruction efforts and our continuing efforts to support the Iraqis as
they build a modern economic system. And he will talk about how in each of
these areas we have learned from experience; we're fixing what's not
working and we're adapting as necessary to complete the mission.

In the area of the security forces, I think one thing the President will do
is talk about how there has been much progress made on the training of the
Iraqi army. In terms of the Iraqi police, there's going to be more of a
focus on the Iraqi police in 2006 and making sure that we're improving the
training and capability of the police forces and expanding those police
forces.

And I think one area that the President will talk about is the steps that
we're taking to make sure that the police forces adhere to the highest
ethical standards. We've seen some recent news reports of a few, or some,
who have engaged in abuses of the prison system. And I think the President
will talk about the training that we are providing to the police forces,
and human rights, and rule of law. And he will talk about how we're
increasing the forces, too.

And in terms of another area, the international community, the President
will call on the international community to fulfill its commitments
quickly. There's been more than $13 billion pledged by the international
community. There are a number of countries that have not fulfilled those
commitments. And they need to be fulfilled to help the Iraqi people move
forward. Debt relief -- some countries have moved forward on providing a
hundred percent debt relief; there are others that can do more, as well.

And, finally, as I mentioned, the President will be speaking to the
Veterans of Foreign Wars -- their leadership and members -- here in
Washington. And last week, the VFW passed a resolution that said, "It is
critical that the U.S. succeed in Iraq, which will result in stability and
security in the region." The President appreciates their recognition of the
stakes involved and understanding of how important it is to help lay the
foundations of peace in a troubled region of the world.

And with that, I will be glad to go to your questions.

Q Scott, does the President think that it would be a good idea for Vice
President Cheney to release his medical records to clear up any questions
about his health?

MR. McCLELLAN: Well, I think that the President believes that the Vice
President's Office has, over the course of the last few years, provided the
appropriate information regarding his health.

Q So the appropriate information, you don't think it requires a more
complete disclosure, like the President does, with a -- when he has his
health, physical -- that he gives a pretty elaborate read-out?

MR. McCLELLAN: I think the Vice President's Office takes the appropriate
steps to provide information to the public about his health, and his
doctors do, as well, through the Vice President's Office.

Q Can you tell us what the pre-existing foot condition is that the Vice
President has?

MR. McCLELLAN: Well, the Vice President's Office talked about that last
week. And I'm sure if there's more information to share with you, they will
do so.

Q They didn't mention anything specific. It's his --

Q Well, we don't know what it is.

MR. McCLELLAN: I would encourage you to direct questions such as that to
their office, because they check with his doctors and then provide
information in an appropriate fashion.

Q Do you think that the Vice President's Office should disclose what the
foot condition is?

MR. McCLELLAN: I think that they're appropriately taking steps to disclose
information.

Q So you have no problem with the way they're handling it?

MR. McCLELLAN: I just indicated that.

Q Well, Scott, his personal physician, Gary Malakoff, from G.W., back in
2000, said that he'd had several minor occurrences of gout in his foot. Can
you tell us if that's the condition?

MR. McCLELLAN: Well, and as I just pointed out, his doctors and the Vice
President's Office provide information in an appropriate way. And I'm sure
that they will continue to. I would direct those questions to his office,
because what they can do is check with his doctors and check with the Vice
President and then provide that information to you all.

Q But there's a rather large foot secrecy going on here -- (laughter) --
considering the Vice President's left appendage and we're just curious as
to --

MR. McCLELLAN: That's very cute, but I think you --

Q -- it landed him in the hospital this morning --

MR. McCLELLAN: I think there's a significant amount of information that is
provided to you all about his health situation over the course of the --

Q -- what's wrong with --

MR. McCLELLAN: -- last few years.

Q -- anti-inflammatories which landed him in the hospital.

MR. McCLELLAN: Well, he talked about how Secretary Rumsfeld has been
chewing on his -- no, I'm just kidding. (Laughter.)

Q Do you want to elaborate on that? (Laughter.)

Q Scott, from this podium -- and the President in his remarks went out of
his way to call on Congress to conduct dignified hearings for Judge Alito.
And what's implicit in that is somehow that the attacks against Alito, the
questions that have been raised prior to this hearing may veer toward the
undignified. So what specifically is undignified about the discourse and
the questions that have been raised about his record so far?

MR. McCLELLAN: Well, I think you've seen there have been a lot of dishonest
attacks and misrepresentations about Judge Alito, primarily from groups
that are outside the mainstream. These are groups that want to inject
partisan politics into our judiciary, and the President believes that our
judiciary should be above partisan politics.

Judge Alito is someone that all Americans can be proud of, and I think the
American people want to be proud of. And I think the American people want
to be proud of the Senate committee hearings, as well. And so that's why
the President has said he hopes that there will be a civil and dignified
hearing. There was a civil and dignified hearing, by and large, when it
came to the nomination of now-Chief Justice Roberts. And we appreciated the
Senate for moving forward in a fair and civil and dignified way. I think
all you have to do is --

Q What is undignified about probing his, A, past political views and prior
statements on issues that may be within --

MR. McCLELLAN: I didn't say there was. I didn't say there was. In fact --

Q Then what's -- you just said that there have been partisan attacks,
people are trying to bring political or partisan views into the
confirmation process. What's undignified about that? I mean, in other
words, it sounds like this is kind of a chilling effect that the President
is attempting --

MR. McCLELLAN: No.

Q -- which is, don't try to rough this guy up, or else we're going to brand
you as being somehow, you know, foul-mouthed senators.

MR. McCLELLAN: No. In fact, the Senate has a very important role to play in
confirmation hearings --

Q So what is undignified about the discourse?

MR. McCLELLAN: It will provide an opportunity for a vigorous and healthy
debate about our judiciary and the proper role of judges in our judicial
system. And the President has simply said that he hopes that the hearings
are respectful and civil and dignified.

Q You're not responding to what has been undignified about the discourse so
far.

MR. McCLELLAN: Well, there are some that have tried to raise questions
about his integrity. Judge Alito is someone of the highest integrity. He is
someone who is widely respected by those who know him best -- not only for
his judicial temperament, but for his integrity and his character. And the
American Bar Association, in their unanimous -- they gave him its highest
rating, unanimously well qualified to serve on the bench. And they said
that -- in their language that the nominee, "meets the highest ethical
standards of integrity, professional competence and judicial temperament."

Q Therefore that shouldn't be part of a hearing -- questions about his
character and integrity should not be part of his hearing?

MR. McCLELLAN: No, there are some groups that have --

Q Is that what you're saying, that they shouldn't be asking those
questions?

MR. McCLELLAN: No, no, no. There are some groups that have misrepresented
facts relating to cases he has decided; there are groups that --

Q That's fine. Are you saying that that should not be part of a hearing?

MR. McCLELLAN: -- are engaging in dishonest attacks. It should be an
honest, open and thorough discussion of his views and how his --

Q You want to set parameters for what should and shouldn't be asked in his
hearings; is that what the President is saying?

MR. McCLELLAN: I'm just using -- no, that's what you're saying. Go ahead,
Helen.

Q I have two questions. One, you speak of a dialogue. It's not a two-way
street when the President keeps promoting his own point of view on the war.
It's not a dialogue, is it? And, also, the President --

MR. McCLELLAN: I think you're ignoring the fact that the President has been
sitting down with bipartisan members of Congress, he's been sitting down
with former key administration officials from previous administrations and
listening to their views, as well as talking about our strategy that's in
place.

Q But nothing hits home with him, in terms of the opposition.

MR. McCLELLAN: No --

Q And, also, the President --

MR. McCLELLAN: -- I encourage you to go back and look at exactly what he
has said about the opposition. I think there's a difference between --

Q I thought he gave -- conceded that they had the right to dissent --

MR. McCLELLAN: I imagine this may be one thing he touches on tomorrow.
There's a difference between loyal opposition that has a different view,
and those who are advocating a defeatist approach that sends the wrong
message to our troops and the enemy.

Q Well, that's your point of view.

MR. McCLELLAN: That's right.

Q But, also, this morning, he stressed accountability --

MR. McCLELLAN: And the point of view of many others.

Q -- accountability, and the Vice President has been very candid about his
heart condition. What's his foot --

MR. McCLELLAN: I talked about that last week, and you can get more
information -- if you have more questions about it, I don't have that
information. His office has the information; they can provide you.

Q You don't know what it is, then?

MR. McCLELLAN: No, I'm very familiar with the Vice President.

Go ahead.

Q Scott, Paul Bremer was interviewed -- I guess it was over the weekend on
NBC -- and said that he had sent around a summary from think tanks saying
that you needed three-times as many troops to stabilize Iraq as there were.
He said he sent a message to Secretary Rumsfeld, heard nothing; told the
President about this and his concerns about whether or not there were --
that we needed more troops over there. He said the President said he tried
for more foreign troops, but made no mention of increasing the number of
American troops. Why would someone like Paul Bremer, who was on the ground
--

MR. McCLELLAN: Let me mention --

Q -- I know he talks about commanders and he listens to commanders --

MR. McCLELLAN: Let me back up and mention a couple of things. First of all,
Ambassador Bremer has served this country admirably under extremely
difficult circumstances. He is someone who understands the stakes in the
war on terrorism and why it is so important that we transform Iraq into a
democratic society. It will serve as an example to the rest of the broader
Middle East. His experience and observations provide an interesting and
vivid perspective of what he observed and what he did in Baghdad after the
fall of Saddam Hussein.

The President, as you know, relies on a team of civilian and military and
foreign policy advisors who make decisions -- or when he makes decisions
about the conduct of the war. Ambassador Bremer, I think, has pointed out
that in his book he's providing his perspective based on the role that he
played at the time. And we appreciate very much his advice and his
commitment that he made to what was an important cause.

Q But was he not qualified to ask for more troops? Why wouldn't you listen
to your most senior civilian on the ground?

MR. McCLELLAN: Because the President has already addressed this question on
numerous occasions, Martha. The President believes that the decisions about
our troop levels ought to be based on the recommendations of our military
commanders who are on the ground in Iraq. They're the ones who are in the
best position to say what they need to complete the mission, and the
President has always relied upon his military commanders who are on the
ground there, implementing our strategy for succeeding in Iraq.

Q But Paul Bremer was on the ground, too. He was the one who had to help
stabilize Iraq, as well as -- and when he saw that --

MR. McCLELLAN: And I just indicated to you that the President makes
decisions based on the advice of a team of foreign policy and military
advisors. And it's the commanders on the ground who are in the best
position to make decisions about our troop levels.

Q Secretary Rumsfeld didn't respond. It sounds like Paul Bremer doesn't --

MR. McCLELLAN: No, I saw that the Pentagon did respond through his
spokesman to this issue.

Q No, he said in May 2004, when he asked Rumsfeld for more troops that he
didn't even get a response. Are you sure you're hearing all the advice you
need to hear?

MR. McCLELLAN: You can talk to the Pentagon about that.

Q Are you sure you're hearing all the advice you need to hear?

MR. McCLELLAN: Well, Ambassador Bremer indicated it in his remarks.

Q We've had about two dozen American troops killed in Iraq in the past
week. Doesn't that undercut your argument that progress is being made
there?

MR. McCLELLAN: No. In fact, the President talked about how, as the Iraqi
people continue to move forward on the political process and continue to
move forward on reconstructing their country, the terrorists and Saddam
loyalists will do everything they can to try to derail the transition to
democracy. They recognize that the elections in December were a stinging
defeat for their ambitions. The Iraqi people showed up in large numbers.
Some 70 percent of registered voters in Iraq went back to the polls and
said, we defy the terrorists; we want to chart our own future; we want to
live in freedom.

The terrorists and Saddam loyalists have failed every step of the way on
the political process. They cannot stop democracy from taking root in Iraq.
The Iraqi people are determined to show the world that they want what
people all across the world want, which is to chart their own future and to
live in freedom.

And the President made it very clear in this series of speeches he held
over the course of December that there is going to be continued violence as
we move forward. That's why we must continue to move forward on our
strategy that we have in place to win. We are making important progress,
there are difficulties ahead, there are going to be tough days. We've seen
a few tough days over the last week. We have lost a number of brave
soldiers. We mourn their loss. The Iraqi people have been attacked, a holy
shrine has been attacked, other innocent Iraqis have been attacked by the
suicide bombers, the terrorists.

The terrorists and Saddam loyalists continue to further isolate themselves
from the Iraqi people. They don't represent the Iraqi people. They
represent their own ambitions. And we saw the other day in a videotape,
from the number two leader of al Qaeda, once again that the terrorists
understand that Iraq is the central front in the war on terrorism, and that
the stakes are very high. The stakes are high in Iraq. That's why it's so
important that we complete the mission. Withdrawal would be a disaster.

Q What can you tell us about contacts that have been made with Iraqi
insurgency groups?

MR. McCLELLAN: Well, I would point out that we have talked about this
before. We're not talking with Zarqawi or other terrorists; we're not
talking with Saddam loyalists, those who worked for him and want to return
back to the previous regime.

But part of our strategy, a critical element of our strategy, is to broaden
participation in the political process. We have been reaching out to the
rejectionists. As the President outlined last month, there are really three
categories for defining the enemy. And pointing out to the rejectionists
that the way forward is the political process. That's the way to advance
political interest -- not through violence. And you can't have it both
ways. You have to make a choice.

And we see more and more that the Iraqi people are choosing freedom and
democracy. We have more Sunnis participating in the political process in
much larger numbers than they did.

I think it's important to take stock of where we are. Look at where Iraq
was a year ago and look at where it is today. There has been tremendous
progress, but there are difficulties and challenges that remain, and that's
why we must continue to stand with the Iraqi people.

Go ahead.

Q Scott, when you talk about Iraq being an example for the region -- we
have a crazy man in Iran who's ready to develop nuclear weapons and blow
Israel up. We have --

MR. McCLELLAN: I point out that that, as you said, "crazy man," that he
does not represent the people in Iran. The people in Iran want to live in
greater freedom, and we support their desire to live in greater freedom.

Q I mean, in Saudi Arabia, they're exporting a very violent form of the
Muslim religion, and they show no signs of stopping. Syria is -- you know,
I've talked to Marines, Syria is shooting across their border at our
Marines in Iraq. It seems like this good example has to happen sooner
rather than later. I mean, what's the timetable for having a --

MR. McCLELLAN: Two thousand five was a year of great advance for democracy
in the world. The President began the year by -- in his inaugural address
talking about the cause of freedom and the importance of supporting the
advance of freedom. And we've even seen in the broader Middle East -- in
Afghanistan, where democracy is taking hold, and they're continuing to make
significant progress, and elections have been held. We've seen it in
Lebanon, where the people there have rejected Syria's interference in their
internal affairs. We see great progress being made. We see countries taking
steps. They might just be small steps, but they are steps toward a more
open and democratic system.

And what Iraq can do is help inspire reformers in places like Syria and
Iran. Those who want to live in freedom, we believe -- the President
believes very strongly that freedom is a universal right, that all people
want to live in freedom. And it's up to those people to determine the type
of democracy that meets their culture and their traditions. It won't be
based on our own democratic system; it will reflect their own values and
traditions and cultures. But there is important progress that has been
made, and Iraq can serve as an example and help really transform what is a
troubled region of the world.

This is a dangerous region that was a breeding ground for people who
hijacked airplanes and flew them into buildings here in Washington and New
York City. And we're trying to do -- what we're trying to do is advance
freedom for our own safety and security, by laying the foundations of peace
for generations to come for our children and grandchildren. And that's why
it's so important, what we're working to achieve there in the broader
Middle East.

Q A couple questions on Iran, Scott. One of the things the administration
said it did not want to see happen was Iran resuming its uranium enrichment
program. That appears to be going forward today. What does that say about
the success or lack thereof of the EU 3's negotiations? And what does the
U.S. plan to do about it?

MR. McCLELLAN: Well, a couple of things. One, we support the European 3's
efforts. We continue to support their efforts. But this is a matter of
trust when it comes to Iran, and Iran has shown over the course of the last
couple of decades that they cannot be trusted. They have concealed their
activities from the international community. They have violated their
agreements with the international community. It's time for Iran to come
into compliance, to abide by the agreements they made, and to meet the
demands of the international community. The international community has
spelled out what those demands are.

There is real concern within the international community about Iran's
pursuit of nuclear weapons under the guise of a civilian program. And there
is a growing majority within the board of governors of the International
Atomic Energy Agency that has said it's time for Iran to act in good faith
and move forward on the negotiations with the European 3. If they fail to
do so, then the option before us would be referral to the Security Council.
And there is a growing majority within the international community that is
looking at that.

Q What is the administration's understanding of both Russia and China's
position on supporting a referral to the Security Council?

MR. McCLELLAN: Well, we will continue to discuss with all our friends --
discuss with our friends and allies and partners how to move forward to
address this issue. This is a serious matter. It's a serious concern.
Someone earlier in the briefing pointed out some of the comments that were
made by the president in Iran. Their actions and their comments only
further underscore why it is so important that the international community
not let Iran develop a nuclear weapon.

Q Why does the administration think China is opposed to that referral?

MR. McCLELLAN: Well, we'll continue to have discussions with others. I'll
let China speak for themselves.

Q One last question if I may?

MR. McCLELLAN: Yes, sure, go ahead.

Q And insofar as the Iranian government appears now to be recruiting
potential Shiite militants from Iraq and training them in Iran, what does
the United States plan to do about Iraq?

MR. McCLELLAN: I'm sorry, repeat that? Insofar as training of Iraqis?

Q There are reports now that the Iranians are training Iraqi Shiite
militants in Iran and then shipping them back to Iraq to create violence.
What does the administration --

MR. McCLELLAN: I saw a report earlier today. I'm not in a position to
verify the authenticity of those reports, but I think when you read those
reports, it only further underscores our concerns about the regime in Iran.
The regime in Iran continues to move in the wrong direction of the rest of
the Middle East. We've made it very clear that countries like Iran and
Syria need to play a positive role when it comes to Iraq and they need to
change their behavior, and they should not be interfering in the internal
affairs of Iraq.

Q Two questions. One, in the past month or so, President has been making a
number of encouraging statements on war on terrorism in Afghanistan and
Iraq and elsewhere. The original war on terrorism started from al Qaeda in
Afghanistan. And according to President Karzai, terrorism still -- or al
Qaeda terrorists are still there and they are trying to destabilize the
government. And also now, he made a statement yesterday that he's inviting
al Qaeda leaders, including number two and Osama bin Laden, to come from
hiding and reconcile. What do you --

MR. McCLELLAN: Who is inviting?

Q President Karzai. He said, come out of hiding and reconcile. What do you
-- what President has --

MR. McCLELLAN: I haven't seen those comments. But Afghanistan is now an
ally in the war on terrorism. We have a partner for peace in the broader
Middle East. And that's what we're working to build in Iraq, as well,
transforming that country into a democracy that will be a partner and an
ally in the global war on terrorism.

We continue to go after the al Qaeda leaders. We have captured or brought
to justice in other ways a number of top al Qaeda leaders. We continue to
pursue others wherever they may be. And we work closely with the government
of Afghanistan and others in the region to pursue those terrorists. And one
thing that's important to note is that because of the progress that's been
made in Afghanistan, on the political front and the security front, now our
forces are able to spend more of their energies and focus looking at where
those terrorists are and going after them.

NATO is playing more and more of a role within the security of Afghanistan
-- that was discussed last week at some length. And so that enables us --
much like in Iraq, too, as Iraqi security forces step forward -- to focus
our efforts on going after the terrorists and preventing them from carrying
out attacks, and bringing them to justice. There's a lot of operations
we've undertaken in both countries to do so, and there have been great
successes, many of those you don't often hear about.

Q I have one on domestic -- on economy.

MR. McCLELLAN: Let me keep going. I'll try to come back. Let me keep going.

Q Scott, what is the President's reaction to Congressman DeLay's stepping
down for good as House majority leader?

MR. McCLELLAN: We respect Congressman DeLay's decision. This was a decision
where, clearly, he was putting the interest of the American people, the
Congress and the party first. Congressman DeLay is someone we have worked
closely with, as well as other leaders in the House, to get things done for
the American people and to build a safer and more prosperous America. And
we respect his decision.

Q Was there any signal sent from the White House?

MR. McCLELLAN: No, this was Congressman DeLay's decision.

Q And, also, could you give us a little bit more detail on how the
President was informed this morning of the Vice President's situation?

MR. McCLELLAN: Well, he was over in the residence. His doctor, at the
direction of the Chief of Staff, informed him of the Vice President's
situation. The Vice President left the hospital this morning and the
President spoke to him by phone. And the Vice President indicated he was
feeling fine, and the President indicated that he looked forward to seeing
him this afternoon. He's scheduled to be coming in for some meetings this
afternoon.

Q Scott, can I just follow on the DeLay part of this?

MR. McCLELLAN: Sure.

Q I understand the President recognizes this was Congressman DeLay's
decision. But, again, as essentially the head of the Republican Party, is
he concerned about the Abramoff scandal creating a kind of culture of
corruption that is hitting, at this point, mostly Republicans? In that
vein, does he think DeLay stepping down is a good thing for the Republican
Party to take the lead in trying to clean this up?

MR. McCLELLAN: Well, that speculates about certain things that I don't
think you can do, or insinuates certain things. And I don't think you can
draw those conclusions. We'll see what happens with regards to the
investigation you bring up. But I would point out that Congress has moved
forward on a number of important reforms. The President has been someone
who has supported campaign finance reform. The President has advocated
also, and in fact he's signed into law, some legislation, some common sense
campaign finance reforms. The President has long believed in rapid and full
disclosure of contributors.

The President also has called for regulating 527 groups. These are groups
that are -- have unregulated soft money coming into them, and we don't know
where that money is coming from. And the President has called for those to
be regulated similar to other political organizations. Now Congress -- the
Republican leadership is looking at building on some of the reforms they
have put in place. They are looking at ideas. We are open to looking at
those ideas. We want to work constructively with Congress to move forward
on some reforms. And we will do so.

But I would also point out that there are laws on the books. And those laws
need to be enforced, and they need to be followed. And in fact in this
instance, the laws are being enforced. Someone is being -- a number of
people are being brought to account for the wrongdoing they engaged in by
the Department of Justice. And that investigation continues at this point.
I think going beyond where it is at this point is pure speculation.

Q But, politically, was it the right move for DeLay to step down?

MR. McCLELLAN: Well, this was his decision. We respect his decision.

Go ahead. Sorry, on the left. I'll come to you, Mark.

Q Scott, on the Alito issue, the real concerns that senators have said are
really very much in the mainstream. It's the issue of the checks and
balances that have been built into this republic. You've got, on the one
hand, a White House which is concerned with increasing and enhancing the
powers of the presidency, as was indicated most clearly by Vice President
Cheney and his comments in the Middle East on Plame. And then they're
looking at Judge Alito, how that's going to affect the composition of the
Supreme Court in terms of this particular issue: enhancing the powers of
the presidency. And, obviously, in his public record, he has made some
specific statements to that regard.

MR. McCLELLAN: Relating specifically to executive authority. Some have
taken it and misrepresented it beyond that.

Q Well, there is a concern that there is a move towards an imperial
presidency in which the Congress, again, does not, because of the two other
branches ganging up to change the nature of the game with regard to the
powers of the presidency, then kind of puts Congress in a much different
position. And this is --

MR. McCLELLAN: I don't know the concern you base it on. There may be a
relatively small number of some on one side of the fence that have those
concerns.

Q Both Senator Leahy and Senator Schumer yesterday indicated that this was
their major concern with regard to the Alito hearings. This is what they
were going to ask questions about. But also on the Republican side, there
is some concern that the powers of the Congress and a Supreme Court with
Alito may shift in favor of the presidency, which would change the nature
of the (inaudible) in a big way, and that that's a mainstream issue, I'm
sure you --

MR. McCLELLAN: Well, I'm sure these are questions that will be asked. I
know Judge Alito is looking forward to the hearings. He will be giving a
statement later today, and then tomorrow, there will be a lengthy hearing
where questions will be asked and he will be providing answers to those
questions.

Judge Alito is unquestionably well qualified to serve on our nation's
highest court. He is the most experienced nominee to our nation's highest
court in the past 70 years. He has 15 years experience serving on the Court
of Appeals. And it is a record that is widely respected by those who know
him best. He is respected by people on both sides of the aisle for his
integrity, for his judicial temperament, and for his philosophy that is
based on interpreting the law and not making law from the bench

-- looking at our Constitution, looking at the law, and then applying the
law.

He is someone who believes very strongly that the role of a judge is to be
open-minded, impartial, and fair, and to listen to the arguments, to look
at the facts, and then apply the law. And he has a long record of doing
that. And there's plenty of experience to look at when it comes to the
bench and for senators to consider.

Q Scott, back to the Vice President, does the latest health problem that he
has had, does that not give the President any concern about the Vice
President's ability to complete his duties --

MR. McCLELLAN: The Vice President is a very valuable member of this team.
He's doing a great job for the American people, and the President looks
forward to continuing to work with him to get things done on their behalf.

Q Scott, a two-part. First, has the U.S. government ever made a formal
request of Lebanon, for them to turn over the recently released convicted
killer of Navy diver Robert Stethem of Maryland, and if not, why not?

MR. McCLELLAN: I'm sorry, repeat the question.

Q Has the U.S. government ever made a formal request of Lebanon, for them
to turn over the recently released convicted killer of Navy diver Robert
Stethem of Maryland?

MR. McCLELLAN: Yes. In fact, the State Department has talked about this.
They talked about it a couple of weeks ago, and expressed our position very
clearly, and we would continue to take that position. So I'd encourage you
to go and look back at the State Department briefing that occurred just a
couple of weeks ago on this very matter.

Q I appreciate that. Do you know of any other time in American history when
a President has supported for reelection to his former governorship of a
man who is running against his Press Secretary's mother -- (laughter) --
and does he expect you to go with him to Texas when he campaigns for
Governor Rick Perry against your mother? (Laughter.)

MR. McCLELLAN: I always enjoy spending time in Texas with the President --
and my mother. (Laughter.)

Q Are you going to go with him when he's campaigning against your mother?

MR. McCLELLAN: I travel with him almost all the time -- not quite all the
time, but most of the time. And in terms of -- I think you're speculating
about things at this point; we haven't announced anything on his schedule.
But I think my views have been made very clear when it comes to the Texas
governor's race.

Q You've got wonderful assistants. Couldn't they go?

MR. McCLELLAN: They do. They do travel. Sometimes I do stay back.

Q You're going to campaign against your mother?

MR. McCLELLAN: No, look, of course not, Les. (Laughter.) I already
addressed that question last week. She has my full support. She is someone
who --

Q She has your full support?

MR. McCLELLAN: She is someone who cares deeply about the state of Texas.
I've made that very clear.

Q But the President -- what about him? He's not giving your mother his
support.

MR. McCLELLAN: I already stated the President's view on the election and
that he would be supporting the Republican nominee. Thanks for trying the
stir this one up. (Laughter.)

Q Well, he actually got you to say --

MR. McCLELLAN: I consider one candidate, mother. He considers both
candidates that you're referring to, friends.

Q Thank you, Scott. I have the same topic, but three quick questions.

MR. McCLELLAN: Three? Let's go quick.

Q Three. I'm getting embarrassed --

MR. McCLELLAN: Let's go quick.

Q As for the status of Puerto Rico, will the President submit a bill
endorsing the (inaudible) recommendations of Puerto Rico? Will he ask the
Congress to appropriate funds for both education in Puerto Rico, since he
does (inaudible)?

MR. McCLELLAN: I don't know if I've got an additional update beyond what
Ruben Barrales, our Director of Intergovernmental Affairs, briefed on a
couple of weeks ago, prior to the holidays, in terms of Puerto Rico. I
think he made very clear what we have long stated, that we want the will of
the Puerto Rican people to be expressed. And if there's anything else, I'll
check on that.

Q Can I just ask the last --

MR. McCLELLAN: Sure, go ahead.

Q Will the President mention Puerto Rico status and choices in his State of
the Union message?

MR. McCLELLAN: It's a little too early to preview the State of the Union at
this point.

Q Scott, is there a particular reason why the Vice President's foot
condition is a secret?

MR. McCLELLAN: I think that if you look back, his health -- his doctors and
others have discussed his health situation over the last few years. So I
don't know that I would agree with the characterization.

Q But we can't find out from you what the foot condition is, and
apparently, not from the Vice President's Office, either.

MR. McCLELLAN: The Vice President's Office is the appropriate place to ask
those questions. I don't have more information on it than what they are
providing.

Q Do you know what is wrong with his foot?

MR. McCLELLAN: Again --

Q Is it some dreaded infectious weird foot disease? (Laughter.)

MR. McCLELLAN: The Vice President's Office has a press office and they'll
be glad to talk to you about it. I think the Vice President talked about it
in his remarks last week, and it's a pre-existing condition that he talked
about.

Q Is it gout?

MR. McCLELLAN: Go ahead. Go ahead, Connie.

Q Thank you. On the Middle East, are you in frequent touch with Israeli
authorities about the situation there?

MR. McCLELLAN: We stay in close contact with the government of Israel and
we have officials that travel there on a fairly regular basis, as well. And
I expect we'll be going back there in the near future, too. The State
Department might be updating on some of the travel.

Q Is there any high state of alert regarding possible threats by Israel's
enemies? Do you have any warning to --

MR. McCLELLAN: I don't have any additional update beyond what has been made
public.

Q And, finally, on Iran, are you calling for an overthrow of the Iranian
leader?

MR. McCLELLAN: I'm sorry?

Q Are you calling for the overthrow of the Iranian leader?

MR. McCLELLAN: Well, I think -- you've asked this question before and we've
stated our position: We stand with the people of Iran who want to live in
greater freedom. The President made very clear in a statement what our
position is. This is a regime that continues to deny the people their right
to live in greater freedom, and that ignores their wishes and pursues
nuclear weapons programs and has been a state sponsor of terrorism. I think
it is a regime that is out of step with its people. We stand with the
people in Iran.

Go ahead, Rick.

Q Scott, what's the White House assessment on the current stability of the
Iranian regime?

MR. McCLELLAN: I'm sorry?

Q The White House perspective on the current stability --

MR. McCLELLAN: I wouldn't even get into that even if I had information for
you.

Go ahead.

Q After Les's question about your mother, this should be easy. (Laughter.)
Given the fact that when the North Koreans broke through the seals on their
nuclear program roughly three years ago this month, that there was no
penalty that they suffered other an engaging in what's been three years of
talks, what disincentive do you think that there is to the Iranians at this
point to not participate in the kind of --

MR. McCLELLAN: Well, kind of what I touched on, they further isolate
themselves from the rest of the international community. A growing majority
of the international community is making it clear to Iran that they expect
them to come into compliance and abide by their agreements, and to
negotiate in good faith about the way forward. Russia has been supportive
of trying to provide some assistance to help move the negotiations forward,
efforts that we have said could be helpful. And the Iranian regime only
further isolates itself while it continues moving in that direction.

Q But, Scott, you said the same thing three years ago, or the White House
did, about the North Koreans when they did something extraordinarily
similar, and further isolation does not seem to have greatly affected their
lives.

MR. McCLELLAN: Let me point out, when it comes to North Korea and the
six-party talks, that there was an agreement on important principles at the
last round of talks. Now we want to see progress made on moving forward on
those principles. So we're working to confront both threats and both
issues, and to move forward on them, working in a multi-lateral way.

And the Europeans have our full support in their efforts to negotiate a way
forward and to resolve this in a diplomatic way. We continue to support
that. If those negotiations run their course, and Iran does not act in good
faith and does not come into compliance, then there is no other option for
the international community but to look to the Security Council.

Q Scott, one last shot at this. Mr. ElBaradei, the head of the IAEA, makes
the point that the North Koreans were referred to the Security Council in,
I think, 1992 or 1993, and as he puts it so wonderfully, he has yet to hear
an answer from them, meaning from the Security Council. Why would that
threat be --

MR. McCLELLAN: Well, let's look at where we are compared to where we were
when it comes to North Korea. You now have every country in the region
saying to North Korea that you need to dismantle your nuclear weapons
programs and get rid of any nuclear weapons. You now have a six-party
process in place that spells out very clearly what is expected of North
Korea. And we expect North Korea to move forward on the principles that
they agreed to at the last round of talks. And we'll be continuing to talk
about that. So there has been important progress made that was ignored in
your question. You have to look at that, and you have to look -- diplomacy
sometimes takes time. But we're committed to moving forward and resolving
these matters in diplomatic ways. And that's what the President has
emphasized on both.

Martha, go ahead.

Q Just a last one on DeLay. You say you respect his decision, and that he's
clearly putting the interests of the party and American people first. The
President has said there's a presumption of innocence -- actually he said a
lot more than that about innocence. Why is it best for the party and the
American people?

MR. McCLELLAN: Well, this is a decision that Congressman DeLay made, and he
spelled out his reasons for coming to that decision.

Q Right, you respect that and you say he's clearly putting the American
people and the party first

MR. McCLELLAN: Well, that's why he came to that decision. And he's the one
who made that, and I think that it's up to him to talk further about that.

Q Why do you think he is?

MR. McCLELLAN: What we are -- well, let me back up, too. Congressman DeLay
is someone who has been a good ally, someone we have worked closely with to
get things done. We work closely with Speaker Hastert and all Republican
leaders in the House to move forward on important priorities for the
American people. We have accomplished much in the last few years by working
together, whether it be tax relief to get out economy growing and creating
jobs, or moving forward on modernizing Medicare so that seniors can realize
significant savings on their prescription drugs, or moving forward to win
the war on terrorism.

We are working closely with the House leadership, and we will continue to
work closely with Speaker Hastert, the House leadership, and all
Republicans in the House to continue building upon that record of
accomplishment. And we appreciate all that Congressman DeLay has done to
help us in that regard, and we'll continue to work with him going forward.

Q Despite that, you wouldn't have wanted to talk him out of it?

MR. McCLELLAN: We were not -- that was his decision. In terms of the
leadership and the decisions that will be made there, in terms of who
replaces Congressman DeLay, that's a congressional prerogative. We have a
record of not getting involved in those matters. That's up for members of
Congress to decide, and specifically for Republicans in the House.

Thank you. See you all tomorrow.

END 12:59 P.M. EST

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