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Skriven 2005-01-26 23:34:42 av Whitehouse Press (1:3634/12.0)
Ärende: Press Release (0501263) for Wed, 2005 Jan 26
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President Holds Press Conference
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For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
January 26, 2005

President Holds Press Conference
The James S. Brady Briefing Room

President's Remarks
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10:00 A.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. With the second term underway and a new
Congress at work, we're moving forward on great goals for our country. In
my inaugural address I renewed this nation's commitment to expanding
liberty at home and promoting liberty abroad.

Because our own freedom is enhanced by the expansion of freedom in other
nations, I set out the long-term goal of ending tyranny in our world. This
will require the commitment of generations, but we're seeing much progress
in our time. In late 2004, the people of Afghanistan defied the threats of
terrorists and went to the polls to choose their leaders. The Palestinian
people have elected a President who has renounced violence. This week,
Ukraine inaugurated a new President, President Yushchenko. And just four
days from now, the people of Iraq will vote in free national elections.

Terrorists in that country have declared war against democracy, itself, and
thereby, declared war against the Iraqi people, themselves. Yet the
elections will go forward. Millions of Iraqi voters will show their
bravery, their love of country, and their desire to live in freedom.

Across the world, freedom has deadly enemies; yet, across the world,
freedom has great and growing momentum. There has been enormous sacrifices
made by some of our citizens in the spread of freedom. Families suffer as
the result of the loss of a loved one. We continue to offer our condolences
and prayers for those who do suffer. We'll honor the memories of their
loved ones by completing our missions.

Next week, I will report to Congress on the state of the union and describe
in more detail a legislative agenda to serve the goals I have outlined.
I'll ask the House and Senate to act soon on the issue of Social Security,
so that we don't pass a bankrupt system on to our children and our
grandchildren. I'm open to good ideas from members of Congress. I'll work
with both parties to get results. Any solution must confront the problem
fully and directly by making the system permanently solvent and providing
the option of personal accounts.

For this new term, I've assembled an exceptional Cabinet, and several
members are taking office this week. In addition to speedy action on all my
nominees, I especially urge the Senate to confirm Condoleezza Rice today,
and to promptly act and confirm Judge Al Gonzales.

We have a full agenda. I'm looking forward to the work ahead. And now I'm
looking forward to answering some of your questions. Terry.

Q Mr. President, the insurgents in Iraq are threatening to kill anyone who
comes out to vote on Sunday. Do you think they'll succeed in killing or
scaring away enough people so that the elections will be rendered seriously
flawed or not credible?

THE PRESIDENT: We anticipate a lot of Iraqis will vote. Clearly, there are
some who are intimidated. Surveys show that the vast majority of people do
want to participate in democracy. And some are feeling intimidated. I urge
all people to vote. I urge people to defy these terrorists. These
terrorists are -- do not have the best interests of the Iraqi people in
mind. They have no positive agenda. They have no clear view of a better
future. They're afraid of a free society.

I am impressed by the bravery of the Iraqi citizens. I am heartened by the
strong words of Prime Minister Allawi. I talked to him yesterday on the
phone. He is determined to lead his country forward into the elections. I
appreciate the hard work of the United Nations, which is providing good
leadership on the ground. And I anticipate a -- a grand moment in Iraqi
history. If we'd been having this discussion a couple of years ago and I'd
have stood up in front of you and said the Iraqi people would be voting,
you would look at me like some of you still look at me, with a kind of
blank expression. People are voting. And this is a part of a process, to
write a constitution and then elect a permanent assembly. And it's exciting
times for the Iraqi people.

Steve.

Q Can I ask a follow-up, sir? What would be a credible turnout number?

THE PRESIDENT: The fact that they're voting, in itself, is successful.
Again, this is a long process. It is a process that will begin to write a
constitution and then elect a permanent assembly. And this process will
take place over this next year. It's a -- it is a grand moment for those
who believe in freedom.

Q Sir, your inaugural address has been interpreted as a new, aggressive
posture against certain countries, in particular Iran. Should we view it
that way?

THE PRESIDENT: My inaugural address reflected the policies of the past four
years that said -- that we're implementing in Afghanistan and Iraq. And it
talked about a way forward. I think America is at its best when it leads
toward an ideal. And certainly, a world without tyranny is an ideal world.
The spread of freedom is important for future generations of Americans. I
firmly believe that free societies are peaceful societies, and I believe
every person desires to be free. And so I look forward to leading the world
in that direction for the next four years.

Q Do you see it as a policy shift?

THE PRESIDENT: No, as I said, it reflects the policy of the past, but it
sets a bold, new goal for the future. And I believe this country is best
when it heads toward an ideal world. We are at our best. And in doing so,
we're reflecting universal values and universal ideas that honor each man
and woman, that recognize human rights and human dignity depends upon human
liberty. And it's -- I'm looking forward to the challenge, and I'm looking
forward to reaching out to our friends and allies to convince them of the
necessity to continue to work together to help liberate people.

Yes, Terry.

Q Mr. President, let me take you up on that, if I may. Last month in
Jordan, a gentleman named Ali Hatar was arrested after delivering a lecture
called, "Why We Boycott America." He was charged under section 191 of their
penal code for slander of government officials. He stood up for democracy,
you might say. And I wonder if here and now, you will specifically condemn
this abuse of human rights by a key American ally. And if you won't, sir,
then what, in a practical sense, do your fine words mean?

THE PRESIDENT: I'm unaware of the case. You've asked me to comment on
something that I didn't know took place. I urge my friend, His Majesty, to
make sure that democracy continues to advance in Jordan. I noticed today
that he put forth a reform that will help more people participate in future
governments of Jordan. I appreciate His Majesty's understanding of the need
for democracy to advance in the greater Middle East. We visited with him at
the G8, and he has been a strong advocate of the advance of freedom and
democracy.

Now, let me finish. Obviously, we're discussing a process. As I said in my
speech, not every nation is going to immediately adopt America's vision of
democracy, and I fully understand that. But we expect nations to adopt the
values inherent in a democracy, which is human rights and human dignity,
that every person matters and every person ought to have a voice. And His
Majesty is making progress toward that goal.

I can't speak specifically to the case. You're asking me to speak about a
case that I don't know the facts.

Q Fair enough. If I could just follow up. Will you then -- does your
inaugural address mean that when it comes to people like Mr. Hatar, you
won't compromise because of a U.S. ally and you will stand --

THE PRESIDENT: Again, I don't know the facts, Terry. You're asking me to
comment on something I do not know the facts. Perhaps you're accurate in
your description of the facts, but I have not seen those facts. Now,
nevertheless, we have spoken out in the past and we'll continue to speak
out for human rights and human dignity, and the right for people to express
themselves in the public square.

Q Mr. President, in the debate over Dr. Rice's confirmation, Democrats came
right out and accused you and the administration of lying in the run-up to
the war in Iraq. Republicans, in some cases, conceded that mistakes have
been made. Now that the election is over, are you willing to concede that
any mistakes were made? And how do you feel about --

THE PRESIDENT: Let me talk about Dr. Rice -- you asked about her
confirmation. Dr. Rice is an honorable, fine public servant who needs to be
confirmed. She will be a great Secretary of State. And Dr. Rice and I look
forward to moving forward. We look forward to working to make sure the
Iraqis have got a democracy. We look forward to continuing to make sure
Afghanistan is as secure as possible from potential Taliban resurgence. We
look forward to spreading freedom around the world. And she is going to
make a wonderful Secretary of State.

Q No reaction to the lying? No reaction? (Laughter.)

THE PRESIDENT: Is that your question? The answer is, no. Next.

Q I'd like to ask you -- sir, I'd like to ask you about the deficit. But
before I do that, there is a developing story this morning -- the
helicopter crash in Iraq. Can you tell us what you know about that, what
may have caused it, and your reaction to it?

THE PRESIDENT: I know that it's being investigated by the Defense
Department. And, obviously, any time we lose life it is a sad moment.

Q Don't know whether it was weather-related, or not --

THE PRESIDENT: Not yet. I've heard rumors, but I'll wait to the facts.

Q You're preparing to ask Congress for an additional $80 billion in war
spending in Afghanistan and Iraq. The White House is also prepared to
predict a budget deficit of $427 billion for this year. You talk about
sacrifice in this country. Do you think that you're really asking Americans
to sacrifice financially -- when you're asking them to fund the war, yet,
at the same time, perhaps pay an exorbitant amount to set up private
accounts in Social Security, pay for a prescription drug benefit, as well
as other spending plans?

THE PRESIDENT: So the --

Q And tax cuts, to make those permanent? It's a lot of money.

THE PRESIDENT: Okay, let me see if I can dissect your question into
separate parts. First, Americans pay a lot of taxes. They pay tax at the
federal level, they pay tax at the state level, they pay tax at the local
level. Americans do pay taxes.

Secondly, I made the commitment to our troops, we'll fund them. And that's
exactly what we're doing. We've got people in harm's way; I look forward to
working with Congress to fund what is necessary to help those troops
complete their mission.

Thirdly, we have presented a plan in the past, and we'll present one here
next -- earlier -- later on this -- in February, that will show we will cut
the deficit in half. And it's obviously going to require cooperation with
the United States Congress to make some very difficult decisions when it
comes to funding the budgets.

Fourthly, we not only were attacked and needed -- therefore, needed to
defend ourselves, we also had a recession. And I felt it was very important
to reduce the tax burden on the American people to get out of the
recession. In other words, we were dealing with twin problems. And because
of the tax relief our economy is growing forward.

Last year at this time, the projected budget was $527 billion. You might
remember that. It turned out that the budget was $412 billion for last
year. Now the budget is projected to be at $427 billion. We look forward to
working to hold the line with the United States Congress on spending. And
as I say, I'll promote a package that will show the budget being cut in
half over the next five years.

John.

Q Mr. President, I want to try another way to ask you about Iraq. When you
made the decision to go to war in Iraq, you clearly had majority support in
the country. A string of recent polls have shown a clear majority of the
American people now believe it was a mistake to go to war in Iraq. You've
asked for $80 billion in more money on top of the billions already spent.
The army says that we'll probably have 100,000 or more troops in Iraq for
at least another year. What would you say to the American people, including
a significant number who supported you at the beginning of the war, who now
say this is not what we were led to believe would happen?

THE PRESIDENT: A couple of things, John. I'd say the world is better off
without Saddam Hussein in power. A world with Saddam Hussein in power would
have been a -- would have been a more dangerous world today. Secondly, that
we're making progress in helping Iraq develop a democracy. And in the
long-term, our children and grandchildren will benefit from a free Iraq.

In terms of troop levels, obviously, we'll have the troop levels necessary
to complete the mission. And that mission is to enable Iraq to defend
herself from terrorists -- homegrown or terrorists that come in from
outside of the country. And so our mission is focused on not only an
increase in the number of Iraqis in uniform -- whether it be Army or
National Guard or border patrol or police -- but to make sure the quality
of their ability to fight is enhanced. And so, over the next year we'll be
advancing our plan to make sure the Iraqis are better prepared to defend
themselves and to fight. There's been some really fine units that have been
stood up so far, and obviously we want to make sure there are more units
that are capable of fighting.

Listen, this problem will eventually be solved when the Iraqis take the
initiative and the Iraqi people see Iraqi soldiers willing to defend them.
And so -- and the American people, when they see the Iraqis step up and
begin to fight, will see progress being made toward an objective which will
make this world a better place.

I don't want to rehash something that I'm sure you got tired of hearing me
talk about on the campaign trail, but it is -- the decisions we make today
can affect how people live 30, 40 or 50 years from now. And I bring up,
once again, my example about working with Prime Minister Koizumi of Japan.
And it wasn't all that long ago that Japan was a bitter enemy. And today,
because Japan is a democracy and a free country, the Japanese are strong
allies with the United States of America and we're better off for it.

And listen, the story today is going to be very discouraging to the
American people. I understand that. We value life. And we weep and mourn
when soldiers lose their life. And -- but it is the long-term objective
that is vital, and that is to spread freedom. Otherwise, the Middle East
will be -- will continue to be a cauldron of resentment and hate, a
recruiting ground for those who have this vision of the world that is the
exact opposite of ours.

Carl, welcome to the beat. Is everybody thrilled Carl is here?

Q Yes. (Laughter.)

Q Thanks, very much.

THE PRESIDENT: Please express a little more enthusiasm for him. (Laughter.)

Q 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?

Q Fourteen years old.

THE PRESIDENT: Yes, 14. Well, if she were --

Q He, sir.

THE PRESIDENT: He, excuse me. (Laughter.) I should have done the background
check. (Laughter.) She will -- when she gets ready to -- when she's 50, the
system will be broke, if my math is correct. In other words, if you have a
child who is 25 years old, when that person gets -- gets near retirement,
the system will be bankrupt. And therefore, it seems like to me -- and if
we wait, the longer we wait, the more expensive the solution. So,
therefore, now is the time to act.

And Social Security has been an issue that has made people nervous. I
understand that. I mean, it's -- people felt like it was the third rail of
American politics. That means if you touch it, you will have -- it will be
political death. I have said to the American people that our job is to
confront issues and not pass them on. And we have a serious issue with
Social Security. The math shows that we have an issue, and now is the time
to come together to solve it. And so -- what you're hearing a little bit is
whether or not -- whether or not it is worth the political price. I think
it is. And I'm looking forward to leading the Congress. And I'm looking
forward to taking the case to the American people.

I will begin -- begin -- I will continue that process with the State of the
Union address. And then I look forward to taking off shortly thereafter and
traveling around the country discussing this issue -- similar to what
President Clinton did. President Clinton highlighted the issue as an issue
that needed to be addressed, and an issue that needed to be solved. He
fully recognized, like I recognize, that it's going to require cooperation
in the House and the Senate. And in anticipation of this moment, obviously,
you might remember, we brought together a distinguished group of our
citizens to analyze the issue and they came forth with some very
interesting ideas.

As well, it is very important for us to reassure the seniors that nothing
changes. I fully understand the power of those who want to derail a Social
Security agenda by scaring people. It's been a tactic for a long period of
time by those who believe the status quo is acceptable. And so one of the
things you'll hear me constantly doing is reminding our senior citizens
that nothing will change and that we have a duty to act on behalf of their
children and grandchildren.

David, and then Baker.

Q Mr. President, if I could return for a moment to your inaugural address.
Dr. Rice referred in her testimony to six outposts of tyranny, countries
where we clearly, I think, have a pretty good idea of your policies. What
we're confused by right now, I think -- or, at least, I'm confused by, is
how you deal with those countries like Russia, China, Saudi Arabia, with
whom we have enormous broad interests. Should the leaders of those
countries now be on notice that the primary measure of their relationship
with the United States should be their progress toward liberty? Or can they
rest assured that, in fact, you've got this broad agenda with them and
you're willing to measure liberty up against what China does for you on
North Korea, what Russia does for you in other areas?

THE PRESIDENT: I don't think foreign policy is an either/or proposition. I
think it is possible when you're a nation like the United States to be able
to achieve both objectives -- one objective, the practical objective of
dealing, for example, as you mentioned, with North Korea. But I -- in my
meetings with Chinese leadership in the past, and my meetings with Chinese
leadership in the future, I will constantly remind them of the benefits of
a society that honors their people and respects human rights and human
dignity. I have -- for example, in meetings with the Chinese in the past, I
have brought up the Dalai Lama, I've brought up concerns of the Catholic
church. I have discussed my belief that a society that welcomes religious
freedom is a wholesome and -- religious freedom is a part of a wholesome
society and an important part of a society.

Vladimir Putin -- I have discussed with Vladimir Putin some of his
decisions. I will continue -- as you might remember in our meeting in
Chile. I will continue to do so. I will remind him that if he intends to
continue to look West, we in the West believe in Western values.

I -- democracy is a progress -- you'll see progress toward a goal. There
won't be instant democracy. And I remind people that our own country is a
work in progress. We declared all people equal, and yet, all people weren't
treated equally for a century. We said, everybody counts, but everybody
didn't count.

And so I fully understand developing a democratic society in the --
adhering to the traditions and customs of other nations will be a work in
process. That's why I said we're talking about the work of generations. And
so in my talks, in my discussions with world leaders to solve the problem
of the day, I will constantly remind them about our strong belief that
democracy is the way forward.

Yes, Peter.

Q Mr. President, Dr. Rice again -- quoting your future Secretary of State,
wrote in "Foreign Affairs Magazine" in 2000, outlining what a potential
Bush administration foreign policy would be, talked about things like
security interests, free trade pacts, confronting rogue nations, dealing
with great powers like China and Russia -- but promotion of democracy and
liberty around the world was not a signature element of that prescription.
I'm wondering what's changed since 2000 that has made this such an
important element of your foreign policy.

THE PRESIDENT: I'm the President; I set the course of this administration.
I believe freedom is necessary in order to promote peace, Peter. I haven't
seen the article you're referring to. I can assure you that Condi Rice
agrees with me that it's necessary to promote democracy. I haven't seen the
article, I didn't read the article. Obviously, it wasn't part of her job
interview. (Laughter.) Condi is a firm believer in democracy.

Yes, sir.

Q Mr. President, Chairman Thomas and some others on the Hill have suggested
taking up tax reform at the same time that you deal with Social Security
reform, and to consider alternatives such as a value-added tax to the
current payroll tax for financing Social Security. Are you willing to
consider combining those two big projects, or do you prefer to keep them on
separate tracks?

THE PRESIDENT: I look forward to working with the Congress to move the
process forward. I appreciate people bringing forth ideas. I think it is a
constructive part of the process. I'll have my own -- I'll be a little more
specific as time goes on, and perhaps at the State of the Union, talking
about how to -- how I think we can have a real, long-term solution.

But I think it's constructive that Chairman Thomas, who will be charged
with having a bill come out of the Ways and Means, is thinking creatively,
is willing to figure out ways to bring people along. I am -- and you'll
find, as this process unfolds, that there will be a lot of different
suggestions -- some of them valid, some of them not valid. But the idea
that people are bringing forth ideas is a really good sign.

The threshold question is, will Congress -- is Congress willing to say we
have a problem. We do have a problem. The math shows we have a problem. And
now is the time to act on the problem. And once people realize there's a
problem, then I believe there's an obligation for all sides to bring forth
ideas. And that's what you're seeing with Chairman Thomas. And I appreciate
that. I'm looking forward to my visit with him this afternoon.

Yes, sir.

Q Mr. President, I'd like to ask you about the Gonzales nomination, and
specifically, about an issue that came up during it, your views on torture.
You've said repeatedly that you do not sanction it, you would never approve
it. But there are some written responses that Judge Gonzales gave to his
Senate testimony that have troubled some people, and specifically, his
allusion to the fact that cruel, inhumane and degrading treatment of some
prisoners is not specifically forbidden so long as it's conducted by the
CIA and conducted overseas. Is that a loophole that you approve?

THE PRESIDENT: Listen, Al Gonzales reflects our policy, and that is we
don't sanction torture. He will be a great Attorney General, and I call
upon the Senate to confirm him.

Q Mr. President, at the beginning of your remarks today you referred to two
criteria that you're looking for on the Social Security fix, namely,
permanent solvency and personal accounts. Does that mean that you would be
willing to consider some changes that might broaden the base of revenues
for the system as a way of addressing solvency?

THE PRESIDENT: I look forward to a fruitful discussion of all ideas, with
the exception of raising the payroll tax.

Judy.

Q Thank you, Mr. President. Sir, can you update us, please, on your search
for a director of national intelligence? Are you having trouble finding the
right person? And do you worry at all that the delay might suggest to some
people that it's not a high priority for you?

THE PRESIDENT: When the bill looked like it wasn't going to pass, we
weighed in to get it passed and we worked with members of both parties to
get a bill out of the Congress. It's clearly a high priority. It is a
priority for us to make sure that I get the very best intelligence in order
to make wise decisions for the American people. And a search goes on to
find the right person to handle this very sensitive position.

We're dealing with a brand new agency that is going to require a --
somebody with extraordinary experience. And we're looking. And no one
should read anything other than, we want to make sure we make the right
choice.

Yes, ma'am.

Q Thank you, sir. Any -- back on Social Security -- any transition to
personal accounts is estimated to cost between $1 trillion to $2 trillion
over 10 years. Without talking about specific proposals, do you plan to
borrow that money, or will you, when your plan comes out --

THE PRESIDENT: You're asking me to talk about specific proposals. And I'm
looking over --

Q -- will you be able to pay for it, though?

THE PRESIDENT: Over the -- I fully understand some people are concerned
about whether or not this is affordable. And at the appropriate time, we'll
address that -- that aspect of reform. But personal accounts are very
important in order to make sure that young workers have got a shot at
coming close to that which the government promises. They're also important
because a personal account, obviously under strict guidelines of
investment, will yield a better rate of return over -- than the money --
the person's money is earning in the Social Security trust. And personal
accounts will enable a worker to be able to pass on his or her earnings to
whoever he or she chooses, which is an important part of promoting an
ownership society. We want people to own and manage their own assets. After
all, it is their own money.

And so it's a very important part, in my judgment, of reforming the system
permanently. But there -- I fully understand that accounts is not the only
thing that will be necessary to make sure the system is permanently secure.

Ken. Welcome. Is this -- let me ask you, are you here temporarily,
permanently, and who do you represent?

Q Well, that will be up to my wife, sir, as you well know.

THE PRESIDENT: Yes, thank you.

Q Mr. President, on Social Security, you say the math clearly shows -- as
you know, most of us became reporters because of our deep affection for
math -- if the math clearly shows it, why are you having so much trouble on
the Hill getting some to share your urgency? Do you think they're looking
at the numbers differently, honestly, or are they running from the third
rail?

THE PRESIDENT: Glad to have you here. (Laughter.) I am going to continue to
speak directly to the American people about this issue and remind them
about the math; and remind them that if you're a senior, nothing changes;
and speak to the younger folks coming up about the forecasts. I mean, if
you're a 20-year-old person and you look at the math, you realize that you
will inherit a bankrupt system, which means either there will be
significant benefit cuts or significant payroll tax increases in order to
fund that which the government has laid out for you as a part of your
retirement.

And the Congress tends to listen to the people. And so I will continue to
speak to the people and at the same time, reach out to members of both
parties. We have been through these kinds of questions before in my early
press conferences. I can remember -- I can't remember exactly the
questions, but I do remember the tone, about people saying, how can you
possibly get tax cuts through the Congress when so-and-so said that they
shouldn't be done, or such and such said this, or this report said that, or
the American people didn't want this. And so I am heartened by past
experiences to believe that it is possible to do big things in Washington,
D.C. And I look forward to working with members of the Congress to achieve
big, notable reform.

Yes, Ken, follow-up. This is a home boy follow-up.

Q I seem to remember a time in Texas on another problem, taxes, where you
tried to get out in front and tell people it's not a crisis now, it's going
to be a crisis down the line -- you went down in flames on that one. Why --

THE PRESIDENT: Actually, I -- if I might. (Laughter.) I don't think a
billion-dollar tax relief that permanently reduced property taxes on senior
citizens was "flames," but since you weren't a senior citizen, perhaps
that's your definition of "flames."

Q I never got my billion --

THE PRESIDENT: Yes. Because you're not a senior citizen yet. Acting like
one, however. Go ahead. (Laughter.)

Q What is there about government that makes it hard --

THE PRESIDENT: Faulty memory. (Laughter.)

Q -- to address things in advance, before it's a crisis?

THE PRESIDENT: Do we have a crisis in Texas now on school property taxes?

Q Yes, we do.

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you.

Q Are you going to put forward your own plan on Social Security, or not?

Q Mr. President --

THE PRESIDENT: Let's get some order here, please.

Q Mr. President --

THE PRESIDENT: April. Abril.

Q Thank you, Mr. President. First of all, I have two questions, one on
Iraq. You say about the troop withdrawal --

THE PRESIDENT: No, no, I said what --

Q No, I'm going to the question -- to the answer --

THE PRESIDENT: I thought you said on troop withdrawal --

Q I'm -- yes, I'm talking about troop withdrawal. Don't mess me up, now.
(Laughter.) You said in a response just now that it depends on the
initiative of the Iraqis. Are you giving the Iraqis a timetable for what
you're going to do with troop withdrawal and when?

THE PRESIDENT: We will complete the mission as quickly as possible. And
that mission of a secure and stable Iraq will be achieved when the Iraqis
are fighting the former regime elements and people like Zarqawi. Therefore,
the -- it is important that we continue to press forward with proper
training. Now, training means not just signing people up. Training means
equipping and preparing them for tough fights, as well as developing a
chain of command. A good military requires a chain of command from top to
bottom, so that orders and plans and strategies can be effected
efficiently. And we have work to do there and we will do the work.

Second question.

Q Second question, on race. You brought it up in the inaugural address, and
yesterday and today you have black leaders here at the White House
discussing issues of race. Yesterday you didn't discuss civil rights. But
where are you in the second term as it relates to race in America?

THE PRESIDENT: Civil rights is -- is a good education. Civil rights is
opportunity. Civil rights is home ownership. Civil rights is owning your
own business. Civil rights is making sure all aspects of our society are
open for everybody. And we discussed that yesterday. And I believe that
what I said was important, that we've got to shed ourselves of bigotry if
we expect to lead by example. And I'll do the very best I can as the
President to make sure that the promise -- and I believe in the promise of
America -- is available for everybody.

Let's see. Hold on for a second. Mark. The person who doesn't yell will be
called on.

Q Mr. President, do you think it's a proper use of government funds to pay
commentators to promote your policies?

THE PRESIDENT: No.

Q Are you going to order that --

THE PRESIDENT: Therefore, I will not pay you to -- (laughter.)

Q Fair enough. Are you ordering that there be an end to that practice?

THE PRESIDENT: Yes, I am. I expect my Cabinet Secretaries to make sure that
that practice doesn't go forward. There needs to be independence. And Mr.
Armstrong Williams admitted he made a mistake. And we didn't know about
this in the White House, and there needs to be a nice, independent
relationship between the White House and the press, the administration and
the press. So, no, we shouldn't be going for it.

Yes, sir.

Q Well, Mr. Williams made a mistake --

THE PRESIDENT: Who?

Q Mr. Williams made a mistake. Did the Department of Education make a
mistake?

THE PRESIDENT: Yes. They did.

Q What will happen to the people that made this decision?

THE PRESIDENT: We've got new leadership going to the Department of
Education. But all our Cabinet Secretaries must realize that we will not be
paying commentators to advance our agenda. Our agenda ought to be able to
stand on its own two feet. I'm confident you'll be, over the course of the
next four years, willing to give our different policies an objective look
-- won't you? Yes, I can see that.

Yes, sir.

Q Thank you. Senate Democratic leaders have painted a very bleak picture of
the U.S. economy. Harry Reid was talking about soup lines, and Hillary
Clinton was talking about the economy being on the verge of collapse. Yet,
in the same breath, they say that Social Security is rock-solid and there's
no crisis there. How are you going to work -- you said you're going to
reach out to these people -- how are you going to work with people who seem
to have divorced themselves from reality?

THE PRESIDENT: Continue to speak to the American people. Right after my
State of the Union, I think I'm going to four or five states to continue to
address this issue. You know, I can remember President Clinton doing the
same thing on Social Security. I thought he was very effective in teeing up
the issue, of making the case. And I will do the same thing. There is a --
in terms of whether the economy is growing or not, there is a -- the jobs
are increasing, the forecast looks strong. Obviously, there are some things
we need to do to make sure that America is a good place to continue to risk
capital and invest. That's why I'm urging the Congress to pass legal
reform.

You might remember, one of the first issues that I addressed after election
was legal reform, asbestos reform, class-action reform, medical liability
reform. I believe if there is a -- that we've got a chance to get some
good, meaningful legislation out of the Congress early, which will send a
good signal that we will address those issues that make -- that stand in
the way for further economic expansion. We need an energy bill and I look
forward to working with members of both parties to get a good energy bill
out.

Obviously, people in the capital markets are going to be watching the issue
of twin deficits -- on the one hand, the spending deficit, the fiscal
deficit. We'll address that in our budget that we're getting ready to
submit to Congress. Obviously, we're going to have to work closely together
to send the signal that we're willing to tackle some tough issues. The
budget I'll be submitting is one that says, we'll spend money on projects
that work, but we must make sure we're not wasting the taxpayer's money.

In terms of the trade deficit, it is important for us to make sure that --
in countries that are -- that countries treat their currencies in market
fashion. I've been working with China, in specific, on that issue.
Secondly, that people knock down their barriers to our goods and services.
Thirdly, that we continue to grow our economy at home by making -- by some
of the reforms I've just discussed.

But I think most people are optimistic about the economy next year. It's
very important that we continue to put pro-growth policies in place.

Q Mr. President, Senator Ted Kennedy recently repeated his characterization
of Iraq as a "quagmire" and has called it your Vietnam. And the questioning
of Alberto Gonzales and Condi Rice in the Senate has been largely used by
Democrats to criticize your entire Iraq program, especially what you're
trying to do postwar. I wonder if you have any response to those
criticisms. And what kind of an effect do you think these statements have
on the morale of our troops and on the confidence of the Iraqi people that
what you're trying to do over there is going to succeed?

THE PRESIDENT: I think the Iraqi people are wondering whether or not this
nation has the will necessary to stand with them as a democracy evolves.
The enemy would like nothing more than the United States to precipitously
pull out and withdraw before the Iraqis are prepared to defend themselves.
Their objective is to stop the advance of democracy. Freedom scares them.
Zarqawi said something interesting the other day, that -- he was talking
about democracy and how terrible democracy is. We believe that people ought
to be allowed to express themselves, and we believe that people ought to
decide the fates of their governments.

And so I -- the notion that somehow we're not making progress I just don't
subscribe to. I mean, we're having elections. And I think we need to put
this moment in history in proper context. That context, of course, starts
with whether or not the world would be better off with Saddam Hussein in
power, and whether or not America would be more secure. After all, I've
always felt the Iraqi theater is a part of the war on terror.

And I am encouraged and I am heartened by the fact the Iraqi citizens are
showing incredible bravery. They're losing a lot of people. Obviously,
these targeted assassinations of innocent civilians is -- is having an
effect on Iraqi families. But they want to vote. They want to participate
in democracy. They want to be able to express themselves. And, to me, that
is encouraging. There is a notion in some parts of the world that certain
people can't self-govern; certain religions don't have the capacity of
self-government. And that condemns people to tyranny. And I refuse to
accept that point of view.

I am -- I am optimistic about the advance of freedom, and so should the
American people. After all, look what's happened in a brief period of time
-- Afghanistan; Palestinian elections, which I think are incredibly hopeful
elections; as well as the Ukraine; and now Iraq. It is -- we're witnessing
amazing history. And the fundamental question is: Can we advance that
history? And that's what my inauguration speech said. It said, yes, we can.
I firmly planted the flag of liberty, for all to see that the United States
of America hears their concerns and believes in their aspirations. And I am
excited by the challenge and am honored to be able to lead our nation in
the quest of this noble goal, which is freeing people in the name of peace.

Bennett.

Q Mr. President, the Senate Republicans recently listed their priorities,
and immigration reform wasn't on it. Do you think this means it's dead for
this year? And why are you having so much trouble with your own party on
that?

THE PRESIDENT: No, I appreciate that question. It will be one of my
priorities. I believe it's necessary to reform the immigration system. I'm
against amnesty; I've made that very clear. On the other hand, I do want to
recognize a system where a willing worker and a willing employer are able
to come together in a way that enables people to find work without
jeopardizing a job that an American would otherwise want to do.

I also happen to believe immigration reform is necessary to help make it
easier to protect our borders. The system right now spawns coyotes and
smugglers and people willing to break the law to get people in our country.
There is a vast network of kind of shadowy traffickers. And I believe by
making a -- by advancing a program that enables people to come into our
country in a legal way to work for a period of time, for jobs that
Americans won't do, will help make it easier for us to secure our borders.
And so --

Q Why the resistance in your party so much?

THE PRESIDENT: Well, I think -- I'm looking forward to discussing it with
members of both parties. I believe it's a very important issue that we need
to address. I've had a lot of experience with dealing with borders, as the
governor of Texas. I know there's a compassionate, humane way to deal with
this issue. I want to remind people that family values do not stop at the
Rio Grande River. People are coming to our country to do jobs that
Americans won't do, to be able to feed their families. And I think there's
a humane way to recognize that, at the same time protect our borders, and
at the same way to make sure that we don't disadvantage those who have
stood in line for years to become a legal citizen. And I'm looking forward
to working with people of both parties on the issue.

David.

Q Mr. President, we saw the Democrats yesterday devote nine hours to Ms.
Rice. We may see something similar with regard to Judge Gonzales. There's
just simply a lot of anger on the Hill by Democrats at you, personally, and
at your administration. And isn't this going to dog your efforts at
whatever you do down the line, from the Supreme Court to immigration to
whatever?

THE PRESIDENT: You know, we're all here to serve the people. And as I say,
I'm going to go out and explain why I think it's important for us to
address big issues, like Social Security reform; and take my case to the
people and let them hear the rationale about why even address big issues,
much less the reason why I think, for example, in Social Security there is
an issue. As I just laid out the math, it is clear that now is the time to
act.

And I don't know about hostility and all that business. That's -- I guess
that's your job to gauge that. When I've talked with people, I feel like
people are looking forward to working with us.

Q Well, you had a Democratic Senator basically call your Secretary of State
nominee a liar. That's pretty harsh language coming from --

THE PRESIDENT: Well, there are 99 senators other than that person. And I'm
looking forward to working with as many members as we can. Condi Rice is a
fine, fine public servant, greatly admired here in America, and greatly
admired around the world. And she will make a great Secretary of State. And
I'm looking forward to working with her.

Listen, thank you all, very much, for your time. I appreciate this. And I'm
looking forward to working with you all as we have a productive 2005.

Thank you.

END 10:47 A.M. EST
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