Scott McClellan: "Secretary Rumsfeld is doing a great job"

[Bush_Eats_Beef]

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2004/12/20041217-11.html

Q Is the President surprised by the frustration of Senator Lott and other Republican senators about Secretary Rumsfeld?

MR. McCLELLAN: I think the President is focused on working closely with Senator -- with Secretary Rumsfeld to win the war on terrorism. That's where his focus is. Secretary Rumsfeld is doing a great job, leading our efforts at the Department of Defense to win the war on terrorism and to help bring about a free and peaceful Iraq. And the President is focused on working closely with him on those matters.



:grouphug:

Q Even somebody like General Schwarzkopf had significant criticism; said he was angry, actually, over the armor.

MR. McCLELLAN: And I told you what our view was. The President believes Secretary Rumsfeld is a -- someone who is an important member of our team and someone who is helping us to move forward as we defeat the ideology of hatred that leads to terrorism. And he is instrumental in our efforts during this time of war we are in.



:grouphug:

Q Scott, what did the President think of Mankiw's economic forecast, or the part that was released, that released at 12:15 p.m.?

MR. McCLELLAN: Well, we are seeing sustained growth and job creation in America because of the President's policies. And the forecast released today demonstrates the strength of our economy going forward. We just completed a White House Conference on the Economy to talk about how we build upon the President's policies to keep our economy moving forward, and how we address the challenges our economy continues to face. I thought that was a very good discussion of how we can move forward to implement the President's pro-growth policies and build upon the steps we've already taken to get our economy growing stronger. Our economy has been through a lot over the last few years, and we've overcome a lot of obstacles. But there is more to do. There are still parts of America that struggle. And the President will remain focused on putting in place the pro-growth, pro-job policies that build upon what we've already done.



:grouphug:

Q In January, 2002, Secretary Rumsfeld appeared on "Meet the Press" where he gave an assessment of military preparedness where he said that our capabilities have deteriorated so badly during the 1990s that it would take from six to ten years to rebuild it. Don't you find it somewhat hypocritical that the people that were in the Senate leadership during that time -- that is McCain and Lott and others -- are criticizing Secretary Rumsfeld? It was done on their watch. Don't you find -- you have been very careful not to criticize those members of Congress who --

MR. McCLELLAN: Secretary Rumsfeld has done a great job during the first four years. The President recently asked him to continue his service as we head into a second term. The President is pleased that he agreed to continue serving. These are very challenging times that we face for our military. And there are many who are serving and sacrificing to help us meet the challenges that we face.



:grouphug:

[grumpy old fart]

1. Freedom medal soon?

Usual reward to incompetence, no?

[recovering democrat]

5. He already got it.

In 1977, Mr. Rumsfeld was awarded the nation's highest civilian award, the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Bush will probably think up a new medal just for him.

[Arkana]

2. When Snotty Scotty comes out of his hole to praise a Cabinet official

you know they're in trouble.

[dean_dem]

3. You know Scott, just because....

you repeat the same b.s. over and over, it doesn't make it true.

[cyn2]

9. What Voltaire had to say about it...

Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities.

[zann725]

10. One of my favorite Scotty 'Truths' was a few months back...

when at a Press Conference he said, "President Bush is open to new ideas. He actually encourages dialogue." The room was spinning so bad, I had to sit down.
Poor Scotty. I'm guessing he grew up in a severely Dysfunctional family where he was the 'point' man for spinning everything into 'okay.' Oh Scotty...some things never change.

[jimshoes]

4. Translation...

Rummy's a goner.

[Supersedeas]

7. Great job, great job, great job...he leads-we follow...til someone says No

loudly enough. Then, we'll switch traincars...when Dick Cheaty is good and ready.

[DesEtoiles]

6. And the moon is made of green cheese, yessirreee.

[MaineDem]

8. I was wondering what the White House was saying about this.

Thanks for posting.

Obviously someone is lying. Either all those Senators or, umm, Scott.