Lawrence Ari Fleischer

“ And at a time when our nation is facing increasing energy problems, the last thing you want to do is create -- artificially increase demand and put in disencentives that harm the availability of supply. ”

“ That's the singular best way, in the President's opinion, to know whether or not children are learning. So whether he hears criticism from the right on testing or from any source, he will fight to the very end for it. Q Ari, on a related topic, some of the Democratic leaders are -- and I guess much of the Democratic rank and file aren't coming to the 100 Day Lunch on Monday. And do you have a count on how many Democrats are coming, and are you disappointed by the fact that a lot of the Democrats won't be there? ”

“ Some House Republicans, conservatives, are sort of concerned, expressing concerns about the testing initiative, and also concerned about that vouchers are in no way in this bill and saying that there's a concern that this may get out of hand and that they're not going to back the bill that comes to the Senate floor next week. MR. FLEISCHER: On the testing initiative, the President is very well aware that there may be some in his own party who do not support what he's proposing. He will fight for it to the very end. ”

“ He does want to make certain that the Senate proceeds, so that education reforms can be passed. It's our nation's top priority. It needs to get done. It needs to be done. But the President's pleased with the progress the Senate is making. Q And on China, of course, as you know, China has had an angry response, saying that President Bush's remarks were misguided and takes down the wrong road. What is the administration saying about -- is the China-Taiwan policy the same? ”

“ Q Ari, is the President intending to send a signal with his remarks? MR. FLEISCHER: The President was saying what he believes, which is what he'll always do. He's a straight-spoken man, a plainspoken man. He says what he thinks. Q Ari, what do you make of China's response that the United States is heading down a dangerous road, and that is has no business viewing Taiwan as a protectorate? MR. FLEISCHER: The President's words and actions are designed to help secure the peace. All right. Q One more. Roadless areas, Ari. ”