Lawrence Ari Fleischer

“ The President is also gratified by the United Nations Security Council Resolution that passed today condemning this attack and saying that it was a threat to international peace and security.
Finally, as the President said in his remarks this morning, freedom and democracy are under attack. The American people need to know that we are facing a different enemy than we have ever faced. Those are the President's words. In this case, we have specific and credible information that the White House and Air Force One were also intended targets of these attacks. ”

“ Well, I think there is no question there is a real sense from members of Congress and the President about the importance of working together on all issues. And as always, the government, the President, all agencies, will continue to work closely with Congress. And there will be other important issues that get addressed, as this international issue gets addressed. Q Ari, will the President have to dip into Social Security surplus to get for these terrorist funds? And one unrelated questionhow can you declare war against a nation when you don't know the nation involved? ”

“ Q Ari, has the President started to contemplate his military options with the national security team today? MR. FLEISCHER: Again, any questions dealing with what military options the President may or may not be considering is a question, I'm sure you can appreciate, the American people do not want answered publicly. And I'm just not going to discuss that issue. Q Ari, you spoke earlier today about the President's desire to go to New York City. Have you gone any further down that road today? MR. FLEISCHER: John, the President would like to go to New York City. ”

“ Q Ari, all the fingers are being pointed at Osama bin Laden and Afghanistan; he is being helped by, supported by Taliban and bases in Pakistan. So are we talking about now going against Afghanistan or Pakistan? And if it happened, then it is all in the name of Islam. So is it time now for the United States not to wait anymore, more innocent people will be killed in the name of terrorism? MR. FLEISCHER: I was asked earlier about who we believe is the source of this. And I indicated that the United States continues to gather the facts about that information. ”

“ The President is also gratified by the action taken today by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, NATO, in which they invoked Article 5, saying that an attack on one NATO nation is an attack on all NATO nations. ”

“ MR. FLEISCHER: No, of course I cannot. Any questions relating to how we have obtained any of this information, sources and methods, I will, of course, not answer. Q -- why it changed course, Ari? Why it went to the Pentagon and not the White House? MR. FLEISCHER: We really do not know the answer to that. But we are aware of what we have. Q If this is the case, why did Vice President Cheney remain in the building? MR. FLEISCHER: The Vice President was removed to a secure area at the White House. ”

“ But the President is also cognizant of the fact that nothing should be done that would in any way hinder the ability of those who are carrying out the rescue efforts to find survivors and get them out. ”

“ And there are heightened security and tightened security measures in place. He has also said that our nation is going to move forward. So at all times, the United States government will continue to be vigilant and protective of its citizens. We do live in an open and free society. But obviously the attacks that were planned yesterday were executed yesterday. Q Ari, on airport security, I know that the Department of Transportation will do a briefing, and of course the FAA is sort of putting out a directive for tighter security standards. ”