Lawrence Ari Fleischer

“ One, that relations between the United States and Mexico have never been stronger. And two, the President thinks it's fitting for a community in America that has a very growing Hispanic-Mexican population to be visited by the American President and the President of Mexico. The Mexican culture and the Hispanic culture play a very vital role in American culture, and this visit is meant to honor that tradition. ”

“ The capital gains tax cut has always felt like a tax reduction, regardless of its revenue effect. They really are different issues, Sondra. Q Did they discuss a game plan for a capital gains tax cut? MR. FLEISCHER: The President reiterated that he has an open mind on the question of capital gains. Q So, politically, you've got -- you feel like you've got the Democrats over a barrel, any squawking they do about the tax cut turns into an argument for a -- MR. FLEISCHER: It's hard to know what the Democrats seek. They criticize, yet they don't offer any growth package of their own. ”

“ But I believe the Mexican ambassador of the United States is on board. You know, it's wonderful, because you see people's eyes are open wide, there's this sense of amazement that all first-time visitors have for Air Force One. On the helicopter ride over, photos were snapping, they were taking pictures of each other, taking pictures out the back of the helicopter. ”

“ Well, as you know, the INS has a job to do and the INS works hard at enforcing the nation's laws. Despite best efforts we still are a nation that has many -- several million illegal immigrants in our country. ”

“ Well, the President is working on a plan that's going to be enforceable, that's going to be respected not only on the books, but in practice. And obviously, we have people who are in this country illegally, and the INS is working hard to enforce the laws. ”

“ He said that about a month ago, raise revenue. The Democrats can't have it both ways. They can't criticize the tax cut and say, but, we're not going to do anything about it. Q -- the revoking of the already scheduled tax cut as, you know, the phase-in rates, or changing the phase-in rates, as a tax increase; is that right? MR. FLEISCHER: It is a tax increase. Otherwise, how does it raise revenue? I don't know, you tell me. Q But, I mean, it hasn't taken place yet. The tax increase, or decrease, isn't in anybody's pocket. ”

“ Q Ari, the President today spoke about jobs for Mexicans who are willing to do work that others here aren't willing to do. Is he talking also, though, about skilled labor, or is he focusing on unskilled, entry-level type work? MR. FLEISCHER: They're all under consideration. Q Can you give some of the color of this flight here -- how many of the Mexican delegation are on board; where do find seats for them? Are the Presidents eating turkey sandwiches -- MR. FLEISCHER: The Presidents are having lunch up front. The Mexican -- the same thing we're eating. ”