Swat

Q. Ari, what is the sound of gridlock breaking? (Laughter.)

ARI FLEISCHER: It kind of sounds like a rolled up newspaper going “swat.” (Laughter.)

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Slow News Day

Q. What was for lunch today?

ARI FLEISCHER: It tasted like filet mignon.

Q. Was there chicken, too? Was it a buffet? Tell us.

MR. FLEISCHER: It was a buffet. There was rice, there was filet, there was salad, bread.

Q. Was there chicken, too?

MR. FLEISCHER: If there was chicken, I didn’t see it.

Q. What was dessert?

MR. FLEISCHER: Dessert was something chocolate with something ice cream inside it. (Laughter.)

Q. What wines?

MR. FLEISCHER: This must be the classic definition of a slow news day. (Laughter.) I’m new here, but –

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The Big 100

ARI FLEISCHER: …That’s the end of my opening, I’m prepared to take your questions. Hearing none, thank you. (Laughter.)

Q. Ari, I know 100 days isn’t your favorite benchmark for judging an administration, but since people will be writing the story, can you give us your assessment of the first 100 days?

MR. FLEISCHER: Well, I can give you my assessment of the first 94… He’s pleased by, as I indicated, the bipartisanship and the tone is changing. Toward that point, on the 100th day, on Monday in the White House, the President will be hosting a lunch for all 535 members of Congress to come down. And the President views this as, as he would put it, “our” first 100 days, not “his” first 100 days, because any successes that are enjoyed as a result of passing his agenda are thanks to members of Congress from both parties who worked with him to get it done… Who chose 100? Why 100, other than the fact that it’s a round number? Many scholars have indicated that to measure properly the legislative progress, being measured by a President’s signature, 180 days is the more accurate time period. There’s a lot of scholarly weight behind that.

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Getting Hot in Here

Q. Ari, is the President aware that it’s 400 degrees in the briefing room, and did he sign off on that decision? (Laughter.)

Q. Briefing room warming.

ARI FLEISCHER: I thought that was somebody here’s attempt to get me off the stage as fast as they could.

Q. Is this related to the gassing of the press corps on Friday night? (Laughter.)

Q. Or global warming?

MR. FLEISCHER: Or food poisoning on Air Force One. (Laughter.)

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Contingencies

Q. Is he equally committed to his contingency fund?

ARI FLEISCHER: The President’s contingency fund? Yes. And the reason the President has proposed a contingency fund is to deal with contingencies. (Laughter.)

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