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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