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Q. Ari, last week Dr. Lindsey said that the White House would not support naming Chairman Greenspan’s successor ahead of his announcement that he was going to resign, yet that’s what he did when he came into office. And I was wondering if you could articulate why you think that such a stability enhancing move would not be supported by the White House?

ARI FLEISCHER: That is by far one of the most clever attempts I’ve ever had to get me to speculate about a personnel choice that has not even come open, may not even come open. So I just don’t engage in any speculation about any appointments, as you know.

Q. In abstract of, you know, naming whoever it is — (laughter.)

MR. FLEISCHER: So it’s not a hypothetical, it’s an abstract?

Q. Right, exactly.

MR. FLEISCHER: Thank you for the honor. If you’re going to get me to speculate about any one personnel position, it will not be that one. (Laughter.)

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ARI FLEISCHER: I don’t answer hypotheticals. As I said –

Q. Yes, you do.

MR. FLEISCHER: What’s that?

Q. You don’t answer this one. But you do answer hypothetical questions.

MR. FLEISCHER: It would be hypothetical if I told you what type of hypotheticals I’d answer. (Laughter.)

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Q. What are the President’s expectations for the Olympics? Does he have any security concerns, and how much can you tell us about his participation?

ARI FLEISCHER: Well, his participation will be limited to speaking. He will not be competing. (Laughter.)

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