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American Morning

President Tries to Enlarge Commitment of Other Nations to War on Terrorism.

Aired October 29, 2001 - 11:37   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: To the White House and picking up things with CNN's Major Garrett watching things there. We expect Tom Ridge to come before reporters momentarily, and hopefully we will have information as we kick off another week -- huh, Major?

MAJOR GARRETT, CNN CORRESPONDENT: That's right, Bill. Just to underscore what Andrea said, looking at trace amounts found there the at State Department, the best evidence you could possibly find that the amounts are small and pose no particular danger, is the president is there.

Believe me, if the secret service or anyone associated with the White House had any doubt whatsoever, about the dangers posed by the trace amounts, the president wouldn't be there. The fact that he was there and this event went on as scheduled,a clear sign that where the president is and for that matter, much of the State Department complex itself, is safe to occupy.

On with the president's comments: what I think you are seeing, Bill, is the president trying to enlarge the sense of commitment other nations have to this war on global terrorism. It is not just the United States' battle against someone who struck our shores, but that many nations have a great stake in this.

The president drew a very strong contrast to what he called the dark vision of the Taliban, the dark vision of al Qaeda. He described them as being powerless to build a better world, but they seek to destroy a world that is passing them by, a world that is passing them by because more and more, the president said, nations are deciding to trade openly with one another. As they trade more openly, economic growth rises. As economic growth rises, demands for political freedom therefore increase.

The Bush White House has long said that free trade is an important component of international policy, because as you build relationships that trade freely, you also build better economies. Better economies tend to lead to political reforms. That is a path the Bush Administration would like it many nations in Africa and across the world follow. And it is that message the president wanted to deliver at this conference about free trade in Africa -- Bill.

HEMMER: Major Garrett at the White House. Major, thanks. We are going to put you on standby for now. Still awaiting Tom Ridge. When that happens. you will see it live here on CNN.

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