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American Morning

Bush Returns to Busy Schedule After Thanksgiving

Aired November 23, 2001 - 09:16   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.
LEON HARRIS, CNN ANCHOR: Well, the Taliban may or may not have any connection with the attacks of September 11, but the White House is labeling them as terrorists.

With the latest on that, let's check in now with our White House correspondent, Kelly Wallace.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

KELLY WALLACE, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): While President Bush enjoyed Thanksgiving with family and close aides at Camp David, his administration released this new report, cataloging past atrocities allegedly committed by Afghanistan's Taliban and the al Qaeda network, including the torture of children, the burning of an entire family and the massacre of villagers.

White House aides say they want to send a message to the world about al Qaeda, which is believed to have operatives in more than 60 countries. It's another example of stepped-up efforts by the White House to proclaim that a U.S. victory in Afghanistan won't mean an end to the war against terror. Listen to the president, Wednesday, rallying U.S. troops at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: There are other terrorists who threaten America and our friends, and there are other nations willing to sponsor them.

WALLACE: The president has not named those other nations, but the next focus could be Iraq, with Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein believed to building chemical, biological and nuclear weapons.

MAJOR GENERAL DONALD SHEPPERD (RET.), CNN MILITARY ANALYST: If you are serious about terrorism, you must go to Iraq. But you don't have to go to Iraq next, and you might not have to go there militarily. There are other means to pursue this.

WALLACE: Such as putting more financial and political pressure on the country. There is a debate, within the administration, about whether to pursue military action against Iraq. The White House knows that diplomatic stakes could be high, especially with Arab allies.

SHEPPERD: But you want to make sure that whatever we do is perceived to have allies and support in the worldwide community. WALLACE: Other potential targets for American attention could include Iran and Syria, countries the U.S. accuses of sponsoring terrorism.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WALLACE: And while the president prepares the nation for a battle that will extend beyond Afghanistan, he also says the fight in Afghanistan is far from over and warns the most difficult steps with the most risks for American forces still lie ahead -- Leon.

HARRIS: Well, Kelly, what's on the president's plate this day after turkey day?

WALLACE: Well, this day after turkey day, he is expected to chair a video teleconference from the presidential retreat with his national security team, Leon, to go over the military developments on the ground in Afghanistan. Also to talk about next week's meeting -- the U.N.-sponsored meeting to try to put together a post-Taliban government. This, Leon, after the president definitely enjoyed some rest and relaxation yesterday, enjoying a traditional Thanksgiving Day meal, but also a lot of activity -- going bowling, watching movies, and we even understand he has set a new personal record for himself in a three-mile race, clocking in at 20 minutes, 16 second.

HARRIS: Whoa! Not bad!

WALLACE: Pretty fast.

HARRIS: Not bad.

WALLACE: Not bad.

HARRIS: By the way, since you had to spend Thanksgiving out there, did the Bushes bring you a drumstick or anything?

WALLACE: Excuse me?

HARRIS: Did the Bushes bring you out a drumstick or some pie or anything? You had to spend all Thanksgiving out there yesterday.

WALLACE: No, he did not. So, Mr. President, if you're watching, you can still -- we'll take leftovers today.

HARRIS: Yes, there you go. We'll take leftovers anytime we can get them.

WALLACE: OK.

HARRIS: Thanks, Kelly.

WALLACE: Absolutely. OK.

HARRIS: Kelly Wallace reporting live for us this morning -- have a good one.

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