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CNN Sunday Morning

Bush Heads to White House

Aired September 01, 2002 - 11:01   ET

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

FREDRICKA WHITFIELD, CNN ANCHOR: President Bush heads back to Washington today and among the long list of issues he must address, how to deal with Iraq. CNN White House correspondent Suzanne Malveaux joins us from Washington.
Hi there, Suzanne.

SUZANNE MALVEAUX, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Well, hi, Fred. President Bush arrives back in Washington this afternoon, after his 27-day working vacation. It was a busy one. He raised nearly $9 million for Republican candidates. He traveled across the country, stressing domestic policy issues. He gave at least 16 speeches. Of course, he has a full plate when he comes back to Washington as well. We are that he's going to push Congress to pass key legislation, including homeland security, as well as the Pentagon budget and terrorism insurance.

But make no mistake, Fredricka, also, this White House is engaged in a full-court press to make the case for military action against Iraq. This is something we saw last week with Vice President Dick Cheney out in the forefront making two very strong and powerful speeches. We are told to expect the same in the weeks to come. The White House aides are now debating whether or not President Bush will also begin this. Again, they've stressed that the president has not decided whether or not the country will engage in military action in Iraq.

Now, at the same time, we are hearing a vocal course, more criticism and words of caution for those against U.S. policy in Iraq, namely top Republicans, as well, some from Bush Sr.'s administration.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP, "MEET THE PRESS")

LAWRENCE EAGLEBURGER, FORMER SECRETARY OF STATE: The fact of the matter is the administration has provided no evidence whatsoever, other than to say to us, through the mouth piece of the vice president, who has said it six times, twelve times, I don't know how many times, that it is a critical question. I mean, it is a critical time, that we -- he's got these weapons. And each time, as I say, then we hear followed up by it -- being told that the president has not made up his mind on what he wants to do. Now, I'm sorry, the vice president can't have it both ways.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MALVEAUX: Now, of course, there is a raging debate within the administration as well as to what is the best course of action when it comes to dealing with Iraq. Earlier, CNN reported that Secretary of State Colin Powell said he believed that we should not use military force unless there is broad international support for that. And seemingly, Powell goes even further to suggest that Saddam Hussein should get one more chance to allow U.N. weapons inspectors back into the country, that coming from an interview by the BBC.

An excerpt, that I am quoting here -- "The president has been clear that he believes weapons inspectors should return. Iraq has been in violation of these many U.N. resolutions for most of the last 11 or so years. So as a first step, let's see what the inspectors find, send them back in." This, of course, a point of contention within those in the administration -- Fredricka.

WHITFIELD: All right, thanks very much. Suzanne Malveaux from Washington.

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