(White House Report, June 27: Bush San Francisco speech, Thurmond,
Week Ahead) (940)

President Bush, in remarks June 27, at a Bush-Cheney 2004 fundraising
luncheon event in San Francisco, spoke of his administration's
accomplishments, but said more work lies ahead.

"We've come far in two-and-a-half years. We've accomplished a lot. But
our work is only beginning. We have great goals worthy of this great
nation," Bush said.

"First, America is committed to expanding the realm of freedom and
peace for our own security, and for the benefit of the world. And
second, in our own country, we must work for a society of prosperity
and compassion, so that every citizen has a chance to work and succeed
and realize the great promise of this country," the president said.

"It is clear that the future of freedom and peace depend on the
actions of America. This nation is freedom's home and freedom's
defender. We welcome this charge of history, and we are keeping it.
Our war on terror continues. The enemies of freedom are not idle, and
neither are we. This country will not rest, we will not tire, and we
will not stop until this threat to civilization is removed.

"Yet our national interest involves more than eliminating aggressive
threats to our safety. Our greatest security comes from the advance of
human liberty -- because free nations do not support terror; free
nations do not attack their neighbors; free nations do not threaten
the world with weapons of mass terror. Americans believe that freedom
is the deepest need and hope of every human heart. And we believe that
freedom is the right of every person and the future of every nation,"
Bush said.

He added that America also understands "that unprecedented influence
brings tremendous responsibilities. We have duties in the world. And
when we see disease and starvation and hopelessness, we will not turn
away."

Noting his upcoming, July 7-12, visit to the continent of Africa, Bush
said that "America is now committed to bringing the healing power of
medicine to millions of men and women and children now suffering with
AIDS. This great land is leading the world in this incredibly
important work of human rescue."

BUSH OFFERS CONDOLENCES TO FAMILY OF STROM THURMOND

President Bush has offered condolences to the family of former
Republican Senator Strom Thurmond, who died June 26 in a hospital in
South Carolina at the age of 100.

Senator Thurmond "led an extraordinary life" and "will be missed,"
Bush said in a June 27 statement.

Following is the president's statement:

"Senator Strom Thurmond led an extraordinary life. He served in the
Army during World War II, earning a Bronze Star for valor and landing
at Normandy on D-Day. He served his country as Senator, Governor, and
state legislator and was a beloved teacher, coach, husband, father,
and grandfather. While campaigning across South Carolina with him in
1988, I saw first hand the tremendous love he had for his
constituents, and the admiration the people of South Carolina had for
him. He was also a friend, and I was honored to have hosted his 100th
birthday at the White House. Laura joins me in sending our prayers and
condolences to the entire Thurmond family. He will be missed."

BUSH WEEK AHEAD SCHEDULE

President Bush will spend this weekend at his ranch in Crawford,
Texas, following a Bush-Cheney '04 fundraising dinner Friday, June 27,
in Los Angeles, California, White House Press Secretary Ari Fleischer
reported.

On Monday, June 30, the president will travel to Miami, Florida, where
he will make remarks on Medicare to seniors and then attend a
Bush-Cheney '04 luncheon. From there, the president will travel to
Tampa, Florida, where he will attend a Bush-Cheney '04 reception
before returning to the White House that evening.

On Tuesday, July 1, the president will make remarks on education
reform and parental options at a school in Washington, D.C. That
afternoon, the president will participate in the presidential
re-enlistment of military service members in the Rose Garden.

On Wednesday and Thursday, July 2 and 3, there are no public events,
and there will not be a briefing on July 3.

On Friday July 4, the president will travel to Dayton, Ohio, where he
will make remarks at a 4th of July Celebration there and at an event
to celebrate the 100th anniversary of powered flight by the Wright
brothers, who lived in Dayton.

The president's trip to Africa is from Monday, July 7, to Saturday,
July 12.

The president plans to visit Senegal, South Africa, Botswana, Uganda,
and Nigeria.

Fleischer told reporters to expect briefings next week on the upcoming
trip, and Bush will also give interviews to foreign reporters relating
to his Africa trip.

Fleischer also said that First Lady Laura Bush will be on "Ask the
White House" on Tuesday, July 1, at 1:30 p.m.

"Ask the White House" is an online interactive forum where anyone can
submit questions to participating officials in the Bush
administration, and the website is www.whitehouse.gov.

National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice will be on "Ask the White
House" on Wednesday, July 2, at 1:30 p.m.

PRESS SECRETARY FLEISCHER'S LAST DAY IS MONDAY, JULY 14

Fleischer said his last day as White House press secretary will be
Monday, July 14, following the trip to Africa with the president.

White House Deputy Press Secretary Scott McClellan will replace
Fleischer as press secretary.

Fleischer will be the guest on "Ask the White House" on his last day.