White House and Corporate Media Share a Laugh

Q How do you deal with the criticism from the region where the President said again today, Israel should continue its withdrawal, but his Chief of Staff goes to a pro-Israel group and says, we might have disagreements from time to time, from day to day, but we are steadfast. That is read by the Arab world as essentially the wink-nod, that we're saying withdraw, but even if we disagree, we're still with you.

MR. FLEISCHER: John, I don't think it's any secret, going back any number of administrations and including this administration, that Israel is an ally, Israel is a democracy. The United States and Israel do share much, have much in common, and that's a well-known position.

Q First of all, congratulations. When the bells are ringing? (Laughter.)

MR. FLEISCHER: Oh, that was a question? (Laughter.)

Q No, I was just commenting on it.

MR. FLEISCHER: What's the question?

Q When is the wedding date?

Q Monsoon wedding?

MR. FLEISCHER: I can fall back into presidential spokesman speak and say we're working on modalities, working on the timing.

Q When we have something to announce --

MR. FLEISCHER: When we have something to announce, we'll announce it. (Laughter.) All I say is it will be -- I'll let you know when it will be. I think it will be --

Q Will we be invited?

MR. FLEISCHER: Les? Do you really want that answer? (Laughter.)

Q Congratulations, Ari.

MR. FLEISCHER: Thank you.