Excerpts from the Press Briefing by Scott McClellan, October 29, 2003 (Full Transcript)

QUESTION: This is on judicial nominees. The website of the Black Commentator Magazine has a political cartoon that shows judicial nominee Janice Rogers Brown with a huge Afro and a house maid's apron. The cartoon was displayed at her Senate hearing last week. Would you comment on the use of this cartoon and give us your opinion on whether the fact that it was published by blacks makes it any less offensive?

MR. McCLELLAN: One, I haven't seen the cartoon. But I will continue to emphasize the importance of the Senate moving forward on the President's judicial nominees. They are exceptionally well-qualified and they are people that will interpret the law, not make law from the bench, and that we should not be politicizing these appointees. It's important that we get these appointees -- these nominees in place. And so the President will continue urging the Senate to act. But I haven't seen that specific one.

QUESTION: Can you specifically say something in support of Janice Rogers Brown?

MR. McCLELLAN: Yes, she's an exceptionally well-qualified nominee, and the President urges the Senate to move forward quickly on her nomination, as he does with other nominees.