Excerpts from the Press Briefing by Scott McClellan, March 31, 2004 (Full Transcript)

MR. McCLELLAN: Our view is that trade and opening markets is very important to creating jobs here at home. The President is focused on creating jobs here at home in America. And one important way to continue to strengthen our economy even more is to continue opening markets and make sure that there is a level playing field for American producers and American farmers and others to compete. And that's what we will continue to do. Free trade is vital to continuing our economic growth.

QUESTION: Is that an endorsement of outsourcing?

MR. McCLELLAN: What I'm saying is that free trade -- and those that would support economic isolationism put us at a competitive disadvantage. And that harms our economy; that harms job creation here at home. Our views are very well-known that we need to continue working to open markets and make sure that America is the best place to do business in the world. That's why the President has put forward a six-point plan, to make sure that we have as strong an environment as possible for continued job creation.

Printer-Friendly Version

Email this page to a friend