USA: GEORGE W BUSH: CABINET WRAP
TAPE_NUMBER: EF00/1423
IN_TIME: 04:12:28 - 10:17:15
LENGTH: 02:56
SOURCES: POOL
RESTRICTIONS:
FEED: VARIOUS (THE ABOVE TIME-CODE IS TIME-OF-DAY)
SCRIPT: English/Nat
XFA
President-elect Bush is moving ahead with his cabinet appointments.
He named four choices Wednesday to head the departments of treasury, agriculture, housing and commerce.
Early in the day, Bush nominated Paul O'Neil, chairman of aluminum maker Alcoa, to be his Secretary of Treasury.
Although currently in the private sector, O'Neill spent 16 years in public life, and was a deputy budget director under President Ford.
At a noon news conference to announce his choice, Bush warned of a possible economic down turn, adding that
O'Neill's corporate experience and steady hand will guide the country if times turn rough.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"Our economy is showing warning signs of a possible slow down, and so it is incredibly important for me to find someone who had vast experience, who is a steady hand. Who when he speaks, speaks with authority, and conviction and knowledge. I found such a man in Paul O'Neil."
SUPER CAPTION: President-Elect George W. Bush
For his part, O'Neil said he thought he was immune to returning to public life until Bush urged him to become treasury secretary.
He said he is dedicated to helping the president-elect "achieve the greatness" he aspires to as president.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"I'm here today to say yes, I'm going to do this job. I believe in the President-elect's policy and program as he's articulated it over the last many months, and I'm dedicated to helping him achieve the greatness that I believe he's aspired to for America."
SUPER CAPTION: Paul O'Neill, Bush Treasury Secretary Appointee
In a second installment of Cabinet nominations later in the day, Bush named Californian Ann Veneman to be the first woman secretary of agriculture.
Veneman served as director of the California Food and Agriculture Department from 1996 to 1998.
She was also the highest-ranking woman in the U-S Department of Agriculture from 1989 to 1991, when Bush's father was president.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"President-elect Bush, like you, I want to find common ground and promote common sense. And I want to promote policies that will help all of our farmers reap a bountiful harvest for years to come in freedom."
SUPER CAPTION: Ann Veneman, Bush Agriculture Secretary Appointee
To head Housing and Urban Development, Bush named Mel Martinez, a Cuban refugee who currently runs Orange County, Florida.
Martinez is a close ally of Bush's brother Jeb, Florida's governor.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"I will work hard to ensure that every American has every opportunity to have affordable housing. This is a vital element of compassionate conservatism. I know you will help low-income Americans achieve the full promise of America. After all, that is the American dream. It is my blessing that the dream has come true for me, and now
it is my responsibility to help it come true for others. Thank you."
SUPER CAPTION: Mel Martinez, Bush Housing Secretary Appointee
Lastly, Bush named his "lifelong friend" and campaign chairman Don Evans, as Secretary of Commerce.
Evans has no prior government experience.
He is the chief executive of an oil and gas company and was instrumental in helping Bush raise a record 100 million dollars for his presidential race.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"Our business in America is truly business, and as a result, our economy is the envy of the world. But as president-elect Bush has suggested, the delights of today tell us little about tomorrow. Now is no time for small plans or shrinking ambitions."
SUPER CAPTION: Don Evans, Bush Commerce Secretary Appointee
SHOTLIST: Austin, Texas- 20 December
1. Bush walks into presser with Cheney and O'Neill
2. SOUNDBITE: (English) President-Elect George W. Bush
3. Cutaway of press
4. Wide shot of Bush shaking O'Neill's hand
5. SOUNDBITE: (English) Paul O'Neill, Bush Treasury Secretary Appointee
6. Pull out of O'Neill talking with Bush and Cheney by his side
7. Wide pan from press to Bush with afternoon cabinet picks
8. SOUNDBITE: (English) Ann Veneman, Bush Agriculture Secretary Appointee
9. Wide side shot of Mel Martinez walking to podium
10. SOUNDBITE: (English) Mel Martinez, Bush Housing Secretary Appointee
11. Don Evans walks up to podium
12. Cutaway of cameras
13. SOUNDBITE: (English) Don Evans, Bush Commerce Secretary Appointee
14. Wide shot of Bush with cabinet appointees?