Obama to Meet with Bush, Clinton on Saturday
Mr. Obama said the discussion would be to "discuss how to enlist and help the American people in this recovery and rebuilding effort going forward."
Yesterday, the two former presidents announced a partnership to help raise funds for victims of Tuesday's devastating earthquake.
Following the president's remarks, White House press secretary Robert Gibbs said that the following Web site had been set up to collect donations: www.clintonbushhaitifund.org
Participation in the fundraising effort is Mr. Bush's most high profile role since he left office a year ago. Mr. Bush's father, former President George H.W. Bush, previously joined with Mr. Clinton in creating similar foundations following Hurricane Katrina and the South Asia tsunami.
In his remarks, Mr. Obama also gave an update on U.S. help to the country and reiterated that his administration was making a long-term commitment to the country.
"I want the people of Haiti to know that we will do what it takes to save lives and to help them get back on their feet," Mr. Obama said.
"I would note that as I ended my call with President Preval he said that he has been extremely touched by the friendship and the generosity of the American people. It was an emotional moment," Mr. Obama said. "And this president, seeing the devastation around him, passed this message to the American people. He said, 'From the bottom of my heart and on behalf of the people of Haiti, thank you, thank you, thank you.'"
Mr. Obama added this as he concluded his remarks: "As I told president, we realize that he needs more help and his country needs more help, much more. And in this difficult hour, we will continue to provide it."
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