Presidential press secretary Scott McClellan today refused to acknowledge the fact that then-Vice President Al Gore led a Clinton administration program that potentially could have bugged every phone in the country, this after the Democrat hammered President Bush Monday for allowing wiretaps of suspected terrorists.

The "Clipper Chip" project would have placed a chip on new phones, allowing the federal government the means to eavesdrop.

"Isn't that worth pointing out to the American people, after [Gore] accused President Bush of breaking the law and violating the Constitution?" asked WND.

"I think you just did," responded McClellan. "This is an administration that is forward-looking, Les. We're focused on the priorities of the American people. … No, I'm not going to get into that."

WND also asked the spokesman about first lady Laura Bush's unusually strong denunciation of Hillary Clinton for comparing the way the Republicans control the House of Representatives to a plantation.

Asked WND: "Has she ever been as outspoken as this before, in your knowledge?"

"She was asked a question, and she responded with her thoughts …," said McClellan. "She is someone who speaks pretty straight, Les."

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