Ari Fleischer

(1960 - )

Lawrence Ari Fleischer was born in Pound Ridge, NY on October 13, 1960. Fleischer was the press secretary for President George W. Bush from 2001-2003. He served as communications director for Senator Elizabeth Dole during her presidential campaign in 2000, and then joined with the Bush campaign after Dole dropped out of the race.

In the 1980s, Fleischer worked on Capitol Hill in a variety of positions. In 1982, he worked as press secretary for Jim Fosil, a candidate for a New York Congressional seat. In the mid-80s, he was press secretary for Congressman Norman Lent, and then became field director for the National Republican Congressional Committee. Fleischer also served on the staffs of Senator Pete Dominici, President George H. W. Bush, and the Republican House Ways and Means Committee.

Fleischer was the official in the Bush administration that coined the phrase “homicide bombing” when speaking of suicide bombings in Israel. He was known for his wit on the podium, and caused controversy on several occassions by personally attacking individuals who criticized the Bush administration. Fleischer resigned his position in the summer of 2003 and was replaced by Scott McLellan.

Fleischer is married to Rebecca Davis from the Office of Management and Budget and lives in Washington, DC. He is an avid baseball fan and was sometimes seen playing with President George W. Bush on the White House lawn.

Sources: Wikipedia