English subtitles for clip: File:3-27-09- White House Press Briefing.webm
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1 00:00:01,600 --> 00:00:03,670 Q: Thanks for the warning. 2 00:00:03,667 --> 00:00:05,767 MR. GIBBS: Are your ready? 3 00:00:05,767 --> 00:00:07,267 Do you want me to go back out? 4 00:00:07,266 --> 00:00:08,766 Q: Seriously -- 5 00:00:08,767 --> 00:00:11,237 MR. GIBBS: Well, I wanted to go talk to the 6 00:00:11,233 --> 00:00:13,033 President and get his thoughts on the bankers meeting. 7 00:00:13,033 --> 00:00:14,203 So I apologize for -- 8 00:00:14,200 --> 00:00:16,730 Q: I know, but it happens every day. 9 00:00:16,734 --> 00:00:17,464 I don't want to be like a big showdown, but it irritates 10 00:00:17,467 --> 00:00:18,197 everybody here. 11 00:00:18,200 --> 00:00:20,730 If you could just be on time or give us better warning. 12 00:00:20,734 --> 00:00:21,834 Q: You just gave us a two-minute warning. 13 00:00:21,834 --> 00:00:23,004 You guys gave us a two-minute warning -- that's why we all 14 00:00:23,000 --> 00:00:23,600 came out. 15 00:00:23,600 --> 00:00:25,500 MR. GIBBS: Okay, well, my apologies. 16 00:00:25,500 --> 00:00:27,730 I was in talking to the President. 17 00:00:27,734 --> 00:00:32,964 So I apologize for the inconvenience. 18 00:00:32,967 --> 00:00:35,037 Let me start with a couple of announcements and I'll give you 19 00:00:35,033 --> 00:00:37,063 a rundown of the President's thoughts on the meeting that he 20 00:00:37,066 --> 00:00:41,796 just finished. 21 00:00:41,800 --> 00:00:43,730 As you all know, the Vice President arrived today for a 22 00:00:43,734 --> 00:00:46,634 four-day trip to South and Central America, to consult with 23 00:00:46,633 --> 00:00:50,433 Latin American leaders gathered in Chile and Costa Rica to 24 00:00:50,433 --> 00:00:52,863 discuss the upcoming Summit of the Americas. 25 00:00:52,867 --> 00:00:56,267 He's on the trip with Dr. Jill Biden. 26 00:00:56,266 --> 00:00:59,166 In Chile, the Vice President will attend the Progressive 27 00:00:59,166 --> 00:01:02,666 Governance Conference with several Latin American and 28 00:01:02,667 --> 00:01:05,437 European heads of state, and hold bilateral meetings with 29 00:01:05,433 --> 00:01:06,463 leaders. 30 00:01:06,467 --> 00:01:08,967 In Costa Rica, the Vice President will hold a bilateral 31 00:01:08,967 --> 00:01:12,267 meeting with the President before participating in a 32 00:01:12,266 --> 00:01:15,936 multilateral meeting with Central American leaders. 33 00:01:15,934 --> 00:01:20,034 He returns to Washington, D.C. late Monday evening. 34 00:01:20,033 --> 00:01:25,563 Secondly, let me give you just a quick rundown on the situation 35 00:01:25,567 --> 00:01:27,967 in North Dakota and in Minnesota. 36 00:01:27,967 --> 00:01:32,167 The White House is actively monitoring the impacts of the 37 00:01:32,166 --> 00:01:34,236 flooding in North Dakota and Minnesota. 38 00:01:34,233 --> 00:01:37,203 As you know, the President approved a major disaster 39 00:01:37,200 --> 00:01:40,930 declaration for the state of North Dakota on March 24th, and 40 00:01:40,934 --> 00:01:43,864 last night the President approved an emergency 41 00:01:43,867 --> 00:01:46,767 declaration for the state of Minnesota. 42 00:01:46,767 --> 00:01:49,167 On the ground, the federal government continues to actively 43 00:01:49,166 --> 00:01:53,196 coordinate with state and local governments in both states to 44 00:01:53,200 --> 00:01:55,300 address the ongoing flood fight. 45 00:01:55,300 --> 00:01:58,070 This effort has been underway since late last week. 46 00:01:58,066 --> 00:02:00,566 FEMA, the Army Corps of Engineers, the Coast Guard, the 47 00:02:00,567 --> 00:02:04,597 National Guard, and other federal agencies, as well as the 48 00:02:04,600 --> 00:02:07,900 American Red Cross, have been -- continue the actively work with 49 00:02:07,900 --> 00:02:12,130 these officials to ensure their needs are being met. 50 00:02:12,133 --> 00:02:14,033 While Federal support is being provided up and down the Red 51 00:02:14,033 --> 00:02:15,233 River. 52 00:02:15,233 --> 00:02:17,403 Sorry Federal support is being provided up and down the Red 53 00:02:17,400 --> 00:02:18,430 River. 54 00:02:18,433 --> 00:02:21,163 Nancy Ward, the Acting FEMA Administrator, is on the ground 55 00:02:21,166 --> 00:02:24,766 currently in Fargo, and directly talking with federal, state and 56 00:02:24,767 --> 00:02:28,197 local officials to ensure that federal assistance is provided 57 00:02:28,200 --> 00:02:31,470 to support the response to the flooding. 58 00:02:31,467 --> 00:02:34,337 The President this morning talked with Governor Hoeven, 59 00:02:34,333 --> 00:02:38,233 Governor Pawlenty, and Fargo Mayor Dennis Walaker today to 60 00:02:38,233 --> 00:02:40,933 discuss his concern for the residents of North Dakota and 61 00:02:40,934 --> 00:02:43,634 Minnesota, and to ensure that the states are getting the 62 00:02:43,633 --> 00:02:46,763 federal assistance they need to supplement any state and local 63 00:02:46,767 --> 00:02:48,137 efforts. 64 00:02:48,133 --> 00:02:51,363 Secretary Napolitano has been in contact with state and local 65 00:02:51,367 --> 00:02:54,397 officials to express her support, and she also briefed 66 00:02:54,400 --> 00:02:58,330 the President this morning on the latest developments. 67 00:02:58,333 --> 00:03:01,963 This is important -- we cannot reinforce enough the importance 68 00:03:01,967 --> 00:03:04,997 for residents in both states remain vigilant in monitoring 69 00:03:05,000 --> 00:03:09,370 the reports of flood crests and to follow the instructions from 70 00:03:09,367 --> 00:03:13,067 their state and local leaders in the event that evacuations in 71 00:03:13,066 --> 00:03:16,296 their local areas become necessary. 72 00:03:16,300 --> 00:03:18,670 And again, the President continues to be impressed with 73 00:03:18,667 --> 00:03:23,097 ongoing efforts of thousands of volunteers as they continue to 74 00:03:23,100 --> 00:03:25,830 work to protect their community. 75 00:03:25,834 --> 00:03:27,534 communities sorry. 76 00:03:27,533 --> 00:03:31,433 And then, lastly, let me just give you a quick rundown of the 77 00:03:31,433 --> 00:03:38,533 President's thoughts about the meeting that just concluded with 78 00:03:38,533 --> 00:03:39,333 the bankers. 79 00:03:39,333 --> 00:03:42,463 The President believed they had a good, productive and frank 80 00:03:42,467 --> 00:03:44,097 conversation. 81 00:03:44,100 --> 00:03:46,400 The President opened up by talking about the importance of 82 00:03:46,400 --> 00:03:52,230 dealing with toxic assets and getting banks lending again. 83 00:03:52,233 --> 00:03:56,563 There was a discussion about the President's and the 84 00:03:56,567 --> 00:04:01,497 administration's plan to deal with housing that many of the 85 00:04:01,500 --> 00:04:05,000 bankers discussed positively. 86 00:04:05,000 --> 00:04:09,730 There was next a discussion about regulatory reform, and 87 00:04:09,734 --> 00:04:15,104 it's fair to say that they agreed on the need to update the 88 00:04:15,100 --> 00:04:19,800 framework of regulation and that being important. 89 00:04:19,800 --> 00:04:23,330 Also discussed were issues of compensation and the importance 90 00:04:23,333 --> 00:04:27,433 of recognizing what the American public is going through in this 91 00:04:27,433 --> 00:04:31,463 economic crisis. 92 00:04:31,467 --> 00:04:35,367 The President emphasized that Wall Street needs Main Street, 93 00:04:35,367 --> 00:04:38,997 and that Main Street needs Wall Street; that everybody has to 94 00:04:39,000 --> 00:04:42,370 pitch in; that we're all in this together. 95 00:04:42,367 --> 00:04:46,237 Overall, the President was very pleased about the meeting; 96 00:04:46,233 --> 00:04:50,763 continued to stress the need for open lines of communication, 97 00:04:50,767 --> 00:04:55,667 and also to stress that there was no agenda -- he had no 98 00:04:55,667 --> 00:05:03,767 agenda beyond working to get a solution -- the right solution 99 00:05:03,767 --> 00:05:09,067 for our financial system and to get it stabilized and working 100 00:05:09,066 --> 00:05:11,396 again for the American people. 101 00:05:11,400 --> 00:05:14,170 And with that -- 102 00:05:14,166 --> 00:05:15,136 Q: Thank you, Robert. 103 00:05:15,133 --> 00:05:17,463 This morning when the President talked about Afghanistan and 104 00:05:17,467 --> 00:05:21,397 Pakistan, the only cost he talked about was the Kerry-Lugar 105 00:05:21,400 --> 00:05:25,200 bill, which just deals with Pakistan civilian projects. 106 00:05:25,200 --> 00:05:28,630 What can the American people expect this initiative to cost, 107 00:05:28,633 --> 00:05:30,633 and are you confident that the Congress will go along with the 108 00:05:30,633 --> 00:05:31,533 cost? 109 00:05:31,533 --> 00:05:35,733 MR. GIBBS: Well, I think the budget itself is being readied. 110 00:05:35,734 --> 00:05:43,534 I don't have an exact increase in monthly operational costs. 111 00:05:43,533 --> 00:05:46,663 I think that everybody understands the importance of 112 00:05:46,667 --> 00:05:55,697 getting this effort right; that a regional approach that 113 00:05:55,700 --> 00:06:02,330 addresses the safety and security of the two countries 114 00:06:02,333 --> 00:06:08,103 and of the United States, and working together to ensure that 115 00:06:08,100 --> 00:06:12,630 what happened on September 11th doesn't happen again. 116 00:06:12,633 --> 00:06:15,063 Obviously, it's all -- it's going to cost money, and we're 117 00:06:15,066 --> 00:06:19,996 asking for a renewed commitment from the American people, and 118 00:06:20,000 --> 00:06:24,600 certainly both the men and women in uniform that will serve, as 119 00:06:24,600 --> 00:06:30,700 well as an increased number of civilians that will go over to 120 00:06:30,700 --> 00:06:34,930 demonstrate all elements of our national power. 121 00:06:34,934 --> 00:06:40,334 But as the President said, it is a goal that -- to disrupt, 122 00:06:40,333 --> 00:06:43,033 dismantle and defeat al Qaeda. 123 00:06:43,033 --> 00:06:47,533 And that's something that we can't afford not to do. 124 00:06:47,533 --> 00:06:51,133 Q: Any idea how soon you might have some estimates of the -- 125 00:06:51,133 --> 00:06:51,903 MR. GIBBS: I don't. 126 00:06:51,900 --> 00:06:54,270 I can certainly check. 127 00:06:54,266 --> 00:06:57,266 Q: On the bankers meeting, how strongly did the President press 128 00:06:57,266 --> 00:07:01,466 the bankers to sell their toxic assets through the Geithner 129 00:07:01,467 --> 00:07:02,837 program? 130 00:07:02,834 --> 00:07:05,664 As you know, a lot of them are reluctant to sell them at these 131 00:07:05,667 --> 00:07:08,437 prices, hoping that when the economy recovers they can get a 132 00:07:08,433 --> 00:07:11,303 better price, and that won't solve the problem. 133 00:07:11,300 --> 00:07:16,030 MR. GIBBS: Well, I think there was a broad discussion about the 134 00:07:16,033 --> 00:07:17,803 program. 135 00:07:17,800 --> 00:07:23,370 Obviously, as I talked about a couple times this week, and many 136 00:07:23,367 --> 00:07:27,097 people have talked about the need for the financial system to 137 00:07:27,100 --> 00:07:30,270 be stabilized by getting a lot of these toxic assets off the 138 00:07:30,266 --> 00:07:33,766 balance sheets of bankers, and that because of that, there's an 139 00:07:33,767 --> 00:07:42,797 incentive through the market to get a price that's established 140 00:07:42,800 --> 00:07:47,130 that works for both investors and for those that want to rid 141 00:07:47,133 --> 00:07:49,563 their balance sheets of these assets. 142 00:07:49,567 --> 00:07:54,667 So I think the policy is structured so that there is that 143 00:07:54,667 --> 00:08:00,437 incentive, and obviously the President believes that -- and I 144 00:08:00,433 --> 00:08:04,733 think the bankers said after the meeting -- that what they've 145 00:08:04,734 --> 00:08:06,734 heard is a positive first step. 146 00:08:06,734 --> 00:08:09,404 Q: But the incentives for the taxpayers are different than the 147 00:08:09,400 --> 00:08:10,530 incentives for the bankers. 148 00:08:10,533 --> 00:08:12,463 They want the highest possible price -- 149 00:08:12,467 --> 00:08:13,467 MR. GIBBS: Well, again, 150 00:08:13,467 --> 00:08:16,637 I think -- you know, obviously there's -- and one of the 151 00:08:16,633 --> 00:08:22,563 reasons that many, many months ago under Secretary Paulson, the 152 00:08:22,567 --> 00:08:25,997 theory was that you might not be able to get this worked because 153 00:08:26,000 --> 00:08:30,700 you had -- you lacked an incentive to change something 154 00:08:30,700 --> 00:08:35,230 that somebody might value at 95 cents on a dollar and someone 155 00:08:35,233 --> 00:08:38,333 might value at 25 cents on a dollar. 156 00:08:38,333 --> 00:08:41,303 Obviously we believe that because of the way the plan is 157 00:08:41,300 --> 00:08:45,900 structured, there is an incentive that protects the 158 00:08:45,900 --> 00:08:51,470 taxpayers but also gives incentives for banks to want to 159 00:08:51,467 --> 00:08:55,967 move those assets off their balance sheets by not totally 160 00:08:55,967 --> 00:08:57,437 giving up on them. 161 00:08:57,433 --> 00:09:00,263 Q: And what did they say about his message on compensation? 162 00:09:00,266 --> 00:09:02,036 Were they receptive to that? 163 00:09:02,033 --> 00:09:04,933 MR. GIBBS: Well, yes, I -- look, I think, and, again, I think as 164 00:09:04,934 --> 00:09:10,834 you heard the bankers say, they understand that. 165 00:09:10,834 --> 00:09:12,404 I think -- Q: They said you didn't talk about it. 166 00:09:12,400 --> 00:09:14,400 Q: They said it didn't come up. 167 00:09:14,400 --> 00:09:16,200 MR. GIBBS: I did not hear that. 168 00:09:16,200 --> 00:09:18,400 It was discussed. 169 00:09:18,400 --> 00:09:20,370 Q: -- said it didn't come up. 170 00:09:20,367 --> 00:09:22,897 MR. GIBBS: It was discussed. 171 00:09:22,900 --> 00:09:23,670 Q: Were you in there? 172 00:09:23,667 --> 00:09:25,667 MR. GIBBS: No, Jen was, but I also talked to the President 173 00:09:25,667 --> 00:09:26,367 about it. 174 00:09:26,367 --> 00:09:27,067 Yes, Jake. 175 00:09:27,066 --> 00:09:28,936 Q: I actually want to follow up on both their points. 176 00:09:28,934 --> 00:09:33,504 On Afghanistan, you said that the mission is to disrupt, 177 00:09:33,500 --> 00:09:35,230 destroy, et cetera. 178 00:09:35,233 --> 00:09:40,033 Other than the new troops, the new commitment of troops, 21,000 179 00:09:40,033 --> 00:09:43,803 more troops, how -- what are the specific ways that this policy 180 00:09:43,800 --> 00:09:46,230 is different from the Bush administration policy? 181 00:09:46,233 --> 00:09:47,633 MR. GIBBS: Sure. 182 00:09:47,633 --> 00:09:54,463 Well, I think -- I'll pick on several different points, and 183 00:09:54,467 --> 00:09:58,837 I'll take you back a little bit and give a little bit broader -- 184 00:09:58,834 --> 00:10:04,234 as you well know, the President originally believed that the 185 00:10:04,233 --> 00:10:09,763 decision to go into Iraq took the focus and resources away 186 00:10:09,767 --> 00:10:15,397 from our effort in Afghanistan; and that today's decision and 187 00:10:15,400 --> 00:10:21,600 announcement refocuses on that region of the world where what 188 00:10:21,600 --> 00:10:25,800 the President believes is our primary security threat. 189 00:10:25,800 --> 00:10:31,500 It does so with a more tightly focused goal that the President 190 00:10:31,500 --> 00:10:40,500 enumerated, with a substantial effort at ensuring that the 191 00:10:40,500 --> 00:10:45,970 resources that are needed to achieve those goals are brought 192 00:10:45,967 --> 00:10:53,237 to the region, not just in, as you mentioned, the expansion of 193 00:10:53,233 --> 00:10:59,303 both combat groups and trainers, but also, as you heard officials 194 00:10:59,300 --> 00:11:11,000 talk about, an increase in civilians, in development; that 195 00:11:11,000 --> 00:11:14,730 -- I think another thing that builds on the civilian part of 196 00:11:14,734 --> 00:11:19,704 this is using all elements of our national power through both 197 00:11:19,700 --> 00:11:24,070 -- through those civilian agencies and through diplomacy; 198 00:11:24,066 --> 00:11:26,996 that we're looking at this, again, as the President talked 199 00:11:27,000 --> 00:11:31,270 about, not as an Afghanistan issue but as an Afghanistan and 200 00:11:31,266 --> 00:11:34,196 Pakistan issue. 201 00:11:34,200 --> 00:11:38,600 And obviously the President will do more of this in the coming 202 00:11:38,600 --> 00:11:45,300 days as we go overseas, drawing on an international effort to 203 00:11:45,300 --> 00:11:50,800 ensure that we continue to put an emphasis in resources in this 204 00:11:50,800 --> 00:11:52,330 region of the world. 205 00:11:52,333 --> 00:11:54,903 Q: And to follow up on Karen's question, some of the bank -- 206 00:11:54,900 --> 00:12:00,730 bank CEOS came out and said that they liked the first -- their 207 00:12:00,734 --> 00:12:04,304 first impressions of Geithner's plan to get the toxic assets off 208 00:12:04,300 --> 00:12:08,300 the books, but they're waiting for more details. 209 00:12:08,300 --> 00:12:11,270 What more details could they possibly be waiting for? 210 00:12:11,266 --> 00:12:13,196 MR. GIBBS: I think that's a better question for them. 211 00:12:13,200 --> 00:12:14,270 I don't know the answer to that. 212 00:12:14,266 --> 00:12:16,636 Q: Are there more -- I guess the better question for you is, are 213 00:12:16,633 --> 00:12:18,703 there more details that you guys are set to introduce? 214 00:12:18,700 --> 00:12:22,100 MR. GIBBS: I think maybe what they're talking about is just 215 00:12:22,100 --> 00:12:25,730 the logistics of asset auctions and things like that. 216 00:12:25,734 --> 00:12:29,704 But I can certainly check with Treasury -- I mean, obviously, 217 00:12:29,700 --> 00:12:35,000 there will be an effort from -- between now and when that 218 00:12:35,000 --> 00:12:38,300 happens that we'll roll out plans and details on that. 219 00:12:38,300 --> 00:12:41,970 But I'll check specifically with Treasury on that one. 220 00:12:41,967 --> 00:12:42,737 Helen. 221 00:12:42,734 --> 00:12:47,534 Q: What proof does the President have to become so hawkish now 222 00:12:47,533 --> 00:12:52,433 and to raise the ante on the troop level going in? 223 00:12:52,433 --> 00:12:55,203 We were misled so much on Iraq. 224 00:12:55,200 --> 00:12:57,800 Why shouldn't we be misled again? 225 00:12:57,800 --> 00:13:05,100 MR. GIBBS: Well, regrettably I think in 2001 we learned the 226 00:13:05,100 --> 00:13:13,470 danger of giving extremists that hope and wish us harm the space 227 00:13:13,467 --> 00:13:18,837 in a safe haven to plan, practice, coordinate and 228 00:13:18,834 --> 00:13:23,864 ultimately execute deadly attacks on this country. 229 00:13:23,867 --> 00:13:26,467 Q: Can you prove it? 230 00:13:26,467 --> 00:13:29,297 I mean, why don't the American people get more evidence? 231 00:13:29,300 --> 00:13:33,430 MR. GIBBS: Well, I -- one, I think the American -- Q: You're 232 00:13:33,433 --> 00:13:35,403 going back to 2001. 233 00:13:35,400 --> 00:13:40,070 MR. GIBBS: Well, no, I'm using 2001 as certainly one example, 234 00:13:40,066 --> 00:13:41,936 obviously a fairly poignant one. 235 00:13:41,934 --> 00:13:46,834 But I think it is -- without getting into details that I 236 00:13:46,834 --> 00:13:51,964 can't get into, when the President talks about continuing 237 00:13:51,967 --> 00:13:55,897 to get assessments on just how dangerous this part of the world 238 00:13:55,900 --> 00:14:04,200 is, I think they can be assured that this region of the world 239 00:14:04,200 --> 00:14:09,530 presents many dangers for this country. 240 00:14:09,533 --> 00:14:14,363 I think this region of the world poses dangers for Afghanistan. 241 00:14:14,367 --> 00:14:20,967 And, look, regrettably, just today, we can see that the 242 00:14:20,967 --> 00:14:25,797 extremists in this area pose a danger to Pakistan. 243 00:14:25,800 --> 00:14:29,900 The leader of Pakistan is in power because the leader before 244 00:14:29,900 --> 00:14:32,530 was assassinated. 245 00:14:32,533 --> 00:14:36,063 I forget the exact number of people that were killed today in 246 00:14:36,066 --> 00:14:38,296 a bomb blast. 247 00:14:38,300 --> 00:14:42,530 I think there's very credible evidence that the threat exists 248 00:14:42,533 --> 00:14:46,103 and that the President will do all in his power to protect the 249 00:14:46,100 --> 00:14:47,430 American people. 250 00:14:47,433 --> 00:14:51,733 Q: Are they wrong to not want us there? 251 00:14:51,734 --> 00:14:53,064 MR. GIBBS: Is who wrong? 252 00:14:53,066 --> 00:14:55,036 Q: The Afghans. 253 00:14:55,033 --> 00:15:04,933 MR. GIBBS: Again, we're there to ensure that al Qaeda and its 254 00:15:04,934 --> 00:15:09,404 affiliates don't create a safe haven and don't topple the 255 00:15:09,400 --> 00:15:13,900 Afghan government and ultimately use that space to plan and 256 00:15:13,900 --> 00:15:16,270 execute those attacks. 257 00:15:16,266 --> 00:15:19,966 The President obviously has spoken with leaders of both 258 00:15:19,967 --> 00:15:23,267 Afghanistan and Pakistan, and they understand why we're there. 259 00:15:23,266 --> 00:15:25,696 Dan. 260 00:15:25,700 --> 00:15:29,070 Q: The President really had the focus, in terms of the threat, 261 00:15:29,066 --> 00:15:30,196 on Pakistan. 262 00:15:30,200 --> 00:15:34,100 And we see the buildup, the troop buildup, for Afghanistan. 263 00:15:34,100 --> 00:15:35,900 But what is the U.S. 264 00:15:35,900 --> 00:15:37,770 planning to do to go after this threat? 265 00:15:37,767 --> 00:15:41,467 If the terrorists are hiding out and currently planning to strike 266 00:15:41,467 --> 00:15:44,437 us, what is being done to cut that off? 267 00:15:44,433 --> 00:15:45,703 MR. GIBBS: In Pakistan? 268 00:15:45,700 --> 00:15:46,730 Q: In Pakistan. 269 00:15:46,734 --> 00:15:51,004 MR. GIBBS: Well, I'm not going to get into operational details 270 00:15:51,000 --> 00:15:52,630 -- Q: Is there something being done? 271 00:15:52,633 --> 00:15:54,563 MR. GIBBS: Is there something being done -- Q: To go after the 272 00:15:54,567 --> 00:15:55,837 threat in Pakistan? 273 00:15:55,834 --> 00:16:00,934 Because there's $5 billion a year in humanitarian, but 274 00:16:00,934 --> 00:16:02,964 nothing -- we haven't heard anything at all about some 275 00:16:02,967 --> 00:16:06,037 active engagement to go after that threat if we know the 276 00:16:06,033 --> 00:16:07,003 threat is there. 277 00:16:07,000 --> 00:16:11,870 MR. GIBBS: I think it would be wise for us not to lay out in 278 00:16:11,867 --> 00:16:15,567 front of the world the plan -- that plan of attack. 279 00:16:15,567 --> 00:16:17,237 Q: Well, I'm not looking for the plans. 280 00:16:17,233 --> 00:16:19,463 Is there something that is ongoing to go after that threat? 281 00:16:19,467 --> 00:16:22,567 Because he stated the threat is there; they're planning to 282 00:16:22,567 --> 00:16:23,737 attack us. 283 00:16:23,734 --> 00:16:27,704 MR. GIBBS: I think you can be very assured that we're taking 284 00:16:27,700 --> 00:16:31,270 the steps necessary to address the threat and to protect the 285 00:16:31,266 --> 00:16:32,666 American people. 286 00:16:32,667 --> 00:16:36,297 Q: In terms of the timeline, no timeline to extract troops out 287 00:16:36,300 --> 00:16:37,270 of Afghanistan. 288 00:16:37,266 --> 00:16:39,496 The President I believe in the past has talked about wanting to 289 00:16:39,500 --> 00:16:40,430 have a timeline. 290 00:16:40,433 --> 00:16:41,433 Why no timeline? 291 00:16:41,433 --> 00:16:44,103 Why not sort of set some sort of mark and say, we need to be out 292 00:16:44,100 --> 00:16:44,830 by this time? 293 00:16:44,834 --> 00:16:47,304 MR. GIBBS: Well, I think the President did state quite 294 00:16:47,300 --> 00:16:51,500 clearly that the policy would be reviewed and evaluated as we go. 295 00:16:51,500 --> 00:16:55,370 Obviously if you add in the increase in the number of troops 296 00:16:55,367 --> 00:17:01,867 that were added in -- before the President took office, in 297 00:17:01,867 --> 00:17:05,497 addition to the 17,000 that the President ordered previously, 298 00:17:05,500 --> 00:17:09,370 and the 4,000 trainers today, you're looking at an expansion 299 00:17:09,367 --> 00:17:13,837 of roughly 30,000 American troops. 300 00:17:13,834 --> 00:17:18,764 So we have important elections coming up in Afghanistan in a 301 00:17:18,767 --> 00:17:23,637 deteriorating security situation, and I think -- first 302 00:17:23,633 --> 00:17:28,733 of all, I think the President wants to evaluate what -- and 303 00:17:28,734 --> 00:17:32,304 the security team want to evaluate what that increase 304 00:17:32,300 --> 00:17:36,200 means for the situation in the region. 305 00:17:36,200 --> 00:17:43,300 Obviously the announcement today is to build the capacity of the 306 00:17:43,300 --> 00:17:48,900 Afghan army to ensure that ultimately that responsibility 307 00:17:48,900 --> 00:17:54,330 of rooting out extremism and protecting the democratically 308 00:17:54,333 --> 00:17:59,233 elected government can be done by the Afghans. 309 00:17:59,233 --> 00:18:03,603 And also the President will look to evaluate the policy as we 310 00:18:03,600 --> 00:18:09,300 move forward as we increase our diplomacy, as we increase the 311 00:18:09,300 --> 00:18:16,030 number of civilians that are there to do what the President 312 00:18:16,033 --> 00:18:19,963 talked about in terms of the delivery of services without 313 00:18:19,967 --> 00:18:23,697 corruption, and for developmental aid. 314 00:18:23,700 --> 00:18:27,330 And so I think that the President will have said and set 315 00:18:27,333 --> 00:18:30,803 forward -- and I think you guys heard last night about a 316 00:18:30,800 --> 00:18:36,330 flexible strategy that allows the team to evaluate whether the 317 00:18:36,333 --> 00:18:40,033 goals are being met and whether the benchmarks are being met, so 318 00:18:40,033 --> 00:18:44,063 that we can determine the progress toward making that 319 00:18:44,066 --> 00:18:47,496 region of the world safe and stable. 320 00:18:47,500 --> 00:18:48,830 Chuck. 321 00:18:48,834 --> 00:18:53,504 Q: Quick bank clarification: Did the issue of timing of returning 322 00:18:53,500 --> 00:18:55,770 the TARP money come up at the meeting -- 323 00:18:55,767 --> 00:18:56,667 MR. GIBBS: I believe it did. 324 00:18:56,667 --> 00:18:59,837 The President and I did not specifically talk about that. 325 00:18:59,834 --> 00:19:02,634 Q: So you don't know whether -- what was said, you just know the 326 00:19:02,633 --> 00:19:03,433 subject was talked about? 327 00:19:03,433 --> 00:19:04,633 MR. GIBBS: I know the subject came up. 328 00:19:04,633 --> 00:19:06,633 I can check with him and see what -- 329 00:19:06,633 --> 00:19:08,363 Q: Okay. Two unrelated questions here -- 330 00:19:08,367 --> 00:19:10,197 everything that's been going on here today. 331 00:19:10,200 --> 00:19:16,500 The FAA apparently is not going to -- apparently the FAA is 332 00:19:16,500 --> 00:19:20,770 being pressured not to release publicly incidents that have to 333 00:19:20,767 --> 00:19:23,997 do -- where incidents occur, whether these bird -- where 334 00:19:24,000 --> 00:19:28,530 birds hit planes and what caused the crash on the Hudson, because 335 00:19:28,533 --> 00:19:31,163 airlines don't want to give the information -- I mean, isn't 336 00:19:31,166 --> 00:19:32,366 this a public safety issue? 337 00:19:32,367 --> 00:19:34,597 Shouldn't the government sort of demand that this information be 338 00:19:34,600 --> 00:19:35,300 public? 339 00:19:35,300 --> 00:19:38,200 MR. GIBBS: I saw a blurb on it, I read part of it. 340 00:19:38,200 --> 00:19:40,300 I would direct you to the FAA on that. 341 00:19:40,300 --> 00:19:42,030 I don't have anything on that. 342 00:19:42,033 --> 00:19:43,233 Q: Don't have anything? 343 00:19:43,233 --> 00:19:44,503 MR. GIBBS: I don't have anything on that. 344 00:19:44,500 --> 00:19:45,870 Q: And it's also our understanding that the President 345 00:19:45,867 --> 00:19:49,937 met with some 9/11 families yesterday, this week. 346 00:19:49,934 --> 00:19:51,404 MR. GIBBS: I don't -- I will check on that. 347 00:19:51,400 --> 00:19:54,530 Q: Some 9/11 families have asked him about -- had asked the 348 00:19:54,533 --> 00:19:58,533 President to get involved with the rebuilding at Ground Zero 349 00:19:58,533 --> 00:19:59,603 and some of the delays? 350 00:19:59,600 --> 00:20:01,270 MR. GIBBS: I will check on that. 351 00:20:01,266 --> 00:20:03,696 That is not on my stuff, either, but I will have somebody work on 352 00:20:03,700 --> 00:20:06,270 that. 353 00:20:06,266 --> 00:20:07,836 Yes, sir. 354 00:20:07,834 --> 00:20:10,004 Q: Following up on Dan's question about the timetable, 355 00:20:10,000 --> 00:20:13,630 Robert, would it be accurate to call the military presence there 356 00:20:13,633 --> 00:20:15,463 open-ended? 357 00:20:15,467 --> 00:20:22,037 MR. GIBBS: Again, I think the President has set forth a new 358 00:20:22,033 --> 00:20:26,733 regional strategy for Afghanistan and Pakistan that he 359 00:20:26,734 --> 00:20:33,704 looks to monitor closely and assure -- to assure that we are 360 00:20:33,700 --> 00:20:36,500 making progress and to use benchmarks to measure that 361 00:20:36,500 --> 00:20:38,470 progress. 362 00:20:38,467 --> 00:20:46,137 I think any conflict -- I don't think any conflict is 363 00:20:46,133 --> 00:20:48,833 open-ended. 364 00:20:48,834 --> 00:20:53,164 I don't think the President would see it that way. 365 00:20:53,166 --> 00:20:55,796 I think the President believes we're setting forth the best 366 00:20:55,800 --> 00:21:04,300 strategy that we need to achieve more tightly focused goals of 367 00:21:04,300 --> 00:21:10,170 disrupting and destroying al Qaeda; of doing it through the 368 00:21:10,166 --> 00:21:14,066 -- with the resources that are needed to get that done in a 369 00:21:14,066 --> 00:21:17,766 regional way, using all elements of our national power. 370 00:21:17,767 --> 00:21:20,667 Q: Throughout the discussions, have you heard anyone mention 371 00:21:20,667 --> 00:21:24,797 any date of when this -- when the troops might come home? 372 00:21:24,800 --> 00:21:29,770 MR. GIBBS: Well, no, I've -- I think they're focused on 373 00:21:29,767 --> 00:21:33,397 initially -- obviously there -- as I said, there have been 374 00:21:33,400 --> 00:21:37,500 decisions by the previous President and by this President 375 00:21:37,500 --> 00:21:40,870 to greatly increase the troop presence. 376 00:21:40,867 --> 00:21:45,497 That presence will be evaluated. 377 00:21:45,500 --> 00:21:50,530 We have -- we will begin moving an increased amount of civilian 378 00:21:50,533 --> 00:21:54,503 personnel in there to more greatly focus, as I said, on the 379 00:21:54,500 --> 00:22:00,100 delivery of basic governmental services, on developmental aid 380 00:22:00,100 --> 00:22:05,670 that the President talked about in both countries, as well as 381 00:22:05,667 --> 00:22:10,067 trainers to ensure that we are making the sustained progress 382 00:22:10,066 --> 00:22:13,296 that has to be made and needs to be made to give the 383 00:22:13,300 --> 00:22:16,900 responsibility for security back to the Afghans. 384 00:22:16,900 --> 00:22:20,800 Q: Has the notion of or concern about mission creep come up? 385 00:22:20,800 --> 00:22:22,530 MR. GIBBS: Well, I think that's always discussed. 386 00:22:22,533 --> 00:22:32,063 I mean, I think that -- I think in any decision that is made, 387 00:22:32,066 --> 00:22:38,566 you want to ensure that, and I think the President did through 388 00:22:38,567 --> 00:22:47,467 enumerating that tightly focused goal -- and that that can be 389 00:22:47,467 --> 00:22:52,737 evaluated through benchmarks to measure that progress, to 390 00:22:52,734 --> 00:22:56,104 evaluate the policy, and to make the necessary changes. 391 00:22:56,100 --> 00:23:00,700 So I think there's -- there's a refocusing. 392 00:23:00,700 --> 00:23:06,100 There are -- it's goal-oriented; it's resourced; it's regional. 393 00:23:06,100 --> 00:23:09,030 It uses all elements of our power and it will be evaluated 394 00:23:09,033 --> 00:23:10,603 each step of the way. 395 00:23:10,600 --> 00:23:11,670 Jonathan. 396 00:23:11,667 --> 00:23:14,567 Q: A number of those bank CEOs have spoken out publically 397 00:23:14,567 --> 00:23:17,867 against the bonus tax legislation both in the House 398 00:23:17,867 --> 00:23:18,667 and the Senate. 399 00:23:18,667 --> 00:23:21,697 And I'm wondering if that came up in that compensation 400 00:23:21,700 --> 00:23:28,130 conversation and what did the President offer them by way of 401 00:23:28,133 --> 00:23:29,263 assurances? 402 00:23:29,266 --> 00:23:31,296 MR. GIBBS: That was not something the President and I 403 00:23:31,300 --> 00:23:35,430 talked about, but I'll check on that, as well. 404 00:23:35,433 --> 00:23:37,233 Yes, sir. 405 00:23:37,233 --> 00:23:39,503 Q: One of the things the President wanted to get out of 406 00:23:39,500 --> 00:23:41,530 this meeting also was an update on the economy. 407 00:23:41,533 --> 00:23:43,933 What did he hear from them on the economy? 408 00:23:43,934 --> 00:23:50,764 MR. GIBBS: Well, one of the -- and I think you heard some of 409 00:23:50,767 --> 00:23:53,467 the CEOs at the stakeout talk about this -- one of the things 410 00:23:53,467 --> 00:23:58,397 that they spent some time talking about and that I think 411 00:23:58,400 --> 00:24:03,170 is a positive development is the administration's housing plan; 412 00:24:03,166 --> 00:24:10,766 that rate -- mortgage finance rates have hit a low -- are at 413 00:24:10,767 --> 00:24:14,467 their lowest point since they began recording statistics, I 414 00:24:14,467 --> 00:24:22,467 believe, in 1971; that millions are taking advantage of the 415 00:24:22,467 --> 00:24:28,237 ability to refinance their home; that banks are adding people to 416 00:24:28,233 --> 00:24:33,463 their employment rolls in order to process those refinancing. 417 00:24:33,467 --> 00:24:41,737 So I think largely the review that the President got is not a 418 00:24:41,734 --> 00:24:45,034 ton different than what he's given you and what I've given 419 00:24:45,033 --> 00:24:48,663 you, that there are -- that we're still facing a lot of 420 00:24:48,667 --> 00:24:52,567 tough challenges; these are unprecedented times. 421 00:24:52,567 --> 00:25:02,737 There are figures here and there that demonstrate good news -- 422 00:25:02,734 --> 00:25:07,804 spending figures today, the discussion of the housing plan. 423 00:25:07,800 --> 00:25:13,630 But obviously all the people in that room recognized that we 424 00:25:13,633 --> 00:25:15,003 have quite a long ways to go. 425 00:25:15,000 --> 00:25:16,970 Q: Did they make or suggest -- just as a follow-up -- did they 426 00:25:16,967 --> 00:25:20,697 make or suggest anything else that the administration could do 427 00:25:20,700 --> 00:25:23,130 to accelerate a recovery? 428 00:25:23,133 --> 00:25:25,503 MR. GIBBS: I will check on that. 429 00:25:25,500 --> 00:25:26,130 Yes, sir. 430 00:25:26,133 --> 00:25:30,263 Q: Robert, could you go over the numbers, the goals, on training 431 00:25:30,266 --> 00:25:33,596 Afghanistan military and police where they are now and where 432 00:25:33,600 --> 00:25:34,600 you're headed? 433 00:25:34,600 --> 00:25:36,830 MR. GIBBS: I don't have those numbers in front of me, but I 434 00:25:36,834 --> 00:25:38,034 will get those to you. 435 00:25:38,033 --> 00:25:41,363 But I think some were in the President's speech and I think 436 00:25:41,367 --> 00:25:45,667 some have been in briefings that we've given either today or -- 437 00:25:45,667 --> 00:25:49,037 Q: They were, but there is some confusion in some other agencies 438 00:25:49,033 --> 00:25:50,703 about the exact numbers, so I just thought - - 439 00:25:50,700 --> 00:25:53,000 MR. GIBBS: We will get that. 440 00:25:53,000 --> 00:25:54,130 Q: One other question for you. 441 00:25:54,133 --> 00:25:57,933 In the President's speech he talks about aid and military 442 00:25:57,934 --> 00:26:01,104 assistance to Pakistan, but says we're not going to give them a 443 00:26:01,100 --> 00:26:05,530 blank check; and then goes on to say that when there is -- that 444 00:26:05,533 --> 00:26:07,963 we expect them to take action against extremists within their 445 00:26:07,967 --> 00:26:10,997 borders, and when there is intelligence on high-level 446 00:26:11,000 --> 00:26:14,530 extremists, we expect action to be taken. 447 00:26:14,533 --> 00:26:17,863 He makes it sound as if there is a condition for aid, and that if 448 00:26:17,867 --> 00:26:21,737 action is not taken, that aid might be withdrawn. 449 00:26:21,734 --> 00:26:26,664 MR. GIBBS: I think what the President's larger message is, 450 00:26:26,667 --> 00:26:33,897 as we refocus on policy, as we draw into that regional aspect, 451 00:26:33,900 --> 00:26:38,270 that we have to think about how we're doing this differently; 452 00:26:38,266 --> 00:26:47,036 that we have to work with both the Afghans and the Pakistanis 453 00:26:47,033 --> 00:26:49,863 achieving those goals and those benchmarks; and also, to 454 00:26:49,867 --> 00:26:54,597 understand, as I said earlier, that the extremists in those 455 00:26:54,600 --> 00:26:59,830 countries don't just pose a threat to our country -- they do 456 00:26:59,834 --> 00:27:04,664 -- but they also pose a threat to both Afghanistan and to the 457 00:27:04,667 --> 00:27:05,967 Pakistani people. 458 00:27:05,967 --> 00:27:15,737 Again, the current government is there because of the killing of 459 00:27:15,734 --> 00:27:24,364 the past leader, and the country remains -- as evidenced today, 460 00:27:24,367 --> 00:27:28,497 still struggles for peace and security. 461 00:27:28,500 --> 00:27:31,800 And the President believes that one of the things that we have 462 00:27:31,800 --> 00:27:38,700 to do in this policy is convince others that the threat is not 463 00:27:38,700 --> 00:27:43,570 simply to us but also to them and their democratically elected 464 00:27:43,567 --> 00:27:44,497 government. 465 00:27:44,500 --> 00:27:47,600 Q: But he also said, "We will also insist that action be taken 466 00:27:47,600 --> 00:27:49,770 one way or another." 467 00:27:49,767 --> 00:27:52,767 Does that suggest that if the Pakistanis do not act, others 468 00:27:52,767 --> 00:27:54,467 will have to? 469 00:27:54,467 --> 00:27:56,397 MR. GIBBS: I think that's a reasonable reading of that, and 470 00:27:56,400 --> 00:28:00,630 I think it's consistent with the President's policies and what he 471 00:28:00,633 --> 00:28:02,733 said throughout the campaign. 472 00:28:02,734 --> 00:28:04,104 Jon. 473 00:28:04,100 --> 00:28:08,530 Q: I just had a question on the issue of the low interest rates, 474 00:28:08,533 --> 00:28:11,763 because on the other end that, potentially, is inflation. 475 00:28:11,767 --> 00:28:15,637 Is that something that the President is talking about with 476 00:28:15,633 --> 00:28:17,233 his economic advisors? 477 00:28:17,233 --> 00:28:20,363 MR. GIBBS: I think they've both talked about the worries about 478 00:28:20,367 --> 00:28:25,797 inflation and deflation, given different statistics at 479 00:28:25,800 --> 00:28:26,630 different times. 480 00:28:26,633 --> 00:28:30,703 Absolutely they've talked about it in the daily briefings that 481 00:28:30,700 --> 00:28:32,700 the President gets from his economic team. 482 00:28:32,700 --> 00:28:35,970 Q: Can I also ask you about the bankers? 483 00:28:35,967 --> 00:28:39,367 Because in his statements before the meeting, the President was 484 00:28:39,367 --> 00:28:42,597 talking about how everybody needs to do what's best for, I 485 00:28:42,600 --> 00:28:45,130 guess, the global national community -- I don't remember 486 00:28:45,133 --> 00:28:48,233 the exact wording, but that was the tone. 487 00:28:48,233 --> 00:28:49,533 Just trying to get inside his head. 488 00:28:49,533 --> 00:28:54,033 As he's talking to them about selling these bad assets off the 489 00:28:54,033 --> 00:28:57,063 books, was there any appeal to not get rid of incentive for 490 00:28:57,066 --> 00:29:00,636 profit but maybe not try to go as far as possible to get the 491 00:29:00,633 --> 00:29:01,463 highest profit? 492 00:29:01,467 --> 00:29:02,997 Was that part of his argument at all? 493 00:29:03,000 --> 00:29:05,600 MR. GIBBS: Well, I think inherent in the discussions that 494 00:29:05,600 --> 00:29:09,330 he's had with them, inherent in what Secretary Geithner has 495 00:29:09,333 --> 00:29:14,403 proposed in terms of new rules of the road, and inherent in his 496 00:29:14,400 --> 00:29:20,700 discussions about changing the culture of Wall Street is 497 00:29:20,700 --> 00:29:28,970 understanding that while nobody in this country begrudges 498 00:29:28,967 --> 00:29:38,537 somebody doing well and somebody taking risk, and using their 499 00:29:38,533 --> 00:29:44,403 money to make more money, I think he emphasized to them why 500 00:29:44,400 --> 00:29:49,330 it would be frustrating if you're a family struggling to 501 00:29:49,333 --> 00:29:52,933 make a mortgage payment each month and pay your health 502 00:29:52,934 --> 00:29:55,664 insurance if you're lucky enough to have it -- why it would be 503 00:29:55,667 --> 00:30:03,997 frustrating to see an executive get a huge paycheck or a bonus 504 00:30:04,000 --> 00:30:05,770 when they work for an institution that needs 505 00:30:05,767 --> 00:30:08,037 extraordinary help from the government. 506 00:30:08,033 --> 00:30:11,903 I think that's in some ways why the President put in place in 507 00:30:11,900 --> 00:30:18,830 February and announced stricter -- strict rules and regulations 508 00:30:18,834 --> 00:30:22,134 about executive compensation at banks that do receive that 509 00:30:22,133 --> 00:30:23,903 extraordinary help. 510 00:30:23,900 --> 00:30:28,100 And I do think there's a -- there's, rightly so, a message 511 00:30:28,100 --> 00:30:32,070 of this notion that we are all in this together. 512 00:30:32,066 --> 00:30:36,196 As I said and as the President said directly to me, that Wall 513 00:30:36,200 --> 00:30:41,530 Street needs Main Street; Main Street needs Wall Street; and 514 00:30:41,533 --> 00:30:46,103 that only working together and only solving the problem for 515 00:30:46,100 --> 00:30:50,700 both will we eventually get our economy back on track and make 516 00:30:50,700 --> 00:30:51,670 progress. 517 00:30:51,667 --> 00:30:54,697 Q: Do you know if he tied that in to how they'll approach the 518 00:30:54,700 --> 00:30:57,870 toxic asset -- MR. GIBBS: I don't know that. 519 00:30:57,867 --> 00:30:58,697 I can check specifically on that. 520 00:30:58,700 --> 00:30:59,300 Sheryl. 521 00:30:59,300 --> 00:31:01,470 Q: Robert, looking ahead to Monday, the President is slated 522 00:31:01,467 --> 00:31:03,367 to make an announcement on the automakers. 523 00:31:03,367 --> 00:31:07,067 He said yesterday, we will provide them some help, but they 524 00:31:07,066 --> 00:31:08,496 will have to make drastic changes. 525 00:31:08,500 --> 00:31:12,670 Has he already made a decision about what kind of help he's 526 00:31:12,667 --> 00:31:16,767 going to provide them, and will it be short-term help or long 527 00:31:16,767 --> 00:31:17,397 term? 528 00:31:17,400 --> 00:31:18,730 Will it be all that they asked for? 529 00:31:18,734 --> 00:31:20,634 Will there be conditions? 530 00:31:20,633 --> 00:31:24,703 MR. GIBBS: I know there were at least two meetings with him 531 00:31:24,700 --> 00:31:30,370 yesterday on this, but I know the President's Auto Task Force 532 00:31:30,367 --> 00:31:32,497 is meeting today. 533 00:31:32,500 --> 00:31:37,600 I think they are winding down the decisions that have to be 534 00:31:37,600 --> 00:31:43,500 made and putting in place a plan that the President will announce 535 00:31:43,500 --> 00:31:44,170 on Monday. 536 00:31:44,166 --> 00:31:47,796 But I don't want to get into that announcement until then. 537 00:31:47,800 --> 00:31:49,900 Q: Can you just talk about -- in terms of his announcement, will 538 00:31:49,900 --> 00:31:52,800 it be a very short-term announcement, or will he outline 539 00:31:52,800 --> 00:31:55,930 sort of a longer vision for where he sees the companies 540 00:31:55,934 --> 00:31:56,764 headed? 541 00:31:56,767 --> 00:32:01,767 Because he seemed to hint -- he did say yesterday it's not going 542 00:32:01,767 --> 00:32:03,837 to be like the 1950s where we see this growth; they're going 543 00:32:03,834 --> 00:32:07,064 to have to look different in a new global economy. 544 00:32:07,066 --> 00:32:11,736 MR. GIBBS: And I think that is what the President will discuss. 545 00:32:11,734 --> 00:32:14,134 I think what the President has talked about throughout this 546 00:32:14,133 --> 00:32:21,633 process is the need for a viable American auto industry, but that 547 00:32:21,633 --> 00:32:25,663 that viability is largely going to depend on a restructuring 548 00:32:25,667 --> 00:32:30,497 that allows it to compete in a very changed global economic 549 00:32:30,500 --> 00:32:35,100 environment, and to do so without continued government 550 00:32:35,100 --> 00:32:36,770 assistance. 551 00:32:36,767 --> 00:32:42,997 And, look, as I talked about yesterday, this is -- obviously 552 00:32:43,000 --> 00:32:46,130 we've all watched and the President has certainly watched 553 00:32:46,133 --> 00:32:48,963 management decisions that have been made over a longer course 554 00:32:48,967 --> 00:32:55,797 of time that have seen companies fail to invest in technologies 555 00:32:55,800 --> 00:33:09,600 and efficiencies that would have created a broader group of cars 556 00:33:09,600 --> 00:33:15,070 that they sell that could do well in good times and in bad. 557 00:33:15,066 --> 00:33:19,436 The auto industry also, in all frankness, suffers, as I said 558 00:33:19,433 --> 00:33:23,303 yesterday, from the sheer notion of competing in an environment 559 00:33:23,300 --> 00:33:26,670 where they're selling a little more than half of what they sold 560 00:33:26,667 --> 00:33:30,297 two years ago. 561 00:33:30,300 --> 00:33:35,430 The annualized car sales at this point look like we're on pace 562 00:33:35,433 --> 00:33:39,163 for the industry itself to sell about 9 million cars in this 563 00:33:39,166 --> 00:33:43,136 country, and that's down a couple of years ago from 16 564 00:33:43,133 --> 00:33:43,803 million. 565 00:33:43,800 --> 00:33:50,170 I think any industry would be faced with some very difficult 566 00:33:50,166 --> 00:33:54,096 decisions if, regardless of what your product line was, you were 567 00:33:54,100 --> 00:33:58,200 selling a little more than half of what you were selling in more 568 00:33:58,200 --> 00:33:59,670 robust times. 569 00:33:59,667 --> 00:34:03,497 So the President I think will outline what he thinks is the 570 00:34:03,500 --> 00:34:10,770 best way forward to achieve viability for the companies in 571 00:34:10,767 --> 00:34:12,797 both that short term and in the long term. 572 00:34:12,800 --> 00:34:19,900 How do these companies get through the global recession 573 00:34:19,900 --> 00:34:25,270 that sees a great decrease in demand for the product? 574 00:34:25,266 --> 00:34:31,636 And how, when we emerge from recession to recovery, how do we 575 00:34:31,633 --> 00:34:37,503 have a sustainable path that makes good business decisions 576 00:34:37,500 --> 00:34:39,730 not just for one year but for many years? 577 00:34:39,734 --> 00:34:41,934 Q: How is he going announce it? 578 00:34:41,934 --> 00:34:44,604 MR. GIBBS: Somewhere over here. 579 00:34:44,600 --> 00:34:45,600 Q: Will it be a speech? 580 00:34:45,600 --> 00:34:47,230 MR. GIBBS: Yes, speech or announcement, something like 581 00:34:47,233 --> 00:34:48,303 that. 582 00:34:48,300 --> 00:34:49,000 Q: Robert. 583 00:34:49,000 --> 00:34:49,870 MR. GIBBS: Yes, sir. 584 00:34:49,867 --> 00:34:52,697 Q: On the Europe trip, can you talk a bit about what the 585 00:34:52,700 --> 00:34:55,000 President's standard for success is? 586 00:34:55,000 --> 00:34:58,370 What is he trying to accomplish, substantively and symbolically? 587 00:34:58,367 --> 00:35:01,437 And what message is he trying to broadcast to the world? 588 00:35:01,433 --> 00:35:04,033 MR. GIBBS: Well, I think the message -- let me take the 589 00:35:04,033 --> 00:35:10,263 second part first -- the message that he brings is that Europe 590 00:35:10,266 --> 00:35:17,996 and the G20 have, in America, a partner willing to work for 591 00:35:18,000 --> 00:35:22,170 success in moving the economy forward, in getting the economy 592 00:35:22,166 --> 00:35:27,936 back on its feet and recovered, as well as instituting stricter 593 00:35:27,934 --> 00:35:31,704 regulation to ensure that we don't face these problems again. 594 00:35:31,700 --> 00:35:37,630 And obviously, the latter part of the trip he'll talk about the 595 00:35:37,633 --> 00:35:42,203 shared responsibilities for security that we all have in 596 00:35:42,200 --> 00:35:45,630 dealing with the region of the world that he talked about 597 00:35:45,633 --> 00:35:47,933 today. 598 00:35:47,934 --> 00:35:52,304 We'll have more on this I think tomorrow when -- I think 599 00:35:52,300 --> 00:35:54,930 sometime tomorrow morning we're going to do a background 600 00:35:54,934 --> 00:35:59,504 briefing call for you guys on the schedule and what you'll 601 00:35:59,500 --> 00:36:00,330 expect. 602 00:36:00,333 --> 00:36:01,703 Q: Is that going to be on the record -- the background 603 00:36:01,700 --> 00:36:02,730 briefing? 604 00:36:02,734 --> 00:36:03,664 Can we have it on the record? 605 00:36:03,667 --> 00:36:05,297 MR. GIBBS: I have no idea, to be honest with you. 606 00:36:05,300 --> 00:36:06,900 Q: Is it a conference call, or here? 607 00:36:06,900 --> 00:36:10,370 MR. GIBBS: I think we'll do it both here, and for those that 608 00:36:10,367 --> 00:36:12,167 don't want to be here at, like, 10:00 a.m. 609 00:36:12,166 --> 00:36:13,836 in the morning can also join on the phone. 610 00:36:13,834 --> 00:36:15,864 We're a full-service outfit. 611 00:36:15,867 --> 00:36:18,597 Q: This will be on the record, right? 612 00:36:18,600 --> 00:36:22,230 MR. GIBBS: Honestly, you're, like, two hours ahead of me. 613 00:36:22,233 --> 00:36:25,563 But we'll endeavor to get you what you need. 614 00:36:25,567 --> 00:36:26,597 Q: You're supposed to be ahead of us. 615 00:36:26,600 --> 00:36:28,970 MR. GIBBS: You know, I tried -- I stopped trying to be ahead of 616 00:36:28,967 --> 00:36:30,597 you guys at, like, day 50. 617 00:36:30,600 --> 00:36:31,500 (Laughter.) Yes, sir. 618 00:36:31,500 --> 00:36:33,200 Q: I'd like to follow up on Turkey. 619 00:36:33,200 --> 00:36:35,530 What is the purpose of the trip to Turkey? 620 00:36:35,533 --> 00:36:37,063 He's spending two days there. 621 00:36:37,066 --> 00:36:38,396 And what are his aims in Turkey? 622 00:36:38,400 --> 00:36:42,970 MR. GIBBS: Well, let me not get ahead of what we're doing, in 623 00:36:42,967 --> 00:36:44,967 terms of talking about the schedule, but we'll have more 624 00:36:44,967 --> 00:36:45,837 for you on that tomorrow morning. 625 00:36:45,834 --> 00:36:47,204 Kirk. 626 00:36:47,200 --> 00:36:47,900 Q: Thanks, Robert. 627 00:36:47,900 --> 00:36:51,600 The House is poised to include reconciliation in its budget. 628 00:36:51,600 --> 00:36:54,770 Has the President discussed that with Speaker Pelosi? 629 00:36:54,767 --> 00:36:56,437 MR. GIBBS: Not that I'm aware of, no. 630 00:36:56,433 --> 00:36:58,033 Q: Does he have any views on that? 631 00:36:58,033 --> 00:37:01,903 MR. GIBBS: Well, I think his main view on this and the view 632 00:37:01,900 --> 00:37:05,830 that I've enunciated from here is that there seems to be a lot 633 00:37:05,834 --> 00:37:11,064 of consternation about what could happen months down the 634 00:37:11,066 --> 00:37:16,396 line when the best way to be involved in discussing, whether 635 00:37:16,400 --> 00:37:21,500 it's health care or anything else, is to take active part in 636 00:37:21,500 --> 00:37:29,530 an introduction of ideas as the polices are all being created. 637 00:37:29,533 --> 00:37:32,963 I think that's the -- the best way to be involved in the policy 638 00:37:32,967 --> 00:37:38,097 process if you're a Democrat or a Republican is through the 639 00:37:38,100 --> 00:37:42,530 notion that it's going on right now. 640 00:37:42,533 --> 00:37:44,963 Q: And in an unrelated -- I mean, in a separate topic -- 641 00:37:44,967 --> 00:37:47,997 immigration -- is that a priority this year, and should 642 00:37:48,000 --> 00:37:51,970 the Congress take the initiative on that, or will the White House 643 00:37:51,967 --> 00:37:52,697 in terms of -- 644 00:37:52,700 --> 00:37:54,900 MR. GIBBS: Well I think the President has talked 645 00:37:54,900 --> 00:38:00,600 about that it is a priority and I think the only way that's 646 00:38:00,600 --> 00:38:03,700 going to get done is by everybody working together. 647 00:38:03,700 --> 00:38:04,570 Q: Thank you, Robert. 648 00:38:04,567 --> 00:38:05,837 MR. GIBBS: Yes, sir. 649 00:38:05,834 --> 00:38:08,634 Q: The Turkey trip -- is that stop -- the President made the 650 00:38:08,633 --> 00:38:11,133 promise of speaking in a Muslim country within 100 days -- is 651 00:38:11,133 --> 00:38:12,833 that it, or is there going to be another country? 652 00:38:12,834 --> 00:38:16,604 MR. GIBBS: That's not the speech that he talked about. 653 00:38:16,600 --> 00:38:18,470 Q: It's not the speech MR. GIBBS: It's not. 654 00:38:18,467 --> 00:38:22,937 Q: -- expect him to go to a Muslim country within 100 days? 655 00:38:22,934 --> 00:38:24,734 MR. GIBBS: It's not the speech. 656 00:38:24,734 --> 00:38:25,504 Thanks, guys. 657 00:38:25,500 --> 00:38:26,630 Q: Can you react to one thing? 658 00:38:26,633 --> 00:38:27,733 MR. GIBBS: Yes, sir. 659 00:38:27,734 --> 00:38:31,204 Q: DNI Blair in a briefing yesterday said if we're going to 660 00:38:31,200 --> 00:38:33,500 release Gitmo prisoners into the United States, we're going to 661 00:38:33,500 --> 00:38:37,730 have to do something to help them establish a new life; that 662 00:38:37,734 --> 00:38:41,034 there might have to be some conditions on them. 663 00:38:41,033 --> 00:38:45,103 Do you know anything about plans -- what would happen if we were 664 00:38:45,100 --> 00:38:46,970 to release Gitmo prisoners -- 665 00:38:46,967 --> 00:38:50,837 MR. GIBBS: I'd have to look at what Blair said about that. 666 00:38:50,834 --> 00:38:51,704 I don't have it. 667 00:38:51,700 --> 00:38:54,000 Q: Can we get just like the four-day ahead, since we know he 668 00:38:54,000 --> 00:38:54,830 goes -- 669 00:38:54,834 --> 00:38:57,304 MR. GIBBS: Well, the President will be here for an 670 00:38:57,300 --> 00:38:59,100 announcement Monday. 671 00:38:59,100 --> 00:39:00,500 Q: A.M. or P.M.? 672 00:39:00,500 --> 00:39:02,030 MR. GIBBS: I believe A.M. 673 00:39:02,033 --> 00:39:05,463 There may also be a bill signing later in the day. 674 00:39:05,467 --> 00:39:09,067 And then Tuesday -- I think the press plane leaves Monday night 675 00:39:09,066 --> 00:39:11,066 -- I don't want to leave you guys out of this. 676 00:39:11,066 --> 00:39:15,036 The President is wheels up from Andrews I believe at 8:00 a.m. 677 00:39:15,033 --> 00:39:19,003 on Tuesday for our European vacation. 678 00:39:19,000 --> 00:39:20,800 (Laughter.) Q: And this weekend? 679 00:39:20,800 --> 00:39:24,570 MR. GIBBS: The President is going to leave later this 680 00:39:24,567 --> 00:39:30,197 evening to go see Michelle and the girls as they finish Spring 681 00:39:30,200 --> 00:39:31,830 Break at Camp David. 682 00:39:31,834 --> 00:39:33,604 Q: Will there be a briefing on Monday? 683 00:39:33,600 --> 00:39:34,930 MR. GIBBS: Yes. 684 00:39:34,934 --> 00:39:36,304 Q: How long has his family been up there? 685 00:39:36,300 --> 00:39:37,100 MR. GIBBS: All week. 686 00:39:37,100 --> 00:39:40,170 Q: Do you anticipate the President coming back Sunday 687 00:39:40,166 --> 00:39:42,336 morning, Sunday evening? 688 00:39:42,333 --> 00:39:45,303 MR. GIBBS: I think they're coming back Sunday afternoon, 689 00:39:45,300 --> 00:39:49,430 but I will -- I'm pretty sure there are meetings, that he has 690 00:39:49,433 --> 00:39:52,733 meetings here in the afternoon on Sunday. 691 00:39:52,734 --> 00:39:55,104 Q: And you'll brief on Monday? 692 00:39:55,100 --> 00:39:56,030 MR. GIBBS: Yes.