English subtitles for clip: File:6-26-09- White House Press Briefing.webm
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1 00:00:00,533 --> 00:00:04,863 Mr. Gibbs: Let me just quickly do the week ahead. 2 00:00:04,867 --> 00:00:07,167 The President will spend the weekend in Washington and has no 3 00:00:07,166 --> 00:00:10,136 scheduled public events. 4 00:00:10,133 --> 00:00:13,363 On Monday the President will meet with President Uribe of 5 00:00:13,367 --> 00:00:15,667 Colombia here at the White House. 6 00:00:15,667 --> 00:00:18,237 He will attend an event at the White House recognizing and 7 00:00:18,233 --> 00:00:21,963 celebrating the accomplishments of LGBT Americans. 8 00:00:21,967 --> 00:00:25,337 Invited guests include families, volunteers, activists, and 9 00:00:25,333 --> 00:00:29,333 community leaders. 10 00:00:29,333 --> 00:00:32,803 Tuesday the President will hold an event here at the White House. 11 00:00:32,800 --> 00:00:34,330 Wednesday the President will attend meetings -- 12 00:00:34,333 --> 00:00:36,803 The Press: What kind of event? 13 00:00:36,800 --> 00:00:38,530 Mr. Gibbs: Unclear. 14 00:00:38,533 --> 00:00:40,233 On Wednesday the President will attend meetings at the 15 00:00:40,233 --> 00:00:45,363 White House and an event in the D.C. area. 16 00:00:45,367 --> 00:00:47,097 The Press: Cryptic. 17 00:00:47,100 --> 00:00:48,130 Mr. Gibbs: Very good, right? 18 00:00:48,133 --> 00:00:49,333 We're expanding the circle. 19 00:00:49,333 --> 00:00:50,033 (laughter) 20 00:00:50,033 --> 00:00:52,433 On Thursday the President will attend meetings at the White House. 21 00:00:52,433 --> 00:00:55,703 Later the President will travel to Camp David, where he will 22 00:00:55,700 --> 00:00:58,070 remain until Saturday. 23 00:00:58,066 --> 00:01:00,636 On Saturday the President will return to the White House and 24 00:01:00,633 --> 00:01:04,233 host a 4th of July event here in the evening. 25 00:01:04,233 --> 00:01:09,833 And as you all know, on Sunday night the President will depart for Moscow. 26 00:01:09,834 --> 00:01:11,334 The Press: Any statements from -- 27 00:01:11,333 --> 00:01:12,833 Mr. Gibbs: Not that I'm aware of. 28 00:01:12,834 --> 00:01:14,364 The Press: Do you know when the press charter is leaving? 29 00:01:14,367 --> 00:01:17,337 Because the last we heard was either the 4th or the 5th. 30 00:01:17,333 --> 00:01:19,703 The Press: Saturday. 31 00:01:19,700 --> 00:01:23,470 The Press: Late, late in the day. 32 00:01:23,467 --> 00:01:24,997 Mr. Gibbs: Yikes. 33 00:01:25,000 --> 00:01:27,530 Mr. Feller. 34 00:01:27,533 --> 00:01:29,533 The Press: Thanks, Robert. 35 00:01:29,533 --> 00:01:33,203 A quick follow-up on Iran, out of today's press avail. 36 00:01:33,200 --> 00:01:35,470 The President said there was no doubt that any direct dialogue 37 00:01:35,467 --> 00:01:37,697 or diplomacy with Iran is going to be affected by the events of 38 00:01:37,700 --> 00:01:38,670 the last several weeks. 39 00:01:38,667 --> 00:01:41,867 And I just wanted to see if you could add a bit to that, what he 40 00:01:41,867 --> 00:01:44,297 means by "no doubt"? 41 00:01:44,300 --> 00:01:47,030 What has definitely changed at this point and what still 42 00:01:47,033 --> 00:01:48,533 remains to be seen? 43 00:01:48,533 --> 00:01:50,333 Mr. Gibbs: Well, Ben, I think you heard the President say in 44 00:01:50,333 --> 00:01:54,463 his news conference earlier in the week that right now our 45 00:01:54,467 --> 00:01:58,467 focus is on what's going on there on the ground. 46 00:01:58,467 --> 00:02:04,367 Obviously lots has to -- a lot of things are going to have to 47 00:02:04,367 --> 00:02:08,997 shake out and get figured out obviously as we watch that. 48 00:02:09,000 --> 00:02:11,700 I think the President has been clear on that. 49 00:02:11,700 --> 00:02:17,430 As I've mentioned here, there are multilateral invitations. 50 00:02:17,433 --> 00:02:22,103 And, look, a lot of this is -- the Iranians have been offered a 51 00:02:22,100 --> 00:02:27,200 pathway to meet their responsibilities. 52 00:02:27,200 --> 00:02:31,530 In many ways, their actions are up to them and I think that's 53 00:02:31,533 --> 00:02:33,703 what the President said today. 54 00:02:33,700 --> 00:02:38,870 The G8 last night reiterated their multilateral invitation 55 00:02:38,867 --> 00:02:48,197 through a statement -- based on an ongoing invitation from early April. 56 00:02:48,200 --> 00:02:50,700 The Press: Well, I understand he's been consistent saying that 57 00:02:50,700 --> 00:02:52,400 events have to play out and the U.S. 58 00:02:52,400 --> 00:02:53,800 is watching and the world is watching. 59 00:02:53,800 --> 00:02:55,870 But when he says today there's no doubt that any direct 60 00:02:55,867 --> 00:02:58,897 dialogue is going to be affected by what's happened, is it clear 61 00:02:58,900 --> 00:03:01,870 at this point, regardless of what happens in the coming days, 62 00:03:01,867 --> 00:03:03,897 that at least something has changed? 63 00:03:03,900 --> 00:03:05,870 Mr. Gibbs: Well, I mean, look, I think we've seen the images, 64 00:03:05,867 --> 00:03:12,867 we've seen the violence, we've seen the actions in a way that 65 00:03:12,867 --> 00:03:18,467 leads I think many to believe that Iran isn't going to choose 66 00:03:18,467 --> 00:03:23,297 the pathway that's been offered by this and other countries as 67 00:03:23,300 --> 00:03:26,700 part of the P5-plus-1. 68 00:03:26,700 --> 00:03:33,830 Obviously it's -- again, I think their actions are up to them. 69 00:03:33,834 --> 00:03:37,364 The Press: I also wanted to ask quickly on climate. 70 00:03:37,367 --> 00:03:42,197 The House had a test vote this morning and the climate bill 71 00:03:42,200 --> 00:03:43,630 narrowly got through there. 72 00:03:43,633 --> 00:03:45,933 Is the White House as confident today as you were yesterday that 73 00:03:45,934 --> 00:03:48,104 this bill will ultimately pass? 74 00:03:48,100 --> 00:03:50,800 Mr. Gibbs: Well, you know, the President obviously has been 75 00:03:50,800 --> 00:03:55,100 engaged in talking to members, as have staff members here. 76 00:03:55,100 --> 00:03:59,670 I think you heard the President discuss the importance of this 77 00:03:59,667 --> 00:04:03,897 legislation when he did -- when he met with you all with 78 00:04:03,900 --> 00:04:06,000 Chancellor Merkel. 79 00:04:06,000 --> 00:04:10,000 And we continue to work it hard in hopes that today will make a 80 00:04:10,000 --> 00:04:17,330 big step forward in getting climate change and energy 81 00:04:17,333 --> 00:04:21,733 independence legislation one step closer to his desk. 82 00:04:21,734 --> 00:04:22,904 The Press: Is he still confident? 83 00:04:22,900 --> 00:04:24,470 Mr. Gibbs: Yes. 84 00:04:24,467 --> 00:04:25,097 Yes, sir. 85 00:04:25,100 --> 00:04:28,400 The Press: Just sort of a variation on the Iran question. 86 00:04:28,400 --> 00:04:30,870 When the President said there was no doubt, did that mean 87 00:04:30,867 --> 00:04:34,637 that, in effect, he's decided to delay his outreach for now? 88 00:04:34,633 --> 00:04:36,833 Or is he just sort of stating the obvious that the talks -- 89 00:04:36,834 --> 00:04:40,704 that the outreach can't proceed until the situation is -- 90 00:04:40,700 --> 00:04:43,700 Mr. Gibbs: I think it's more stating the obvious of -- and 91 00:04:43,700 --> 00:04:50,030 again, reiterating what he said earlier in the week, that 92 00:04:50,033 --> 00:04:56,133 obviously the Iranian regime is involved in what's going on 93 00:04:56,133 --> 00:04:59,803 inside of Iran right now. 94 00:04:59,800 --> 00:05:07,400 But again, I think, as I stated earlier, there are multilateral invitations. 95 00:05:07,400 --> 00:05:12,030 And again I want to reiterate most of all that there are 96 00:05:12,033 --> 00:05:15,203 decisions relating to what's going on currently in Iran and 97 00:05:15,200 --> 00:05:21,330 ways for them to meet their responsibilities as it relates 98 00:05:21,333 --> 00:05:26,663 to nuclear weapons or terrorism that are, in many ways, 99 00:05:26,667 --> 00:05:29,097 decisions that they have to make. 100 00:05:29,100 --> 00:05:32,430 And it's up to them to accept the pathway to responsibility. 101 00:05:32,433 --> 00:05:35,303 The Press: And I also wanted to ask a question about the meeting 102 00:05:35,300 --> 00:05:36,930 with President Uribe. 103 00:05:36,934 --> 00:05:39,604 Colombia is very interested in getting the free trade agreement 104 00:05:39,600 --> 00:05:42,400 approved that's been pending for a long time. 105 00:05:42,400 --> 00:05:45,270 Are you expecting any sort of concrete results to come out of 106 00:05:45,266 --> 00:05:48,536 this meeting that would advance that agreement? 107 00:05:48,533 --> 00:05:51,303 Mr. Gibbs: I won't get ahead of what the President will talk 108 00:05:51,300 --> 00:05:54,170 about -- or what might come out of the meeting, I should say. 109 00:05:54,166 --> 00:05:59,796 But I have no doubt that it will be something that 110 00:05:59,800 --> 00:06:03,570 President Obama and President Uribe discuss early next week. 111 00:06:03,567 --> 00:06:04,367 Yes, sir. 112 00:06:04,367 --> 00:06:06,837 The Press: Senator Grassley has said that the administration is 113 00:06:06,834 --> 00:06:08,634 stonewalling on these trade agreements. 114 00:06:08,633 --> 00:06:11,063 Is that a fair way to characterize it? 115 00:06:11,066 --> 00:06:14,166 Mr. Gibbs: I don't think that's the case. 116 00:06:14,166 --> 00:06:19,536 And I don't honestly know the basis for which he makes that 117 00:06:19,533 --> 00:06:21,133 statement. 118 00:06:21,133 --> 00:06:21,963 Yes, sir. 119 00:06:21,967 --> 00:06:26,967 The Press: Greenpeace announced yesterday that it opposes the energy legislation. 120 00:06:26,967 --> 00:06:30,437 And I know that President Obama wanted -- or originally proposed 121 00:06:30,433 --> 00:06:34,263 a hundred percent auction, and it's now down to 15 percent. 122 00:06:34,266 --> 00:06:37,466 Greenpeace says that the lobbyists have gotten to this 123 00:06:37,467 --> 00:06:41,897 bill and watered it down so much that it's better not to pass it. 124 00:06:41,900 --> 00:06:45,570 I'm wondering if President Obama feels that this is the best bill 125 00:06:45,567 --> 00:06:49,167 that can pass Congress, or if he stands by the content of this 126 00:06:49,166 --> 00:06:55,696 bill regardless of the political realities? 127 00:06:55,700 --> 00:07:04,130 Mr. Gibbs: Look, I think there's no doubt that the President 128 00:07:04,133 --> 00:07:08,333 believes this would be a historic step forward in energy 129 00:07:08,333 --> 00:07:14,333 and climate change legislation; that he disagrees with those on 130 00:07:14,333 --> 00:07:20,203 both sides of the political spectrum that criticize this legislation. 131 00:07:20,200 --> 00:07:23,600 Jake, I won't -- I believe the President would very clearly say 132 00:07:23,600 --> 00:07:29,770 that would a process of a hundred percent auction that he 133 00:07:29,767 --> 00:07:33,397 proposed in the campaign be a more perfect way to do it? 134 00:07:33,400 --> 00:07:34,170 Yes. 135 00:07:34,166 --> 00:07:39,036 But I think the administration is not going to make the perfect 136 00:07:39,033 --> 00:07:41,363 the enemy of the really, really good. 137 00:07:41,367 --> 00:07:45,997 In a way that moves this bill -- it moves this legislation 138 00:07:46,000 --> 00:07:49,100 forward and gets us one step closer to taking comprehensive 139 00:07:49,100 --> 00:07:52,770 action to deal with dangerous greenhouse gas emissions that we 140 00:07:52,767 --> 00:07:58,637 all know threaten and endanger our planet. 141 00:07:58,633 --> 00:08:02,633 And I think that's why he's working hard right now to ensure 142 00:08:02,633 --> 00:08:06,163 that it's one step closer today. 143 00:08:06,166 --> 00:08:08,366 The Press: Okay, I will ask. 144 00:08:08,367 --> 00:08:11,797 The President has talked a lot about his love of music. 145 00:08:11,800 --> 00:08:14,600 He hosted Stevie Wonder here. 146 00:08:14,600 --> 00:08:17,200 He has talked a great deal about 147 00:08:17,200 --> 00:08:20,570 what's on his iPod to Rolling Stone Magazine. 148 00:08:20,567 --> 00:08:23,267 Well, what's his reaction to the death of Michael Jackson? 149 00:08:23,266 --> 00:08:26,766 Mr. Gibbs: I talked to him about it this morning. 150 00:08:26,767 --> 00:08:35,067 Look, he said to me that obviously, Michael Jackson was a 151 00:08:35,066 --> 00:08:42,866 spectacular performer, a music icon. 152 00:08:42,867 --> 00:08:50,797 I think everybody remembers hearing his songs, watching him 153 00:08:50,800 --> 00:08:59,500 moonwalk on television during Motown's 25th anniversary. 154 00:08:59,500 --> 00:09:03,870 But the President also said, look, he had -- aspects of his 155 00:09:03,867 --> 00:09:06,997 life were sad and tragic. 156 00:09:07,000 --> 00:09:12,630 And his condolences went out to the Jackson family and to fans 157 00:09:12,633 --> 00:09:14,303 that mourned his loss. 158 00:09:14,300 --> 00:09:17,070 The Press: Why not a written statement, then? 159 00:09:17,066 --> 00:09:19,296 Mr. Gibbs: Because I just said it. 160 00:09:19,300 --> 00:09:21,300 The Press: And you say he did send condolences to the family 161 00:09:21,300 --> 00:09:23,100 -- did he call the family personally? 162 00:09:23,100 --> 00:09:26,670 Mr. Gibbs: Not that I know of. 163 00:09:26,667 --> 00:09:29,237 The Press: That was going to be my question, but you answered it-- 164 00:09:29,233 --> 00:09:30,533 Mr. Gibbs: We're done, right? 165 00:09:30,533 --> 00:09:32,863 (laughter) 166 00:09:32,867 --> 00:09:34,367 You guys really didn't have a bunch of climate 167 00:09:34,367 --> 00:09:35,767 change questions either. 168 00:09:35,767 --> 00:09:40,167 I noticed you guys were a bit shy when the President was 169 00:09:40,166 --> 00:09:42,396 standing up there earlier today. 170 00:09:42,400 --> 00:09:45,270 The Press: We were shocked. 171 00:09:45,266 --> 00:09:46,336 The Press: Should we have shouted? 172 00:09:46,333 --> 00:09:47,503 The Press: Was he waiting -- 173 00:09:47,500 --> 00:09:49,830 Mr. Gibbs: I could have arranged it through a third party. 174 00:09:49,834 --> 00:09:51,464 The Press: Ooooh! 175 00:09:51,467 --> 00:09:53,137 (laughter) 176 00:09:53,133 --> 00:09:54,063 Mr. Gibbs: Sorry, go ahead. 177 00:09:54,066 --> 00:09:58,866 The Press: I did think about shouting, but I already did that 178 00:09:58,867 --> 00:10:01,167 once this week. 179 00:10:01,166 --> 00:10:04,236 The administration has consistently said that you have 180 00:10:04,233 --> 00:10:06,863 not wanted to meddle in the Iranian elections. 181 00:10:06,867 --> 00:10:09,197 But in the President's remarks today, when speaking about the 182 00:10:09,200 --> 00:10:12,970 opposition leader Mousavi, he said "he has captured the spirit 183 00:10:12,967 --> 00:10:15,067 and imagination of the Iranian people." 184 00:10:15,066 --> 00:10:17,136 Isn't that an endorsement? 185 00:10:17,133 --> 00:10:17,933 Mr. Gibbs: No. 186 00:10:17,934 --> 00:10:19,504 You know, look -- 187 00:10:19,500 --> 00:10:21,430 The Press: It sounds like a strong endorsement. 188 00:10:21,433 --> 00:10:24,103 Mr. Gibbs: I think this was in a question about defending a 189 00:10:24,100 --> 00:10:28,270 statement that some of you all had been critical of, in terms 190 00:10:28,266 --> 00:10:32,666 of not endorsing him earlier. 191 00:10:32,667 --> 00:10:36,997 Look, the President, as he said today, has taken great pains not 192 00:10:37,000 --> 00:10:41,230 to interject himself or the United States into this 193 00:10:41,233 --> 00:10:42,433 back-and-forth. 194 00:10:42,433 --> 00:10:44,733 I think we all understand -- and we've seen the actions of 195 00:10:44,734 --> 00:10:48,664 President Ahmadinejad in just the last few days, trying very 196 00:10:48,667 --> 00:10:53,637 desperately to interject somebody else into this equation 197 00:10:53,633 --> 00:11:03,033 while people continue to make their voices heard and condemn 198 00:11:03,033 --> 00:11:05,633 the violent actions of the government. 199 00:11:05,633 --> 00:11:10,633 I think -- again, I've said this a lot over the past few days, 200 00:11:10,633 --> 00:11:15,863 and almost two weeks, but that's what some in Iran want this 201 00:11:15,867 --> 00:11:19,167 administration and this country to do. 202 00:11:19,166 --> 00:11:24,496 And the President has spoken out about the universal principles 203 00:11:24,500 --> 00:11:28,970 that are involved here, while not getting involved in a debate 204 00:11:28,967 --> 00:11:32,037 in Iran, among Iranians. 205 00:11:32,033 --> 00:11:33,033 Yes, ma'am. 206 00:11:33,033 --> 00:11:39,033 The Press: President Carter was in Gaza recently and said that 207 00:11:39,033 --> 00:11:42,233 the people there are treated like animals. 208 00:11:42,233 --> 00:11:44,233 Does the President agree with that? 209 00:11:44,233 --> 00:11:47,633 Mr. Gibbs: I have not seen President Carter's statement on that. 210 00:11:47,633 --> 00:11:53,703 I think the President believes clearly that comprehensive peace 211 00:11:53,700 --> 00:11:58,170 can bring security, stability, and opportunity to all people in 212 00:11:58,166 --> 00:12:00,396 the Middle East. 213 00:12:00,400 --> 00:12:04,570 I think the President has spoken about ensuring that hope and 214 00:12:04,567 --> 00:12:11,467 opportunity for Palestinians if both sides will have the courage 215 00:12:11,467 --> 00:12:14,797 to come together and seek that long-term peace. 216 00:12:14,800 --> 00:12:16,530 The Press: I have a follow-up. 217 00:12:16,533 --> 00:12:19,633 The President always speaks about the right of the Israelis 218 00:12:19,633 --> 00:12:24,363 to exist, but he doesn't speak about Palestinians, who 7 219 00:12:24,367 --> 00:12:29,037 percent of their land is under occupation. 220 00:12:29,033 --> 00:12:31,203 Do they have a right to exist? 221 00:12:31,200 --> 00:12:32,530 Mr. Gibbs: Absolutely, Helen. 222 00:12:32,533 --> 00:12:33,663 I think if you look back at the -- 223 00:12:33,667 --> 00:12:35,337 The Press: Under occupation? 224 00:12:35,333 --> 00:12:36,963 How many years -- 225 00:12:36,967 --> 00:12:39,097 Mr. Gibbs: Well, look, let me not parse the President's words. 226 00:12:39,100 --> 00:12:42,100 I think if you look through the speech in Cairo, I think the 227 00:12:42,100 --> 00:12:53,530 President is pretty clear in his support for comprehensive peace, 228 00:12:53,533 --> 00:12:57,103 as I said, a two-state solution that will bring stability, 229 00:12:57,100 --> 00:13:00,530 security, and opportunity to everyone in that troubled region 230 00:13:00,533 --> 00:13:01,563 of the world. 231 00:13:01,567 --> 00:13:04,797 The Press: Well, my only follow-up is that in his public 232 00:13:04,800 --> 00:13:07,530 remarks, he only speaks of Israel's rights. 233 00:13:07,533 --> 00:13:12,903 Mr. Gibbs: No, I -- we'll pull that Cairo speech and we can 234 00:13:12,900 --> 00:13:16,030 have a conversation about different aspects of it. 235 00:13:16,033 --> 00:13:19,233 I think if you take a look at that again you'll see that the 236 00:13:19,233 --> 00:13:20,133 President is -- 237 00:13:20,133 --> 00:13:23,903 The Press: I'm talking about other times that he talked. 238 00:13:23,900 --> 00:13:26,500 Mr. Gibbs: Well, does that time not count? 239 00:13:26,500 --> 00:13:30,730 The Press: How long does he go on that he never speaks of Palestinians? 240 00:13:30,734 --> 00:13:37,934 Mr. Gibbs: I think you can go back and look at his comments, 241 00:13:37,934 --> 00:13:39,834 and he's been very clear on this. 242 00:13:39,834 --> 00:13:40,504 Chip. 243 00:13:40,500 --> 00:13:42,330 The Press: Ever since the President toughened his language 244 00:13:42,333 --> 00:13:45,133 a few days ago, two things have happened -- maybe more than two, 245 00:13:45,133 --> 00:13:46,433 but at least two. 246 00:13:46,433 --> 00:13:49,133 One is that the dissent has been all but crushed. 247 00:13:49,133 --> 00:13:51,503 So is he powerless to affect the situation there? 248 00:13:51,500 --> 00:13:56,170 And second, Ahmadinejad has attempted to use his words as 249 00:13:56,166 --> 00:13:58,996 exactly the kind of foil and political football that the 250 00:13:59,000 --> 00:14:00,500 President wanted to avoid. 251 00:14:00,500 --> 00:14:04,100 So, number one, is the President powerless there; and number two, 252 00:14:04,100 --> 00:14:06,930 did he give them the kind of ammunition that he was trying to avoid giving? 253 00:14:06,934 --> 00:14:10,304 Mr. Gibbs: No. 254 00:14:10,300 --> 00:14:17,000 Interesting 180 on your earlier question from earlier in the week. 255 00:14:17,000 --> 00:14:17,930 The Press: Times change. 256 00:14:17,934 --> 00:14:21,334 Mr. Gibbs: Yes, apparently. 257 00:14:21,333 --> 00:14:27,163 Look, I think the international community continues to condemn 258 00:14:27,166 --> 00:14:28,666 what is going on in Iran. 259 00:14:28,667 --> 00:14:35,497 I think if you asked the Iranian regime where they are right now 260 00:14:35,500 --> 00:14:41,830 and where they sit and whether they think they're in good stead 261 00:14:41,834 --> 00:14:46,464 and in control of that country, I think you'll in a moment of 262 00:14:46,467 --> 00:14:51,337 honesty get a far different answer. 263 00:14:51,333 --> 00:15:00,263 The President, again, has responded forcefully from the 264 00:15:00,266 --> 00:15:04,136 very moment of the elections, the first day that you all asked 265 00:15:04,133 --> 00:15:08,403 him questions in the Oval Office about violence that might happen 266 00:15:08,400 --> 00:15:11,970 and violence that at that point had already happened. 267 00:15:11,967 --> 00:15:17,997 I think, again, what you've seen from Ahmadinejad is probably 268 00:15:18,000 --> 00:15:20,930 right out of the regime's playbook. 269 00:15:20,934 --> 00:15:24,204 They were going to -- in many ways, they were going to try to 270 00:15:24,200 --> 00:15:26,970 do this regardless of what we said. 271 00:15:26,967 --> 00:15:30,437 I think the President, in many ways, disposed of 272 00:15:30,433 --> 00:15:35,103 Mr. Ahmadinejad's language from the past couple of days at the 273 00:15:35,100 --> 00:15:37,170 press avail earlier. 274 00:15:37,166 --> 00:15:42,536 I think he has done what he needs to do to ensure that he 275 00:15:42,533 --> 00:15:48,903 doesn't become a foil by the regime, and I think that's been 276 00:15:48,900 --> 00:15:54,170 reported by many of your outlets from people believing that in Iran. 277 00:15:54,166 --> 00:15:57,266 The Press: Do you think that his more forceful presentation, his 278 00:15:57,266 --> 00:16:00,936 more forceful words, have had a direct effect on the situation 279 00:16:00,934 --> 00:16:03,104 in Iran for the better? 280 00:16:03,100 --> 00:16:09,970 Mr. Gibbs: Well, I think the President -- the President spoke 281 00:16:09,967 --> 00:16:12,937 out forcefully against violence from the very beginning. 282 00:16:12,934 --> 00:16:15,864 I think those are universal principles that he and many 283 00:16:15,867 --> 00:16:19,667 throughout the world community uphold. 284 00:16:19,667 --> 00:16:25,767 And he will continue, as they discussed it -- as he discussed 285 00:16:25,767 --> 00:16:30,337 it with Chancellor Merkel, and as the G8 has done, continue to 286 00:16:30,333 --> 00:16:32,463 speak out on this. 287 00:16:32,467 --> 00:16:33,397 Yes, ma'am. 288 00:16:33,400 --> 00:16:34,500 The Press: The President has always made an argument that 289 00:16:34,500 --> 00:16:38,070 unilateral engagement makes sense for our -- within Iran -- 290 00:16:38,066 --> 00:16:39,966 for our national security interests. 291 00:16:39,967 --> 00:16:42,767 I'm sure that he takes issue with some of the ways Iran 292 00:16:42,767 --> 00:16:45,237 conducts itself, that regime conducts itself up to this 293 00:16:45,233 --> 00:16:49,133 point, yet he still felt that engagement was a good policy. 294 00:16:49,133 --> 00:16:52,633 Today he seems to be saying engagement has to be on hold. 295 00:16:52,633 --> 00:16:55,133 In any way does that undercut the argument that he's made all 296 00:16:55,133 --> 00:16:57,003 along, that something has changed? 297 00:16:57,000 --> 00:16:59,000 Mr. Gibbs: No, I think -- again, I think what the President did 298 00:16:59,000 --> 00:17:03,270 today was largely reiterate what he'd said earlier in the week, 299 00:17:03,266 --> 00:17:08,666 that we're going to -- there obviously are a series of events 300 00:17:08,667 --> 00:17:11,397 that have yet to play out in Iran, and we'll watch those 301 00:17:11,400 --> 00:17:13,830 events play out. 302 00:17:13,834 --> 00:17:17,104 I think our long-term interest, as it relates to Iran and the 303 00:17:17,100 --> 00:17:20,970 danger in the region remain, quite honestly, no different 304 00:17:20,967 --> 00:17:24,367 than they remained the day before the election. 305 00:17:24,367 --> 00:17:28,897 We've all witnessed the images since the days of that election, 306 00:17:28,900 --> 00:17:32,270 and that's I think foremost on the minds of not only this 307 00:17:32,266 --> 00:17:34,566 President and this administration, but people 308 00:17:34,567 --> 00:17:35,937 throughout the world. 309 00:17:35,934 --> 00:17:38,304 The Press: But you still believe in engagement as a policy? 310 00:17:38,300 --> 00:17:41,700 Mr. Gibbs: He does, understanding right now that the 311 00:17:41,700 --> 00:17:44,470 Iranians seem preoccupied. 312 00:17:44,467 --> 00:17:45,297 Yes, sir. 313 00:17:45,300 --> 00:17:47,970 The Press: Chancellor Merkel today spoke directly to the 314 00:17:47,967 --> 00:17:52,337 election results in Iran when she said that there should be a 315 00:17:52,333 --> 00:17:56,063 re-vote, some kind of recount. 316 00:17:56,066 --> 00:17:58,536 I haven't heard President Obama say anything like that. 317 00:17:58,533 --> 00:18:00,833 Does he agree with Chancellor Merkel on that? 318 00:18:00,834 --> 00:18:05,834 Mr. Gibbs: That's a decision that Iranians are going to have 319 00:18:05,834 --> 00:18:08,034 to make about their own leadership. 320 00:18:08,033 --> 00:18:10,803 The Press: So are you saying that Chancellor Merkel was going 321 00:18:10,800 --> 00:18:13,530 to go further than -- went further than President Obama was 322 00:18:13,533 --> 00:18:14,303 prepared to? 323 00:18:14,300 --> 00:18:16,370 Mr. Gibbs: I'm not going to -- I've not been hired to 324 00:18:16,367 --> 00:18:19,667 characterize Chancellor Merkel's statements. 325 00:18:19,667 --> 00:18:22,497 The Press: But he said they spoke with one voice. 326 00:18:22,500 --> 00:18:26,570 Mr. Gibbs: In condemning the violence. 327 00:18:26,567 --> 00:18:30,837 I think you all have heard everything that the President said on this. 328 00:18:30,834 --> 00:18:33,904 The Press: How hard is he working this climate bill thing 329 00:18:33,900 --> 00:18:35,930 today as the vote approaches? 330 00:18:35,934 --> 00:18:37,764 Has he been making calls today? 331 00:18:37,767 --> 00:18:39,667 Mr. Gibbs: He has made a few calls today, yes. 332 00:18:39,667 --> 00:18:42,037 The Press: And what about anyone else here? 333 00:18:42,033 --> 00:18:45,633 Mr. Gibbs: No, as I said yesterday I know that the team 334 00:18:45,633 --> 00:18:49,733 that works on energy, obviously they've worked throughout this 335 00:18:49,734 --> 00:18:52,104 process to get the legislation to the point that it is right 336 00:18:52,100 --> 00:18:57,700 now and are working hard to get it through the House and on to 337 00:18:57,700 --> 00:19:01,870 the next step of heading into the Senate. 338 00:19:01,867 --> 00:19:03,497 They will continue to work that throughout the day. 339 00:19:03,500 --> 00:19:06,100 The Press: Are the energy and interior secretaries still -- 340 00:19:06,100 --> 00:19:07,370 Mr. Gibbs: Yes, they're still involved. 341 00:19:07,367 --> 00:19:08,537 Yes. 342 00:19:08,533 --> 00:19:09,233 Yes, ma'am. 343 00:19:09,233 --> 00:19:11,863 The Press: What's the outlook like for it in the Senate, for 344 00:19:11,867 --> 00:19:15,437 the climate change legislation? 345 00:19:15,433 --> 00:19:20,103 Mr. Gibbs: Not being a senator, I don't know what the particular 346 00:19:20,100 --> 00:19:22,900 -- I don't know what particular piece of legislation have thus 347 00:19:22,900 --> 00:19:23,900 far been written. 348 00:19:23,900 --> 00:19:28,870 I know that -- I think a majority of people in the Senate 349 00:19:28,867 --> 00:19:32,737 strongly believe that we have to deal with this problem -- 350 00:19:32,734 --> 00:19:39,364 dealing with this problem in a way that creates jobs, lessens 351 00:19:39,367 --> 00:19:42,797 our dependence on foreign oil, and protects the planet that we 352 00:19:42,800 --> 00:19:48,900 live on is something that can help lay the foundation for 353 00:19:48,900 --> 00:19:56,370 long-term economic growth and preserve our well-being. 354 00:19:56,367 --> 00:19:59,497 So I think that the administration believes that 355 00:19:59,500 --> 00:20:01,800 legislation -- it's possible to get legislation through the 356 00:20:01,800 --> 00:20:03,500 Senate and to his desk. 357 00:20:03,500 --> 00:20:06,200 The Press: What are you doing to get it through the Senate? 358 00:20:06,200 --> 00:20:09,000 Mr. Gibbs: Trying to get it over there by getting it through the House. 359 00:20:09,000 --> 00:20:10,800 Yes, sir. 360 00:20:10,800 --> 00:20:13,430 The Press: Some of the Iranian opposition groups are currently 361 00:20:13,433 --> 00:20:16,733 on the U.S. list of terrorist organizations. 362 00:20:16,734 --> 00:20:19,564 The EU has removed them from its list. 363 00:20:19,567 --> 00:20:21,997 Would the President consider doing the same? 364 00:20:22,000 --> 00:20:24,070 Mr. Gibbs: I don't have any information on that -- 365 00:20:24,066 --> 00:20:26,936 we can have somebody at NSC look that up for you. 366 00:20:26,934 --> 00:20:27,804 Yes, sir. 367 00:20:27,800 --> 00:20:29,470 The Press: Thank you, Robert. 368 00:20:29,467 --> 00:20:30,237 Mr. Gibbs: You're welcome. 369 00:20:30,233 --> 00:20:36,333 The Press: The President has said, I believe, that -- or 370 00:20:36,333 --> 00:20:39,203 threatened to veto the defense appropriations bill because of 371 00:20:39,200 --> 00:20:42,670 F-22 measures. 372 00:20:42,667 --> 00:20:46,037 The defense appropriations committee recently increased 373 00:20:46,033 --> 00:20:47,403 funding for F-22s. 374 00:20:47,400 --> 00:20:49,230 Does the veto threat still stand? 375 00:20:49,233 --> 00:20:50,233 Mr. Gibbs: Absolutely. 376 00:20:50,233 --> 00:20:51,103 The Press: All right. 377 00:20:51,100 --> 00:20:58,200 Mr. Gibbs: Secretary Gates has outlined a very robust plan to 378 00:20:58,200 --> 00:21:03,900 change our defense procurement and to invest in weapons systems 379 00:21:03,900 --> 00:21:09,500 and in manpower that make the most sense for the future. 380 00:21:09,500 --> 00:21:13,700 He and others have determined that that's not part of that 381 00:21:13,700 --> 00:21:18,330 program and if that money is contained in the bill, the 382 00:21:18,333 --> 00:21:20,503 Secretary of Defense and advisors here, as I said 383 00:21:20,500 --> 00:21:22,600 yesterday, would recommend that the President veto that bill, 384 00:21:22,600 --> 00:21:23,200 yes. 385 00:21:23,200 --> 00:21:25,570 The Press: The other thing, and it may be a little presumptuous 386 00:21:25,567 --> 00:21:29,667 now, but Senator Schumer, speaking at Georgetown on 387 00:21:29,667 --> 00:21:34,297 Wednesday, said that on the eve of the immigration summit, that 388 00:21:34,300 --> 00:21:40,200 a comprehensive immigration bill is what is in order, and he 389 00:21:40,200 --> 00:21:45,300 urged the President to go along those lines in his plan to solve 390 00:21:45,300 --> 00:21:47,170 the immigration problem. 391 00:21:47,166 --> 00:21:51,966 Three years ago comprehensive immigration meant naturalization 392 00:21:51,967 --> 00:21:53,897 and border security in one package. 393 00:21:53,900 --> 00:21:55,800 Does the President agree with Senator Schumer, 394 00:21:55,800 --> 00:21:58,970 it should be done at once? 395 00:21:58,967 --> 00:22:02,497 Mr. Gibbs: I have not talked to the Legislative Affairs guys in 396 00:22:02,500 --> 00:22:06,730 terms of whether this is all contained in one bill or how 397 00:22:06,734 --> 00:22:12,504 that's all done, except to note this: That whether it is 398 00:22:12,500 --> 00:22:22,230 ensuring that there's verifiable systems to check employees when 399 00:22:22,233 --> 00:22:27,903 they're hired, strengthening security at our borders as well 400 00:22:27,900 --> 00:22:30,570 as providing that pathway to citizenship -- that all of that 401 00:22:30,567 --> 00:22:34,037 represents comprehensive reform, and that the only way to deal 402 00:22:34,033 --> 00:22:37,033 with this issue is through that comprehensive reform. 403 00:22:37,033 --> 00:22:37,633 Jeff. 404 00:22:37,633 --> 00:22:41,503 The Press: Robert, I wondered if you knew if the President had 405 00:22:41,500 --> 00:22:44,130 ever met Michael Jackson in person, 406 00:22:44,133 --> 00:22:47,533 or if Mrs. Obama had ever met Michael Jackson? 407 00:22:47,533 --> 00:22:50,363 Mr. Gibbs: He did not -- he did not tell me that he had. 408 00:22:50,367 --> 00:22:51,367 I can certainly check. 409 00:22:51,367 --> 00:22:54,767 I do not believe -- I do not believe they have. 410 00:22:54,767 --> 00:22:55,597 The Press: Thank you. 411 00:22:55,600 --> 00:22:56,200 Mr. Gibbs: Sure. 412 00:22:56,200 --> 00:22:58,430 The Press: Can I ask a little bit more about Monday's -- 413 00:22:58,433 --> 00:22:59,263 Mr. Gibbs: About Michael? 414 00:22:59,266 --> 00:22:59,966 The Press: Not about -- 415 00:22:59,967 --> 00:23:00,997 (laughter) 416 00:23:01,000 --> 00:23:03,770 Monday's event, gay and lesbian -- 417 00:23:03,767 --> 00:23:06,337 Mr. Gibbs: I admit I don't have a whole lot on it, but yes. 418 00:23:06,333 --> 00:23:08,803 The Press: You spoke about that it's going to be a salute to the 419 00:23:08,800 --> 00:23:11,500 accomplishment of gay and lesbian Americans. 420 00:23:11,500 --> 00:23:14,230 Is this a sign that the President is feeling political 421 00:23:14,233 --> 00:23:17,433 heat from this group, that he felt that he should schedule this? 422 00:23:17,433 --> 00:23:20,003 Mr. Gibbs: No, this is an event scheduled around Pride Month. 423 00:23:20,000 --> 00:23:20,770 The Press: Around Pride Month? 424 00:23:20,767 --> 00:23:23,537 And this is the first time that the White House has done that 425 00:23:23,533 --> 00:23:24,403 sort of event here. 426 00:23:24,400 --> 00:23:28,430 Mr. Gibbs: This will be the first time we've had Pride Month 427 00:23:28,433 --> 00:23:30,363 while we're in the White House. 428 00:23:30,367 --> 00:23:32,697 The Press: I was just wondering what -- are we to expect any 429 00:23:32,700 --> 00:23:36,700 substantive announcements on the two issues that that community 430 00:23:36,700 --> 00:23:40,470 has right at the forefront right now -- Defense of Marriage and 431 00:23:40,467 --> 00:23:42,267 "don't ask, don't tell"? 432 00:23:42,266 --> 00:23:43,966 Mr. Gibbs: No. 433 00:23:43,967 --> 00:23:44,737 Yes. 434 00:23:44,734 --> 00:23:45,934 Nothing? 435 00:23:45,934 --> 00:23:49,304 The Press: Well, I don't know. How was the dunk yesterday? 436 00:23:49,300 --> 00:23:50,200 Mr. Gibbs: Thankfully the water had warmed up. 437 00:23:50,200 --> 00:23:54,700 I will be -- I assume that Bill is not here because he's icing his arm. 438 00:23:54,700 --> 00:23:55,870 (laughter) 439 00:23:55,867 --> 00:23:58,397 Either that or a try-out with the Nationals. 440 00:23:58,400 --> 00:24:00,870 I would have bet a hefty amount of money that Bill wasn't going 441 00:24:00,867 --> 00:24:05,467 to dunk me, and I was proven wrong on the very first pitch. 442 00:24:05,467 --> 00:24:06,767 The Press: What about Feller? 443 00:24:06,767 --> 00:24:12,967 Mr. Gibbs: Feller, I would have thought had a pretty good shot. 444 00:24:12,967 --> 00:24:21,997 But I have to admit, I was not counting on Bill Plante to send me wet. 445 00:24:22,000 --> 00:24:24,970 (laughter) 446 00:24:24,967 --> 00:24:26,197 Mr. Gibbs: Who else? 447 00:24:26,200 --> 00:24:28,170 Let's go around, Stephen. 448 00:24:28,166 --> 00:24:31,796 The Press: The president of Iraq said that the prime minister 449 00:24:31,800 --> 00:24:35,200 would need to strengthen security forces. 450 00:24:35,200 --> 00:24:38,230 Is he confident that the security forces as they're 451 00:24:38,233 --> 00:24:42,203 currently constituted can quell this current wave of violence? 452 00:24:42,200 --> 00:24:46,130 And how much is the withdrawal from the cities, of U.S. 453 00:24:46,133 --> 00:24:50,233 troops, is sort of a litmus test for how things will go next 454 00:24:50,233 --> 00:24:53,363 August, at the end of combat operations in the end of 2011? 455 00:24:53,367 --> 00:24:55,337 Mr. Gibbs: Well, I think as the President mentioned, obviously 456 00:24:55,333 --> 00:25:01,703 there is -- while there is always concern about violence in 457 00:25:01,700 --> 00:25:10,670 Iraq, that he has certainly spoken to General Odierno and others. 458 00:25:10,667 --> 00:25:17,867 We've witnessed the continuing -- certainly if you compare the 459 00:25:17,867 --> 00:25:25,197 security situation even now with months ago, the security 460 00:25:25,200 --> 00:25:28,500 situation has gotten stronger. 461 00:25:28,500 --> 00:25:34,530 But, again, we've got -- we have political progress that has to 462 00:25:34,533 --> 00:25:41,303 be made, continued security progress that has to be made. 463 00:25:41,300 --> 00:25:45,930 The President and his team -- Ambassador Hill, General Odierno 464 00:25:45,934 --> 00:25:49,404 -- believe that we're making progress and that we're on the 465 00:25:49,400 --> 00:25:53,230 pathway to meet our goals. 466 00:25:53,233 --> 00:25:56,963 But obviously, we'll continue to watch it very, very closely. 467 00:25:56,967 --> 00:25:57,697 April. 468 00:25:57,700 --> 00:25:59,900 The Press: Robert, back on Michael Jackson. 469 00:25:59,900 --> 00:26:04,600 Understanding that many people viewed him as a complicated mix, 470 00:26:04,600 --> 00:26:07,530 you still had other world leaders come out with written 471 00:26:07,533 --> 00:26:11,863 statements on Michael Jackson -- to include a leader here in the 472 00:26:11,867 --> 00:26:13,397 United States, Arnold Schwarzenegger, 473 00:26:13,400 --> 00:26:16,670 written statement; Nelson Mandela, others. 474 00:26:16,667 --> 00:26:20,837 Why not issue a written statement for a man who has come 475 00:26:20,834 --> 00:26:23,964 to this White House, visited other Presidents, been honored 476 00:26:23,967 --> 00:26:27,297 by other Presidents for his humanitarian efforts? 477 00:26:27,300 --> 00:26:29,900 He also worked with the Democratic Party, which this 478 00:26:29,900 --> 00:26:32,170 President is the head of, helped fundraise. 479 00:26:32,166 --> 00:26:34,836 Why not a written statement? 480 00:26:34,834 --> 00:26:39,004 Mr. Gibbs: I thought I did a pretty good job. 481 00:26:39,000 --> 00:26:43,530 The Press: But at first, yesterday we were told, no statement. 482 00:26:43,533 --> 00:26:46,303 Then today you expected us to ask the President. 483 00:26:46,300 --> 00:26:48,230 And now there's -- 484 00:26:48,233 --> 00:26:52,033 Mr. Gibbs: Well, you guys are the media. 485 00:26:52,033 --> 00:26:55,763 I generally expect -- April, have you never interrupted me to 486 00:26:55,767 --> 00:26:56,937 ask a question? 487 00:26:56,934 --> 00:26:57,564 The Press: I have. 488 00:26:57,567 --> 00:27:03,497 Mr. Gibbs: I was surprised by the -- maybe I was just surprised. 489 00:27:03,500 --> 00:27:04,500 The Press: But what I'm getting at -- 490 00:27:04,500 --> 00:27:06,170 Mr. Gibbs: I watched a little cable today. 491 00:27:06,166 --> 00:27:07,866 The Press: What I'm getting at is why this way? 492 00:27:07,867 --> 00:27:08,637 Why now? 493 00:27:08,633 --> 00:27:10,233 I mean, we pressed you yesterday. 494 00:27:10,233 --> 00:27:11,833 We kept asking, we kept asking. 495 00:27:11,834 --> 00:27:13,804 And then we were told, no, no, no, no. 496 00:27:13,800 --> 00:27:16,230 Mr. Gibbs: But I think we said that there wasn't going to be a statement. 497 00:27:16,233 --> 00:27:20,133 So I mean, I asked the President what he thought about it today, 498 00:27:20,133 --> 00:27:23,763 and as his spokesman, passed that along to you. 499 00:27:23,767 --> 00:27:24,967 Bill. 500 00:27:24,967 --> 00:27:27,897 The Press: Robert, back to the public plan option. 501 00:27:27,900 --> 00:27:30,030 The President wants to see comprehensive health reform -- 502 00:27:30,033 --> 00:27:32,963 bipartisan, if possible -- with a public plan option. 503 00:27:32,967 --> 00:27:35,897 Senator Grassley said two days ago, if you want any Republican 504 00:27:35,900 --> 00:27:38,130 votes, no public plan option. 505 00:27:38,133 --> 00:27:42,063 So who is driving this train? 506 00:27:42,066 --> 00:27:43,196 Mr. Gibbs: Which train? 507 00:27:43,200 --> 00:27:45,230 The Press: The health reform train, in terms of whether or 508 00:27:45,233 --> 00:27:47,363 not there's going to be a public plan option? 509 00:27:47,367 --> 00:27:49,597 Mr. Gibbs: Well, I think the President has been very clear on 510 00:27:49,600 --> 00:27:52,600 what his priorities are. 511 00:27:52,600 --> 00:27:54,470 I think you heard the President say earlier this week that this 512 00:27:54,467 --> 00:27:59,367 is part of -- health care reform is part of a long negotiation. 513 00:27:59,367 --> 00:28:04,867 The President believes that the public option for those that 514 00:28:04,867 --> 00:28:07,467 can't afford insurance are offered it through their 515 00:28:07,467 --> 00:28:13,167 workplace, that for them a public option provides important 516 00:28:13,166 --> 00:28:17,696 choice and competition. 517 00:28:17,700 --> 00:28:19,800 But I think both the -- and I would say both -- I think both 518 00:28:19,800 --> 00:28:25,700 committees in the Senate are working toward making progress 519 00:28:25,700 --> 00:28:27,130 on the President's goals. 520 00:28:27,133 --> 00:28:29,903 The Press: But if Senator Grassley is willing to say, no 521 00:28:29,900 --> 00:28:33,530 bill if there's a public plan, is the President ready to say, 522 00:28:33,533 --> 00:28:35,703 no bill if there's not a public plan? 523 00:28:35,700 --> 00:28:40,470 Mr. Gibbs: You know, I think there are a lot of twists and 524 00:28:40,467 --> 00:28:44,497 turns and a lot of negotiating and detail working out between 525 00:28:44,500 --> 00:28:46,670 now and getting something to the President's desk. 526 00:28:46,667 --> 00:28:52,567 I think he's been clear. 527 00:28:52,567 --> 00:28:57,197 And, again, I think, to take one -- you know, if you're talking 528 00:28:57,200 --> 00:29:00,230 Democrats versus Republicans, look, even in the HELP 529 00:29:00,233 --> 00:29:04,333 committee, again, which has progress this week I think of 530 00:29:04,333 --> 00:29:10,733 over a hundred amendments from Republicans have been adopted 531 00:29:10,734 --> 00:29:12,934 throughout the course of the debate in that committee. 532 00:29:12,934 --> 00:29:17,834 So I think there's evidence that Democrats and Republicans are 533 00:29:17,834 --> 00:29:21,904 working together at this point to further some of those goals. 534 00:29:21,900 --> 00:29:23,070 David. 535 00:29:23,066 --> 00:29:26,436 The Press: Just two follow-ups from weeks ago. 536 00:29:26,433 --> 00:29:27,633 Mr. Gibbs: Uh-oh, wow. 537 00:29:27,633 --> 00:29:32,963 The Press: On June 17, Kirk asked you if the President 538 00:29:32,967 --> 00:29:36,997 supported the language used in the Justice Department brief in 539 00:29:37,000 --> 00:29:41,300 the DOMA case, and you said you would check and get back on that. 540 00:29:41,300 --> 00:29:46,570 Mr. Gibbs: Well, I think that's -- well, I can simply say that 541 00:29:46,567 --> 00:29:52,897 obviously that was filed by the Solicitor General of this administration. 542 00:29:52,900 --> 00:29:55,870 The Press: But you know the complaints about the particular language -- 543 00:29:55,867 --> 00:29:57,597 Mr. Gibbs: I understand, yes. 544 00:29:57,600 --> 00:29:59,800 The Press: And that's what you're going to say on that? 545 00:29:59,800 --> 00:30:00,900 Okay. 546 00:30:00,900 --> 00:30:04,730 And then secondly, I asked last week what, outside the 547 00:30:04,734 --> 00:30:08,834 government experts, if any, the President has spoken to about 548 00:30:08,834 --> 00:30:10,904 Iran, and you said you would check. 549 00:30:10,900 --> 00:30:11,730 Mr. Gibbs: I will check. 550 00:30:11,734 --> 00:30:15,464 I'm not aware of any that -- I think obviously many people in 551 00:30:15,467 --> 00:30:18,697 the administration have talked to other members of the 552 00:30:18,700 --> 00:30:21,370 administration in and outside of government. 553 00:30:21,367 --> 00:30:24,367 I don't know of any in particular that the President 554 00:30:24,367 --> 00:30:26,867 has spoken to. 555 00:30:26,867 --> 00:30:27,397 The Press: Thanks. 556 00:30:27,400 --> 00:30:28,570 Mr. Gibbs: Yes. 557 00:30:28,567 --> 00:30:29,937 The Press: Thanks, Robert. Two quick ones. 558 00:30:29,934 --> 00:30:32,964 I wanted to follow up on Jeff's question from earlier today. 559 00:30:32,967 --> 00:30:34,297 He asked the President if -- 560 00:30:34,300 --> 00:30:35,500 Mr. Gibbs: The Michael Jackson one or the -- 561 00:30:35,500 --> 00:30:36,930 (laughter) 562 00:30:36,934 --> 00:30:38,404 The Press: No, he asked the President -- 563 00:30:38,400 --> 00:30:39,300 The Press: I'll follow it up. 564 00:30:39,300 --> 00:30:40,530 (laughter) 565 00:30:40,533 --> 00:30:41,903 The Press: But if you have more on that, I'll take that. 566 00:30:41,900 --> 00:30:43,200 Mr. Gibbs: Well, as soon as I get a chance to ask the 567 00:30:43,200 --> 00:30:47,630 President if he's met Michael, I will. 568 00:30:47,633 --> 00:30:51,433 The Press: He asked if the President felt that President 569 00:30:51,433 --> 00:30:55,233 Ahmadinejad owed him an apology for comparing him to President 570 00:30:55,233 --> 00:31:00,603 Bush, and in his reply, the President all but -- he stopped 571 00:31:00,600 --> 00:31:03,530 just short of saying that he thought that President 572 00:31:03,533 --> 00:31:06,063 Ahmadinejad owed an apology to his people. 573 00:31:06,066 --> 00:31:09,036 He didn't quite say that, but would you -- do you think that's 574 00:31:09,033 --> 00:31:10,103 what he was saying? 575 00:31:10,100 --> 00:31:13,700 Mr. Gibbs: I'd simply point you to what he said. 576 00:31:13,700 --> 00:31:19,170 I think he was fairly clear on what he meant and who it was directed to. 577 00:31:19,166 --> 00:31:23,466 The Press: A follow-up from yesterday -- the question that 578 00:31:23,467 --> 00:31:25,897 Kerry asked about that letter from 77 congress people? 579 00:31:25,900 --> 00:31:28,430 Mr. Gibbs: Yes, somebody was looking for that, but I don't 580 00:31:28,433 --> 00:31:30,333 have any -- I don't have any new news on that. 581 00:31:30,333 --> 00:31:31,933 The Press: Robert, one more on Iran, please. 582 00:31:31,934 --> 00:31:32,504 Mr. Gibbs: Connie. 583 00:31:32,500 --> 00:31:33,070 The Press: Thank you. 584 00:31:33,066 --> 00:31:34,996 The President said the nuclear clock is ticking. 585 00:31:35,000 --> 00:31:38,570 Does that imply a deadline for some sort of military action -- 586 00:31:38,567 --> 00:31:40,367 Mr. Gibbs: No, I mean, I'm not going to 587 00:31:40,367 --> 00:31:42,997 certainly get into anything like that. 588 00:31:43,000 --> 00:31:48,430 I think obviously -- only to say that we continue to have grave 589 00:31:48,433 --> 00:31:54,363 concerns about steps that they would take to acquire a nuclear weapon. 590 00:31:54,367 --> 00:31:59,697 And I certainly have nothing that would suggest they've taken 591 00:31:59,700 --> 00:32:04,230 any steps not to continue to pursue it. 592 00:32:04,233 --> 00:32:05,303 Mike. 593 00:32:05,300 --> 00:32:06,130 The Press: Thanks, Robert. 594 00:32:06,133 --> 00:32:10,503 Governor Sanford was a very high-profile critic of the stimulus bill. 595 00:32:10,500 --> 00:32:12,730 And I'm wondering if the President has been following at 596 00:32:12,734 --> 00:32:15,364 all the developments this week or had any reaction to it, 597 00:32:15,367 --> 00:32:16,667 either politically or personally? 598 00:32:16,667 --> 00:32:17,567 Mr. Gibbs: No. 599 00:32:17,567 --> 00:32:22,297 I'm sure he's read it in the paper, but he's not given me any 600 00:32:22,300 --> 00:32:25,400 particular reaction to it. 601 00:32:25,400 --> 00:32:26,670 Yes, ma'am. 602 00:32:26,667 --> 00:32:29,567 The Press: Back on Iraq, I was wondering, the President talked about 603 00:32:29,567 --> 00:32:32,337 he would like -- how he would like to see more political -- 604 00:32:32,333 --> 00:32:33,403 (laughter) 605 00:32:33,400 --> 00:32:35,470 The Press: Sorry I'm not trying to -- 606 00:32:35,467 --> 00:32:37,667 Mr. Gibbs: I know, I got the Iraq part of it. 607 00:32:37,667 --> 00:32:38,637 Sorry, Jake distracted me. 608 00:32:38,633 --> 00:32:39,503 I apologize. 609 00:32:39,500 --> 00:32:40,900 The Press: That's okay. 610 00:32:40,900 --> 00:32:42,270 The Press: We in the back can't see how people in the front are 611 00:32:42,266 --> 00:32:43,836 cutting up, so, sorry. 612 00:32:43,834 --> 00:32:44,804 (laughter) 613 00:32:44,800 --> 00:32:46,100 Mr. Gibbs: Let's all get along. 614 00:32:46,100 --> 00:32:48,470 Sorry. 615 00:32:48,467 --> 00:32:50,737 The Press: The President talked about how he would like to see 616 00:32:50,734 --> 00:32:52,864 more political progress in Iraq. 617 00:32:52,867 --> 00:32:56,067 I was wondering if you could express some of the things the 618 00:32:56,066 --> 00:32:59,796 President is hoping for and what is he intending to do about that? 619 00:32:59,800 --> 00:33:04,070 Mr. Gibbs: Well, I mean, obviously he's met continually 620 00:33:04,066 --> 00:33:06,066 with Ambassador Hill. 621 00:33:06,066 --> 00:33:09,536 Obviously the stops -- or the meetings that we made during the 622 00:33:09,533 --> 00:33:14,533 stop in Baghdad on the -- I guess that was in late 623 00:33:14,533 --> 00:33:17,063 March/early April. 624 00:33:17,066 --> 00:33:21,136 Obviously, without getting specific, there continues to be 625 00:33:21,133 --> 00:33:27,003 progress in terms of political reconciliation, in terms of oil 626 00:33:27,000 --> 00:33:35,270 and hydrocarbons; that as we move throughout a year, a very 627 00:33:35,266 --> 00:33:43,796 important year, of elections in Iraq, again, proving that it 628 00:33:43,800 --> 00:33:48,070 will take the steps necessary to govern its country. 629 00:33:48,066 --> 00:33:48,596 The Press: Thank you, Robert. 630 00:33:48,600 --> 00:33:49,570 Mr. Gibbs: Goyal. 631 00:33:49,567 --> 00:33:51,897 The Press: Two questions, please. 632 00:33:51,900 --> 00:33:55,100 Recently three top administration officials were 633 00:33:55,100 --> 00:33:58,800 speaking at the U.S.-India Business Council across the 634 00:33:58,800 --> 00:34:02,770 street at the Chamber of Commerce -- Secretary Hillary 635 00:34:02,767 --> 00:34:07,537 Clinton, and also Secretary Locke, and the USTR Ambassador Kirk. 636 00:34:07,533 --> 00:34:11,863 They had a very clear message as far as U.S.-India relations are concerned. 637 00:34:11,867 --> 00:34:15,097 Now since President has invited the Prime Minister of India, is 638 00:34:15,100 --> 00:34:19,600 he coming to come before the Pittsburgh G20 conference, a 639 00:34:19,600 --> 00:34:23,300 separate visit at the White House, or as part of the -- and 640 00:34:23,300 --> 00:34:27,570 also, if President has a new road map for U.S.-India relations? 641 00:34:27,567 --> 00:34:32,467 Mr. Gibbs: I don't have any news on when a visit might happen. 642 00:34:32,467 --> 00:34:35,337 The Press: Second, as far as immigration issue is concerned, 643 00:34:35,333 --> 00:34:37,963 it has been going on for many, many years, including in the 644 00:34:37,967 --> 00:34:42,397 last administration, with (inaudible) 245 in the U.S. Congress. 645 00:34:42,400 --> 00:34:46,230 Don't you think President believes that by giving 646 00:34:46,233 --> 00:34:49,563 immigrants legal status it will bring billions of dollars in the 647 00:34:49,567 --> 00:34:52,637 U.S. economy and also they will come out of the shadow; and at 648 00:34:52,633 --> 00:34:55,433 the same time, they had supported the President during 649 00:34:55,433 --> 00:34:59,503 his elections and now they are looking for the next (inaudible) support? 650 00:34:59,500 --> 00:35:04,330 Mr. Gibbs: Obviously if you're not a legal resident, you 651 00:35:04,333 --> 00:35:06,503 couldn't have supported the President in the last election. 652 00:35:06,500 --> 00:35:08,400 The Press: Their people -- I mean, as far as -- 653 00:35:08,400 --> 00:35:10,270 Mr. Gibbs: That would have been a little bit more news, Goyal, 654 00:35:10,266 --> 00:35:11,596 than we might have wanted to make here -- 655 00:35:11,600 --> 00:35:13,000 (laughter) 656 00:35:13,000 --> 00:35:13,770 The Press: No, I meant immigrants -- 657 00:35:13,767 --> 00:35:14,697 Mr. Gibbs: -- on a Friday afternoon. 658 00:35:14,700 --> 00:35:16,230 (laughter) 659 00:35:16,233 --> 00:35:17,803 The Press: I meant the immigrants, their relatives and their -- 660 00:35:17,800 --> 00:35:21,700 Mr. Gibbs: Well, look, I think the President has long been a 661 00:35:21,700 --> 00:35:28,770 participant in and a believer in comprehensive reform that 662 00:35:28,767 --> 00:35:35,767 strengthen our borders, ensured that he worked with Senator 663 00:35:35,767 --> 00:35:42,497 Grassley on legislation creating a database to check for 664 00:35:42,500 --> 00:35:46,500 employment to ensure that employers weren't abusing the 665 00:35:46,500 --> 00:35:52,200 system, as well as taking steps to bring people out of the 666 00:35:52,200 --> 00:35:55,330 shadows, having them learn English, having them go to the 667 00:35:55,333 --> 00:35:56,633 back of the line. 668 00:35:56,633 --> 00:36:00,563 And I think some of the stuff that's come out of yesterday's 669 00:36:00,567 --> 00:36:04,667 meeting also is that for the first time, we're going to take 670 00:36:04,667 --> 00:36:08,637 some steps to ensure that those that are in the immigration 671 00:36:08,633 --> 00:36:15,603 process, which in years past has been backed up considerably, 672 00:36:15,600 --> 00:36:19,570 that we provide some ability for people to check where in that 673 00:36:19,567 --> 00:36:22,237 process they are. 674 00:36:22,233 --> 00:36:28,163 And I think that's important to ensure a safe and orderly system. 675 00:36:28,166 --> 00:36:29,896 Have a good weekend, guys.