English subtitles for clip: File:8-18-09- White House Press Briefing.webm
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1 00:00:04,328 --> 00:00:07,328 Mr. Gibbs: Good afternoon, guys. Sorry for being late. 2 00:00:07,328 --> 00:00:10,198 The Press: Were you late? 3 00:00:10,194 --> 00:00:17,324 Mr. Gibbs: Did you hear something? Good morning Jake. Ah, yes. 4 00:00:17,328 --> 00:00:20,198 Better late than never, Jake. 5 00:00:20,194 --> 00:00:22,864 Just one quick follow-up from this morning's discussion. 6 00:00:22,861 --> 00:00:28,091 I think I was asked how many times -- this is in conjunction 7 00:00:28,094 --> 00:00:31,024 with the meeting today where the President looks forward to 8 00:00:31,027 --> 00:00:34,127 hearing from President Clinton and thanking him for his recent 9 00:00:34,127 --> 00:00:39,027 humanitarian mission to North Korea. President Clinton has 10 00:00:39,027 --> 00:00:44,157 debriefed with NSC staff twice and members of his team have 11 00:00:44,161 --> 00:00:50,061 discussed events extensively with NSC, State Department, 12 00:00:50,061 --> 00:00:53,961 and other agencies. So that's just a follow from this morning. 13 00:00:53,961 --> 00:00:55,661 The Press: Does that include this -- 14 00:00:55,661 --> 00:00:57,831 Mr. Gibbs: I assume so, yes. 15 00:00:57,828 --> 00:01:00,898 The Press: Thanks, Robert. On the reports that Israel has stopped granting 16 00:01:00,895 --> 00:01:04,125 permission for new settlements in the West Bank, 17 00:01:04,127 --> 00:01:07,397 projects there are continuing, but does the U.S. 18 00:01:07,394 --> 00:01:13,324 view this as an answer to the President's demands that 19 00:01:13,328 --> 00:01:15,558 settlements stop at all? I mean, does this suffice? 20 00:01:15,561 --> 00:01:22,031 Mr. Gibbs: Well, I don't want to -- I'll simply echo what I think 21 00:01:22,027 --> 00:01:25,557 you heard the President say in the Oval Office in that we have 22 00:01:25,561 --> 00:01:34,161 made good progress on this and other issues with the Israelis, 23 00:01:34,161 --> 00:01:41,031 on both sides. I think we're moving forward on a process that 24 00:01:41,027 --> 00:01:45,527 continued today with President Mubarak being here to discuss 25 00:01:45,528 --> 00:01:50,298 long-term peace in the Middle East. 26 00:01:50,294 --> 00:01:53,994 The Press: Does that mean -- I'm interpreting here, of course, 27 00:01:53,994 --> 00:01:56,364 but it seems as though you're saying that there's been 28 00:01:56,361 --> 00:01:58,661 progress but it doesn't go far enough. 29 00:01:58,661 --> 00:02:04,661 Mr. Gibbs: Well, I don't think I said that. I simply denoted that we were 30 00:02:04,661 --> 00:02:07,931 pleased and the President has been pleased that progress has 31 00:02:07,928 --> 00:02:12,698 been made. I will say this, though -- I think this bears 32 00:02:12,695 --> 00:02:16,165 mentioning every time we talk about this, and I said this, 33 00:02:16,161 --> 00:02:19,061 this morning, so let me reiterate it -- this is not -- 34 00:02:19,061 --> 00:02:22,561 these are not steps for one side to take. 35 00:02:22,561 --> 00:02:26,191 The President had the discussion with President Mubarak about the 36 00:02:26,194 --> 00:02:29,864 steps and the responsibilities and the obligations that all 37 00:02:29,861 --> 00:02:35,731 have in this process. We've talked about -- in your question 38 00:02:35,728 --> 00:02:39,328 -- some steps that this administration believes the 39 00:02:39,328 --> 00:02:41,898 Israelis should take. There are obviously steps that we believe 40 00:02:41,895 --> 00:02:44,565 the Palestinians have to take. 41 00:02:44,561 --> 00:02:46,831 There are steps that we believe that the neighboring Arab 42 00:02:46,828 --> 00:02:49,628 governments in the region have to take. 43 00:02:49,628 --> 00:02:52,298 We're all going to have to take steps together in order to see 44 00:02:52,294 --> 00:02:55,824 comprehensive Middle East peace. 45 00:02:55,828 --> 00:02:58,128 The Press: Does the President agree with President Mubarak's 46 00:02:58,127 --> 00:03:01,657 statement that Israelis must forget temporary solutions and 47 00:03:01,661 --> 00:03:03,861 temporary borders? 48 00:03:03,861 --> 00:03:07,561 Mr. Gibbs: I would have to talk to the President on that. 49 00:03:07,561 --> 00:03:11,431 Yes, ma'am. 50 00:03:11,428 --> 00:03:14,798 The Press: What's been the response so far to the suggestion that the 51 00:03:14,795 --> 00:03:17,825 health care reform might not include a public option? 52 00:03:17,828 --> 00:03:19,698 I mean, is it winning any converts? 53 00:03:19,695 --> 00:03:23,395 Is it angering supporters? 54 00:03:23,394 --> 00:03:24,694 Mr. Gibbs: First part of the question again? 55 00:03:24,695 --> 00:03:26,265 The Press: What's been the response so far, 56 00:03:26,261 --> 00:03:30,391 what kind of feedback to the suggestion in recent days that a 57 00:03:30,394 --> 00:03:34,864 public option might not be part of the health care reform? 58 00:03:34,861 --> 00:03:40,691 Mr. Gibbs: Well, as I've said, now, yesterday and earlier today, the 59 00:03:40,695 --> 00:03:44,765 President -- his position, the administration's position is 60 00:03:44,761 --> 00:03:50,131 unchanged; that we have a goal of fostering choice and 61 00:03:50,127 --> 00:03:54,057 competition in a private health insurance market. 62 00:03:54,061 --> 00:03:59,431 The President prefers the public option as a way of doing that. 63 00:03:59,428 --> 00:04:03,198 If others have ideas, we're open to those ideas and willing to 64 00:04:03,194 --> 00:04:05,994 listen to those details. 65 00:04:05,994 --> 00:04:08,394 That's what the President has said for months. 66 00:04:08,394 --> 00:04:10,864 Coincidentally that's what the Secretary of Health and Human 67 00:04:10,861 --> 00:04:15,431 Services has said for months. It's what I've said for months. 68 00:04:15,428 --> 00:04:18,028 I think the suggestion somehow that anything that was said 69 00:04:18,027 --> 00:04:22,227 Saturday or Sunday as being new administration policy is just 70 00:04:22,227 --> 00:04:25,997 not something that I would agree with. 71 00:04:25,994 --> 00:04:29,424 The Press: There seems to have been a lot of people -- a lot of 72 00:04:29,428 --> 00:04:32,358 people took it as kind of floating a trial balloon, 73 00:04:32,361 --> 00:04:34,991 maybe looking for -- 74 00:04:34,994 --> 00:04:36,964 Mr. Gibbs: Meaning the media. 75 00:04:36,961 --> 00:04:38,931 The Press: Well, no, your supporters -- some of your 76 00:04:38,928 --> 00:04:41,658 supporters in Congress actually do read it as a change. 77 00:04:41,661 --> 00:04:43,991 And in fact, Robert, if you look at what the President said to 78 00:04:43,994 --> 00:04:46,564 the AMA on June 15th, he said, "The public option is not your 79 00:04:46,561 --> 00:04:51,131 enemy. It is your friend." He's not saying that anymore. 80 00:04:51,127 --> 00:04:52,597 Mr. Gibbs: What do you mean? 81 00:04:52,594 --> 00:04:55,264 The Press: He's no longer proactively -- forgetting about what he's 82 00:04:55,261 --> 00:04:57,461 leaving in or out. Let's just say he's proactively saying -- 83 00:04:57,461 --> 00:04:58,831 Mr. Gibbs: Ed, you -- 84 00:04:58,828 --> 00:04:59,898 The Press: Can I finish my question? 85 00:04:59,895 --> 00:05:01,665 Mr. Gibbs: No, I'll finish my answer first. 86 00:05:01,661 --> 00:05:02,761 The Press: Okay, go ahead. 87 00:05:02,761 --> 00:05:04,391 Mr. Gibbs: The President was clear in two questions that he 88 00:05:04,394 --> 00:05:07,764 received at the town hall meeting on Saturday about the 89 00:05:07,761 --> 00:05:12,191 public option. The second question, which was a man in a 90 00:05:12,194 --> 00:05:15,394 red shirt over on the right-hand side, asked about the public 91 00:05:15,394 --> 00:05:17,694 option, and then the second-to-last question, 92 00:05:17,695 --> 00:05:21,965 the guy -- about the debate -- in the second or third row right 93 00:05:21,961 --> 00:05:24,831 off the podium, had the same question. 94 00:05:24,828 --> 00:05:28,298 Let me read this to you, Ed. This is -- you'll notice -- let 95 00:05:28,294 --> 00:05:34,694 me just read -- Secretary Sebelius, July 12th, 2009: 96 00:05:34,695 --> 00:05:37,095 "I think you're going to hear from senators in a little while 97 00:05:37,094 --> 00:05:39,864 about a variety of strategies to get to a public option. 98 00:05:39,861 --> 00:05:43,361 This isn't one size fits all. I think the President has said we 99 00:05:43,361 --> 00:05:46,031 could have competition -- the issues of competition and choice 100 00:05:46,027 --> 00:05:48,997 and how to bring that into the private marketplace. 101 00:05:48,994 --> 00:05:50,824 There are probably a variety of strategies, 102 00:05:50,828 --> 00:05:53,128 all of which are on the table." 103 00:05:53,127 --> 00:05:55,527 Any guess on what network that was on? 104 00:05:55,528 --> 00:05:58,498 The Press: I'm assuming it was on CNN, but on Sunday she was also on CNN -- 105 00:05:58,494 --> 00:05:59,864 Mr. Gibbs: A very correct assumption. 106 00:05:59,861 --> 00:06:00,991 The Press: Okay. 107 00:06:00,994 --> 00:06:03,664 So on Sunday she was also on CNN and said that the public option 108 00:06:03,661 --> 00:06:07,161 is not the essential part of health reform. 109 00:06:07,161 --> 00:06:10,561 She didn't say that on July 12th or whenever you picked that out. 110 00:06:10,561 --> 00:06:12,861 And in -- on June 15th to the AMA, 111 00:06:12,861 --> 00:06:15,561 repeatedly the President proactively said, you know, 112 00:06:15,561 --> 00:06:17,061 the public option was the way to go, 113 00:06:17,061 --> 00:06:19,631 and said the public -- 114 00:06:19,628 --> 00:06:20,758 Mr. Gibbs: I just said it wasthe preferred option. 115 00:06:20,761 --> 00:06:22,061 I just said it was the preferred option. 116 00:06:22,061 --> 00:06:23,191 But what I think -- 117 00:06:23,194 --> 00:06:25,464 The Press: But then why did he on Saturday say, if there is a public option 118 00:06:25,461 --> 00:06:28,731 or there's not, and then the Secretary on Sunday says it's 119 00:06:28,728 --> 00:06:30,128 not the essential part -- 120 00:06:30,127 --> 00:06:31,997 Mr. Gibbs: No, no, the President said that on Saturday. 121 00:06:31,994 --> 00:06:35,464 The Press: Right, I said on Saturday, he said if there is one or not one 122 00:06:35,461 --> 00:06:39,491 -- he hasn't said that before. Well, answer that one part 123 00:06:39,494 --> 00:06:43,724 before you get -- he had not said if there is one or there is 124 00:06:43,728 --> 00:06:44,998 not one. He's not said that -- 125 00:06:44,994 --> 00:06:46,764 Mr. Gibbs: The President said -- the 126 00:06:46,761 --> 00:06:49,691 President has said repeatedly that he's open to different 127 00:06:49,695 --> 00:06:51,865 ideas and discussions; that his preferred option was the public 128 00:06:51,861 --> 00:06:53,491 plan. He said that on Saturday. He said that on -- he said that 129 00:06:53,494 --> 00:06:58,764 on Saturday. I said that on Sunday. Secretary Sebelius on 130 00:06:58,761 --> 00:07:01,031 your network said that on Sunday. This notion that somehow 131 00:07:01,027 --> 00:07:04,757 something is markedly changed -- let's understand, first of all 132 00:07:04,761 --> 00:07:07,291 -- I want to step back just for one second and discuss -- 133 00:07:07,294 --> 00:07:09,294 because we threw around the notions of choice and 134 00:07:09,294 --> 00:07:12,864 competition. Let's discuss why you need choice and competition. 135 00:07:12,861 --> 00:07:17,561 In an insurance market where 30 million or 40 million or 46 136 00:07:17,561 --> 00:07:21,031 million new participants or consumers could come into the 137 00:07:21,027 --> 00:07:27,627 marketplace, in a marketplace that's potentially dominated by, 138 00:07:27,628 --> 00:07:31,358 in some regions or areas of the country, 139 00:07:31,361 --> 00:07:33,931 one insurer dominating the market -- my home state of 140 00:07:33,928 --> 00:07:37,558 Alabama, BlueCross/BlueShield has roughly 89 percent of the 141 00:07:37,561 --> 00:07:40,631 private health insurance market, okay? 142 00:07:40,628 --> 00:07:44,128 We all understand that in a monopoly, 143 00:07:44,127 --> 00:07:47,557 where one side dominates the entire market, 144 00:07:47,561 --> 00:07:50,661 it's going to be hard to keep down costs, right? 145 00:07:50,661 --> 00:07:53,331 If you had one place to eat lunch before you came to the 146 00:07:53,328 --> 00:07:56,498 briefing, do you think it would be cheap? 147 00:07:56,494 --> 00:07:57,994 The Press: Probably not. 148 00:07:57,994 --> 00:08:00,894 Mr. Gibbs: Probably not. If you had two places to eat, my sense is 149 00:08:00,895 --> 00:08:03,525 competing dishes might not be as expensive as if there were only 150 00:08:03,528 --> 00:08:08,298 one. The notion of adding that consumer choice through greater 151 00:08:08,294 --> 00:08:13,664 competition is the goal that the President has always said has to 152 00:08:13,661 --> 00:08:16,561 be paramount. When he talks about the essentialness of 153 00:08:16,561 --> 00:08:20,091 health care reform, okay, let's understand the principles that 154 00:08:20,094 --> 00:08:21,764 he's put up there, right? 155 00:08:21,761 --> 00:08:24,061 We have to cut costs for families and small businesses. 156 00:08:24,061 --> 00:08:27,761 That's essential. It has to be deficit-neutral. That's 157 00:08:27,761 --> 00:08:32,891 essential. What's essential is ensuring that we provide 158 00:08:32,895 --> 00:08:35,365 accessibility in health care reform to millions of those who 159 00:08:35,361 --> 00:08:37,491 don't currently have it. 160 00:08:37,494 --> 00:08:39,964 The Press: So when you say a public option is now the 161 00:08:39,961 --> 00:08:42,931 President's preferred choice, has been and is his preferred 162 00:08:42,928 --> 00:08:43,658 choice, is it -- 163 00:08:43,661 --> 00:08:44,791 Mr. Gibbs: I'm not just saying that now, I'm saying -- 164 00:08:44,795 --> 00:08:46,125 The Press: Okay. 165 00:08:46,127 --> 00:08:47,257 Mr. Gibbs: -- I said that repeatedly; 166 00:08:47,261 --> 00:08:48,431 the President has said that repeatedly. 167 00:08:48,428 --> 00:08:49,828 The Press: Okay, so is the public option an essential part 168 00:08:49,828 --> 00:08:51,328 of health reform? 169 00:08:51,328 --> 00:08:52,998 Mr. Gibbs: I think the President answered that on Saturday. 170 00:08:52,994 --> 00:08:54,064 The Press: So it's yes. 171 00:08:54,061 --> 00:08:54,891 So why did -- 172 00:08:54,895 --> 00:08:56,125 Mr. Gibbs: No, no, no, no, no. 173 00:08:56,127 --> 00:08:57,557 The Press: Why did the Health Secretary say no on Sunday? 174 00:08:57,561 --> 00:08:59,261 Mr. Gibbs: What did the President say on Saturday? 175 00:08:59,261 --> 00:09:00,231 The Press: So it is essential. 176 00:09:00,227 --> 00:09:01,397 Mr. Gibbs: No, no, no, no, no. 177 00:09:01,394 --> 00:09:02,524 What did the President -- 178 00:09:02,528 --> 00:09:04,558 The Press: It is essential. The Secretary said Sunday it's not. 179 00:09:04,561 --> 00:09:06,191 Mr. Gibbs: Ed, Ed, what did the President say on Sunday? 180 00:09:06,194 --> 00:09:07,224 Or Saturday? 181 00:09:07,227 --> 00:09:09,397 The Press: Saturday he spoke positively about a public option 182 00:09:09,394 --> 00:09:11,794 but also said we could have or -- we may have it, 183 00:09:11,795 --> 00:09:12,625 we may not have it. 184 00:09:12,628 --> 00:09:14,658 Mr. Gibbs: I think he used the word "essential." 185 00:09:14,661 --> 00:09:16,131 The Press: I'll have to go back and 186 00:09:16,127 --> 00:09:17,627 see if he used the word "essential." 187 00:09:17,628 --> 00:09:19,028 Mr. Gibbs: You go back and look at the transcript -- 188 00:09:19,027 --> 00:09:20,327 The Press: So let's say, let's say -- I don't have the transcript, 189 00:09:20,328 --> 00:09:22,198 but if he did use the word "essential" on Saturday, 190 00:09:22,194 --> 00:09:23,794 why did his Health Secretary not use the 191 00:09:23,795 --> 00:09:25,825 word "essential" on Sunday? 192 00:09:25,828 --> 00:09:27,258 Mr. Gibbs: They said the same thing on Saturday as they did on 193 00:09:27,261 --> 00:09:28,091 Sunday. Go back and look at the transcript, Ed. 194 00:09:28,094 --> 00:09:29,164 I think you'll find -- 195 00:09:29,161 --> 00:09:30,491 The Press: If it's essential, why did she say it's not? 196 00:09:30,494 --> 00:09:31,894 You can't answer that. 197 00:09:31,895 --> 00:09:32,965 Mr. Gibbs: Go find the transcript, 198 00:09:32,961 --> 00:09:36,231 and I promise you you'll answer your question and wonder why you 199 00:09:36,227 --> 00:09:40,657 were phrasing it the way you did because, no offense, Ed, 200 00:09:40,661 --> 00:09:43,361 you seem to have heard what the Secretary said on Sunday but not 201 00:09:43,361 --> 00:09:44,491 what the President said on Saturday. 202 00:09:44,494 --> 00:09:46,024 The Press: I heard what he said. 203 00:09:46,027 --> 00:09:48,497 Mr. Gibbs: Well, go back and take a gander at the transcript. 204 00:09:48,494 --> 00:09:52,964 The Press: Understanding that the President believes the 205 00:09:52,961 --> 00:09:55,391 public option is the best way to force private insurance 206 00:09:55,394 --> 00:09:59,924 companies to bring down their prices, is the White House -- 207 00:09:59,928 --> 00:10:03,328 does the -- is the President convinced that co-ops, while not 208 00:10:03,328 --> 00:10:09,158 as strong a measure, would be able -- are a viable alternative 209 00:10:09,161 --> 00:10:12,631 to the public option, is he convinced that cost savings 210 00:10:12,628 --> 00:10:15,528 could come from co-ops? 211 00:10:15,528 --> 00:10:20,528 Mr. Gibbs: Jake, in all honesty, I don't think anybody has seen a 212 00:10:20,528 --> 00:10:26,558 level of detail thus far that would -- that you'd be able to 213 00:10:26,561 --> 00:10:30,861 make a completely educated assumption on what we've seen. 214 00:10:30,861 --> 00:10:35,361 The Press: Conrad said on Sunday that the votes are not there in 215 00:10:35,361 --> 00:10:41,561 the Senate for the public option. Do you guys agree? 216 00:10:41,561 --> 00:10:44,631 Mr. Gibbs: I'd have to talk to Leg Affairs on that. I think that's simply 217 00:10:44,628 --> 00:10:47,028 what -- that's what a lot of people have said. 218 00:10:47,027 --> 00:10:49,197 The Press: Right, but you guys count votes and you guys are involved in -- 219 00:10:49,194 --> 00:10:50,764 Mr. Gibbs: I haven't talked to them recently about the 220 00:10:50,761 --> 00:10:52,291 exact vote count. 221 00:10:52,294 --> 00:10:54,464 The Press: Okay. There's also a thing I wanted to read you. 222 00:10:54,461 --> 00:10:56,861 In a letter sent last week to the White House from the 223 00:10:56,861 --> 00:10:59,261 National Association of Postal Supervisors, 224 00:10:59,261 --> 00:11:01,491 the President of that union, Ted Keating, 225 00:11:01,494 --> 00:11:04,194 said that his union had a "collective disappointment that 226 00:11:04,194 --> 00:11:08,594 you -- meaning the President -- showed the postal service as a 227 00:11:08,594 --> 00:11:12,964 scapegoat and an example of inefficiency." 228 00:11:12,961 --> 00:11:15,191 Does the President -- has the President seen that letter? 229 00:11:15,194 --> 00:11:18,094 Has he responded? Does he regret using the post office as an 230 00:11:18,094 --> 00:11:19,524 example of inefficiency? 231 00:11:19,528 --> 00:11:22,028 Mr. Gibbs: I doubt he's seen that letter and I don't have any 232 00:11:22,027 --> 00:11:24,857 reason to believe he regrets it, since he repeated it. 233 00:11:24,861 --> 00:11:28,591 The Press: So far, I'm 0-3. Let me just try one more. 234 00:11:28,594 --> 00:11:31,594 The ACLU in April put in a Freedom of Information Act 235 00:11:31,594 --> 00:11:34,424 request for information about detainees in Bagram. 236 00:11:34,428 --> 00:11:37,928 The Pentagon responded to the ACLU, saying, 237 00:11:37,928 --> 00:11:41,598 we have information; we're not going to give it to you. 238 00:11:41,594 --> 00:11:44,024 Does that live up to the President's promises of 239 00:11:44,027 --> 00:11:46,357 transparency, given that the Pentagon has released that 240 00:11:46,361 --> 00:11:49,161 information about Gitmo detainees? 241 00:11:49,161 --> 00:11:52,731 Mr. Gibbs: I saw your blog post on this, but I have not seen the letter 242 00:11:52,728 --> 00:11:56,298 and don't have any other information on it. 243 00:11:56,294 --> 00:11:57,664 The Press: 0 for 4. 244 00:11:57,661 --> 00:12:00,931 The Press: Setting aside the issue of whether or not what was 245 00:12:00,928 --> 00:12:05,128 said over the weekend at all was a different policy position, 246 00:12:05,127 --> 00:12:08,157 what your policy position is consistently is that the public 247 00:12:08,161 --> 00:12:09,791 option, while being the preferred method, 248 00:12:09,795 --> 00:12:12,295 is not a deal breaker for the President. 249 00:12:12,294 --> 00:12:13,194 And I guess my question -- 250 00:12:13,194 --> 00:12:14,664 Mr. Gibbs: You should talk to Ed. 251 00:12:14,661 --> 00:12:15,831 Yes, that's -- 252 00:12:15,828 --> 00:12:17,128 The Press: Right? I mean, that's what I'm -- we are understanding. 253 00:12:17,127 --> 00:12:19,027 Mr. Gibbs: That is what we have said -- that's what we said in 254 00:12:19,027 --> 00:12:20,427 June, that's what we said in July, 255 00:12:20,428 --> 00:12:21,358 that's what we've said -- 256 00:12:21,361 --> 00:12:23,261 The Press: Okay, so working from that premise, which we all can 257 00:12:23,261 --> 00:12:25,461 agree on is the stated position today -- 258 00:12:25,461 --> 00:12:25,761 Mr. Gibbs: We can. 259 00:12:25,761 --> 00:12:27,331 Mr. Gibbs: We can. 260 00:12:27,328 --> 00:12:29,258 The Press: -- that does not give much comfort to many -- 261 00:12:29,261 --> 00:12:31,461 Mr. Gibbs: Well, I got the transcript right here. 262 00:12:31,461 --> 00:12:33,291 The Press: Okay, go ahead. Go ahead. 263 00:12:33,294 --> 00:12:34,324 Mr. Gibbs: You read this. 264 00:12:34,328 --> 00:12:35,498 The Press: Sorry. 265 00:12:35,494 --> 00:12:37,494 The Press: Before the AMA, the President never said it's 266 00:12:37,494 --> 00:12:38,694 not a deal breaker. 267 00:12:38,695 --> 00:12:39,795 Mr. Gibbs: Just read that. 268 00:12:39,795 --> 00:12:41,595 The Press: Did the President ever tell the AMA in June that 269 00:12:41,594 --> 00:12:43,094 it was a deal breaker? 270 00:12:43,094 --> 00:12:44,564 Mr. Gibbs: Just read that. 271 00:12:44,561 --> 00:12:46,091 The Press: Just remember, consistency is the hobgoblin of 272 00:12:46,094 --> 00:12:47,324 little minds. 273 00:12:47,328 --> 00:12:49,558 (laughter) 274 00:12:49,561 --> 00:12:50,731 Mr. Gibbs: Thank you for that, Bill. 275 00:12:50,728 --> 00:12:52,958 The Press: Not yours, particularly, but just collectively. 276 00:12:52,961 --> 00:12:54,461 Mr. Gibbs: I'm not sure whether we should go on. 277 00:12:54,461 --> 00:12:55,891 The Press: That's a "foolish consistency." 278 00:12:55,895 --> 00:12:58,795 The Press: Okay, consistency aside, 279 00:12:58,795 --> 00:13:00,665 I guess my question is that assuming this has been the 280 00:13:00,661 --> 00:13:04,391 consistent position, this is a position that really bothers 281 00:13:04,394 --> 00:13:06,024 Democratic members of Congress. 282 00:13:06,027 --> 00:13:10,197 We are seeing it probably expressed more virulently than 283 00:13:10,194 --> 00:13:12,564 we had in the past because maybe they were unclear that this has 284 00:13:12,561 --> 00:13:14,791 been the administration's position all along. 285 00:13:14,795 --> 00:13:16,925 But what, essentially, the President is saying is the 286 00:13:16,928 --> 00:13:20,428 public option, at the end of the day, is optional. 287 00:13:20,428 --> 00:13:22,198 And I guess my question is what have you to say to members of 288 00:13:22,194 --> 00:13:24,464 Congress who are threatening to walk out if they -- if there's 289 00:13:24,461 --> 00:13:26,491 no public option, I'm not in this? 290 00:13:26,494 --> 00:13:30,064 Mr. Gibbs: I would say that it is the preferred option. 291 00:13:30,061 --> 00:13:31,631 The Press: Does that give them a lot of comfort? 292 00:13:31,628 --> 00:13:34,128 Mr. Gibbs: I'm not a Democratic member of Congress. I don't -- 293 00:13:34,127 --> 00:13:36,697 The Press: Yes, but you're the White House, in a position to lead on this 294 00:13:36,695 --> 00:13:39,165 issue -- it's clearly something that's important to them. 295 00:13:39,161 --> 00:13:42,661 Mr. Gibbs: I'll point you back to what the President said -- Ed 296 00:13:42,661 --> 00:13:48,361 has got my transcript -- on Saturday. 297 00:13:48,361 --> 00:13:52,261 The President strongly believes that we have to have -- and I 298 00:13:52,261 --> 00:13:55,631 mentioned -- I walked through the notion of why choice and 299 00:13:55,628 --> 00:13:59,698 competition are so fundamentally important to this debate -- that 300 00:13:59,695 --> 00:14:02,165 in a monopoly, without consumer choice, 301 00:14:02,161 --> 00:14:06,331 without competition among health insurance providers, 302 00:14:06,328 --> 00:14:09,128 you're certainly not likely to see cut in cost, 303 00:14:09,127 --> 00:14:13,557 you're certainly not likely to see a competition on quality. 304 00:14:13,561 --> 00:14:16,331 And those are the goals that the President has. 305 00:14:16,328 --> 00:14:20,398 The Press: But inherent in the President's position -- 306 00:14:20,394 --> 00:14:22,094 consistent or not -- is that he could envision a scenario in 307 00:14:22,094 --> 00:14:23,864 which he lives without a public option. 308 00:14:23,861 --> 00:14:25,731 Many members of your party cannot envision -- 309 00:14:25,728 --> 00:14:30,098 Mr. Gibbs: He cannot envision a scenario in which we live with anything that 310 00:14:30,094 --> 00:14:33,724 doesn't provide choice and competition in a private 311 00:14:33,728 --> 00:14:37,528 insurance market that allows people to get the best deal 312 00:14:37,528 --> 00:14:41,628 possible on both the price and quality if they enter a private 313 00:14:41,628 --> 00:14:43,228 health insurance market. 314 00:14:43,227 --> 00:14:46,557 That's what the President's bottom line is: Do we have a 315 00:14:46,561 --> 00:14:50,461 system that provides that choice for consumers and that 316 00:14:50,461 --> 00:14:54,291 competition among insurers on quality and cost? 317 00:14:54,294 --> 00:14:55,564 The Press: And if it's acceptable to the President, 318 00:14:55,561 --> 00:14:59,231 but not acceptable to members of Congress in the Democratic 319 00:14:59,227 --> 00:15:01,057 Party, that's okay with you? 320 00:15:01,061 --> 00:15:03,791 Mr. Gibbs: Well, the President is focused on many different 321 00:15:03,795 --> 00:15:08,495 goals: cutting costs, coverage for millions who don't have 322 00:15:08,494 --> 00:15:12,164 accessibility, making this deficit-neutral -- which he 323 00:15:12,161 --> 00:15:15,091 reiterated at each of the town halls -- and 324 00:15:15,094 --> 00:15:19,624 ensuring choice in competition. 325 00:15:19,628 --> 00:15:22,128 That's what's important to the President of the United States. 326 00:15:22,127 --> 00:15:23,727 The Press: And real quickly, have there been any calls either 327 00:15:23,728 --> 00:15:26,728 between the President or perhaps Rahm or David or any of these 328 00:15:26,728 --> 00:15:30,458 folks to members of Congress who are concerned about this? 329 00:15:30,461 --> 00:15:32,561 Mr. Gibbs: No, not that -- I mean, the President hasn't made any. 330 00:15:32,561 --> 00:15:37,461 Rahm is fishing out West and David is in Michigan 331 00:15:37,461 --> 00:15:39,191 and I doubt they're -- 332 00:15:39,194 --> 00:15:41,064 The Press: So all quiet on the Eastern front. 333 00:15:41,061 --> 00:15:42,031 The Press: Rahm is fishing? 334 00:15:42,027 --> 00:15:43,427 (laughter) 335 00:15:43,428 --> 00:15:46,098 The Press: Have you seen this charge from Republicans on the 336 00:15:46,094 --> 00:15:51,494 Hill that they're asking is he profiting from a payment he's 337 00:15:51,494 --> 00:15:55,224 getting from his firm, his firm involved in the PhRMA 338 00:15:55,227 --> 00:15:57,027 advertising deal? 339 00:15:57,027 --> 00:15:58,127 Mr. Gibbs: That's ridiculous. 340 00:15:58,127 --> 00:16:01,657 David has left his firm to join public service. 341 00:16:01,661 --> 00:16:04,191 The Press: They say he's about to get -- million-dollar payout. 342 00:16:04,194 --> 00:16:07,894 Mr. Gibbs: An agreement I think that was made because David 343 00:16:07,895 --> 00:16:10,165 started and owned the firm. 344 00:16:10,161 --> 00:16:12,361 He left the firm and, if I'm not mistaken, 345 00:16:12,361 --> 00:16:15,361 is being paid for the fact that he created it and sold it, 346 00:16:15,361 --> 00:16:18,691 which I think is somewhat based on the free market. 347 00:16:18,695 --> 00:16:19,765 Yes, ma'am. 348 00:16:19,761 --> 00:16:21,791 The Press: Robert, what message will the President be delivering 349 00:16:21,795 --> 00:16:24,165 to religious groups on health care tomorrow? 350 00:16:24,161 --> 00:16:28,431 Mr. Gibbs: He's going to talk about again just the -- you're 351 00:16:28,428 --> 00:16:30,198 not going to see a difference in message. 352 00:16:30,194 --> 00:16:38,794 You're going to see the boring consistency of ensuring that we 353 00:16:38,795 --> 00:16:47,165 cut costs, ensuring that we take the steps that are necessary to 354 00:16:47,161 --> 00:16:49,591 relieve the burden on families and small business. 355 00:16:49,594 --> 00:16:54,094 Obviously the President will talk about the importance of 356 00:16:54,094 --> 00:16:58,264 providing access to affordable health insurance for millions of 357 00:16:58,261 --> 00:17:02,031 those that currently don't have it. Boring consistency. 358 00:17:02,027 --> 00:17:04,157 The Press: So it will be on the uninsured rather than on this -- 359 00:17:04,161 --> 00:17:05,461 talk about a public option? 360 00:17:05,461 --> 00:17:09,031 Mr. Gibbs: Well, the President will continue to talk about what 361 00:17:09,027 --> 00:17:11,757 he thinks is important in health care and it will include all 362 00:17:11,761 --> 00:17:14,091 those topics. Mark. 363 00:17:14,094 --> 00:17:18,464 The Press: Robert, is the White House taken aback by the $7 364 00:17:18,461 --> 00:17:24,561 million pay authorized for the new CEO of AIG? 365 00:17:24,561 --> 00:17:29,291 Mr. Gibbs: Well, I believe this is an agreement that will go 366 00:17:29,294 --> 00:17:35,564 through the process of Ken Feinberg and to ensure that it's 367 00:17:35,561 --> 00:17:39,891 consistent with his principles. 368 00:17:39,895 --> 00:17:46,465 And obviously the board wants to find a CEO that's knowledgeable 369 00:17:46,461 --> 00:17:50,091 about insurance companies and running an insurance company and 370 00:17:50,094 --> 00:17:54,094 hopefully getting an ailing company that was once a 371 00:17:54,094 --> 00:17:56,064 successful insurance company that somebody had the bright 372 00:17:56,061 --> 00:17:57,891 idea of putting a hedge fund on top of -- 373 00:17:57,895 --> 00:18:03,365 The Press: But AIG is the company that is 80-percent owned by taxpayers, 374 00:18:03,361 --> 00:18:07,831 taxpayers who make $30,000 and $40,000 and $50,000 a year. 375 00:18:07,828 --> 00:18:11,658 So why shouldn't taxpayers feel like suckers if they see the CEO 376 00:18:11,661 --> 00:18:15,261 of a government-owned company getting $7 million a year? 377 00:18:15,261 --> 00:18:19,661 Mr. Gibbs: Well, look, Mark, the board is going to make a decision. 378 00:18:19,661 --> 00:18:23,491 We've talked about, and the President has talked about, 379 00:18:23,494 --> 00:18:28,164 we're not micromanaging these companies, 380 00:18:28,161 --> 00:18:30,561 government is not making these decisions. 381 00:18:30,561 --> 00:18:34,831 The board wants an insurance company CEO that can help take a 382 00:18:34,828 --> 00:18:37,058 company that was once successful -- as I said, 383 00:18:37,061 --> 00:18:40,331 somebody hatched the bright idea of putting a hedge fund on top 384 00:18:40,328 --> 00:18:47,128 of it, and it's now a royal mess. 385 00:18:47,127 --> 00:18:50,297 I think the board wants to see some good, 386 00:18:50,294 --> 00:18:53,294 competent leadership that can lead the company back toward 387 00:18:53,294 --> 00:18:55,564 profitability and hopefully the recoupment of some of the 388 00:18:55,561 --> 00:18:59,831 investment that taxpayers put out in order to prevent a 389 00:18:59,828 --> 00:19:01,998 calamity to our economy. 390 00:19:01,994 --> 00:19:06,764 The Press: And on another issue, does President Obama ever speak 391 00:19:06,761 --> 00:19:08,661 with either Bill or Hillary Clinton about health care and 392 00:19:08,661 --> 00:19:09,991 their experience? 393 00:19:09,994 --> 00:19:13,524 Mr. Gibbs: I don't -- obviously the Secretary of State is in the 394 00:19:13,528 --> 00:19:16,898 Oval Office today and was part of the Mubarak -- larger Mubarak 395 00:19:16,895 --> 00:19:21,365 delegation meeting. Obviously President Clinton, as we've 396 00:19:21,361 --> 00:19:22,931 talked about, will be here later today. 397 00:19:22,928 --> 00:19:26,198 I don't know the degree to which they've discussed health care. 398 00:19:26,194 --> 00:19:28,024 The Press: That's a question that we've asked you a couple 399 00:19:28,027 --> 00:19:29,527 times, and you said you were going to check on it. 400 00:19:29,528 --> 00:19:30,998 Have you actually asked or -- 401 00:19:30,994 --> 00:19:34,194 Mr. Gibbs: I haven't asked, and I will be honest with you that I'm not 402 00:19:34,194 --> 00:19:38,124 entirely sure that I'm not going to keep private 403 00:19:38,127 --> 00:19:42,397 conversations between somebody like the Secretary of State or 404 00:19:42,394 --> 00:19:46,324 the former President between the current and former President. 405 00:19:46,328 --> 00:19:47,628 Yes, ma'am. 406 00:19:47,628 --> 00:19:49,798 The Press: Can you talk about reports that the administration will present 407 00:19:49,795 --> 00:19:51,865 a Middle East peace plan in September and what will be in 408 00:19:51,861 --> 00:19:54,091 that plan, and will it be in September that 409 00:19:54,094 --> 00:19:55,624 it will come out? 410 00:19:55,628 --> 00:19:59,698 Mr. Gibbs: Yes, I saw that right before I came out here. 411 00:19:59,695 --> 00:20:02,895 Obviously the -- I think the allusion is to the U.N. 412 00:20:02,895 --> 00:20:05,695 General Assembly meeting, which is that -- I think that third 413 00:20:05,695 --> 00:20:11,765 week in September. I think it will be an important opportunity 414 00:20:11,761 --> 00:20:15,561 to continue to make progress on comprehensive Middle East peace. 415 00:20:15,561 --> 00:20:18,931 Obviously the players in the region and the countries that 416 00:20:18,928 --> 00:20:20,228 will be represented at the U.N. 417 00:20:20,227 --> 00:20:23,227 General Assembly -- we hope to continue to make progress, 418 00:20:23,227 --> 00:20:27,227 but I do not know of any specific plan that the United 419 00:20:27,227 --> 00:20:29,097 States will present at that time. 420 00:20:29,094 --> 00:20:32,094 The Press: Do you think it will include a freeze on Israeli settlements? 421 00:20:32,094 --> 00:20:36,764 Mr. Gibbs: Well, it's hard for me to -- I mean, I, again, 422 00:20:36,761 --> 00:20:39,491 I think you've seen what the President has said on 423 00:20:39,494 --> 00:20:43,494 settlements. But it's hard for me to comment on something I 424 00:20:43,494 --> 00:20:44,924 don't think exists. 425 00:20:44,928 --> 00:20:49,258 The Press: On another note, the Iraqi government has backed a 426 00:20:49,261 --> 00:20:51,161 referendum that would force American troops to pull out a 427 00:20:51,161 --> 00:20:53,231 year earlier than originally planned. What would be the 428 00:20:53,227 --> 00:20:57,197 consequence of that -- you know, security in Iraq? 429 00:20:57,194 --> 00:21:02,424 Mr. Gibbs: Well, I think that's a question largely for Iraqis to 430 00:21:02,428 --> 00:21:12,898 debate and discuss. This is a proposal in the Iraqi government 431 00:21:12,895 --> 00:21:15,725 that will be debated and discussed by Iraqis, and that's 432 00:21:15,728 --> 00:21:20,628 the appropriate place that it should happen. Yes, sir. 433 00:21:20,628 --> 00:21:23,928 The Press: Following up on something from the very 434 00:21:23,928 --> 00:21:26,698 beginning of the briefing, could you let us know today if the 435 00:21:26,695 --> 00:21:29,525 President agrees with President Mubarak's statement that Israel 436 00:21:29,528 --> 00:21:33,198 needs to get over the idea of temporary solutions or temporary 437 00:21:33,194 --> 00:21:37,724 borders? I mean, he did say that next to the President. 438 00:21:37,728 --> 00:21:38,998 You said you would check. 439 00:21:38,994 --> 00:21:40,064 Mr. Gibbs: Yes, let me -- 440 00:21:40,061 --> 00:21:41,561 The Press: Can I just ask that you 441 00:21:41,561 --> 00:21:43,091 try to get back to us on that today? 442 00:21:43,094 --> 00:21:44,664 Mr. Gibbs: Yes. 443 00:21:44,661 --> 00:21:47,631 The Press: Okay. Is the President aware of a better means of obtaining 444 00:21:47,628 --> 00:21:50,398 reduced costs and improved health care quality than 445 00:21:50,394 --> 00:21:52,724 a public option? 446 00:21:52,728 --> 00:21:55,398 Mr. Gibbs: Well, I mean, obviously there have been many 447 00:21:55,394 --> 00:21:57,424 ideas that have been batted around. 448 00:21:57,428 --> 00:21:59,128 The Press: But when you guys -- when Jake asked about the 449 00:21:59,127 --> 00:22:00,857 co-ops, you said there wasn't enough data. 450 00:22:00,861 --> 00:22:02,761 There is a GAO report that's somewhat dated, 451 00:22:02,761 --> 00:22:06,161 about nine years old, that says it can't achieve the kind of 452 00:22:06,161 --> 00:22:07,061 marketplace -- 453 00:22:07,061 --> 00:22:08,861 Mr. Gibbs: It hard for me to comment about any data that's nine years old. 454 00:22:08,861 --> 00:22:10,131 The Press: No, I know, but I mean, 455 00:22:10,127 --> 00:22:12,227 that's one of the few things that's out there that's sort of 456 00:22:12,227 --> 00:22:14,497 taken a look at co-ops, whether they can get market share 457 00:22:14,494 --> 00:22:16,364 sufficient enough to challenge private insurance. 458 00:22:16,361 --> 00:22:18,231 Mr. Gibbs: The only thing I know about health care in that 459 00:22:18,227 --> 00:22:20,327 nine-year time period is that's about the time in which most 460 00:22:20,328 --> 00:22:22,358 families see their premiums double. 461 00:22:22,361 --> 00:22:26,231 I hate to surmise about a nine-year-old GAO report on 462 00:22:26,227 --> 00:22:31,097 health care co-ops. I think -- you obviously have different 463 00:22:31,094 --> 00:22:34,524 parts of Congress continuing to work on different alternatives. 464 00:22:34,528 --> 00:22:41,528 And when there's enough information on those to evaluate 465 00:22:41,528 --> 00:22:44,428 definitively, we'll certainly evaluate those and 466 00:22:44,428 --> 00:22:45,698 come to that opinion. 467 00:22:45,695 --> 00:22:47,995 The Press: Is it safe to assume the President considers what is 468 00:22:47,994 --> 00:22:51,294 in the House bill, the three-committee products which 469 00:22:51,294 --> 00:22:55,324 all contain public option, not only the preferred but the best 470 00:22:55,328 --> 00:22:57,098 mechanism to achieve the goals he states? 471 00:22:57,094 --> 00:22:59,924 Mr. Gibbs: Again, I think the President has discussed the public 472 00:22:59,928 --> 00:23:02,828 option is his preferred method to add choice and 473 00:23:02,828 --> 00:23:05,898 competition, but he's certainly open to looking at and 474 00:23:05,895 --> 00:23:07,595 discussing other ideas. 475 00:23:07,594 --> 00:23:11,064 The Press: Was "Flag" at whitehouse.gov a good idea? 476 00:23:11,061 --> 00:23:12,661 Mr. Gibbs: Yes, still is. 477 00:23:12,661 --> 00:23:14,231 The Press: Why remove it? 478 00:23:14,227 --> 00:23:16,757 Mr. Gibbs: It was consolidated on "Reality Check." 479 00:23:16,761 --> 00:23:21,191 If people see or hear misinformation or have questions 480 00:23:21,194 --> 00:23:25,694 or concerns about some rumor that they're hearing on health 481 00:23:25,695 --> 00:23:30,825 care reform, there's a mechanism to get the truth. 482 00:23:30,828 --> 00:23:33,428 The Press: So it's just been put together, it's not really gone? 483 00:23:33,428 --> 00:23:36,298 Mr. Gibbs: Consolidated from two platforms into one. 484 00:23:36,294 --> 00:23:39,864 The Press: One other issue related on Internet privacy -- 485 00:23:39,861 --> 00:23:42,531 the White House announced through OMB a couple of weeks 486 00:23:42,528 --> 00:23:46,328 ago a public comment period on removal of a nine-year ban, 487 00:23:46,328 --> 00:23:48,228 dating back to the Clinton administration, 488 00:23:48,227 --> 00:23:51,097 on persistent cookies, the idea that if you come to government 489 00:23:51,094 --> 00:23:53,064 Web sites, you can be in some way, 490 00:23:53,061 --> 00:23:54,931 shape or form tracked in ways you can't now. 491 00:23:54,928 --> 00:23:56,798 What's the status of that? 492 00:23:56,795 --> 00:23:58,665 Does the administration still think that's a good idea? 493 00:23:58,661 --> 00:24:00,691 Has it learned anything from public comment about this to 494 00:24:00,695 --> 00:24:02,725 change whether or not that's a good idea or not? 495 00:24:02,728 --> 00:24:05,798 Mr. Gibbs: I have not talked to -- about the comments. 496 00:24:05,795 --> 00:24:10,795 I know the policy of this government is not to allow 497 00:24:10,795 --> 00:24:16,165 Web-tracking technology. 498 00:24:16,161 --> 00:24:20,431 We are continually adding to our Internet platforms in order to 499 00:24:20,428 --> 00:24:23,998 provide greater openness and transparency in government and 500 00:24:23,994 --> 00:24:28,264 trying to do so in a way that always, first and foremost, 501 00:24:28,261 --> 00:24:31,561 protects people's privacy. 502 00:24:31,561 --> 00:24:35,331 That will always be what we do first and foremost. 503 00:24:35,328 --> 00:24:37,728 The Press: And this idea of allowing, perhaps, 504 00:24:37,728 --> 00:24:39,998 limited persistent cookies is consistent with that, 505 00:24:39,994 --> 00:24:42,924 even though some on the other side have wondered whether or 506 00:24:42,928 --> 00:24:46,198 not it might compromise some people's Internet security if 507 00:24:46,194 --> 00:24:47,864 they go repeatedly to government Web sites? 508 00:24:47,861 --> 00:24:52,161 Mr. Gibbs: Well, again, you should discuss with OMB some of 509 00:24:52,161 --> 00:24:56,461 the -- I'm conversant on cookies, but it's slightly 510 00:24:56,461 --> 00:24:58,691 different than what you and I are discussing now. 511 00:24:58,695 --> 00:25:00,095 (laughter) 512 00:25:00,094 --> 00:25:07,964 But obviously, Major, we are trying to develop tools that 513 00:25:07,961 --> 00:25:11,661 broaden the amount of information, 514 00:25:11,661 --> 00:25:14,991 the ease with which people get. 515 00:25:14,994 --> 00:25:21,364 If somebody goes to your blog on foxnews.com, 516 00:25:21,361 --> 00:25:27,261 they're providing information, personal information to a Web 517 00:25:27,261 --> 00:25:35,291 site. We want to ensure that we can continue to use the best 518 00:25:35,294 --> 00:25:41,324 tools possible to provide information with the greatest 519 00:25:41,194 --> 00:25:43,394 And that's what we'll continue to do. 520 00:25:41,328 --> 00:25:44,998 ease and protect people's privacy, first and foremost. 521 00:25:43,394 --> 00:25:44,824 Yes, ma'am. 522 00:25:44,828 --> 00:25:47,298 The Press: Robert, can you explain -- you say today that 523 00:25:47,294 --> 00:25:48,794 public option is his preferred choice. 524 00:25:48,795 --> 00:25:50,525 In the past he used the word "must," 525 00:25:50,528 --> 00:25:52,798 he said it must include it. 526 00:25:52,795 --> 00:25:54,625 When did that become his consistent position? 527 00:25:54,628 --> 00:25:56,698 We grant you that that's now his -- 528 00:25:56,695 --> 00:25:58,325 Mr. Gibbs: I'll pull up the 529 00:25:58,328 --> 00:26:01,098 document that I have that I didn't bring out here that has a 530 00:26:01,094 --> 00:26:03,964 series of comments of him talking -- I mean, 531 00:26:03,961 --> 00:26:06,561 he was asked very specifically in a press conference I think in 532 00:26:06,561 --> 00:26:09,891 a room -- in fact, in this room about whether there was a bright 533 00:26:09,895 --> 00:26:15,025 line on the public option, and he said that it was what he 534 00:26:15,027 --> 00:26:17,927 preferred, but he wasn't going to draw any bright lines. 535 00:26:17,928 --> 00:26:23,598 The Press: So you've said today a couple times "a few months" -- 536 00:26:23,594 --> 00:26:24,864 this has been consistent over the last 537 00:26:24,861 --> 00:26:26,561 three months, two months? 538 00:26:26,561 --> 00:26:29,061 Mr. Gibbs: I'd have to go back and see what the earliest comment was. 539 00:26:29,061 --> 00:26:32,431 I think Nancy-Ann gave an interview far earlier than that 540 00:26:32,428 --> 00:26:33,598 where that was discussed. 541 00:26:33,594 --> 00:26:35,064 The Press: And let me ask you about -- 542 00:26:35,061 --> 00:26:42,991 Mr. Gibbs: I mean, again, I hate to bring up that, again, 543 00:26:42,994 --> 00:26:46,164 a little more than a month ago, the same Secretary that you 544 00:26:46,161 --> 00:26:52,631 quoted on Sunday said something very similar on July 12th that, 545 00:26:52,628 --> 00:26:54,598 best as I can tell -- I mean, I don't know if you 546 00:26:54,594 --> 00:26:56,524 wrote a story then. 547 00:26:56,528 --> 00:26:59,258 The Press: Well, and in his video address to the country on 548 00:26:59,261 --> 00:27:01,761 July 18th, he said "must include." 549 00:27:01,761 --> 00:27:07,531 So -- but let me ask you about the focus on this in general. 550 00:27:07,528 --> 00:27:09,698 And do you regret that it has taken this kind of 551 00:27:09,695 --> 00:27:11,595 larger-than-life role that it has? 552 00:27:11,594 --> 00:27:14,164 Mr. Gibbs: I always regret when you guys take something and make 553 00:27:14,161 --> 00:27:15,391 it an outsized thing, yes. 554 00:27:15,394 --> 00:27:16,624 The Press: But how did happen? 555 00:27:16,628 --> 00:27:17,958 The Press: Do we do that? 556 00:27:17,961 --> 00:27:19,261 Mr. Gibbs: On occasion. 557 00:27:19,261 --> 00:27:20,491 The Press: How did that happen -- 558 00:27:20,494 --> 00:27:21,764 The Press: Sorry. 559 00:27:21,761 --> 00:27:22,831 (laughter) 560 00:27:22,828 --> 00:27:24,398 The Press: -- over the last weeks or months, 561 00:27:24,394 --> 00:27:25,364 that this took on -- 562 00:27:25,361 --> 00:27:26,931 Mr. Gibbs: I would love to have been in 563 00:27:26,928 --> 00:27:28,628 your newsroom on Sunday and deduced the very same 564 00:27:28,628 --> 00:27:31,228 rationality that you ask me about now. 565 00:27:31,227 --> 00:27:34,727 Again, I don't know why the Secretary of Health and Human 566 00:27:34,728 --> 00:27:37,828 Services said something a month earlier and it garnered a 567 00:27:37,828 --> 00:27:40,998 different reaction. I don't know why what I said on Sunday, 568 00:27:40,994 --> 00:27:43,494 which was exactly what she said on Sunday, 569 00:27:43,494 --> 00:27:46,524 which is exactly what I've said in here for months, 570 00:27:46,528 --> 00:27:48,798 garnered outsized attention. 571 00:27:48,795 --> 00:27:54,965 It's a wonderful journalism review question that I'm sure 572 00:27:54,961 --> 00:27:56,631 somebody will rightly ponder. Yes, sir. 573 00:27:56,628 --> 00:28:02,158 The Press: The President's schedule in July and early 574 00:28:02,161 --> 00:28:04,291 August included several interviews, 575 00:28:04,294 --> 00:28:07,164 several public appearances about his position on health care. 576 00:28:07,161 --> 00:28:09,691 He was using his personal appearances to drum up support 577 00:28:09,695 --> 00:28:13,695 on this. Why have we not heard anything from him on Monday or 578 00:28:13,695 --> 00:28:16,065 yet today about health care? 579 00:28:16,061 --> 00:28:18,061 Mr. Gibbs: Well, the President -- 580 00:28:18,061 --> 00:28:19,661 The Press: If he is committed 581 00:28:19,661 --> 00:28:22,491 to a public plan and if he is committed to going forward with 582 00:28:22,494 --> 00:28:26,994 this, why is he not out there talking about this himself? 583 00:28:26,994 --> 00:28:29,694 Mr. Gibbs: I think he talked about health care, 584 00:28:29,695 --> 00:28:31,965 albeit briefly, yesterday that it would -- addressing the myths 585 00:28:31,961 --> 00:28:36,531 and rumors that health care reform would impact the way 586 00:28:36,528 --> 00:28:38,528 veterans receive their health care. 587 00:28:38,528 --> 00:28:39,698 The Press: On the plan specifically, though, 588 00:28:39,695 --> 00:28:41,665 he has not been out there giving interviews -- 589 00:28:41,661 --> 00:28:47,191 Mr. Gibbs: There weren't any scheduled for yesterday or today. 590 00:28:47,194 --> 00:28:48,394 The Press: Why is that, though? 591 00:28:48,394 --> 00:28:51,294 This is the quietest I've seen him on an issue, 592 00:28:51,294 --> 00:28:54,324 and we haven't seen him publicly for a couple days on this. 593 00:28:54,328 --> 00:28:56,128 Mr. Gibbs: We just dragged you halfway across the country to 594 00:28:56,127 --> 00:28:57,827 talk about health care. 595 00:28:57,828 --> 00:28:59,498 The Press: I know, but -- so when he wants to, 596 00:28:59,494 --> 00:29:01,594 or when you want him to get a point across he comes to the 597 00:29:01,594 --> 00:29:04,494 podium -- if it's this one or any one -- and makes that point. 598 00:29:04,494 --> 00:29:06,994 Why is that not the best idea here? 599 00:29:06,994 --> 00:29:09,524 Why have you not put him forward to try and clear this up? 600 00:29:09,528 --> 00:29:12,058 Mr. Gibbs: Because -- I'll go back to what I said yesterday. 601 00:29:12,061 --> 00:29:15,061 I go back to what I said to some people on Sunday. 602 00:29:15,061 --> 00:29:18,161 We don't think there's anything to clear up. Okay? 603 00:29:18,161 --> 00:29:20,531 We think what was said -- I'll make the point again: What was 604 00:29:20,528 --> 00:29:24,228 said by the Secretary on Sunday is completely consistent with 605 00:29:24,227 --> 00:29:27,497 what she said five weeks earlier. Why not bring the 606 00:29:27,494 --> 00:29:30,564 President out today to clear up what she said five weeks ago? 607 00:29:30,561 --> 00:29:33,191 The Press: Is there a political problem among how political 608 00:29:33,194 --> 00:29:36,024 groups have perceived this that needs to be cleared up? 609 00:29:36,027 --> 00:29:41,527 Mr. Gibbs: I think we will certainly continue to work with 610 00:29:41,528 --> 00:29:48,558 and talk to groups and entities about their cares and concerns 611 00:29:48,561 --> 00:29:51,031 about health care, understanding that we're at an important 612 00:29:51,027 --> 00:29:54,227 moment that we can make serious progress on delivering on the 613 00:29:54,227 --> 00:29:57,557 promise of cutting costs and increasing both care and 614 00:29:57,561 --> 00:29:59,731 accessibility. Yes, sir. 615 00:29:59,728 --> 00:30:01,358 The Press: Thank you, Robert. 616 00:30:01,361 --> 00:30:03,691 I do think that you answered the question about President Obama 617 00:30:03,695 --> 00:30:10,465 talking to President Clinton, whether they had talked or not 618 00:30:10,461 --> 00:30:12,831 -- because when he was in Pyongyang and you were asked 619 00:30:12,828 --> 00:30:15,598 that you said the last time they spoke was in March. 620 00:30:15,594 --> 00:30:17,794 Mr. Gibbs: Well, I've certainly denoted that they've had 621 00:30:17,795 --> 00:30:22,065 conversations. I've also said, based on what the President has 622 00:30:22,061 --> 00:30:24,931 told me, he doesn't feel comfortable discussing out -- 623 00:30:24,928 --> 00:30:28,658 with everyone involved -- discussions that he has with 624 00:30:28,661 --> 00:30:31,261 former President Clinton, that he might have with former 625 00:30:31,261 --> 00:30:36,391 President Bush 43 or 41, or others. 626 00:30:36,394 --> 00:30:38,424 The Press: The one thing I wanted to know was the 627 00:30:38,428 --> 00:30:42,328 controversy involving Glenn Beck, 628 00:30:42,328 --> 00:30:44,728 the television commentator -- I know you say the President does 629 00:30:44,728 --> 00:30:49,858 not watch cable television and doesn't keep up on it. 630 00:30:49,861 --> 00:30:52,991 Is anyone monitoring that whole controversy in the White House? 631 00:30:52,994 --> 00:30:55,294 Mr. Gibbs: Which -- I got to tell you, 632 00:30:55,294 --> 00:30:56,824 it's not on my top 10 list either. 633 00:30:56,828 --> 00:30:59,058 What's the controversy? 634 00:30:59,061 --> 00:31:00,391 The Press: Remarks that Mr. Beck made, 635 00:31:00,394 --> 00:31:02,394 and then his sponsors backing away. 636 00:31:02,394 --> 00:31:04,794 You're not aware of any of that? 637 00:31:04,795 --> 00:31:06,765 Mr. Gibbs: I think to keep up with some of the comments would 638 00:31:06,761 --> 00:31:13,431 be more than a full-time job and I've got a good one. 639 00:31:13,428 --> 00:31:15,728 The Press: Robert, the President is talking about trimming the 640 00:31:15,728 --> 00:31:18,598 Medicare Advantage program. Can you talk about how important 641 00:31:18,594 --> 00:31:20,324 that is to the overall idea of reform? 642 00:31:20,328 --> 00:31:23,228 And is there any danger that seniors might perceive that, 643 00:31:23,227 --> 00:31:26,827 or that opponents of reform in general might use that to charge 644 00:31:26,828 --> 00:31:29,328 that the President is talking about cutting benefits? 645 00:31:29,328 --> 00:31:33,328 Mr. Gibbs: Well, I don't doubt that opponents of this may seek 646 00:31:33,328 --> 00:31:43,058 to scare seniors. The President talked about this as far back as 647 00:31:43,061 --> 00:31:44,661 in the middle of the campaign. 648 00:31:44,661 --> 00:31:46,331 I think we did an event, if I'm not mistaken, 649 00:31:46,328 --> 00:31:50,428 at a senior center in Iowa in 2007 and discussed the waste and 650 00:31:50,428 --> 00:31:54,998 fraud that we can see in health care, and the notion that, 651 00:31:54,994 --> 00:31:57,824 particularly among the Medicare Advantage program, 652 00:31:57,828 --> 00:32:01,398 there are a lot of reports that note -- correctly, 653 00:32:01,394 --> 00:32:06,864 in our opinion -- that for about $177 billion over a 10-year 654 00:32:06,861 --> 00:32:09,761 period of time, there's no appreciable benefit to Medicare 655 00:32:09,761 --> 00:32:13,131 beneficiaries under the Medicare Advantage program; 656 00:32:13,127 --> 00:32:19,727 that it simply seems to be a multi-billion dollar giveaway 657 00:32:19,728 --> 00:32:23,328 that doesn't seem necessary to deliver the type of Medicare 658 00:32:23,328 --> 00:32:25,958 that seniors have come to expect. 659 00:32:25,961 --> 00:32:28,031 The Press: So is the President's idea to do away with it, 660 00:32:28,027 --> 00:32:30,297 to phase out the subsidies? 661 00:32:30,294 --> 00:32:33,024 Mr. Gibbs: To stop subsidizing with taxpayer money a program 662 00:32:33,027 --> 00:32:40,097 that thus far, based on the data that I believe the GAO has 663 00:32:40,094 --> 00:32:43,694 collected, that we've seen no appreciable benefit in terms of 664 00:32:43,695 --> 00:32:45,625 quality of care. 665 00:32:45,628 --> 00:32:47,598 The Press: Will competitive bidding take care of that? 666 00:32:47,594 --> 00:32:49,224 Or does it need to be -- 667 00:32:49,227 --> 00:32:52,427 Mr. Gibbs: Let me talk to those guys specifically about solutions. 668 00:32:52,428 --> 00:32:55,628 But I certainly think that it is an integral part. 669 00:32:55,628 --> 00:33:00,098 I think you -- I think on virtually every question that 670 00:33:00,094 --> 00:33:04,294 the President has asked about health care savings I know in -- 671 00:33:04,294 --> 00:33:06,464 I can't remember in Montana, but I know in Grand Junction, 672 00:33:06,461 --> 00:33:09,361 it was the example he used as one of the things that -- the 673 00:33:09,361 --> 00:33:15,461 funding that needed to be -- I'm sorry, 674 00:33:15,461 --> 00:33:18,131 the subsidy that needed to be cut. Steve. 675 00:33:18,127 --> 00:33:23,357 The Press: Robert, in this -- the drive for competition from, 676 00:33:23,361 --> 00:33:27,761 for instance, like BlueCross BlueShield in Alabama, 677 00:33:27,761 --> 00:33:29,431 was it ever considered to try to sweep away or change the 678 00:33:29,428 --> 00:33:31,198 regulatory framework so the private sector could go in there 679 00:33:31,194 --> 00:33:33,164 and Aetna and MetLife could better compete against BlueCross 680 00:33:33,161 --> 00:33:36,631 BlueShield in Alabama and in other states? 681 00:33:36,628 --> 00:33:38,498 Mr. Gibbs: Well, I think that's what's largely envisioned 682 00:33:38,494 --> 00:33:40,124 through a health exchange, Steve, 683 00:33:40,127 --> 00:33:42,397 is that you'd have a number of different -- look, 684 00:33:42,394 --> 00:33:45,824 understand the President's reform is built on a private 685 00:33:45,828 --> 00:33:51,798 insurance structure where the vast majority of people receive 686 00:33:51,795 --> 00:33:54,825 their health care benefits through their employer from 687 00:33:54,828 --> 00:34:00,728 private entities. The President is building on that system in 688 00:34:00,728 --> 00:34:04,858 health care reform. But part of what the President believes has 689 00:34:04,861 --> 00:34:09,991 to happen is we have to broaden some of those closed markets 690 00:34:09,994 --> 00:34:12,394 with that choice and competition; that if not, 691 00:34:12,394 --> 00:34:15,894 you're not going to be able to drive down costs and provide 692 00:34:15,895 --> 00:34:17,295 health care at the best quality. 693 00:34:17,294 --> 00:34:19,624 The Press: Why does the competition have to come from the government? 694 00:34:19,628 --> 00:34:21,198 Why can't it come from other private insurers? 695 00:34:21,194 --> 00:34:23,594 Mr. Gibbs: Well, it doesn't have to. 696 00:34:23,594 --> 00:34:28,264 But, Steve, I've lived in Alabama; it's a decent market, 697 00:34:28,261 --> 00:34:30,761 there are a lot of people there. 698 00:34:30,761 --> 00:34:36,931 I assume there's some reason why a series of private entities 699 00:34:36,928 --> 00:34:41,958 haven't come to seek a market that at this point, 700 00:34:41,961 --> 00:34:45,891 nine out of 10 people is -- dominated in nine out of 10 701 00:34:45,895 --> 00:34:52,095 people by one company. I think the AMA found that 94 percent of 702 00:34:52,094 --> 00:34:59,064 metropolitan areas face the same problem, where the private 703 00:34:59,061 --> 00:35:04,691 health insurance market is dominated by one insurer that 704 00:35:04,695 --> 00:35:08,395 doesn't allow that choice and competition. 705 00:35:08,394 --> 00:35:11,724 The Press: Back to Mubarak. 706 00:35:11,728 --> 00:35:14,598 Can you say how the President raised the issue of human rights 707 00:35:14,594 --> 00:35:17,224 and political reform in Egypt during the talks? 708 00:35:17,227 --> 00:35:18,957 Mr. Gibbs: Let me get a specific read. 709 00:35:18,961 --> 00:35:22,761 I did not talk to Denis and those guys before I -- about the 710 00:35:22,761 --> 00:35:24,561 other topics that were talked about. 711 00:35:24,561 --> 00:35:26,661 The Press: Well, generally, do you think it's fair that there's 712 00:35:26,661 --> 00:35:28,631 a perception among some dissidents and human rights 713 00:35:28,628 --> 00:35:32,528 groups that this administration has downplayed that side of the 714 00:35:32,528 --> 00:35:36,558 relationship in pursuit of broader issues? 715 00:35:36,561 --> 00:35:48,031 Mr. Gibbs: I would not -- I would not agree with the premise 716 00:35:48,027 --> 00:35:50,227 that we have somehow swept under the rug, 717 00:35:50,227 --> 00:35:52,227 in either this relationship or in relationships with other 718 00:35:52,227 --> 00:35:54,427 countries, the notion of human rights or greater democracy in 719 00:35:54,428 --> 00:35:58,628 the world. Obviously those are important foreign policy goals 720 00:35:58,628 --> 00:36:03,658 that are in the national interest of this country. 721 00:36:03,661 --> 00:36:06,631 And we will continue to pursue those, 722 00:36:06,628 --> 00:36:09,258 as well as issues relating to comprehensive Middle East peace. 723 00:36:09,261 --> 00:36:12,061 The Press: Robert, in light of the fact that the judges have 724 00:36:12,061 --> 00:36:19,361 accepted the Lockerbie bomber's request to allow him to drop his 725 00:36:19,361 --> 00:36:22,561 appeal against his conviction, which could mean that he might 726 00:36:22,561 --> 00:36:26,561 be released soon -- and Secretary Clinton and several 727 00:36:26,561 --> 00:36:30,531 senators have urged the judges not to release him. 728 00:36:30,528 --> 00:36:33,328 What official actions, if any, has the Obama administration 729 00:36:33,328 --> 00:36:36,958 considered at this point? 730 00:36:36,961 --> 00:36:40,531 Mr. Gibbs: It's the policy of this administration, 731 00:36:40,528 --> 00:36:44,558 as enunciated, as you've said, by Secretary of State Clinton, 732 00:36:44,561 --> 00:36:50,331 that this individual should serve out his term where he's 733 00:36:50,328 --> 00:36:53,498 serving it right now. That's the policy 734 00:36:53,494 --> 00:36:56,364 of this government. April. 735 00:36:56,361 --> 00:37:00,091 The Press: Robert, whenever health care reform is acted on 736 00:37:00,094 --> 00:37:05,024 -- will the issue of covering most Americans or all Americans 737 00:37:05,027 --> 00:37:09,157 be a primary piece to this health care reform action? 738 00:37:09,161 --> 00:37:12,031 Mr. Gibbs: Yes. Yes. 739 00:37:12,027 --> 00:37:13,857 The Press: Has it been made aware by the liberals who are 740 00:37:13,861 --> 00:37:16,831 upset with the White House over this preference issue that -- 741 00:37:16,828 --> 00:37:25,028 they're saying if you do choose to go away from the public 742 00:37:25,027 --> 00:37:27,757 option that you're going back to square one on this. 743 00:37:27,761 --> 00:37:29,431 Mr. Gibbs: Going back to square one on? 744 00:37:29,428 --> 00:37:31,858 The Press: On health care reform, because they're saying, 745 00:37:31,861 --> 00:37:34,591 look, you know, the whole premise of this was about 746 00:37:34,594 --> 00:37:37,464 covering most Americans. 747 00:37:37,461 --> 00:37:41,491 Mr. Gibbs: It still is. That's one of the goals I outlined a few minutes 748 00:37:41,494 --> 00:37:45,194 ago as tremendously important to the President, 749 00:37:45,194 --> 00:37:46,864 along with cutting costs. 750 00:37:46,861 --> 00:37:52,291 The Press: So if co-oping were to be a preference at some time 751 00:37:52,294 --> 00:37:56,964 -- hypothetically -- would it have to contain something that 752 00:37:56,961 --> 00:37:58,761 would cover most Americans? 753 00:37:58,761 --> 00:38:01,791 Because they're saying the co-op would exclude more than the 46 754 00:38:01,795 --> 00:38:04,595 million that are not insured -- millions upon millions upon 755 00:38:04,594 --> 00:38:09,664 millions would be without insurance with a co-op. 756 00:38:09,661 --> 00:38:12,591 Mr. Gibbs: I'm not entirely sure how one could come to that -- I 757 00:38:12,594 --> 00:38:14,894 don't know how one would come to that conclusion. 758 00:38:14,895 --> 00:38:20,295 Obviously a set of insurance reforms are instituted in part 759 00:38:20,294 --> 00:38:23,494 of the legislation that you've heard the President talk so many 760 00:38:23,494 --> 00:38:29,464 times about that doesn't allow an insurance company in any form 761 00:38:29,461 --> 00:38:33,891 that participates in health care reform or exists in the market 762 00:38:33,895 --> 00:38:36,995 to discriminate based on a preexisting condition, 763 00:38:36,994 --> 00:38:41,694 or drop a patient. So I don't -- I'd have to look at something 764 00:38:41,695 --> 00:38:48,765 that denoted that more people would be uninsured as a 765 00:38:48,761 --> 00:38:50,761 result of that. Yes, sir. 766 00:38:50,761 --> 00:38:52,831 The Press: Two quick questions, Robert. 767 00:38:52,828 --> 00:38:54,958 First, I wanted to follow up on something you were saying to Ed, 768 00:38:54,961 --> 00:38:57,991 because you have consistently said -- at least since I've been 769 00:38:57,994 --> 00:39:00,264 here listening to you answer this question -- that the 770 00:39:00,261 --> 00:39:03,861 President strongly supports a public option but that it's not 771 00:39:03,861 --> 00:39:06,131 a deal-breaker. That's been pretty much the position all 772 00:39:06,127 --> 00:39:09,527 along. But when you were talking to Ed it sounded like you were 773 00:39:09,528 --> 00:39:11,958 saying now that he's open to other, better ideas. 774 00:39:11,961 --> 00:39:14,031 Does this mean that the administration's position is it 775 00:39:14,027 --> 00:39:15,897 has to be public option or better? 776 00:39:15,895 --> 00:39:19,625 Mr. Gibbs: Well, again, the President will evaluate this 777 00:39:19,628 --> 00:39:25,198 idea or any idea based on the degree to which it satisfies the 778 00:39:25,194 --> 00:39:28,424 goal of choice and competition. 779 00:39:28,428 --> 00:39:34,558 If there is a mechanism whereby greater choice for consumers can 780 00:39:34,561 --> 00:39:38,091 be had through increased competition among private 781 00:39:38,094 --> 00:39:42,764 insurers as it relates to some policy idea, 782 00:39:42,761 --> 00:39:46,131 he will look at that, evaluate it, and make that determination. 783 00:39:46,127 --> 00:39:48,257 The Press: If he doesn't hear an idea that he prefers more than 784 00:39:48,261 --> 00:39:50,491 the public option, will he sign a bill with something he 785 00:39:50,494 --> 00:39:53,124 considers not as good as the public option as a compromise? 786 00:39:53,127 --> 00:39:55,297 Mr. Gibbs: The President would have to be satisfied that any 787 00:39:55,294 --> 00:40:01,894 idea contained in any final legislation met the strong goals 788 00:40:01,895 --> 00:40:03,465 of providing that choice and competition. 789 00:40:03,461 --> 00:40:06,291 The Press: Second question was, has the President let you know 790 00:40:06,294 --> 00:40:08,164 whether or not he has a rooting interest in the World Series of 791 00:40:08,161 --> 00:40:09,791 Poker final table? 792 00:40:09,795 --> 00:40:11,425 (laughter) 793 00:40:11,428 --> 00:40:13,958 Mr. Gibbs: I have not -- I know he likes to play 794 00:40:13,961 --> 00:40:18,261 poker, but I have -- I will follow up with him on that. 795 00:40:18,261 --> 00:40:23,461 The Press: Can you give us a sense of how the President is 796 00:40:23,461 --> 00:40:25,961 going to keep his message moving forward while he's on vacation? 797 00:40:25,961 --> 00:40:28,761 Are we going to be seeing more administration officials or -- 798 00:40:28,761 --> 00:40:31,231 are we going to be seeing him at all? 799 00:40:31,227 --> 00:40:32,757 And the other question is, did he have any reaction 800 00:40:32,761 --> 00:40:34,891 to Robert Novak's death? 801 00:40:34,895 --> 00:40:36,565 Mr. Gibbs: I will ask him about that. 802 00:40:36,561 --> 00:40:40,291 I have not had a chance to talk to him about that. 803 00:40:40,294 --> 00:40:42,164 So let me find out something on that. 804 00:40:42,161 --> 00:40:48,831 Obviously we'll have some scheduling updates for you 805 00:40:48,828 --> 00:40:54,128 throughout the week on events that may or may not be added on 806 00:40:54,127 --> 00:40:57,127 health care. Obviously there will be a certain point in which 807 00:40:57,127 --> 00:41:02,257 the President will largely be down enjoying his vacation, 808 00:41:02,261 --> 00:41:05,131 as well as I think the vacation that millions and millions of 809 00:41:05,127 --> 00:41:07,697 Americans hopefully will -- a little time off 810 00:41:07,695 --> 00:41:09,165 that they'll be enjoying. 811 00:41:09,161 --> 00:41:11,661 The Press: Will you encourage President Clinton to come down 812 00:41:11,661 --> 00:41:13,531 and see us here after he -- 813 00:41:13,528 --> 00:41:16,858 Mr. Gibbs: I said this morning I'm not going to get in the way of the 814 00:41:16,861 --> 00:41:20,491 First Amendment if that's what he wants to do. 815 00:41:20,494 --> 00:41:21,524 But I'll put it -- 816 00:41:21,528 --> 00:41:23,158 The Press: -- come to the stakeout? 817 00:41:23,161 --> 00:41:24,831 Mr. Gibbs: I'll put in specifically a recommendation in 818 00:41:24,828 --> 00:41:26,498 from April and Bill. Kirk. 819 00:41:26,494 --> 00:41:29,464 The Press: Thanks, Robert. 820 00:41:29,461 --> 00:41:33,061 Has the White House concluded that only a handful of 821 00:41:33,061 --> 00:41:39,231 Republicans, if any, support health care reform? 822 00:41:39,227 --> 00:41:42,157 Mr. Gibbs: I don't know that that determination has ultimately 823 00:41:42,161 --> 00:41:45,831 been made. I think, Kirk, you've seen -- only a handful seem 824 00:41:45,828 --> 00:41:50,428 interested in the type of comprehensive reform that so 825 00:41:50,428 --> 00:41:54,698 many people believe is necessary to ensure the principles and the 826 00:41:54,695 --> 00:42:01,065 goals that the President has laid out. 827 00:42:01,061 --> 00:42:08,961 I think there seem to be many that don't share a desire to see 828 00:42:08,961 --> 00:42:16,431 costs cut, increases in coverage and quality to the degree to 829 00:42:16,428 --> 00:42:18,498 which others want to see. 830 00:42:18,494 --> 00:42:21,124 The Press: And is the September 15th deadline still operative 831 00:42:21,127 --> 00:42:23,257 for the Finance Committee? 832 00:42:23,261 --> 00:42:25,531 Mr. Gibbs: According to the Finance Committee it is, yes. 833 00:42:25,528 --> 00:42:26,698 The Press: Thanks, Robert. 834 00:42:26,695 --> 00:42:28,225 Mr. Gibbs: Thanks, guys.