English subtitles for clip: File:8-20-09- White House Press Briefing.webm
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1 00:00:00,500 --> 00:00:05,530 Mr. Gibbs: Just one, quick, announcement to read before we get started. 2 00:00:05,533 --> 00:00:08,003 The President spoke today with King Abdullah of Jordan. 3 00:00:08,000 --> 00:00:10,600 They discussed efforts to advance Middle East peace and 4 00:00:10,600 --> 00:00:13,530 how the U.S. and Jordan could work together to achieve 5 00:00:13,533 --> 00:00:16,503 this goal. The President and the King agreed on the need to 6 00:00:16,500 --> 00:00:19,330 launch Israeli-Palestinian negotiations as soon as 7 00:00:19,333 --> 00:00:23,063 possible. They also agreed that all parties -- Israel, 8 00:00:23,066 --> 00:00:25,566 the Palestines, and Arab states -- should take steps 9 00:00:25,567 --> 00:00:28,437 simultaneously to create a context in which these 10 00:00:28,433 --> 00:00:31,863 negotiations can succeed. 11 00:00:31,867 --> 00:00:34,267 The President underscored his strong support for Jordan's 12 00:00:34,266 --> 00:00:37,866 efforts to work with other Arab states to reach out to Israel, 13 00:00:37,867 --> 00:00:40,497 and undertake gestures that would demonstrate the meaning of 14 00:00:40,500 --> 00:00:42,670 the Arab Peace Initiative. 15 00:00:42,667 --> 00:00:45,697 The President said that Special Envoy Mitchell would follow up 16 00:00:45,700 --> 00:00:49,000 with the parties in the next few weeks to finalize the steps they 17 00:00:49,000 --> 00:00:51,900 would take and lay the groundwork for resumption of 18 00:00:51,900 --> 00:00:54,630 negotiations. And with that -- 19 00:00:54,633 --> 00:00:57,003 The Press: Well, now that you've brought it up, 20 00:00:57,000 --> 00:01:03,000 did King Abdullah agree in any way with the President's call 21 00:01:03,000 --> 00:01:10,730 for the wider Arab world to show some goodwill? 22 00:01:10,734 --> 00:01:15,634 Mr. Gibbs: Well, look, I think in many ways that's the role 23 00:01:15,633 --> 00:01:21,563 King Abdullah has played in helping to foster an environment 24 00:01:21,567 --> 00:01:24,337 where peace is possible. 25 00:01:24,333 --> 00:01:30,633 I hesitate to characterize their side of the conversation. 26 00:01:30,633 --> 00:01:35,133 We're always a little leery to do that. 27 00:01:35,133 --> 00:01:37,963 But the President is hopeful that the meetings that he's had 28 00:01:37,967 --> 00:01:41,137 here this week and the phone call -- the Mubarak meeting and 29 00:01:41,133 --> 00:01:45,133 the Abdullah phone call today -- that we are continuing to make 30 00:01:45,133 --> 00:01:47,203 progress on the path toward a Middle East peace. 31 00:01:47,200 --> 00:01:51,900 The Press: And does that optimism rise or fall after this talk? 32 00:01:51,900 --> 00:02:01,070 Mr. Gibbs: I think the optimism continues to rise. 33 00:02:01,066 --> 00:02:05,396 We're hopeful, and understand that the road ahead will not be 34 00:02:05,400 --> 00:02:11,230 easy; it's a complex and emotional set of issues that we 35 00:02:11,233 --> 00:02:13,963 look forward to working through. Yes, sir. 36 00:02:13,967 --> 00:02:15,937 The Press: Robert, two questions on the budget. 37 00:02:15,934 --> 00:02:17,304 Mr. Gibbs: Yes, sir. 38 00:02:17,300 --> 00:02:19,930 The Press: First of all, what does the administration's 39 00:02:19,934 --> 00:02:23,004 decision to remove the $250 billion space holder from the 40 00:02:23,000 --> 00:02:26,770 budget say about your take on bank health? 41 00:02:26,767 --> 00:02:32,567 Mr. Gibbs: Well, look, I think when we met in this room months 42 00:02:32,567 --> 00:02:35,937 ago at the introduction of the budget I think there was some 43 00:02:35,934 --> 00:02:40,634 concern based on the health and stability of our financial 44 00:02:40,633 --> 00:02:44,233 system that more money might be required, 45 00:02:44,233 --> 00:02:48,903 and the President and the administration felt in order to 46 00:02:48,900 --> 00:02:52,770 be transparent about our budgeting process, 47 00:02:52,767 --> 00:02:57,697 that we should include that marker in there. 48 00:02:57,700 --> 00:03:03,800 Removing it I think underscores the efforts that have been taken 49 00:03:03,800 --> 00:03:06,300 to rescue and rebuild the economy through financial 50 00:03:06,300 --> 00:03:10,000 stabilization. Another conversation that we had 51 00:03:10,000 --> 00:03:14,800 as part of this was at the introduction of the bank stress 52 00:03:14,800 --> 00:03:20,000 tests, and there was a lot of consternation that at the end 53 00:03:20,000 --> 00:03:23,530 of these, we would likely need hundreds of billions of extra 54 00:03:23,533 --> 00:03:35,603 dollars; that we now realize that banks were able to take 55 00:03:35,600 --> 00:03:38,700 steps and actions to raise almost all that money from 56 00:03:38,700 --> 00:03:44,670 private capital -- which I think is obviously a good thing. 57 00:03:44,667 --> 00:03:49,467 We've discussed pulling the economy back from the brink, 58 00:03:49,467 --> 00:03:53,797 and particularly the financial sector back from that brink, 59 00:03:53,800 --> 00:03:55,770 in order to restore some confidence. 60 00:03:55,767 --> 00:03:59,637 We've even seen -- we've seen banks pay back with interest the 61 00:03:59,633 --> 00:04:04,503 money that taxpayers used to stabilize the system. 62 00:04:04,500 --> 00:04:10,970 And one of the -- I think one of the results of this is the 63 00:04:10,967 --> 00:04:17,867 Midsession Review we would expect the deficit to be 64 00:04:17,867 --> 00:04:26,197 $1.58 trillion rather than the $1.8 trillion that the 65 00:04:26,200 --> 00:04:29,530 administration and the Congressional Budget Office 66 00:04:29,533 --> 00:04:33,103 believed would be the case just a few months ago. 67 00:04:33,100 --> 00:04:36,400 Part of that is the $250 billion that is not needed because of 68 00:04:36,400 --> 00:04:42,670 the stability as a result of the actions taken on the financial 69 00:04:42,667 --> 00:04:47,237 system, and outlays that are $78 billion lower for FDIC. 70 00:04:47,233 --> 00:04:53,203 The Press: Taking those out -- and that makes sense that it 71 00:04:53,200 --> 00:04:55,830 would show some confidence in the financial industry -- but 72 00:04:55,834 --> 00:04:58,764 how would you describe the budget situation itself? 73 00:04:58,767 --> 00:05:00,697 Is the budget situation improving, 74 00:05:00,700 --> 00:05:03,030 or is the budget situation deteriorating? 75 00:05:03,033 --> 00:05:05,733 Mr. Gibbs: The budget situation continues to be a great challenge. 76 00:05:05,734 --> 00:05:11,234 Obviously -- I've talked in here about one of the best ways to 77 00:05:11,233 --> 00:05:14,333 bring down our budget deficit and to get fiscal responsibility 78 00:05:14,333 --> 00:05:18,833 is to get our economic house in order and get the economy back 79 00:05:18,834 --> 00:05:24,834 on track. I think it's no surprise, if you look back over 80 00:05:24,834 --> 00:05:29,034 the course of the last six or seven months, for a great period 81 00:05:29,033 --> 00:05:31,833 of that time, we have seen the economy in a very, 82 00:05:31,834 --> 00:05:33,964 very steep decline -- in some ways, 83 00:05:33,967 --> 00:05:37,367 in a steeper decline than anybody had predicted. 84 00:05:37,367 --> 00:05:42,397 And I think the budget picture in many ways will demonstrate 85 00:05:42,400 --> 00:05:44,430 that resulting deterioration. 86 00:05:44,433 --> 00:05:46,303 The Press: It's continuing -- 87 00:05:46,300 --> 00:05:49,200 Mr. Gibbs: It continues to be a hefty challenge. 88 00:05:49,200 --> 00:05:50,600 The Press: What? 89 00:05:50,600 --> 00:05:52,230 Mr. Gibbs: Hefty challenge. 90 00:05:52,233 --> 00:05:53,703 The Press: The budget does? 91 00:05:53,700 --> 00:05:55,130 Mr. Gibbs: Yes. Yes, sir. 92 00:05:55,133 --> 00:05:57,963 The Press: The spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Harry 93 00:05:57,967 --> 00:06:02,967 Reid said that while they intent to -- their hope is that it will 94 00:06:02,967 --> 00:06:05,067 be a bipartisan health care reform effort, 95 00:06:05,066 --> 00:06:09,866 they will get health care reform accomplished "by any legislative 96 00:06:09,867 --> 00:06:11,737 means necessary." 97 00:06:11,734 --> 00:06:14,734 And I'm wondering if you could walk us through -- obviously 98 00:06:14,734 --> 00:06:17,734 people in the White House have been talking to each other, 99 00:06:17,734 --> 00:06:20,534 strategizing about different ways that this can be done. 100 00:06:20,533 --> 00:06:23,563 First of all, could you comment on today's Wall Street Journal 101 00:06:23,567 --> 00:06:26,497 story about the discussions about possibly splitting up the 102 00:06:26,500 --> 00:06:30,030 bill? But also, what are the thoughts -- obviously we all 103 00:06:30,033 --> 00:06:33,363 know that your intention is that it be a bipartisan bill, 104 00:06:33,367 --> 00:06:35,437 but beyond that what are you planning for? 105 00:06:35,433 --> 00:06:37,303 Mr. Gibbs: I said this this morning. 106 00:06:37,300 --> 00:06:39,800 I have -- I read the story in the Journal. 107 00:06:39,800 --> 00:06:42,600 I've tried to get guidance from people. 108 00:06:42,600 --> 00:06:45,430 I have not been able to, largely because many people we get that 109 00:06:45,433 --> 00:06:49,803 from are on vacation. We'll try to get you better guidance on 110 00:06:49,800 --> 00:06:53,030 that in terms of splitting up bills. 111 00:06:53,033 --> 00:06:54,603 The Press: Jon, if you could give Robert the numbers? 112 00:06:54,600 --> 00:06:55,900 (laughter) 113 00:06:55,900 --> 00:06:57,570 The Press: That would be good. 114 00:06:57,567 --> 00:06:59,537 Mr. Gibbs: I mean, Jonathan's story also had in there that the 115 00:06:59,533 --> 00:07:01,903 President was going to meet with advisors next week on this, 116 00:07:01,900 --> 00:07:03,600 and as I said in the gaggle this morning, 117 00:07:03,600 --> 00:07:06,230 unless that is a meeting that includes Marvin on a golf 118 00:07:06,233 --> 00:07:07,903 course, that's -- 119 00:07:07,900 --> 00:07:09,270 The Press: I did not say that. 120 00:07:09,266 --> 00:07:11,536 Mr. Gibbs: Can somebody go get me the newspaper 121 00:07:11,533 --> 00:07:13,863 The Press: That was not supposed to be on the budget. 122 00:07:13,867 --> 00:07:15,637 That was just supposed to be on the -- 123 00:07:15,633 --> 00:07:17,963 Mr. Gibbs Maybe Jonathan could clear it up for both of us. 124 00:07:17,967 --> 00:07:19,567 (laughter) 125 00:07:19,567 --> 00:07:20,867 The Press: Are you going to take questions? 126 00:07:20,867 --> 00:07:22,197 (laughter) 127 00:07:22,200 --> 00:07:23,700 Mr. Gibbs: Sounds like he needs to. 128 00:07:23,700 --> 00:07:25,200 (laughter) 129 00:07:25,200 --> 00:07:33,130 No, let me discuss a little bit -- obviously, our focus, as I 130 00:07:33,133 --> 00:07:39,863 said yesterday, is on continuing this process in a bipartisan 131 00:07:39,867 --> 00:07:43,097 fashion. You heard the President say that again today. He's 132 00:07:43,100 --> 00:07:46,670 reached out and spoken with members of Congress,including 133 00:07:46,667 --> 00:07:52,367 members of the Finance Committee over the past several days. 134 00:07:52,367 --> 00:07:54,297 The Press: Republican members of Congress? 135 00:07:54,300 --> 00:07:57,630 Mr. Gibbs: Yes. He talked with Senator Olympia Snowe yesterday, 136 00:07:57,633 --> 00:08:00,133 talked with Senator Conrad yesterday, and, 137 00:08:00,133 --> 00:08:08,703 as we've discussed, talked with Senator Baucus on Friday. 138 00:08:08,700 --> 00:08:12,770 That's our focus, is continuing to work this in a bipartisan 139 00:08:12,767 --> 00:08:16,367 way. I know the six senators on the Finance Committee have a 140 00:08:16,367 --> 00:08:19,537 conference call slated, according I think even to 141 00:08:19,533 --> 00:08:26,233 Jonathan's report and others, that -- have a conference call 142 00:08:26,233 --> 00:08:27,633 on that tonight. 143 00:08:27,633 --> 00:08:28,533 The Press: Does the White House have a presence on 144 00:08:28,533 --> 00:08:29,633 that conference call? 145 00:08:29,633 --> 00:08:33,163 Mr. Gibbs: Not that I'm aware of, no. 146 00:08:33,166 --> 00:08:34,766 I think this is part of the regular negotiating sessions 147 00:08:34,767 --> 00:08:39,767 that they've had that we have not taken part in. 148 00:08:39,767 --> 00:08:43,067 I am trying to get the extent to which conversations have been 149 00:08:43,066 --> 00:08:49,666 had here looking into what possibilities are next. 150 00:08:49,667 --> 00:08:52,567 I talked to the President briefly about it, 151 00:08:52,567 --> 00:08:54,637 and all he said was our focus was on doing something in a 152 00:08:54,633 --> 00:08:55,963 bipartisan way. 153 00:08:55,967 --> 00:08:59,937 The Press: Do you agree with what Jim Manley said about by 154 00:08:59,934 --> 00:09:02,004 any legislative means necessary -- obviously, 155 00:09:02,000 --> 00:09:04,300 bipartisan being the hope and the priority, 156 00:09:04,300 --> 00:09:05,930 but you're going to get this done? 157 00:09:05,934 --> 00:09:09,364 Mr. Gibbs: Well, I think the President has said on a number 158 00:09:09,367 --> 00:09:11,637 of occasions that -- excellent, thank you. 159 00:09:11,633 --> 00:09:12,603 (laughter) 160 00:09:12,600 --> 00:09:13,930 The Press: Wow. 161 00:09:13,934 --> 00:09:17,304 The Press: What is that? 162 00:09:17,300 --> 00:09:19,030 Mr. Gibbs: That's one, yes. 163 00:09:19,033 --> 00:09:20,663 You don't recognize a newspaper, Chuck? 164 00:09:20,667 --> 00:09:24,397 (laughter) 165 00:09:24,400 --> 00:09:26,800 And all he did was mention to me that our focus was 166 00:09:26,800 --> 00:09:29,570 on doing so in a bipartisan way. 167 00:09:29,567 --> 00:09:33,867 I think he'll continue even when he's out next week to talk to 168 00:09:33,867 --> 00:09:36,697 members of Congress, including additional members of the 169 00:09:36,700 --> 00:09:38,330 Finance Committee, including Republicans. 170 00:09:38,333 --> 00:09:41,663 The Press: He also said they -- Republicans conspired during the 171 00:09:41,667 --> 00:09:45,167 Clinton administration to defeat any health legislation. 172 00:09:45,166 --> 00:09:48,166 He indicated they might be doing the same. 173 00:09:48,166 --> 00:09:50,796 What do you think is going to break through that? 174 00:09:50,800 --> 00:09:52,370 And why do you need them? 175 00:09:52,367 --> 00:09:57,097 Mr. Gibbs: Well, as I said yesterday, 176 00:09:57,100 --> 00:10:01,900 we take people seriously that say they're working and want to 177 00:10:01,900 --> 00:10:04,800 work on a bipartisan result for health care reform. 178 00:10:04,800 --> 00:10:08,430 I don't think the President is under any illusions that he's 179 00:10:08,433 --> 00:10:14,603 going to get every Republican to sign up for his ideas. 180 00:10:14,600 --> 00:10:19,170 The HELP Committee approved a piece of legislation with nearly 181 00:10:19,166 --> 00:10:23,896 200 Republican amendments that had been added to it. 182 00:10:23,900 --> 00:10:28,170 I think he continues to be hopeful that we can continue to 183 00:10:28,166 --> 00:10:31,536 make progress, and until we see otherwise, 184 00:10:31,533 --> 00:10:33,463 that's what our focus is. 185 00:10:33,467 --> 00:10:35,997 The Press: Even if all the Republicans are against it? 186 00:10:36,000 --> 00:10:38,700 Mr. Gibbs: Well, again, we take at face value that people have 187 00:10:38,700 --> 00:10:41,900 -- that Republicans that you read about in the newspaper are 188 00:10:41,900 --> 00:10:44,870 interested in working on a bipartisan solution to reform 189 00:10:44,867 --> 00:10:48,037 the problems that we all understand in health care. 190 00:10:48,033 --> 00:10:50,863 The Press: But not your solution. 191 00:10:50,867 --> 00:10:56,867 Mr. Gibbs: Well, that's what we're working on. That's what I assume will be 192 00:10:56,867 --> 00:10:58,837 discussed on the conference call tonight. 193 00:10:58,834 --> 00:11:00,704 The Press: Robert, just picking up on that point, 194 00:11:00,700 --> 00:11:03,670 House Republican leaders Boehner and Cantor said that they sent a 195 00:11:03,667 --> 00:11:07,697 letter to the President in May asking to work together on 196 00:11:07,700 --> 00:11:10,830 health care reform, and there was no follow-up by the White 197 00:11:10,834 --> 00:11:12,834 House in terms of meetings. 198 00:11:12,834 --> 00:11:15,004 Mr. Gibbs: Well, they've been down here to talk about health 199 00:11:15,000 --> 00:11:16,500 care. I don't think that -- 200 00:11:16,500 --> 00:11:17,670 The Press: Since May? 201 00:11:17,667 --> 00:11:18,937 Mr. Gibbs: I believe so. I will check. 202 00:11:18,934 --> 00:11:22,764 I know they've been -- I don't know if it's been since May or 203 00:11:22,767 --> 00:11:24,997 not. I don't -- I'll check on a series of what 204 00:11:25,000 --> 00:11:26,700 meetings have taken place. 205 00:11:26,700 --> 00:11:29,330 The Press: Robert, do you think it's helpful to have -- as the 206 00:11:29,333 --> 00:11:31,533 President makes his case -- to have a top union official in 207 00:11:31,533 --> 00:11:33,963 Rich Trumka essentially threatening Democratic members 208 00:11:33,967 --> 00:11:36,237 of Congress that if they don't support a public option, 209 00:11:36,233 --> 00:11:39,763 unions will help defeat them in 2010? 210 00:11:39,767 --> 00:11:43,597 Mr. Gibbs: Well, I'm not going to get into some of the 211 00:11:43,600 --> 00:11:46,800 back-and-forth. I think the President believes that, 212 00:11:46,800 --> 00:11:53,470 as you heard him say again on the show that he just taped, 213 00:11:53,467 --> 00:11:56,437 that the -- I keep pointing there, 214 00:11:56,433 --> 00:12:01,163 I guess it's over there -- that the President wants to work with 215 00:12:01,166 --> 00:12:05,036 all members of Congress, both parties, and reiterated what 216 00:12:05,033 --> 00:12:08,703 he'd said earlier many times on the public option. 217 00:12:08,700 --> 00:12:11,300 The Press: But he's been trying to show flexibility, as well. 218 00:12:11,300 --> 00:12:15,000 So how could that be helpful to the President if some of his own 219 00:12:15,000 --> 00:12:19,070 allies in organized labor are essentially threatening fellow 220 00:12:19,066 --> 00:12:21,366 Democrats? It doesn't sound like flexibility in his party. 221 00:12:21,367 --> 00:12:23,667 Mr. Gibbs: Well, I can't speak for everybody in the party. 222 00:12:23,667 --> 00:12:26,137 I can only speak for the President in saying that we 223 00:12:26,133 --> 00:12:30,863 believe it's important. If we didn't believe it was important, 224 00:12:30,867 --> 00:12:35,967 we wouldn't be undertaking it in order to get some bipartisan 225 00:12:35,967 --> 00:12:39,337 agreement. I think we have agreement on a lot of issues 226 00:12:39,333 --> 00:12:41,363 that are important to get health care reform done. 227 00:12:41,367 --> 00:12:43,967 We've got progress that still needs to be made, 228 00:12:43,967 --> 00:12:46,367 and I think that's why the Senate Finance Committee 229 00:12:46,367 --> 00:12:47,697 continues to meet. 230 00:12:47,700 --> 00:12:50,330 The Press: Quick question on another subject -- Blackwater. 231 00:12:50,333 --> 00:12:52,703 There's various reports today about the CIA hiring private 232 00:12:52,700 --> 00:12:56,170 contractor Blackwater around 2004 to help assassinate al 233 00:12:56,166 --> 00:12:59,166 Qaeda leaders. And obviously the CIA director has already shut 234 00:12:59,166 --> 00:13:01,866 the program down, didn't think it was the right kind of 235 00:13:01,867 --> 00:13:04,437 program. My question is, moving forward, why is the Obama 236 00:13:04,433 --> 00:13:08,063 administration still using Blackwater as a contractor? 237 00:13:08,066 --> 00:13:09,966 Why do you continue to hire this group -- 238 00:13:09,967 --> 00:13:12,267 Mr. Gibbs: I'd have to look and see what the extent of that use is, 239 00:13:12,266 --> 00:13:14,296 and I would point you to the CIA on that story. 240 00:13:14,300 --> 00:13:16,730 The Press: Well, actually, Valerie Jarrett was asked about 241 00:13:16,734 --> 00:13:19,234 it this past weekend at the netroots conference I think in 242 00:13:19,233 --> 00:13:21,433 Pittsburgh. And she said the President has to "balance 243 00:13:21,433 --> 00:13:23,203 national security with transparency." 244 00:13:23,200 --> 00:13:25,800 How do you define that? 245 00:13:25,800 --> 00:13:27,670 I mean, how is it in the interest of national security -- 246 00:13:27,667 --> 00:13:29,567 national security interests of America right now? 247 00:13:29,567 --> 00:13:32,997 Mr. Gibbs: Ed, I'd feel more comfortable talking about this 248 00:13:33,000 --> 00:13:38,530 when I had a little information on their contract. Yes, sir. 249 00:13:38,533 --> 00:13:40,633 The Press: The President made a comment about -- that the 250 00:13:40,633 --> 00:13:42,363 Republican leadership made a decision -- 251 00:13:42,367 --> 00:13:43,497 (laughter) 252 00:13:43,500 --> 00:13:44,430 He didn't have the crossword, either. 253 00:13:44,433 --> 00:13:45,463 I thought he -- 254 00:13:45,467 --> 00:13:47,397 Mr. Gibbs: That's what happens when he's done with the crossword. 255 00:13:47,400 --> 00:13:48,870 (laughter) 256 00:13:48,867 --> 00:13:50,637 The Press: It's an easy one today, it's -- 257 00:13:50,633 --> 00:13:53,563 (laughter) 258 00:13:53,567 --> 00:13:54,967 Mr. Gibbs: It is Thursday, a little tougher puzzle. 259 00:13:54,967 --> 00:13:56,467 The Press: It's August. 260 00:13:56,467 --> 00:13:59,137 The Press: The President said the Republican leadership made a 261 00:13:59,133 --> 00:14:01,103 decision to oppose him. 262 00:14:01,100 --> 00:14:04,730 Is this his political analysis, or is this what he is -- I mean, 263 00:14:04,734 --> 00:14:08,564 is this -- is this like, he knows this as a fact? 264 00:14:08,567 --> 00:14:14,097 Mr. Gibbs: I think it's a -- deducing from comments that he's 265 00:14:14,100 --> 00:14:17,630 read -- I think if you read comments in today's paper you 266 00:14:17,633 --> 00:14:20,703 might come to that conclusion. 267 00:14:20,700 --> 00:14:22,670 The Press: So he doesn't feel like the Republican leadership 268 00:14:22,667 --> 00:14:24,297 is dealing from -- he doesn't feel like they're 269 00:14:24,300 --> 00:14:25,830 dealing fairly anymore? 270 00:14:25,834 --> 00:14:28,004 Mr. Gibbs: I think there is a difference between some members 271 00:14:28,000 --> 00:14:30,600 of the Republican Party. I think you have seen members that the 272 00:14:30,600 --> 00:14:32,000 President often mentions. 273 00:14:32,000 --> 00:14:33,000 There are -- 274 00:14:33,000 --> 00:14:34,230 The Press: He singled out Republican leadership. 275 00:14:34,233 --> 00:14:35,533 Mr. Gibbs: Well, that's what I'm saying -- 276 00:14:35,533 --> 00:14:37,103 The Press: Boehner, Cantor, Kyl, those guys? 277 00:14:37,100 --> 00:14:40,570 Mr. Gibbs: I think each one of those -- I don't think you have 278 00:14:40,567 --> 00:14:41,937 to go farther than that. 279 00:14:41,934 --> 00:14:43,864 I think you can -- I think that represents the leadership, 280 00:14:43,867 --> 00:14:51,337 and I think if you look at, again, just at today's paper, 281 00:14:51,333 --> 00:14:55,203 you'll find a hefty number of comments by the leadership that 282 00:14:55,200 --> 00:14:56,570 you just mentioned. 283 00:14:56,567 --> 00:14:59,497 I think there's a difference between Republicans in the 284 00:14:59,500 --> 00:15:02,130 leadership who have obviously decided long ago that they have 285 00:15:02,133 --> 00:15:04,463 no interest in working with the President. 286 00:15:04,467 --> 00:15:05,467 I'll go back to -- 287 00:15:05,467 --> 00:15:07,397 The Press: When did you guys give up on them? 288 00:15:07,400 --> 00:15:13,230 Mr. Gibbs: I think we would certainly be willing to work 289 00:15:13,233 --> 00:15:15,003 with them if they were willing to work with us. 290 00:15:15,000 --> 00:15:17,600 Again, Chuck, I think -- we've talked about this before -- this 291 00:15:17,600 --> 00:15:19,130 has to be a two-way street. 292 00:15:19,133 --> 00:15:22,233 The President -- I've used this example before -- the President 293 00:15:22,233 --> 00:15:25,933 went to speak to the Republican caucus about the recovery plan. 294 00:15:25,934 --> 00:15:28,064 And an hour before he left the White House, 295 00:15:28,066 --> 00:15:30,096 the Republican leadership in Congress announced their 296 00:15:30,100 --> 00:15:32,630 opposition to the plan the President was going to come talk 297 00:15:32,633 --> 00:15:36,063 to them about and take their questions on. 298 00:15:36,066 --> 00:15:38,596 The Press: So after that experience, no more? 299 00:15:38,600 --> 00:15:40,600 Mr. Gibbs: I mean, it's -- no, no, no. 300 00:15:40,600 --> 00:15:44,200 The President has an open hand and is ready to work with 301 00:15:44,200 --> 00:15:46,200 anybody that's ready to work with him. 302 00:15:46,200 --> 00:15:49,070 But, Chuck, the President can only do so much. 303 00:15:49,066 --> 00:15:51,336 The President can want to work with you, 304 00:15:51,333 --> 00:15:52,933 but if you don't want to work with him, 305 00:15:52,934 --> 00:15:55,034 then you're not going to drive your car down the two-way 306 00:15:55,033 --> 00:15:59,233 street. Did I always find it a little curious that they put out 307 00:15:59,233 --> 00:16:03,233 a statement in opposition of a plan before the President was 308 00:16:03,233 --> 00:16:06,033 going to go up there and talk to their group about the plan? 309 00:16:06,033 --> 00:16:09,733 Kind of weird. Sort of like -- I mean, if I gave you an answer to 310 00:16:09,734 --> 00:16:14,504 your question before you asked the question -- it just 311 00:16:14,500 --> 00:16:16,270 seems a little odd. 312 00:16:16,266 --> 00:16:19,266 The Press: You went down a quick -- the last time he talked to the Gang 313 00:16:19,266 --> 00:16:21,536 of Six. When was the last time he talked to Grassley? 314 00:16:21,533 --> 00:16:23,633 Mr. Gibbs: I will ask those folks. 315 00:16:23,633 --> 00:16:25,533 The Press: It's been a while? 316 00:16:25,533 --> 00:16:28,803 Mr. Gibbs: It hasn't been this week. It would probably be in the last 317 00:16:28,800 --> 00:16:31,070 few -- I'm trying to remember when they left. 318 00:16:31,066 --> 00:16:33,096 The Press: Are you -- is the White House curious why he's 319 00:16:33,100 --> 00:16:35,400 still involved, with his -- given the comments he's been 320 00:16:35,400 --> 00:16:36,370 making about -- 321 00:16:36,367 --> 00:16:37,967 Mr. Gibbs: No, I think -- 322 00:16:37,967 --> 00:16:39,537 The Press: Do you think he should still be involved in negotiations? 323 00:16:39,533 --> 00:16:41,263 Mr. Gibbs: I think -- again, we take his comments seriously, 324 00:16:41,266 --> 00:16:45,236 yesterday, that he believes that we should continue to seek a 325 00:16:45,233 --> 00:16:49,133 bipartisan solution. I think Senator Baucus believes that 326 00:16:49,133 --> 00:16:51,963 he's making progress with Senator Grassley. 327 00:16:51,967 --> 00:16:56,067 We hope that Senator Grassley feels like we're making 328 00:16:56,066 --> 00:17:01,036 progress, and we hope we get something that he thinks is good 329 00:17:01,033 --> 00:17:04,063 for health care reform. 330 00:17:04,066 --> 00:17:05,396 The Press: Do you take his comment seriously that he's not 331 00:17:05,400 --> 00:17:06,970 going to vote for the bill unless he can get a 332 00:17:06,967 --> 00:17:08,337 huge number of Republicans? 333 00:17:08,333 --> 00:17:10,163 Mr. Gibbs: Well, that's a better question for the huge number of 334 00:17:10,166 --> 00:17:14,436 Republicans that he's going to talk to. 335 00:17:14,433 --> 00:17:16,833 The Press: You heard the questioner named Joe who asked 336 00:17:16,834 --> 00:17:20,034 the President if he was getting a little weak-kneed. 337 00:17:20,033 --> 00:17:22,103 Mr. Gibbs: Yes. Was that you? 338 00:17:22,100 --> 00:17:23,100 The Press: No, it wasn't me. 339 00:17:23,100 --> 00:17:24,330 (laughter) 340 00:17:24,333 --> 00:17:25,233 Mr. Gibbs: It was Helen. 341 00:17:25,233 --> 00:17:26,533 The Press: I don't know Joe. 342 00:17:26,533 --> 00:17:31,263 So is he going into this netroots online questioning 343 00:17:31,266 --> 00:17:35,436 session expecting to get flack from his base? 344 00:17:35,433 --> 00:17:38,933 Mr. Gibbs: Well, you know, my sense is that when we talk to 345 00:17:38,934 --> 00:17:43,534 our supporters, when we talk to town hall meetings, 346 00:17:43,533 --> 00:17:45,863 there are people that have questions and concerns; 347 00:17:45,867 --> 00:17:49,837 there are people that have -- that support us. 348 00:17:49,834 --> 00:17:53,234 The President looks forward to dealing with whatever questions 349 00:17:53,233 --> 00:17:56,263 are out there. I think today's was a good example. 350 00:17:56,266 --> 00:17:58,136 You heard -- I forget the name of the caller, 351 00:17:58,133 --> 00:17:59,803 I think it was one of the first ones, 352 00:17:59,800 --> 00:18:04,130 a female caller -- who said, until the President just told 353 00:18:04,133 --> 00:18:06,133 her that the government doesn't want to take over health care, 354 00:18:06,133 --> 00:18:09,363 that's the impression that she had. 355 00:18:09,367 --> 00:18:13,837 We've seen polling, and I've watched newscasts just this week 356 00:18:13,834 --> 00:18:18,704 where people have said that illegal immigrants are going to 357 00:18:18,700 --> 00:18:20,770 get health care as a result of this bill, 358 00:18:20,767 --> 00:18:23,637 despite the fact that the President said six weeks ago 359 00:18:23,633 --> 00:18:27,763 that wasn't true, and said 26 minutes ago that that wasn't 360 00:18:27,767 --> 00:18:33,067 true. We'll see if those rumors can finally be put to 361 00:18:33,066 --> 00:18:34,666 bed based on the truth. 362 00:18:34,667 --> 00:18:35,897 The Press: Since you bring that up, 363 00:18:35,900 --> 00:18:37,770 wouldn't the American-born children of illegal immigrants 364 00:18:37,767 --> 00:18:41,137 be eligible for health care under any plan the President -- 365 00:18:41,133 --> 00:18:43,163 Mr. Gibbs: I don't know what the provisions are about that. 366 00:18:43,166 --> 00:18:44,696 The Press: Well, they're American citizens. 367 00:18:44,700 --> 00:18:47,430 Mr. Gibbs: Right, but I think different -- I'd have to look at 368 00:18:47,433 --> 00:18:49,663 that aspect of the bill, but obviously, as you know, 369 00:18:49,667 --> 00:18:54,737 different public policy has carved out different exceptions 370 00:18:54,734 --> 00:19:00,834 for that group of people, despite their citizenship. 371 00:19:00,834 --> 00:19:01,864 Yes, sir. 372 00:19:01,867 --> 00:19:04,497 The Press: Quickly on Lockerbie, the President said on Smerconish 373 00:19:04,500 --> 00:19:08,100 that -- I think he used the word "we" when he said called Libya 374 00:19:08,100 --> 00:19:11,730 and discussed the idea of putting this guy under house 375 00:19:11,734 --> 00:19:13,904 arrest when he gets out. 376 00:19:13,900 --> 00:19:16,530 Did he personally make that call, or who did make that -- 377 00:19:16,533 --> 00:19:22,463 Mr. Gibbs: Our folks in Libya have discussed with the Libyan 378 00:19:22,467 --> 00:19:27,697 government exactly what the President said a minute ago -- 379 00:19:27,700 --> 00:19:34,730 one, that this individual ought the be treated -- well, 380 00:19:34,734 --> 00:19:38,434 first let me say this -- we oppose and deeply regret the 381 00:19:38,433 --> 00:19:45,233 decision that has been made for release. 382 00:19:45,233 --> 00:19:50,033 Our officials in Libya talked with the government and -- 383 00:19:50,033 --> 00:19:55,063 delivering two primary messages, as the President said: First, 384 00:19:55,066 --> 00:20:04,566 that this individual should be treated as he always ought to 385 00:20:04,567 --> 00:20:09,297 be, a convicted mass murderer that took part in a terrorist 386 00:20:09,300 --> 00:20:15,330 activity in December of 1988, that killed several hundred 387 00:20:15,333 --> 00:20:18,463 people, including almost 200 Americans. 388 00:20:18,467 --> 00:20:24,467 Secondly, we expressed our concern about the release, 389 00:20:24,467 --> 00:20:29,467 and believe that the Libyans should treat the individual as 390 00:20:29,467 --> 00:20:32,567 somebody who should be under house arrest. 391 00:20:32,567 --> 00:20:36,337 That was communicated, again, through American officials in 392 00:20:36,333 --> 00:20:38,763 Libya directly with the Libyan government. 393 00:20:38,767 --> 00:20:40,767 The Press: And that would be the U.S. embassy? 394 00:20:40,767 --> 00:20:41,937 Mr. Gibbs: Yes. 395 00:20:41,934 --> 00:20:43,804 The Press: And did you get a response? 396 00:20:43,800 --> 00:20:45,970 Mr. Gibbs: I believe some of that communication happened as 397 00:20:45,967 --> 00:20:47,337 early as today. 398 00:20:47,333 --> 00:20:52,763 The Press: Today's Sky News is doing wall-to-wall live coverage 399 00:20:52,767 --> 00:20:55,097 of this release, and we appreciate the President's 400 00:20:55,100 --> 00:20:58,300 comments. In light of the fact that this release has occurred 401 00:20:58,300 --> 00:21:00,370 despite the protest of the administration, what effect do 402 00:21:00,367 --> 00:21:04,737 you think this will have on agreements of this nature 403 00:21:04,734 --> 00:21:08,904 between the U.S., the UK, and other nations in the future? 404 00:21:08,900 --> 00:21:11,730 Mr. Gibbs: Well, I hesitate to speculate about the future. 405 00:21:11,734 --> 00:21:15,634 I think it's just important to reiterate, as I've done here, 406 00:21:15,633 --> 00:21:20,433 our deep regret that the decision was made, 407 00:21:20,433 --> 00:21:26,433 our deep condolence with the families that, 408 00:21:26,433 --> 00:21:30,703 as I said this morning, have for now many years lived with the 409 00:21:30,700 --> 00:21:34,730 loss of a loved one as a result of these horrific acts. 410 00:21:34,734 --> 00:21:39,064 And we wish that this decision had not been made. 411 00:21:39,066 --> 00:21:40,796 The Press: May I follow up? 412 00:21:40,800 --> 00:21:42,300 The Press: May I follow, as well? 413 00:21:42,300 --> 00:21:43,500 Mr. Gibbs: Sure. 414 00:21:43,500 --> 00:21:45,530 The Press: As some say, regret is fine and condolences are 415 00:21:45,533 --> 00:21:47,503 fine, but certain individuals like Senator Lautenberg are 416 00:21:47,500 --> 00:21:49,130 wondering where the outrage is. 417 00:21:49,133 --> 00:21:51,363 Mr. Gibbs: Well, the outrage has been expressed directly to the 418 00:21:51,367 --> 00:21:55,767 governments that have made these decisions, 419 00:21:55,767 --> 00:22:01,297 from the White House to those individuals, 420 00:22:01,300 --> 00:22:03,170 and as well as to the Libyan government. 421 00:22:03,166 --> 00:22:13,736 I think our actions have been in direct -- because we have direct 422 00:22:13,734 --> 00:22:16,364 concern about this decision. 423 00:22:16,367 --> 00:22:18,097 The Press: Can I follow on that, Robert? 424 00:22:18,100 --> 00:22:19,230 Mr. Gibbs: Yes. 425 00:22:19,233 --> 00:22:21,433 The Press: What does this do to the so-called "special 426 00:22:21,433 --> 00:22:23,233 relationship" between the United States and -- 427 00:22:23,233 --> 00:22:26,033 Mr. Gibbs: I don't want to get -- I think it's best today just 428 00:22:26,033 --> 00:22:29,103 to discuss where we are on this activity. 429 00:22:29,100 --> 00:22:30,830 The Press: Robert -- 430 00:22:30,834 --> 00:22:33,104 Mr. Gibbs: Do you have a follow-up on that? I can't imagine that you do. 431 00:22:33,100 --> 00:22:34,270 (laughter) 432 00:22:34,266 --> 00:22:35,766 The Press: You'll come back? 433 00:22:35,767 --> 00:22:37,697 Mr. Gibbs: Regrettably, yes. 434 00:22:37,700 --> 00:22:42,470 The Press: On this point, might there be any steps the U.S. 435 00:22:42,467 --> 00:22:45,937 would take that might amount to repercussions in exchange for 436 00:22:45,934 --> 00:22:50,164 -- to the -- taken against the UK or Scotland? 437 00:22:50,166 --> 00:22:53,136 Mr. Gibbs: Not that I'm aware of, 438 00:22:53,133 --> 00:22:54,433 but I will ask NSC if that's the case. 439 00:22:54,433 --> 00:22:55,563 The Press: What about Libya? 440 00:22:55,567 --> 00:22:57,337 Is there some sort of -- like, if they agree to put him under 441 00:22:57,333 --> 00:22:58,503 house arrest or something? 442 00:22:58,500 --> 00:23:00,170 Mr. Gibbs: I can check on that, but I don't know -- 443 00:23:00,166 --> 00:23:02,366 The Press: Did anyone from the British or Scottish governments 444 00:23:02,367 --> 00:23:06,367 contact the United States to try and explain the reasoning? 445 00:23:06,367 --> 00:23:09,837 Mr. Gibbs: I can talk to NSC. 446 00:23:09,834 --> 00:23:12,164 I assume they -- I assume we've had discussions with them 447 00:23:12,166 --> 00:23:16,096 because folks here registered, on behalf of our government, 448 00:23:16,100 --> 00:23:20,270 this administration, and our country, the deep regret and 449 00:23:20,266 --> 00:23:22,796 opposition we had to the decision being made. 450 00:23:22,800 --> 00:23:24,530 The Press: Can we get some more statements on the series of 451 00:23:24,533 --> 00:23:26,203 questions about the -- 452 00:23:26,200 --> 00:23:28,730 Mr. Gibbs: I will see if there is anything to add, yes. 453 00:23:28,734 --> 00:23:31,934 The Press: The President called Cash for Clunkers a victim of 454 00:23:31,934 --> 00:23:34,404 its own success today. What does the administration do to sort of 455 00:23:34,400 --> 00:23:38,430 turn that around to make it successful of its own success, I 456 00:23:38,433 --> 00:23:41,803 guess? And I think we might have -- pulling themselves out 457 00:23:41,800 --> 00:23:43,230 of the program now. 458 00:23:43,233 --> 00:23:47,803 Mr. Gibbs: Well, let's understand, this has been a very successful program, 459 00:23:47,800 --> 00:23:52,270 okay? Dealers have sold cars like they haven't sold them 460 00:23:52,266 --> 00:23:55,796 in quite some time. Manufacturers are producing cars 461 00:23:55,800 --> 00:23:57,730 like they haven't in quite some time. 462 00:23:57,734 --> 00:24:00,464 And workers have been hired again to make those cars, 463 00:24:00,467 --> 00:24:03,737 to replace that inventory like they haven't in quite some time. 464 00:24:03,734 --> 00:24:08,034 This is, without a doubt, an unqualified success. 465 00:24:08,033 --> 00:24:12,703 We have -- I think what the President discussed was we have 466 00:24:12,700 --> 00:24:20,430 added people to process -- we tripled the number of people to 467 00:24:20,433 --> 00:24:25,963 process applications that are coming in. 468 00:24:25,967 --> 00:24:29,037 We understand some of the frustration, 469 00:24:29,033 --> 00:24:33,803 but I think it's also helpful to understand that we cannot -- we 470 00:24:33,800 --> 00:24:38,730 have seen applications that are legally incomplete, 471 00:24:38,734 --> 00:24:42,604 that don't fit the requirement. That requires us to go back to 472 00:24:42,600 --> 00:24:45,100 the dealer to get additional information. 473 00:24:45,100 --> 00:24:48,230 As the President said, it would be illegal for us to send to a 474 00:24:48,233 --> 00:24:50,963 dealer a check for an application that wasn't 475 00:24:50,967 --> 00:24:54,137 complete. You'd be asking me, if we did that, 476 00:24:54,133 --> 00:24:59,533 why the Chevy dealership got all these checks, 477 00:24:59,533 --> 00:25:03,603 based on our investigation on incomplete applications, 478 00:25:03,600 --> 00:25:06,700 that didn't comply with the law. 479 00:25:06,700 --> 00:25:10,600 We are doing everything in our power to expedite the processing 480 00:25:10,600 --> 00:25:14,600 of these applications in a program that's been successful, 481 00:25:14,600 --> 00:25:19,530 again, for consumers, dealers, manufacturers and workers. 482 00:25:19,533 --> 00:25:21,963 The Press: So if someone went out and tried to participate in 483 00:25:21,967 --> 00:25:23,897 this program today, can they feel confident and can the 484 00:25:23,900 --> 00:25:26,030 dealership feel confident they will get the money? 485 00:25:26,033 --> 00:25:27,633 Mr. Gibbs: Yes. Absolutely. 486 00:25:27,633 --> 00:25:29,503 That's what the Secretary of Transportation has said; 487 00:25:29,500 --> 00:25:34,670 that's what the President has said. And again, I think this 488 00:25:34,667 --> 00:25:39,737 has been a highly successful program. Yes, sir. 489 00:25:39,734 --> 00:25:41,964 The Press: Robert, the President said about the Lockerbie 490 00:25:41,967 --> 00:25:45,067 incident that the administration has reached out to the families 491 00:25:45,066 --> 00:25:47,896 of the victims of the bombing. 492 00:25:47,900 --> 00:25:50,100 Can you tell us how that has happened? 493 00:25:50,100 --> 00:25:51,800 Did the President call any of the families -- 494 00:25:51,800 --> 00:25:53,600 Mr. Gibbs: I believe, again, it was NSC officials that 495 00:25:53,600 --> 00:25:57,930 communicated the likelihood of the decision that would be made, 496 00:25:57,934 --> 00:26:01,604 to express to the families the actions that the administration 497 00:26:01,600 --> 00:26:06,130 had taken with UK and Scottish officials about an impending 498 00:26:06,133 --> 00:26:12,633 decision, and again, to express this government and our 499 00:26:12,633 --> 00:26:14,763 country's condolence for what had happened. 500 00:26:14,767 --> 00:26:16,537 The Press: And that was all handled at the NSC? 501 00:26:16,533 --> 00:26:20,233 Mr. Gibbs: At NSC and through John Brennan. 502 00:26:20,233 --> 00:26:26,333 The Press: Okay. There are a couple of reports about an ex-import bank 503 00:26:26,333 --> 00:26:30,203 loaned to the Brazilian government for offshore drilling 504 00:26:30,200 --> 00:26:33,930 petro bucks. And I'm wondering if you can give us an 505 00:26:33,934 --> 00:26:38,704 administration take on why investment in Brazil and 506 00:26:38,700 --> 00:26:41,370 petroleum exploration there is a good idea, helpful for the 507 00:26:41,367 --> 00:26:43,197 U.S. economy, helpful for -- 508 00:26:43,200 --> 00:26:44,930 Mr. Gibbs: I've not seen the story. 509 00:26:44,934 --> 00:26:46,434 I'd have to take a look at the story. 510 00:26:46,433 --> 00:26:48,903 The Press: Andy Stern told ABC today, 511 00:26:48,900 --> 00:26:51,570 talking about health care and the stakes politically involved, 512 00:26:51,567 --> 00:26:54,137 "I think we're talking losing control of Congress if it -- 513 00:26:54,133 --> 00:26:57,033 meaning health care -- fails. 514 00:26:57,033 --> 00:27:00,303 It would totally empower Republicans to kill all change. 515 00:27:00,300 --> 00:27:02,530 It's hard to imagine the Democrats convincing the public 516 00:27:02,533 --> 00:27:05,163 that Republicans are to blame for health care reform going 517 00:27:05,166 --> 00:27:10,396 down when the Democrats have such large majorities." 518 00:27:10,400 --> 00:27:12,770 Is there anything the White House disagrees with in that 519 00:27:12,767 --> 00:27:15,867 sentiment, and is it in any way unnerved that allies -- such 520 00:27:15,867 --> 00:27:19,737 close allies of the White House would talk in maybe such 521 00:27:19,734 --> 00:27:22,264 negative terms about the next couple of months of health care? 522 00:27:22,266 --> 00:27:24,196 Mr. Gibbs: I haven't seen the comments. 523 00:27:24,200 --> 00:27:26,800 I doubt or don't know if the President has. 524 00:27:26,800 --> 00:27:32,600 We don't look at -- we don't look at -- we're not making 525 00:27:32,600 --> 00:27:35,800 decisions about health care, the economy, Cash for Clunkers, 526 00:27:35,800 --> 00:27:40,600 banks, anything, based on polling, 527 00:27:40,600 --> 00:27:43,900 based on what's going to happen in a congressional election. 528 00:27:43,900 --> 00:27:45,570 That's not our focus. 529 00:27:45,567 --> 00:27:47,967 Our focus is on, as the President did today, 530 00:27:47,967 --> 00:27:50,797 reminding people what's at stake in health care reform, 531 00:27:50,800 --> 00:27:56,700 reminding millions of Americans that we can't afford to wait, 532 00:27:56,700 --> 00:28:02,000 dealing with misimpressions and flat-out lies about what's 533 00:28:02,000 --> 00:28:05,400 involved in this bill. And that's what his job will 534 00:28:05,400 --> 00:28:08,370 continue to be. I'll let interest groups worry about 535 00:28:08,367 --> 00:28:10,337 whatever they want to worry about. 536 00:28:10,333 --> 00:28:11,763 The Press: One other question. 537 00:28:11,767 --> 00:28:13,637 Yesterday in the conference call with religious leaders, 538 00:28:13,633 --> 00:28:15,503 the President said he didn't want government bureaucrats -- I 539 00:28:15,500 --> 00:28:18,100 forget the verb he used -- "interfering" or "meddling" with 540 00:28:18,100 --> 00:28:22,000 people's insurance. He didn't want insurance industry 541 00:28:22,000 --> 00:28:24,870 bureaucrats meddling. This may sound cheeky, but I'm trying to 542 00:28:24,867 --> 00:28:26,567 get at a serious point here. 543 00:28:26,567 --> 00:28:29,867 Does that mean no bureaucrats would be involved in health -- I 544 00:28:29,867 --> 00:28:32,267 mean, who would be involved in health -- is he talking about a 545 00:28:32,266 --> 00:28:35,096 world where it's just patients and doctors, and that's it? 546 00:28:35,100 --> 00:28:37,630 Mr. Gibbs: Well, in a world where patients and doctors make 547 00:28:37,633 --> 00:28:40,733 medical decisions, absolutely. I think he said the same thing -- 548 00:28:40,734 --> 00:28:42,564 The Press: I mean, he said it before -- 549 00:28:42,567 --> 00:28:44,437 Mr. Gibbs: I know, he said it sitting in an air hangar in 550 00:28:44,433 --> 00:28:47,733 Montana. Look, we remember -- 551 00:28:47,734 --> 00:28:49,434 The Press: I'm wondering how do you get the bureaucracy out of 552 00:28:49,433 --> 00:28:51,663 health care, whether it's private bureaucracy or 553 00:28:51,667 --> 00:28:53,037 government bureaucracy. 554 00:28:53,033 --> 00:28:55,563 Mr. Gibbs: Well, we don't want the government making health 555 00:28:55,567 --> 00:28:57,737 care decisions for doctors and individuals, 556 00:28:57,734 --> 00:28:59,804 and the President doesn't believe health insurance 557 00:28:59,800 --> 00:29:02,800 companies should make those determinations, either. 558 00:29:02,800 --> 00:29:05,570 When they decide that you're too sick, 559 00:29:05,567 --> 00:29:08,467 or when they decide -- I'm sure you could go on the air right 560 00:29:08,467 --> 00:29:11,937 now and get a hundred viewers to call in that have dealt with 561 00:29:11,934 --> 00:29:15,634 their insurance company and found that they've had to go 562 00:29:15,633 --> 00:29:19,033 through extra paperwork because originally a treatment was 563 00:29:19,033 --> 00:29:26,563 denied, or some extra hurdle was put in place that they had to 564 00:29:26,567 --> 00:29:29,767 jump over in order to receive the treatment that they deserve. 565 00:29:29,767 --> 00:29:33,597 That shouldn't happen -- 566 00:29:33,600 --> 00:29:39,130 -- What in the world is that? I feel like I'm -- 567 00:29:39,133 --> 00:29:40,603 nevermind, I'm not going to get -- 568 00:29:40,600 --> 00:29:44,170 (laughter) 569 00:29:44,166 --> 00:29:46,166 -- that those decision shouldn't be 570 00:29:46,166 --> 00:29:49,966 made by somebody sitting in a cube in government and shouldn't 571 00:29:49,967 --> 00:29:52,937 be sitting -- made by somebody sitting at a cubicle at an 572 00:29:52,934 --> 00:29:54,134 insurance company. 573 00:29:54,133 --> 00:29:56,003 The Press: Right. But when the President says, I'm not doing anything 574 00:29:56,000 --> 00:29:58,830 that would threaten the primacy or the role that the public -- 575 00:29:58,834 --> 00:30:02,164 that private insurance currently has in health care, that seems 576 00:30:02,166 --> 00:30:05,066 to suggest those bureaucrats would still be there. 577 00:30:05,066 --> 00:30:08,736 Mr. Gibbs: Well, I don't know who administers FOX's health 578 00:30:08,734 --> 00:30:11,464 care program, but I'm sure FOX's health care program is still 579 00:30:11,467 --> 00:30:13,367 going to be administered by those people. 580 00:30:13,367 --> 00:30:16,537 The question, Major, is, if your family members gets sick, 581 00:30:16,533 --> 00:30:21,663 are you going to go to your doctor to get treatment, 582 00:30:21,667 --> 00:30:23,967 or are you going to go to the cubicle where your insurance 583 00:30:23,967 --> 00:30:26,467 executive or bureaucrat sits and ask him if your son or daughter 584 00:30:26,467 --> 00:30:29,937 ought to get the cancer treatment they deserve? 585 00:30:29,934 --> 00:30:32,134 That's what the President speaks of. 586 00:30:32,133 --> 00:30:36,333 That decision shouldn't be made by that bureaucrat sitting in 587 00:30:36,333 --> 00:30:38,933 the cubicle about your family on a cancer treatment. 588 00:30:38,934 --> 00:30:40,204 The Press: Or yours. 589 00:30:40,200 --> 00:30:42,830 Mr. Gibbs: Or mine, or anybody in this country, and it shouldn't be 590 00:30:42,834 --> 00:30:45,134 made at the government level, either. Yes, ma'am. 591 00:30:45,133 --> 00:30:48,033 The Press: On Monday, the expectation is that the Attorney 592 00:30:48,033 --> 00:30:51,333 General will announce whether he's going to investigate the 593 00:30:51,333 --> 00:30:55,003 CIA interrogation abuses, and that also -- also the same day 594 00:30:55,000 --> 00:30:57,270 is the deadline for the IG report. 595 00:30:57,266 --> 00:31:01,566 I'm wondering if the White House has talked to him at all about 596 00:31:01,567 --> 00:31:04,437 what's coming up, and also if you could respond to the 597 00:31:04,433 --> 00:31:07,403 concerns from some Republican lawmakers that moving forward 598 00:31:07,400 --> 00:31:10,800 with an investigation would be dangerous to national security. 599 00:31:10,800 --> 00:31:15,400 And before you refer me to the CIA or the Attorney General on 600 00:31:15,400 --> 00:31:17,870 that, if you could talk a little bit about the politics of it -- 601 00:31:17,867 --> 00:31:20,167 Mr. Gibbs: Then I can refer you to the -- 602 00:31:20,166 --> 00:31:24,466 The Press: -- the partisan -- the partisan nature of these questions and 603 00:31:24,467 --> 00:31:27,037 whether, if there's an investigation, that might poison 604 00:31:27,033 --> 00:31:28,633 the atmosphere further. 605 00:31:28,633 --> 00:31:31,903 Mr. Gibbs: Well, look, decisions aren't made based on politics, okay? 606 00:31:31,900 --> 00:31:34,000 Scientific decisions are based on science; 607 00:31:34,000 --> 00:31:35,900 policy decisions are based on policy. 608 00:31:35,900 --> 00:31:39,670 They're not -- these decisions aren't based on polling or 609 00:31:39,667 --> 00:31:42,567 politics or that sort of thing. 610 00:31:42,567 --> 00:31:47,797 Obviously I will refer you to the Department of Justice, 611 00:31:47,800 --> 00:31:50,770 because the question you started with had to do with the 612 00:31:50,767 --> 00:31:52,097 Department of Justice. 613 00:31:52,100 --> 00:31:59,130 As you mention, the deadline for materials to be released as part 614 00:31:59,133 --> 00:32:05,733 of the CIA's IGs report in a redacted form will be done at 615 00:32:05,734 --> 00:32:09,434 some point on the 24th, on Monday. And I think the 616 00:32:09,433 --> 00:32:15,033 administration has been very clear that we are pointed in 617 00:32:15,033 --> 00:32:21,763 going forward, that a hefty litigation looking backward is 618 00:32:21,767 --> 00:32:27,967 not what we believe is in the country's best interest. 619 00:32:27,967 --> 00:32:31,467 And that's what our focus is. 620 00:32:31,467 --> 00:32:32,397 The Press: Robert -- 621 00:32:32,400 --> 00:32:33,400 Mr. Gibbs: Yes, sir. 622 00:32:33,400 --> 00:32:35,900 The Press: Thank you very much. Two-part. 623 00:32:35,900 --> 00:32:36,970 Mr. Gibbs: Of course. 624 00:32:36,967 --> 00:32:38,397 (laughter) 625 00:32:38,400 --> 00:32:40,570 I'm going to hold you to it's only two, Lester. 626 00:32:40,567 --> 00:32:42,567 The Press: All right, yes, all right. 627 00:32:42,567 --> 00:32:45,737 First part: Does our Commander-in-Chief believe that 628 00:32:45,734 --> 00:32:51,934 the New York Times extensive August the 16th report headlined 629 00:32:51,934 --> 00:32:56,704 "GI Jane Quietly Breaks the Combat Barrier" is inaccurate, 630 00:32:56,700 --> 00:33:01,130 or does he believe women should be in combat? 631 00:33:01,133 --> 00:33:04,333 Mr. Gibbs: Those are decisions that are left appropriately 632 00:33:04,333 --> 00:33:06,503 to the Pentagon. 633 00:33:06,500 --> 00:33:08,400 The Press: But he's the Commander-in-Chief. 634 00:33:08,400 --> 00:33:12,270 Mr. Gibbs: He is, and he has a very good Secretary of Defense 635 00:33:12,266 --> 00:33:16,096 and an extraordinarily capable military that, Lester, 636 00:33:16,100 --> 00:33:18,330 I know you're proud of. 637 00:33:18,333 --> 00:33:22,463 The Press: Does he agree with Time's reporter Lizette Alvarez, 638 00:33:22,467 --> 00:33:27,337 "Women need separate bunks and bathrooms," 639 00:33:27,333 --> 00:33:32,003 or does he believe that neither gender, 640 00:33:32,000 --> 00:33:36,430 nor any kind of sexual orientation should have separate 641 00:33:36,433 --> 00:33:38,333 living facilities? 642 00:33:38,333 --> 00:33:43,063 Mr. Gibbs: I'm going to, again, leave those very appropriate and important 643 00:33:43,066 --> 00:33:48,066 decisions up to the people that make those for a living. 644 00:33:48,066 --> 00:33:50,596 Let's venture here into the back. Yes, sir. 645 00:33:50,600 --> 00:33:53,900 The Press: Yes, do you have a comment on the Afghan elections 646 00:33:53,900 --> 00:33:58,570 so far, how it went and how does the President feel about it? 647 00:33:58,567 --> 00:34:01,037 Mr. Gibbs: Well, look, I think obviously the President is 648 00:34:01,033 --> 00:34:15,433 enormously proud of the millions of Afghanis that ignored the 649 00:34:15,433 --> 00:34:21,303 threats of harm and violence to exercise their right to choose 650 00:34:21,300 --> 00:34:26,500 their President and provincial council leaders. 651 00:34:26,500 --> 00:34:33,070 I think it's heartening any time you see an exercise in 652 00:34:33,066 --> 00:34:38,266 democracy, but particularly when it's done in the face of the 653 00:34:38,266 --> 00:34:43,196 type of horrific threat that we know existed. 654 00:34:43,200 --> 00:34:49,030 Results will begin to trickle in and we'll have some preliminary 655 00:34:49,033 --> 00:34:52,403 national results, I'm told, on September the 3rd, 656 00:34:52,400 --> 00:34:55,830 and we await looking at those, and look forward to working with 657 00:34:55,834 --> 00:35:01,734 whomever is elected President of Afghanistan to continue to make 658 00:35:01,734 --> 00:35:05,804 progress in a very important part of the world. April. 659 00:35:05,800 --> 00:35:08,330 The Press: Robert, what does the President have to say about the letter 660 00:35:08,333 --> 00:35:12,833 that Senator Kennedy sent to Deval Patrick as well 661 00:35:12,834 --> 00:35:14,834 as the Senate president? 662 00:35:14,834 --> 00:35:17,164 Mr. Gibbs: I think he has seen the story. 663 00:35:17,166 --> 00:35:23,236 I have not -- I have not talked to him about his thoughts on the 664 00:35:23,233 --> 00:35:29,333 letter. And he has not talked to either Senator Kennedy or 665 00:35:29,333 --> 00:35:31,733 Governor Patrick about the letter. I was asked this this 666 00:35:31,734 --> 00:35:34,564 morning. I think I have -- I should have brought this with me 667 00:35:34,567 --> 00:35:37,037 -- I believe the last time that he spoke with Senator Kennedy 668 00:35:37,033 --> 00:35:39,833 was on June the 2nd about health care. 669 00:35:39,834 --> 00:35:42,264 The Press: Could you go into what they talked about and how 670 00:35:42,266 --> 00:35:43,936 long the conversation was? 671 00:35:43,934 --> 00:35:46,234 Mr. Gibbs: I'm doing this from memory. 672 00:35:46,233 --> 00:35:51,433 I believe -- I think the conversation lasted about seven 673 00:35:51,433 --> 00:35:56,463 or eight minutes in June to discuss where we were in the 674 00:35:56,467 --> 00:35:58,567 progress that was being made on health care. 675 00:35:58,567 --> 00:36:00,737 But I don't have a more detailed readout from that. 676 00:36:00,734 --> 00:36:03,034 The Press: Did he talk to Kennedy up to the Pope visit? 677 00:36:03,033 --> 00:36:13,833 Mr. Gibbs: He talked with Vicki about that and about the letter. 678 00:36:13,834 --> 00:36:15,464 The Press: -- the letter? 679 00:36:15,467 --> 00:36:16,967 Mr. Gibbs: Yes. Bill. 680 00:36:16,967 --> 00:36:19,737 The Press: Robert, the President's conference call this 681 00:36:19,734 --> 00:36:22,504 afternoon with the Organizing for America group, do you think 682 00:36:22,500 --> 00:36:25,230 it's coming a little late in the process? Wouldn't the 683 00:36:25,233 --> 00:36:27,963 administration be farther down the road if they had mobilized 684 00:36:27,967 --> 00:36:30,437 those 13 million volunteers like before the town halls? 685 00:36:30,433 --> 00:36:34,733 Mr. Gibbs: Well, Bill, I have not bought into the 686 00:36:34,734 --> 00:36:40,364 misperception that our supporters haven't been out 687 00:36:40,367 --> 00:36:41,967 there for town hall meetings. 688 00:36:41,967 --> 00:36:45,767 I've seen them in Montana; I've seen them in Grand Junction, 689 00:36:45,767 --> 00:36:49,597 Colorado, where, coincidentally, there weren't a lot of -- we got 690 00:36:49,600 --> 00:36:53,030 about 35 percent of the vote, I think, in that area of Colorado. 691 00:36:53,033 --> 00:37:02,233 And we see them on television even in the slicing and dicing 692 00:37:02,233 --> 00:37:04,433 that the media has done over these town halls. 693 00:37:04,433 --> 00:37:06,533 The Press: A quick -- on another topic. 694 00:37:06,533 --> 00:37:09,903 Tom Ridge has a new memoir out in which he says that just 695 00:37:09,900 --> 00:37:13,100 before President Bush's reelection in 2004, 696 00:37:13,100 --> 00:37:15,500 he was asked to raise the color code alert, 697 00:37:15,500 --> 00:37:18,500 which he was sure was politically motivated, 698 00:37:18,500 --> 00:37:21,030 and he almost resigned over it. 699 00:37:21,033 --> 00:37:22,863 Any thought -- we haven't had one. 700 00:37:22,867 --> 00:37:25,397 You don't know they're there unless you go to the airport and 701 00:37:25,400 --> 00:37:26,700 you see what it is. 702 00:37:26,700 --> 00:37:28,870 Any thought on the administration's part of just 703 00:37:28,867 --> 00:37:30,497 junking that whole system? 704 00:37:30,500 --> 00:37:32,270 Mr. Gibbs: I believe, if I'm not mistaken, 705 00:37:32,266 --> 00:37:36,496 that Secretary Napolitano, is evaluating the system and its 706 00:37:36,500 --> 00:37:43,800 use. And obviously, just as I said earlier about political 707 00:37:43,800 --> 00:37:48,100 decisions or things like that, that decisions regarding the 708 00:37:48,100 --> 00:37:52,130 terror threat should be made based on the rise and fall of 709 00:37:52,133 --> 00:37:54,733 that threat, not based on anything else.