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1 00:00:02,533 --> 00:00:10,003 (cross-talk) 2 00:00:10,000 --> 00:00:11,700 Mr. Gibbs: Let me go through a quick week ahead and then 3 00:00:11,700 --> 00:00:16,470 I want to go through one announcement before I work through your questions today. As you 4 00:00:16,467 --> 00:00:19,897 heard the President announce, tomorrow he will meet with former Presidents Clinton and 5 00:00:19,900 --> 00:00:25,600 George W. Bush at the White House to discuss how to enlist the help of the American people 6 00:00:25,600 --> 00:00:30,270 in the recovery and rebuilding effort going forward in Haiti. On Sunday the President 7 00:00:30,266 --> 00:00:34,366 and First Lady will attend services at a church in Washington, D.C., where the President will 8 00:00:34,367 --> 00:00:40,767 deliver remarks. Later in the afternoon the President will make a stop in Boston, for 9 00:00:40,767 --> 00:00:46,367 the campaign of Martha Coakley. On Monday the President and First Lady will participate 10 00:00:46,367 --> 00:00:50,597 in a service activity in the Washington, D.C., area. In the evening the President and the 11 00:00:50,600 --> 00:00:55,830 First Lady will attend the Let Freedom Ring concert at the Kennedy Center, a musical celebration 12 00:00:55,834 --> 00:01:01,734 of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s legacy, where the President will also deliver remarks. On 13 00:01:01,734 --> 00:01:05,634 Tuesday the President will attend meetings here at the White House. On Wednesday the 14 00:01:05,633 --> 00:01:10,663 President will host an event at the White House in honor of National Mentoring Month. 15 00:01:10,667 --> 00:01:14,297 On Thursday the President will meet with a delegation from the U.S. Conference of Mayors 16 00:01:14,300 --> 00:01:19,370 at the White House to talk about strengthening the economy and creating jobs in communities 17 00:01:19,367 --> 00:01:25,237 large and small across America. And on Friday the President will travel, as we've previously 18 00:01:25,233 --> 00:01:29,503 announced, to Lorain County, Ohio, for the next stop on the White House to Main Street 19 00:01:29,500 --> 00:01:34,400 tour. During the visit President Obama will hold a town hall meeting at Lorain County 20 00:01:34,400 --> 00:01:39,000 Community College in Elyira, with workers, local business leaders and small business 21 00:01:39,000 --> 00:01:47,670 owners about ideas for continuing to grow the economy and put Americans back to work. 22 00:01:47,667 --> 00:01:59,697 One more thing before we take questions. I think -- Is this not -- Martin Luther King. 23 00:01:59,700 --> 00:02:03,930 The Website -- this is the Website that is now 24 00:02:03,934 --> 00:02:11,434 active for people to donate on behalf of the relief and rebuilding efforts in Haiti that 25 00:02:11,433 --> 00:02:19,563 is being coordinated by former President Clinton and former President George W. Bush. That 26 00:02:19,567 --> 00:02:25,137 will be the centerpiece of the event that is had here at the White House tomorrow. As 27 00:02:25,133 --> 00:02:31,933 soon as we have details on the timing of that we will ensure that you all have that to appropriately 28 00:02:31,934 --> 00:02:32,404 plan your weekends. Yes, ma'am. 29 00:02:32,400 --> 00:02:33,370 The Press: Barney Frank says that if Scott Brown wins 30 00:02:33,367 --> 00:02:40,667 on Tuesday that health care is dead. Do you agree with that? 31 00:02:40,667 --> 00:02:48,337 Mr. Gibbs: I don't think Scott Brown is going to win on Tuesday. 32 00:02:48,333 --> 00:02:48,933 The Press: Well, it's looking like you might be wrong. 33 00:02:48,934 --> 00:02:51,364 So what are you guys doing to prepare for that eventuality? And what do you think the 34 00:02:51,367 --> 00:02:56,797 chances of a health care bill passing are? 35 00:02:56,800 --> 00:02:59,770 Mr. Gibbs: Look, Jennifer, the President has spent a 36 00:02:59,767 --> 00:03:08,237 lot of time over the last few days working through the few issues that remained between 37 00:03:08,233 --> 00:03:16,103 the House and the Senate to get an agreement that can move this legislation forward. He 38 00:03:16,100 --> 00:03:24,670 was here until late last night, and they're back in the room today, right now, continuing 39 00:03:24,667 --> 00:03:25,137 to make progress. So that's what we're doing to get health care through. 40 00:03:25,133 --> 00:03:25,703 The Press: But getting a deal is somewhat separate from getting the votes once it goes to the floor -- 41 00:03:25,700 --> 00:03:25,770 Mr. Gibbs: Sure. 42 00:03:25,767 --> 00:03:35,867 The Press: -- of either the House or the Senate. That's what this election could drastically impact. 43 00:03:35,867 --> 00:03:47,637 Mr. Gibbs: Well, again, we'll have time to talk about what happens next week. 44 00:03:47,633 --> 00:03:48,563 The Press: Do you think the election on Tuesday is a referendum on the -- 45 00:03:48,567 --> 00:03:50,697 Mr. Gibbs: Well, I think one of the reasons the President 46 00:03:50,700 --> 00:03:55,230 accepted the invitation of the Coakley campaign to go -- I think the President sees a pretty 47 00:03:55,233 --> 00:03:59,763 clear distinction between a candidate in Martha Coakley who's going to fight for Massachusetts 48 00:03:59,767 --> 00:04:06,697 and a candidate on the other side who feels comfortable fighting for the insurance industry 49 00:04:06,700 --> 00:04:07,430 and big banks. 50 00:04:07,433 --> 00:04:11,763 The Press: Do you think it is in some ways a referendum on the health care bill? 51 00:04:11,767 --> 00:04:15,237 Mr. Gibbs: No, I think it's a referendum on whose side are you on. 52 00:04:15,233 --> 00:04:19,303 The Press: A lot of the polling suggests that the problems 53 00:04:19,300 --> 00:04:24,730 that Democrats have had in places like New Jersey and Virginia, as well as Massachusetts, 54 00:04:24,734 --> 00:04:30,904 is based on public dislike of what they perceive to be the health care plan, and you're not 55 00:04:30,900 --> 00:04:40,370 getting any traction in places like Massachusetts. You got a candidate who was perceived to be 56 00:04:40,367 --> 00:04:44,897 a run-away -- a walk-away winner who is now in danger of losing. What's wrong with your message? 57 00:04:44,900 --> 00:04:47,770 Mr. Gibbs: Well, that's why we have elections. That's 58 00:04:47,767 --> 00:04:53,997 why we have elections. We're not on the ballot in -- there's a campaign that's going on in 59 00:04:54,000 --> 00:04:58,630 Massachusetts. We're happy to lend our support. And I think as you heard the President say 60 00:04:58,633 --> 00:05:03,233 yesterday, we're going to get health care done, and we'll be happy to have a campaign 61 00:05:03,233 --> 00:05:10,703 on whether you're for the status quo, whether you're for protecting insurance industry profits, 62 00:05:10,700 --> 00:05:14,570 whether you're for protecting bank company profits, or whether you're on the side of 63 00:05:14,567 --> 00:05:18,797 the American people. We'll be happy to have that -- we'll be happy to have that -- 64 00:05:18,800 --> 00:05:21,230 The Press: We've heard from polling that people aren't 65 00:05:21,233 --> 00:05:25,163 buying that. I mean, do you think the President can go and turn it around? 66 00:05:25,166 --> 00:05:27,436 Mr. Gibbs: I think the President believes he can be helpful, 67 00:05:27,433 --> 00:05:27,633 and is happy to accept the invitation. Jeff. 68 00:05:27,633 --> 00:05:27,863 The Press: Robert, the State Department today is issuing 69 00:05:27,867 --> 00:05:39,097 a formal diplomatic expression of concern to China about the Google incident. What does 70 00:05:39,100 --> 00:05:45,200 the United States need to hear to placate its concerns, and how do you keep this incident 71 00:05:45,200 --> 00:05:46,630 from hurting U.S.-China relations? 72 00:05:46,633 --> 00:05:51,703 Mr. Gibbs: Well, Jeff, as I said yesterday, you heard 73 00:05:51,700 --> 00:06:05,800 the President in Shanghai address his belief in the universal value of a free Internet. 74 00:06:05,800 --> 00:06:14,000 We don't carve out our values based on what country we're talking to. Obviously, as I 75 00:06:14,000 --> 00:06:21,470 said yesterday, as the Secretary of State has said previously, we have concern over 76 00:06:21,467 --> 00:06:34,537 events that have been written about. We wanted to and needed to hear from Chinese officials 77 00:06:34,533 --> 00:06:43,233 about them. And then we supported the efforts of Google to stop censoring their searches 78 00:06:43,233 --> 00:06:52,363 in China. I think that's been our posture and I think that appropriately stems from 79 00:06:52,367 --> 00:06:53,967 our belief in free Internet. 80 00:06:53,967 --> 00:06:57,937 The Press: Right. And you said a lot of that yesterday. 81 00:06:57,934 --> 00:07:01,364 I guess my question today is, the Chinese so far have played down these concerns. What 82 00:07:01,367 --> 00:07:05,537 are you looking for as a response to this particular diplomatic message? 83 00:07:05,533 --> 00:07:07,433 Mr. Gibbs: Well, again, I'm not going to get into specifics -- 84 00:07:07,433 --> 00:07:09,233 The Press: In terms of what you need to hear. 85 00:07:09,233 --> 00:07:12,363 Mr. Gibbs: Well, an explanation. I think people want 86 00:07:12,367 --> 00:07:22,867 to hear -- we've been briefed, others have been briefed, on what Google experienced. 87 00:07:22,867 --> 00:07:30,797 And as the State Department said, we need to hear now from the Chinese. 88 00:07:30,800 --> 00:07:33,470 The Press: Is there a next step that you're discussing 89 00:07:33,467 --> 00:07:35,337 once you get some feedback from them? 90 00:07:35,333 --> 00:07:40,433 Mr. Gibbs: Well, look, I'm not going to get too far into 91 00:07:40,433 --> 00:07:46,633 the future on this. Obviously we're anxious to hear from them and I think in terms of 92 00:07:46,633 --> 00:07:52,233 -- Google will keep us apprised on their next steps as it relates to China as well. Jake. 93 00:07:52,233 --> 00:07:54,233 The Press: Could you share with us how the President 94 00:07:54,233 --> 00:08:00,133 feels the relief and rescue efforts are going? I know that he was impatient early on, not 95 00:08:00,133 --> 00:08:06,163 understanding why more had not been down. How is he feeling these days about how things 96 00:08:06,166 --> 00:08:07,596 are proceeding in Haiti? 97 00:08:07,600 --> 00:08:09,130 Mr. Gibbs: Well, Jake, I think as you heard the President 98 00:08:09,133 --> 00:08:18,063 say today, we have -- I think he is pleased with our efforts to move -- at moving resources 99 00:08:18,066 --> 00:08:22,366 to the airport, moving resources to Haiti. I think as you heard the President say, and 100 00:08:22,367 --> 00:08:27,597 I think this is -- I think your reporters on the ground will certainly attest to this, 101 00:08:27,600 --> 00:08:35,100 we are -- there are going to be tremendous logistical challenges to moving throughout 102 00:08:35,100 --> 00:08:42,730 the country and certainly throughout the capital, simply because of the damage sustained in 103 00:08:42,734 --> 00:08:47,364 such a devastating earthquake. One of the things that the President had and Secretary 104 00:08:47,367 --> 00:08:53,437 Gates and Admiral Mullen discussed in the Situation Room a few nights ago was ensuring 105 00:08:53,433 --> 00:09:03,863 that we had that lift capability in helicopters -- the USS Vinson has 19 of those helicopters 106 00:09:03,867 --> 00:09:12,997 now on site -- that when things are ready and capable we now have a much greater lift 107 00:09:13,000 --> 00:09:21,570 capability to move resources from staging areas either at the airport or other places 108 00:09:21,567 --> 00:09:29,767 -- maybe it comes over land from the Dominican -- into areas that need it the most. I think 109 00:09:29,767 --> 00:09:33,267 obviously we're in a very critical period and I think you're going to see -- we are 110 00:09:33,266 --> 00:09:44,766 entering a very difficult situation in the logistical moving of those resources. And 111 00:09:44,767 --> 00:09:52,067 I think that's what the President has asked SOUTHCOM and others to help 112 00:09:52,066 --> 00:09:54,096 assist him in that coordination. 113 00:09:54,100 --> 00:09:56,900 The Press: Some reporters on the ground are saying that 114 00:09:56,900 --> 00:10:03,330 there are Haitians there who resent the fact that U.S. efforts seem to be focused a great 115 00:10:03,333 --> 00:10:08,763 deal on rescuing Americans, where so many Haitians are suffering and need rescuing as 116 00:10:08,767 --> 00:10:15,897 well. I know it's a difficult balance for the U.S. to ride that, but how are the decisions made? 117 00:10:15,900 --> 00:10:20,400 Mr. Gibbs: Well, I would just say this, I think the President's 118 00:10:20,400 --> 00:10:30,030 discussion with President PrĂŠval sums up the feeling of the Haitian people -- and I'm 119 00:10:30,033 --> 00:10:33,433 sure this goes, quite frankly, for the entire international community -- they've seen a 120 00:10:33,433 --> 00:10:38,803 tremendous outpouring of resources. There are going to be, as I said, a number of logistical 121 00:10:38,800 --> 00:10:44,170 challenges that we and many other countries are going to face in the next coming days 122 00:10:44,166 --> 00:10:50,196 in getting all of that distributed. We understand that and they're working through the logistics 123 00:10:50,200 --> 00:10:57,930 of that as quickly as we can. I would point you to USAID in terms of -- or DHS -- in terms 124 00:10:57,934 --> 00:11:06,304 of some specificity on what you wanted to know in terms of the other thing. 125 00:11:06,300 --> 00:11:08,130 The Press: If I can just follow up on a question I asked 126 00:11:08,133 --> 00:11:10,263 yesterday? Now that the details of the deal with the labor unions have been made public, 127 00:11:10,266 --> 00:11:18,266 why is it fair for individuals who have so-called Cadillac plans that have been negotiated through 128 00:11:18,266 --> 00:11:24,436 collective bargaining agreements to be exempt until 2018 from the proposed excise tax, whereas 129 00:11:24,433 --> 00:11:28,763 those who might be in the exact same situation but are not part of labor unions -- even if 130 00:11:28,767 --> 00:11:32,597 they want to be and their company resisted, or many they're in right-to-work states -- 131 00:11:32,600 --> 00:11:34,970 why is it fair for one group to not get a tax and others to -- 132 00:11:34,967 --> 00:11:39,137 Mr. Gibbs: I would say this. I've asked to see what numbers 133 00:11:39,133 --> 00:11:45,163 they can run. We're talking about an exceedingly small number of people I think that the premise 134 00:11:45,166 --> 00:11:45,736 of your impact would impact. 135 00:11:45,734 --> 00:11:46,134 The Press: It's a big tax, though, 40%. 136 00:11:46,133 --> 00:11:56,163 Mr. Gibbs: Well, it's a 40% tax on the insurance company 137 00:11:56,166 --> 00:12:04,066 for the excess of their policy over the threshold, right? So the new threshold is at $24,000, right? So -- 138 00:12:04,066 --> 00:12:06,936 The Press: But if it wasn't a big deal, the labor unions 139 00:12:06,934 --> 00:12:10,064 wouldn't have pushed so hard to be exempt from it until 2018. 140 00:12:10,066 --> 00:12:12,996 Mr. Gibbs: No, I understand. What I'm just -- it's not 141 00:12:13,000 --> 00:12:18,930 a 40% tax. It's a 40% tax above a threshold on an insurance company, not on an individual or a family. 142 00:12:18,934 --> 00:12:21,804 The Press: Well, I meant it's not an inconsiderable tax. 143 00:12:21,800 --> 00:12:24,900 Mr. Gibbs: I would say that obviously there is -- just 144 00:12:24,900 --> 00:12:29,570 like there is for the insurance fee, just as there are for fees on manufacturers and 145 00:12:29,567 --> 00:12:34,467 other businesses, there's a phase-in for this fee over a five-year period of time, just 146 00:12:34,467 --> 00:12:40,367 as there is, again, on -- the administration did not believe it made any sense to treat 147 00:12:40,367 --> 00:12:45,537 business and industry and insurance companies different than they treat workers. 148 00:12:45,533 --> 00:12:48,703 The Press: Just to follow up on that, Robert, in terms 149 00:12:48,700 --> 00:12:51,370 of labor unions, the final negotiations seem to be basically the President, Democratic 150 00:12:51,367 --> 00:12:58,537 leaders, labor unions, in private rooms here at the White House negotiating. How does that 151 00:12:58,533 --> 00:13:01,763 square with the President's promise to put these negotiations in public? 152 00:13:01,767 --> 00:13:03,767 Mr. Gibbs: We discussed this, I think, two weeks ago. 153 00:13:03,767 --> 00:13:05,937 The Press: I know you discussed it before, but now we're 154 00:13:05,934 --> 00:13:08,464 actually seeing it playing out. It's basically labor unions saying, we want this, and there's 155 00:13:08,467 --> 00:13:09,567 no other stakeholders at the table. 156 00:13:09,567 --> 00:13:13,737 Mr. Gibbs: Ed, again, I'd refer you to the transcript a couple weeks ago. Chuck. Go ahead. 157 00:13:13,734 --> 00:13:17,504 The Press: Why is the President having a hard time getting 158 00:13:17,500 --> 00:13:18,330 Democrats excited about his agenda? There appears to be now a pattern -- Virginia, New 159 00:13:18,333 --> 00:13:19,203 Jersey, Massachusetts -- this is the problem, this is the -- so why do you guys feel like 160 00:13:19,200 --> 00:13:30,300 you have to go? There's clearly some apathy or something going on with the Democratic 161 00:13:30,300 --> 00:13:35,970 base. Why do you guys think that is? 162 00:13:35,967 --> 00:13:39,467 Mr. Gibbs: Look, I think some of this has to do with 163 00:13:39,467 --> 00:13:44,837 individual races and individual circumstances. Obviously off-year races, as you know, Chuck, 164 00:13:44,834 --> 00:13:52,604 are -- and special elections are a far different breed than regularly scheduled elections on 165 00:13:52,600 --> 00:14:01,700 every other -- or in even-numbered years. 166 00:14:01,700 --> 00:14:03,170 The Press: But there's a ton of enthusiasm against your 167 00:14:03,166 --> 00:14:05,036 agenda up there. There seems to be no enthusiasm for your agenda. 168 00:14:05,033 --> 00:14:07,663 Mr. Gibbs: Well, look, the President is looking forward 169 00:14:07,667 --> 00:14:12,667 to going. I think that there seems to be a lot of enthusiasm around a discussion that's 170 00:14:12,667 --> 00:14:19,637 being had up there right now about whether we're going to ask banks to pay the taxpayers 171 00:14:19,633 --> 00:14:24,863 back for the money that was loaned or not. I'm pretty sure there will be some excitement 172 00:14:24,867 --> 00:14:27,467 around that. 173 00:14:27,467 --> 00:14:28,467 The Press: So that's going to be one of the messages he's going to get out? 174 00:14:28,467 --> 00:14:30,497 Mr. Gibbs: I think that will certainly be one of the things the President speaks about. 175 00:14:30,500 --> 00:14:34,470 The Press: A Haiti question. Where is -- is there some 176 00:14:34,467 --> 00:14:39,097 sort of planning stage about what to do with refugees, Haitian refugees that can't or 177 00:14:39,100 --> 00:14:43,600 -- homeless Haitians that can't get back into their homes -- obviously they've been destroyed. 178 00:14:43,600 --> 00:14:47,330 Is there a plan about where to house these folks temporarily if they can't be housed 179 00:14:47,333 --> 00:14:51,133 in Haiti? Is this something that the United States -- the government has discussed? Is 180 00:14:51,133 --> 00:14:53,063 there planning going on? What's going on? 181 00:14:53,066 --> 00:14:58,366 Mr. Gibbs: Well, look, obviously we're still in a search 182 00:14:58,367 --> 00:15:10,037 and rescue operation. I do not know specifically from USAID in terms of temporary housing in 183 00:15:10,033 --> 00:15:18,333 Haiti. I can certainly see what they have on that. But, look, obviously I think this 184 00:15:18,333 --> 00:15:24,503 is going to, as I said earlier, I think it's going to take quite some time to move resources -- 185 00:15:24,500 --> 00:15:24,670 The Press: But do you know of other countries -- the 186 00:15:24,667 --> 00:15:24,867 Dominican Republic or other countries that said, hey, we can take some folks temporarily -- 187 00:15:24,867 --> 00:15:30,667 Mr. Gibbs: I know they've moved -- certainly they've 188 00:15:30,667 --> 00:15:37,837 moved medical cases to the Dominican Republic. We've got an additional ship on the way to 189 00:15:37,834 --> 00:15:43,004 deal with some of that stuff. I think all of this stuff is going to get sifted through 190 00:15:43,000 --> 00:15:44,300 as we get deeper into the week. 191 00:15:44,300 --> 00:15:46,030 The Press: This is a next week issue, probably? 192 00:15:46,033 --> 00:15:48,663 Mr. Gibbs: Well, probably in the next few days. I mean, 193 00:15:48,667 --> 00:15:57,867 obviously the -- in that shorter window of time, it's our real and genuine focus on search 194 00:15:57,867 --> 00:15:59,637 and rescue. Yes, sir. 195 00:15:59,633 --> 00:16:00,503 The Press: I didn't quite get your answer to Jake's question. 196 00:16:00,500 --> 00:16:01,530 Are you -- were you trying to suggest that union members did not get a special arrangement 197 00:16:01,533 --> 00:16:09,263 with this -- with the health care deal that occurred, that they don't get -- that their 198 00:16:09,266 --> 00:16:14,736 plans don't have a special benefit by delaying the tax until 2018? 199 00:16:14,734 --> 00:16:16,904 Mr. Gibbs: Well, only if you consider that -- only if 200 00:16:16,900 --> 00:16:24,230 you think the insurance industry fee that phases in between 2011 and 2017. I alluded 201 00:16:24,233 --> 00:16:29,903 to this yesterday, Keith. There are -- as there are in a lot of big pieces of legislation, 202 00:16:29,900 --> 00:16:39,370 there's a transition period for how things are done. There's a fee on medical device 203 00:16:39,367 --> 00:16:47,637 manufacturers that is phased in over a seven-year period of time between 2011 and 2018. There's 204 00:16:47,633 --> 00:16:55,903 an insurance fee that's phased in on the insurance industry between 2011 and 2017. These plans 205 00:16:55,900 --> 00:17:03,070 -- the tax also -- there's a phase-in period of five years for this tax, as well. 206 00:17:03,066 --> 00:17:04,296 The Press: So you're saying it's comparable to what these other terms are. 207 00:17:04,300 --> 00:17:08,600 Mr. Gibbs: I'm saying we are treating workers just as 208 00:17:08,600 --> 00:17:11,570 industry, business and the insurance industry are being dealt with. Yes. 209 00:17:11,567 --> 00:17:13,137 The Press: Some workers -- the union workers. 210 00:17:13,133 --> 00:17:15,103 The Press: The ones that aren't in the unions. 211 00:17:15,100 --> 00:17:24,130 Mr. Gibbs: Well, again, we discussed the very slim number of people that that would involve. 212 00:17:24,133 --> 00:17:24,863 The Press: Aren't all these essentially gifts by the President to special interest groups? 213 00:17:24,867 --> 00:17:25,037 Mr. Gibbs: No. 214 00:17:25,033 --> 00:17:25,533 The Press: I mean, isn't this -- didn't what we have 215 00:17:25,533 --> 00:17:32,233 in the White House was very typical negotiations with a special interest group, which is the unions -- 216 00:17:32,233 --> 00:17:35,863 Mr. Gibbs: No. Keith, we have transition periods for 217 00:17:35,867 --> 00:17:43,767 how different things are treated in the bill. There's a transition period in dealing with 218 00:17:43,767 --> 00:17:49,537 the insurance industry and in dealing with another -- a number of phases that -- of aspects 219 00:17:49,533 --> 00:17:50,033 that have to be phased in as a part of this bill. 220 00:17:50,033 --> 00:17:50,533 The Press: So essentially now union officials got their 221 00:17:50,533 --> 00:17:54,633 pound of flesh, too, in the bill by acting as a special interest -- 222 00:17:54,633 --> 00:18:00,663 Mr. Gibbs: If you have an answer to the question -- 223 00:18:00,667 --> 00:18:02,737 The Press: I mean, the President promised not to let 224 00:18:02,734 --> 00:18:06,434 special interests into the White House to influence legislation. Isn't that what happened here? 225 00:18:06,433 --> 00:18:07,503 Mr. Gibbs: No. 226 00:18:07,500 --> 00:18:10,770 The Press: The question is, is it fair that some are 227 00:18:10,767 --> 00:18:17,397 exempted and some are not, even if the number of those who are not exempted in those initial 228 00:18:17,400 --> 00:18:18,570 five years is a slim number? 229 00:18:18,567 --> 00:18:20,337 Mr. Gibbs: We believe the agreement is structured in 230 00:18:20,333 --> 00:18:29,003 a way that is fair, just as it is fair to other aspects of the bill that have to be phased in. 231 00:18:29,000 --> 00:18:33,600 The Press: On Haiti, President Obama said that in addition 232 00:18:33,600 --> 00:18:38,870 to short-term rescue and relief, he wants -- he was committing the U.S. to long-term 233 00:18:38,867 --> 00:18:41,467 rebuilding. Can you elaborate on what he means by that? 234 00:18:41,467 --> 00:18:44,037 Mr. Gibbs: Well, look, obviously I think, as I said earlier, 235 00:18:44,033 --> 00:18:49,263 I think that's going to -- we'll get into that in the coming days and weeks. Obviously, 236 00:18:49,266 --> 00:18:56,296 as I mentioned yesterday, Mark, going back many administrations we have had -- we have 237 00:18:56,300 --> 00:19:04,400 had a stake in the outcome of Haiti, not just in our administration, not just in the administration 238 00:19:04,400 --> 00:19:08,670 of George W. Bush or Bill Clinton or even his father -- not Bill Clinton's father but 239 00:19:08,667 --> 00:19:15,837 George W. Bush's father -- for a long period of time we've had a stake in that and obviously 240 00:19:15,834 --> 00:19:19,964 we'll continue to have a stake in that in dealing with the tremendous devastation. 241 00:19:19,967 --> 00:19:22,397 The Press: Following up on Chuck's question, does the 242 00:19:22,400 --> 00:19:26,630 White House support either Senator Lugar's proposal to let Haitians in the U.S. overstay 243 00:19:26,633 --> 00:19:32,363 their visas by 18 months or an expansion to let more Haitians come into the U.S. for medical care? 244 00:19:32,367 --> 00:19:33,867 Mr. Gibbs: Are you talking about TPS or are you talking about -- 245 00:19:33,867 --> 00:19:36,067 The Press: TPS. 246 00:19:36,066 --> 00:19:39,036 Mr. Gibbs: I would direct you to the Department of Homeland 247 00:19:39,033 --> 00:19:40,063 Security. It may have some more information on TPS later today. 248 00:19:40,066 --> 00:19:45,936 The Press: And also, where do negotiations stand on abortion? 249 00:19:45,934 --> 00:19:50,264 Mr. Gibbs: I don't know if that's a topic that they're 250 00:19:50,266 --> 00:19:56,936 working on right now, but I know that, as I said earlier, I think at 1:30 p.m. they 251 00:19:56,934 --> 00:20:00,134 convened again to go through the differences in the bill. 252 00:20:00,133 --> 00:20:02,433 The Press: What about the insurance exchange proposal? 253 00:20:02,433 --> 00:20:04,763 Mr. Gibbs: I don't know if they've come to an agreement 254 00:20:04,767 --> 00:20:10,937 on that as well or not. I think they've been here late last night and again today. And 255 00:20:10,934 --> 00:20:14,904 as soon as we have stuff that's locked in on that we'll let you know. 256 00:20:14,900 --> 00:20:16,700 The Press: We wouldn't have to ask if it were on C-SPAN. 257 00:20:16,700 --> 00:20:18,970 (laughter) 258 00:20:18,967 --> 00:20:22,767 The Press: We'll even take a pool. Can we pool it? 259 00:20:22,767 --> 00:20:24,497 The Press: How about a pool? I think it's an awesome idea. 260 00:20:24,500 --> 00:20:26,230 Mr. Gibbs: There's a pool right under here. Major. 261 00:20:26,233 --> 00:20:28,233 The Press: Who? 262 00:20:28,233 --> 00:20:30,233 Mr. Gibbs: That isn't a "who" -- it's just under here, right? 263 00:20:30,233 --> 00:20:31,403 (laughter) Go ahead. 264 00:20:31,400 --> 00:20:33,930 The Press: Robert, you told us, when asked earlier this 265 00:20:33,934 --> 00:20:36,664 week, the President was not going to go to Massachusetts. What changed? 266 00:20:36,667 --> 00:20:37,837 Mr. Gibbs: He got invited. 267 00:20:37,834 --> 00:20:40,534 The Press: That's it -- that's all it is? You don't think 268 00:20:40,533 --> 00:20:43,563 that her prospects, Martha Coakley's, are better now than they were two or three days 269 00:20:43,567 --> 00:20:48,737 ago and there's more likelihood the President can be productive in this trip and not suffer 270 00:20:48,734 --> 00:20:52,064 any negative consequences if she doesn't lose -- if she doesn't win? 271 00:20:52,066 --> 00:20:54,396 Mr. Gibbs: I think the President believes that it will 272 00:20:54,400 --> 00:20:59,830 be a productive stop whether it was announced on Tuesday or now. We have an invitation from 273 00:20:59,834 --> 00:21:01,604 the Coakley campaign and we're going. 274 00:21:01,600 --> 00:21:03,430 The Press: And you never had one until today. 275 00:21:03,433 --> 00:21:05,403 Mr. Gibbs: Until today. 276 00:21:05,400 --> 00:21:07,530 The Press: How much has the President indicated to you 277 00:21:07,533 --> 00:21:11,733 and others to devote in his schedule next week to Haiti? Is this something that you 278 00:21:11,734 --> 00:21:18,064 are building in every day for the next week, next couple of weeks? Give us a sense of how 279 00:21:18,066 --> 00:21:21,596 he's indicated his personal involvement will continue. 280 00:21:21,600 --> 00:21:23,700 Mr. Gibbs: Well, look, Major, he wants to continue to 281 00:21:23,700 --> 00:21:32,700 be updated on our efforts. Obviously some portion of his daily intelligence briefing 282 00:21:32,700 --> 00:21:39,870 is dedicated to the situation in Haiti. He has received -- he continues to receive written 283 00:21:39,867 --> 00:21:45,897 updates throughout the day. I don't believe they were in the Situation Room last night 284 00:21:45,900 --> 00:21:54,570 -- I think he received another lengthy paper briefing on that. As we described the meeting 285 00:21:54,567 --> 00:22:01,737 in the Situation Room a few nights ago, that the President believes our response to this 286 00:22:01,734 --> 00:22:10,664 is important for who we are as a country, for who we are as a good neighbor, and for the 287 00:22:10,667 --> 00:22:18,037 American citizens that are there, as well as Haitians that have had to live through such devastation. 288 00:22:18,033 --> 00:22:19,403 The Press: I talked to former President Clinton this 289 00:22:19,400 --> 00:22:23,370 morning, and he said the next seven to 10 days could present some very tough things 290 00:22:23,367 --> 00:22:28,537 for Americans to watch, despite the most aggressive efforts by the United States and other nations. 291 00:22:28,533 --> 00:22:32,303 He said there could be looting, there could be people literally dying in public in the 292 00:22:32,300 --> 00:22:35,870 street, not because no one wants to help them -- because you can't move things to them. 293 00:22:35,867 --> 00:22:39,897 He said the country should be prepared for some very difficult things to see. Does the 294 00:22:39,900 --> 00:22:42,800 President agree with that? And is there anything he's going to try to do to help the country 295 00:22:42,800 --> 00:22:48,700 understand that though he -- the U.S. government is trying to help, and others are? 296 00:22:48,700 --> 00:22:50,800 Mr. Gibbs: Well, Major, I think in some ways he -- he 297 00:22:50,800 --> 00:22:59,630 alluded a little bit to this in his remarks today. Obviously -- and I've discussed and 298 00:22:59,633 --> 00:23:08,603 he's discussed the physical challenges of the devastation and the challenge in taking 299 00:23:08,600 --> 00:23:13,770 resources that are arriving at a fairly steady rate at the airport and distributing them 300 00:23:13,767 --> 00:23:20,037 throughout the country, particularly in the capital. Obviously it's taking -- I know a 301 00:23:20,033 --> 00:23:23,603 lot of you all have sent folks down there, and it's taking a while to get down there. 302 00:23:23,600 --> 00:23:27,500 People have driven from the Dominican Republic, and it's taken -- I saw somebody that said 303 00:23:27,500 --> 00:23:33,600 it had taken 10 hours to drive. Look, I think there is no doubt there are a tremendous number 304 00:23:33,600 --> 00:23:41,400 of these challenges that we will see more and more of as we get deeper into the weekend 305 00:23:41,400 --> 00:23:46,230 and certainly into next week. Obviously we -- I don't think any of the pictures have 306 00:23:46,233 --> 00:23:50,603 been easy to watch. I don't think any of them -- and I don't think they'll get easier to 307 00:23:50,600 --> 00:23:57,970 watch. Obviously, as we get farther away from the initial event, we'll have greater information 308 00:23:57,967 --> 00:24:09,167 on the toll in human lives. We will see the physical strains of having to try to move 309 00:24:09,166 --> 00:24:18,496 resources. I can assure you that the President has asked Secretary Gates and Admiral Mullen 310 00:24:18,500 --> 00:24:24,970 to do all that is in their power in moving those resources down and then ultimately distributing 311 00:24:24,967 --> 00:24:30,037 those resources. Again, I think the lift capability that arrived from USS Vinson, those 19 helicopters, 312 00:24:30,033 --> 00:24:39,033 is a good start. We've got security at the airport and hopefully with some smoothness 313 00:24:39,033 --> 00:24:45,133 can continue to get resources in and then deal with how to get those resources distributed. 314 00:24:45,133 --> 00:24:51,633 I don't have any doubt, though, Major, that it is going to be a tough weekend in terms 315 00:24:51,633 --> 00:24:57,933 of what I think everyone will see, exceeded greatly by how tough it's going to be in Haiti this week. 316 00:24:57,934 --> 00:25:01,804 The Press: Back on health care, there are revenue implications 317 00:25:01,800 --> 00:25:06,500 to this arrangement made and announced yesterday. The unions say it's $60 billion. I know our 318 00:25:06,500 --> 00:25:09,930 briefing yesterday at the White House isn't committed to that figure. What I want to know 319 00:25:09,934 --> 00:25:16,304 is, is the President committed to recouping every dollar? And the fairness question doesn't 320 00:25:16,300 --> 00:25:20,670 just apply to those who are now exempted but to where that revenue will come from. Why 321 00:25:20,667 --> 00:25:25,537 should those who already -- and I presume it will be the wealthy in America -- who are 322 00:25:25,533 --> 00:25:31,003 already facing higher taxes, Medicare and otherwise, be asked to pay for that additional 323 00:25:31,000 --> 00:25:35,630 revenue implication of setting aside something that unionized workers will not have to pay 324 00:25:35,633 --> 00:25:37,203 for an extra fives years? 325 00:25:37,200 --> 00:25:41,670 Mr. Gibbs: I think that some of the revenue questions 326 00:25:41,667 --> 00:25:45,437 are obviously part of the discussions that are ongoing. I will say this, Major. The President 327 00:25:45,433 --> 00:25:52,703 has made a commitment and it is a commitment that he'll keep to ensure this legislation 328 00:25:52,700 --> 00:25:57,600 is fully paid for. Again, that's something that's a little different that's going on 329 00:25:57,600 --> 00:26:07,600 in Washington these days. This is a proposal that will be scored and it will be rendered 330 00:26:07,600 --> 00:26:13,270 a judgment as to the fact that the President will pay for every dime in this bill. 331 00:26:13,266 --> 00:26:16,766 The Press: Will the amount that is lost be compensated 332 00:26:16,767 --> 00:26:20,567 for in taxes, or would you add additional Medicare savings? 333 00:26:20,567 --> 00:26:23,897 Mr. Gibbs: Again, I think some of those discussions are ongoing. 334 00:26:23,900 --> 00:26:27,370 The Press: Robert, on health care, the last month, six 335 00:26:27,367 --> 00:26:33,197 weeks, you all have proceeded with no Republican support, no Republican negotiations, as far 336 00:26:33,200 --> 00:26:39,730 as anyone can tell -- a bunch of 60/40 votes. You're now -- and it looked like you were 337 00:26:39,734 --> 00:26:46,404 on a glide path to passing it in the Senate with Democratic-only votes in support. You 338 00:26:46,400 --> 00:26:53,430 now face the prospect in Massachusetts of possibly needing a Republican vote. Is there 339 00:26:53,433 --> 00:27:00,163 some regret that there hasn't been that sort of effort of bipartisanship? 340 00:27:00,166 --> 00:27:01,436 Mr. Gibbs: Do I regret that more Republicans haven't 341 00:27:01,433 --> 00:27:05,063 worked with the White House to get health care? That's a good question. I'd say yes. 342 00:27:05,066 --> 00:27:07,796 The Press: Okay. And then is there any thought about 343 00:27:07,800 --> 00:27:14,070 how you guys restart those discussions with a handful of Republicans who you think might 344 00:27:14,066 --> 00:27:17,636 be able to be -- I mean, is there any prospect of that, or -- 345 00:27:17,633 --> 00:27:22,433 Mr. Gibbs: Look, our staffs continue to talk to many 346 00:27:22,433 --> 00:27:32,203 staffs on the Senate and House side in order to see who's interested in working with us 347 00:27:32,200 --> 00:27:34,430 on health care. I think I'll just leave it at that. 348 00:27:34,433 --> 00:27:36,233 The Press: Two quick timing questions, Robert. Is it 349 00:27:36,233 --> 00:27:40,233 still the hope to get the financial stuff in the health care bill over to Congressional 350 00:27:40,233 --> 00:27:42,833 Budget Office today so they can score it? 351 00:27:42,834 --> 00:27:44,564 Mr. Gibbs: I don't know whether it's going to be today 352 00:27:44,567 --> 00:27:48,197 or whether it'll be over the weekend or the beginning of next week, but, look, obviously, 353 00:27:48,200 --> 00:27:52,700 as soon as they get agreement on this, it's our hope to move that as quickly as we can 354 00:27:52,700 --> 00:27:59,230 to CBO. Obviously that is a process that has taken in this a decent amount of time, and 355 00:27:59,233 --> 00:28:02,903 we want to ensure that we get that there as quickly as possible. 356 00:28:02,900 --> 00:28:04,930 The Press: Do you expect these meetings that are still going on today to go 357 00:28:04,934 --> 00:28:06,234 through the weekend? 358 00:28:06,233 --> 00:28:08,433 Mr. Gibbs: I don't -- honestly, some of that I think 359 00:28:08,433 --> 00:28:15,663 depends on how much they come out of, in terms of having made progress in this meeting and 360 00:28:15,667 --> 00:28:18,997 whether or not additional meetings throughout the weekend are needed. 361 00:28:19,000 --> 00:28:21,070 The Press: One other timing question. We didn't get a 362 00:28:21,066 --> 00:28:24,996 State of the Union date in the week ahead. Is January now out? 363 00:28:25,000 --> 00:28:29,300 Mr. Gibbs: I can confirm for you the State of the Union will not be next week. 364 00:28:29,300 --> 00:28:30,800 The Press: Do you think one of the difficulties that 365 00:28:30,800 --> 00:28:35,500 you're having in elections, that you had in Virginia, also in New Jersey, seem to be having 366 00:28:35,500 --> 00:28:39,830 in Massachusetts, is that your candidates just don't seem to have the fire that the 367 00:28:39,834 --> 00:28:42,304 Republicans candidates have, the hunger that they have? 368 00:28:42,300 --> 00:28:45,970 Mr. Gibbs: It'd be better to ask somebody that spent a lot 369 00:28:45,967 --> 00:28:48,167 of time watching those elections. 370 00:28:48,166 --> 00:28:50,196 The Press: You're not spending a lot of time following those elections? 371 00:28:50,200 --> 00:28:52,730 Mr. Gibbs: I'm not spending a lot of time -- I do not 372 00:28:52,734 --> 00:28:58,504 spend a lot of time watching those elections, no. Margaret. 373 00:28:58,500 --> 00:29:01,800 The Press: Thanks. Could you give us a little bit more 374 00:29:01,800 --> 00:29:07,800 information about the church stop Sunday and what the remarks -- why he's decided to give 375 00:29:07,800 --> 00:29:11,170 a speech, what he wants to convey in the speech? 376 00:29:11,166 --> 00:29:19,736 Mr. Gibbs: He's going to talk about the legacy of Martin 377 00:29:19,734 --> 00:29:24,964 Luther King Jr. and what it's meant for this country. Obviously for -- for obvious reasons 378 00:29:24,967 --> 00:29:27,737 I'm not going to give out the name of the church. 379 00:29:27,734 --> 00:29:30,504 The Press: If I can just follow up on what Ed and some 380 00:29:30,500 --> 00:29:35,200 of the others have been talking about. I know that we can sometimes have an antagonistic 381 00:29:35,200 --> 00:29:38,800 relationship, but I don't think that's the desire. He really did say during the campaign 382 00:29:38,800 --> 00:29:40,900 that he wasn't -- 383 00:29:40,900 --> 00:29:44,870 Mr. Gibbs: I understand what Ed was trying to do. I just 384 00:29:44,867 --> 00:29:47,237 -- I answered this question, I think -- I'm not trying to be antagonistic. 385 00:29:47,233 --> 00:29:49,833 The Press: Can we go back? Because we don't really feel like it has been answered. 386 00:29:49,834 --> 00:29:53,104 Mr. Gibbs: Well, I'm not going to add to what I said 387 00:29:53,100 --> 00:29:56,470 two weeks ago. So the reason I refer you to what I said two weeks ago is it would be what 388 00:29:56,467 --> 00:29:57,767 I would say to you today. 389 00:29:57,767 --> 00:30:00,767 The Press: I guess, Robert, we don't think we're the 390 00:30:00,767 --> 00:30:04,197 equivalent of C-SPAN. I mean, you said we reported the story extensively -- everyone 391 00:30:04,200 --> 00:30:07,570 here agrees with that -- but that wasn't the standard that we heard in the campaign. The 392 00:30:07,567 --> 00:30:08,537 standard was different. 393 00:30:08,533 --> 00:30:10,633 Mr. Gibbs: The President believes that the standard of 394 00:30:10,633 --> 00:30:18,933 people being able to see what's going on, to understand what is being discussed and 395 00:30:18,934 --> 00:30:21,404 the details that are available -- 396 00:30:21,400 --> 00:30:23,930 The Press: Wait a minute -- 397 00:30:23,934 --> 00:30:25,834 The Press: But he also orders lawmakers and all of you 398 00:30:25,834 --> 00:30:27,834 not to leak about the meeting. So how is that -- 399 00:30:27,834 --> 00:30:30,164 Mr. Gibbs: That works -- I'd say that's working like a charm. 400 00:30:30,166 --> 00:30:31,936 (laughter) 401 00:30:31,934 --> 00:30:32,964 The Press: Well, how does that mean that the -- 402 00:30:32,967 --> 00:30:34,197 Mr. Gibbs: That must because quite an admonishing -- 403 00:30:34,200 --> 00:30:35,400 The Press: How does that mean -- how does that mean that 404 00:30:35,400 --> 00:30:36,470 there's information about -- 405 00:30:36,467 --> 00:30:37,837 Mr. Gibbs: You guys had the story up before we -- 406 00:30:37,834 --> 00:30:39,634 The Press: But just generally, Robert, there's been almost 407 00:30:39,633 --> 00:30:43,503 20 hours of talks here in this building this week, and nobody has seen any of them. 408 00:30:43,500 --> 00:30:46,230 The Press: Not even a -- not even a courtesy of -- nobody 409 00:30:46,233 --> 00:30:50,903 has even come out to the stakeout. I mean, you guys haven't done -- we get these little 410 00:30:50,900 --> 00:30:53,530 readouts from you guys, you know, "closer than ever before" -- 411 00:30:53,533 --> 00:30:54,733 Mr. Gibbs: I got an email from you last night wondering if -- wondering 412 00:30:54,734 --> 00:30:56,304 if I had a readout. 413 00:30:56,300 --> 00:30:58,200 The Press: And never got a response. 414 00:30:58,200 --> 00:31:01,100 Mr. Gibbs: No, you did. You got a little readout, didn't you? 415 00:31:01,100 --> 00:31:02,100 Did you get a readout? 416 00:31:02,100 --> 00:31:03,300 The Press: I did get the readout. 417 00:31:03,300 --> 00:31:04,300 Mr. Gibbs: Okay, so you got a response. 418 00:31:04,300 --> 00:31:05,970 The Press: At two in the morning. 419 00:31:05,967 --> 00:31:08,167 The Press: That's not a readout. (cross-talk) 420 00:31:08,166 --> 00:31:09,936 Mr. Gibbs: Well, but hold on, hold on -- hold on, hold 421 00:31:09,934 --> 00:31:12,204 on, hold on, hold on, hold on, hold on, hold on. Hold on, hold on, hold on, hold on, hold 422 00:31:12,200 --> 00:31:18,670 on, hold on, hold on. I'm happy to send out a readout of the meeting prior to it ending. 423 00:31:18,667 --> 00:31:24,637 If you'd like me to -- no, no, no, hold on, hold on. Hold on. I appreciate you don't want 424 00:31:24,633 --> 00:31:30,003 a readout at two in the morning. But if the meeting doesn't end until 1:15 a.m. or 1:30 425 00:31:30,000 --> 00:31:34,300 a.m., I'm happy to -- Reid was here until 10:30 p.m. He could have sent it out at 10:30 426 00:31:34,300 --> 00:31:35,800 p.m. I don't know that that would have been more informative. 427 00:31:35,800 --> 00:31:37,230 The Press: I don't think the timing is the issue. The 428 00:31:37,233 --> 00:31:38,803 issue is what's in it and how much information is being released. 429 00:31:38,800 --> 00:31:40,270 Mr. Gibbs: I understand. We did a briefing call on what 430 00:31:40,266 --> 00:31:45,436 was in this yesterday, and we'll continue to brief you all on what was -- 431 00:31:45,433 --> 00:31:46,603 The Press: Well, with due respect -- 432 00:31:46,600 --> 00:31:48,530 Mr. Gibbs: No, no, I understand. 433 00:31:48,533 --> 00:31:49,533 The Press: In previous negotiations on other issues -- 434 00:31:49,533 --> 00:31:50,863 Mr. Gibbs: I feel like I have to move back there because 435 00:31:50,867 --> 00:31:54,497 we've plied this ground, Major, and I -- if anybody has got a different question, I'm 436 00:31:54,500 --> 00:31:56,530 happy to entertain it. Yes, ma'am. 437 00:31:56,533 --> 00:31:57,603 The Press: Thank you. 438 00:31:57,600 --> 00:31:58,570 The Press: -- you campaigned -- set a standard that was 439 00:31:58,567 --> 00:31:59,537 different than that. 440 00:31:59,533 --> 00:32:00,733 Mr. Gibbs: I understand. I refer you to a couple weeks 441 00:32:00,734 --> 00:32:01,804 ago. Yes, ma'am. 442 00:32:01,800 --> 00:32:02,870 The Press: I actually have -- I actually have two questions. 443 00:32:02,867 --> 00:32:03,737 Mr. Gibbs: Great. 444 00:32:03,734 --> 00:32:04,864 The Press: There's been several reports this week that 445 00:32:04,867 --> 00:32:07,297 discussions within the Pentagon are sort of heating up around "don't ask, don't tell." 446 00:32:07,300 --> 00:32:10,170 Does the President plan to push for repeal this year in 2010? 447 00:32:10,166 --> 00:32:12,596 Mr. Gibbs: Obviously there have been discussions here; 448 00:32:12,600 --> 00:32:18,670 there have been discussions in the Pentagon that will continue. We don't have -- I don't 449 00:32:18,667 --> 00:32:23,997 yet have a timeline out of those discussions. But I know they do continue. 450 00:32:24,000 --> 00:32:26,670 The Press: And one more thing. The Associated Press reported 451 00:32:26,667 --> 00:32:32,337 that the in-house counsel to Admiral Mike Mullen had advised that repeal be delayed 452 00:32:32,333 --> 00:32:36,163 by a year. Is the White House comfortable with what appears to be sort of a shot across 453 00:32:36,166 --> 00:32:37,366 the bow from the Pentagon? 454 00:32:37,367 --> 00:32:41,137 Mr. Gibbs: Well, again, I don't believe that that -- I don't believe 455 00:32:41,133 --> 00:32:46,403 the opinion of one person reflects the opinion of everyone in that building, 456 00:32:46,400 --> 00:32:50,730 nor does it reflect the opinion of everybody in this building, particularly the President 457 00:32:50,734 --> 00:32:51,964 of the United States. 458 00:32:51,967 --> 00:32:54,837 The Press: Are you anticipating health care meetings over the course of the weekend? 459 00:32:54,834 --> 00:32:57,934 Mr. Gibbs: Again -- Mark asked me that, and I don't know 460 00:32:57,934 --> 00:33:02,404 the answer, David; I think it depends on what they come out with today. 461 00:33:02,400 --> 00:33:04,600 The Press: And also, what time is the President's meeting tomorrow morning? 462 00:33:04,600 --> 00:33:08,330 Mr. Gibbs: They had not set a -- they're working on logistics 463 00:33:08,333 --> 00:33:13,463 for getting the two former Presidents in, and as soon as we have that we'll -- 464 00:33:13,467 --> 00:33:16,397 The Press: Will they make a statement, the three of them together? 465 00:33:16,400 --> 00:33:18,870 Mr. Gibbs: I know the President will speak and we would 466 00:33:18,867 --> 00:33:21,067 ask each of the other two to speak as well, yes. 467 00:33:21,066 --> 00:33:23,936 The Press: Back to Haiti, as the President speaks to 468 00:33:23,934 --> 00:33:29,864 foreign leaders, is he talking about the long-term security needs that are going to need to be 469 00:33:29,867 --> 00:33:34,297 addressed in Haiti, given the kind of -- the governmental vacuum? And is he prepared 470 00:33:34,300 --> 00:33:39,670 for U.S. troops to sort of transition from a more -- from the rescue/relief role to a 471 00:33:39,667 --> 00:33:42,167 peacekeeping sort of role if that would become necessary? 472 00:33:42,166 --> 00:33:48,636 Mr. Gibbs: Well, obviously the great devastation that 473 00:33:48,633 --> 00:33:58,633 has been felt by the U.N. that had provided security in many parts of the capital and 474 00:33:58,633 --> 00:34:07,803 on the island are something that we're acutely aware of. I know that the security situation 475 00:34:07,800 --> 00:34:15,030 was something that was discussed in the Situation Room, and I think they'll continue to tweak 476 00:34:15,033 --> 00:34:23,833 that a bit and make sure that we stay on top of that situation. Obviously that is going 477 00:34:23,834 --> 00:34:30,764 to impact to some degree the movement of those resources, so I know that's on everybody's mind. 478 00:34:30,767 --> 00:34:36,067 The Press: Robert, on Haiti, and another question. Is 479 00:34:36,066 --> 00:34:41,896 the President -- as this is the number one priority for him, is he looking at a window 480 00:34:41,900 --> 00:34:49,900 of possibly going down and assessing how the American contingent has worked in relief, 481 00:34:49,900 --> 00:34:51,830 rescue, and humanitarian aspects? 482 00:34:51,834 --> 00:34:53,464 Mr. Gibbs: Well, obviously, as I said, the President 483 00:34:53,467 --> 00:35:01,037 is getting numerous updates throughout the day. April, I can say that the President would 484 00:35:01,033 --> 00:35:10,933 -- the President has no plans to go to Haiti right now. The impact of moving a President 485 00:35:10,934 --> 00:35:17,764 into an area like that would only serve to take resources away from the distribution 486 00:35:17,767 --> 00:35:22,837 of those resources at the airport that need to get to those people. The President -- 487 00:35:22,834 --> 00:35:31,064 one, I think the President believes he's getting timely and accurate information as to that 488 00:35:31,066 --> 00:35:39,436 situation now; isn't in need of seeing it firsthand; is acting -- has asked that we 489 00:35:39,433 --> 00:35:43,103 act accordingly in terms of dealing with that devastation and not wanting to 490 00:35:43,100 --> 00:35:44,330 pull away those resources. 491 00:35:44,333 --> 00:35:54,003 The Press: On Tuesday, how high are the stakes? 492 00:35:54,000 --> 00:35:57,130 Mr. Gibbs: It's an important Senate seat. That's why 493 00:35:57,133 --> 00:35:58,563 the President is going. 494 00:35:58,567 --> 00:36:00,867 The Press: But it's beyond an important Senate seat. 495 00:36:00,867 --> 00:36:07,767 The Kennedy family, Massachusetts, Ted Kennedy -- that was his seat. I mean, how high is 496 00:36:07,767 --> 00:36:10,437 this for you? I mean, how big of a deal is this for you? 497 00:36:10,433 --> 00:36:13,003 Mr. Gibbs: Well, look, the President is going. I think 498 00:36:13,000 --> 00:36:14,870 that demonstrates its importance. 499 00:36:14,867 --> 00:36:16,697 The Press: And also, the State of the Union, you said 500 00:36:16,700 --> 00:36:22,470 not next week, but is there a date? Have you picked a date? Has the date been negotiated? 501 00:36:22,467 --> 00:36:23,597 Mr. Gibbs: We haven't announced a date yet. 502 00:36:23,600 --> 00:36:27,470 The Press: But have you -- so there is a date then? You 503 00:36:27,467 --> 00:36:29,867 said you haven't announced it, but -- 504 00:36:29,867 --> 00:36:31,897 Mr. Gibbs: No, I know. I don't have any news on the State 505 00:36:31,900 --> 00:36:33,000 of the Union. Mike. 506 00:36:33,000 --> 00:36:36,830 The Press: Senator Lieberman was seen yesterday on West 507 00:36:36,834 --> 00:36:40,434 Exec. Is he here in conjunction with the health care talks? 508 00:36:40,433 --> 00:36:41,303 Mr. Gibbs: I'm sorry? 509 00:36:41,300 --> 00:36:42,430 The Press: Was Senator Lieberman here on West Exec -- 510 00:36:42,433 --> 00:36:43,503 Mr. Gibbs: Yes -- 511 00:36:43,500 --> 00:36:44,900 The Press: Was he here in conjunction with the health care talks? 512 00:36:44,900 --> 00:36:46,270 Mr. Gibbs: That's my understanding, yes. 513 00:36:46,266 --> 00:36:47,966 The Press: He was not included on the list in the readout 514 00:36:47,967 --> 00:36:49,467 that you put out last night. 515 00:36:49,467 --> 00:36:51,637 Mr. Gibbs: I don't think he was -- I think there wasn't 516 00:36:51,633 --> 00:36:55,933 -- I'll check with Reid on this. I believe there was a smaller meeting, but I don't think 517 00:36:55,934 --> 00:36:57,164 he was in the larger -- 518 00:36:57,166 --> 00:36:58,836 The Press: Was this an effort to keep him in the loop 519 00:36:58,834 --> 00:37:03,464 so nobody feels, to coin a phrase, double-crossed in the end? (laughter) 520 00:37:03,467 --> 00:37:05,567 Mr. Gibbs: I'm not going to buy into that premise. (laughter) 521 00:37:05,567 --> 00:37:10,697 I was going to say that obviously we would want to keep members in the loop. 522 00:37:10,700 --> 00:37:13,430 The Press: Ben Nelson has now written a letter asking 523 00:37:13,433 --> 00:37:18,333 that the deal that he got for Nebraska be taken out. What is the President's position on that? 524 00:37:18,333 --> 00:37:22,803 Mr. Gibbs: I would check. I have not seen that letter. 525 00:37:22,800 --> 00:37:25,570 The Press: One more question -- (laughter) -- short answer -- 526 00:37:25,567 --> 00:37:26,837 Mr. Gibbs: -- say one more question, right? (laughter) 527 00:37:26,834 --> 00:37:29,934 The Press: The President's fellow Hawaiian, Congressman 528 00:37:29,934 --> 00:37:34,904 Abercrombie, has desires to run for governor of Hawaii. Has the President spoken with him 529 00:37:34,900 --> 00:37:39,300 about delaying his retirement from the House until the health care matter is taken care of? 530 00:37:39,300 --> 00:37:41,130 Mr. Gibbs: Not that I'm aware of, but I can certainly 531 00:37:41,133 --> 00:37:42,663 check with Legislative Affairs. 532 00:37:42,667 --> 00:37:47,767 The Press: I've got 17 questions. (laughter) 533 00:37:47,767 --> 00:37:49,797 Mr. Gibbs: At least your starting with honesty is the 534 00:37:49,800 --> 00:37:52,230 best policy, right? (laughter) 535 00:37:52,233 --> 00:37:54,303 The Press: Two questions on the President's -- on the 536 00:37:54,300 --> 00:37:59,530 anniversary next week of the inauguration. First off, in the week ahead you didn't indicate 537 00:37:59,533 --> 00:38:04,563 anything -- the President is not doing anything at all publicly to mark the occasion? 538 00:38:04,567 --> 00:38:05,597 Mr. Gibbs: No. 539 00:38:05,600 --> 00:38:07,900 The Press: And second, behind the scenes, past White 540 00:38:07,900 --> 00:38:16,000 Houses and administrations have often had -- whether Cabinet retreats, or planning 541 00:38:16,000 --> 00:38:20,800 groups to set an agenda for the second year. Is there nothing like that going on in this -- 542 00:38:20,800 --> 00:38:24,300 Mr. Gibbs: Well, look, I mean, we've had -- we don't 543 00:38:24,300 --> 00:38:30,000 lack for meetings. (laughter) We've had -- no, obviously there have been a series of 544 00:38:30,000 --> 00:38:41,430 meetings that quite frankly go back into late last year to think through planning through 545 00:38:41,433 --> 00:38:46,433 the budget, planning for State of the Union, and planning for the rest of this year. Nothing 546 00:38:46,433 --> 00:38:54,403 is scheduled in terms of those types of retreats, but suffice to say we've done a number of 547 00:38:54,400 --> 00:38:56,430 those meetings. Yes, ma'am. 548 00:38:56,433 --> 00:38:59,233 The Press: Thank you. Two questions on Haiti. All over 549 00:38:59,233 --> 00:39:04,903 the French press we read this morning that President Sarkozy is offering President Obama 550 00:39:04,900 --> 00:39:11,200 to do an international conference about Haiti as soon as it's possible, which President 551 00:39:11,200 --> 00:39:16,930 Lula and Prime Minister -- the Canadian Prime Minister wants direction of the White House. 552 00:39:16,934 --> 00:39:18,404 And also in here -- 553 00:39:18,400 --> 00:39:21,800 Mr. Gibbs: Let me check on whether that came out of the 554 00:39:21,800 --> 00:39:23,200 conversations that they had. 555 00:39:23,200 --> 00:39:24,970 The Press: It's all over the French press today. And 556 00:39:24,967 --> 00:39:31,397 the other thing is in Europe, people, especially the media, began to restrict some of the footage 557 00:39:31,400 --> 00:39:37,570 to avoid worries about Haiti because they're saying that at one point it's not appropriate. 558 00:39:37,567 --> 00:39:42,497 How does the White House feel about that, because (inaudible) American media are watched 559 00:39:42,500 --> 00:39:44,000 now all over the world? 560 00:39:44,000 --> 00:39:45,830 Mr. Gibbs: Well, I've got my hands full with the American 561 00:39:45,834 --> 00:39:53,904 media, so let me -- I don't want to comment on Europe. Obviously we've got a number of 562 00:39:53,900 --> 00:39:59,830 people down there helping the media cover what is obviously I think the biggest story 563 00:39:59,834 --> 00:40:09,004 in the world. We'll continue to assist in making that happen. I don't -- look, just 564 00:40:09,000 --> 00:40:12,470 to build on a point that Major made, that President Clinton made in that interview, 565 00:40:12,467 --> 00:40:17,997 I do think there are -- I do think there are going to be, as there always are, but particularly 566 00:40:18,000 --> 00:40:25,370 in something as devastating as this, there are going to be some -- there's some very 567 00:40:25,367 --> 00:40:34,937 shocking video, but I don't -- I know of certainly no effort to restrict that from coming into 568 00:40:34,934 --> 00:40:36,364 here. Yes, sir. 569 00:40:36,367 --> 00:40:38,867 The Press: Turning to the election on Tuesday, in recent 570 00:40:38,867 --> 00:40:45,637 statewide elections, it seems like independents, independent voters, have turned away from 571 00:40:45,633 --> 00:40:50,763 the Democratic Party. It was the case in New Jersey, it was the case of Virginia. And if 572 00:40:50,767 --> 00:40:55,367 you look at polls, the internal polls, for Massachusetts, it appears to be the case there. 573 00:40:55,367 --> 00:40:59,637 Why do you suppose that is? Is it the candidates? Is it the policies of the President? 574 00:40:59,633 --> 00:41:02,703 Mr. Gibbs: No, because, look, we had these discussions 575 00:41:02,700 --> 00:41:10,900 at the end of the '09 elections. The Washington Post had done a poll that -- I forget the 576 00:41:10,900 --> 00:41:17,230 exact number -- 75% of the people didn't register their vote in the gubernatorial race based 577 00:41:17,233 --> 00:41:23,833 on the President of the United States. I appreciate the easy transferability of one election to 578 00:41:23,834 --> 00:41:29,404 another and to draw huge, bright lines out of -- 579 00:41:29,400 --> 00:41:30,930 The Press: What do you draw? 580 00:41:30,934 --> 00:41:33,434 Mr. Gibbs: I draw that -- well, we can analyze Massachusetts 581 00:41:33,433 --> 00:41:39,763 after Massachusetts, but in terms of -- I mean, whether it's a New Jersey governor's 582 00:41:39,767 --> 00:41:45,567 race or a Virginia governor's race, I don't -- again, I said this before, I said this 583 00:41:45,567 --> 00:41:53,567 after: We don't draw national trends out of statewide races that are generally decided 584 00:41:53,567 --> 00:41:54,997 on state issues. 585 00:41:55,000 --> 00:41:57,470 The Press: And then on health care, does it hurt in your 586 00:41:57,467 --> 00:42:04,067 view, Robert, the President's brand, the brand of being a new politician, a transparent politician, 587 00:42:04,066 --> 00:42:12,236 not to broadcast these negotiations on C-SPAN? Does it hurt that he has turned his back on 588 00:42:12,233 --> 00:42:15,233 a very outward campaign pledge? 589 00:42:15,233 --> 00:42:19,833 Mr. Gibbs: No, because, as you know and as you guys write, 590 00:42:19,834 --> 00:42:27,004 we have instituted a policy where you know every person that comes into this White House. 591 00:42:27,000 --> 00:42:32,000 There was -- I think it was the Associated Press, Ms. Loven, who wanted to know of all 592 00:42:32,000 --> 00:42:35,270 the people that had come into the White House for health care-related meetings. 593 00:42:35,266 --> 00:42:37,236 The Press: Then why did he make the pledge in the first place? 594 00:42:37,233 --> 00:42:42,063 Mr. Gibbs: Let me finish the answer to this. That was 595 00:42:42,066 --> 00:42:46,496 a change in the way Washington worked -- a change in the way Washington worked since 596 00:42:46,500 --> 00:42:52,430 the beginning of Washington. The President believes that, and the leaders on Capitol 597 00:42:52,433 --> 00:42:58,463 Hill I think appropriately believe that, the process that we've seen has been extensively 598 00:42:58,467 --> 00:43:05,697 covered. You all have asked me about it for going on, gosh knows, many, many days. We've 599 00:43:05,700 --> 00:43:10,970 talked about the details of this and I think we have seen a very transparent process. 600 00:43:10,967 --> 00:43:12,897 The Press: Why did he make the pledge, though? Why did 601 00:43:12,900 --> 00:43:14,830 he make the pledge, though? 602 00:43:14,834 --> 00:43:16,204 Mr. Gibbs: Because we were going to do things differently 603 00:43:16,200 --> 00:43:17,570 and we have. David. 604 00:43:17,567 --> 00:43:20,097 The Press: Going back to Haiti -- although I'm still 605 00:43:20,100 --> 00:43:26,700 tempted to ask about C-SPAN -- on the matter of security there are reports that people 606 00:43:26,700 --> 00:43:32,570 are fighting for food, some people are leaving the city, and all the expectations of relief 607 00:43:32,567 --> 00:43:38,297 workers are that things will get more chaotic in the days ahead. Are there contingency plans 608 00:43:38,300 --> 00:43:42,600 being developed by the U.S. government, with or without other governments, to actually 609 00:43:42,600 --> 00:43:47,100 go and provide security in Port-au-Prince and other parts of Haiti? 610 00:43:47,100 --> 00:43:50,570 Mr. Gibbs: Look, obviously what we do and what the international 611 00:43:50,567 --> 00:43:58,097 community does is being coordinated with the government of Haiti. Obviously security is 612 00:43:58,100 --> 00:44:05,070 a concern. It has been since this began, particularly based on the devastation that we saw at the 613 00:44:05,066 --> 00:44:13,866 U.N. that had provided great assistance in security before the earthquake. Look, this 614 00:44:13,867 --> 00:44:23,167 is a situation obviously that has changed quite a bit to what normally happens. I don't 615 00:44:23,166 --> 00:44:27,866 know if there are specific contingency plans as much as there are continuing evaluations 616 00:44:27,867 --> 00:44:31,167 as to what is needed on the ground and where. 617 00:44:31,166 --> 00:44:33,466 The Press: But in those talks with the Haitian government, 618 00:44:33,467 --> 00:44:39,967 has it come up, the possibility of the U.S. and other countries providing troops or police 619 00:44:39,967 --> 00:44:43,667 officers to provide routine security, not just -- 620 00:44:43,667 --> 00:44:49,097 Mr. Gibbs: Well, look, David, we've got the 82nd Airborne 621 00:44:49,100 --> 00:44:53,470 -- part of it is there; other parts of it are on the way -- in order to help secure 622 00:44:53,467 --> 00:44:58,467 the airport and to secure the area around it. Look, there's -- we do understand that 623 00:44:58,467 --> 00:45:04,837 there are -- we are not going to be able to undertake the logistical -- to overtake the 624 00:45:04,834 --> 00:45:08,834 logistical hurdles of dealing with moving all these resources out without a sufficient 625 00:45:08,834 --> 00:45:12,964 security system. So I know that's something that is ongoing. 626 00:45:12,967 --> 00:45:14,297 The Press: Thank you, Robert. 627 00:45:14,300 --> 00:45:16,570 The Press: Robert, back to the bank fee, the President 628 00:45:16,567 --> 00:45:23,767 suggested that the banks would be -- or at least he challenged them instead of paying 629 00:45:23,767 --> 00:45:28,897 the bonuses to pay the fee, as I understand the statement yesterday. In case they don't, 630 00:45:28,900 --> 00:45:35,630 there's legislation now introduced on the Hill to put a 50% tax on the bonuses if the 631 00:45:35,633 --> 00:45:39,533 banks give some of these bonuses. Is that a concept the administration is considering, 632 00:45:39,533 --> 00:45:40,633 could support? 633 00:45:40,633 --> 00:45:46,533 Mr. Gibbs: I'll check with the economic team on that bill. Look -- 634 00:45:46,533 --> 00:45:47,703 The Press: Because that could happen before you're able 635 00:45:47,700 --> 00:45:49,430 to get your legislation through Congress. 636 00:45:49,433 --> 00:45:53,163 Mr. Gibbs: Right. Well, but again, it's all on the legislative 637 00:45:53,166 --> 00:45:55,766 track. Look, I would say this about the bank fee. I mean, I think you continue to see this 638 00:45:55,767 --> 00:46:03,467 in the newspaper. If I read the Wall Street Journal correctly this morning, the bonus 639 00:46:03,467 --> 00:46:11,867 pool for the 38 top firms on Wall Street is $45 billion this year in excess of what -- 640 00:46:11,867 --> 00:46:19,437 well, actually $55 billion in excess of what it's likely going to take to recoup what is 641 00:46:19,433 --> 00:46:27,603 owed to the taxpayers after additional payments are made. I think the notion that somehow 642 00:46:27,600 --> 00:46:30,830 -- you see all these things -- "It's going to be passed on to consumers." Well, what 643 00:46:30,834 --> 00:46:35,804 are their -- are they doing that for their bonuses? Is that a good deal for their -- 644 00:46:35,800 --> 00:46:39,830 is that a good deal for their shareholders, that the people that use the company and own 645 00:46:39,834 --> 00:46:45,204 the company are being passed on the cost of excessive compensation? This notion that somehow 646 00:46:45,200 --> 00:46:50,600 lending won't happen because of this fee, it's the craziest argument I've ever heard. 647 00:46:50,600 --> 00:46:56,800 There were some lobbyists in the newspaper today made the argument that this fee accounted 648 00:46:56,800 --> 00:47:07,300 for 10 times that in lending. Well, if that's true, then bonuses, as I read the math correctly, 649 00:47:07,300 --> 00:47:13,730 would take out nearly a trillion and a half dollars in lending. Granted, I don't actually 650 00:47:13,734 --> 00:47:20,764 see a CEO making that argument. I mean, leaving aside all the rational economic arguments 651 00:47:20,767 --> 00:47:26,067 that if a bank had a series of profitable loans, it can borrow money from the Fed at 652 00:47:26,066 --> 00:47:35,036 virtually nothing to make those loans. You see a number of -- you see a number of these 653 00:47:35,033 --> 00:47:44,363 straw men arguments made by lobbyists that when you look at, they just don't hold up 654 00:47:44,367 --> 00:47:49,467 at all. They just -- they're not based in any way, shape or form on logic. 655 00:47:49,467 --> 00:47:51,597 The Press: The second question here is whether the bonuses 656 00:47:51,600 --> 00:47:57,630 are a fair target for a fee or tax, as well as the banks themselves -- those who receive the bonuses. 657 00:47:57,633 --> 00:47:59,003 Mr. Gibbs: Well, look, I would say this -- I would say 658 00:47:59,000 --> 00:48:06,500 this one thing, though. This is all -- it's all in the same group of money, right, this 659 00:48:06,500 --> 00:48:13,270 -- across the board at a bank. Whether that money -- you know, whether that money is used 660 00:48:13,266 --> 00:48:21,166 for bonuses, whether that money is used to recoup what the taxpayers lent, it's all that 661 00:48:21,166 --> 00:48:27,766 same group of money, and I think what you see people that want to defend big banks say 662 00:48:27,767 --> 00:48:30,197 just certainly doesn't make any sense. Have a good weekend, guys.