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1 00:00:01,200 --> 00:00:02,100 Mr. Carney: I was at a funeral in Falls Church. 2 00:00:02,100 --> 00:00:04,800 I apologize for the delay. 3 00:00:04,800 --> 00:00:07,834 It was a funeral for a remarkable woman, 4 00:00:07,834 --> 00:00:11,233 the mother of a friend, who lived a great life 5 00:00:11,233 --> 00:00:12,700 and was a great woman. 6 00:00:12,700 --> 00:00:14,733 And it was a lovely service. 7 00:00:14,734 --> 00:00:16,834 Her name was Theresa McKenna. 8 00:00:16,834 --> 00:00:20,667 And with that, I have a couple of announcements. 9 00:00:20,667 --> 00:00:24,734 First, on Wednesday, January 15th, 10 00:00:24,734 --> 00:00:28,033 President Obama will travel to the Raleigh-Durham area 11 00:00:28,033 --> 00:00:31,567 in North Carolina for an event on the economy. 12 00:00:31,567 --> 00:00:34,200 Further details on the President's trip 13 00:00:34,200 --> 00:00:38,800 to North Carolina will be made available in the coming days. 14 00:00:38,800 --> 00:00:41,934 Second, this afternoon, as you know, 15 00:00:41,934 --> 00:00:45,065 President Obama will host an event here at the White House 16 00:00:45,066 --> 00:00:47,934 to name officially the first five Promise Zones 17 00:00:47,934 --> 00:00:51,967 that our administration is partnering with 18 00:00:51,967 --> 00:00:54,300 to invest in and rebuild. 19 00:00:54,300 --> 00:00:56,867 The President will be joined at the event by representatives 20 00:00:56,867 --> 00:00:59,699 and community members from each of the five zones, 21 00:00:59,700 --> 00:01:02,500 which are located in San Antonio, Philadelphia, 22 00:01:02,500 --> 00:01:05,333 Los Angeles, Southeastern Kentucky, 23 00:01:05,333 --> 00:01:09,100 and the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. 24 00:01:09,100 --> 00:01:11,934 The President first announced our Promise Zone initiative 25 00:01:11,934 --> 00:01:14,800 during last year's State of the Union address as a way to 26 00:01:14,800 --> 00:01:18,734 partner with local communities and businesses to create jobs, 27 00:01:18,734 --> 00:01:22,767 increase economic security, expand access to educational 28 00:01:22,767 --> 00:01:25,767 opportunities and quality, affordable housing, 29 00:01:25,767 --> 00:01:28,734 and to improve public safety. 30 00:01:28,734 --> 00:01:32,533 Yesterday, as we reflected on the 50th anniversary 31 00:01:32,533 --> 00:01:33,567 of the War on Poverty, 32 00:01:33,567 --> 00:01:35,467 the President reiterated this commitment. 33 00:01:35,467 --> 00:01:38,500 He reminded us of the frustrations that many American 34 00:01:38,500 --> 00:01:42,066 families face and the need to build ladders of opportunity 35 00:01:42,066 --> 00:01:45,233 for those working to get into the middle class. 36 00:01:45,233 --> 00:01:47,467 So today's event will be a critical step forward 37 00:01:47,467 --> 00:01:50,834 in delivering on this commitment and making progress toward our 38 00:01:50,834 --> 00:01:54,100 greater goal of strengthening the economic mobility 39 00:01:54,100 --> 00:01:55,767 of all Americans. 40 00:01:55,767 --> 00:01:58,399 As I think you know, there will be a final call 41 00:01:58,400 --> 00:01:59,667 I'm told at 1:50 p.m. 42 00:01:59,667 --> 00:02:03,300 For those of you who need to go over there, 43 00:02:03,300 --> 00:02:04,899 feel free, don't mind me. 44 00:02:04,900 --> 00:02:07,367 I apologize again for being late. 45 00:02:07,367 --> 00:02:10,166 And if anyone is still around I'll keep taking questions. 46 00:02:10,166 --> 00:02:11,166 Julie. 47 00:02:11,166 --> 00:02:12,367 The Press: Thanks, Jay. 48 00:02:12,367 --> 00:02:14,367 The President met this morning with several lawmakers 49 00:02:14,367 --> 00:02:15,700 to discuss his NSA review. 50 00:02:15,700 --> 00:02:17,733 Is there any kind of readout you can give us from that meeting, 51 00:02:17,734 --> 00:02:24,900 and can you also tell us what lawmakers attended? 52 00:02:24,900 --> 00:02:27,500 Mr. Carney: I think I have that here somewhere, hold on. 53 00:02:29,834 --> 00:02:31,867 Give me one sec. 54 00:02:40,200 --> 00:02:41,500 I can tell you that he did -- 55 00:02:41,500 --> 00:02:42,967 The Press: I have a question on another topic if you want -- 56 00:02:42,967 --> 00:02:43,800 Mr. Carney: I'm sorry, 57 00:02:43,800 --> 00:02:44,767 I apologize. 58 00:02:44,767 --> 00:02:45,633 The Press: It's okay. 59 00:02:45,633 --> 00:02:46,800 [laughter] 60 00:02:46,800 --> 00:02:48,066 Mr. Carney: I was told as I was coming out here 61 00:02:48,066 --> 00:02:49,533 and I just can't find it, but we did have a short readout. 62 00:02:49,533 --> 00:02:50,966 He did meet with congressional members 63 00:02:50,967 --> 00:02:52,600 on the NSA disclosures issue, 64 00:02:52,600 --> 00:02:54,367 and we'll have -- 65 00:02:54,367 --> 00:02:56,700 if I stumble across it, I'll come back to you. 66 00:02:56,700 --> 00:02:57,966 It's in here somewhere. 67 00:02:57,967 --> 00:02:59,600 Otherwise, we'll get it to you right after the briefing. 68 00:02:59,600 --> 00:03:01,400 The Press: On that other topic, 69 00:03:01,400 --> 00:03:03,667 the President obviously has developed a good relationship 70 00:03:03,667 --> 00:03:05,600 with Chris Christie over the past couple of years. 71 00:03:05,600 --> 00:03:09,834 I'm wondering if he has any reaction to both Christie's 72 00:03:09,834 --> 00:03:12,667 lengthy news conference today and also the issue 73 00:03:12,667 --> 00:03:15,000 with the bridge in general. 74 00:03:15,000 --> 00:03:16,600 Mr. Carney: On that, I haven't spoken to him 75 00:03:16,600 --> 00:03:20,367 about the situation in New Jersey. 76 00:03:20,367 --> 00:03:23,466 I don't know, but I doubt that he had time to catch 77 00:03:23,467 --> 00:03:26,400 any of the news conference. 78 00:03:26,400 --> 00:03:30,834 And beyond that, it sounds very much like a state matter to me. 79 00:03:30,834 --> 00:03:34,867 And to the extent that it isn't, as I understand 80 00:03:34,867 --> 00:03:39,700 there was a statement by the U.S. Attorney. 81 00:03:39,700 --> 00:03:41,833 That's something that you would have to ask 82 00:03:41,834 --> 00:03:44,133 the Department of Justice about. 83 00:03:44,133 --> 00:03:47,233 Let me tell you that today President Obama met with members 84 00:03:47,233 --> 00:03:49,867 of Congress to discuss the administration's ongoing review 85 00:03:49,867 --> 00:03:51,934 of signals intelligence programs, 86 00:03:51,934 --> 00:03:54,333 including our study of the Review Group on Intelligence 87 00:03:54,333 --> 00:03:57,533 and Communications Technologies report. 88 00:03:57,533 --> 00:04:00,200 In August, the President committed his administration 89 00:04:00,200 --> 00:04:03,132 to working with Congress to pursue reforms of our nation's 90 00:04:03,133 --> 00:04:06,533 surveillance programs and the Foreign Intelligence 91 00:04:06,533 --> 00:04:07,899 Surveillance Court. 92 00:04:07,900 --> 00:04:10,367 This meeting was an opportunity for the President to hear from 93 00:04:10,367 --> 00:04:12,899 the members about the work that they have been doing on these 94 00:04:12,900 --> 00:04:16,166 issues since they last met and to solicit their input 95 00:04:16,166 --> 00:04:18,700 as we near the end of our internal review. 96 00:04:18,700 --> 00:04:21,866 The President thanked the members for their ongoing work 97 00:04:21,867 --> 00:04:24,367 on these challenging issues. 98 00:04:24,367 --> 00:04:29,066 I'll run through quickly those who attended: Senator Feinstein, 99 00:04:29,066 --> 00:04:31,734 Senator Chambliss, Senator Leahy, Senator Grassley, 100 00:04:31,734 --> 00:04:34,467 Senator Durbin, Senator Cochran, Senator Blumenthal, 101 00:04:34,467 --> 00:04:38,332 Senator Udall, Senator Wyden, Representative Rogers, 102 00:04:38,333 --> 00:04:41,033 Representative Goodlatte, Representative Conyers, 103 00:04:41,033 --> 00:04:46,266 Representative Frelinghuysen, and Representative Visclosky, 104 00:04:46,266 --> 00:04:49,734 Representative Schiff, and Representative Sensenbrenner. 105 00:04:49,734 --> 00:04:51,066 Anything else? 106 00:04:51,066 --> 00:04:54,099 The Press: Has the President set a date yet for his speech 107 00:04:54,100 --> 00:04:56,166 on the NSA review? 108 00:04:56,166 --> 00:04:58,967 Mr. Carney: We don't have a scheduling announcement to make. 109 00:04:58,967 --> 00:05:03,834 It remains the case that he will be making remarks upon the 110 00:05:03,834 --> 00:05:07,000 completion of his own review, the complete review, 111 00:05:07,000 --> 00:05:11,633 and decisions he'll make about the path forward, 112 00:05:11,633 --> 00:05:13,767 and that will happen before the State of the Union address 113 00:05:13,767 --> 00:05:15,400 on January 28th. 114 00:05:15,400 --> 00:05:17,400 April. 115 00:05:21,834 --> 00:05:25,066 The Press: Hey, Jay. 116 00:05:25,066 --> 00:05:30,232 Because of the magnitude of what's happening in New Jersey, 117 00:05:30,233 --> 00:05:34,533 would the President be advised by the Attorney General if 118 00:05:34,533 --> 00:05:38,433 indeed there were to be subpoenas issued for personal 119 00:05:38,433 --> 00:05:39,433 emails and phone records? 120 00:05:39,433 --> 00:05:41,000 Mr. Carney: No. And this is not -- 121 00:05:41,000 --> 00:05:44,333 again, you're asking about something that would, 122 00:05:44,333 --> 00:05:45,800 if it even were to happen, 123 00:05:45,800 --> 00:05:50,900 would be an investigation that would be done 124 00:05:50,900 --> 00:05:53,166 by the Justice Department. 125 00:05:53,166 --> 00:05:54,967 It would not involve the White House. 126 00:05:54,967 --> 00:05:57,265 The Press: But this could also involve the Department of Transportation, 127 00:05:57,266 --> 00:06:00,333 because the way I'm hearing, out of New Jersey, 128 00:06:00,333 --> 00:06:03,567 there could be charges linked to obstructing interstate highways 129 00:06:03,567 --> 00:06:07,800 and traffic, acting under the color of state law to interfere 130 00:06:07,800 --> 00:06:09,834 with lawful political activity. 131 00:06:09,834 --> 00:06:12,500 So this is beyond just state law in New Jersey. 132 00:06:12,500 --> 00:06:14,900 This has far-reaching ramifications. 133 00:06:14,900 --> 00:06:16,633 Mr. Carney: Well, that may be the case, April. 134 00:06:16,633 --> 00:06:19,799 I honestly only know what I've had the chance 135 00:06:19,800 --> 00:06:20,867 to read in the paper. 136 00:06:20,867 --> 00:06:25,734 But there's certainly nothing that involves 137 00:06:25,734 --> 00:06:27,599 the White House with this issue. 138 00:06:27,600 --> 00:06:31,500 And to the extent that there's any involvement 139 00:06:31,500 --> 00:06:34,100 of the federal government, I think you would have to ask 140 00:06:34,100 --> 00:06:35,667 the Department of Justice. 141 00:06:35,667 --> 00:06:39,066 The Press: So to be clear -- so the President, 142 00:06:39,066 --> 00:06:40,200 if the national transportation -- 143 00:06:40,200 --> 00:06:41,332 or the Department of Transportation 144 00:06:41,333 --> 00:06:43,367 or the Attorney General wants to look into it, 145 00:06:43,367 --> 00:06:45,834 the President would not be advised about that? 146 00:06:45,834 --> 00:06:47,200 Mr. Carney: I mean, you're asking me speculatively, 147 00:06:47,200 --> 00:06:49,800 but I do not imagine that this would be something that 148 00:06:49,800 --> 00:06:53,533 as a rule would involve a White House or a President. 149 00:06:53,533 --> 00:06:56,133 Mark, sorry. 150 00:06:56,133 --> 00:06:57,467 The Press: Thanks, Jay. 151 00:06:57,467 --> 00:06:59,532 On the meeting with lawmakers about NSA, 152 00:06:59,533 --> 00:07:01,734 can you provide any additional detail? 153 00:07:01,734 --> 00:07:06,000 How far is he along in terms of making his decisions? 154 00:07:06,000 --> 00:07:09,367 Is he consulting with them about potential decisions 155 00:07:09,367 --> 00:07:13,100 in terms of his own review? 156 00:07:13,100 --> 00:07:16,900 Mr. Carney: The answer to the first part is that he's fairly far along. 157 00:07:16,900 --> 00:07:19,233 This is a review, broadly speaking, 158 00:07:19,233 --> 00:07:20,800 that's been underway for some time. 159 00:07:20,800 --> 00:07:26,600 He's had a number of meetings with people conducting close 160 00:07:26,600 --> 00:07:30,900 examinations of this issue -- the review group, the PCLOB, 161 00:07:30,900 --> 00:07:35,599 and obviously the members he met with today, 162 00:07:35,600 --> 00:07:37,066 as well as members of his own team. 163 00:07:37,066 --> 00:07:39,900 But he's not yet finished with that, 164 00:07:39,900 --> 00:07:45,299 and he is still soliciting input, which he did today, 165 00:07:45,300 --> 00:07:50,567 and sort of reviewing the scope of the matter and some 166 00:07:50,567 --> 00:07:52,367 of the ideas that were presented, for example, 167 00:07:52,367 --> 00:07:55,967 in the review group report, which was released publicly. 168 00:07:55,967 --> 00:08:02,800 So he's obviously close to the end of this review in the sense 169 00:08:02,800 --> 00:08:09,300 that he will be giving remarks about his conclusions and the 170 00:08:09,300 --> 00:08:14,800 steps forward he wants to take within the next couple of weeks, 171 00:08:14,800 --> 00:08:16,734 or before January 28th -- 172 00:08:16,734 --> 00:08:18,834 don't want to have to do the math. 173 00:08:18,834 --> 00:08:22,467 But it's also the case, as we've noted, 174 00:08:22,467 --> 00:08:26,834 that when it comes to the review group's recommendations, 175 00:08:26,834 --> 00:08:29,867 for example -- specific recommendations -- 176 00:08:29,867 --> 00:08:32,265 that the President wanted every one of those 177 00:08:32,265 --> 00:08:34,400 and wants every one of those to be considered, 178 00:08:34,400 --> 00:08:35,967 and it is the case that, 179 00:08:35,967 --> 00:08:38,000 with the exception of the one on which a decision has already 180 00:08:38,000 --> 00:08:40,967 been made, that there will be some, I expect, 181 00:08:40,967 --> 00:08:44,867 that he will want to act on or want the government 182 00:08:44,867 --> 00:08:46,333 to act on right away. 183 00:08:46,333 --> 00:08:51,666 There will be others that he may decide should not be acted on, 184 00:08:51,667 --> 00:08:55,000 and there may be some that would require further review. 185 00:08:55,000 --> 00:09:01,133 So I don't think -- I expect that this will be an important 186 00:09:01,133 --> 00:09:03,600 milestone in the process, and a conclusion, 187 00:09:03,600 --> 00:09:05,900 in many respects, for this review. 188 00:09:05,900 --> 00:09:08,165 But not all of the work will be done simply 189 00:09:08,166 --> 00:09:12,367 because these recommendations are being acted on. 190 00:09:12,367 --> 00:09:14,967 The Press: Separately, Speaker Boehner in a new conference today 191 00:09:14,967 --> 00:09:18,233 called on the President to take a more active role 192 00:09:18,233 --> 00:09:20,800 with regard to Iraq, pointing to the events 193 00:09:20,800 --> 00:09:22,766 in Fallujah and sort of talking 194 00:09:22,767 --> 00:09:24,400 about the U.S. experience there. 195 00:09:24,400 --> 00:09:27,300 Can you comment on that, please? 196 00:09:27,300 --> 00:09:29,666 Mr. Carney: Well, I didn't see those remarks by the 197 00:09:29,667 --> 00:09:31,900 Speaker, but obviously as you know, Mark, 198 00:09:31,900 --> 00:09:37,033 the administration is deeply engaged in efforts to consult 199 00:09:37,033 --> 00:09:41,934 with the Iraqi government and also to step up assistance 200 00:09:41,934 --> 00:09:46,900 to the Iraqi government in their effort to combat international 201 00:09:46,900 --> 00:09:49,400 terrorist groups operating in Anbar province, 202 00:09:49,400 --> 00:09:52,066 and that effort continues. 203 00:09:52,066 --> 00:09:53,734 As you know, I think yesterday I mentioned 204 00:09:53,734 --> 00:09:55,700 that Vice President Biden 205 00:09:55,700 --> 00:09:59,633 had had yet another conversation with Iraqi leaders, 206 00:09:59,633 --> 00:10:03,667 including the Prime Minister, and those kinds of consultations 207 00:10:03,667 --> 00:10:09,667 are ongoing as we provide assistance to the sovereign 208 00:10:12,133 --> 00:10:18,500 government of Iraq in its important effort to combat 209 00:10:18,500 --> 00:10:21,066 these al Qaeda groups and international 210 00:10:21,066 --> 00:10:22,667 terrorist operations, 211 00:10:22,667 --> 00:10:24,734 because the overwhelming majority of Iraqis -- 212 00:10:24,734 --> 00:10:27,333 no matter whether they're Shiite or Sunni, 213 00:10:27,333 --> 00:10:29,533 no matter their political views -- 214 00:10:29,533 --> 00:10:32,934 want to be rid of al Qaeda. 215 00:10:32,934 --> 00:10:37,199 And President -- rather Prime Minister Maliki has been 216 00:10:37,200 --> 00:10:41,233 conducting internal outreach to Iraqi local, tribal, 217 00:10:41,233 --> 00:10:44,333 and national leaders, including Sunnis and Kurds. 218 00:10:44,333 --> 00:10:47,600 And the Council of Ministers recently decided to extend state 219 00:10:47,600 --> 00:10:51,500 benefits to Sunni tribal forces killed or injured in the fight 220 00:10:51,500 --> 00:10:54,266 against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, 221 00:10:54,266 --> 00:11:00,233 which is the al Qaeda affiliate that is in Anbar right now. 222 00:11:00,233 --> 00:11:06,132 So I'm not sure what the Speaker was calling for, 223 00:11:06,133 --> 00:11:10,433 but I can assure you that this administration at the highest 224 00:11:10,433 --> 00:11:15,200 levels, as well through our embassy in Kabul -- 225 00:11:15,200 --> 00:11:18,033 I mean, rather, in Baghdad is very directly involved 226 00:11:18,033 --> 00:11:20,333 in this in an assistance role. 227 00:11:20,333 --> 00:11:22,600 The Press: If I could just ask about today's event. 228 00:11:22,600 --> 00:11:26,367 What does it say about the President's efforts generally 229 00:11:26,367 --> 00:11:30,934 to combat income disparity, that having sort of launched 230 00:11:30,934 --> 00:11:33,632 his own version of a War on Poverty 231 00:11:33,633 --> 00:11:37,166 he's beginning with a fairly narrowly targeted program -- 232 00:11:37,166 --> 00:11:40,700 five Promise Zones -- when national programs 233 00:11:40,700 --> 00:11:45,200 like raising the minimum wage would have a much greater effect 234 00:11:45,200 --> 00:11:47,934 on decreasing poverty? 235 00:11:47,934 --> 00:11:51,567 Mr. Carney: Well, the President is not going to pursue 236 00:11:51,567 --> 00:11:54,767 Promise Zones and then say we're done with the effort here. 237 00:11:54,767 --> 00:11:57,500 As you know, the President is forcefully committed 238 00:11:57,500 --> 00:12:00,433 to raising the minimum wage. 239 00:12:00,433 --> 00:12:04,033 We support the legislation in the Senate that would raise 240 00:12:04,033 --> 00:12:06,633 it to $10.10 and then index it to inflation. 241 00:12:06,633 --> 00:12:08,533 The President himself has spoken about it, 242 00:12:08,533 --> 00:12:10,533 including at the State of the Union address last year 243 00:12:10,533 --> 00:12:13,433 and including multiple times during the course of last year, 244 00:12:13,433 --> 00:12:17,800 not least of which was the speech he gave in Anacostia 245 00:12:17,800 --> 00:12:21,000 towards the end of the year on economic mobility 246 00:12:21,000 --> 00:12:22,200 and income disparity. 247 00:12:22,200 --> 00:12:26,433 Raising the minimum wage, you're absolutely right, 248 00:12:26,433 --> 00:12:30,567 would have a profoundly positive impact. 249 00:12:30,567 --> 00:12:34,200 And that's why he believes strongly that Congress 250 00:12:34,200 --> 00:12:36,633 ought to act, and he supports efforts 251 00:12:36,633 --> 00:12:39,500 in states to act to raise the minimum wage. 252 00:12:39,500 --> 00:12:44,166 So this is not a one-off proposition. 253 00:12:44,166 --> 00:12:49,133 The Promise Zones represent the kind of creative and innovative 254 00:12:49,133 --> 00:12:53,400 approach to some of the economic challenges we face that the 255 00:12:53,400 --> 00:12:57,400 President believes are essential if we're going to build on the 256 00:12:57,400 --> 00:13:00,867 progress that has been made over the past 50 years 257 00:13:00,867 --> 00:13:01,934 in combating poverty, 258 00:13:01,934 --> 00:13:07,800 and move in different directions to tackle 259 00:13:07,800 --> 00:13:09,467 the challenges that remain. 260 00:13:09,467 --> 00:13:11,000 Partnering with local communities, 261 00:13:11,000 --> 00:13:16,767 local governments and businesses in a way that the Promise Zone 262 00:13:16,767 --> 00:13:23,600 program does is an absolutely vital and I think creative way 263 00:13:23,600 --> 00:13:26,867 to further economic development in different parts 264 00:13:26,867 --> 00:13:27,867 of the country. 265 00:13:27,867 --> 00:13:29,567 And I think we've seen bipartisan support 266 00:13:29,567 --> 00:13:32,433 for that effort, which is always a welcome thing. 267 00:13:32,433 --> 00:13:34,667 Brianna. 268 00:13:34,667 --> 00:13:35,834 The Press: Thanks, Jay. 269 00:13:35,834 --> 00:13:39,733 On unemployment, Senator Majority Leader Harry Reid, 270 00:13:39,734 --> 00:13:43,000 now saying that he is open to an extension of -- 271 00:13:43,000 --> 00:13:46,300 a long-term extension of long-term unemployment benefits 272 00:13:46,300 --> 00:13:47,934 if the cost is offset. 273 00:13:47,934 --> 00:13:52,533 Are you on the same page as the Senate Majority Leader? 274 00:13:52,533 --> 00:13:54,567 Mr. Carney: What we have said remains the case, 275 00:13:54,567 --> 00:14:00,834 which when it comes to the bill that exists that would deal 276 00:14:00,834 --> 00:14:04,867 with the emergency that exists for 1.3 million families -- 277 00:14:04,867 --> 00:14:09,400 Americans and their families -- across the country extends 278 00:14:09,400 --> 00:14:12,500 that unemployment insurance without offsets, 279 00:14:12,500 --> 00:14:14,900 we believe that Congress ought to act on it right away. 280 00:14:14,900 --> 00:14:18,533 We have always been open to, as we've said and I've said daily 281 00:14:18,533 --> 00:14:22,500 from here, conversations about how to move forward 282 00:14:22,500 --> 00:14:23,867 for a longer extension; 283 00:14:23,867 --> 00:14:28,433 a full-year extension is what is normally talked about. 284 00:14:28,433 --> 00:14:29,734 So, yes, we're obviously in sync with Senator Reid 285 00:14:29,734 --> 00:14:35,734 in that respect and I think in the general approach to this, 286 00:14:38,900 --> 00:14:42,533 which is -- the only measure that exists is the one 287 00:14:42,533 --> 00:14:47,433 that has cleared the first hurdle in the Senate. 288 00:14:47,433 --> 00:14:52,500 And unlike some of the policy debates that we have in 289 00:14:52,500 --> 00:14:56,800 Washington and the legislation that moves forward in Congress, 290 00:14:56,800 --> 00:15:01,867 this is one that is desperately needed now by some very real 291 00:15:01,867 --> 00:15:03,467 people in the country who are suffering. 292 00:15:03,467 --> 00:15:06,734 So our view has been that in keeping with past practice 293 00:15:06,734 --> 00:15:08,066 14 out of 17 times, 294 00:15:08,066 --> 00:15:10,233 including all five of the times that 295 00:15:10,233 --> 00:15:11,300 President George W. Bush 296 00:15:11,300 --> 00:15:13,065 signed an extension into law, 297 00:15:13,066 --> 00:15:15,834 we can and should move forward with the short-term 298 00:15:15,834 --> 00:15:19,000 extension without offsets. 299 00:15:19,000 --> 00:15:21,967 But we are absolutely open to discussions about how 300 00:15:21,967 --> 00:15:23,333 to move forward beyond that. 301 00:15:23,333 --> 00:15:26,632 The Press: It seemed like before you wanted the three-month 302 00:15:26,633 --> 00:15:28,867 clean extension and then to talk 303 00:15:28,867 --> 00:15:31,199 about offsets after that. 304 00:15:31,200 --> 00:15:34,300 So now you're willing to talk about offsets before 305 00:15:34,300 --> 00:15:36,934 the first three months is extended 306 00:15:36,934 --> 00:15:38,367 for the long-term benefits? 307 00:15:38,367 --> 00:15:42,699 Mr. Carney: Well, I guess the way I would explain it, Brianna, 308 00:15:42,700 --> 00:15:46,200 is that we certainly oppose any suggestion that movement 309 00:15:46,200 --> 00:15:48,800 on getting these benefits right away to the family should be 310 00:15:48,800 --> 00:15:51,733 halted or stalled while conversations are being 311 00:15:51,734 --> 00:15:54,100 had about longer-term solutions. 312 00:15:54,100 --> 00:15:57,400 So we believe that Congress ought to act right away 313 00:15:57,400 --> 00:16:01,400 to extend these benefits for three months, short term; 314 00:16:01,400 --> 00:16:04,699 to ensure that these 1.3 million Americans don't suffer; 315 00:16:04,700 --> 00:16:08,066 and that their efforts to find jobs aren't hampered by the fact 316 00:16:08,066 --> 00:16:10,400 that they have no assistance and no assistance to put food 317 00:16:10,400 --> 00:16:11,967 on the table for their families or to pay 318 00:16:11,967 --> 00:16:14,066 their heating bills, for example. 319 00:16:14,066 --> 00:16:18,500 But we are open to conversations about how to move forward 320 00:16:18,500 --> 00:16:20,367 for a longer period. 321 00:16:20,367 --> 00:16:23,300 That's what I think I've been saying all week. 322 00:16:23,300 --> 00:16:25,266 The Press: Well, it seems sort of like something has changed 323 00:16:25,266 --> 00:16:28,567 a little bit; that there seems to be more of a realization 324 00:16:28,567 --> 00:16:30,300 that talking about the long term and offsets 325 00:16:30,300 --> 00:16:33,433 for the long term may be the way to get the benefits 326 00:16:33,433 --> 00:16:35,766 in the near term for the long-term unemployed -- 327 00:16:35,767 --> 00:16:38,367 kind of confusing -- put in place. 328 00:16:38,367 --> 00:16:41,500 Mr. Carney: Well, our interest is in the result in the sense that -- 329 00:16:41,500 --> 00:16:43,333 obviously there are conversations all the time 330 00:16:43,333 --> 00:16:45,600 between members of both parties in both houses 331 00:16:45,600 --> 00:16:48,300 about how to move forward on issues, including this one. 332 00:16:48,300 --> 00:16:52,165 And the Republicans who voted in favor of cloture 333 00:16:52,166 --> 00:16:58,266 earlier this week I think demonstrated how important 334 00:16:58,266 --> 00:17:00,666 and bipartisan this issue is, 335 00:17:00,667 --> 00:17:03,200 and we want to see that kind of cooperation 336 00:17:03,200 --> 00:17:06,333 and cooperative bipartisan conversation move forward on 337 00:17:06,333 --> 00:17:08,100 this issue and so many others. 338 00:17:08,099 --> 00:17:14,399 I think, again, our view is -- putting aside the conversations 339 00:17:14,400 --> 00:17:17,967 about what moving forward looks like on Capitol Hill -- 340 00:17:17,967 --> 00:17:19,633 we want these benefits passed. 341 00:17:19,633 --> 00:17:22,133 And right now there's a bill that would do that, 342 00:17:22,133 --> 00:17:26,100 get that assistance to those families right away. 343 00:17:26,099 --> 00:17:29,632 And we just don't want any conversations about subjects 344 00:17:29,633 --> 00:17:33,133 related to this, including long-term extension, 345 00:17:33,133 --> 00:17:34,467 to stall efforts. 346 00:17:34,467 --> 00:17:37,066 We want that effort to move fast. 347 00:17:37,066 --> 00:17:39,300 The Press: I guess my bottom-line question is, 348 00:17:39,300 --> 00:17:42,000 when you're talking to Americans who are directly affected 349 00:17:42,000 --> 00:17:43,500 by this, the long-term unemployed, 350 00:17:43,500 --> 00:17:45,600 should they be -- in your estimation 351 00:17:45,600 --> 00:17:48,632 and the estimation of the President and the White House, 352 00:17:48,633 --> 00:17:50,734 should they be feeling more encouraged today 353 00:17:50,734 --> 00:17:53,166 than perhaps -- yesterday it seemed pretty discouraging. 354 00:17:53,166 --> 00:17:55,265 Should they be feeling more encouraged today 355 00:17:55,266 --> 00:17:58,467 that this is going to be resolved? 356 00:17:58,467 --> 00:18:00,934 Mr. Carney: I can't really answer that. 357 00:18:00,934 --> 00:18:05,600 We've been, I think, optimistic in a way that not everyone has 358 00:18:05,600 --> 00:18:08,132 this week and last week about the prospects for this moving 359 00:18:08,133 --> 00:18:11,433 forward and assistance getting to these families. 360 00:18:11,433 --> 00:18:14,600 And so we remain hopeful and optimistic that it will happen. 361 00:18:14,600 --> 00:18:17,500 I don't know that developments in the last 24 hours make 362 00:18:17,500 --> 00:18:20,066 that more or less likely, but we certainly hope 363 00:18:20,066 --> 00:18:21,066 the answer is more likely. 364 00:18:21,066 --> 00:18:22,734 Michael. 365 00:18:22,734 --> 00:18:24,466 The Press: Just a real quick thing on the Promise Zones -- 366 00:18:24,467 --> 00:18:26,500 and I apologize if I've missed this -- 367 00:18:26,500 --> 00:18:32,367 but is there specific money attached to the kind of -- 368 00:18:32,367 --> 00:18:34,332 the efforts for these five places? 369 00:18:34,333 --> 00:18:36,967 And if so, where does it come from, and how much? 370 00:18:36,967 --> 00:18:38,600 Is that something he's going to be announcing -- 371 00:18:38,600 --> 00:18:40,132 specific dollar amounts? 372 00:18:40,133 --> 00:18:41,533 Mr. Carney: We'll have more information, 373 00:18:41,533 --> 00:18:44,199 specific information after the President's event, 374 00:18:44,200 --> 00:18:47,033 or concurrent with the President's event. 375 00:18:47,033 --> 00:18:50,966 This is about partnership, and I know that there is existing 376 00:18:50,967 --> 00:18:56,633 monies that helps the agencies involved at the federal level 377 00:18:56,633 --> 00:18:58,734 focus their attention on and efforts on, 378 00:18:58,734 --> 00:19:02,734 and cut a lot of bureaucratic red tape for and on behalf 379 00:19:02,734 --> 00:19:04,600 of the area selected here. 380 00:19:04,600 --> 00:19:06,833 So I think that is the principal objective. 381 00:19:06,834 --> 00:19:08,233 But for more details -- 382 00:19:08,233 --> 00:19:09,899 The Press: The fact sheet said investments -- 383 00:19:09,900 --> 00:19:11,100 sort of used terms like -- 384 00:19:11,100 --> 00:19:12,833 vague terms like "investment," but it didn't say -- 385 00:19:12,834 --> 00:19:14,433 Mr. Carney: I don't have anything more specific 386 00:19:14,433 --> 00:19:16,233 than if we've already put out a factsheet, 387 00:19:16,233 --> 00:19:18,233 because that's what I was referring to. 388 00:19:18,233 --> 00:19:20,433 But I'm sure that those who are working on a policy level 389 00:19:20,433 --> 00:19:22,800 on this can get you more information. 390 00:19:22,800 --> 00:19:26,466 But the focus here really is on creative and innovative efforts 391 00:19:26,467 --> 00:19:29,533 to cut through red tape on behalf of these Promise Zones, 392 00:19:29,533 --> 00:19:32,132 who have put plans together to work with local communities, 393 00:19:32,133 --> 00:19:34,934 work with local businesses to help create jobs 394 00:19:34,934 --> 00:19:37,000 and assist the middle class. 395 00:19:37,000 --> 00:19:42,400 And that's sort of the idea behind the Promise Zones. 396 00:19:42,400 --> 00:19:46,333 And these five areas -- three cities and two areas -- 397 00:19:46,333 --> 00:19:49,900 put together plans that would achieve that with the assistance 398 00:19:49,900 --> 00:19:51,767 and the bureaucratic red tape-cutting assistance 399 00:19:51,767 --> 00:19:54,934 that we can provide at this level. 400 00:19:54,934 --> 00:19:57,100 Jon. 401 00:19:57,100 --> 00:20:01,734 The Press: Jay, I just want to come back to Speaker Boehner's call 402 00:20:01,734 --> 00:20:04,367 for the President to be more engaged in Iraq. 403 00:20:04,367 --> 00:20:08,166 He also basically suggested the President was outsourcing 404 00:20:08,166 --> 00:20:10,233 Middle East policy to the Vice President, saying, 405 00:20:10,233 --> 00:20:12,734 "Starting with the President delegating his responsibilities 406 00:20:12,734 --> 00:20:15,567 to the Vice President, the administration has chosen 407 00:20:15,567 --> 00:20:19,767 to spend much of its time and energy explaining why having 408 00:20:19,767 --> 00:20:21,233 terrorists holding key terrain in the Middle East 409 00:20:21,233 --> 00:20:22,734 is not the President's problem." 410 00:20:22,734 --> 00:20:25,567 What do you say to this? 411 00:20:25,567 --> 00:20:26,767 Mr. Carney: Again, I haven't seen it, 412 00:20:26,767 --> 00:20:31,100 but I take your word for it that that's what he said. 413 00:20:31,100 --> 00:20:34,332 That's just an inaccurate representation. 414 00:20:34,333 --> 00:20:37,834 I know that Speaker Boehner opposed candidate Obama's 415 00:20:37,834 --> 00:20:40,834 promise to end the war in Iraq. 416 00:20:40,834 --> 00:20:41,867 I know that. 417 00:20:41,867 --> 00:20:43,066 Maybe he still does. 418 00:20:43,066 --> 00:20:45,800 Maybe he thinks that American men and women in uniform 419 00:20:45,800 --> 00:20:48,767 ought to be fighting today in Anbar Province. 420 00:20:48,767 --> 00:20:53,300 That's a disagreement that may continue to exist. 421 00:20:53,300 --> 00:20:54,533 I don't know. 422 00:20:54,533 --> 00:20:56,166 I don't know Speaker Boehner's specific views on this. 423 00:20:56,166 --> 00:20:59,100 The President made a commitment to end the war in Iraq. 424 00:20:59,100 --> 00:21:01,300 He fulfilled that commitment. 425 00:21:01,300 --> 00:21:05,767 We, as a nation, continue to have an important relationship 426 00:21:05,767 --> 00:21:07,934 with Iraq and the Iraqi government, 427 00:21:07,934 --> 00:21:12,066 and commitment to assist the sovereign nation of Iraq 428 00:21:12,066 --> 00:21:15,100 in the ways that we are assisting the government now, 429 00:21:15,100 --> 00:21:18,867 both through materiel assistance and through the good offices 430 00:21:18,867 --> 00:21:22,367 that we bring to bear in urging the various political leaders 431 00:21:22,367 --> 00:21:27,567 in that country to work together to resolve what has always been, 432 00:21:27,567 --> 00:21:33,867 or what has always demanded a political solution here. 433 00:21:33,867 --> 00:21:38,934 The alternative to sectarian violence is nonviolent, 434 00:21:38,934 --> 00:21:41,600 peaceful, political negotiation and resolution, 435 00:21:41,600 --> 00:21:43,433 and there have been obviously periods 436 00:21:43,433 --> 00:21:46,667 in Iraq's recent history where they have embraced that. 437 00:21:46,667 --> 00:21:49,867 And what we are hopefully seeing now -- 438 00:21:49,867 --> 00:21:50,966 and it is still a very fluid situation -- 439 00:21:50,967 --> 00:21:54,300 is an effort to reinvigorate that process, 440 00:21:54,300 --> 00:22:00,934 where Sunni tribes and others are being encouraged 441 00:22:00,934 --> 00:22:05,000 by and assisted by the Iraqi government to deal 442 00:22:05,000 --> 00:22:06,767 with a common problem here, 443 00:22:06,767 --> 00:22:11,600 which is the presence of, and destructive presence 444 00:22:11,600 --> 00:22:18,833 of the al Qaeda affiliate that is doing so much -- 445 00:22:18,834 --> 00:22:20,066 wreaking so much havoc in Anbar. 446 00:22:20,066 --> 00:22:25,166 So I'm not sure what the Speaker means by that, 447 00:22:25,166 --> 00:22:26,433 and maybe he ought to be more clear 448 00:22:26,433 --> 00:22:28,400 about what he envisions ought to happen. 449 00:22:28,400 --> 00:22:29,967 And if he means that we should have troops there, 450 00:22:29,967 --> 00:22:30,967 he ought to say so. 451 00:22:30,967 --> 00:22:34,367 The President would disagree with that. 452 00:22:34,367 --> 00:22:37,200 The Press: A year ago, the administration was talking about 453 00:22:37,200 --> 00:22:39,000 how good things were in Iraq, 454 00:22:39,000 --> 00:22:41,567 and the violence was down quite a bit. 455 00:22:41,567 --> 00:22:44,233 Is there any sense that the ball was dropped here? 456 00:22:44,233 --> 00:22:51,700 Or is this all kind of events completely out of control -- 457 00:22:51,700 --> 00:22:53,600 outside the control of the United States' influence? 458 00:22:53,600 --> 00:22:56,000 I mean, you have the flag of al Qaeda flying 459 00:22:56,000 --> 00:22:57,934 in two cities in Iraq. 460 00:22:57,934 --> 00:22:59,200 Mr. Carney: Again, Jon, I think, 461 00:22:59,200 --> 00:23:06,266 as I said earlier this week, there was terrible sectarian 462 00:23:06,266 --> 00:23:08,633 violence in Iraq when there were tens of thousands 463 00:23:08,633 --> 00:23:10,367 of U.S. troops there, 464 00:23:10,367 --> 00:23:13,800 when there were men and women fighting and dying in Iraq -- 465 00:23:13,800 --> 00:23:15,233 American men and women in uniform. 466 00:23:15,233 --> 00:23:20,332 And through the enormous courage and sacrifice 467 00:23:20,333 --> 00:23:21,500 of our armed forces, 468 00:23:21,500 --> 00:23:25,367 as well as the efforts of our diplomatic personnel, 469 00:23:25,367 --> 00:23:30,500 we have provided enormous opportunity to Iraq 470 00:23:30,500 --> 00:23:34,800 to move forward and find a peaceful resolution to sectarian 471 00:23:34,800 --> 00:23:41,265 conflicts and to unify behind democratic goals 472 00:23:41,266 --> 00:23:42,633 and shared prosperity. 473 00:23:42,633 --> 00:23:46,200 And we continue to assist Iraq in that effort in 474 00:23:46,200 --> 00:23:48,533 the way that the United States 475 00:23:48,533 --> 00:23:51,367 can and does assist sovereign governments that are dealing 476 00:23:51,367 --> 00:23:53,166 with these kinds of conflicts. 477 00:23:53,166 --> 00:23:56,600 When it comes to -- I was asked earlier this week about 478 00:23:56,600 --> 00:24:02,833 looking out at the world, and different extremist groups 479 00:24:02,834 --> 00:24:04,133 and the threats they represent, 480 00:24:04,133 --> 00:24:08,333 and some of them represent threats that are local 481 00:24:08,333 --> 00:24:11,400 or regional, and some of them potentially or in fact represent 482 00:24:11,400 --> 00:24:13,400 threats to the United States, to the American people 483 00:24:13,400 --> 00:24:15,367 and to our allies. 484 00:24:15,367 --> 00:24:19,399 And we obviously make policy decisions and judgments 485 00:24:19,400 --> 00:24:23,133 and take actions based on the assessments of the kinds 486 00:24:23,133 --> 00:24:25,200 of threats that these groups represent. 487 00:24:25,200 --> 00:24:31,533 And we are very mindful of the fact 488 00:24:31,533 --> 00:24:38,065 that this al Qaeda affiliate has created a lot of chaos 489 00:24:38,066 --> 00:24:40,834 and carnage in Anbar Province, 490 00:24:40,834 --> 00:24:43,367 and that's why we are engaged in the effort we are to 491 00:24:43,367 --> 00:24:46,966 assist the Iraqi government to help them expel that presence. 492 00:24:46,967 --> 00:24:49,400 The Press: Can I just take a quick crack at New Jersey? 493 00:24:51,500 --> 00:24:54,600 Governor Christie I think is without question the one 494 00:24:54,600 --> 00:24:56,567 Republican elected official the President probably 495 00:24:56,567 --> 00:24:58,633 has the best relationship with, or had. 496 00:24:58,633 --> 00:25:03,100 I'm just wondering, any surprise in the White House 497 00:25:03,100 --> 00:25:06,065 that his political operation could have been involved 498 00:25:06,066 --> 00:25:08,100 in something like this? 499 00:25:08,100 --> 00:25:10,367 Mr. Carney: I just don't have a comment on that. 500 00:25:10,367 --> 00:25:16,033 We've seen the news and obviously have read it, 501 00:25:16,033 --> 00:25:18,966 so I can't claim that I don't know what you're talking about. 502 00:25:18,967 --> 00:25:24,133 But I will simply point you to the fact that it's 503 00:25:24,133 --> 00:25:27,133 a state matter in New Jersey, and to the extent 504 00:25:27,133 --> 00:25:29,333 that there's any federal involvement 505 00:25:29,333 --> 00:25:31,266 I would refer you to the Department of Justice. 506 00:25:31,266 --> 00:25:32,734 Major. 507 00:25:32,734 --> 00:25:35,632 The Press: If you could, what's the promise behind the Promise Zone? 508 00:25:35,633 --> 00:25:39,500 What will these cities have a year from now or two years 509 00:25:39,500 --> 00:25:42,767 if everything works just right? 510 00:25:42,767 --> 00:25:45,800 Mr. Carney: With the action on and implementation of the plans 511 00:25:45,800 --> 00:25:48,899 that they presented, there should be -- 512 00:25:48,900 --> 00:25:50,834 and we hope there will be -- 513 00:25:50,834 --> 00:25:53,734 a partnership with local businesses and communities 514 00:25:53,734 --> 00:25:57,265 that creates more jobs, increases economic security, 515 00:25:57,266 --> 00:25:59,934 expands access to educational opportunities and 516 00:25:59,934 --> 00:26:04,966 to quality, affordable housing, and also improves public safety. 517 00:26:04,967 --> 00:26:09,066 So that is the hope, that through this program, 518 00:26:09,066 --> 00:26:12,700 this partnering with the private sector and local communities, 519 00:26:12,700 --> 00:26:16,200 we can help bring economic progress 520 00:26:16,200 --> 00:26:19,700 to regions of the country -- 521 00:26:19,700 --> 00:26:24,100 cities and regions that have a plan for doing that. 522 00:26:24,100 --> 00:26:27,265 The Press: Do you have a means to measure that? 523 00:26:27,266 --> 00:26:32,500 Mr. Carney: Major, I would urge you to come back to us with questions. 524 00:26:32,500 --> 00:26:33,500 Maybe we can connect you with some 525 00:26:33,500 --> 00:26:35,633 of the policy people on this. 526 00:26:35,633 --> 00:26:40,100 But the Promise Zones are something that the President 527 00:26:40,100 --> 00:26:41,766 talked about in the State of the Union and has talked 528 00:26:41,767 --> 00:26:45,867 about periodically through the year last year. 529 00:26:45,867 --> 00:26:49,533 And now we have five regions -- three cities and two regions 530 00:26:49,533 --> 00:26:52,766 that have been selected for action, 531 00:26:52,767 --> 00:26:55,400 and the President believes deeply 532 00:26:55,400 --> 00:26:56,867 that this is the kind of creative, 533 00:26:56,867 --> 00:26:59,600 innovative approach to economic growth 534 00:26:59,600 --> 00:27:00,899 that can help us make progress. 535 00:27:00,900 --> 00:27:08,100 And it can be coupled with other efforts that we take, 536 00:27:08,100 --> 00:27:10,433 whether it's extending unemployment insurance -- 537 00:27:10,433 --> 00:27:14,100 emergency unemployment insurance to Americans 538 00:27:14,100 --> 00:27:15,667 who need it while they're looking for work; 539 00:27:15,667 --> 00:27:17,600 or raising the minimum wage, 540 00:27:17,600 --> 00:27:21,500 which study after study demonstrates 541 00:27:21,500 --> 00:27:23,033 has a very positive impact, 542 00:27:23,033 --> 00:27:25,667 both for those who benefit directly from it 543 00:27:25,667 --> 00:27:31,000 by having a raise in income, and because of the economic bang 544 00:27:31,000 --> 00:27:32,867 for the buck you get out of it. 545 00:27:32,867 --> 00:27:38,300 So we're moving on all fronts on a broader economic agenda 546 00:27:38,300 --> 00:27:40,533 that's focused on economic mobility. 547 00:27:40,533 --> 00:27:43,632 And the problem the President talked about that has been 548 00:27:43,633 --> 00:27:45,600 developing over the course of many decades 549 00:27:45,600 --> 00:27:50,300 here in this country, where the promise, 550 00:27:50,300 --> 00:27:52,265 or one of the promises of America -- 551 00:27:52,266 --> 00:27:56,367 which was that no matter your circumstances, 552 00:27:56,367 --> 00:28:01,567 if you worked hard you could get ahead and become anyone or do 553 00:28:01,567 --> 00:28:06,233 anything that you dreamed -- that that has been diminished; 554 00:28:06,233 --> 00:28:10,899 that the economic mobility that we prided ourselves on 555 00:28:10,900 --> 00:28:16,900 is now outranked by some of the countries in Western Europe that 556 00:28:19,000 --> 00:28:25,233 a lot of folks left 100, 200 years ago to pursue 557 00:28:25,233 --> 00:28:28,166 the dreams that America afforded them. 558 00:28:28,166 --> 00:28:29,966 The Press: On Iraq, how would you describe the President's 559 00:28:29,967 --> 00:28:31,066 sense of urgency? 560 00:28:31,066 --> 00:28:37,834 Even with promised and agreed-upon weapons sales 561 00:28:37,834 --> 00:28:39,734 to the Iraqis, many of them haven't arrived; 562 00:28:39,734 --> 00:28:41,399 they're two or three or four months late, 563 00:28:41,400 --> 00:28:42,834 even those that have been approved. 564 00:28:42,834 --> 00:28:45,600 There are new requests that are having trouble in Congress 565 00:28:45,600 --> 00:28:47,899 getting approved; Senator Menendez is still somewhat 566 00:28:47,900 --> 00:28:51,166 unresolved as to whether or not he's going to approve 567 00:28:51,166 --> 00:28:52,533 the most recent one. 568 00:28:52,533 --> 00:28:55,567 And the implication of Speaker Boehner's criticism is that 569 00:28:55,567 --> 00:28:57,567 by having the Vice President so routinely involved, 570 00:28:57,567 --> 00:29:00,266 it conveys to the Iraqis and everyone else the President 571 00:29:00,266 --> 00:29:02,600 himself does not consider this an urgent priority. 572 00:29:02,600 --> 00:29:03,867 How would you evaluate that? 573 00:29:03,867 --> 00:29:06,433 And how would you describe where things currently are and 574 00:29:06,433 --> 00:29:09,233 what you're doing to try to get those things already approved 575 00:29:09,233 --> 00:29:11,800 to the Iraqis and remove the blockades that you're currently 576 00:29:11,800 --> 00:29:14,867 encountering on the most recent request for all those? 577 00:29:14,867 --> 00:29:16,899 Mr. Carney: Well, we're going to continue to work with 578 00:29:16,900 --> 00:29:20,100 Congress to provide the assistance that we believe 579 00:29:20,100 --> 00:29:23,466 is important in this effort with Iraq. 580 00:29:23,467 --> 00:29:25,834 On the first point, when the President 581 00:29:25,834 --> 00:29:30,800 asked the Vice President to oversee Iraq policy 582 00:29:30,800 --> 00:29:32,767 when they came into office in early 2009, 583 00:29:32,767 --> 00:29:35,934 that was widely viewed as a demonstration of the fact 584 00:29:35,934 --> 00:29:38,966 that the President took the need to move forward 585 00:29:38,967 --> 00:29:41,367 in Iraq and to wind down that war so seriously. 586 00:29:41,367 --> 00:29:44,300 He brought it right into the West Wing, 587 00:29:44,300 --> 00:29:46,667 and that is where it resides today. 588 00:29:46,667 --> 00:29:51,800 So the President is very engaged in this effort. 589 00:29:51,800 --> 00:29:54,433 And he spends, as we discussed yesterday, 590 00:29:54,433 --> 00:29:56,767 quite a bit of time with the Vice President talking about 591 00:29:56,767 --> 00:30:01,333 national security matters, including, a lot lately, Iraq. 592 00:30:01,333 --> 00:30:05,000 So I think that that reflects the commitment he has 593 00:30:05,000 --> 00:30:09,000 and the Vice President has to working with Iraq 594 00:30:09,000 --> 00:30:11,333 on a very complex problem. 595 00:30:11,333 --> 00:30:17,133 And as was the case and has been the case for a long time -- 596 00:30:17,133 --> 00:30:18,934 and we believe Iraq's leaders agree on this -- 597 00:30:18,934 --> 00:30:22,433 the only way to fight ISIL is through strong coordination 598 00:30:22,433 --> 00:30:25,500 between the government of Iraq and local Sunni officials 599 00:30:25,500 --> 00:30:29,300 and tribes against a common enemy. 600 00:30:29,300 --> 00:30:35,433 That was true late in the previous administration, 601 00:30:35,433 --> 00:30:37,266 and it's true today. 602 00:30:37,266 --> 00:30:39,834 And it's not just about military assistance -- 603 00:30:39,834 --> 00:30:42,266 although that's important -- 604 00:30:42,266 --> 00:30:45,400 and it's not just about the much-improved 605 00:30:45,400 --> 00:30:50,367 capacities of the Iraqi forces, it's also about a will -- 606 00:30:50,367 --> 00:30:56,500 a political willingness to unify against this common enemy. 607 00:30:56,500 --> 00:31:00,500 And that means Shiites, Sunnis and Kurds. 608 00:31:00,500 --> 00:31:02,667 It means the various political blocks. 609 00:31:02,667 --> 00:31:06,867 And that is the conversation that we are having 610 00:31:06,867 --> 00:31:09,133 at very high levels with Iraqi leaders. 611 00:31:09,133 --> 00:31:10,333 The Press: On the weapons part, 612 00:31:10,333 --> 00:31:11,900 is he satisfied that approved weapons still haven't 613 00:31:11,900 --> 00:31:12,900 been delivered? 614 00:31:12,900 --> 00:31:14,133 And has he done anything or said anything 615 00:31:14,133 --> 00:31:17,166 to try to speed that process up? 616 00:31:17,166 --> 00:31:21,066 Mr. Carney: We are, again, working with Congress to 617 00:31:21,066 --> 00:31:24,166 accelerate our foreign military sales and looking to provide 618 00:31:24,166 --> 00:31:26,700 an additional shipment of Hellfire missiles -- 619 00:31:26,700 --> 00:31:29,400 The Press: I'm talking about things that have 620 00:31:29,400 --> 00:31:31,900 already been approved and still haven't gotten -- 621 00:31:31,900 --> 00:31:33,266 Mr. Carney: Well, I don't have any -- 622 00:31:33,266 --> 00:31:34,633 the Department of Defense has -- 623 00:31:34,633 --> 00:31:36,900 if you have a specific question about a specific shipment, 624 00:31:36,900 --> 00:31:38,967 I have to ask you to bring your question 625 00:31:38,967 --> 00:31:40,867 to the Department of Defense. 626 00:31:40,867 --> 00:31:42,367 The Press: I'm just asking if the President is satisfied. 627 00:31:42,367 --> 00:31:44,066 Mr. Carney: The President -- I haven't had a specific conversation 628 00:31:44,066 --> 00:31:45,433 about the timing of shipments. 629 00:31:45,433 --> 00:31:47,767 I know the President wants assistance provided 630 00:31:47,767 --> 00:31:50,934 to the Iraqi government as quickly as possible. 631 00:31:50,934 --> 00:31:52,800 The Press: Jay, has the President had a chance to talk 632 00:31:52,800 --> 00:31:53,966 to Secretary Gates? 633 00:31:53,967 --> 00:31:58,533 Or does he want to -- does he feel like they need 634 00:31:58,533 --> 00:31:59,667 to talk any of this out? 635 00:31:59,667 --> 00:32:03,500 Or is it kind of turn the page? 636 00:32:03,500 --> 00:32:05,667 Mr. Carney: Well, two things, Ed. 637 00:32:05,667 --> 00:32:10,100 I think I spoke at length and repeatedly yesterday in answers 638 00:32:10,100 --> 00:32:11,966 to questions about that, about the fact that the President 639 00:32:11,967 --> 00:32:15,800 appreciates Secretary Gates's service as Secretary of Defense 640 00:32:15,800 --> 00:32:19,934 and his lifetime of service to our country. 641 00:32:19,934 --> 00:32:22,500 The President did speak with Secretary Gates I think 642 00:32:22,500 --> 00:32:23,500 over the weekend, 643 00:32:23,500 --> 00:32:26,066 if I'm not mistaken, when he learned 644 00:32:26,066 --> 00:32:30,000 about the injury to his neck that Secretary Gates suffered. 645 00:32:30,000 --> 00:32:32,567 The Press: Not about the book, per se. 646 00:32:32,567 --> 00:32:33,700 Mr. Carney: Yes. 647 00:32:33,700 --> 00:32:36,600 The Press: Did it come up in that conversation? 648 00:32:36,600 --> 00:32:38,600 Mr. Carney: I don't think the book had come out. 649 00:32:38,600 --> 00:32:40,199 The Press: And he hadn't heard about it yet, 650 00:32:40,200 --> 00:32:41,767 the details on this? 651 00:32:41,767 --> 00:32:42,900 Mr. Carney: I just don't know, Ed. 652 00:32:42,900 --> 00:32:44,266 I mean, certainly not the details. 653 00:32:44,266 --> 00:32:46,533 We had not -- nobody -- as I said yesterday, 654 00:32:46,533 --> 00:32:49,033 we got the -- I got the book the night before. 655 00:32:49,033 --> 00:32:52,132 But we had seen some reports, the early reports about it. 656 00:32:52,133 --> 00:32:57,900 But again, his view is the one I repeated several times 657 00:32:57,900 --> 00:33:00,834 yesterday and just repeated again. 658 00:33:00,834 --> 00:33:04,934 But I don't know that they have -- 659 00:33:04,934 --> 00:33:06,734 I don't believe they have talked in the last few days 660 00:33:06,734 --> 00:33:07,734 since they talked last, 661 00:33:07,734 --> 00:33:09,265 and I'm not sure when they'll talk again. 662 00:33:09,266 --> 00:33:10,367 The Press: Two other quick ones. 663 00:33:10,367 --> 00:33:12,533 On the Promise Zones, fair to say the President 664 00:33:12,533 --> 00:33:14,667 has put a serious plan on the table on this. 665 00:33:14,667 --> 00:33:17,833 Do you believe that the Republicans who are talking 666 00:33:17,834 --> 00:33:19,333 about this are serious as well? 667 00:33:19,333 --> 00:33:23,066 Rand Paul, Marco Rubio put a plan on the table yesterday. 668 00:33:23,066 --> 00:33:24,266 Mr. Carney: A Promise Zones plan? 669 00:33:24,266 --> 00:33:25,266 Or you mean -- 670 00:33:25,266 --> 00:33:26,266 The Press: Oh, I'm sorry -- economic zone. 671 00:33:26,266 --> 00:33:27,967 They have their own versions of this. 672 00:33:27,967 --> 00:33:32,266 Paul Ryan is talking about how Republicans need to help people 673 00:33:32,266 --> 00:33:34,967 who are in poverty -- they got to do a better job on that. 674 00:33:34,967 --> 00:33:36,834 My question is more -- Rand Paul is here today, 675 00:33:36,834 --> 00:33:39,500 Mitch McConnell is here for the President's event. 676 00:33:39,500 --> 00:33:40,700 We've talked about this before. 677 00:33:40,700 --> 00:33:42,700 He reaches out, they say they want to work, 678 00:33:42,700 --> 00:33:44,400 then things fall apart. 679 00:33:44,400 --> 00:33:47,166 Is there any hope on this issue that when there are so many 680 00:33:47,166 --> 00:33:48,466 people in America -- 681 00:33:48,467 --> 00:33:49,567 Mr. Carney: There's always hope, Ed. 682 00:33:49,567 --> 00:33:52,133 And I think you saw the President in Anacostia 683 00:33:52,133 --> 00:33:55,367 late last year made clear on this specific issue 684 00:33:55,367 --> 00:33:59,633 that he wants to hear from any member of Congress, 685 00:33:59,633 --> 00:34:03,533 from anybody of any affiliation who has a good idea 686 00:34:03,533 --> 00:34:09,100 about how to deal with this challenge that he described 687 00:34:09,100 --> 00:34:10,165 as the challenge of our time 688 00:34:10,166 --> 00:34:11,934 that we need to address, 689 00:34:11,934 --> 00:34:16,867 because it goes to the heart of who we are as a country 690 00:34:16,867 --> 00:34:21,300 economically and how we see ourselves and define ourselves. 691 00:34:21,300 --> 00:34:27,300 And he is eager to listen to and talk to and negotiate 692 00:34:29,934 --> 00:34:32,033 with anyone who has a good idea. 693 00:34:32,033 --> 00:34:36,400 So I know that the men you mentioned gave speeches 694 00:34:36,400 --> 00:34:39,734 the other day about their ideas, so I haven't evaluated them. 695 00:34:39,734 --> 00:34:42,232 I don't know that anybody here has yet. 696 00:34:42,233 --> 00:34:45,133 But I think that I would point you to what the President 697 00:34:45,132 --> 00:34:46,366 said before, and the answer is, yes. 698 00:34:46,367 --> 00:34:48,967 And the fact that the senators you mentioned are here, 699 00:34:48,967 --> 00:34:50,800 presumably because one of the Promise Zones 700 00:34:50,800 --> 00:34:53,934 is Southeastern Kentucky, I think that's a good thing. 701 00:34:53,934 --> 00:34:57,667 And we should always -- as I said, I don't know, 702 00:34:57,667 --> 00:35:00,299 some time this week, that when it comes to working 703 00:35:00,300 --> 00:35:05,467 with Congress or using the other powers the President has, 704 00:35:05,467 --> 00:35:07,500 he is not doing one or the other, he'll do both. 705 00:35:07,500 --> 00:35:09,000 And where there are opportunities to move 706 00:35:09,000 --> 00:35:10,767 forward with Congress in a bipartisan way, 707 00:35:10,767 --> 00:35:13,466 he will embrace them because he knows that's the right thing 708 00:35:13,467 --> 00:35:14,467 to do for the country. 709 00:35:14,467 --> 00:35:15,567 Kristen. 710 00:35:15,567 --> 00:35:16,633 The Press: Jay, thanks. 711 00:35:16,633 --> 00:35:19,066 I want to go back to unemployment insurance. 712 00:35:19,066 --> 00:35:22,232 Senator Ayotte has floated an amendment that would essentially 713 00:35:22,233 --> 00:35:25,000 pay for an extension of unemployment insurance benefits 714 00:35:25,000 --> 00:35:28,500 by closing a tax loophole of people who fraudulently claim 715 00:35:28,500 --> 00:35:31,300 to have kids who don't actually have children. 716 00:35:31,300 --> 00:35:35,367 Is that something that the President would support? 717 00:35:35,367 --> 00:35:36,633 Mr. Carney: I just don't know that much about it. 718 00:35:36,633 --> 00:35:40,299 But I'm certainly not going to negotiate proposals that 719 00:35:40,300 --> 00:35:42,033 are floating on Capitol Hill. 720 00:35:42,033 --> 00:35:45,667 What I know is that there is a bill that got 60 votes on a 721 00:35:45,667 --> 00:35:49,400 cloture vote that would extend these benefits right away 722 00:35:49,400 --> 00:35:52,166 to 1.3 million Americans and their families, 723 00:35:52,166 --> 00:35:57,200 and that that vote included six Republicans who supported it. 724 00:35:57,200 --> 00:35:59,500 The Press: That doesn't have enough votes to pass this bill. 725 00:35:59,500 --> 00:36:02,600 Mr. Carney: Well, that's what they said about the cloture vote. 726 00:36:02,600 --> 00:36:04,200 That's what you guys reported about the -- 727 00:36:04,200 --> 00:36:05,332 and when I say "you guys," 728 00:36:05,333 --> 00:36:07,333 I want to make clear I'm talking collectively -- 729 00:36:07,333 --> 00:36:09,200 because that was what people thought, 730 00:36:09,200 --> 00:36:11,133 and that was the conventional wisdom. 731 00:36:11,133 --> 00:36:12,700 And maybe you're right, maybe you're not, 732 00:36:12,700 --> 00:36:14,567 but we're not going to concede that that's -- 733 00:36:14,567 --> 00:36:17,734 I don't think the 1.3 million Americans out there 734 00:36:17,734 --> 00:36:21,933 and their families want to hear anybody give up on that effort. 735 00:36:21,934 --> 00:36:23,433 We're not going to, because it has to happen, 736 00:36:23,433 --> 00:36:25,700 and we hope that Congress will make it happen. 737 00:36:25,700 --> 00:36:29,466 As I said to Brianna, we're absolutely willing 738 00:36:29,467 --> 00:36:31,300 to have conversations about how to move forward 739 00:36:31,300 --> 00:36:34,266 on the longer-term extension. 740 00:36:34,266 --> 00:36:38,533 We are concerned with getting that short-term extension done 741 00:36:38,533 --> 00:36:43,333 because the clock keeps ticking for those families who were 742 00:36:43,333 --> 00:36:45,967 depending on assistance and no longer are receiving it. 743 00:36:45,967 --> 00:36:48,200 The Press: And on that point, does the President regret 744 00:36:48,200 --> 00:36:50,133 not having fought harder for this 745 00:36:50,133 --> 00:36:52,667 before everyone left for vacation? 746 00:36:52,667 --> 00:36:55,799 Mr. Carney: I can't remember if you were here the day that 747 00:36:55,800 --> 00:36:58,633 Gene Sperling came and listed the number of times 748 00:36:58,633 --> 00:37:00,633 the President explicitly, publicly, passionately 749 00:37:00,633 --> 00:37:04,366 called on Congress to act on this. 750 00:37:04,367 --> 00:37:07,066 So we did it then, we're doing it now. 751 00:37:07,066 --> 00:37:08,066 They ought to -- 752 00:37:08,066 --> 00:37:09,165 The Press: This is still a long -- I mean, 753 00:37:09,166 --> 00:37:10,567 the White House Democrats still voted on something 754 00:37:10,567 --> 00:37:13,367 that didn't contain unemployment insurance benefits. 755 00:37:13,367 --> 00:37:16,500 Mr. Carney: Well, they vote a lot on a lot of things 756 00:37:16,500 --> 00:37:18,433 that don't include unemployment insurance benefits. 757 00:37:18,433 --> 00:37:21,367 That doesn't excuse them from the absolute necessity 758 00:37:21,367 --> 00:37:23,867 of extending unemployment insurance benefits now. 759 00:37:23,867 --> 00:37:26,633 The budget deal was a good deal and it was an important deal. 760 00:37:26,633 --> 00:37:30,332 It was a modest deal, but it was a significant -- 761 00:37:30,333 --> 00:37:34,633 far more than the size of the deal 762 00:37:34,633 --> 00:37:38,232 was the symbolism after what we'd been through 763 00:37:38,233 --> 00:37:40,667 of Congress actually coming together in a bipartisan way 764 00:37:40,667 --> 00:37:43,700 to pass a budget. 765 00:37:43,700 --> 00:37:45,466 And that made it important. 766 00:37:45,467 --> 00:37:49,367 But that doesn't excuse Congress from the need to act, 767 00:37:49,367 --> 00:37:52,033 as it has in the past, under Republican Presidents 768 00:37:52,033 --> 00:37:54,834 and Republican Congresses, as well as Democratic Presidents 769 00:37:54,834 --> 00:37:57,567 and Congresses, to extend unemployment insurance. 770 00:37:57,567 --> 00:38:00,600 The Press: Is the President concerned that there's a loss of momentum 771 00:38:00,600 --> 00:38:03,033 in terms of getting this passed? 772 00:38:03,033 --> 00:38:05,967 Mr. Carney: The President is concerned each day that this isn't passed 773 00:38:05,967 --> 00:38:10,667 for the families who rely on this assistance. 774 00:38:10,667 --> 00:38:14,000 The Press: One, Jay, quickly, on Afghanistan. 775 00:38:14,000 --> 00:38:16,400 Has anyone from the White House reached out to Karzai, 776 00:38:16,400 --> 00:38:18,500 or will anyone, in the wake of the Gates book? 777 00:38:18,500 --> 00:38:19,600 Do you feel like -- 778 00:38:19,600 --> 00:38:21,633 I know you got some questions on this yesterday, 779 00:38:21,633 --> 00:38:24,332 but is that something that you think is -- 780 00:38:24,333 --> 00:38:25,700 Mr. Carney: Not that I'm aware of, Kristen. 781 00:38:25,700 --> 00:38:27,500 We are in contact with President Karzai -- 782 00:38:27,500 --> 00:38:29,200 we, as a government and an administration, 783 00:38:29,200 --> 00:38:31,866 our embassy in Kabul, others, 784 00:38:31,867 --> 00:38:33,600 the State Department and elsewhere -- 785 00:38:33,600 --> 00:38:37,333 with the Afghan government on a regular basis 786 00:38:37,333 --> 00:38:40,800 on a variety of issues, because we work collaboratively 787 00:38:40,800 --> 00:38:46,834 on so much in Afghanistan, and specifically on the need 788 00:38:46,834 --> 00:38:53,700 for the bilateral security agreement to be signed promptly 789 00:38:53,700 --> 00:38:58,533 so that we can begin to plan for 2014. 790 00:38:58,533 --> 00:39:00,834 There is not a lot of time left 791 00:39:00,834 --> 00:39:03,399 before that planning has to begin. 792 00:39:03,400 --> 00:39:06,600 And the bilateral security agreement 793 00:39:06,600 --> 00:39:08,967 was negotiated in good faith. 794 00:39:08,967 --> 00:39:11,800 It was endorsed by the loya jirga, 795 00:39:11,800 --> 00:39:15,033 and we certainly agree with that endorsement. 796 00:39:15,033 --> 00:39:16,033 It ought to be signed. 797 00:39:16,033 --> 00:39:17,066 Peter. 798 00:39:17,066 --> 00:39:18,466 The Press: Thank you very much. 799 00:39:18,467 --> 00:39:21,300 Presumably, there's going to be more memoirs written. 800 00:39:21,300 --> 00:39:24,300 Does the President have a view on whether his appointees should 801 00:39:24,300 --> 00:39:26,600 disclose private conversations he's had with them 802 00:39:26,600 --> 00:39:30,600 in the Situation Room or in the Oval Office? 803 00:39:30,600 --> 00:39:33,366 Mr. Carney: I would simply say what I said yesterday, 804 00:39:33,367 --> 00:39:37,800 which was a broad statement not a presidential statement, 805 00:39:37,800 --> 00:39:41,333 that that anybody who has the privilege and honor of serving 806 00:39:41,333 --> 00:39:45,633 at a high level in a White House or an administration, 807 00:39:45,633 --> 00:39:52,265 and participates in debates and conversations with a President 808 00:39:52,266 --> 00:39:58,300 and other principals, leaves office and decides for himself 809 00:39:58,300 --> 00:40:02,300 and herself how to speak about it and write about it and when. 810 00:40:02,300 --> 00:40:05,367 And that's each individual's decision. 811 00:40:05,367 --> 00:40:08,300 So you're right, I know some people write memoirs, 812 00:40:08,300 --> 00:40:09,400 some don't. 813 00:40:09,400 --> 00:40:15,100 We're too busy focused on what we're doing today 814 00:40:15,100 --> 00:40:19,133 and what we can do this year for the American people to spend 815 00:40:19,133 --> 00:40:22,200 a lot of time worrying about that. 816 00:40:22,200 --> 00:40:23,633 The Press: There's no standing directive, though, 817 00:40:23,633 --> 00:40:26,232 to high-level appointees that they should refrain from making 818 00:40:26,233 --> 00:40:28,533 public the conversations they're having with the President 819 00:40:28,533 --> 00:40:31,834 in the Situation Room or the Oval Office? 820 00:40:31,834 --> 00:40:34,466 Mr. Carney: Well, when you say the Situation Room -- 821 00:40:34,467 --> 00:40:37,834 if you're saying, is there a standing directive not to leak 822 00:40:37,834 --> 00:40:39,366 classified information, yes, I think there's 823 00:40:39,367 --> 00:40:42,333 a federal statute -- at least one. 824 00:40:42,333 --> 00:40:45,567 So when you talk about conversation, 825 00:40:45,567 --> 00:40:47,500 I think it's understood that -- 826 00:40:47,500 --> 00:40:53,500 at least I'm confident it's understood that when you 827 00:40:55,533 --> 00:41:00,232 work here or elsewhere in the administration that you -- 828 00:41:00,233 --> 00:41:01,500 it's an honor and a privilege, 829 00:41:01,500 --> 00:41:07,400 and that those you are assisting and advising can best rely 830 00:41:10,166 --> 00:41:14,266 on your assistance and advice when it's discreet. 831 00:41:14,266 --> 00:41:17,033 Mark. 832 00:41:17,033 --> 00:41:20,500 The Press: On that point, do you know whether President Obama feels 833 00:41:20,500 --> 00:41:24,767 that some presidential confidences were betrayed 834 00:41:24,767 --> 00:41:29,133 by Robert Gates, things that he said and never expected 835 00:41:29,133 --> 00:41:31,133 would show up in print? 836 00:41:32,700 --> 00:41:36,366 Mr. Carney: Mark, he is focused on other things -- 837 00:41:36,367 --> 00:41:37,734 I promise you. 838 00:41:37,734 --> 00:41:42,967 I have talked to him about this in the course of conversations 839 00:41:42,967 --> 00:41:44,967 about a lot of other issues, 840 00:41:44,967 --> 00:41:47,400 and we didn't spend a lot of time on it, 841 00:41:47,400 --> 00:41:52,300 because he is much focused on other matters, 842 00:41:52,300 --> 00:41:55,333 including getting those Promise Zones done, 843 00:41:55,333 --> 00:42:00,166 and getting minimum wage raised, and getting that unemployment 844 00:42:00,166 --> 00:42:03,900 insurance extended, and the situation in Iraq, 845 00:42:03,900 --> 00:42:09,533 and the negotiations with the P5-plus-1, and, and, 846 00:42:09,533 --> 00:42:11,100 and -- this is way down on his list. 847 00:42:11,100 --> 00:42:13,165 It's not even on his list. 848 00:42:13,166 --> 00:42:17,834 The Press: But if you had told me something off the record 849 00:42:17,834 --> 00:42:21,000 and I reported it, you'd be mad at me, right? 850 00:42:21,000 --> 00:42:22,000 Mr. Carney: We'll see. 851 00:42:22,000 --> 00:42:23,233 [laughter] 852 00:42:23,233 --> 00:42:25,066 The Press: But is the President mad or disappointed 853 00:42:25,066 --> 00:42:27,066 in Robert Gates? 854 00:42:27,066 --> 00:42:30,299 Mr. Carney: He did not demonstrate those emotions in my presence. 855 00:42:30,300 --> 00:42:31,433 The Press: One last thing. 856 00:42:31,433 --> 00:42:35,967 Is it coincidence that eight counties in Kentucky, 857 00:42:35,967 --> 00:42:38,600 the state of the Senate Minority Leader, 858 00:42:38,600 --> 00:42:40,333 were chosen to be a Promise Zone? 859 00:42:40,333 --> 00:42:42,066 Mr. Carney: Are you suggesting that we're trying to assist the -- 860 00:42:42,066 --> 00:42:43,500 The Press: I'm not suggesting, merely asking. 861 00:42:43,500 --> 00:42:48,200 Mr. Carney: I think that the Promise Zones were carefully selected, 862 00:42:48,200 --> 00:42:50,100 and I would ask you to check in to find 863 00:42:50,100 --> 00:42:51,433 out by whom in the process. 864 00:42:51,433 --> 00:42:52,433 But I think this was -- 865 00:42:52,433 --> 00:42:54,200 I know this was based on the merits 866 00:42:54,200 --> 00:42:55,966 and the programs that were put forward. 867 00:42:55,967 --> 00:43:01,400 And I think that if you look at the diversity of the list, 868 00:43:01,400 --> 00:43:03,133 that reflects what the -- 869 00:43:03,133 --> 00:43:07,767 at least at one level what the criteria were. 870 00:43:07,767 --> 00:43:12,866 The Press: Does the President have any position on the current 871 00:43:12,867 --> 00:43:18,066 status of India in its relationship? 872 00:43:18,066 --> 00:43:19,466 Mr. Carney: Does he have any -- 873 00:43:19,467 --> 00:43:22,367 The Press: Any thoughts on what's happening on the India-U.S. 874 00:43:22,367 --> 00:43:23,633 relationship front? 875 00:43:23,633 --> 00:43:25,232 Mr. Carney: I don't have any new information to provide 876 00:43:25,233 --> 00:43:27,767 since we talked about that last. 877 00:43:27,767 --> 00:43:33,567 It's an extremely important relationship, 878 00:43:33,567 --> 00:43:41,100 and I just haven't had that conversation with him yet. 879 00:43:41,100 --> 00:43:44,100 I know he's updated on developments 880 00:43:44,100 --> 00:43:46,299 on the issues surrounding the relationship, 881 00:43:46,300 --> 00:43:50,533 but I haven't spoken to him about it. 882 00:43:50,533 --> 00:43:54,200 The Press: Yesterday, Secretary Kerry met him at the White House. 883 00:43:54,200 --> 00:43:55,767 Among other foreign policy issues, 884 00:43:55,767 --> 00:43:57,899 was India a topic of discussion when -- 885 00:43:57,900 --> 00:43:58,900 Mr. Carney: When who met with him? 886 00:43:58,900 --> 00:44:00,100 Sorry. 887 00:44:00,100 --> 00:44:01,033 The Press: Secretary Kerry met the President. 888 00:44:01,033 --> 00:44:02,033 Mr. Carney: I just don't know. 889 00:44:02,033 --> 00:44:03,433 I don't know if we gave a readout of that. 890 00:44:03,433 --> 00:44:05,533 It's a regular meeting the President has, 891 00:44:05,533 --> 00:44:08,500 so I just don't know the answer to that. 892 00:44:08,500 --> 00:44:10,734 The Press: A quick clarification? 893 00:44:10,734 --> 00:44:12,232 Mr. Carney: Yes. 894 00:44:12,233 --> 00:44:15,934 The Press: Is the President aware of this withdrawal of diplomatic -- 895 00:44:15,934 --> 00:44:18,133 of the privileges to the diplomats 896 00:44:18,133 --> 00:44:20,734 and to our diplomatic missions in India? 897 00:44:20,734 --> 00:44:24,266 Every day, we have something or other being withdrawn. 898 00:44:24,266 --> 00:44:26,934 So is the White House going to get into it 899 00:44:26,934 --> 00:44:29,200 so that this is resolved? 900 00:44:29,200 --> 00:44:30,933 Mr. Carney: Well, I think the State Department is engaged, 901 00:44:30,934 --> 00:44:35,867 and I know that they have addressed this in briefings 902 00:44:35,867 --> 00:44:37,934 by my colleague, Jen Psaki, and others -- 903 00:44:37,934 --> 00:44:39,133 Marie Harf and others. 904 00:44:39,133 --> 00:44:41,366 So I would point you to what they've said about it. 905 00:44:41,367 --> 00:44:43,266 The President is obviously a consumer of the news as well 906 00:44:43,266 --> 00:44:50,967 as a recipient of many briefings, so I can say 907 00:44:50,967 --> 00:44:54,533 with great confidence that he is following these developments. 908 00:44:54,533 --> 00:44:57,700 But I don't have a position or view to express from the 909 00:44:57,700 --> 00:45:00,399 presidential level on those developments. 910 00:45:00,400 --> 00:45:02,433 The Press: Jay, two economic things. 911 00:45:02,433 --> 00:45:06,433 Number one, the Senate Finance and House Ways and Means 912 00:45:06,433 --> 00:45:09,900 Committee have reached a deal on fast-track trade authority, 913 00:45:09,900 --> 00:45:12,834 something which the President has called for 914 00:45:12,834 --> 00:45:14,500 at least in principle. 915 00:45:14,500 --> 00:45:17,033 This actual legislation that they've negotiated, 916 00:45:17,033 --> 00:45:19,834 is this something, A, that you guys support? 917 00:45:19,834 --> 00:45:24,232 How confident are you that you can get this fast-track 918 00:45:24,233 --> 00:45:25,667 authority passed through Congress? 919 00:45:25,667 --> 00:45:28,799 And what is the President going to do to persuade particularly 920 00:45:28,800 --> 00:45:31,967 members of his own party to back this? 921 00:45:31,967 --> 00:45:34,266 Mr. Carney: Well, I can tell you that trade promotion 922 00:45:34,266 --> 00:45:36,867 authority is a priority, not in theory but in fact, 923 00:45:36,867 --> 00:45:40,300 for the administration because it is a key part of our overall 924 00:45:40,300 --> 00:45:42,667 economic strategy and our foreign policy, 925 00:45:42,667 --> 00:45:45,433 particularly in Asia, and because it's time for Congress 926 00:45:45,433 --> 00:45:49,333 to update and to assert its own role in trade negotiations. 927 00:45:49,333 --> 00:45:52,533 We are pursuing transatlantic and transpacific trade deals, 928 00:45:52,533 --> 00:45:55,232 as you know, with countries that together represent 929 00:45:55,233 --> 00:45:58,800 half of the world's gross domestic product, 930 00:45:58,800 --> 00:46:00,700 separating out the United States. 931 00:46:00,700 --> 00:46:03,799 And we will be working with Congress to secure legislation 932 00:46:03,800 --> 00:46:05,233 that will assure their role in bringing 933 00:46:05,233 --> 00:46:06,233 those trade agreements home. 934 00:46:06,233 --> 00:46:08,667 So when there is progress on that front, 935 00:46:08,667 --> 00:46:10,066 we view it as a good thing. 936 00:46:10,066 --> 00:46:13,834 I don't have details on -- with any specificity on the movement 937 00:46:13,834 --> 00:46:17,332 in Congress today, but we do believe that this is a priority. 938 00:46:17,333 --> 00:46:19,300 The President has made clear it's a priority. 939 00:46:19,300 --> 00:46:22,567 He has pushed -- and this is for these folks here 940 00:46:22,567 --> 00:46:24,567 who cover this stuff -- 941 00:46:24,567 --> 00:46:29,967 TPP and T-TIP, and as well as the TPA. 942 00:46:29,967 --> 00:46:33,567 So, any "T" you can think of in fact. 943 00:46:33,567 --> 00:46:34,567 [laughter] 944 00:46:34,567 --> 00:46:36,000 No, seriously, Trans-Pacific Partnership, 945 00:46:36,000 --> 00:46:39,500 the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, 946 00:46:39,500 --> 00:46:43,166 these are important proposals that we want to see acted on, 947 00:46:43,166 --> 00:46:45,867 and trade promotion authority is an important part of that. 948 00:46:45,867 --> 00:46:48,433 The Press: The other thing, on this White House meeting tomorrow 949 00:46:48,433 --> 00:46:51,533 on the NSA stuff, which I guess will be with staff, 950 00:46:51,533 --> 00:46:53,900 as I understand it, and not with the President himself -- 951 00:46:53,900 --> 00:46:55,300 but maybe I'm wrong on that -- 952 00:46:55,300 --> 00:46:58,000 will tech companies be represented at that meeting? 953 00:46:58,000 --> 00:47:00,367 And if so, which tech companies? 954 00:47:00,367 --> 00:47:04,934 Mr. Carney: I don't have greater information on that. 955 00:47:04,934 --> 00:47:08,367 I'm sure we'll be able to provide more to you tomorrow. 956 00:47:08,367 --> 00:47:11,633 What I have is that as part of our outgoing -- ongoing, rather, 957 00:47:11,633 --> 00:47:14,667 outreach and following up on the President's recent meeting 958 00:47:14,667 --> 00:47:17,299 with tech executives, White House staff will be meeting 959 00:47:17,300 --> 00:47:20,033 with representatives from tech companies on Friday. 960 00:47:20,033 --> 00:47:21,967 This is another opportunity to share views, 961 00:47:21,967 --> 00:47:25,300 as the administration nears completion of our internal 962 00:47:25,300 --> 00:47:27,700 review of signals intelligence. 963 00:47:27,700 --> 00:47:31,165 And contradicting me directly, it says here we would not expect 964 00:47:31,166 --> 00:47:33,967 a readout of that meeting, but I'll see if we can get 965 00:47:33,967 --> 00:47:35,300 participants depending -- 966 00:47:35,300 --> 00:47:37,867 The Press: Did you say tech companies will be at that meeting? 967 00:47:37,867 --> 00:47:39,967 Mr. Carney: Yes. Representatives from tech companies. 968 00:47:39,967 --> 00:47:41,800 The Press: But you don't -- 969 00:47:41,800 --> 00:47:43,967 Mr. Carney: But I don't have specific -- Ann. 970 00:47:43,967 --> 00:47:45,266 The Press: Thank you. 971 00:47:45,266 --> 00:47:49,133 On that, is the President really looking at executive actions 972 00:47:49,133 --> 00:47:50,366 he can take in terms -- 973 00:47:50,367 --> 00:47:51,433 Mr. Carney: On which? 974 00:47:51,433 --> 00:47:54,400 The Press: On the intelligence reforms. 975 00:47:54,400 --> 00:47:55,967 You have said that -- 976 00:47:55,967 --> 00:47:57,433 Mr. Carney: I think if you look at the review group's recommendations, 977 00:47:57,433 --> 00:47:59,600 and obviously he's looking at actions that -- 978 00:47:59,600 --> 00:48:01,000 The Press: But he's gone beyond that. 979 00:48:01,000 --> 00:48:02,934 Mr. Carney: Well, again, I don't want to characterize -- 980 00:48:02,934 --> 00:48:06,066 he's obviously -- the review is greater 981 00:48:06,066 --> 00:48:10,500 than that group's efforts. 982 00:48:10,500 --> 00:48:13,333 I think the recommendations put forward were widely viewed 983 00:48:13,333 --> 00:48:15,200 as pretty extensive, 984 00:48:15,200 --> 00:48:20,734 and the work that that group did as quite credible 985 00:48:20,734 --> 00:48:23,633 by not just here, but by the outside community 986 00:48:23,633 --> 00:48:25,734 that is following this and cares about it. 987 00:48:25,734 --> 00:48:30,366 So I would point you to those recommendations 988 00:48:30,367 --> 00:48:33,066 for a delineation between which, if acted upon, 989 00:48:33,066 --> 00:48:36,834 would require legislation, which could be acted upon 990 00:48:36,834 --> 00:48:37,966 through executive authority. 991 00:48:37,967 --> 00:48:40,000 I'm sure there's a balance. 992 00:48:40,000 --> 00:48:41,734 So the answer is, yes, both. 993 00:48:41,734 --> 00:48:42,734 The Press: Okay. 994 00:48:42,734 --> 00:48:43,734 And where is he on State of the Union? 995 00:48:43,734 --> 00:48:45,633 Has he begun to do a process? 996 00:48:45,633 --> 00:48:47,667 Has he mapped out a basic -- 997 00:48:47,667 --> 00:48:50,299 Mr. Carney: I saw some notes on a napkin when I was in the Oval. 998 00:48:50,300 --> 00:48:53,533 Maybe that was -- no, he's -- we're where you would expect 999 00:48:53,533 --> 00:48:57,299 this far out, working on it. 1000 00:48:57,300 --> 00:48:58,300 Working on it. 1001 00:48:58,300 --> 00:48:59,667 Yes, Leslie. 1002 00:48:59,667 --> 00:49:02,165 The Press: Jay, there's been some reports that the President 1003 00:49:02,166 --> 00:49:04,633 believes that as part of the NSA review 1004 00:49:04,633 --> 00:49:07,667 that there should be curbs on spying on foreign leaders. 1005 00:49:07,667 --> 00:49:09,799 Can you talk about that at all? 1006 00:49:09,800 --> 00:49:13,467 And can you talk about whether or not there have been any 1007 00:49:13,467 --> 00:49:16,200 conversations as part of the review with foreign leaders 1008 00:49:16,200 --> 00:49:18,933 to get their perspective on it? 1009 00:49:18,934 --> 00:49:21,700 Mr. Carney: I think I can point you statements we've made 1010 00:49:21,700 --> 00:49:24,700 in the past about the fact that that issue, 1011 00:49:24,700 --> 00:49:29,000 in terms of signal intelligence and surveillance, 1012 00:49:29,000 --> 00:49:34,266 is one of the ones that was identified as an area that 1013 00:49:34,266 --> 00:49:37,033 merited review and is being reviewed. 1014 00:49:37,033 --> 00:49:43,200 I'm not going to preview conclusions that the President 1015 00:49:43,200 --> 00:49:46,567 will make or actions that he will decide to take. 1016 00:49:46,567 --> 00:49:49,867 But it is certainly the case that that is one of the issue 1017 00:49:49,867 --> 00:49:52,700 areas that has been part of the various reviews 1018 00:49:52,700 --> 00:49:54,299 that are being undertaken. 1019 00:49:54,300 --> 00:49:55,467 The Press: I was just wondering, 1020 00:49:55,467 --> 00:49:57,533 since he's had members of Congress in 1021 00:49:57,533 --> 00:49:58,734 and intelligence officials, 1022 00:49:58,734 --> 00:50:01,333 whether or not there was any sort of similar reach-out 1023 00:50:01,333 --> 00:50:03,667 with foreign leaders or State Department folks to 1024 00:50:03,667 --> 00:50:06,866 kind of get -- Brazil has had a number of questions 1025 00:50:06,867 --> 00:50:09,800 about what they think should be done. 1026 00:50:09,800 --> 00:50:11,834 Mr. Carney: Well, we've read out various conversations 1027 00:50:11,834 --> 00:50:14,866 the President has had with foreign leaders 1028 00:50:14,867 --> 00:50:17,934 and when those conversations have touched on this subject. 1029 00:50:17,934 --> 00:50:23,033 I don't have any new ones to review for you. 1030 00:50:23,033 --> 00:50:25,266 I think, as a broad matter, as we've said, 1031 00:50:25,266 --> 00:50:30,166 when these issues have arisen between the United States 1032 00:50:30,166 --> 00:50:34,000 and a specific nation, we have been directly engaged 1033 00:50:34,000 --> 00:50:35,333 with the nations involved through normal diplomatic 1034 00:50:35,333 --> 00:50:42,433 channels and at various levels, including very high levels. 1035 00:50:42,433 --> 00:50:44,834 So I think that continues. 1036 00:50:44,834 --> 00:50:47,799 I just don't have more than what we've already provided 1037 00:50:47,800 --> 00:50:51,133 in terms of presidential conversations. 1038 00:50:51,133 --> 00:50:54,466 The Press: The President before he left for his break 1039 00:50:54,467 --> 00:50:57,834 indicated at the press conference that he was 1040 00:50:57,834 --> 00:51:00,834 interested in a recommendation that private communication 1041 00:51:00,834 --> 00:51:04,600 companies might be the ones to be the repositories 1042 00:51:04,600 --> 00:51:07,533 of the metadata as an alternative to 1043 00:51:07,533 --> 00:51:09,633 the NSA stockpiling that information. 1044 00:51:09,633 --> 00:51:13,834 Is it the President's ambition that that question be resolved 1045 00:51:13,834 --> 00:51:18,866 before he gives his remarks to the American people? 1046 00:51:18,867 --> 00:51:20,066 Mr. Carney: She's good, right? 1047 00:51:20,066 --> 00:51:22,299 She framed it in a way that actually 1048 00:51:22,300 --> 00:51:24,967 had a chance of getting an answer. 1049 00:51:24,967 --> 00:51:28,433 The President -- I would point you to what he said 1050 00:51:28,433 --> 00:51:31,266 in terms of viewing that as a serious recommendation. 1051 00:51:31,266 --> 00:51:34,533 And it's certainly one that he's looking at and his team 1052 00:51:34,533 --> 00:51:38,767 is looking at, but I don't have any more guidance 1053 00:51:38,767 --> 00:51:41,899 to give to you before he makes those conclusions 1054 00:51:41,900 --> 00:51:43,333 and gives his remarks. 1055 00:51:43,333 --> 00:51:44,333 The Press: Did it work? 1056 00:51:44,333 --> 00:51:45,467 The Press: So, yes, I was going to say -- 1057 00:51:45,467 --> 00:51:46,967 it was a good try, but it didn't work in the end. 1058 00:51:46,967 --> 00:51:47,967 [laughter] 1059 00:51:47,967 --> 00:51:48,967 Mr. Carney: She's a pro and a veteran. 1060 00:51:48,967 --> 00:51:49,967 It works sometimes. 1061 00:51:49,967 --> 00:51:50,967 Yes. 1062 00:51:50,967 --> 00:51:53,400 I know you guys have got to go. 1063 00:51:53,400 --> 00:51:55,066 We'll make this the last one. 1064 00:51:55,066 --> 00:51:56,767 The Press: Is President Obama going to have any more meetings 1065 00:51:56,767 --> 00:51:58,265 like the one today? 1066 00:51:58,266 --> 00:51:59,967 Mr. Carney: I don't have any scheduling updates to provide to you. 1067 00:51:59,967 --> 00:52:02,300 We're obviously fairly close to the end of this process, 1068 00:52:02,300 --> 00:52:03,667 but I wouldn't rule it out. 1069 00:52:03,667 --> 00:52:09,000 I just don't have any meetings to preview beyond what we have. 1070 00:52:09,000 --> 00:52:10,633 Goyal, you get the last one. 1071 00:52:10,633 --> 00:52:11,899 You're very patient. 1072 00:52:11,900 --> 00:52:12,900 The Press: Thank you. 1073 00:52:12,900 --> 00:52:13,900 First of all, Happy New Year. 1074 00:52:13,900 --> 00:52:14,900 Mr. Carney: Thank you. 1075 00:52:14,900 --> 00:52:15,900 The Press: Two quick questions. 1076 00:52:15,900 --> 00:52:17,767 One, going back to India-U.S. relations. 1077 00:52:17,767 --> 00:52:22,667 My question is a simple one: How does the President feel 1078 00:52:22,667 --> 00:52:25,066 as we enter in the New Year as far as the future 1079 00:52:25,066 --> 00:52:28,265 of India-U.S. relations? 1080 00:52:28,266 --> 00:52:30,867 Not going back what had happened or what's happening, 1081 00:52:30,867 --> 00:52:35,066 because these are maybe small issues, but beyond this issue, 1082 00:52:35,066 --> 00:52:37,700 really, where do we stand today? 1083 00:52:37,700 --> 00:52:39,265 Mr. Carney: Well, Goyal, I would say what I said earlier, 1084 00:52:39,266 --> 00:52:42,533 which is that this is an extremely important relationship 1085 00:52:42,533 --> 00:52:48,533 that has many aspects to it and cultural ties, political ties, 1086 00:52:52,000 --> 00:52:53,133 economic ties. 1087 00:52:53,133 --> 00:52:56,600 And the President believes strongly that we need 1088 00:52:56,600 --> 00:53:00,366 to continue to build on that relationship. 1089 00:53:00,367 --> 00:53:03,700 And you know he worked very hard on U.S.-Indian relations in his 1090 00:53:03,700 --> 00:53:06,667 first term and will continue to do so in his second term. 1091 00:53:06,667 --> 00:53:08,834 But I don't have anything more specific for you with regards 1092 00:53:08,834 --> 00:53:12,600 to some of the issues that have come up in the last month. 1093 00:53:12,600 --> 00:53:15,667 The Press: And second, as far as Afghanistan is concerned, 1094 00:53:15,667 --> 00:53:19,567 as the troops are going to be out of Afghanistan, 1095 00:53:19,567 --> 00:53:21,867 but some nations in the region are worried, 1096 00:53:21,867 --> 00:53:23,033 including India is really engaged in many ways, 1097 00:53:23,033 --> 00:53:26,333 as far Afghanistan is concerned -- and security. 1098 00:53:26,333 --> 00:53:29,633 And Pakistan is also important in this relationship. 1099 00:53:29,633 --> 00:53:34,165 So what role do you think India should or will play 1100 00:53:34,166 --> 00:53:36,200 in the future in Afghanistan, 1101 00:53:36,200 --> 00:53:39,933 as far as security is concerned? 1102 00:53:39,934 --> 00:53:43,200 Mr. Carney: I don't think it's for me to project. 1103 00:53:43,200 --> 00:53:48,066 I think that there are a number of very important players 1104 00:53:48,066 --> 00:53:49,399 in the region. 1105 00:53:49,400 --> 00:53:52,433 Most importantly, and what we've been focused on obviously has 1106 00:53:52,433 --> 00:53:59,867 been assisting the buildup of and professionalism of Afghan 1107 00:53:59,867 --> 00:54:04,867 security forces and assisting the Afghan government 1108 00:54:04,867 --> 00:54:10,300 in helping give it the space so that it can be stronger 1109 00:54:10,300 --> 00:54:12,333 as this transition occurs. 1110 00:54:12,333 --> 00:54:15,066 Now, you mentioned the withdrawal of troops. 1111 00:54:15,066 --> 00:54:19,033 And it is true that the combat mission ends 1112 00:54:19,033 --> 00:54:21,133 and U.S. troops are withdrawing. 1113 00:54:21,133 --> 00:54:27,332 We believe, and have a plan for, a small presence 1114 00:54:27,333 --> 00:54:29,867 of U.S. troops beyond 2014. 1115 00:54:29,867 --> 00:54:33,700 But that is dependent upon the Afghan government 1116 00:54:33,700 --> 00:54:37,165 signing the bilateral security agreement that was negotiated 1117 00:54:37,166 --> 00:54:39,800 between the two nations. 1118 00:54:39,800 --> 00:54:42,333 So going back to what I said before, 1119 00:54:42,333 --> 00:54:44,166 that needs to be acted on 1120 00:54:44,166 --> 00:54:46,667 so that we can move forward with our planning. 1121 00:54:46,667 --> 00:54:50,133 Absent it, we cannot plan for a troop presence beyond 2014. 1122 00:54:50,133 --> 00:54:52,299 Thank you.