English subtitles for clip: File:10-1-09- White House Press Briefing.webm
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1 00:00:08,200 --> 00:00:09,330 Mr. Gibbs: Good afternoon. 2 00:00:09,333 --> 00:00:15,503 Let me give you a couple quick announcements before we start. 3 00:00:15,500 --> 00:00:20,000 The President will make some remarks at approximately 4 00:00:20,000 --> 00:00:26,570 3:05 p.m. this afternoon about the recently concluded meeting 5 00:00:26,567 --> 00:00:30,997 with the P5-plus-1 dealing with Iran. 6 00:00:31,000 --> 00:00:33,470 That again, 3:05 p.m. this afternoon. 7 00:00:33,467 --> 00:00:35,067 And then I wanted to just go through -- 8 00:00:35,066 --> 00:00:36,466 The Press: Where, Robert? 9 00:00:36,467 --> 00:00:40,837 Mr. Gibbs: Pool in the Dip Room. 10 00:00:40,834 --> 00:00:44,304 Just a couple -- let's go through quickly just the 11 00:00:44,300 --> 00:00:48,970 schedule for the President and the First Lady for tomorrow. 12 00:00:48,967 --> 00:00:51,337 As you all know, the President will depart at approximately 13 00:00:51,333 --> 00:00:56,403 6:40 p.m. from the White House, travel overnight and arrive in 14 00:00:56,400 --> 00:00:59,630 Copenhagen, Denmark, in the morning. 15 00:00:59,633 --> 00:01:02,533 As you all know, the arrival is open press. 16 00:01:02,533 --> 00:01:05,403 The President and First Lady will then deliver remarks at the 17 00:01:05,400 --> 00:01:08,570 Chicago 2016 presentation to members of the 18 00:01:08,567 --> 00:01:11,537 International Olympic Committee. 19 00:01:11,533 --> 00:01:16,463 The President, along other Chicago 2016 panel members, 20 00:01:16,467 --> 00:01:20,567 then will participate in a Q&A session with IOC members. 21 00:01:20,567 --> 00:01:24,797 Both of those are open to IOC credentialed media. 22 00:01:24,800 --> 00:01:28,030 There will also be travel pool coverage. 23 00:01:28,033 --> 00:01:30,833 Later the President and the First Lady will attend an 24 00:01:30,834 --> 00:01:33,904 informal reception with IOC members, 25 00:01:33,900 --> 00:01:38,930 again with travel pool coverage. 26 00:01:38,934 --> 00:01:41,904 The President and the First Lady then go meet with the Queen and 27 00:01:41,900 --> 00:01:48,570 Prince, and meet with Danish Prime Minister Rasmussen, 28 00:01:48,567 --> 00:01:51,097 and a pool spray at the top of that; 29 00:01:51,100 --> 00:01:58,330 return tomorrow afternoon at approximately 3:30 p.m. 30 00:01:58,333 --> 00:01:59,903 if we're on schedule. 31 00:01:59,900 --> 00:02:04,330 So that is a quick scheduling update for both -- 32 00:02:04,333 --> 00:02:07,063 The Press: Air Force One have any champagne in the eventuality -- 33 00:02:07,066 --> 00:02:09,636 (Laughter) 34 00:02:09,633 --> 00:02:10,733 The Press: Is the First Lady coming back with him? 35 00:02:10,734 --> 00:02:12,604 Mr. Gibbs: Yes. 36 00:02:12,600 --> 00:02:14,170 The Press: Bud Light? 37 00:02:14,166 --> 00:02:19,466 The Press: Thank you, Robert. When is the decision -- 38 00:02:19,467 --> 00:02:22,637 Mr. Gibbs: It's my understanding the decision is announced at 39 00:02:22,633 --> 00:02:27,863 approximately 6:30 p.m. local time, which I think is about 40 00:02:27,867 --> 00:02:32,467 roughly 12:30 p.m. local time -- 41 00:02:32,467 --> 00:02:34,067 The Press: So he'll be in the air? 42 00:02:34,066 --> 00:02:36,666 The Press: Will he watch that on the plane? 43 00:02:36,667 --> 00:02:38,667 Mr. Gibbs: There are TV capabilities on the plane. 44 00:02:38,667 --> 00:02:41,637 I don't know if where we will be traveling we will 45 00:02:41,633 --> 00:02:43,033 have that or not. 46 00:02:43,033 --> 00:02:44,163 The Press: But you always have phone -- 47 00:02:44,166 --> 00:02:48,066 Mr. Gibbs: We do have too many phones on that plane. 48 00:02:48,066 --> 00:02:49,136 Yes. 49 00:02:49,133 --> 00:02:51,763 The Press: Thanks. This morning there was a spirited debate in the Senate 50 00:02:51,767 --> 00:02:56,297 Finance Committee about whether the proposed fee on people who 51 00:02:56,300 --> 00:02:59,530 would refuse to buy health insurance under the proposed 52 00:02:59,533 --> 00:03:03,503 plan, whether that would break the President's pledge not to 53 00:03:03,500 --> 00:03:06,400 tax individuals who make less than $200,000 54 00:03:06,400 --> 00:03:08,670 or families that make $250,000. 55 00:03:08,667 --> 00:03:09,897 Do they have a good point there? 56 00:03:09,900 --> 00:03:17,330 Mr. Gibbs: No. I think this is, again, one more game that we've seen 57 00:03:17,333 --> 00:03:19,903 in the roadblock to getting comprehensive 58 00:03:19,900 --> 00:03:23,130 health care reform. 59 00:03:23,133 --> 00:03:27,463 There is an individual mandate in this piece of legislation 60 00:03:27,467 --> 00:03:28,997 that the President supports. 61 00:03:29,000 --> 00:03:33,970 But something that's charged to an individual that doesn't have 62 00:03:33,967 --> 00:03:38,537 and can't afford health insurance is a little bit like 63 00:03:38,533 --> 00:03:41,003 if you're not complying with the law and you're speeding. 64 00:03:41,000 --> 00:03:43,470 And I don't think anybody would say that if you're going too 65 00:03:43,467 --> 00:03:45,037 fast on the interstate that somehow somebody 66 00:03:45,033 --> 00:03:47,133 has raised your taxes. 67 00:03:47,133 --> 00:03:51,463 So I think that's a silly argument that we 68 00:03:51,467 --> 00:03:53,937 can easily dispense with. 69 00:03:53,934 --> 00:03:55,664 The Press: It's called a tax in the House bill and 70 00:03:55,667 --> 00:03:57,737 the Finance Committee bill. 71 00:03:57,734 --> 00:03:59,204 It's referred to as an excise tax. 72 00:03:59,200 --> 00:04:02,400 Mr. Gibbs: Well, I would -- maybe the analogy on the 73 00:04:02,400 --> 00:04:07,130 speeding isn't -- I think it's pretty clear. 74 00:04:07,133 --> 00:04:07,903 Yes, sir. 75 00:04:07,900 --> 00:04:10,100 The Press: The P5-plus-1 appears to have given Iran more 76 00:04:10,100 --> 00:04:13,200 breathing space, several more weeks at least, 77 00:04:13,200 --> 00:04:16,670 before they are to, as the President has demanded, 78 00:04:16,667 --> 00:04:18,597 come clean on their nuclear program. 79 00:04:18,600 --> 00:04:21,830 He actually said in advance that that response was expected at 80 00:04:21,834 --> 00:04:24,204 this meeting and had to come at this meeting. 81 00:04:24,200 --> 00:04:25,870 What makes the administration -- 82 00:04:25,867 --> 00:04:26,967 Mr. Gibbs: I'm sorry, what had to come at this meeting? 83 00:04:26,967 --> 00:04:29,597 The Press: That Iran had to give -- had to respond at this meeting. 84 00:04:29,600 --> 00:04:32,530 Mr. Gibbs: Well, let's understand what the Iranians have initially 85 00:04:32,533 --> 00:04:36,433 agreed to, and that is full compliance and 86 00:04:36,433 --> 00:04:40,563 transparency around the facility at Qom, which, as you know, 87 00:04:40,567 --> 00:04:45,797 was publicly disclosed less than a week ago, 88 00:04:45,800 --> 00:04:48,830 a facility that had been long under construction and long in 89 00:04:48,834 --> 00:04:52,404 violation of IAEA rules. 90 00:04:52,400 --> 00:04:56,200 No one ever suspected or believed that this issue was 91 00:04:56,200 --> 00:05:02,470 going to be finished with or dealt with after one meeting. 92 00:05:02,467 --> 00:05:05,967 I do believe that today's meeting was a constructive 93 00:05:05,967 --> 00:05:10,697 beginning to this process, understanding that the onus 94 00:05:10,700 --> 00:05:14,500 remains on the Iranians as it did prior to the meeting to live 95 00:05:14,500 --> 00:05:16,770 up to what they promised today and to live up to their 96 00:05:16,767 --> 00:05:19,737 continued international obligations to provide 97 00:05:19,734 --> 00:05:24,164 confidence to the international community that what they're 98 00:05:24,166 --> 00:05:26,866 undertaking is for peaceful means and not 99 00:05:26,867 --> 00:05:28,237 for a weapons program. 100 00:05:28,233 --> 00:05:31,663 Again, we believe it was a constructive start. 101 00:05:31,667 --> 00:05:34,737 The onus continues to be on the Iranians to live 102 00:05:34,734 --> 00:05:36,204 up to their obligations. 103 00:05:36,200 --> 00:05:37,700 The Press: But the Iranians have given no indication at this 104 00:05:37,700 --> 00:05:39,330 meeting, as far as we've seen so far, 105 00:05:39,333 --> 00:05:42,203 that they're going to back down on their defiance of 106 00:05:42,200 --> 00:05:44,100 international demands that they suspend uranium enrichment -- 107 00:05:44,100 --> 00:05:47,270 Mr. Gibbs: Well, two days ago I was responding to your story 108 00:05:47,266 --> 00:05:49,566 that they wouldn't talk about their nuclear program -- and we 109 00:05:49,567 --> 00:05:53,497 seem to have spent some quality time talking about 110 00:05:53,500 --> 00:05:56,170 their nuclear program today. 111 00:05:56,166 --> 00:05:57,636 I think the President has been clear, 112 00:05:57,633 --> 00:06:00,303 and you'll hear the President say today, 113 00:06:00,300 --> 00:06:03,970 as he has for more than two years, 114 00:06:03,967 --> 00:06:07,537 this is not talk for talk's sake. 115 00:06:07,533 --> 00:06:11,833 If at any point this appears to simply be the Iranians trying to 116 00:06:11,834 --> 00:06:15,564 talk some issue to death, then I think, 117 00:06:15,567 --> 00:06:17,967 working in concert with and common purpose with our 118 00:06:17,967 --> 00:06:23,797 P5-plus-1 partners, we'll take additional steps to ensure that 119 00:06:23,800 --> 00:06:25,170 Iran knows we mean business. 120 00:06:25,166 --> 00:06:29,336 The Press: The Iranians have said that they have actually 121 00:06:29,333 --> 00:06:32,163 disclosed all their nuclear facilities at this stage. 122 00:06:32,166 --> 00:06:34,196 The Iranians say they have now disclosed all 123 00:06:34,200 --> 00:06:35,270 of their nuclear facilities. 124 00:06:35,266 --> 00:06:37,036 Does the administration believe that? 125 00:06:37,033 --> 00:06:44,803 Mr. Gibbs: I think I'll let the IAEA deal with that and not get 126 00:06:44,800 --> 00:06:49,570 into any of those matters, and expect that Iran, again, 127 00:06:49,567 --> 00:06:51,867 will live up to what they promised to do at 128 00:06:51,867 --> 00:06:53,367 the table here today. 129 00:06:53,367 --> 00:06:55,897 The Press: Robert, how is the President going to address the ongoing 130 00:06:55,900 --> 00:06:58,530 violence in Chicago, going before the Olympic 131 00:06:58,533 --> 00:07:00,563 Committee and making that bid? 132 00:07:00,567 --> 00:07:01,437 Mr. Gibbs: I'm sorry? 133 00:07:01,433 --> 00:07:04,333 The Press: How is the President going to address the ongoing violence 134 00:07:04,333 --> 00:07:06,803 in Chicago in going before the Olympic Committee 135 00:07:06,800 --> 00:07:07,730 and making a bid? 136 00:07:07,734 --> 00:07:09,634 Is it something that he's going to address? 137 00:07:09,633 --> 00:07:11,133 Is he prepared to talk about it? 138 00:07:11,133 --> 00:07:14,933 Mr. Gibbs: Well, I talked about this yesterday. 139 00:07:14,934 --> 00:07:18,934 Obviously it's of great concern to the President, 140 00:07:18,934 --> 00:07:21,134 as somebody who lives in Chicago, 141 00:07:21,133 --> 00:07:25,563 but would and should be a concern for every American. 142 00:07:25,567 --> 00:07:31,067 This isn't a Chicago problem; this is violence -- youth 143 00:07:31,066 --> 00:07:35,436 violence is a problem throughout our country. 144 00:07:35,433 --> 00:07:40,963 The President is concerned and has asked that next Wednesday, 145 00:07:40,967 --> 00:07:44,337 Education Secretary Arne Duncan and Attorney General 146 00:07:44,333 --> 00:07:46,933 Eric Holder travel to Chicago. 147 00:07:46,934 --> 00:07:52,504 They'll meet with officials from the school, 148 00:07:52,500 --> 00:07:58,270 meet with students and meet with the community to talk about the 149 00:07:58,266 --> 00:08:01,196 issues of school violence and youth violence. 150 00:08:01,200 --> 00:08:03,100 The Press: It's not a Chicago problem, obviously, 151 00:08:03,100 --> 00:08:05,600 but he's going before the Olympic Committee tomorrow. 152 00:08:05,600 --> 00:08:08,670 Is he prepared -- what is he prepared to say if it comes up, 153 00:08:08,667 --> 00:08:11,767 as they ask about the safety of the city in which the 154 00:08:11,767 --> 00:08:12,837 Olympics would be held? 155 00:08:12,834 --> 00:08:15,434 Mr. Gibbs: Well, I think that the President has full 156 00:08:15,433 --> 00:08:18,303 confidence in the safety of the city and will be prepared to 157 00:08:18,300 --> 00:08:20,500 talk about that if that were a question. 158 00:08:20,500 --> 00:08:23,930 The Press: Why does the White House think -- what does the 159 00:08:23,934 --> 00:08:26,604 White House think is the key as to why the Predator strikes in 160 00:08:26,600 --> 00:08:29,730 Pakistan have been so much more successful? 161 00:08:29,734 --> 00:08:35,334 Mr. Gibbs: Not going to get into discussing that. 162 00:08:35,333 --> 00:08:38,533 The Press: Based on press accounts of Predator strikes -- 163 00:08:38,533 --> 00:08:41,963 Mr. Gibbs: I appreciate the opportunity, but not going there. 164 00:08:41,967 --> 00:08:44,397 The Press: Does the President or the White House have any 165 00:08:44,400 --> 00:08:48,370 response to comments made yesterday by Congressman Grayson 166 00:08:48,367 --> 00:08:51,637 about how the Republican -- or maybe it was earlier this week 167 00:08:51,633 --> 00:08:54,063 -- the Republicans' solution to health care is 168 00:08:54,066 --> 00:08:55,736 they want everybody to die? 169 00:08:55,734 --> 00:08:58,304 Mr. Gibbs: I mean, I would simply reiterate what we've said 170 00:08:58,300 --> 00:09:03,630 on this a number of times, and I think this goes for anybody from 171 00:09:03,633 --> 00:09:06,063 whatever political party and whatever end of the political 172 00:09:06,066 --> 00:09:11,096 spectrum -- that we ought to be able to have an honest, 173 00:09:11,100 --> 00:09:17,100 calm debate about health care, the need for health care reform, 174 00:09:17,100 --> 00:09:20,500 without disparaging each other. 175 00:09:20,500 --> 00:09:22,100 The Press: Is the White House -- this is my last question, 176 00:09:22,100 --> 00:09:24,570 I'm sorry -- is the White House involved -- obviously you guys 177 00:09:24,567 --> 00:09:27,037 are monitoring the votes in the Senate Finance Committee, 178 00:09:27,033 --> 00:09:30,103 but are you making the President's position on 179 00:09:30,100 --> 00:09:32,930 different amendments clear to those senators that are voting? 180 00:09:32,934 --> 00:09:37,734 Mr. Gibbs: We're watching the process and -- 181 00:09:37,734 --> 00:09:40,934 The Press: But are you saying the President believes that a bill is -- 182 00:09:40,934 --> 00:09:42,464 Mr. Gibbs: I can check with Legislative Affairs -- I don't know 183 00:09:42,467 --> 00:09:43,667 that that's the case. 184 00:09:43,667 --> 00:09:46,537 I don't believe we're that involved in 185 00:09:46,533 --> 00:09:47,903 the committee process. 186 00:09:47,900 --> 00:09:48,670 Yes, ma'am. 187 00:09:48,667 --> 00:09:52,067 The Press: Has the President given up on the public option? 188 00:09:52,066 --> 00:09:54,136 Mr. Gibbs: No. Helen, this is -- 189 00:09:54,133 --> 00:09:59,263 The Press: Sure, I ask it day after day because it has great meaning 190 00:09:59,266 --> 00:10:01,466 in this country and you never answer it. 191 00:10:01,467 --> 00:10:04,897 Mr. Gibbs: Well, I apparently don't answer it to your satisfaction. 192 00:10:04,900 --> 00:10:05,830 The Press: That's right. 193 00:10:05,834 --> 00:10:08,734 (Laughter) 194 00:10:08,734 --> 00:10:11,034 Mr. Gibbs: I'll give you the same answer that I gave you 195 00:10:11,033 --> 00:10:14,963 unsatisfactorily for many of those other days. 196 00:10:14,967 --> 00:10:17,737 It's what the President believes in because -- 197 00:10:17,734 --> 00:10:20,304 The Press: Well, is he going to fight for it, or not? 198 00:10:20,300 --> 00:10:23,270 Mr. Gibbs: We're going to work to get choice and competition 199 00:10:23,266 --> 00:10:24,666 into health care reform. 200 00:10:24,667 --> 00:10:26,237 The Press: You're not going to get it. 201 00:10:26,233 --> 00:10:27,333 (Laughter) 202 00:10:27,333 --> 00:10:28,533 Mr. Gibbs: Well, then, why do you keep asking me? 203 00:10:28,533 --> 00:10:30,503 (Laughter) 204 00:10:30,500 --> 00:10:33,070 The Press: Because I want your conscience to bother you. 205 00:10:33,066 --> 00:10:35,436 (Laughter) 206 00:10:35,433 --> 00:10:40,103 Mr. Gibbs: Wow! Should we sit down and I confess a little bit to you? 207 00:10:40,100 --> 00:10:42,830 No, I'm -- go ahead. 208 00:10:42,834 --> 00:10:45,604 The Press: On the -- 209 00:10:45,600 --> 00:10:47,330 Mr. Gibbs: Are you going to make me feel bad, too? 210 00:10:47,333 --> 00:10:50,563 The Press: I am. I want this to weigh on your conscience also. 211 00:10:50,567 --> 00:10:53,697 (Laughter) 212 00:10:53,700 --> 00:10:56,270 You said earlier that if at any point it looks like Iran is 213 00:10:56,266 --> 00:10:59,736 talking us to death, we will take additional steps, 214 00:10:59,734 --> 00:11:01,434 steps to show we mean business. 215 00:11:01,433 --> 00:11:02,163 Two questions. 216 00:11:02,166 --> 00:11:04,636 Number one, do you have a time -- some people have talked about 217 00:11:04,633 --> 00:11:06,333 the end of the year as the -- 218 00:11:06,333 --> 00:11:09,363 Mr. Gibbs: Well, the President has talked about that in the Oval Office. 219 00:11:09,367 --> 00:11:12,097 The Press: Some administration officials yesterday said maybe it's not 220 00:11:12,100 --> 00:11:13,830 the end of the year, maybe it's much sooner than that 221 00:11:13,834 --> 00:11:15,134 if it becomes clear -- 222 00:11:15,133 --> 00:11:17,203 Mr. Gibbs: Well, I think by the end of the year. 223 00:11:17,200 --> 00:11:21,900 As the President said, this is a situation that will be dealt 224 00:11:21,900 --> 00:11:25,370 with; it will either be dealt with with the Iranians choosing 225 00:11:25,367 --> 00:11:28,867 to take a path towards responsibility, 226 00:11:28,867 --> 00:11:31,197 or it will be dealt with collectively with the 227 00:11:31,200 --> 00:11:32,830 international community. 228 00:11:32,834 --> 00:11:36,064 The Press: And on the issue of taking steps to show we mean business, 229 00:11:36,066 --> 00:11:38,596 there are some experts on sanctions and Iranian 230 00:11:38,600 --> 00:11:41,700 sanctions who believe the only thing you could really do that 231 00:11:41,700 --> 00:11:44,430 would have an immediate effect on Iran is the gasoline issue, 232 00:11:44,433 --> 00:11:48,363 is working with other nations, either unilaterally through the 233 00:11:48,367 --> 00:11:52,397 Bayh legislation or through the United Nations, 234 00:11:52,400 --> 00:11:55,800 cutting off gasoline exports from other countries to Iran. 235 00:11:55,800 --> 00:11:57,970 Is that on the table for the administration? 236 00:11:57,967 --> 00:11:59,697 How do you feel about the Bayh legislation? 237 00:11:59,700 --> 00:12:03,200 Mr. Gibbs: Well, I would say that as the President said last 238 00:12:03,200 --> 00:12:10,000 week when he and other leaders discussed the facility of Qom, 239 00:12:10,000 --> 00:12:14,330 that if they didn't address this, 240 00:12:14,333 --> 00:12:17,763 if they didn't live up to their responsibilities, 241 00:12:17,767 --> 00:12:19,897 then we'd take action. 242 00:12:19,900 --> 00:12:24,330 I think, I wouldn't pull anything off the table. 243 00:12:24,333 --> 00:12:25,933 We want to work, and have worked, 244 00:12:25,934 --> 00:12:30,734 collectively with our P5-plus-1 partners to get to this point. 245 00:12:30,734 --> 00:12:32,064 I think we've made progress. 246 00:12:32,066 --> 00:12:37,266 And we'll continue to make plans for what might happen if the 247 00:12:37,266 --> 00:12:39,466 Iranians don't live up to their obligations. 248 00:12:39,467 --> 00:12:41,597 The Press: And could you clarify where exactly does it stand 249 00:12:41,600 --> 00:12:46,300 after today's meeting for the next meeting? 250 00:12:46,300 --> 00:12:51,600 Mr. Gibbs: Watching Javier Solana's comments, 251 00:12:51,600 --> 00:12:53,900 I believe there will be a meeting before 252 00:12:53,900 --> 00:12:55,800 the end of October. 253 00:12:55,800 --> 00:12:58,700 But I don't -- from what I saw, that date has 254 00:12:58,700 --> 00:13:00,100 not yet been announced. 255 00:13:00,100 --> 00:13:02,030 The Press: And is that satisfactory to the United States? 256 00:13:02,033 --> 00:13:08,333 Mr. Gibbs: Well, we are -- we do know from his comments that the 257 00:13:08,333 --> 00:13:09,833 agenda is on the nuclear program. 258 00:13:09,834 --> 00:13:13,804 And I think -- again, that's progress from what we had heard 259 00:13:13,800 --> 00:13:17,900 weeks ago, and even a week ago, that the Iranians were not going 260 00:13:17,900 --> 00:13:20,470 to discuss their nuclear program. 261 00:13:20,467 --> 00:13:26,167 But again, Chip, this is -- we've worked this methodically. 262 00:13:26,166 --> 00:13:29,766 We're not going to talk this issue to death. 263 00:13:29,767 --> 00:13:32,337 The Iranians are going to have to take responsibility, 264 00:13:32,333 --> 00:13:36,233 demonstrate their actions mean something, 265 00:13:36,233 --> 00:13:41,603 and if we or others in the P5-plus-1 don't get the feeling 266 00:13:41,600 --> 00:13:43,770 that they are, then we'll take steps. 267 00:13:43,767 --> 00:13:45,267 The Press: And inspectors need to be allowed into 268 00:13:45,266 --> 00:13:46,966 this facility by when? 269 00:13:46,967 --> 00:13:52,697 Mr. Gibbs: I believe in the next couple of weeks, as Mr. Solana said. 270 00:13:52,700 --> 00:13:53,500 The Press: But is that a deadline, 271 00:13:53,500 --> 00:13:55,030 as far as the United States is concerned? 272 00:13:55,033 --> 00:13:57,303 I mean, or will Iran just keep extending 273 00:13:57,300 --> 00:13:59,300 and stringing you along? 274 00:13:59,300 --> 00:14:01,330 Mr. Gibbs: Well, then they would not be living up to those 275 00:14:01,333 --> 00:14:03,503 obligations, and then we'd move to the next phase. 276 00:14:03,500 --> 00:14:06,130 Again, this is not an issue that's going to 277 00:14:06,133 --> 00:14:07,063 be talked to death. 278 00:14:07,066 --> 00:14:09,736 This is not an issue that is going to go years and years and 279 00:14:09,734 --> 00:14:13,264 years, or even months and months and months. 280 00:14:13,266 --> 00:14:13,866 Yes, sir. 281 00:14:13,867 --> 00:14:15,137 The Press: Just to quickly follow up, 282 00:14:15,133 --> 00:14:19,363 a month is not a short amount of time in this case. 283 00:14:19,367 --> 00:14:22,097 If the next meeting is not until the end of October -- 284 00:14:22,100 --> 00:14:24,200 Mr. Gibbs: Well, by the end of October. 285 00:14:24,200 --> 00:14:28,830 The Press: So the expectation is these inspections happen in the 286 00:14:28,834 --> 00:14:30,834 next couple of weeks, then the meeting, correct? 287 00:14:30,834 --> 00:14:32,904 Mr. Gibbs: Yes, I don't know -- I admit, 288 00:14:32,900 --> 00:14:37,370 I don't know the -- I have not seen from the IAEA the exact 289 00:14:37,367 --> 00:14:39,497 timing of the next meeting. 290 00:14:39,500 --> 00:14:40,930 The Press: A couple of other items. 291 00:14:40,934 --> 00:14:43,434 Senator Harkin, chairman of the Senate HELP Committee, 292 00:14:43,433 --> 00:14:48,103 today said no Republicans would be at the table in the Senate 293 00:14:48,100 --> 00:14:49,800 when his bill and the Senate Finance 294 00:14:49,800 --> 00:14:52,330 Committee bill is merged. 295 00:14:52,333 --> 00:14:57,433 Is that what the White House thinks ought to be the case? 296 00:14:57,433 --> 00:14:59,063 Mr. Gibbs: I'm not going to get ahead of the bill getting out of 297 00:14:59,066 --> 00:15:02,336 the Finance Committee, and I haven't seen those comments. 298 00:15:02,333 --> 00:15:07,033 The Press: Second thing, today House added a provision -- 299 00:15:07,033 --> 00:15:11,603 motion in one of these ways that the House can do these things, 300 00:15:11,600 --> 00:15:15,130 inside the Homeland Security appropriations bill that would 301 00:15:15,133 --> 00:15:19,103 prevent anybody who has been detained in Gitmo to be 302 00:15:19,100 --> 00:15:21,130 transferred to a U.S. prison. 303 00:15:21,133 --> 00:15:24,133 And if this motion passed the House, obviously, 304 00:15:24,133 --> 00:15:26,363 you'd have to see it and it would be a part of that 305 00:15:26,367 --> 00:15:30,737 appropriations -- are you guys -- are you guys going to 306 00:15:30,734 --> 00:15:34,664 actively work to make sure this gets taken out? 307 00:15:34,667 --> 00:15:36,737 Mr. Gibbs: Let me talk With Legislative Affairs. 308 00:15:36,734 --> 00:15:39,804 I have not seen that provision, but I will tell you that -- 309 00:15:39,800 --> 00:15:41,230 The Press: I assume you're not supportive of this provision. 310 00:15:41,233 --> 00:15:42,903 Mr. Gibbs: The President is going to do what it takes to 311 00:15:42,900 --> 00:15:45,330 close Guantanamo Bay. 312 00:15:45,333 --> 00:15:47,463 That's what he promised, and that's what he intends to do, 313 00:15:47,467 --> 00:15:49,067 because it will improve our security. 314 00:15:49,066 --> 00:15:50,666 The Press: And quickly, on this text messaging, 315 00:15:50,667 --> 00:15:53,797 are you -- how are you -- this means you cannot use your 316 00:15:53,800 --> 00:15:55,700 BlackBerry in your car, correct? 317 00:15:55,700 --> 00:15:56,500 Mr. Gibbs: That's what I'm told. 318 00:15:56,500 --> 00:15:58,100 (Laughter) 319 00:15:58,100 --> 00:15:59,100 That's what I'm told. 320 00:15:59,100 --> 00:16:02,970 The Press: Are you going to be able to do this? 321 00:16:02,967 --> 00:16:05,137 Mr. Gibbs: Well, I assume that somebody would take my picture and 322 00:16:05,133 --> 00:16:06,463 show it to the President, which wouldn't be good. 323 00:16:06,467 --> 00:16:07,737 The Press: It should weigh on your conscience, too. 324 00:16:07,734 --> 00:16:08,734 (Laughter) 325 00:16:08,734 --> 00:16:10,204 Mr. Gibbs: I was going to say, not to mention the -- the 326 00:16:10,200 --> 00:16:11,770 additional conscience burdens one bears -- 327 00:16:11,767 --> 00:16:12,597 The Press: I thought you had none. 328 00:16:12,600 --> 00:16:13,930 (Laughter) 329 00:16:13,934 --> 00:16:14,934 Mr. Gibbs: -- each and every day at work. Well -- 330 00:16:14,934 --> 00:16:18,334 The Press: So you can use a private BlackBerry and 331 00:16:18,333 --> 00:16:19,733 text while driving? 332 00:16:19,734 --> 00:16:20,864 Or you can use a -- but you can't use your government -- 333 00:16:20,867 --> 00:16:23,867 Mr. Gibbs: I think it would be a good example for me not 334 00:16:23,867 --> 00:16:26,037 to use any BlackBerry -- 335 00:16:26,033 --> 00:16:27,333 The Press: -- to change your behavior? 336 00:16:27,333 --> 00:16:31,033 Mr. Gibbs: To what? I'm going to have to. Look, I don't think there's -- 337 00:16:31,033 --> 00:16:31,903 The Press: You going to get a driver? 338 00:16:31,900 --> 00:16:32,670 (Laughter) 339 00:16:32,667 --> 00:16:34,337 Mr. Gibbs: Look, I don't think there's any -- no -- 340 00:16:34,333 --> 00:16:35,303 (Laughter) 341 00:16:35,300 --> 00:16:36,630 -- that wouldn't be -- that would weigh on my conscience. 342 00:16:36,633 --> 00:16:37,463 (Laughter) 343 00:16:37,467 --> 00:16:42,867 No, look, I think it's -- we've all read accounts of horrific 344 00:16:42,867 --> 00:16:45,937 accidents, of what happens. 345 00:16:45,934 --> 00:16:49,104 I think all of us understand -- we've all done this and we all 346 00:16:49,100 --> 00:16:51,670 understand that had we not looked up at a certain point we 347 00:16:51,667 --> 00:16:53,167 might have hit somebody in front of us. 348 00:16:53,166 --> 00:16:58,336 And it's a serious problem, and this is the 349 00:16:58,333 --> 00:16:59,533 beginning of addressing that. 350 00:16:59,533 --> 00:17:02,663 And we'll all have to rightly change our behavior. 351 00:17:02,667 --> 00:17:04,037 So I'll call you when I get home. 352 00:17:04,033 --> 00:17:05,833 (Laughter) 353 00:17:05,834 --> 00:17:07,334 The Press: On a different subject, 354 00:17:07,333 --> 00:17:11,903 the right went after Van Jones for statements that 355 00:17:11,900 --> 00:17:13,800 he had made in the past. 356 00:17:13,800 --> 00:17:14,830 He lost a job. 357 00:17:14,834 --> 00:17:18,334 This guy Yosi Sergant at the National Endowment of the Arts 358 00:17:18,333 --> 00:17:20,133 was their next target. 359 00:17:20,133 --> 00:17:22,133 He lost his job. 360 00:17:22,133 --> 00:17:26,563 Now conservatives are going after Kevin Jennings at the 361 00:17:26,567 --> 00:17:31,467 Department of Education for what they say is, I don't know, 362 00:17:31,467 --> 00:17:33,567 facilitating -- I can't tell what it was 363 00:17:33,567 --> 00:17:35,137 -- but anyway, something bad. 364 00:17:35,133 --> 00:17:38,663 (Laughter) 365 00:17:38,667 --> 00:17:41,567 It was facilitating statutory rape. 366 00:17:41,567 --> 00:17:44,667 And I'm wondering, first of all, if you guys -- are you aware of 367 00:17:44,667 --> 00:17:46,537 this latest campaign? 368 00:17:46,533 --> 00:17:49,103 Do you have anything substantive to say about what they are 369 00:17:49,100 --> 00:17:51,130 saying about this guy, Kevin Jennings, 370 00:17:51,133 --> 00:17:57,703 and when does -- what do you think of this hop-scotching from 371 00:17:57,700 --> 00:18:01,500 appointment -- Obama appointment to Obama appointment like this? 372 00:18:01,500 --> 00:18:04,300 Mr. Gibbs: Well, I think the Department of Education 373 00:18:04,300 --> 00:18:05,670 had a statement on this. 374 00:18:05,667 --> 00:18:08,537 I would point you to that. 375 00:18:08,533 --> 00:18:16,963 I think there are many good people from every political 376 00:18:16,967 --> 00:18:18,967 persuasion that seek to serve their country 377 00:18:18,967 --> 00:18:22,767 and serve in government. 378 00:18:22,767 --> 00:18:30,737 I think it's a sacrifice, but one that people do voluntarily 379 00:18:30,734 --> 00:18:34,064 because they love their country. 380 00:18:34,066 --> 00:18:40,766 I think it's a shame to watch what they do -- I think it's a 381 00:18:40,767 --> 00:18:45,567 shame -- I hope that as people watch, 382 00:18:45,567 --> 00:18:50,997 they'll match up some of the actual truth to what is being 383 00:18:51,000 --> 00:18:57,800 said on some of these occasions and start to provide a little 384 00:18:57,800 --> 00:19:01,570 reality check to some of what's going on. 385 00:19:01,567 --> 00:19:04,767 The Press: But some in your camp would say that it's -- the White 386 00:19:04,767 --> 00:19:10,437 House has the power to stop it simply by no longer pushing 387 00:19:10,433 --> 00:19:12,863 these guys out of their positions. 388 00:19:12,867 --> 00:19:16,297 Is there any truth to that? 389 00:19:16,300 --> 00:19:19,470 Mr. Gibbs: I think in previous occasions that you mentioned are people 390 00:19:19,467 --> 00:19:21,767 that resigned on their own volition. 391 00:19:21,767 --> 00:19:25,937 The Press: Robert, can you explain why you won't mention in any way 392 00:19:25,934 --> 00:19:28,634 anything about the use of Predators in 393 00:19:28,633 --> 00:19:30,663 Afghanistan and Pakistan? 394 00:19:30,667 --> 00:19:39,797 Mr. Gibbs: I am not going to get into discussing military operations. 395 00:19:39,800 --> 00:19:43,800 The Press: Well, you discuss military operations, but you just 396 00:19:43,800 --> 00:19:50,800 always refuse to address anything about 397 00:19:50,800 --> 00:19:52,400 the use of Predators. 398 00:19:52,400 --> 00:19:53,970 Mr. Gibbs: Yes. 399 00:19:53,967 --> 00:19:55,137 (Laughter) 400 00:19:55,133 --> 00:19:57,233 The Press: Can you tell us if any progress was -- 401 00:19:57,233 --> 00:19:58,463 The Press: Why? 402 00:19:58,467 --> 00:19:59,967 The Press: Well, that's what I asked, but he, 403 00:19:59,967 --> 00:20:01,367 at peril of his conscience, he wouldn't answer. 404 00:20:01,367 --> 00:20:02,667 (Laughter) 405 00:20:02,667 --> 00:20:06,467 Mr. Gibbs: Well, I am -- there are I think a series of things 406 00:20:06,467 --> 00:20:15,637 that many in my position over the years have chosen for 407 00:20:15,633 --> 00:20:19,103 important national security reasons not to discuss and I'll 408 00:20:19,100 --> 00:20:21,400 continue that tradition. 409 00:20:21,400 --> 00:20:24,900 The Press: Was much progress made in the Sit Room meeting 410 00:20:24,900 --> 00:20:26,570 yesterday afternoon? 411 00:20:26,567 --> 00:20:30,467 Mr. Gibbs: I think there -- I think a lot of progress was made. 412 00:20:30,467 --> 00:20:34,067 Understand -- just to give you a little background -- I think a 413 00:20:34,066 --> 00:20:36,266 lot of us talked to folks on this -- it 414 00:20:36,266 --> 00:20:40,436 lasted the full three hours. 415 00:20:40,433 --> 00:20:47,233 There was I think a very constructive conversation and 416 00:20:47,233 --> 00:20:52,203 assessment about where we were, understanding that the President 417 00:20:52,200 --> 00:20:56,530 in March made decisions to send additional forces to the region 418 00:20:56,533 --> 00:20:59,863 to secure Afghanistan ahead of its election and then to 419 00:20:59,867 --> 00:21:06,537 evaluate at the conclusion of that where we stood. 420 00:21:06,533 --> 00:21:10,203 And we started off in many ways exactly where 421 00:21:10,200 --> 00:21:12,430 we thought we'd be. 422 00:21:12,433 --> 00:21:16,303 We had an opportunity to get a fairly in-depth intelligence 423 00:21:16,300 --> 00:21:24,000 assessment on what's going on in Afghanistan and Pakistan, 424 00:21:24,000 --> 00:21:27,870 and to assess individually where we are in each, 425 00:21:27,867 --> 00:21:29,767 and what's changed since March. 426 00:21:29,767 --> 00:21:35,237 And I think you've seen cases where things have gone and 427 00:21:35,233 --> 00:21:40,663 advanced more quickly than one might have thought originally. 428 00:21:40,667 --> 00:21:46,197 I would put in that category obviously the cooperation that 429 00:21:46,200 --> 00:21:49,630 the international community has gotten from Pakistan in dealing 430 00:21:49,633 --> 00:21:54,533 directly with threats within their borders. 431 00:21:54,533 --> 00:21:57,133 Obviously there remain a series of challenges, 432 00:21:57,133 --> 00:22:01,803 not the least which is, as General McChrystal talked about, 433 00:22:01,800 --> 00:22:05,070 a security situation that has deteriorated more rapidly than 434 00:22:05,066 --> 00:22:12,936 many supposed in Afghanistan, as well as continued uncertainty 435 00:22:12,934 --> 00:22:14,734 around election results. 436 00:22:14,734 --> 00:22:18,304 The Press: Will it take another three sessions for a 437 00:22:18,300 --> 00:22:20,630 strategy to be drafted? 438 00:22:20,633 --> 00:22:27,263 Mr. Gibbs: I think it probably at a -- likely at a minimum. 439 00:22:27,266 --> 00:22:29,096 This was the second long meeting that the President 440 00:22:29,100 --> 00:22:33,730 has held to discuss this. 441 00:22:33,734 --> 00:22:36,304 There are two more, as you know, scheduled for next week, 442 00:22:36,300 --> 00:22:39,500 on Wednesday and Friday, the agendas with which are being 443 00:22:39,500 --> 00:22:43,630 drawn up by principals that were in the meeting 444 00:22:43,633 --> 00:22:44,763 along with the President. 445 00:22:44,767 --> 00:22:51,067 And, look, the President got a chance yesterday to hear from -- 446 00:22:51,066 --> 00:22:54,136 a robust discussion with the intelligence community and 447 00:22:54,133 --> 00:22:58,933 robust discussion with military and diplomatic advisors that 448 00:22:58,934 --> 00:23:02,504 participated from the region. 449 00:23:02,500 --> 00:23:06,870 The President heard from, by my count, 450 00:23:06,867 --> 00:23:10,267 17 different people as part of that meeting. 451 00:23:10,266 --> 00:23:13,096 I think it was exceedingly productive. 452 00:23:13,100 --> 00:23:15,270 I think the President and I think most of the participants 453 00:23:15,266 --> 00:23:16,596 thought that as well. 454 00:23:16,600 --> 00:23:19,230 The Press: On the timing, did Jones leave early to brief the senators? 455 00:23:19,233 --> 00:23:20,133 I wasn't -- 456 00:23:20,133 --> 00:23:25,163 Mr. Gibbs: He did. We had a commitment to brief them on both the process 457 00:23:25,166 --> 00:23:31,896 in Afghanistan, as well as developments with Iran. 458 00:23:31,900 --> 00:23:35,670 I believe -- I could check my notes -- I think he left 459 00:23:35,667 --> 00:23:39,767 sometime in the third hour of the meeting. 460 00:23:39,767 --> 00:23:44,467 But again, I would say, Jones -- I don't know how long -- there 461 00:23:44,467 --> 00:23:49,497 was a principals committee meeting the day before the 462 00:23:49,500 --> 00:23:52,800 meeting with the President that Jones chaired throughout, 463 00:23:52,800 --> 00:23:56,000 so there wasn't anything discussed in the meeting that he 464 00:23:56,000 --> 00:23:57,630 hasn't been working through. 465 00:23:57,633 --> 00:24:00,403 The Press: And then a FOIA-Fed question -- it was this FOIA request to 466 00:24:00,400 --> 00:24:03,830 compel the Fed to release the banks that 467 00:24:03,834 --> 00:24:05,734 received some funding. 468 00:24:05,734 --> 00:24:10,864 Yesterday Kagan supported the Fed's decision not to go ahead 469 00:24:10,867 --> 00:24:12,397 with an appeal on that. 470 00:24:12,400 --> 00:24:14,370 How does this square with transparency? 471 00:24:14,367 --> 00:24:16,667 I mean, Kagan is, like, allowing the Fed not to 472 00:24:16,667 --> 00:24:17,697 release these names. 473 00:24:17,700 --> 00:24:20,000 You guys talk about transparency all the time. 474 00:24:20,000 --> 00:24:22,830 Mr. Gibbs: Well, we don't just talk about transparency. 475 00:24:22,834 --> 00:24:26,004 We're the first administration in the history of the country, 476 00:24:26,000 --> 00:24:30,770 Hans, to let you know, beginning soon on a regular basis, 477 00:24:30,767 --> 00:24:33,467 who comes into the White House, who they come to meet with, 478 00:24:33,467 --> 00:24:36,897 and how long they're here. 479 00:24:36,900 --> 00:24:39,570 The Fed is an independent agency, and I'm not going to 480 00:24:39,567 --> 00:24:43,667 get into discussing an ongoing case that's -- 481 00:24:43,667 --> 00:24:44,767 The Press: It's independent, but Kagan, 482 00:24:44,767 --> 00:24:47,467 as part of your administration, is supporting their actions. 483 00:24:47,467 --> 00:24:52,437 Mr. Gibbs: In her responsibility as a Solicitor General, 484 00:24:52,433 --> 00:24:53,733 as part of the Department of Justice. 485 00:24:53,734 --> 00:24:56,334 But I'm not going to get into discussing an active -- 486 00:24:56,333 --> 00:24:58,663 The Press: Robert, a couple on Afghanistan and Iran, 487 00:24:58,667 --> 00:25:01,537 but I just want to follow up on Chuck's question about -- in 488 00:25:01,533 --> 00:25:06,133 general, doesn't the White House believe it's proper in most 489 00:25:06,133 --> 00:25:09,703 cases, if not all cases, necessary for the opposition 490 00:25:09,700 --> 00:25:12,030 party, in this case Republicans, to be involved in a conference 491 00:25:12,033 --> 00:25:18,233 committee debate on a significant piece of legislation 492 00:25:18,233 --> 00:25:20,133 -- sort of melding of two large committee bills as is 493 00:25:20,133 --> 00:25:22,533 contemplated by Chairman Harkin. 494 00:25:22,533 --> 00:25:25,133 Mr. Gibbs: The White House and the Finance Committee have been 495 00:25:25,133 --> 00:25:29,203 actively working with Republicans for months; 496 00:25:29,200 --> 00:25:32,870 200 some amendments -- or almost 200 amendments were approved by 497 00:25:32,867 --> 00:25:36,497 Republicans on the HELP bill. 498 00:25:36,500 --> 00:25:38,770 Again, the same answer I gave yesterday; 499 00:25:38,767 --> 00:25:40,967 we're happy to work with Republicans that are happy 500 00:25:40,967 --> 00:25:42,167 to work with us. 501 00:25:42,166 --> 00:25:46,496 But understand, Major, we -- I got asked yesterday about House 502 00:25:46,500 --> 00:25:48,600 leadership and why they haven't had a chance to talk to the 503 00:25:48,600 --> 00:25:52,370 President, when three months ago they declared what the President 504 00:25:52,367 --> 00:25:56,437 was doing was something they couldn't support. 505 00:25:56,433 --> 00:25:59,363 It's unclear to me what it is they'd do in a meeting -- 506 00:25:59,367 --> 00:26:01,567 reiterate the fact that they, three months ago, 507 00:26:01,567 --> 00:26:03,837 said they didn't support what the President was doing? 508 00:26:03,834 --> 00:26:06,464 The President reads that in the newspaper. 509 00:26:06,467 --> 00:26:09,737 I think the President has worked every step of the way 510 00:26:09,734 --> 00:26:12,534 constructively with Republicans that also want to work 511 00:26:12,533 --> 00:26:13,933 constructively with him. 512 00:26:13,934 --> 00:26:17,404 I don't think that definition has fit each and every member up 513 00:26:17,400 --> 00:26:18,830 there on Capitol Hill. 514 00:26:18,834 --> 00:26:20,834 The Press: On Afghanistan, yesterday in here we talked a little bit 515 00:26:20,834 --> 00:26:23,604 about the political context of timing of how long the 516 00:26:23,600 --> 00:26:25,870 President was to decide, but I want to ask you about 517 00:26:25,867 --> 00:26:27,797 something that may have actually come up in yesterday's meeting 518 00:26:27,800 --> 00:26:29,500 that's more strategic. 519 00:26:29,500 --> 00:26:32,700 Does the President believe -- and his military advisors say he 520 00:26:32,700 --> 00:26:36,970 has some breathing space now on the idea of whether or not to 521 00:26:36,967 --> 00:26:40,437 send additional combat forces because as Secretary Gates said, 522 00:26:40,433 --> 00:26:42,833 even if he were to decide tonight they couldn't arrive to 523 00:26:42,834 --> 00:26:47,034 theater until January, and that typically is a much less active 524 00:26:47,033 --> 00:26:48,633 military time in Afghanistan. 525 00:26:48,633 --> 00:26:50,533 So I'm just curious if you've evaluated that. 526 00:26:50,533 --> 00:26:53,933 Mr. Gibbs: I think the scenario that you outlined is absolutely factual. 527 00:26:53,934 --> 00:26:56,364 I'll tell you as I've told others, 528 00:26:56,367 --> 00:27:00,967 there was not a discussion last night about additional troops. 529 00:27:00,967 --> 00:27:02,467 The Press: In any way, shape or form? 530 00:27:02,467 --> 00:27:03,437 Mr. Gibbs: Not in the three hours. 531 00:27:03,433 --> 00:27:06,163 The Press: But would it be fair to say that within those who are 532 00:27:06,166 --> 00:27:09,066 advising the President there is this idea of a window of 533 00:27:09,066 --> 00:27:12,136 opportunity where a decision, whatever -- is there some room 534 00:27:12,133 --> 00:27:13,103 for that to be made? 535 00:27:13,100 --> 00:27:14,130 Mr. Gibbs: Well, again, I think -- 536 00:27:14,133 --> 00:27:15,133 The Press: -- as a tactical reality. 537 00:27:15,133 --> 00:27:17,563 Mr. Gibbs: I think the scenario that you outlined is certainly factual. 538 00:27:17,567 --> 00:27:22,967 I think there have been concerns brought up about the 539 00:27:22,967 --> 00:27:26,097 availability of troops in the near term, as well. 540 00:27:26,100 --> 00:27:29,070 I think all of those are certainly factors that will have 541 00:27:29,066 --> 00:27:33,166 to go into a decision-making process at a point in which we 542 00:27:33,166 --> 00:27:36,696 get to that discussion. 543 00:27:36,700 --> 00:27:39,770 We weren't at that point last evening. 544 00:27:39,767 --> 00:27:43,837 The Press: On Iran, there was -- in addition to the plenary session 545 00:27:43,834 --> 00:27:45,604 there was a bilateral conversation between 546 00:27:45,600 --> 00:27:48,000 Mr. Burns and Mr. Jalili. 547 00:27:48,000 --> 00:27:50,500 This constitutes the highest-level engagement of the 548 00:27:50,500 --> 00:27:53,400 two countries diplomatically since 1979. 549 00:27:53,400 --> 00:27:56,200 Do you want to comment about the weight the American people 550 00:27:56,200 --> 00:27:58,600 should give to that, what it signals? 551 00:27:58,600 --> 00:28:01,700 Is that in itself, according to the White House, 552 00:28:01,700 --> 00:28:04,400 a positive development about where this might be heading? 553 00:28:04,400 --> 00:28:10,730 Mr. Gibbs: Understand that Mr. Burns outlined again for the 554 00:28:10,734 --> 00:28:15,134 Iranians the case that the P5-plus-1 outlined to the 555 00:28:15,133 --> 00:28:19,903 broader group earlier in the day, and reiterated 556 00:28:19,900 --> 00:28:26,900 to them that -- the responsibilities that they have. 557 00:28:26,900 --> 00:28:32,700 There was -- Mr. Burns brought up the issue of human rights. 558 00:28:32,700 --> 00:28:44,200 And I think again, this can be productive if, and only if, 559 00:28:44,200 --> 00:28:47,270 the Iranians decide to live up to those responsibilities. 560 00:28:47,266 --> 00:28:51,066 At a point in which they make a decision not to, 561 00:28:51,066 --> 00:28:53,396 then I think not only will America know, 562 00:28:53,400 --> 00:28:56,930 but the world will know that they're not interested in 563 00:28:56,934 --> 00:28:58,204 dealing with this on the level. 564 00:28:58,200 --> 00:29:00,470 The Press: Also, at his press conference, Mr. Jalili said, 565 00:29:00,467 --> 00:29:02,837 there are a number of other issues the Iranians believe are 566 00:29:02,834 --> 00:29:05,804 essential to these talks. 567 00:29:05,800 --> 00:29:08,500 He listed drug trafficking, human trafficking, 568 00:29:08,500 --> 00:29:10,070 the international financial meltdown, 569 00:29:10,066 --> 00:29:12,266 regional security issues. 570 00:29:12,266 --> 00:29:16,236 All of those are, I would assume, from the U.S. 571 00:29:16,233 --> 00:29:20,003 perspective, side issues or minimal issues next to the 572 00:29:20,000 --> 00:29:22,300 future of the Iranian nuclear program. 573 00:29:22,300 --> 00:29:25,100 How would your rate them, and do you consider that an attempt to 574 00:29:25,100 --> 00:29:27,130 drag or slow these conversations down? 575 00:29:27,133 --> 00:29:29,203 Mr. Gibbs: I think the point of these conversations is clearly 576 00:29:29,200 --> 00:29:31,830 about Iran's nuclear program. 577 00:29:31,834 --> 00:29:37,234 That's what the team from the P5-plus-1 spent that time 578 00:29:37,233 --> 00:29:41,333 talking to the Iranians about, and that's what we expect 579 00:29:41,333 --> 00:29:45,503 concrete action to follow on promises that they made. 580 00:29:45,500 --> 00:29:48,070 The Press: Raising these issues, is that a distraction or a 581 00:29:48,066 --> 00:29:50,236 diversion or something to undermine these talks? 582 00:29:50,233 --> 00:29:53,403 Mr. Gibbs: Well, again, I think the Iranians know the 583 00:29:53,400 --> 00:29:56,270 responsibilities that they have to live up to, 584 00:29:56,266 --> 00:30:00,466 and now we expect them to take the steps that they agreed to 585 00:30:00,467 --> 00:30:03,797 with the IAEA today. 586 00:30:03,800 --> 00:30:04,830 Jeffrey. 587 00:30:04,834 --> 00:30:07,834 The Press: I was wondering if the President feels that at some 588 00:30:07,834 --> 00:30:11,434 point before making his next big decision on Afghanistan, 589 00:30:11,433 --> 00:30:15,803 if he needs to visit the country himself, 590 00:30:15,800 --> 00:30:17,500 since he has not yet as President. 591 00:30:17,500 --> 00:30:22,100 Mr. Gibbs: I don't know if anything -- I think this got mentioned 592 00:30:22,100 --> 00:30:26,730 earlier in the week and I hesitate to -- I hesitated 593 00:30:26,734 --> 00:30:29,534 then to talk about it. 594 00:30:29,533 --> 00:30:32,063 I don't know if anything is on the schedule. 595 00:30:32,066 --> 00:30:40,536 I think obviously the President believes that we're getting a 596 00:30:40,533 --> 00:30:44,903 lot of good information from all sides of this, 597 00:30:44,900 --> 00:30:49,230 and we're going to take the time to make a methodical decision. 598 00:30:49,233 --> 00:30:50,533 The Press: On a separate question about the Olympics, 599 00:30:50,533 --> 00:30:54,403 what is he going on this long flight to prepare for what he 600 00:30:54,400 --> 00:30:57,100 needs to do during his short time there? 601 00:30:57,100 --> 00:30:58,130 What type of briefings -- 602 00:30:58,133 --> 00:30:59,063 Mr. Gibbs: Sit-ups, push-ups. 603 00:30:59,066 --> 00:31:00,336 (Laughter) 604 00:31:00,333 --> 00:31:02,533 The Press: What type of briefings has he been given, 605 00:31:02,533 --> 00:31:06,963 and who is briefing him, and what does he need to accomplish? 606 00:31:06,967 --> 00:31:11,567 Mr. Gibbs: Well, look, I think obviously he's going to make an appeal for 607 00:31:11,567 --> 00:31:17,167 -- on behalf of all of America to showcase America 608 00:31:17,166 --> 00:31:19,966 to the world in 2016. 609 00:31:19,967 --> 00:31:23,767 He will work on remarks that he'll make as part of the IOC 610 00:31:23,767 --> 00:31:27,397 presentation -- I'm sorry, part of the American IOC 611 00:31:27,400 --> 00:31:36,170 presentation, and will likely continue to make calls to 612 00:31:36,166 --> 00:31:37,766 members that are going to vote. 613 00:31:37,767 --> 00:31:43,097 The Press: Has he been focusing on leaders beyond the leaders 614 00:31:43,100 --> 00:31:46,070 from African countries, or has that been his primary focus? 615 00:31:46,066 --> 00:31:50,636 Mr. Gibbs: Well, he's -- some from there and some from other 616 00:31:50,633 --> 00:31:53,103 parts of the world. 617 00:31:53,100 --> 00:31:56,200 The Press: Will it be like a caucus, one and two and three process? 618 00:31:56,200 --> 00:31:57,670 Mr. Gibbs: I don't know if they've got everybody lined up 619 00:31:57,667 --> 00:32:01,667 quite like that, and -- a little bit, a little bit. 620 00:32:01,667 --> 00:32:05,697 The Press: Why can General McChrystal not come back and brief Congress? 621 00:32:05,700 --> 00:32:07,600 Mr. Gibbs: I'm sorry? 622 00:32:07,600 --> 00:32:10,070 The Press: A number of members of Congress have asked General 623 00:32:10,066 --> 00:32:13,136 McChrystal to come brief them on Afghanistan. 624 00:32:13,133 --> 00:32:15,003 And I believe they were told that he needed 625 00:32:15,000 --> 00:32:16,830 to stay in Afghanistan. 626 00:32:16,834 --> 00:32:19,534 Yet he was in London giving a speech this morning. 627 00:32:19,533 --> 00:32:23,233 Senator McCain was particularly vehement on this today. 628 00:32:23,233 --> 00:32:24,333 Why can't General -- 629 00:32:24,333 --> 00:32:28,403 Mr. Gibbs: I've not seen Senator McCain's comments on that. 630 00:32:28,400 --> 00:32:29,970 The Press: It's okay with the President if he comes back? 631 00:32:29,967 --> 00:32:32,837 Mr. Gibbs: I'd certainly like to see the comments and -- 632 00:32:32,834 --> 00:32:36,264 The Press: Robert, Senate Majority -- Minority Leader Mitch 633 00:32:36,266 --> 00:32:38,966 McConnell has called for this; congressman after congressman 634 00:32:38,967 --> 00:32:40,597 have called for this; Joe Lieberman has called for this -- 635 00:32:40,600 --> 00:32:41,770 there's a whole bunch of people. 636 00:32:41,767 --> 00:32:42,737 Does the White House -- 637 00:32:42,734 --> 00:32:44,604 Mr. Gibbs: I'll be happy to look at those -- I'll be happy -- 638 00:32:44,600 --> 00:32:45,830 The Press: -- this has been for days. 639 00:32:45,834 --> 00:32:47,404 The Press: We're not asking about the comments, we're asking -- 640 00:32:47,400 --> 00:32:48,530 The Press: About the idea of General McChrystal -- 641 00:32:48,533 --> 00:32:50,263 Mr. Gibbs: And I'd like to see the comments. 642 00:32:50,266 --> 00:32:51,896 But at that point, I could comment for you. 643 00:32:51,900 --> 00:32:53,130 The Press: But, forget the comments. 644 00:32:53,133 --> 00:32:54,263 Should General McChrystal be able to come back 645 00:32:54,266 --> 00:32:55,366 to Congress and testify? 646 00:32:55,367 --> 00:32:56,337 The Press: Should he testify before the President makes a 647 00:32:56,333 --> 00:32:57,733 decision I guess is what -- 648 00:32:57,734 --> 00:32:59,134 Mr. Gibbs: I'm happy to look at the comments. 649 00:32:59,133 --> 00:33:01,203 The Press: This is not about comments. 650 00:33:01,200 --> 00:33:03,430 This is about the General -- is General McChrystal 651 00:33:03,433 --> 00:33:04,603 going to testify before -- 652 00:33:04,600 --> 00:33:06,400 Mr. Gibbs: I'm happy to look at what the basis of your question 653 00:33:06,400 --> 00:33:08,530 is and get back to you. Margaret. 654 00:33:08,533 --> 00:33:10,403 The Press: A couple of personnel questions. 655 00:33:10,400 --> 00:33:13,600 The White House today is announcing that the NSC's Chief 656 00:33:13,600 --> 00:33:16,830 of Staff Mark Lippert is going to be leaving to return to 657 00:33:16,834 --> 00:33:18,504 active duty in the Navy. 658 00:33:18,500 --> 00:33:21,800 Does this move have any underlying differences of 659 00:33:21,800 --> 00:33:24,630 opinion or a broader personnel move about it, 660 00:33:24,633 --> 00:33:27,333 or is this entirely a personal decision by Mark? 661 00:33:27,333 --> 00:33:33,103 Mr. Gibbs: Mark has been with the President since probably 662 00:33:33,100 --> 00:33:37,430 January or February of 2005, when he first joined -- when the 663 00:33:37,433 --> 00:33:40,333 President first came to the U.S. Senate. 664 00:33:40,333 --> 00:33:42,863 Mark's been in the Reserves. 665 00:33:42,867 --> 00:33:48,537 Mark was activated in -- some time in the spring of 2007. 666 00:33:48,533 --> 00:33:54,963 I remember when Mark told me he was going to Iraq, 667 00:33:54,967 --> 00:33:59,067 we were in a parking lot outside of a high school in Iowa, 668 00:33:59,066 --> 00:34:05,896 and he wanted to tell me before he told Senator Obama, 669 00:34:05,900 --> 00:34:09,470 because he wanted to see -- he said to me, 670 00:34:09,467 --> 00:34:15,197 "I don't want him to think I'm letting you guys down" -- 671 00:34:15,200 --> 00:34:18,370 somebody who was going to serve our country in Iraq. 672 00:34:18,367 --> 00:34:20,067 The Press: -- or is there anything else going on? 673 00:34:20,066 --> 00:34:22,836 Mr. Gibbs: He and I had a discussion. 674 00:34:22,834 --> 00:34:27,064 Mark, again, served our country, as hundreds of thousands of men 675 00:34:27,066 --> 00:34:29,896 and women in Iraq and Afghanistan and in other places 676 00:34:29,900 --> 00:34:35,630 throughout this country have, admirably and bravely. 677 00:34:35,633 --> 00:34:39,203 Mark has wanted for a long time to return to service. 678 00:34:39,200 --> 00:34:43,170 He and I had a discussion before the end of the campaign in a 679 00:34:43,166 --> 00:34:49,436 barn on an apple farm in New Hampshire. 680 00:34:49,433 --> 00:34:52,533 We were inside because it was raining outside. 681 00:34:52,533 --> 00:34:56,333 And Mark wanted my opinion because he said, 682 00:34:56,333 --> 00:34:59,263 "I'm struggling, if we win, about going to the White House, 683 00:34:59,266 --> 00:35:01,836 because the truth is I might also want to 684 00:35:01,834 --> 00:35:03,204 go back to the Navy." 685 00:35:03,200 --> 00:35:06,000 He talked to the President about that before he made a 686 00:35:06,000 --> 00:35:09,830 decision to come here, and I think Mark just wants to serve 687 00:35:09,834 --> 00:35:16,304 right now in the Navy as an intelligence officer. 688 00:35:16,300 --> 00:35:17,700 The Press: I just want to do my second personnel question, 689 00:35:17,700 --> 00:35:20,000 which is on Peter Galbraith. 690 00:35:20,000 --> 00:35:24,630 Yesterday the administration said that his firing was a U.N. 691 00:35:24,633 --> 00:35:27,763 personnel matter, but my sort of follow-up question is, 692 00:35:27,767 --> 00:35:29,397 does the White House support the U.N.'s 693 00:35:29,400 --> 00:35:31,700 decision, did the White House get a heads-up, 694 00:35:31,700 --> 00:35:34,530 and did the White House protest or accept the decision -- 695 00:35:34,533 --> 00:35:38,903 Mr. Gibbs: I'd push you to the U.N. as a U.N. personnel matter. 696 00:35:38,900 --> 00:35:40,200 Did you have a follow-up? 697 00:35:40,200 --> 00:35:42,570 The Press: I had a question about Afghanistan. 698 00:35:42,567 --> 00:35:44,667 You mentioned intelligence -- getting an in-depth 699 00:35:44,667 --> 00:35:46,297 intelligence briefing yesterday. 700 00:35:46,300 --> 00:35:50,900 How much of that discussion in the intelligence briefing there 701 00:35:50,900 --> 00:35:54,130 and just the broader Afghanistan discussion is about trying to 702 00:35:54,133 --> 00:36:00,703 really get down into the details of how much the al Qaeda-Taliban 703 00:36:00,700 --> 00:36:05,130 threat is a transnational threat versus a regional threat? 704 00:36:05,133 --> 00:36:06,363 Does that make sense? 705 00:36:06,367 --> 00:36:07,497 Mr. Gibbs: Yes, absolutely. 706 00:36:07,500 --> 00:36:09,200 I mean, look, without -- as you can imagine, 707 00:36:09,200 --> 00:36:12,170 without going into a ton of detail on what was discussed 708 00:36:12,166 --> 00:36:17,336 inside that room, obviously that was something that was discussed 709 00:36:17,333 --> 00:36:21,403 for quite some time as a part of yesterday's 710 00:36:21,400 --> 00:36:23,530 briefing with the President. 711 00:36:23,533 --> 00:36:24,403 April. 712 00:36:24,400 --> 00:36:27,570 The Press: Robert, two questions. One, Chicago. 713 00:36:27,567 --> 00:36:33,097 On Wednesday -- mostly saying something to communities and to 714 00:36:33,100 --> 00:36:36,430 the nation, we're watching, we're observing, we see -- 715 00:36:36,433 --> 00:36:40,303 or is there going to be policy, something with teeth, for these 716 00:36:40,300 --> 00:36:43,900 school kids who -- school kids and kids in the community -- 717 00:36:43,900 --> 00:36:49,130 Mr. Gibbs: Well, I'm going to let Secretary Duncan and Attorney General 718 00:36:49,133 --> 00:36:54,833 Holder go, and may or may not have something out of that, 719 00:36:54,834 --> 00:36:56,264 but I'm going to let them do that. 720 00:36:56,266 --> 00:36:58,596 I would say -- we talked about this yesterday -- I think 721 00:36:58,600 --> 00:37:03,930 there's obviously things that all levels of government can do, 722 00:37:03,934 --> 00:37:08,064 all levels of -- and partly what we can do obviously through 723 00:37:08,066 --> 00:37:11,266 something like a COPS program is provide more police officers on 724 00:37:11,266 --> 00:37:13,596 the streets -- understanding, though, 725 00:37:13,600 --> 00:37:18,870 that you are not going to be able to legislate an end to the 726 00:37:18,867 --> 00:37:22,467 type of shocking and horrific behavior that we saw that 727 00:37:22,467 --> 00:37:26,267 happened in Chicago in the beating to death 728 00:37:26,266 --> 00:37:27,536 of that honor student. 729 00:37:27,533 --> 00:37:29,233 The Press: Did the President actually see it? 730 00:37:29,233 --> 00:37:30,703 I know you said you saw it. 731 00:37:30,700 --> 00:37:31,930 Mr. Gibbs: I will ask him. 732 00:37:31,934 --> 00:37:34,004 I don't know if he's seen the particular tape. 733 00:37:34,000 --> 00:37:39,270 I know he mentioned to us in the Oval Office that -- how much of 734 00:37:39,266 --> 00:37:42,336 a concern the incident was to him. 735 00:37:42,333 --> 00:37:43,803 The Press: And on my second question -- 736 00:37:43,800 --> 00:37:45,100 Mr. Gibbs: Actually, your third, but go ahead. 737 00:37:45,100 --> 00:37:46,300 (Laughter) 738 00:37:46,300 --> 00:37:48,200 It was weighing on my conscience. Go ahead. 739 00:37:48,200 --> 00:37:49,770 The Press: Well, I'm glad to know you have a conscience. 740 00:37:49,767 --> 00:37:51,037 But anyway -- 741 00:37:51,033 --> 00:37:54,203 The Press: Ooooh! 742 00:37:54,200 --> 00:37:56,100 Mr. Gibbs: Go ahead, see. Go ahead, see. 743 00:37:56,100 --> 00:37:58,170 Apparently, it hadn't weighed enough that I'm still giving 744 00:37:58,166 --> 00:37:59,066 you a third question. 745 00:37:59,066 --> 00:38:00,166 But go ahead. 746 00:38:00,166 --> 00:38:03,296 The Press: Okay, anyway, going back to Chip's question and I 747 00:38:03,300 --> 00:38:06,730 asked you yesterday -- about gasoline -- could you tell me 748 00:38:06,734 --> 00:38:10,564 the significance of the role of gasoline in these discussions, 749 00:38:10,567 --> 00:38:11,967 and in this pressure -- 750 00:38:11,967 --> 00:38:15,367 Mr. Gibbs: No, I understand. And all I did with answering Chip's question 751 00:38:15,367 --> 00:38:18,437 and I think answering your question yesterday was, 752 00:38:18,433 --> 00:38:23,133 obviously, the administration and -- with the P5-plus-1, 753 00:38:23,133 --> 00:38:25,633 are looking at the possible next steps. 754 00:38:25,633 --> 00:38:30,303 But I'm not going to get into the plusses and minuses of 755 00:38:30,300 --> 00:38:33,900 individual aspects of what might be involved in potential 756 00:38:33,900 --> 00:38:37,570 international sanctions. 757 00:38:37,567 --> 00:38:40,537 The Press: In response to the Galbraith firing, 758 00:38:40,533 --> 00:38:44,763 the chief rival to President Karzai said that fraud is 759 00:38:44,767 --> 00:38:47,837 victorious in Afghanistan now. 760 00:38:47,834 --> 00:38:50,864 And the McChrystal report goes on at great length about 761 00:38:50,867 --> 00:38:53,137 corruption in the Afghan government. 762 00:38:53,133 --> 00:38:56,233 What can the Obama administration do, 763 00:38:56,233 --> 00:38:58,903 as it weighs options in Afghanistan, 764 00:38:58,900 --> 00:39:01,230 about corruption in Afghanistan? 765 00:39:01,233 --> 00:39:05,363 And if you don't deal with that, do you have a way of handling 766 00:39:05,367 --> 00:39:08,837 Afghanistan with a corrupt government in place? 767 00:39:08,834 --> 00:39:11,204 Mr. Gibbs: Well, we talked a little bit about this in the 768 00:39:11,200 --> 00:39:12,800 last day or so. 769 00:39:12,800 --> 00:39:14,330 In dealing specifically with the vote, 770 00:39:14,333 --> 00:39:17,333 obviously there are two -- there's an internal Afghan, 771 00:39:17,333 --> 00:39:24,103 and there's an international committee looking into 772 00:39:24,100 --> 00:39:26,170 allegations and evidence of fraud. 773 00:39:26,166 --> 00:39:33,236 And our position continues to be that legitimate votes should all 774 00:39:33,233 --> 00:39:35,833 be counted, and those that aren't legitimate 775 00:39:35,834 --> 00:39:37,704 should be thrown out. 776 00:39:37,700 --> 00:39:46,300 I think we're probably still several days away from a 777 00:39:46,300 --> 00:39:49,870 decision by each of those committees, 778 00:39:49,867 --> 00:39:53,037 and we certainly await that decision. 779 00:39:53,033 --> 00:39:59,203 Look, I think without getting into a lot of specifics -- I'll 780 00:39:59,200 --> 00:40:00,770 reiterate what I said yesterday -- 781 00:40:00,767 --> 00:40:01,797 The Press: We'll take specifics. 782 00:40:01,800 --> 00:40:07,800 Mr. Gibbs: I understand -- that regardless of what decision 783 00:40:07,800 --> 00:40:11,700 ultimately comes from the administration, 784 00:40:11,700 --> 00:40:14,730 in concert with all of the players and actors that were in 785 00:40:14,734 --> 00:40:18,904 the Situation Room yesterday, I don't think you could find 786 00:40:18,900 --> 00:40:24,930 anybody with any international expertise that didn't strongly 787 00:40:24,934 --> 00:40:32,404 believe that you had to have a willing partner to make anything 788 00:40:32,400 --> 00:40:34,970 succeed in Afghanistan. 789 00:40:34,967 --> 00:40:37,767 We, as I've said, are not going to be there forever, 790 00:40:37,767 --> 00:40:44,197 which means the security of the Afghan people through either a 791 00:40:44,200 --> 00:40:47,300 security force or a police force is going to have to be the 792 00:40:47,300 --> 00:40:51,370 obligation and responsibility of the Afghan government. 793 00:40:51,367 --> 00:40:57,737 They've got to demonstrate to the world their ability to 794 00:40:57,734 --> 00:41:04,634 receive international aid and put it to use not for cronyism 795 00:41:04,633 --> 00:41:09,763 but for worthwhile development projects that, 796 00:41:09,767 --> 00:41:12,397 through economic development, will increase and sustain the 797 00:41:12,400 --> 00:41:14,470 security of the Afghan people. 798 00:41:14,467 --> 00:41:20,197 Without a willing partner, one that is free of corruption and 799 00:41:20,200 --> 00:41:25,070 transparent, I don't think any situation or any series of 800 00:41:25,066 --> 00:41:30,636 meetings can adequately solve for the Afghan people the 801 00:41:30,633 --> 00:41:33,433 problem that that would contribute to. 802 00:41:33,433 --> 00:41:34,263 Thanks, guys.