English subtitles for clip: File:10-24-14- White House Press Briefing.webm
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1 00:00:00,767 --> 00:00:02,267 Mr. Earnest: Good afternoon, everybody. 2 00:00:05,171 --> 00:00:07,671 I don't have any announcements at the top, so, Mr. Lederman, 3 00:00:07,674 --> 00:00:08,774 would you like to get us started? 4 00:00:08,775 --> 00:00:09,505 The Press: Thanks, Josh. 5 00:00:09,509 --> 00:00:11,549 Let's talk about Nurse Nina Pham's visit 6 00:00:11,544 --> 00:00:13,114 to the White House this afternoon. 7 00:00:13,113 --> 00:00:13,683 Mr. Earnest: Sure. 8 00:00:13,680 --> 00:00:16,180 The Press: It seems like a pretty powerful image having her 9 00:00:16,182 --> 00:00:19,122 in the Oval Office really just hours after being discharged. 10 00:00:19,119 --> 00:00:23,419 I assume this is designed to reassure people 11 00:00:23,423 --> 00:00:26,093 of the President's confidence that there's 12 00:00:26,092 --> 00:00:28,192 no danger to the public from people who are not 13 00:00:28,194 --> 00:00:30,494 symptomatic with Ebola. 14 00:00:30,497 --> 00:00:31,927 Mr. Earnest: That certainly is a medical fact. 15 00:00:31,931 --> 00:00:34,171 That's what our experts tell us. 16 00:00:34,167 --> 00:00:38,367 I think this also should be a pretty apt reminder that 17 00:00:38,371 --> 00:00:41,771 we do have the best medical infrastructure in the world, 18 00:00:41,775 --> 00:00:43,775 and certainly a medical infrastructure that's 19 00:00:43,777 --> 00:00:45,777 in place to protect the American public. 20 00:00:45,779 --> 00:00:48,449 And the track record of treating Ebola patients 21 00:00:48,448 --> 00:00:52,318 in this country is very strong, particularly for those 22 00:00:52,318 --> 00:00:59,158 who are quickly diagnosed and admitted through the system. 23 00:00:59,159 --> 00:01:06,129 So this is a testament today to a young woman who, 24 00:01:06,132 --> 00:01:08,232 over the course of doing her job and treating 25 00:01:08,234 --> 00:01:11,474 an Ebola patient, got sick. 26 00:01:11,471 --> 00:01:15,671 And she was doing the work that many nurses do on a daily basis, 27 00:01:15,675 --> 00:01:20,545 and she did so even though it did put her 28 00:01:20,547 --> 00:01:22,417 at some personal risk. 29 00:01:22,415 --> 00:01:26,415 And what she did, she didn't do it because she was 30 00:01:26,419 --> 00:01:30,289 promised a raise; she didn't do it because it was glamorous. 31 00:01:30,290 --> 00:01:32,530 She did it because she's committed to her profession 32 00:01:32,525 --> 00:01:34,795 and she was committed to treating an individual 33 00:01:34,794 --> 00:01:36,594 who was sick, and she was prepared to use her 34 00:01:36,596 --> 00:01:39,136 training to try to meet that person's needs. 35 00:01:39,132 --> 00:01:46,872 So the fact that she has been treated and released I think 36 00:01:46,873 --> 00:01:48,873 is terrific news and I think answers the prayers of many 37 00:01:48,875 --> 00:01:50,875 people across the country today. 38 00:01:50,877 --> 00:01:52,877 The Press: What can you tell us about the federal government's 39 00:01:52,879 --> 00:01:55,199 response to the diagnosis of an Ebola patient in New York City? 40 00:01:56,200 --> 00:01:57,980 Mr. Earnest: Well, I can tell you a couple 41 00:01:57,984 --> 00:01:59,054 of things about that. 42 00:01:59,052 --> 00:02:05,162 We certainly are pleased that so much of the planning that has 43 00:02:05,158 --> 00:02:11,328 been done in recent days has proved to be very useful. 44 00:02:11,331 --> 00:02:17,371 As you know, there are -- earlier this week, 45 00:02:17,370 --> 00:02:19,270 medical professionals conducted a training for health care 46 00:02:19,272 --> 00:02:23,542 workers at the Javits Center in New York to ensure that they had 47 00:02:23,543 --> 00:02:26,443 all of the training that they needed to understand what was 48 00:02:26,446 --> 00:02:29,216 necessary to treat an Ebola patient in a way that was 49 00:02:29,215 --> 00:02:32,015 safe for them and safe for the broader community. 50 00:02:32,018 --> 00:02:35,718 That certainly looks like prudent planning in hindsight. 51 00:02:35,722 --> 00:02:37,922 The other thing that has been underway for some time is the 52 00:02:37,924 --> 00:02:42,064 President had designated five airports where individuals who 53 00:02:42,061 --> 00:02:45,761 were traveling from West Africa could enter the country. 54 00:02:45,765 --> 00:02:48,235 By funneling these passengers to those five airports we were 55 00:02:48,234 --> 00:02:51,104 able to marshal the appropriate resources that were necessary 56 00:02:51,104 --> 00:02:54,344 to apply an additional layer of screening for those 57 00:02:54,340 --> 00:02:57,910 individuals who had traveled recently in West Africa. 58 00:02:57,911 --> 00:03:01,011 In conjunction with that, state and local officials had worked 59 00:03:01,014 --> 00:03:05,054 to identify hospitals in the same region of each of these 60 00:03:05,051 --> 00:03:11,021 airports where patients who are sick could be directed. 61 00:03:11,024 --> 00:03:14,564 So Bellevue Hospital in New York was the hospital that had been 62 00:03:14,561 --> 00:03:19,061 identified as the hospital where patients who -- or where 63 00:03:19,065 --> 00:03:23,505 passengers who were detected with a higher fever or otherwise 64 00:03:23,503 --> 00:03:26,273 sick would be sent as they're coming off the airplane. 65 00:03:26,272 --> 00:03:31,412 So Bellevue is a place where significant planning had already 66 00:03:31,411 --> 00:03:34,551 been done to ensure that protocols were in place 67 00:03:34,547 --> 00:03:36,117 to treat Ebola patients. 68 00:03:36,115 --> 00:03:38,285 I understand that Bellevue had been designated both 69 00:03:38,284 --> 00:03:41,984 by the state and city as one of eight medical facilities 70 00:03:41,988 --> 00:03:43,988 in the state of New York that was prepared 71 00:03:43,990 --> 00:03:45,830 to treat Ebola patients. 72 00:03:45,825 --> 00:03:49,325 So a lot of training and planning went into that. 73 00:03:49,329 --> 00:03:53,399 In fact, I also understand that when Dr. Spencer was admitted 74 00:03:53,399 --> 00:03:55,839 to Bellevue Hospital yesterday, there actually happened 75 00:03:55,835 --> 00:03:57,935 to be a team of CDC experts already 76 00:03:57,937 --> 00:04:00,377 at the hospital evaluating that hospital, 77 00:04:00,373 --> 00:04:02,873 making sure that they were up to the needed standards 78 00:04:02,875 --> 00:04:06,045 to treat an Ebola patient. 79 00:04:06,045 --> 00:04:09,515 Consistent with the order that the President gave last week for 80 00:04:09,515 --> 00:04:14,625 CDC to organize a SWAT team of CDC experts to rapidly deploy 81 00:04:14,621 --> 00:04:17,761 to a hospital where an Ebola patient had been identified, 82 00:04:17,757 --> 00:04:19,757 I'm told that this SWAT team actually arrived 83 00:04:19,759 --> 00:04:21,959 in New York last night, the same evening that 84 00:04:21,961 --> 00:04:25,561 this individual was a confirmed Ebola patient. 85 00:04:25,565 --> 00:04:29,535 We had experts on the ground in New York working side by side 86 00:04:29,535 --> 00:04:32,505 with hospital administrators and health care professionals at 87 00:04:32,505 --> 00:04:36,075 Bellevue Hospital to ensure that the strengthened protocols that 88 00:04:36,075 --> 00:04:39,515 the CDC announced earlier this week were in place so that 89 00:04:39,512 --> 00:04:42,412 this individual could get high-quality treatment, 90 00:04:42,415 --> 00:04:45,655 and that that treatment could be administered in a way that the 91 00:04:45,652 --> 00:04:48,852 risk to health care workers was not significantly elevated. 92 00:04:48,855 --> 00:04:52,055 The Press: You talked about Bellevue being one of these 93 00:04:52,058 --> 00:04:54,598 designated hospitals to treat Ebola. 94 00:04:54,594 --> 00:04:57,634 Would you like every state to designate hospitals 95 00:04:57,630 --> 00:05:00,500 particularly to treat Ebola? 96 00:05:00,500 --> 00:05:04,040 Mr. Earnest: Well, this I think is an indication of the solid 97 00:05:04,037 --> 00:05:05,607 preparation that was put in place by state 98 00:05:05,605 --> 00:05:06,375 and local officials. 99 00:05:06,372 --> 00:05:08,572 Governor Cuomo and Mayor de Blasio I think deserve a lot 100 00:05:08,574 --> 00:05:13,244 of credit for the effort that they put into ensuring that 101 00:05:13,246 --> 00:05:17,386 New York was prepared to deal with a situation like this. 102 00:05:17,383 --> 00:05:19,483 We certainly value the strong working relationship that 103 00:05:19,485 --> 00:05:23,855 already exists between federal officials and medical experts 104 00:05:23,856 --> 00:05:26,426 in the federal government and state and local officials 105 00:05:26,426 --> 00:05:27,396 across the country. 106 00:05:27,393 --> 00:05:29,393 That working relationship has been important. 107 00:05:29,395 --> 00:05:33,865 It will continue to be important as we deal with this situation. 108 00:05:33,866 --> 00:05:37,966 So far, what we have worked with state officials to do is to 109 00:05:37,970 --> 00:05:43,240 ensure, as I mentioned earlier, that hospitals are in region -- 110 00:05:43,242 --> 00:05:46,582 in the same region as the airports where individuals 111 00:05:46,579 --> 00:05:49,279 traveling from West Africa are arriving in this country; 112 00:05:49,282 --> 00:05:52,782 that those hospitals are prepared and have the training 113 00:05:52,785 --> 00:05:57,325 and information and equipment that they need to receive 114 00:05:57,323 --> 00:06:02,033 patients that may test positive for Ebola. 115 00:06:02,028 --> 00:06:06,668 So that is the kind of detailed planning that's been done. 116 00:06:06,666 --> 00:06:10,206 What you've also seen is the CDC offer up strengthened guidance 117 00:06:10,203 --> 00:06:13,673 to health care workers and public health officials all 118 00:06:13,673 --> 00:06:16,743 across the country to give them guidance about what 119 00:06:16,743 --> 00:06:19,843 they should do to prepare to treat an Ebola patient. 120 00:06:19,846 --> 00:06:23,286 That all said, we continue to believe to this day that -- 121 00:06:23,282 --> 00:06:25,582 and when I say "we," I mean our medical experts continue 122 00:06:25,585 --> 00:06:28,825 to believe to this day that the risk of a widespread Ebola 123 00:06:28,821 --> 00:06:31,461 outbreak in the United States continues to be exceedingly low. 124 00:06:31,457 --> 00:06:35,997 The Press: And Dr. Fauci this morning said that a mandatory 125 00:06:35,995 --> 00:06:40,765 quarantine for people returning from the Ebola hot zone 126 00:06:40,767 --> 00:06:43,137 in West Africa was something that's under 127 00:06:43,136 --> 00:06:44,466 very active discussion. 128 00:06:44,470 --> 00:06:46,470 Can you tell us a little bit about those 129 00:06:46,472 --> 00:06:48,472 discussions and what that might look like? 130 00:06:48,474 --> 00:06:50,914 Mr. Earnest: Well, I can tell you that the protocols that 131 00:06:50,910 --> 00:06:56,680 guide the restrictions that are placed on individuals that are 132 00:06:56,682 --> 00:07:01,022 returning from West Africa are driven by the best scientific 133 00:07:01,020 --> 00:07:02,560 advice that we can get. 134 00:07:02,555 --> 00:07:06,155 We have our medical experts and our scientists looking carefully 135 00:07:06,159 --> 00:07:09,129 at how we treat Ebola patients and how we can do that in a way 136 00:07:09,128 --> 00:07:12,268 that protects the American public and in a way that 137 00:07:12,265 --> 00:07:17,005 protects health care workers who are rendering lifesaving aid. 138 00:07:17,003 --> 00:07:19,403 So we're going to continue to rely on that advice 139 00:07:19,405 --> 00:07:23,075 as we regularly update and review procedures 140 00:07:23,075 --> 00:07:26,975 as necessary to protect the American public. 141 00:07:26,979 --> 00:07:29,249 You'll recall that one of the strengthened measures that was 142 00:07:29,248 --> 00:07:33,588 announced just this week was the intention of CDC to share 143 00:07:33,586 --> 00:07:36,956 contact information with state and local officials so that 144 00:07:36,956 --> 00:07:40,526 state and local officials could take the necessary steps 145 00:07:40,526 --> 00:07:43,426 to protect the public when it comes to individuals 146 00:07:43,429 --> 00:07:46,929 who have returned to the U.S. after having recently 147 00:07:46,933 --> 00:07:48,463 traveled in West Africa. 148 00:07:48,467 --> 00:07:52,267 So that's an example of the kind of beefed-up procedures that 149 00:07:52,271 --> 00:07:55,911 the CDC has put in place to ensure that we're doing 150 00:07:55,908 --> 00:07:57,908 everything we can to protect the American public. 151 00:07:57,910 --> 00:07:59,810 The Press: And briefly, on the President's plans next week 152 00:07:59,812 --> 00:08:03,812 to campaign really across the country for some Democratic 153 00:08:03,816 --> 00:08:07,716 candidates for governor, despite this push at the end for 154 00:08:07,720 --> 00:08:11,120 governors, the President only did one fundraiser 155 00:08:11,123 --> 00:08:13,363 this year for the Democratic Governors Association; 156 00:08:13,359 --> 00:08:15,359 I think it was back in February. 157 00:08:15,361 --> 00:08:17,431 And really the focus of his fundraising has been 158 00:08:17,430 --> 00:08:19,230 for House and Senate. 159 00:08:19,232 --> 00:08:21,332 I'm wondering, if governors' races are so important 160 00:08:21,334 --> 00:08:23,334 to the President, to the party this year, 161 00:08:23,336 --> 00:08:25,336 why didn't he do more earlier in the year 162 00:08:25,338 --> 00:08:26,908 to help raise money for them? 163 00:08:26,906 --> 00:08:28,906 Mr. Earnest: Well, as you point out, Josh, 164 00:08:28,908 --> 00:08:32,948 the President has done a number of things to boost the candidacy 165 00:08:32,945 --> 00:08:35,145 of Democratic candidates up and down the ballot all 166 00:08:35,147 --> 00:08:36,447 across the country. 167 00:08:36,449 --> 00:08:41,219 And the President has worked to try to boost the candidacy of 168 00:08:41,220 --> 00:08:43,460 Democratic governors who are running for reelection 169 00:08:43,456 --> 00:08:47,826 or candidates for governor who are Democrats. 170 00:08:47,827 --> 00:08:51,597 In terms of the exact fundraising strategy that's 171 00:08:51,597 --> 00:08:54,467 deployed by the DGA, I'd refer you to them about what sort 172 00:08:54,467 --> 00:08:56,907 of requests they made. 173 00:08:56,903 --> 00:08:59,173 I, frankly, don't have off the top of my head about whether 174 00:08:59,171 --> 00:09:03,811 or not the President signed the emails to help raise money 175 00:09:03,809 --> 00:09:07,109 via the Internet for candidates for governor. 176 00:09:07,113 --> 00:09:09,183 I can tell you that certainly Democratic candidates, 177 00:09:09,181 --> 00:09:11,721 like others, benefit from the kinds 178 00:09:11,717 --> 00:09:13,317 of resources that the President raised for 179 00:09:13,319 --> 00:09:14,889 the Democratic Congressional Committee. 180 00:09:14,887 --> 00:09:16,887 We have the party working very aggressively 181 00:09:16,889 --> 00:09:18,889 to benefit Democrats up and down the ballot, 182 00:09:18,891 --> 00:09:22,491 and that's one way in which they'll benefit from the 183 00:09:22,495 --> 00:09:24,365 President's involvement. 184 00:09:24,363 --> 00:09:26,703 But we also anticipate that the events that the President 185 00:09:26,699 --> 00:09:29,369 will be hosting over the course of next week will 186 00:09:29,368 --> 00:09:32,968 also significantly benefit those campaigns as well. 187 00:09:32,972 --> 00:09:33,972 Roberta. 188 00:09:33,973 --> 00:09:36,673 The Press: So does the administration feel that 189 00:09:36,676 --> 00:09:40,846 the post-arrival monitoring that the CDC announced earlier 190 00:09:40,846 --> 00:09:41,846 this week is enough? 191 00:09:41,847 --> 00:09:45,447 Or how much thought is being given to people also needing 192 00:09:45,451 --> 00:09:48,751 to agree to stay in some kind of self-isolation 193 00:09:48,754 --> 00:09:53,164 or self-quarantine once they arrive back from the hot zone? 194 00:09:53,159 --> 00:09:55,559 Mr. Earnest: Well, we do anticipate that -- we do expect 195 00:09:55,561 --> 00:09:58,001 that these active monitoring procedures that 196 00:09:57,997 --> 00:10:01,697 are in place for individuals who have recently traveled 197 00:10:01,701 --> 00:10:05,341 in West Africa will be in place on Monday. 198 00:10:05,338 --> 00:10:08,338 So those measures are being ramped up. 199 00:10:08,341 --> 00:10:12,911 But we do continue to have confidence -- as I believe Mayor 200 00:10:12,912 --> 00:10:15,852 de Blasio and the public health commissioner in New York 201 00:10:15,848 --> 00:10:19,518 stated yesterday -- that the risk facing the people 202 00:10:19,518 --> 00:10:22,418 of New York continues to be exceedingly low. 203 00:10:22,421 --> 00:10:26,021 We understand from reports that subway traffic today 204 00:10:26,025 --> 00:10:28,895 was typical for a Friday. 205 00:10:28,894 --> 00:10:30,864 I think that's an indication that the people of New York 206 00:10:30,863 --> 00:10:32,863 are feeling confident, as they should, 207 00:10:32,865 --> 00:10:37,135 about their safety as they go about their daily business. 208 00:10:37,136 --> 00:10:41,006 They should, because Dr. Spencer, as we discussed, 209 00:10:41,007 --> 00:10:44,247 is somebody who upon return from West Africa was 210 00:10:44,243 --> 00:10:45,843 screened at the airport. 211 00:10:45,845 --> 00:10:47,845 And when he was screened at the airport, 212 00:10:47,847 --> 00:10:49,847 it was determined that he did not have a temperature. 213 00:10:49,849 --> 00:10:51,849 And that's significant because we know that the only way that 214 00:10:51,851 --> 00:10:56,321 you can contract Ebola is by coming into contact with 215 00:10:56,322 --> 00:10:59,362 the bodily fluids of an individual who is exhibiting 216 00:10:59,358 --> 00:11:01,298 symptoms of Ebola. 217 00:11:01,293 --> 00:11:03,293 Dr. Spencer, when he flew on a plane, 218 00:11:03,295 --> 00:11:05,695 did not have any symptoms of Ebola. 219 00:11:05,698 --> 00:11:08,838 That's why we're not concerned at all about the risk facing 220 00:11:08,834 --> 00:11:11,234 people who may have been on that airplane. 221 00:11:11,237 --> 00:11:14,607 Since he returned, Dr. Spencer was regularly taking 222 00:11:14,607 --> 00:11:16,847 his temperature and monitoring his health. 223 00:11:16,842 --> 00:11:19,882 And as soon as it became clear that his temperature 224 00:11:19,879 --> 00:11:25,289 was elevated, he contacted medical authorities. 225 00:11:25,284 --> 00:11:27,654 These were medical authorities who, as I mentioned to Josh, 226 00:11:27,653 --> 00:11:30,023 had recently been trained in the protocols that are 227 00:11:30,022 --> 00:11:33,962 necessary to detect and isolate an Ebola patient. 228 00:11:33,959 --> 00:11:35,959 So those medical authorities responded 229 00:11:35,961 --> 00:11:38,031 promptly in accordance with protocols. 230 00:11:38,030 --> 00:11:40,030 He was transferred to Bellevue Hospital, 231 00:11:40,032 --> 00:11:42,032 a hospital that had been preparing for weeks 232 00:11:42,034 --> 00:11:44,734 to receive a possible Ebola patient. 233 00:11:44,737 --> 00:11:49,707 He was appropriately isolated, and he started receiving 234 00:11:49,708 --> 00:11:53,508 treatment while he was being tested for the Ebola virus. 235 00:11:53,512 --> 00:11:57,822 So this is an indication that this kind of planning and 236 00:11:57,817 --> 00:12:01,517 preparation will be very important to the successful 237 00:12:01,520 --> 00:12:04,690 treatment of Ebola patients and the continued safety 238 00:12:04,690 --> 00:12:07,030 of the people of America and, in this case, 239 00:12:07,026 --> 00:12:08,026 the people of New York City. 240 00:12:08,027 --> 00:12:10,027 The Press: Right, so he did all those things as you laid out, 241 00:12:10,029 --> 00:12:13,699 but what he didn't do, it seems that he didn't self-isolate. 242 00:12:13,699 --> 00:12:17,569 He went out into the community to the limited degree 243 00:12:17,570 --> 00:12:19,140 that we've all been reading about. 244 00:12:19,138 --> 00:12:21,008 So is that something that the administration 245 00:12:21,006 --> 00:12:24,376 is considering requiring people who come back to do? 246 00:12:24,376 --> 00:12:27,146 To self-isolate, to stay indoors or stay in their homes, 247 00:12:27,146 --> 00:12:29,086 or some additional measure? 248 00:12:29,081 --> 00:12:32,021 Mr. Earnest: Well, we're always reviewing and assessing the 249 00:12:32,017 --> 00:12:34,217 protocols that are in place. 250 00:12:34,220 --> 00:12:38,620 But the fact of the matter is the CDC is doing the necessary 251 00:12:38,624 --> 00:12:43,664 contact tracing, but our experts tell us that -- and as a result 252 00:12:43,662 --> 00:12:45,162 of that contact tracing I think that there are 253 00:12:45,164 --> 00:12:48,034 a couple of people that have been isolated. 254 00:12:48,033 --> 00:12:52,743 But the fact is that the risk facing the average New Yorker 255 00:12:52,738 --> 00:12:54,738 is exceedingly low, and the reason for that 256 00:12:54,740 --> 00:12:59,180 is that this is an individual who was monitoring 257 00:12:59,178 --> 00:13:00,948 his health very closely. 258 00:13:00,946 --> 00:13:05,356 And again, what we know about Ebola is very clearly 259 00:13:05,351 --> 00:13:07,351 about the way that it's transmitted. 260 00:13:07,353 --> 00:13:09,423 It's only transmitted when an individual comes in close 261 00:13:09,421 --> 00:13:11,961 contact with the bodily fluids of an individual 262 00:13:11,957 --> 00:13:14,057 who has symptoms of Ebola. 263 00:13:14,059 --> 00:13:17,429 That is why I think it is instructive for people to take 264 00:13:17,429 --> 00:13:22,399 note of the fact that we only have two instances where the 265 00:13:22,401 --> 00:13:25,901 Ebola virus has been transmitted inside the United States, 266 00:13:25,905 --> 00:13:28,845 and those are instances where you had health care workers 267 00:13:28,841 --> 00:13:32,841 who were treating a very sick Ebola patient. 268 00:13:32,845 --> 00:13:37,285 And that obviously is very different than the kind 269 00:13:37,283 --> 00:13:39,353 of day-to-day encounters that people have 270 00:13:39,351 --> 00:13:41,351 as they go about their business in public. 271 00:13:41,353 --> 00:13:44,953 So that is why the risk that is facing the people of New York 272 00:13:44,957 --> 00:13:48,197 and people of America continues at this point to be exceedingly 273 00:13:48,194 --> 00:13:51,464 low according to our medical experts. 274 00:13:51,463 --> 00:13:53,633 The Press: Just briefly, is the administration considering 275 00:13:53,632 --> 00:13:56,702 requiring people who have been in a hot zone to complete 276 00:13:56,702 --> 00:14:00,542 a quarantine before coming back to America? 277 00:14:00,539 --> 00:14:02,309 Mr. Earnest: Well, I'm not going to get into sort of the ongoing 278 00:14:02,308 --> 00:14:05,648 deliberations of our public health professionals. 279 00:14:05,644 --> 00:14:07,944 What I can tell you is that these kinds of policy decisions 280 00:14:07,947 --> 00:14:11,517 are going to be driven by science and by the best advice 281 00:14:11,517 --> 00:14:14,957 of our medical experts, and by our scientists that have four 282 00:14:14,954 --> 00:14:18,724 decades of experience in dealing with Ebola outbreaks 283 00:14:18,724 --> 00:14:20,124 in West Africa. 284 00:14:20,125 --> 00:14:24,125 So we've got teams on the ground at Bellevue Hospital that have 285 00:14:24,129 --> 00:14:28,499 experience in infection control, that have experience 286 00:14:28,500 --> 00:14:31,440 in limiting infection control inside medical facilities. 287 00:14:31,437 --> 00:14:34,007 These are individuals that have an expertise in treating 288 00:14:34,006 --> 00:14:35,346 the Ebola virus. 289 00:14:35,341 --> 00:14:37,341 We're going to make sure that they're taking the necessary 290 00:14:37,343 --> 00:14:42,213 steps that they can treat Dr. Spencer in a way that will 291 00:14:42,214 --> 00:14:44,214 protect the public and the health care workers who 292 00:14:44,216 --> 00:14:47,086 are rendering him aid. 293 00:14:47,086 --> 00:14:47,786 Olivier. 294 00:14:47,786 --> 00:14:49,526 The Press: Josh, one question and one housekeeping item. 295 00:14:49,521 --> 00:14:53,491 The question is, when someone who has beaten Ebola comes 296 00:14:53,492 --> 00:14:55,432 to see the President in the Oval Office, 297 00:14:55,427 --> 00:14:58,827 are there additional layers of precautions taken? 298 00:14:58,831 --> 00:15:01,271 Do they undergo -- is there a White House overseeing medical 299 00:15:01,267 --> 00:15:04,437 checkup to double -- just to make sure that they're, in fact, 300 00:15:04,436 --> 00:15:05,436 clear of this? 301 00:15:05,437 --> 00:15:06,037 Mr. Earnest: No. 302 00:15:06,038 --> 00:15:09,538 As Dr. Fauci noted in his news conference that I caught part 303 00:15:09,541 --> 00:15:16,751 of earlier today, Ms. Pham was tested five different times 304 00:15:16,749 --> 00:15:19,649 to confirm that she no longer had the virus. 305 00:15:19,652 --> 00:15:25,122 So all the necessary testing that allows her to safely return 306 00:15:25,124 --> 00:15:31,794 home with a clean bill of health is the same guidance that 307 00:15:31,797 --> 00:15:34,537 she has gotten in terms of meeting the President. 308 00:15:34,533 --> 00:15:35,973 The Press: And then the housekeeping item -- I would 309 00:15:35,968 --> 00:15:37,738 like to ask the White House, through you, 310 00:15:37,736 --> 00:15:41,736 to open the 1:30 event -- obviously, I think we're very, 311 00:15:41,740 --> 00:15:44,180 very close now -- open this event to the full complement 312 00:15:44,176 --> 00:15:47,846 of print, television and radio reporters who would typically 313 00:15:47,846 --> 00:15:49,246 cover an event like this. 314 00:15:49,248 --> 00:15:50,048 Mr. Earnest: In this case, we're just 315 00:15:50,049 --> 00:15:52,749 going to do the still photographers. 316 00:15:52,751 --> 00:15:53,321 The Press: Could you explain why? 317 00:15:53,319 --> 00:15:57,219 I mean, is it out of concern for her? 318 00:15:57,222 --> 00:15:59,992 To me, it seems like it reduces the magnitude of this event 319 00:15:59,992 --> 00:16:00,492 a little bit. 320 00:16:00,492 --> 00:16:02,432 Nothing against our stills brethren, obviously. 321 00:16:02,428 --> 00:16:03,458 Mr. Earnest: Right. 322 00:16:03,462 --> 00:16:05,962 I think in this case we determined that the still 323 00:16:05,964 --> 00:16:08,334 photographers would provide the access that was necessary 324 00:16:08,334 --> 00:16:10,574 to ensure that you and the American people were 325 00:16:10,569 --> 00:16:13,739 informed about this event. 326 00:16:13,739 --> 00:16:14,669 Juliet. 327 00:16:14,673 --> 00:16:15,073 The Press: Hi. 328 00:16:15,074 --> 00:16:18,314 I know you can't get into great details about the policy 329 00:16:18,310 --> 00:16:22,310 deliberations on quarantining returning medical personnel, 330 00:16:22,314 --> 00:16:25,454 but can you talk about some of the balancing act that you're 331 00:16:25,451 --> 00:16:28,351 trying to do when you're looking at, for example, 332 00:16:28,354 --> 00:16:32,054 whether a quarantine upon return to the United States would 333 00:16:32,057 --> 00:16:35,157 affect the ongoing international effort to stop Ebola 334 00:16:35,160 --> 00:16:36,100 at its source? 335 00:16:36,095 --> 00:16:37,625 Could you just -- there's a lot of concern among 336 00:16:37,629 --> 00:16:41,029 folks that between cutting commercial traffic, 337 00:16:41,033 --> 00:16:43,873 changes in insurance policies and something like this, 338 00:16:43,869 --> 00:16:46,069 that there aren't -- it's becoming more difficult 339 00:16:46,071 --> 00:16:48,971 to get volunteers to go to the region. 340 00:16:48,974 --> 00:16:50,914 Mr. Earnest: Well, Juliet, you, as usual, 341 00:16:50,909 --> 00:16:55,549 raise a really important point, which is Dr. Spencer is somebody 342 00:16:55,547 --> 00:16:59,147 who, as I alluded to earlier, volunteered his time 343 00:16:59,151 --> 00:17:03,051 to treat people with Ebola in West Africa. 344 00:17:03,055 --> 00:17:08,195 It doesn't exactly sound like a luxurious vacation. 345 00:17:08,193 --> 00:17:11,563 But this is somebody who was prepared to use his skills 346 00:17:11,563 --> 00:17:14,063 as a doctor to try to meet the needs of those 347 00:17:14,066 --> 00:17:16,606 who are far less fortunate than we are. 348 00:17:16,602 --> 00:17:22,112 And that is I think a pretty astounding display 349 00:17:22,107 --> 00:17:25,907 of generosity and charity and goodwill. 350 00:17:25,911 --> 00:17:29,381 It certainly reflects the spirit of the American people that we 351 00:17:29,381 --> 00:17:32,851 are willing to selflessly try to meet the needs of those 352 00:17:32,851 --> 00:17:34,591 who are less fortunate. 353 00:17:34,586 --> 00:17:36,656 At the same time, it's not just charity, though, 354 00:17:36,655 --> 00:17:39,155 because we know that the only way that we can entirely 355 00:17:39,158 --> 00:17:41,158 eliminate the risk to the American people from 356 00:17:41,160 --> 00:17:43,960 the Ebola virus is to stop this outbreak at the source. 357 00:17:43,962 --> 00:17:46,832 And in order to stop this outbreak at the source in West 358 00:17:46,832 --> 00:17:51,742 Africa, we're going to need to surge personnel and supplies 359 00:17:51,737 --> 00:17:53,737 to stop this outbreak. 360 00:17:55,507 --> 00:17:59,077 So we are certainly appreciative of what Dr. Spencer has done, 361 00:17:59,077 --> 00:18:02,477 not because it respects -- not only because it reflects 362 00:18:02,481 --> 00:18:06,951 the true spirit of America, but also it reflects the commitment 363 00:18:06,952 --> 00:18:09,052 that's required to stop this Ebola outbreak at the source. 364 00:18:09,054 --> 00:18:15,264 And I guess to answer your question more directly, 365 00:18:15,260 --> 00:18:18,430 we do want to ensure that whatever policies we put 366 00:18:18,430 --> 00:18:21,870 in place takes as the first priority the protection 367 00:18:21,867 --> 00:18:22,867 of the American public. 368 00:18:22,868 --> 00:18:26,938 But at the same time, we don't want to overly burden those 369 00:18:26,939 --> 00:18:33,409 individuals who are going to great lengths to try to serve 370 00:18:33,412 --> 00:18:36,612 their fellow man and stop this outbreak at the source, 371 00:18:36,615 --> 00:18:40,385 which ultimately is in the best interest of the American people. 372 00:18:40,385 --> 00:18:41,385 Julie. 373 00:18:41,386 --> 00:18:43,386 The Press: Can you tell us a little bit about 374 00:18:43,388 --> 00:18:44,458 how this visit came together? 375 00:18:44,456 --> 00:18:46,426 Did the President invite her? 376 00:18:46,425 --> 00:18:49,025 Or how it came to fruition and sort 377 00:18:49,027 --> 00:18:51,897 of what was the impetus for that? 378 00:18:51,897 --> 00:18:53,467 And then also, separately, I'm sure you're aware 379 00:18:53,465 --> 00:18:55,165 there's a hearing on the Hill today where 380 00:18:55,167 --> 00:18:58,307 the administration's response to Ebola has come under 381 00:18:58,303 --> 00:19:00,203 some fair degree of criticism. 382 00:19:00,205 --> 00:19:03,505 So can you tell us what Ron Klain has been doing and will 383 00:19:03,509 --> 00:19:10,619 be doing in the days to come to sort of get that into a better 384 00:19:10,616 --> 00:19:13,786 place and respond to some of the criticism that you've 385 00:19:13,785 --> 00:19:17,125 been getting that the response has been inadequate? 386 00:19:17,122 --> 00:19:19,492 Mr. Earnest: Well, let's first talk about the visit 387 00:19:19,491 --> 00:19:20,931 of Nina Pham today. 388 00:19:20,926 --> 00:19:25,396 The White House learned early today that she was going to be 389 00:19:25,397 --> 00:19:28,837 released from the National Institutes of Health medical 390 00:19:28,834 --> 00:19:32,034 facility that had been treating her for the last week or so. 391 00:19:32,037 --> 00:19:36,677 Of course, the NIH is just a few miles from the White House. 392 00:19:36,675 --> 00:19:40,375 And White House officials contacted the NIH to let her 393 00:19:40,379 --> 00:19:42,849 know that the President was interested in meeting her 394 00:19:42,848 --> 00:19:44,288 if she felt up to it. 395 00:19:44,283 --> 00:19:47,323 We were certainly pleased to see that she accepted 396 00:19:47,319 --> 00:19:49,659 the invitation and all look forward to her arrival 397 00:19:49,655 --> 00:19:51,895 here at the White House shortly. 398 00:19:51,890 --> 00:19:55,760 As it relates to the hearing today, I didn't see much of it. 399 00:19:55,761 --> 00:20:00,531 It does seem that most of the criticism was registered 400 00:20:00,532 --> 00:20:00,632 by somebody who struggled to pronounce the name of the virus 401 00:20:00,632 --> 00:20:08,312 at the hearing, so I think we might not be too concerned about 402 00:20:08,307 --> 00:20:10,977 some of the partisan criticism that was on display 403 00:20:10,976 --> 00:20:13,616 I think in the hearing. 404 00:20:13,612 --> 00:20:15,812 But there was representation from the administration 405 00:20:15,814 --> 00:20:17,284 at the hearing. 406 00:20:17,282 --> 00:20:20,382 It does reflect our commitment to working with Congress to 407 00:20:20,385 --> 00:20:23,855 ensure that the country is working together and pulling 408 00:20:23,855 --> 00:20:26,725 in the same direction to respond to this situation, 409 00:20:26,725 --> 00:20:29,225 and we'll continue to do that in the days ahead. 410 00:20:29,227 --> 00:20:30,097 The Press: What's Ron Klain doing? 411 00:20:30,095 --> 00:20:32,235 And can you tell us anything about how he'll 412 00:20:32,230 --> 00:20:33,030 be spending his time? 413 00:20:33,031 --> 00:20:36,331 I know he is supposed to go to Atlanta, to the CDC next week. 414 00:20:36,335 --> 00:20:37,305 What else is he doing? 415 00:20:37,302 --> 00:20:38,902 Mr. Earnest: Today is his third day on the job, 416 00:20:38,904 --> 00:20:40,874 so I'm pleased that there has been a lot 417 00:20:40,872 --> 00:20:43,412 of interest in the work that he is doing here. 418 00:20:43,408 --> 00:20:47,248 He is somebody who has been convening meetings and regularly 419 00:20:47,245 --> 00:20:50,985 working closely with officials at the CDC and HHS as they 420 00:20:50,983 --> 00:20:53,253 put in place some of the protocols that have been 421 00:20:53,251 --> 00:20:55,521 announced over the course of this week. 422 00:20:55,520 --> 00:20:59,220 He also was in touch with New York officials last night 423 00:20:59,224 --> 00:21:03,024 and over the course of today to ensure that the state 424 00:21:03,028 --> 00:21:05,768 and local officials were feeling the kind of support 425 00:21:05,764 --> 00:21:08,934 that they're receiving from the Obama administration 426 00:21:08,934 --> 00:21:14,144 as they deal with this latest Ebola case. 427 00:21:14,139 --> 00:21:16,639 He is planning to travel to Atlanta next week, 428 00:21:16,642 --> 00:21:19,512 where he'll have the opportunity to meet in person with some 429 00:21:19,511 --> 00:21:21,511 of the CDC officials that he has been on the phone with 430 00:21:21,513 --> 00:21:24,253 a lot over the course of the last few days. 431 00:21:24,249 --> 00:21:25,019 Jon. 432 00:21:25,017 --> 00:21:27,487 The Press: Josh, can you give us some details on the SWAT team 433 00:21:27,486 --> 00:21:29,786 that was sent to New York last night -- 434 00:21:29,788 --> 00:21:31,928 how many people, what exactly they're doing? 435 00:21:31,923 --> 00:21:34,193 Mr. Earnest: I don't have specific details 436 00:21:34,192 --> 00:21:36,192 about the members of the SWAT team. 437 00:21:36,194 --> 00:21:38,394 I know as a general matter, when they are -- members 438 00:21:38,397 --> 00:21:40,397 of the SWAT team who are assembled are individuals 439 00:21:40,399 --> 00:21:42,399 who typically have an expertise in the area 440 00:21:42,401 --> 00:21:44,971 of infection control in hospitals. 441 00:21:44,970 --> 00:21:48,170 It typically will include individuals who have 442 00:21:48,173 --> 00:21:50,673 dealt with Ebola patients in the past. 443 00:21:50,676 --> 00:21:54,776 There has also been talk about the importance of individuals 444 00:21:54,780 --> 00:21:59,890 who can be closely monitoring health care workers as they're 445 00:21:59,885 --> 00:22:03,055 donning and doffing personal protection equipment. 446 00:22:03,055 --> 00:22:05,625 There also has been the designation in these 447 00:22:05,624 --> 00:22:09,294 circumstances of a site manager, somebody who can be in charge 448 00:22:09,294 --> 00:22:13,934 of ensuring that the protocols are very closely followed. 449 00:22:13,932 --> 00:22:15,932 Those are the kinds of people that are typically part 450 00:22:15,934 --> 00:22:16,934 of a SWAT team. 451 00:22:16,935 --> 00:22:20,675 And so I'd refer you to CDC about how many individuals and 452 00:22:20,672 --> 00:22:23,572 which individuals fit the profile that I just described. 453 00:22:23,575 --> 00:22:25,715 I can give you a little bit more color on one other aspect 454 00:22:25,711 --> 00:22:31,821 of this, which is that there was -- in order to quickly 455 00:22:31,817 --> 00:22:35,087 transport the team from the CDC to New York, 456 00:22:35,087 --> 00:22:38,927 the President ordered that a Department of Defense aircraft 457 00:22:38,924 --> 00:22:43,224 be commissioned to fly them from Atlanta to New York 458 00:22:43,228 --> 00:22:45,228 so they could be in place as soon as possible. 459 00:22:45,230 --> 00:22:48,830 I do understand that weather briefly delayed their arrival 460 00:22:48,834 --> 00:22:52,074 because there was a pretty bad storm in New York last night. 461 00:22:52,070 --> 00:22:54,410 But it is because we were able to draw on some 462 00:22:54,406 --> 00:22:57,706 DOD resources and because this team was prepared, 463 00:22:57,709 --> 00:23:00,079 that they were on the ground within hours, 464 00:23:00,078 --> 00:23:01,648 just a couple hours of this individual being -- 465 00:23:01,646 --> 00:23:02,746 testing positive for Ebola. 466 00:23:02,748 --> 00:23:06,988 And I think that indicates the kind of commitment that CDC 467 00:23:06,985 --> 00:23:10,585 has to taking very seriously the responsibilities of acting 468 00:23:10,589 --> 00:23:13,929 quickly to support local health care professionals 469 00:23:13,925 --> 00:23:15,895 when they're dealing with an Ebola patient. 470 00:23:15,894 --> 00:23:17,894 The Press: So how soon after news of the confirmation 471 00:23:17,896 --> 00:23:19,536 that that individual in New York had Ebola did 472 00:23:19,531 --> 00:23:21,731 the President make that order? 473 00:23:21,733 --> 00:23:24,203 Mr. Earnest: I don't have the exact tick-tock of all of this. 474 00:23:24,202 --> 00:23:27,142 I know that there was a -- because of his travel history 475 00:23:27,139 --> 00:23:30,979 and because of his close contact with Ebola patients 476 00:23:30,976 --> 00:23:34,116 in West Africa, there was a strong suspicion 477 00:23:34,112 --> 00:23:36,112 that he would test positive for Ebola. 478 00:23:36,114 --> 00:23:38,454 So I think that some of the wheels were put into motion 479 00:23:38,450 --> 00:23:40,550 a little earlier than they otherwise would have been 480 00:23:40,552 --> 00:23:43,152 because of the specifics of this individual case. 481 00:23:43,155 --> 00:23:45,225 The Press: And I know you haven't wanted to comment on the 482 00:23:45,223 --> 00:23:49,833 specific plans, whether or not you're considering quarantine -- 483 00:23:49,828 --> 00:23:51,828 forcing a quarantine here in the United States 484 00:23:51,830 --> 00:23:53,700 or before folks travel. 485 00:23:53,698 --> 00:23:57,838 But as a general matter, does news of the fact that 486 00:23:57,836 --> 00:24:01,106 we have another case of Ebola, this time in New York, 487 00:24:01,106 --> 00:24:04,506 indicate that something more needs to be done, 488 00:24:04,509 --> 00:24:07,009 that more steps need to be put in place? 489 00:24:07,012 --> 00:24:09,012 Mr. Earnest: I think the answer to that is, not necessarily. 490 00:24:09,014 --> 00:24:14,484 Because we continue to believe that the risk facing New Yorkers 491 00:24:14,486 --> 00:24:18,526 from the Ebola virus today continues to be exceedingly low. 492 00:24:18,523 --> 00:24:20,593 There are a small number of individuals who did have close 493 00:24:20,592 --> 00:24:22,632 contact with Dr. Spencer upon his return from 494 00:24:22,627 --> 00:24:24,897 West Africa who have been isolated. 495 00:24:24,896 --> 00:24:27,166 But for the average New Yorker who is riding the subway 496 00:24:27,165 --> 00:24:30,035 today or taking a stroll along the High Line, 497 00:24:30,035 --> 00:24:32,875 presuming the weather there is better than it was yesterday, 498 00:24:32,871 --> 00:24:36,141 those individuals do not face a significantly elevated 499 00:24:36,141 --> 00:24:37,781 risk in this situation. 500 00:24:37,776 --> 00:24:40,876 And the reason is -- and this is important -- the reason is that 501 00:24:40,879 --> 00:24:44,249 Dr. Spencer was very closely monitoring his own health. 502 00:24:44,249 --> 00:24:48,119 And as soon as he noticed that he might be displaying symptoms 503 00:24:48,119 --> 00:24:50,559 that are consistent with Ebola, he contacted health care 504 00:24:50,555 --> 00:24:54,325 professional who are trained and prepared to respond quickly, 505 00:24:54,326 --> 00:24:56,326 and that's exactly what they did. 506 00:24:56,328 --> 00:24:58,328 The Press: So the President wouldn't have any qualms 507 00:24:58,330 --> 00:25:00,330 about riding the subway today in New York, 508 00:25:00,332 --> 00:25:01,762 or going bowling at the bowling alley, 509 00:25:01,766 --> 00:25:03,936 or hitching a ride with Uber? 510 00:25:03,935 --> 00:25:04,565 Mr. Earnest: The President is a big fan of bowling. 511 00:25:04,569 --> 00:25:06,569 (laughter) 512 00:25:06,571 --> 00:25:07,841 The Press: He's not the best bowler, but -- 513 00:25:07,839 --> 00:25:10,139 Mr. Earnest: He is an accomplished bowler. 514 00:25:10,141 --> 00:25:12,741 (laughter) 515 00:25:12,744 --> 00:25:14,114 The Press: Josh, I think we may need 516 00:25:14,112 --> 00:25:14,812 a fact-check on that. 517 00:25:14,813 --> 00:25:16,283 Mr. Earnest: He's been practicing. 518 00:25:16,281 --> 00:25:18,681 I can tell you that the President would have no qualms 519 00:25:18,683 --> 00:25:21,453 about riding the subway in New York or taking a stroll 520 00:25:21,453 --> 00:25:22,893 on the High Line, which is, I know, something that he would 521 00:25:22,888 --> 00:25:27,388 love to do -- or even bowling a few frames at this 522 00:25:27,392 --> 00:25:28,562 bowling alley in Brooklyn. 523 00:25:28,560 --> 00:25:31,700 The risk that is facing the average New Yorker, 524 00:25:31,696 --> 00:25:35,966 the average person going to those places remains today 525 00:25:35,967 --> 00:25:36,967 exceedingly low. 526 00:25:36,968 --> 00:25:42,178 The Press: And can you just, just one more time -- this is 527 00:25:42,173 --> 00:25:45,643 quite an extraordinary event that Nina Pham has just been 528 00:25:45,644 --> 00:25:47,614 released, just been cleared of Ebola, 529 00:25:47,612 --> 00:25:50,312 and then she's coming right here to the Oval Office. 530 00:25:50,315 --> 00:25:53,985 What is the significance, the symbolic significance 531 00:25:53,985 --> 00:25:56,685 of the President's meeting today with Nina Pham? 532 00:25:56,688 --> 00:25:59,558 Mr. Earnest: Well, I think it is an opportunity for the President 533 00:25:59,557 --> 00:26:03,557 to, first of all, to thank her for her service. 534 00:26:03,561 --> 00:26:06,061 Again, this is an individual -- this is a nurse who used her 535 00:26:06,064 --> 00:26:10,674 training to treat somebody who was really sick with Ebola. 536 00:26:10,669 --> 00:26:14,869 And she dove into treating this individual without regard 537 00:26:14,873 --> 00:26:15,973 for her own health. 538 00:26:15,974 --> 00:26:19,374 This is somebody who -- she didn't get a raise because 539 00:26:19,377 --> 00:26:20,377 she did it. 540 00:26:20,378 --> 00:26:22,818 She certainly didn't do it for the glory. 541 00:26:22,814 --> 00:26:26,114 There are a lot of individuals who treated that first 542 00:26:26,117 --> 00:26:29,657 Ebola patient in Dallas who we don't know about. 543 00:26:29,654 --> 00:26:32,954 So this is somebody who displayed the kind of selfless 544 00:26:32,958 --> 00:26:38,098 service to her fellow man that I think is worthy of some praise. 545 00:26:38,096 --> 00:26:44,236 At the same time, we're also certainly relieved that she has 546 00:26:44,235 --> 00:26:46,975 been successfully treated and has recovered from Ebola. 547 00:26:46,972 --> 00:26:52,412 I think that reflects, as I mentioned earlier, 548 00:26:52,410 --> 00:26:54,410 that the prayers of countless of Americans have 549 00:26:54,412 --> 00:26:55,412 been answered today. 550 00:26:55,413 --> 00:26:57,553 So we're certainly celebrating alongside her. 551 00:26:57,549 --> 00:26:59,549 And the President is looking forward to meeting her. 552 00:26:59,551 --> 00:27:01,551 The Press: And then just to follow up lastly on what 553 00:27:01,553 --> 00:27:04,023 Olivier was asking about. 554 00:27:04,022 --> 00:27:05,122 I mean, this is an important meeting. 555 00:27:05,123 --> 00:27:07,863 Why ban reporters from this meeting? 556 00:27:07,859 --> 00:27:09,699 Why ban video cameras? 557 00:27:09,694 --> 00:27:13,294 I mean, countless other events in the Oval Office under this 558 00:27:13,298 --> 00:27:16,668 President and other Presidents, there are reporters present, 559 00:27:16,668 --> 00:27:19,368 there are television cameras present. 560 00:27:19,371 --> 00:27:22,771 Why does this White House decide on a meeting this important 561 00:27:22,774 --> 00:27:25,814 to say, no, reporters are not allowed at this event? 562 00:27:25,810 --> 00:27:26,810 Why? 563 00:27:26,811 --> 00:27:28,811 Mr. Earnest: The good news is that reporters will be allowed 564 00:27:28,813 --> 00:27:29,813 at the event. 565 00:27:29,814 --> 00:27:31,914 The photo -- your colleagues, the photojournalists will 566 00:27:31,916 --> 00:27:33,816 be in there to take a photograph of the President 567 00:27:33,818 --> 00:27:34,348 greeting her. 568 00:27:34,352 --> 00:27:35,182 The Press: You know what I'm saying. 569 00:27:35,186 --> 00:27:35,886 There are no print reporters allowed. 570 00:27:35,887 --> 00:27:37,357 There are no television reporters allowed. 571 00:27:37,355 --> 00:27:38,925 There's no editorial presence. 572 00:27:38,923 --> 00:27:42,693 You're only allowing still photographers. 573 00:27:42,694 --> 00:27:43,124 Why? 574 00:27:43,128 --> 00:27:46,128 Mr. Earnest: Many of you did have the opportunity to see her 575 00:27:46,131 --> 00:27:51,441 deliver remarks at the NIH upon her departure from the hospital. 576 00:27:51,436 --> 00:27:55,006 The Press: That's not an answer to my question. 577 00:27:55,006 --> 00:27:57,876 Why was this decision made? 578 00:27:57,876 --> 00:28:01,576 Mr. Earnest: Because reporters did have the opportunity 579 00:28:01,579 --> 00:28:03,119 to see her speak already. 580 00:28:03,114 --> 00:28:05,084 And this is an opportunity for the President to greet 581 00:28:05,083 --> 00:28:06,083 her at the White House. 582 00:28:06,084 --> 00:28:08,084 And we did want to make sure that photographers could see 583 00:28:08,086 --> 00:28:12,996 her do so, but the President, nor Ms. Pham plans to make 584 00:28:12,991 --> 00:28:15,291 any comments today. 585 00:28:15,293 --> 00:28:16,193 Laura. 586 00:28:16,194 --> 00:28:19,634 The Press: Now, just to follow up on what Olivier and this 587 00:28:19,631 --> 00:28:22,931 gentleman is saying, if you had a foreign camera, 588 00:28:22,934 --> 00:28:24,834 this is a worldwide story. 589 00:28:24,836 --> 00:28:27,876 This is a huge symbol for all of us. 590 00:28:27,872 --> 00:28:30,172 I mean, American press or foreign press, 591 00:28:30,175 --> 00:28:35,745 to see the President welcoming here this nurse. 592 00:28:35,747 --> 00:28:38,247 Yes, why, is the first question. 593 00:28:38,249 --> 00:28:38,979 Mr. Earnest: It's certainly good news, 594 00:28:38,983 --> 00:28:41,353 and I do understand that there will be wire photographers 595 00:28:41,352 --> 00:28:43,522 that will be in the Oval Office taking this picture 596 00:28:43,521 --> 00:28:46,921 and that image will be beamed around the world. 597 00:28:46,925 --> 00:28:47,695 The Press: But it's not a video thing. 598 00:28:47,692 --> 00:28:50,092 I mean, for people in Africa at this moment, 599 00:28:50,095 --> 00:28:52,635 it would be quite important to see this footage 600 00:28:52,630 --> 00:28:54,630 of the President welcoming this woman. 601 00:28:54,632 --> 00:28:56,802 Mr. Earnest: And the good news is that they will see 602 00:28:56,801 --> 00:28:58,801 a photograph of the President greeting this woman 603 00:28:58,803 --> 00:28:59,803 in the Oval Office. 604 00:28:59,804 --> 00:29:01,804 So it will be a really nice event I think. 605 00:29:01,806 --> 00:29:03,806 The Press: My second question is, 606 00:29:03,808 --> 00:29:05,448 was the President briefed on the attack in New York 607 00:29:05,443 --> 00:29:07,413 against the police officers yesterday? 608 00:29:07,412 --> 00:29:08,312 Mr. Earnest: The President was informed 609 00:29:08,313 --> 00:29:11,883 of the situation by Lisa Monaco last night. 610 00:29:11,883 --> 00:29:13,323 The Press: And what's the White House reaction? 611 00:29:13,318 --> 00:29:15,788 Mr. Earnest: This is a situation that is under 612 00:29:15,787 --> 00:29:18,127 investigation by the New York Police Department, 613 00:29:18,123 --> 00:29:20,123 local law enforcement authorities. 614 00:29:20,125 --> 00:29:22,095 Officials here at the White House and other federal law 615 00:29:22,093 --> 00:29:25,133 enforcement officials have been in touch with local law 616 00:29:25,130 --> 00:29:27,870 enforcement on this matter, but it's still under investigation 617 00:29:27,866 --> 00:29:29,966 so I don't have too much to say about it at this point. 618 00:29:29,968 --> 00:29:31,168 Ed. 619 00:29:31,169 --> 00:29:33,169 The Press: Josh, I wanted to go back to Ebola. 620 00:29:33,171 --> 00:29:36,071 You've said several times Dr. Spencer was monitoring 621 00:29:36,074 --> 00:29:37,374 himself very closely. 622 00:29:37,375 --> 00:29:40,415 Why was a doctor who just came from treating Ebola patients 623 00:29:40,411 --> 00:29:44,181 in West Africa allowed to monitor himself as opposed 624 00:29:44,182 --> 00:29:48,182 to having the government keep a closer eye 625 00:29:48,186 --> 00:29:50,186 on whether or not he was getting sick? 626 00:29:50,188 --> 00:29:52,258 Mr. Earnest: He is a highly trained medical professional, 627 00:29:52,257 --> 00:29:55,297 certainly had the capacity to take his own temperature. 628 00:29:55,293 --> 00:29:56,793 He had been advised by the government that -- 629 00:29:56,794 --> 00:29:57,864 The Press: Right, and he still got Ebola, obviously. 630 00:29:57,862 --> 00:29:59,802 Mr. Earnest: He had been advised by the government about what 631 00:29:59,797 --> 00:30:04,107 steps he should take should he notice that symptoms like 632 00:30:04,102 --> 00:30:08,442 a high fever, or at least an elevated fever, were evident. 633 00:30:08,439 --> 00:30:10,279 And he followed those steps. 634 00:30:10,275 --> 00:30:13,515 And because of the preparation of state and local officials 635 00:30:13,511 --> 00:30:16,481 in New York, he is receiving treatment already. 636 00:30:16,481 --> 00:30:17,881 The Press: The President has told the public again and again 637 00:30:17,882 --> 00:30:19,852 we don't need a travel ban because we have these 638 00:30:19,851 --> 00:30:22,721 very tough restrictions in place, which include 639 00:30:22,720 --> 00:30:25,660 taking people's temperatures when they come in. 640 00:30:25,657 --> 00:30:27,927 And so we did that, and he didn't have a temperature 641 00:30:27,926 --> 00:30:28,796 at that point. 642 00:30:28,793 --> 00:30:29,323 Mr. Earnest: That's correct. 643 00:30:29,327 --> 00:30:31,927 The Press: Doesn't that suggest there is a gap 644 00:30:31,930 --> 00:30:32,930 there in the system? 645 00:30:32,931 --> 00:30:34,931 Mr. Earnest: There is not a gap in the system, Ed. 646 00:30:34,933 --> 00:30:36,933 And it goes back to the fact that the only way that an 647 00:30:36,935 --> 00:30:40,005 individual can contract the Ebola virus is by coming into 648 00:30:40,004 --> 00:30:42,544 close contact with the bodily fluids of an individual 649 00:30:42,540 --> 00:30:45,510 who is already displaying symptoms of Ebola. 650 00:30:45,510 --> 00:30:47,510 You can't catch Ebola through the air. 651 00:30:47,512 --> 00:30:52,352 You can't catch Ebola by drinking food -- or drinking 652 00:30:52,350 --> 00:30:53,550 water or eating the food in the United States. 653 00:30:53,551 --> 00:30:54,021 The Press: I understand that. 654 00:30:54,018 --> 00:30:54,518 You said that earlier. 655 00:30:54,519 --> 00:30:56,289 I guess I'm not trying to raise a question about the people 656 00:30:56,287 --> 00:30:57,827 on the plane -- you made that point earlier. 657 00:30:57,822 --> 00:30:58,792 I get that. 658 00:30:58,790 --> 00:31:02,130 But I'm saying there's somebody who was interacting with people 659 00:31:02,126 --> 00:31:05,796 who had Ebola in West Africa, so we knew he was 660 00:31:05,797 --> 00:31:07,167 high-risk for this. 661 00:31:07,165 --> 00:31:10,135 He did heroic work trying to help those people. 662 00:31:10,134 --> 00:31:11,504 Mr. Earnest: Well, he was not high-risk for this, Ed. 663 00:31:11,502 --> 00:31:13,342 It's important for people to understand that there -- 664 00:31:13,338 --> 00:31:14,368 The Press: So how did he get it? 665 00:31:14,372 --> 00:31:15,472 He's a doctor treating Ebola patients. 666 00:31:15,473 --> 00:31:16,613 Mr. Earnest: Yes, there are dozens of health care workers 667 00:31:16,608 --> 00:31:19,648 who have treated Ebola patients in West Africa and did 668 00:31:19,644 --> 00:31:21,684 that without contracting the Ebola virus. 669 00:31:21,679 --> 00:31:22,179 He is at an -- 670 00:31:22,180 --> 00:31:23,210 The Press: A higher risk than you or I. 671 00:31:23,214 --> 00:31:24,914 Mr. Earnest: -- an elevated risk, but not a high risk. 672 00:31:24,916 --> 00:31:26,816 And it's important for people to understand the difference. 673 00:31:26,818 --> 00:31:29,418 The Press: So then why isn't he stopped from coming to America 674 00:31:29,420 --> 00:31:33,090 until we know for sure he does not have Ebola since he was 675 00:31:33,091 --> 00:31:36,861 interacting with people and treating people who had Ebola? 676 00:31:36,861 --> 00:31:41,301 Mr. Earnest: Again, he was somebody who was screened 677 00:31:41,299 --> 00:31:44,369 before he returned to the United States. 678 00:31:44,369 --> 00:31:46,369 He was screened in West Africa before he boarded an aircraft 679 00:31:46,371 --> 00:31:48,641 and he was screened upon arrival in the United States. 680 00:31:48,640 --> 00:31:52,340 In both indications -- or in both situations, 681 00:31:52,343 --> 00:31:56,013 he did not exhibit any symptoms of Ebola. 682 00:31:56,014 --> 00:31:58,314 That means that he was not at all contagious. 683 00:31:58,316 --> 00:31:59,786 So anybody who was flying on the plane, 684 00:31:59,784 --> 00:32:01,454 anybody who happened to be in the airport 685 00:32:01,452 --> 00:32:03,922 at the same time that he was there does not face -- 686 00:32:03,921 --> 00:32:05,161 The Press: He got it later. 687 00:32:05,156 --> 00:32:06,156 I understand. 688 00:32:06,157 --> 00:32:08,457 I'm just saying but then he still got Ebola later and went 689 00:32:08,459 --> 00:32:10,499 out -- we don't know whether he infected anyone else. 690 00:32:10,495 --> 00:32:11,595 Hopefully he did not. 691 00:32:11,596 --> 00:32:14,796 But the point is he got through there because 692 00:32:14,799 --> 00:32:16,499 he was not showing symptoms. 693 00:32:16,501 --> 00:32:20,271 Doesn't that suggest that you can't catch everyone on their 694 00:32:20,271 --> 00:32:22,411 way in because they might not be showing symptoms? 695 00:32:22,407 --> 00:32:24,407 Mr. Earnest: But what it shows is it shows that people can't 696 00:32:24,409 --> 00:32:27,609 catch Ebola unless they come into the close contact with the 697 00:32:27,612 --> 00:32:29,612 bodily fluids of somebody who is already displaying 698 00:32:29,614 --> 00:32:30,614 symptoms of Ebola. 699 00:32:30,615 --> 00:32:33,585 And because he -- shortly after he started displaying symptoms 700 00:32:33,584 --> 00:32:37,424 of Ebola, he contacted public health officials who safely 701 00:32:37,422 --> 00:32:39,922 transported him to a hospital where he was isolated 702 00:32:39,924 --> 00:32:42,524 and where he was being -- where he started treatment. 703 00:32:42,527 --> 00:32:46,027 And that is an indication that the American people and the 704 00:32:46,030 --> 00:32:49,430 people of New York City do not face a significant risk 705 00:32:49,434 --> 00:32:50,634 from this situation. 706 00:32:50,635 --> 00:32:51,165 The Press: Okay. 707 00:32:51,169 --> 00:32:51,899 I want to go on to another subject. 708 00:32:51,903 --> 00:32:53,373 The conservative group, Judicial Watch, 709 00:32:53,371 --> 00:32:55,311 has just put out a statement yesterday, I believe, 710 00:32:55,306 --> 00:32:57,006 saying when the President, months ago, 711 00:32:57,008 --> 00:32:59,748 evoked executive privilege on Fast and Furious, 712 00:32:59,744 --> 00:33:03,584 it included 20 emails between the Attorney General, 713 00:33:03,581 --> 00:33:05,921 his wife and his mother. 714 00:33:05,917 --> 00:33:09,357 And I was wondering, did the Attorney General talk about this 715 00:33:09,354 --> 00:33:13,154 sensitive gunrunning operation with his wife and his mother 716 00:33:13,157 --> 00:33:15,227 and that's why you have to invoke executive privilege? 717 00:33:15,226 --> 00:33:17,226 Mr. Earnest: Well, Ed, I'd refer you 718 00:33:17,228 --> 00:33:18,158 to the Department of Justice about this. 719 00:33:18,162 --> 00:33:18,932 The Press: It wasn't Justice privilege; 720 00:33:18,930 --> 00:33:19,760 it was executive privilege. 721 00:33:19,764 --> 00:33:21,764 It was invoked by the President, not the Attorney General. 722 00:33:21,766 --> 00:33:23,406 Mr. Earnest: But I can tell you that it's 723 00:33:23,401 --> 00:33:24,601 the Department of Justice that can 724 00:33:24,602 --> 00:33:27,402 discuss those emails with you. 725 00:33:27,405 --> 00:33:33,115 What is clear is that this lawsuit that has been filed 726 00:33:33,111 --> 00:33:35,951 by Judicial Watch actually doesn't have anything 727 00:33:35,947 --> 00:33:38,787 to do with the actual Fast and Furious operation. 728 00:33:38,783 --> 00:33:41,123 It has to do with emails and documents related 729 00:33:41,119 --> 00:33:42,489 to the operation. 730 00:33:42,487 --> 00:33:45,087 More than 7,500 pages of those documents have already been 731 00:33:45,089 --> 00:33:48,059 turned over to Congress, which has obviously thoroughly 732 00:33:48,059 --> 00:33:51,159 reviewed this situation and they've 733 00:33:51,162 --> 00:33:53,602 conducted countless interviews. 734 00:33:53,598 --> 00:33:55,138 The Inspector General has as well. 735 00:33:55,133 --> 00:33:58,333 This is something that has been thoroughly investigated. 736 00:33:58,336 --> 00:33:59,836 The Press: But if there was nothing sensitive in the emails 737 00:33:59,837 --> 00:34:01,907 that the Attorney General sent to his wife and mom, 738 00:34:01,906 --> 00:34:04,546 presumably they could have been turned over. 739 00:34:04,542 --> 00:34:07,112 Mr. Earnest: Well, I know that, again, 7,500 740 00:34:07,111 --> 00:34:09,811 pages of documents were turned over both to the 741 00:34:09,814 --> 00:34:12,414 Inspector General as well as to Democrats and Republicans 742 00:34:12,417 --> 00:34:14,417 in Congress who are investigating this issue. 743 00:34:14,419 --> 00:34:17,159 So we have demonstrated I think a pretty clear commitment 744 00:34:17,155 --> 00:34:19,625 to a legitimate oversight on this matter and others. 745 00:34:19,624 --> 00:34:20,624 The Press: Okay. 746 00:34:20,625 --> 00:34:21,625 Last one, on ISIS. 747 00:34:21,626 --> 00:34:23,996 There were reports that the administration is investigating 748 00:34:23,995 --> 00:34:26,735 allegations that there have been chlorine attacks 749 00:34:26,731 --> 00:34:29,771 by ISIS on the ground in the Middle East. 750 00:34:29,767 --> 00:34:31,767 Can you tell us whether that's been in Iraq? 751 00:34:31,769 --> 00:34:32,769 Was it also in Syria? 752 00:34:32,770 --> 00:34:35,040 And how concerned are you that these terrorists 753 00:34:35,039 --> 00:34:37,039 are also using chemical weapons? 754 00:34:37,041 --> 00:34:39,381 Mr. Earnest: Well, Ed, we've seen those reports 755 00:34:39,377 --> 00:34:43,977 and we're continuing to investigate them. 756 00:34:43,981 --> 00:34:47,781 We, obviously, as we have in the past, 757 00:34:47,785 --> 00:34:50,625 take seriously allegations of chemical weapons use, 758 00:34:50,621 --> 00:34:55,261 and so we'll have staff on the ground and other places analyze 759 00:34:55,259 --> 00:34:57,259 what exactly happened and try to get to the bottom 760 00:34:57,261 --> 00:34:58,261 of these reports. 761 00:34:58,262 --> 00:35:00,602 But I'm not in a position to confirm them at this point. 762 00:35:00,598 --> 00:35:01,168 Kristen. 763 00:35:01,165 --> 00:35:02,735 The Press: Josh, just to follow up, if they are true, 764 00:35:02,733 --> 00:35:05,533 how would it change the equation in Iraq? 765 00:35:05,536 --> 00:35:07,476 Mr. Earnest: Well, we're going to investigate those reports. 766 00:35:07,472 --> 00:35:10,372 I've seen them, but I don't have any comment beyond saying 767 00:35:10,374 --> 00:35:11,814 we're looking into them. 768 00:35:11,809 --> 00:35:13,479 The Press: Would it potentially change 769 00:35:13,478 --> 00:35:14,548 the U.S. strategy? 770 00:35:14,545 --> 00:35:17,245 Mr. Earnest: We're going to review those reports 771 00:35:17,248 --> 00:35:18,788 before we draw any conclusions. 772 00:35:18,783 --> 00:35:19,713 The Press: Okay. 773 00:35:19,717 --> 00:35:23,557 And during the hearing today, several doctors said to 774 00:35:23,554 --> 00:35:25,854 Congressman Issa when he asked if there's a larger overall 775 00:35:25,857 --> 00:35:29,557 failure when it comes to being prepared to fight infectious 776 00:35:29,560 --> 00:35:33,060 disease, several doctors said yes. 777 00:35:33,064 --> 00:35:36,534 So my question is are there steps being taken beyond 778 00:35:36,534 --> 00:35:39,004 Ebola to tighten the system to make sure the U.S. 779 00:35:39,003 --> 00:35:43,073 is prepared for these types of eventualities? 780 00:35:43,074 --> 00:35:43,444 Mr. Earnest: Well, there obviously have been a lot 781 00:35:43,441 --> 00:35:46,911 of steps that have been taken already to ensure that we are 782 00:35:46,911 --> 00:35:50,311 doing everything we can to protect the American public. 783 00:35:50,314 --> 00:35:52,414 And there has been a significant commitment by this 784 00:35:52,416 --> 00:35:57,326 administration even before this latest Ebola outbreak 785 00:35:57,321 --> 00:35:59,321 in West Africa to ensure that we're taking the necessary 786 00:35:59,323 --> 00:36:01,823 steps here in the U.S. but also around the world to try 787 00:36:01,826 --> 00:36:07,236 to protect the American people from diseases like this. 788 00:36:07,231 --> 00:36:13,871 What we are typically concerned about are situations that exist 789 00:36:13,871 --> 00:36:16,071 in countries like those in West Africa that don't have a modern 790 00:36:16,073 --> 00:36:20,613 medical infrastructure, and the ability of an outbreak 791 00:36:20,611 --> 00:36:22,211 of a contagious virus is something that we've 792 00:36:22,213 --> 00:36:24,213 been focused on for quite some time. 793 00:36:24,215 --> 00:36:26,215 I know this was actually the focus of attention 794 00:36:26,217 --> 00:36:28,217 in the previous administration as well. 795 00:36:28,219 --> 00:36:30,219 I'll tell you that as recently as September, 796 00:36:30,221 --> 00:36:32,291 the United States convened a major global event 797 00:36:32,290 --> 00:36:36,130 to garner international commitment and resources 798 00:36:36,127 --> 00:36:38,127 for the global health security agenda. 799 00:36:38,129 --> 00:36:41,569 So this is something that has drawn the attention 800 00:36:41,566 --> 00:36:44,036 of the Obama administration and medical professionals here 801 00:36:44,035 --> 00:36:46,435 in this country even before the headlines were filled 802 00:36:46,437 --> 00:36:48,007 with reports of Ebola. 803 00:36:48,005 --> 00:36:50,345 The Press: So just to be clear, does the administration 804 00:36:50,341 --> 00:36:52,181 disagree with what those doctors were saying? 805 00:36:52,176 --> 00:36:53,646 Do you have confidence right now -- 806 00:36:53,644 --> 00:36:54,914 Mr. Earnest: I haven't seen the specific testimony 807 00:36:54,912 --> 00:36:56,452 of those individuals. 808 00:36:56,447 --> 00:37:01,557 But what I can confirm for you, and what is evident from anybody 809 00:37:01,552 --> 00:37:04,422 who takes a close look at the track record here is that 810 00:37:04,422 --> 00:37:07,462 the United States, under the leadership of this President, 811 00:37:07,458 --> 00:37:10,758 has been focused on ensuring we're doing what we can to 812 00:37:10,761 --> 00:37:16,371 protect the American public from diseases that may 813 00:37:16,367 --> 00:37:16,837 break out anywhere in the world. 814 00:37:16,834 --> 00:37:20,274 The Press: I want to take one more try at this question that 815 00:37:20,271 --> 00:37:22,071 I know you've gotten a number of different ways, 816 00:37:22,073 --> 00:37:24,013 but Congressman Jason Chaffetz said today, 817 00:37:24,008 --> 00:37:25,908 "You can't have someone who's had direct contact 818 00:37:25,910 --> 00:37:30,250 with Ebola patients and allow them to go bowling." 819 00:37:30,247 --> 00:37:34,557 Isn't there -- do you agree that on some level there is a problem 820 00:37:34,552 --> 00:37:39,022 with that, that that exposes a gap in the system? 821 00:37:39,023 --> 00:37:44,063 Mr. Earnest: Well, I think the problem it's exposed may 822 00:37:44,061 --> 00:37:47,701 be related to Mr. Chaffetz's knowledge of actually 823 00:37:47,698 --> 00:37:48,938 how Ebola is transmitted. 824 00:37:48,933 --> 00:37:50,803 The Press: He was treating Ebola patients, though. 825 00:37:50,801 --> 00:37:52,001 Mr. Earnest: He was. 826 00:37:52,003 --> 00:37:56,543 But it sounds like I should go through this again. 827 00:37:56,540 --> 00:37:58,410 The only way that you can contract Ebola is by coming 828 00:37:58,409 --> 00:38:01,179 into the close contact with the bodily fluids 829 00:38:01,178 --> 00:38:04,078 of an individual who is displaying symptoms of Ebola. 830 00:38:04,081 --> 00:38:04,751 The Press: I understand what you're saying, Josh. 831 00:38:04,749 --> 00:38:06,889 But now there are two other people who were quarantined 832 00:38:06,884 --> 00:38:09,754 because this individual -- and again, 833 00:38:09,754 --> 00:38:12,524 this is not to place the blame on him at all, 834 00:38:12,523 --> 00:38:14,463 but because this individual was obviously exposed 835 00:38:14,458 --> 00:38:16,728 to the disease and then came back here. 836 00:38:16,727 --> 00:38:19,167 Mr. Earnest: Well, let me try to answer this a slightly 837 00:38:19,163 --> 00:38:21,533 different way, which is to present an illustration. 838 00:38:21,532 --> 00:38:24,832 There are only two known instances in which the Ebola 839 00:38:24,835 --> 00:38:27,575 virus has been transmitted inside the United States, 840 00:38:29,740 --> 00:38:32,810 and those were to two health care workers in Dallas who were 841 00:38:32,810 --> 00:38:36,310 treating a patient who was very sick with Ebola. 842 00:38:36,313 --> 00:38:38,453 These are ostensibly individuals who, 843 00:38:38,449 --> 00:38:41,519 because of their commitment to serving this individual 844 00:38:41,519 --> 00:38:43,559 and because of their commitment to their profession, 845 00:38:43,554 --> 00:38:45,994 probably came into close contact with the bodily fluids 846 00:38:45,990 --> 00:38:50,430 of this individual who was very sick with Ebola. 847 00:38:50,428 --> 00:38:54,268 The exact details or the exact circumstances that were in place 848 00:38:54,265 --> 00:38:57,465 that allowed them to contract the disease is still under 849 00:38:57,468 --> 00:39:01,408 investigation, but we know why they were at a higher risk. 850 00:39:01,405 --> 00:39:05,305 I think what people should understand is the people who are 851 00:39:05,309 --> 00:39:08,409 in Mr. Duncan's family and living with him even after 852 00:39:08,412 --> 00:39:12,612 he was sick with Ebola recently were cleared from monitoring 853 00:39:12,616 --> 00:39:16,726 because it had been more than 21 days since they had last 854 00:39:16,721 --> 00:39:18,321 been in contact with him. 855 00:39:18,322 --> 00:39:23,062 So that is an indication of the circumstances under which 856 00:39:23,060 --> 00:39:24,900 someone can contract Ebola. 857 00:39:24,895 --> 00:39:27,335 The fact is that Dr. Spencer is somebody who was closely 858 00:39:27,331 --> 00:39:30,431 monitoring his health and at the first indication that he might 859 00:39:30,434 --> 00:39:33,474 have the symptoms of Ebola, therefore at the first 860 00:39:33,471 --> 00:39:35,741 indication that he might at all be even the slightest 861 00:39:35,740 --> 00:39:38,710 bit contagious with Ebola, he contacted health care 862 00:39:38,709 --> 00:39:43,649 professionals who responded quickly to his residence, 863 00:39:43,647 --> 00:39:46,617 and they transported him under existing, 864 00:39:46,617 --> 00:39:49,157 strengthened protocols to the hospital that was prepared 865 00:39:49,153 --> 00:39:50,153 to receive him. 866 00:39:50,154 --> 00:39:53,424 They quickly isolated him and began giving him treatment. 867 00:39:53,424 --> 00:39:57,464 So, again, I'm not sure if there are people who, 868 00:39:57,461 --> 00:40:00,401 for whatever reason, think that it might be in their interest 869 00:40:00,397 --> 00:40:04,937 one way or another to try to agitate or provoke anxiety among 870 00:40:04,935 --> 00:40:10,505 the American people, but I would strongly encourage anybody who 871 00:40:10,508 --> 00:40:12,508 is concerned about this situation to focus on the facts 872 00:40:12,510 --> 00:40:15,610 and to focus on exactly what we know about how this virus 873 00:40:15,613 --> 00:40:17,883 is transmitted, about how limited the circumstances 874 00:40:17,882 --> 00:40:22,952 have been where individuals have contracted Ebola 875 00:40:22,953 --> 00:40:24,523 in this country. 876 00:40:24,522 --> 00:40:26,722 It's also important for people to understand that there are 877 00:40:26,724 --> 00:40:29,494 circumstances where people did appear to be at an elevated 878 00:40:29,493 --> 00:40:31,933 risk of contracting Ebola but they didn't. 879 00:40:31,929 --> 00:40:34,599 And I think that that is a useful illustration that people 880 00:40:34,598 --> 00:40:38,238 should keep in mind if they're concerned about how 881 00:40:38,235 --> 00:40:39,305 this disease is transmitted. 882 00:40:39,303 --> 00:40:41,303 And I guess that's advice I wouldn't just share 883 00:40:41,305 --> 00:40:43,945 to average Americans, I'd even share it with politicians 884 00:40:43,941 --> 00:40:45,911 on Capitol Hill as well. 885 00:40:45,910 --> 00:40:47,280 Mr. Plante. 886 00:40:47,278 --> 00:40:49,378 The Press: You said a moment ago that the reason the President 887 00:40:49,380 --> 00:40:53,850 wanted to see Nurse Pham was to thank her for her service. 888 00:40:53,851 --> 00:40:56,921 That being the case, wouldn't you want to have him 889 00:40:56,921 --> 00:40:59,491 do that in front of a television camera so that 890 00:40:59,490 --> 00:41:02,190 the rest of the country could see it? 891 00:41:02,193 --> 00:41:02,923 Mr. Earnest: I think in this case, 892 00:41:02,927 --> 00:41:05,297 in order to offer his gratitude the President wanted 893 00:41:05,296 --> 00:41:08,436 to do that in person with Ms. Pham, and that's what he'll 894 00:41:08,432 --> 00:41:09,572 do in the Oval Office. 895 00:41:09,567 --> 00:41:10,567 The Press: Let me ask you this. 896 00:41:10,568 --> 00:41:13,938 Was there a White House TV camera in that meeting? 897 00:41:13,938 --> 00:41:15,678 Mr. Earnest: I don't know. 898 00:41:15,673 --> 00:41:18,673 The meeting has taken place since I walked out here, 899 00:41:18,676 --> 00:41:19,346 so I don't know. 900 00:41:19,343 --> 00:41:23,243 The Press: If there was, would you then put that on the net? 901 00:41:23,247 --> 00:41:24,047 Mr. Earnest: If you're interested in it, 902 00:41:24,048 --> 00:41:25,548 we can work with you to get that. 903 00:41:25,549 --> 00:41:28,319 The Press: No, we're interested in knowing why, if you do, 904 00:41:28,319 --> 00:41:30,319 you'd make it available, bypassing us. 905 00:41:30,321 --> 00:41:32,461 Mr. Earnest: We can engage in this hypothetical discussion 906 00:41:32,456 --> 00:41:34,396 after the briefing and after I've determined whether 907 00:41:34,391 --> 00:41:36,331 or not there was a television camera in there. 908 00:41:36,327 --> 00:41:38,727 The Press: Let me ask you about the nuclear deal. 909 00:41:38,729 --> 00:41:41,899 There's a report that the White House is pushing a particular 910 00:41:41,899 --> 00:41:49,709 deal with Iran with the rest of the P5-plus-1 in order to get 911 00:41:49,707 --> 00:41:53,177 something done by the deadline of the end of next month. 912 00:41:53,177 --> 00:41:54,877 What can you tell me about that? 913 00:41:54,879 --> 00:41:57,249 Mr. Earnest: Well, discussions continue to be underway between 914 00:41:57,248 --> 00:42:02,858 the -- I guess among the members of the P5-plus-1 and Iranian 915 00:42:02,853 --> 00:42:05,893 representatives about steps that can be taken to resolve 916 00:42:05,890 --> 00:42:07,660 the international community's concerns about 917 00:42:07,658 --> 00:42:08,928 Iran's nuclear program. 918 00:42:08,926 --> 00:42:11,896 The Press: But are we pushing a particular solution -- 919 00:42:11,896 --> 00:42:12,996 we, the U.S.? 920 00:42:12,997 --> 00:42:14,227 Mr. Earnest: Well, generally speaking, 921 00:42:14,231 --> 00:42:17,031 we're pushing a solution that would allow the international 922 00:42:17,034 --> 00:42:21,404 community to have clear insight into Iran's ability to resolve 923 00:42:21,405 --> 00:42:23,845 everybody's concerns about their nuclear program. 924 00:42:23,841 --> 00:42:25,841 In terms of the details of that agreement, 925 00:42:25,843 --> 00:42:27,843 I'm not going to get into that from here. 926 00:42:27,845 --> 00:42:30,945 This is something that obviously is being discussed in a very 927 00:42:30,948 --> 00:42:34,088 detailed fashion by the United States and our P5-plus-1 928 00:42:34,084 --> 00:42:36,354 partners and the representatives of Iran. 929 00:42:38,822 --> 00:42:40,092 Justin. 930 00:42:40,090 --> 00:42:42,490 The Press: I wanted to ask about the President's meeting 931 00:42:42,493 --> 00:42:44,763 this afternoon on ISIS over at the State Department. 932 00:42:44,762 --> 00:42:47,332 I guess my first question is why he's going 933 00:42:47,331 --> 00:42:50,631 to the State Department, especially since he's -- 934 00:42:50,634 --> 00:42:52,274 according to the guidance you guys have given us, 935 00:42:52,269 --> 00:42:54,609 he's meeting with his National Security Council, 936 00:42:54,605 --> 00:42:55,705 which he routinely meets with here. 937 00:42:55,706 --> 00:42:57,706 Mr. Earnest: He typically does meet with them here. 938 00:42:57,708 --> 00:42:59,978 You'll recall that just a week or two ago the President 939 00:42:59,977 --> 00:43:02,817 convened a National Security Council meeting at the Pentagon 940 00:43:02,813 --> 00:43:04,383 to discuss these issues. 941 00:43:04,381 --> 00:43:07,381 The Pentagon obviously has a very important role in our 942 00:43:07,384 --> 00:43:11,354 strategy to degrade and ultimately destroy ISIL. 943 00:43:11,355 --> 00:43:14,395 The State Department also has an important role in terms of 944 00:43:14,391 --> 00:43:17,261 working through our diplomatic channels to build this broad 945 00:43:17,261 --> 00:43:20,201 international coalition in support of this broader effort. 946 00:43:20,197 --> 00:43:24,067 So the President is going to convene the meeting there. 947 00:43:24,068 --> 00:43:27,768 I think the meeting will sort of run the gamut of all 948 00:43:27,771 --> 00:43:30,611 of the elements of the strategy that's been put in place, 949 00:43:30,607 --> 00:43:34,177 but we'll have a readout of that meeting when it concludes. 950 00:43:34,178 --> 00:43:37,178 The Press: Do you anticipate him giving diplomats there guidance 951 00:43:37,181 --> 00:43:41,651 on this meeting that's coming up in Kuwait on kind of combating 952 00:43:41,652 --> 00:43:46,792 extremism -- extremists -- extremism and sort of Internet 953 00:43:46,790 --> 00:43:49,760 recruitment, especially in light of what's been going on? 954 00:43:49,760 --> 00:43:53,330 Mr. Earnest: I'm not aware of the specific meeting in Kuwait 955 00:43:53,330 --> 00:43:55,000 that you're referring to. 956 00:43:54,999 --> 00:43:58,169 But there are a lot of elements to our strategy. 957 00:43:58,168 --> 00:44:00,638 Certainly stopping the flow of foreign fighters is an important 958 00:44:00,637 --> 00:44:02,237 part of that strategy. 959 00:44:02,239 --> 00:44:04,479 I don't know whether it's on the agenda for this meeting, 960 00:44:04,475 --> 00:44:06,475 but we'll try to get you a readout afterwards, 961 00:44:06,477 --> 00:44:08,617 and if it's discussed we'll try to let you know. 962 00:44:08,612 --> 00:44:09,382 The Press: And then, one last thing 963 00:44:09,380 --> 00:44:10,450 on a totally different topic. 964 00:44:10,447 --> 00:44:13,087 Politico had a story yesterday that said Denis McDonough was 965 00:44:13,083 --> 00:44:18,053 asking top staff members to say whether or not they'd 966 00:44:18,055 --> 00:44:20,295 stay through the remainder of the President's term 967 00:44:20,290 --> 00:44:22,690 after the midterms. 968 00:44:22,693 --> 00:44:24,063 I was wondering if that's true, if that's a conversation you've 969 00:44:24,061 --> 00:44:26,861 had with him or that you're aware that other staff members 970 00:44:26,864 --> 00:44:27,494 have had with him. 971 00:44:27,498 --> 00:44:28,328 Mr. Earnest: It's not a conversation that I've 972 00:44:28,332 --> 00:44:29,232 had with him. 973 00:44:29,233 --> 00:44:30,873 I can't speak to all the conversations that senior 974 00:44:30,868 --> 00:44:33,338 staffers have had with the Chief of Staff. 975 00:44:33,337 --> 00:44:38,477 But I don't know of any regimented schedule of 976 00:44:38,475 --> 00:44:41,975 conversations that the Chief of Staff is planning to have. 977 00:44:41,979 --> 00:44:43,049 Steven. 978 00:44:43,047 --> 00:44:44,987 The Press: Josh, there were reports today in Israel and now 979 00:44:44,982 --> 00:44:50,192 here in the U.S., as well, that the administration rejected 980 00:44:50,187 --> 00:44:51,987 the suggestion or the ask of a meeting between 981 00:44:51,989 --> 00:44:54,359 the Israeli Defense Minister and the Vice President 982 00:44:54,358 --> 00:44:57,358 and the Secretary of State, that it was punitive. 983 00:44:57,361 --> 00:44:59,401 Do you have any comment on these reports? 984 00:44:59,396 --> 00:45:00,996 Mr. Earnest: I've seen those reports. 985 00:45:00,998 --> 00:45:03,698 I do understand that the Israeli Defense Minister 986 00:45:03,700 --> 00:45:06,200 met with his American counterpart, 987 00:45:06,203 --> 00:45:08,203 our Secretary of Defense, Chuck Hagel. 988 00:45:08,205 --> 00:45:10,705 I can't speak to any of the meetings that -- so I can 989 00:45:10,707 --> 00:45:12,707 speak to the meeting that did occur, and I understand 990 00:45:12,709 --> 00:45:14,749 the Department of Defense put out a readout of that meeting. 991 00:45:14,745 --> 00:45:17,315 I can't speak to any meetings that didn't occur. 992 00:45:17,314 --> 00:45:18,484 The Press: Do you know if it's true that the U.S. 993 00:45:18,482 --> 00:45:20,822 and the White House rejected the ask for these meetings with 994 00:45:20,818 --> 00:45:23,388 the Vice President and the National Security Advisor? 995 00:45:23,387 --> 00:45:25,627 Mr. Earnest: Like I said, I'm not aware of -- I don't have 996 00:45:25,622 --> 00:45:27,622 much information to share with you about meetings 997 00:45:27,624 --> 00:45:28,824 that did not occur. 998 00:45:28,826 --> 00:45:32,526 I do know that there was a meeting that occurred between 999 00:45:32,529 --> 00:45:36,169 Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel and his Israeli counterpart. 1000 00:45:36,166 --> 00:45:39,066 As you know, the United States values the strong security 1001 00:45:39,069 --> 00:45:41,809 relationship that we have with Israel. 1002 00:45:41,805 --> 00:45:45,245 It is arguably as strong with Israel as anybody else. 1003 00:45:45,242 --> 00:45:47,742 And so those kinds of meetings between 1004 00:45:47,744 --> 00:45:50,284 the Israeli Secretary of Defense and his American counterpart 1005 00:45:50,280 --> 00:45:52,980 are obviously an important priority; they take 1006 00:45:52,983 --> 00:45:55,823 place pretty frequently. 1007 00:45:55,819 --> 00:45:57,519 But you can contact 1008 00:45:57,521 --> 00:46:00,121 the Department of Defense for a readout of that meeting. 1009 00:46:00,124 --> 00:46:01,024 Jim. 1010 00:46:01,024 --> 00:46:03,424 The Press: If I can just be a contrarian for one moment 1011 00:46:03,427 --> 00:46:05,797 about the President's meeting with Nurse Pham. 1012 00:46:05,796 --> 00:46:08,766 Is it a good idea for the President to meet with Nurse 1013 00:46:08,765 --> 00:46:11,105 Pham given the fact that she just got out 1014 00:46:11,101 --> 00:46:14,571 of a specialized hospital being treated for Ebola? 1015 00:46:14,571 --> 00:46:18,981 Mr. Earnest: She is somebody who has tested negative five times 1016 00:46:18,976 --> 00:46:20,046 for the Ebola virus. 1017 00:46:20,043 --> 00:46:24,483 Her doctors, who are some of the foremost experts in the field, 1018 00:46:24,481 --> 00:46:27,181 have confirmed that she is virus free. 1019 00:46:27,184 --> 00:46:29,584 The Press: No risk to the President whatsoever? 1020 00:46:29,586 --> 00:46:30,156 Mr. Earnest: No. 1021 00:46:30,154 --> 00:46:33,054 And, in fact, I think the only question that people had was 1022 00:46:33,056 --> 00:46:36,026 whether or not she would be up for making the trip down here 1023 00:46:36,026 --> 00:46:38,726 to the White House. 1024 00:46:38,729 --> 00:46:41,629 And we were pleased to see on television that she looked 1025 00:46:41,632 --> 00:46:43,402 very healthy when she was delivering her statement, 1026 00:46:43,400 --> 00:46:45,470 and pleased that she accepted the invitation of the President. 1027 00:46:45,469 --> 00:46:48,639 The Press: And according to the print photographers who went 1028 00:46:48,639 --> 00:46:50,779 inside the President's meeting with Nurse Pham, 1029 00:46:50,774 --> 00:46:53,914 the President did hug Nurse Pham. 1030 00:46:53,911 --> 00:46:58,481 And is that -- should he maybe just hold off 1031 00:46:58,482 --> 00:47:03,892 on that a little bit just to be cautious? 1032 00:47:03,887 --> 00:47:04,887 He is the President. 1033 00:47:04,888 --> 00:47:06,888 Mr. Earnest: Yes, he is the President, 1034 00:47:06,890 --> 00:47:10,130 and he was not at all concerned about any risk that would be 1035 00:47:10,127 --> 00:47:13,767 associated with him showing his gratitude to her by hugging her. 1036 00:47:13,764 --> 00:47:17,964 The Press: And getting back to Dr. Spencer, his case, 1037 00:47:17,968 --> 00:47:24,538 does it not present a sort of an interesting discussion about 1038 00:47:24,541 --> 00:47:25,541 personal responsibility? 1039 00:47:25,542 --> 00:47:29,882 Because he came back, he was taking his temperature, 1040 00:47:29,880 --> 00:47:33,180 he was monitoring his own health conditions and so forth. 1041 00:47:33,183 --> 00:47:36,823 But I mean, I think it could be argued that not every doctor 1042 00:47:36,820 --> 00:47:39,790 would be as diligent coming back from West Africa, 1043 00:47:39,790 --> 00:47:44,190 and perhaps some doctors might take more risks than others. 1044 00:47:44,194 --> 00:47:46,764 Aren't you sort of leaving it up to the personal responsibility 1045 00:47:46,763 --> 00:47:49,033 of each and every health care worker who comes back 1046 00:47:49,032 --> 00:47:50,972 from West Africa to do the right thing, 1047 00:47:50,968 --> 00:47:52,668 to make sure that you don't have 1048 00:47:52,669 --> 00:47:56,979 exposures like what could have happened in New York 1049 00:47:56,974 --> 00:47:59,174 and may potentially still happen? 1050 00:47:59,176 --> 00:48:00,846 Mr. Earnest: Well, I would just posit, Jim, 1051 00:48:00,844 --> 00:48:02,814 that individuals who have spent time in West Africa 1052 00:48:02,813 --> 00:48:05,583 certainly understand the seriousness of this disease. 1053 00:48:05,582 --> 00:48:08,182 And I think that they would take seriously their 1054 00:48:08,185 --> 00:48:12,885 responsibility to ensure that they weren't responsible 1055 00:48:12,889 --> 00:48:14,489 for transmitting it to others intentionally. 1056 00:48:14,491 --> 00:48:17,391 And so I think it's not at all surprising that somebody 1057 00:48:17,394 --> 00:48:20,334 like Dr. Spencer, who was so dedicated to stopping 1058 00:48:20,330 --> 00:48:22,330 the spread of this disease, that he'd be monitoring 1059 00:48:22,332 --> 00:48:24,872 his own health very closely, which apparently he was. 1060 00:48:24,868 --> 00:48:27,868 It's also not at all surprising that somebody was so steeped 1061 00:48:27,871 --> 00:48:30,041 in the details of the treatment of this disease, 1062 00:48:30,040 --> 00:48:32,740 that he would respond the appropriate way once it became 1063 00:48:32,743 --> 00:48:36,183 clear that he was experiencing an elevated body temperature 1064 00:48:36,179 --> 00:48:41,749 and he did contact the medical professionals in New York who 1065 00:48:41,752 --> 00:48:44,852 were trained and ready to deal with this particular situation. 1066 00:48:44,855 --> 00:48:47,655 And we were pleased that he was transported so quickly to the 1067 00:48:47,658 --> 00:48:51,928 hospital and isolated and began receiving treatment quite early. 1068 00:48:51,928 --> 00:48:53,428 The Press: And there's been some discussion about whether 1069 00:48:53,430 --> 00:48:56,200 or not an Ebola vaccine has been developed quickly enough. 1070 00:48:56,199 --> 00:48:58,939 And I know Dr. Fauci talked about that earlier today 1071 00:48:58,935 --> 00:48:59,975 down at the NIH. 1072 00:48:59,970 --> 00:49:05,380 Has the President mentioned it at all as a priority to the 1073 00:49:05,375 --> 00:49:08,675 people meeting in these Ebola gatherings that 1074 00:49:08,679 --> 00:49:10,679 you've had here at the White House? 1075 00:49:10,681 --> 00:49:14,681 Is Ron Klain prodding the scientists who are 1076 00:49:14,685 --> 00:49:16,985 developing this vaccine to get things moving? 1077 00:49:16,987 --> 00:49:19,627 Is the President prodding people to get this moving? 1078 00:49:19,623 --> 00:49:22,863 Mr. Earnest: Well, again, a lot of these kinds of decisions are 1079 00:49:22,859 --> 00:49:25,999 driven by science, and there obviously is a sense of urgency 1080 00:49:25,996 --> 00:49:28,866 associated with dealing with this Ebola outbreak 1081 00:49:28,865 --> 00:49:29,865 in West Africa. 1082 00:49:29,866 --> 00:49:33,306 And again, the only way that we can entirely eliminate the risk 1083 00:49:33,303 --> 00:49:35,643 to the American people from the Ebola virus is to stop 1084 00:49:35,639 --> 00:49:38,309 this outbreak at the source, and certainly a vaccine 1085 00:49:38,308 --> 00:49:41,448 could play a key role in doing exactly that. 1086 00:49:41,445 --> 00:49:43,685 As a general matter, I can tell you that the President has, 1087 00:49:43,680 --> 00:49:48,590 on countless occasions, spoken about the value of medical 1088 00:49:48,585 --> 00:49:51,455 research in this country, both the value in terms 1089 00:49:51,455 --> 00:49:55,125 of enhancing the safety of the American people, 1090 00:49:55,125 --> 00:49:58,595 but also the value in strengthening our economy; 1091 00:49:58,595 --> 00:50:02,095 that this kind of research often leads to important 1092 00:50:02,099 --> 00:50:04,439 innovations that can be very good for our economy, 1093 00:50:04,434 --> 00:50:06,674 can lead to elements of job creation. 1094 00:50:06,670 --> 00:50:11,740 And we have been disappointed that some Republicans in 1095 00:50:11,742 --> 00:50:14,912 Congress haven't shared the President's commitment 1096 00:50:14,911 --> 00:50:18,311 to this kind of issue that would be good for 1097 00:50:18,315 --> 00:50:20,715 the American people, but also good for our economy. 1098 00:50:22,452 --> 00:50:23,652 Jim. 1099 00:50:23,653 --> 00:50:29,523 The Press: Josh, how does our current system protect us from 1100 00:50:29,526 --> 00:50:32,596 a psychopath coming from Africa who would want 1101 00:50:32,596 --> 00:50:35,936 to do us harm, who would want to infect people? 1102 00:50:35,932 --> 00:50:38,632 Because it sounds like somebody who is infected could pass 1103 00:50:38,635 --> 00:50:43,645 through into the United States and then develop a fever later. 1104 00:50:43,640 --> 00:50:44,940 How do we stop those people? 1105 00:50:44,941 --> 00:50:47,781 Mr. Earnest: Well, we stop them in a couple of ways. 1106 00:50:47,778 --> 00:50:50,818 One is, we certainly do have in place screening measures 1107 00:50:50,814 --> 00:50:54,114 at the airport both in West Africa and in the United States 1108 00:50:54,117 --> 00:50:56,417 to ensure that individuals who've recently traveled 1109 00:50:56,420 --> 00:51:01,560 in West Africa do not have symptoms of Ebola. 1110 00:51:01,558 --> 00:51:03,558 You'll recall that just earlier this week, 1111 00:51:03,560 --> 00:51:07,600 the CDC announced a regimen for the active monitoring of all 1112 00:51:07,597 --> 00:51:10,137 travelers who have recently been in West Africa. 1113 00:51:10,133 --> 00:51:12,603 What the CDC will do is they will share information with 1114 00:51:12,602 --> 00:51:15,572 state and local public health authorities so that those 1115 00:51:15,572 --> 00:51:19,042 authorities have the information that they need to monitor 1116 00:51:19,042 --> 00:51:21,042 the health of those individuals who have recently traveled 1117 00:51:21,044 --> 00:51:22,584 to West Africa. 1118 00:51:22,579 --> 00:51:27,689 And that certainly would account for what I think is probably 1119 00:51:27,684 --> 00:51:32,454 even the far-fetched hypothetical scenario 1120 00:51:32,456 --> 00:51:35,156 that you've laid out. 1121 00:51:35,158 --> 00:51:36,228 Chris, I'll give you the last one and then we'll 1122 00:51:36,226 --> 00:51:37,466 do the week ahead. 1123 00:51:37,461 --> 00:51:38,061 The Press: Thanks, Josh. 1124 00:51:38,061 --> 00:51:40,031 After the U.S. Supreme Court last struck 1125 00:51:40,030 --> 00:51:42,270 down the Defense of Marriage Act, 1126 00:51:42,265 --> 00:51:44,905 the administration worked to extend the federal benefits 1127 00:51:44,901 --> 00:51:48,371 of marriage to same-sex couples to a great extent throughout 1128 00:51:48,371 --> 00:51:49,911 the country, regardless of the state in which 1129 00:51:49,906 --> 00:51:50,736 these couples lived. 1130 00:51:50,740 --> 00:51:53,540 The exception to that is Social Security and veterans benefits, 1131 00:51:53,543 --> 00:51:55,713 the Justice Department showing that it could not grant those 1132 00:51:55,712 --> 00:51:58,352 benefits to couples living in non-marriage-equality states. 1133 00:51:58,348 --> 00:52:01,488 But now there are some LGBT advocates who say that those 1134 00:52:01,485 --> 00:52:03,855 benefits can be extended and there's been multiple 1135 00:52:03,854 --> 00:52:06,024 lawsuits, including one filed this week to compel 1136 00:52:06,022 --> 00:52:07,092 the administration to do so. 1137 00:52:07,090 --> 00:52:10,190 And Senator Dianne Feinstein, herself wrote a letter to the 1138 00:52:10,193 --> 00:52:11,593 President saying that those benefits should be extended. 1139 00:52:11,595 --> 00:52:13,435 Is there any consideration at the White House to making 1140 00:52:13,430 --> 00:52:15,070 a policy change to extend those Social Security 1141 00:52:15,065 --> 00:52:16,265 and veterans benefits? 1142 00:52:16,266 --> 00:52:17,166 Mr. Earnest: I have to admit, Chris, 1143 00:52:17,167 --> 00:52:19,667 I'm not steeped in the details of this particular case 1144 00:52:19,669 --> 00:52:22,139 or particularly as it relates to this lawsuit, 1145 00:52:22,138 --> 00:52:24,138 so I'd refer you to the Department of Justice that 1146 00:52:24,140 --> 00:52:26,140 may be able to share some more information for you on that. 1147 00:52:26,142 --> 00:52:27,642 So let's do the week ahead. 1148 00:52:27,644 --> 00:52:29,714 On Monday, the President will meet with the Advanced 1149 00:52:29,713 --> 00:52:31,713 Manufacturing Partnership Steering Committee 1150 00:52:31,715 --> 00:52:33,085 at the White House. 1151 00:52:33,083 --> 00:52:34,753 On Tuesday, the President will travel to -- 1152 00:52:34,751 --> 00:52:36,051 The Press: What committee is that? 1153 00:52:36,052 --> 00:52:37,552 Mr. Earnest: This is the Advanced Manufacturing 1154 00:52:37,554 --> 00:52:39,494 Partnership Steering Committee. 1155 00:52:39,489 --> 00:52:40,389 The Press: What's that? 1156 00:52:40,390 --> 00:52:42,590 (laughter) 1157 00:52:42,592 --> 00:52:43,962 Mr. Earnest: We'll have some more details -- this 1158 00:52:43,960 --> 00:52:45,360 is a steering committee that's interested in partnering 1159 00:52:45,362 --> 00:52:46,932 on issues related to advanced manufacturing. 1160 00:52:46,930 --> 00:52:49,830 (laughter) 1161 00:52:49,833 --> 00:52:50,663 The Press: Thanks for the guidance. 1162 00:52:50,667 --> 00:52:53,707 (laughter) 1163 00:52:53,703 --> 00:52:55,173 Mr. Earnest: Please tip your waitresses 1164 00:52:55,171 --> 00:52:55,911 on the way out. 1165 00:52:55,906 --> 00:52:57,276 (laughter) 1166 00:52:57,274 --> 00:52:59,314 On Tuesday, the President will travel to 1167 00:52:59,309 --> 00:53:01,309 Milwaukee, Wisconsin to attend a DNC roundtable and a campaign 1168 00:53:01,311 --> 00:53:04,211 event for Mary Burke and other Wisconsin Democrats. 1169 00:53:04,214 --> 00:53:06,754 As you may know, Ms. Burke is running for governor 1170 00:53:06,750 --> 00:53:08,050 in the state of Wisconsin. 1171 00:53:08,051 --> 00:53:10,051 Further details about the President's trip 1172 00:53:10,053 --> 00:53:12,553 to Wisconsin will be made available over the weekend. 1173 00:53:12,556 --> 00:53:14,556 On Wednesday, the President will be here 1174 00:53:14,558 --> 00:53:17,298 at the White House and will attend some meetings. 1175 00:53:17,294 --> 00:53:20,664 On Thursday, the President will travel to beautiful Portland, 1176 00:53:20,664 --> 00:53:23,664 Maine to attend a DNC roundtable and a campaign event 1177 00:53:23,667 --> 00:53:26,507 for Mike Michaud and other Maine Democrats. 1178 00:53:26,503 --> 00:53:28,503 Mr. Michaud, as you guys all know, 1179 00:53:28,505 --> 00:53:30,475 is a Democratic congressman from Maine who is running 1180 00:53:30,473 --> 00:53:31,513 for governor there. 1181 00:53:31,508 --> 00:53:34,148 Additional details about the trip to Maine will 1182 00:53:34,144 --> 00:53:35,884 be available soon. 1183 00:53:35,879 --> 00:53:38,419 After those activities in Maine, the President will travel to 1184 00:53:38,415 --> 00:53:42,115 Providence, Rhode Island, where he will remain overnight. 1185 00:53:42,118 --> 00:53:44,118 On Friday, the President will wake up in Providence, 1186 00:53:44,120 --> 00:53:47,920 Rhode Island, and deliver remarks at Rhode Island College. 1187 00:53:47,924 --> 00:53:50,024 His remarks will focus on the economy and the importance 1188 00:53:50,026 --> 00:53:52,996 of pursuing policies that help women succeed. 1189 00:53:52,996 --> 00:53:54,996 Additional details about the Rhode Island trip will 1190 00:53:54,998 --> 00:53:57,368 be available in the coming days as well. 1191 00:53:57,367 --> 00:54:03,207 The President will return to the White House on Friday 1192 00:54:03,206 --> 00:54:04,076 after that event. 1193 00:54:04,074 --> 00:54:05,574 And then in the evening, the President and the First Lady 1194 00:54:05,575 --> 00:54:09,415 will welcome local children and children of military families 1195 00:54:09,412 --> 00:54:12,682 to a trick-or-treat on the South Portico of the White House. 1196 00:54:12,682 --> 00:54:15,482 I know that's something that a lot of people 1197 00:54:15,485 --> 00:54:16,655 are looking forward to. 1198 00:54:16,653 --> 00:54:18,723 On Saturday -- we've got some additional details about 1199 00:54:18,722 --> 00:54:20,722 the President's activities next weekend. 1200 00:54:20,724 --> 00:54:22,964 So this is next Saturday, the President will travel 1201 00:54:22,959 --> 00:54:24,959 to Detroit, Michigan -- or the Detroit, 1202 00:54:24,961 --> 00:54:27,531 Michigan area to attend a campaign event for Gary Peters 1203 00:54:27,530 --> 00:54:29,270 and Mark Schuauer. 1204 00:54:29,265 --> 00:54:31,635 Additional details on the President's travel to Michigan 1205 00:54:31,635 --> 00:54:33,035 will be available soon. 1206 00:54:33,036 --> 00:54:35,606 Obviously Mr. Peters is a candidate for the Senate 1207 00:54:35,605 --> 00:54:38,475 and Mr. Schauer a candidate for governor in Michigan. 1208 00:54:38,475 --> 00:54:40,475 On Sunday, the President will travel to Bridgeport, 1209 00:54:40,477 --> 00:54:42,477 Connecticut for an event with Dan Malloy 1210 00:54:42,479 --> 00:54:44,479 and other Connecticut Democrats. 1211 00:54:44,481 --> 00:54:46,481 Mr. Malloy is the sitting governor of Connecticut 1212 00:54:46,483 --> 00:54:48,483 and he is running for reelection. 1213 00:54:48,485 --> 00:54:50,455 You'll recall that this was a trip that was originally 1214 00:54:50,453 --> 00:54:53,793 scheduled for last week, but was rescheduled for next weekend. 1215 00:54:53,790 --> 00:54:55,790 After that event in Connecticut, the President will travel 1216 00:54:55,792 --> 00:54:59,262 to Philadelphia to attend a campaign event for Tom Wolf 1217 00:54:59,262 --> 00:55:01,262 and other Pennsylvania Democrats. 1218 00:55:01,264 --> 00:55:03,264 Mr. Wolf is, of course, the Democratic candidate 1219 00:55:03,266 --> 00:55:05,036 for governor in Pennsylvania. 1220 00:55:05,035 --> 00:55:07,235 We'll have additional details about next Sunday's travel 1221 00:55:07,237 --> 00:55:12,047 to Connecticut and Pennsylvania available soon. 1222 00:55:12,042 --> 00:55:13,412 The Press: Rhode Island then is also a make-up? 1223 00:55:13,410 --> 00:55:16,380 Mr. Earnest: Yes, this is -- that's a good point, Scott. 1224 00:55:16,379 --> 00:55:23,949 The President's event in Rhode Island on Friday is rescheduled 1225 00:55:23,953 --> 00:55:25,953 from the event that had to be canceled last week. 1226 00:55:25,955 --> 00:55:27,925 The Press: This is the most he has been 1227 00:55:27,924 --> 00:55:30,094 campaigning since the reelect, I guess. 1228 00:55:30,093 --> 00:55:32,093 That's probably a fair assessment. 1229 00:55:32,095 --> 00:55:34,335 Mr. Earnest: Yes, that's probably a pretty good one. 1230 00:55:34,330 --> 00:55:35,500 The Press: Is he pretty psyched up about it? 1231 00:55:35,498 --> 00:55:36,638 (laughter) 1232 00:55:36,633 --> 00:55:37,703 Mr. Earnest: Psyched I think is actually 1233 00:55:37,701 --> 00:55:40,041 the word the President used. 1234 00:55:40,036 --> 00:55:42,036 So we're looking forward to it next week and hopefully 1235 00:55:42,038 --> 00:55:44,108 you'll all be able to join us as we travel. 1236 00:55:44,107 --> 00:55:44,837 Have a good weekend, everybody.