English subtitles for clip: File:10-28-09- White House Press Briefing.webm
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1 00:00:00,400 --> 00:00:04,730 Mr. Gibbs: Good afternoon. 2 00:00:04,734 --> 00:00:08,064 Let me get slightly more organized here. 3 00:00:08,066 --> 00:00:11,096 (inaudible voice) 4 00:00:11,100 --> 00:00:14,300 (laughter) 5 00:00:14,300 --> 00:00:16,230 Was that happening just in my head or did you all -- 6 00:00:16,233 --> 00:00:17,533 (laughter) 7 00:00:17,533 --> 00:00:19,603 Did you all hear that, too? 8 00:00:19,600 --> 00:00:20,700 The Press: We didn't hear anything. 9 00:00:20,700 --> 00:00:22,630 (laughter) 10 00:00:22,633 --> 00:00:30,203 Mr. Gibbs: Wow, that's -- that was interesting, if inexplicable. 11 00:00:30,200 --> 00:00:32,000 (laughter) 12 00:00:32,000 --> 00:00:35,830 All right, well, with that voiceover, let's -- 13 00:00:35,834 --> 00:00:38,304 I apologize for not having an equally grand introduction by 14 00:00:38,300 --> 00:00:40,200 which to call on the first reporter. 15 00:00:40,200 --> 00:00:46,300 The Press: I'm really -- I'm not sure I can top that. 16 00:00:46,300 --> 00:00:47,230 Okay. 17 00:00:47,233 --> 00:00:50,933 So, payments to President Karzai's brother by the CIA -- 18 00:00:50,934 --> 00:00:54,334 what can you tell us about how that -- 19 00:00:54,333 --> 00:00:58,203 or if that has caused any consternation here at the White House? 20 00:00:58,200 --> 00:01:02,530 Mr. Gibbs: I would refer questions about that story to the CIA. 21 00:01:02,533 --> 00:01:04,733 The Press: So it's not true? 22 00:01:04,734 --> 00:01:08,034 Mr. Gibbs: The best person to ask that to is somebody at the CIA. 23 00:01:08,033 --> 00:01:13,833 The Press: And what's the reaction here to the attack in Kabul today? 24 00:01:13,834 --> 00:01:18,934 Mr. Gibbs: Well, look, I think whether it's the events in Kabul or in 25 00:01:18,934 --> 00:01:29,804 Pakistan, obviously the President sends his condolences 26 00:01:29,800 --> 00:01:36,330 to those innocent victims of violent extremists. 27 00:01:36,333 --> 00:01:40,933 In Kabul, obviously there's an attempt by some to disrupt the 28 00:01:40,934 --> 00:01:46,404 will of the Afghan people in choosing their next government 29 00:01:46,400 --> 00:01:53,500 that this administration believes will not succeed. 30 00:01:53,500 --> 00:01:58,200 And I think the events in Pakistan demonstrate the lengths 31 00:01:58,200 --> 00:02:02,070 that extremists will go to when -- 32 00:02:02,066 --> 00:02:06,836 and the type of threat that they pose not just for this country 33 00:02:06,834 --> 00:02:10,304 but for the government of Pakistan as well. 34 00:02:10,300 --> 00:02:13,400 The Press: Is there a rethinking here about either how much or what kind of 35 00:02:13,400 --> 00:02:17,070 security is needed over the next couple weeks there? 36 00:02:17,066 --> 00:02:26,166 Mr. Gibbs: Well, obviously that has been discussed in this runoff process 37 00:02:26,166 --> 00:02:34,266 and the administration is confident that there are 38 00:02:34,266 --> 00:02:38,536 appropriate resources to conduct an election and that the will of 39 00:02:38,533 --> 00:02:43,863 the Afghan people won't be thwarted. 40 00:02:43,867 --> 00:02:45,137 Yes, ma'am. 41 00:02:45,133 --> 00:02:48,733 The Press: On health care, what is President Obama doing to help 42 00:02:48,734 --> 00:02:51,604 Harry Reid get to 60 votes? 43 00:02:51,600 --> 00:03:01,100 Mr. Gibbs: Well, the President is obviously working to see progress continue 44 00:03:01,100 --> 00:03:03,030 to be made on health care. 45 00:03:03,033 --> 00:03:04,463 The Press: How? 46 00:03:04,467 --> 00:03:05,837 Mr. Gibbs: How? 47 00:03:05,834 --> 00:03:07,504 The President and his team are -- 48 00:03:07,500 --> 00:03:10,070 spend time on Capitol Hill and dealing with Capitol Hill each 49 00:03:10,066 --> 00:03:14,136 day in order to move this process forward. 50 00:03:14,133 --> 00:03:15,563 The Press: Robert, I want to go back to Afghanistan. 51 00:03:15,567 --> 00:03:17,037 The President has said repeatedly -- 52 00:03:17,033 --> 00:03:18,433 he did again in Florida the other day -- 53 00:03:18,433 --> 00:03:20,663 that it's more important to get the strategy right than to get 54 00:03:20,667 --> 00:03:21,737 it done fast. 55 00:03:21,734 --> 00:03:24,434 But given the fact that there's been new violence pretty much 56 00:03:24,433 --> 00:03:26,563 every day this week in Afghanistan, 57 00:03:26,567 --> 00:03:28,967 October has become the deadliest month in the war, 58 00:03:28,967 --> 00:03:30,867 doesn't Senator McCain have a point when he says this has 59 00:03:30,867 --> 00:03:33,797 become kind of a long, protracted decision-making 60 00:03:33,800 --> 00:03:35,730 process and maybe it's time to act? 61 00:03:35,734 --> 00:03:41,304 Mr. Gibbs: No, I don't think -- I certainly wouldn't agree with Senator 62 00:03:41,300 --> 00:03:43,270 McCain on that, and I don't think the American people agree 63 00:03:43,266 --> 00:03:45,666 with Senator McCain on that. 64 00:03:45,667 --> 00:03:49,367 I think it's important to hear and get -- 65 00:03:49,367 --> 00:03:51,037 to get this right. 66 00:03:51,033 --> 00:03:54,533 That's the process by which the President has undertaken with 67 00:03:54,533 --> 00:03:58,803 his national security, and that's what's important. 68 00:03:58,800 --> 00:04:01,330 The Press: Back in March, part of the rationale with sending more U.S. 69 00:04:01,333 --> 00:04:04,463 troops to Afghanistan was to help secure the country in 70 00:04:04,467 --> 00:04:06,237 advance of the election. 71 00:04:06,233 --> 00:04:07,663 There's a runoff coming up. 72 00:04:07,667 --> 00:04:10,637 By that same rationale, why not send more U.S. troops in the 73 00:04:10,633 --> 00:04:13,703 short term in order to secure the country if there's a runoff 74 00:04:13,700 --> 00:04:15,370 coming and there's all this violence -- 75 00:04:15,367 --> 00:04:17,697 Mr. Gibbs: Well, because -- because, as I stated earlier, 76 00:04:17,700 --> 00:04:23,530 the troops that were authorized to go by the President to create 77 00:04:23,533 --> 00:04:26,333 a security environment that allows us to have an election -- 78 00:04:26,333 --> 00:04:31,433 we saw the same type of cowardly violence leading up to the first election. 79 00:04:31,433 --> 00:04:34,433 I don't doubt that there are going to be members of the 80 00:04:34,433 --> 00:04:38,103 Taliban or violent extremists that seek to disrupt, as I said, 81 00:04:38,100 --> 00:04:40,870 the will of the Afghan people. 82 00:04:40,867 --> 00:04:43,167 That's not going to be successful. 83 00:04:43,166 --> 00:04:47,166 The Afghan people are going to decide who their next government 84 00:04:47,166 --> 00:04:50,336 will be run by, and we're confident of that. 85 00:04:50,333 --> 00:04:52,033 The Press: On another subject, The Washington Times is reporting 86 00:04:52,033 --> 00:04:55,203 today that the President has awarded big donors to the 87 00:04:55,200 --> 00:04:58,830 Democratic National Committee with various access to senior 88 00:04:58,834 --> 00:05:01,034 officials here at the White House. 89 00:05:01,033 --> 00:05:03,963 One donor got a birthday visit to the Oval Office. 90 00:05:03,967 --> 00:05:06,497 Obviously I know other White Houses, Democrats, Republicans, 91 00:05:06,500 --> 00:05:08,230 have done things like this. 92 00:05:08,233 --> 00:05:10,433 But the President last year promised to clean this up. 93 00:05:10,433 --> 00:05:12,063 What went wrong? 94 00:05:12,066 --> 00:05:16,396 Mr. Gibbs: Well, Ed, I think understanding what this President has done is 95 00:05:16,400 --> 00:05:20,700 institute the very toughest ethics and transparency rules of 96 00:05:20,700 --> 00:05:23,300 any administration in history. 97 00:05:23,300 --> 00:05:25,400 We're the first administration in history that will soon 98 00:05:25,400 --> 00:05:28,670 provide a list of each and every person that visits the White 99 00:05:28,667 --> 00:05:33,797 House, something that's never been done before. 100 00:05:33,800 --> 00:05:36,730 The Democratic National Committee does not accept 101 00:05:36,734 --> 00:05:40,104 contributions from registered federal lobbyists or political 102 00:05:40,100 --> 00:05:44,730 action committees and hasn't done so since President Obama 103 00:05:44,734 --> 00:05:49,464 became the party's nominee last year. 104 00:05:49,467 --> 00:05:55,867 I think as the statement that we issued said, a contributor -- 105 00:05:55,867 --> 00:05:59,637 contributing doesn't guarantee a visit to the White House, 106 00:05:59,633 --> 00:06:01,063 nor does it preclude it. 107 00:06:01,066 --> 00:06:02,996 The Press: It appears that people are getting special access because 108 00:06:03,000 --> 00:06:04,030 of these donations. 109 00:06:04,033 --> 00:06:04,963 If you've taken -- 110 00:06:04,967 --> 00:06:06,097 Mr. Gibbs: Hundreds of -- 111 00:06:06,100 --> 00:06:08,100 The Press: -- those other positive steps, why not shut off access? 112 00:06:08,100 --> 00:06:11,000 Mr. Gibbs: Hundreds of thousands of people have visited this White House 113 00:06:11,000 --> 00:06:15,400 since the President came in, and I think the President has 114 00:06:15,400 --> 00:06:21,500 returned to a stance of transparency and ethics that 115 00:06:21,500 --> 00:06:25,100 hasn't been matched by any other White House. 116 00:06:25,100 --> 00:06:28,170 The Press: The RNC is calling for the White House to release the names of 117 00:06:28,166 --> 00:06:31,836 donors who have gotten special access to White House advisors 118 00:06:31,834 --> 00:06:33,464 and perks like the bowling alley. 119 00:06:33,467 --> 00:06:35,267 Will you release those names? 120 00:06:35,266 --> 00:06:39,196 Mr. Gibbs: Every name of every person that comes to this White House will 121 00:06:39,200 --> 00:06:40,330 be released. 122 00:06:40,333 --> 00:06:41,503 The Press: In the past, too? 123 00:06:41,500 --> 00:06:48,230 Mr. Gibbs: I think there soon will be some look-back list that will 124 00:06:48,233 --> 00:06:50,163 be released. 125 00:06:50,166 --> 00:06:54,736 But again, Chip, this -- this is something, again, 126 00:06:54,734 --> 00:06:58,734 that for the first time in any administration at any point in 127 00:06:58,734 --> 00:07:06,264 our history, we've undertaken releasing publicly those names. 128 00:07:06,266 --> 00:07:08,136 I would remind -- let me just also -- 129 00:07:08,133 --> 00:07:10,263 the Republican National Committee -- 130 00:07:10,266 --> 00:07:13,996 there's two political parties, two major political parties in 131 00:07:14,000 --> 00:07:15,070 this country. 132 00:07:15,066 --> 00:07:18,736 One party doesn't accept contributions from registered 133 00:07:18,734 --> 00:07:20,334 federal lobbyists. 134 00:07:20,333 --> 00:07:22,603 That same party doesn't accept contributions from political 135 00:07:22,600 --> 00:07:23,970 action committees. 136 00:07:23,967 --> 00:07:25,537 It's not the committee with which you just asked me the 137 00:07:25,533 --> 00:07:26,733 question on. 138 00:07:26,734 --> 00:07:29,404 The Press: Are you saying the White House will release the names of any 139 00:07:29,400 --> 00:07:32,770 donors who come in, and then, say did they meet with 140 00:07:32,767 --> 00:07:35,637 particular White House advisors as -- 141 00:07:35,633 --> 00:07:37,333 in exchange for those contributions? 142 00:07:37,333 --> 00:07:41,733 Mr. Gibbs: Through an agreement that we announced in August, 143 00:07:41,734 --> 00:07:43,504 the names of people that come to the White House will be 144 00:07:43,500 --> 00:07:45,370 released, and any contributor's name -- 145 00:07:45,367 --> 00:07:46,767 The Press: But will we know what they did -- 146 00:07:46,767 --> 00:07:50,797 Mr. Gibbs: -- is released as per the forms on the FEC. 147 00:07:50,800 --> 00:07:52,300 The Press: Will it simply be a name on a list, 148 00:07:52,300 --> 00:07:54,700 or will we know that they came here to meet with a senior White 149 00:07:54,700 --> 00:07:56,970 House official in exchange for a contribution? 150 00:07:56,967 --> 00:08:02,437 Mr. Gibbs: Chip, as we did this briefing in August, 151 00:08:02,433 --> 00:08:06,603 I'll remind you that the WAVES records will denote who that 152 00:08:06,600 --> 00:08:10,230 person is, when they came, how long they were here, 153 00:08:10,233 --> 00:08:13,403 and who they met with -- again, a standard not met by any other 154 00:08:13,400 --> 00:08:15,100 previous White House. 155 00:08:15,100 --> 00:08:16,800 The Press: We will know if they used the White House bowling alley, 156 00:08:16,800 --> 00:08:19,230 for example? 157 00:08:19,233 --> 00:08:21,063 Mr. Gibbs: There are only a couple of people that I know that have 158 00:08:21,066 --> 00:08:23,296 used the residence bowling alley. 159 00:08:23,300 --> 00:08:25,070 The Press: -- bowling alley also. 160 00:08:25,066 --> 00:08:30,266 Mr. Gibbs: I can report to you that Ethan Gibbs, with the bumpers down, 161 00:08:30,266 --> 00:08:32,596 bowled a couple of games while eating some chicken fingers. 162 00:08:32,600 --> 00:08:34,870 The Press: Was there a quid pro quo here? 163 00:08:34,867 --> 00:08:36,037 Mr. Gibbs: No, of course not. 164 00:08:36,033 --> 00:08:40,103 The Press: Well, the DNC documents actually say those who raise $300,000 165 00:08:40,100 --> 00:08:43,000 before the 2010 midterm elections get quarterly meetings 166 00:08:43,000 --> 00:08:45,330 with senior members of the Obama administration. 167 00:08:45,333 --> 00:08:46,733 Mr. Gibbs: I'll point you to the DNC on that. 168 00:08:46,734 --> 00:08:48,764 The Press: But they're with White House officials. 169 00:08:48,767 --> 00:08:50,397 Mr. Gibbs: Again, I'll point you to the DNC. 170 00:08:50,400 --> 00:08:52,430 The Press: How can you point us to them when it's White House officials 171 00:08:52,433 --> 00:08:53,563 who the meetings are with? 172 00:08:53,567 --> 00:08:54,597 Can I have one other? 173 00:08:54,600 --> 00:08:56,470 Do you know if any of these donors have had a night in the 174 00:08:56,467 --> 00:09:00,167 Lincoln Bedroom -- reminding of an earlier controversy? 175 00:09:00,166 --> 00:09:01,696 Mr. Gibbs: Not that I'm aware of. 176 00:09:01,700 --> 00:09:06,630 The Press: In view of the escalation of deaths in Afghanistan is the 177 00:09:06,633 --> 00:09:12,303 President considering withdrawing and saving lives for a change? 178 00:09:12,300 --> 00:09:16,000 Mr. Gibbs: Well, Helen, the President began the meetings on the assessment 179 00:09:16,000 --> 00:09:19,600 with saying we were not leaving Afghanistan. 180 00:09:19,600 --> 00:09:30,570 We understand that we have a role to play in ensuring 181 00:09:30,567 --> 00:09:33,567 stability in the region. 182 00:09:33,567 --> 00:09:36,537 The Press: We also have a role to play to save lives. 183 00:09:36,533 --> 00:09:39,433 Mr. Gibbs: Which is why the President is taking his time to get this 184 00:09:39,433 --> 00:09:43,363 policy right. 185 00:09:43,367 --> 00:09:44,737 The Press: Just to follow up on Chip's question, when -- 186 00:09:44,734 --> 00:09:49,334 the first round of these releases is December 15th, 187 00:09:49,333 --> 00:09:50,603 is when we're supposed to get them? 188 00:09:50,600 --> 00:09:52,600 Mr. Gibbs: I don't -- it's sometime in late December, yes. 189 00:09:52,600 --> 00:09:55,570 The Press: That will be for everybody going back three months? 190 00:09:55,567 --> 00:09:59,337 Is that how it's going to work, every three months we will get 191 00:09:59,333 --> 00:10:00,803 the previous three months? 192 00:10:00,800 --> 00:10:02,800 Mr. Gibbs: That's what I understand, yes. 193 00:10:02,800 --> 00:10:05,030 The Press: On Afghanistan, I know you don't want to comment about Karzai's 194 00:10:05,033 --> 00:10:09,463 brother, but stories like this obviously don't just get 195 00:10:09,467 --> 00:10:11,237 consumed here in the United States. 196 00:10:11,233 --> 00:10:16,803 Is it a concern of the White House that a story like this can -- 197 00:10:16,800 --> 00:10:19,000 Mr. Gibbs: You had it correct that I'm not going to get into this. 198 00:10:19,000 --> 00:10:20,900 The Press: But are you worried about stories like this, 199 00:10:20,900 --> 00:10:26,930 having them -- influencing the environment in Afghanistan? 200 00:10:26,934 --> 00:10:29,834 Mr. Gibbs: I will say very separately from -- 201 00:10:29,834 --> 00:10:31,864 again, if you have questions about that story, 202 00:10:31,867 --> 00:10:34,537 there are places to go to. 203 00:10:34,533 --> 00:10:38,233 The Press: Idle speculation like this, is it helpful? 204 00:10:38,233 --> 00:10:40,033 Mr. Gibbs: I don't necessarily do idle speculation, Chuck. 205 00:10:40,033 --> 00:10:41,203 (laughter) 206 00:10:41,200 --> 00:10:47,830 But I would say this administration is, as you know, 207 00:10:47,834 --> 00:10:52,634 conducting a comprehensive assessment as to where we are, 208 00:10:52,633 --> 00:10:56,663 and every participant in any meeting that's happened here as 209 00:10:56,667 --> 00:11:00,937 part of that assessment understands that we have to have 210 00:11:00,934 --> 00:11:09,434 and -- we must have a partner that addresses governance issues 211 00:11:09,433 --> 00:11:11,333 as we move forward. 212 00:11:11,333 --> 00:11:15,333 That goes from anybody that's here representing -- 213 00:11:15,333 --> 00:11:18,233 anybody that's a civilian or anybody also that's in the military. 214 00:11:18,233 --> 00:11:20,063 The Press: Has Karzai's brother's business -- 215 00:11:20,066 --> 00:11:22,766 The Press: That sounds like a little bit of a slap-down. 216 00:11:22,767 --> 00:11:23,637 Mr. Gibbs: I'm sorry? 217 00:11:23,633 --> 00:11:25,433 The Press: That sounds like a little bit of a slap-down. 218 00:11:25,433 --> 00:11:28,803 Mr. Gibbs: No, it's something I've said repeatedly in the past. 219 00:11:28,800 --> 00:11:31,730 The Press: But how is that related to something like that story? 220 00:11:31,734 --> 00:11:35,034 Mr. Gibbs: Well, I said to Chuck, it wasn't related; 221 00:11:35,033 --> 00:11:38,133 if you have questions about that story, there are places to go. 222 00:11:38,133 --> 00:11:45,363 The Press: Has Karzai's brother's business dealings come up in the 223 00:11:45,367 --> 00:11:47,137 Afghanistan review? 224 00:11:47,133 --> 00:11:48,403 Mr. Gibbs: I said I'm not going to get into this. 225 00:11:48,400 --> 00:11:49,700 The Press: And wait, one other thing. 226 00:11:49,700 --> 00:11:54,170 On our poll, on these -- showed that there were dramatic drops 227 00:11:54,166 --> 00:11:57,736 in the public perception of whether the President is 228 00:11:57,734 --> 00:12:00,364 changing business as usual, achieving his goals, 229 00:12:00,367 --> 00:12:02,337 uniting the country. 230 00:12:02,333 --> 00:12:05,363 Why do you think the public doesn't seem him as doing very 231 00:12:05,367 --> 00:12:07,467 well on those markers? 232 00:12:07,467 --> 00:12:12,567 Mr. Gibbs: Well, look, I think the public understands, 233 00:12:12,567 --> 00:12:15,497 as it relates to many of the questions in your poll, 234 00:12:15,500 --> 00:12:19,530 that we have work to do. 235 00:12:19,533 --> 00:12:25,333 We have not -- you guys take polls on fairly periodic basis. 236 00:12:25,333 --> 00:12:30,663 We continue to work on making sure that what the President 237 00:12:30,667 --> 00:12:32,297 asked have happen in this campaign, 238 00:12:32,300 --> 00:12:35,770 that the American supported, that we worked to accomplish. 239 00:12:35,767 --> 00:12:40,137 Not all of that was done by the time your poll was conducted, 240 00:12:40,133 --> 00:12:45,933 and we continue to work, though, to focus on the issues that are 241 00:12:45,934 --> 00:12:47,934 clearly important to the American people. 242 00:12:47,934 --> 00:12:50,234 The Press: Why in April were they so -- were they high, all over 243 00:12:50,233 --> 00:12:51,933 50%, and now -- 244 00:12:51,934 --> 00:12:54,164 Mr. Gibbs: You're the one who called them, I didn't. 245 00:12:54,166 --> 00:12:56,866 The Press: But, I mean, do you guys -- do you have -- 246 00:12:56,867 --> 00:12:58,797 do you guys worry that those numbers have dropped, 247 00:12:58,800 --> 00:13:00,200 that there is a sense -- 248 00:13:00,200 --> 00:13:01,270 Mr. Gibbs: No, the President doesn't -- 249 00:13:01,266 --> 00:13:02,236 The Press: -- that the public is a little concerned -- 250 00:13:02,233 --> 00:13:04,903 Mr. Gibbs: Chuck, the President doesn't spend a lot of time 251 00:13:04,900 --> 00:13:08,400 reading your poll. 252 00:13:08,400 --> 00:13:13,170 The President doesn't spend a lot of time focused on only 253 00:13:13,166 --> 00:13:16,136 what's politically popular. 254 00:13:16,133 --> 00:13:18,163 The President didn't take an approval rating in January and 255 00:13:18,166 --> 00:13:22,836 put it up on the shelf for all of us to shine and admire. 256 00:13:22,834 --> 00:13:25,264 The Press: Uniting the country -- this was something he just talked about 257 00:13:25,266 --> 00:13:28,196 with Senator Brooke and -- 258 00:13:28,200 --> 00:13:29,900 Mr. Gibbs: And the President will -- Chuck -- 259 00:13:29,900 --> 00:13:31,630 The Press: -- it's something that looks like the public is saying, 260 00:13:31,633 --> 00:13:34,033 this ain't happening. 261 00:13:34,033 --> 00:13:35,663 Mr. Gibbs: It isn't happening. 262 00:13:35,667 --> 00:13:36,697 But I -- 263 00:13:36,700 --> 00:13:38,800 The Press: Does the President accept any responsibility for this? 264 00:13:38,800 --> 00:13:40,270 Mr. Gibbs: The President accepts a responsibility of reaching out 265 00:13:40,266 --> 00:13:42,496 every day to make sure it happens. 266 00:13:42,500 --> 00:13:43,670 He's done that. 267 00:13:43,667 --> 00:13:47,567 But as you -- as I've said -- if I've said it once I've said it 268 00:13:47,567 --> 00:13:51,497 two dozen times -- there are many roads that lead from this 269 00:13:51,500 --> 00:13:56,470 building to Capitol Hill; very few of them are one-way. 270 00:13:56,467 --> 00:13:59,667 I think you've had -- look, again, I would reiterate the story. 271 00:13:59,667 --> 00:14:02,597 When we went to talk to the Republican Caucus about the 272 00:14:02,600 --> 00:14:06,030 recovery plan, before the motorcade left the White House, 273 00:14:06,033 --> 00:14:11,363 they put out a statement opposing it. 274 00:14:11,367 --> 00:14:15,597 John Boehner I think came out several months ago saying he 275 00:14:15,600 --> 00:14:20,100 opposed health care reform, despite the fact that your same 276 00:14:20,100 --> 00:14:24,670 polls shows that if we leave the system as is, 277 00:14:24,667 --> 00:14:28,867 that will be a disappointment for the American people because 278 00:14:28,867 --> 00:14:32,937 they'll continue to pay for the high cost of health care; 279 00:14:32,934 --> 00:14:34,704 they'll continue to be discriminated against by 280 00:14:34,700 --> 00:14:39,030 insurance companies; millions more small businesses will not 281 00:14:39,033 --> 00:14:41,363 be able to offer the type of benefits that they know they 282 00:14:41,367 --> 00:14:44,137 need to offer to attract the type of workers they need to 283 00:14:44,133 --> 00:14:46,963 create jobs. 284 00:14:46,967 --> 00:14:51,637 The Press: Can you tell us, between now and Tuesday what more activities, 285 00:14:51,633 --> 00:14:53,603 if any, the President and the Vice President are going to be 286 00:14:53,600 --> 00:14:56,070 having for Democratic candidates up for elections? 287 00:14:56,066 --> 00:14:59,136 Mr. Gibbs: I don't know -- I don't have the Vice President's schedule. 288 00:14:59,133 --> 00:15:02,433 I know the President, as was previously announced, 289 00:15:02,433 --> 00:15:04,963 will be in New Jersey on Sunday for a couple of stops. 290 00:15:04,967 --> 00:15:06,297 The Press: That's Sunday? 291 00:15:06,300 --> 00:15:09,370 And is that for a rally, or fundraiser, or both? 292 00:15:09,367 --> 00:15:11,637 Mr. Gibbs: I believe it's -- there's two stops and I believe one of them 293 00:15:11,633 --> 00:15:13,733 is a rally. 294 00:15:13,734 --> 00:15:20,934 The Press: And what do you think this election means to the Democratic 295 00:15:20,934 --> 00:15:22,504 Party and to President Obama? 296 00:15:22,500 --> 00:15:26,470 Mr. Gibbs: Well, Jonathan, we'll have a chance to dissect different 297 00:15:26,467 --> 00:15:30,467 results at different points. 298 00:15:30,467 --> 00:15:33,497 I'll reiterate what I said yesterday on the plane as we 299 00:15:33,500 --> 00:15:38,830 were in Virginia: I think that the pollsters at The Washington 300 00:15:38,834 --> 00:15:43,864 Post poll identified the fact that roughly 70% of the states 301 00:15:43,867 --> 00:15:47,937 said their vote had nothing to do with the President of the 302 00:15:47,934 --> 00:15:51,134 United States; that the remaining 30 was roughly divided 303 00:15:51,133 --> 00:15:57,733 evenly among those who wanted to use the vote to say something 304 00:15:57,734 --> 00:16:02,304 about the President, which led the pollsters to deduce that it 305 00:16:02,300 --> 00:16:05,570 had very little to do with the Obama presidency. 306 00:16:05,567 --> 00:16:08,737 I would say the same thing -- I think the same polls showed that 307 00:16:08,734 --> 00:16:12,164 among likely voters for next Tuesday, 308 00:16:12,166 --> 00:16:16,666 voters in Virginia approved of his job at 57%, 309 00:16:16,667 --> 00:16:19,897 which is higher than the number we got in Virginia on Election Day. 310 00:16:19,900 --> 00:16:22,370 So we'll have time to go through this -- 311 00:16:22,367 --> 00:16:24,467 give us something to do next week. 312 00:16:24,467 --> 00:16:28,367 The Press: What foreign fingerprints do you see on what's been happening in 313 00:16:28,367 --> 00:16:31,267 Afghanistan the past few days? 314 00:16:31,266 --> 00:16:38,396 Mr. Gibbs: I'm not going to get into discussing that level of detail. 315 00:16:38,400 --> 00:16:40,070 The Press: Well, it's been documented, for instance, 316 00:16:40,066 --> 00:16:44,696 that Iran has funded and supplied weapons to Taliban. 317 00:16:44,700 --> 00:16:47,130 Do you think that they're helping them to coordinate the 318 00:16:47,133 --> 00:16:48,433 timing of the attacks? 319 00:16:48,433 --> 00:16:50,063 Mr. Gibbs: I'm not going to get into -- 320 00:16:50,066 --> 00:16:52,336 The Press: Where do you think it is being masterminded? 321 00:16:52,333 --> 00:16:54,863 Mr. Gibbs: I'm still not going to get into that here. 322 00:16:54,867 --> 00:16:56,167 The Press: How come? 323 00:16:56,166 --> 00:16:58,266 Mr. Gibbs: I'm just not going to discuss intelligence matters from 324 00:16:58,266 --> 00:16:59,736 the podium. 325 00:16:59,734 --> 00:17:01,364 The Press: Quick cleanup. 326 00:17:01,367 --> 00:17:04,497 On the disclosure things, the statement that just came out 327 00:17:04,500 --> 00:17:06,030 said they were coming out monthly. 328 00:17:06,033 --> 00:17:07,533 I think you said quarterly. 329 00:17:07,533 --> 00:17:09,133 Or did I get that wrong? 330 00:17:09,133 --> 00:17:10,233 Mr. Gibbs: I thought it was quarterly. 331 00:17:10,233 --> 00:17:11,703 I will double-check. 332 00:17:11,700 --> 00:17:15,800 The Press: On the Joint Chiefs meeting on Friday, 333 00:17:15,800 --> 00:17:18,670 can you talk a little bit about that meeting and the general 334 00:17:18,667 --> 00:17:20,667 agenda, or any specifics? 335 00:17:20,667 --> 00:17:24,797 And also, is that going to be the last meeting before we get a decision? 336 00:17:24,800 --> 00:17:26,670 Mr. Gibbs: I don't know honestly if that's going to be the last meeting. 337 00:17:26,667 --> 00:17:32,637 This was a meeting requested by the President to see the Joint 338 00:17:32,633 --> 00:17:38,163 Chiefs and to have a chance to talk to them and to other 339 00:17:38,166 --> 00:17:42,696 service branches about the ongoing assessment in 340 00:17:42,700 --> 00:17:44,830 Afghanistan and Pakistan. 341 00:17:44,834 --> 00:17:48,264 And I don't have an agenda beyond that. 342 00:17:48,266 --> 00:17:53,236 The Press: Will he be meeting with anybody on this topic tomorrow? 343 00:17:53,233 --> 00:17:54,503 Mr. Gibbs: I can double-check with the schedule, 344 00:17:54,500 --> 00:17:57,900 but I don't have that -- not that I know of. 345 00:17:57,900 --> 00:17:59,030 Major. 346 00:17:59,033 --> 00:18:03,103 The Press: Robert, how, if at all, do the casualty figures from this month 347 00:18:03,100 --> 00:18:06,500 weigh on the President as he debates internally the strategy 348 00:18:06,500 --> 00:18:09,430 and the method to go forward? 349 00:18:09,433 --> 00:18:12,403 Mr. Gibbs: Major, I think you've heard the President say on a number of 350 00:18:12,400 --> 00:18:17,900 occasions that the hardest thing -- 351 00:18:17,900 --> 00:18:21,330 the hardest task that he has on any given day is signing the 352 00:18:21,333 --> 00:18:26,703 condolence letter to a loved one who's lost a son or a daughter 353 00:18:26,700 --> 00:18:32,730 or a husband, a wife, in Iraq or Afghanistan, 354 00:18:32,734 --> 00:18:37,264 or serving our country overseas. 355 00:18:37,266 --> 00:18:41,036 The President, as I said, and the First Lady send their 356 00:18:41,033 --> 00:18:48,563 thoughts and prayers to those that have gone before us and 357 00:18:48,567 --> 00:18:52,937 sacrificed and paid the ultimate sacrifice so that we might enjoy freedom. 358 00:18:52,934 --> 00:18:55,464 The Press: Does the President have anything to say to those who might think 359 00:18:55,467 --> 00:18:58,897 that a spike in violence might deter him from a less aggressive 360 00:18:58,900 --> 00:19:00,400 posture in Afghanistan? 361 00:19:00,400 --> 00:19:02,770 Does he want to formulate -- or through you -- 362 00:19:02,767 --> 00:19:08,037 articulate his approach to the policy there even in the face of 363 00:19:08,033 --> 00:19:10,633 heightened U.S. casualties? 364 00:19:10,633 --> 00:19:14,803 Mr. Gibbs: Major, I think the President will take into account, 365 00:19:14,800 --> 00:19:18,970 as he has heard in meetings in the Situation Room and in other 366 00:19:18,967 --> 00:19:20,597 meetings that he's had in the Oval Office, 367 00:19:20,600 --> 00:19:25,970 take into account a broad range of advice and experience. 368 00:19:25,967 --> 00:19:30,897 But I don't believe he has any special criteria. 369 00:19:30,900 --> 00:19:34,270 He understands the amazing sacrifice that our Armed Forces 370 00:19:34,266 --> 00:19:42,466 makes; he understands the burden that our military has shouldered 371 00:19:42,467 --> 00:19:47,697 over the past many years, responding to crises all over the world. 372 00:19:47,700 --> 00:19:49,600 The Press: In the conversations that have gone on so far, 373 00:19:49,600 --> 00:19:54,470 if you can in any way inform us, is it thought that casualties 374 00:19:54,467 --> 00:19:57,237 are increasing because counterinsurgency efforts are 375 00:19:57,233 --> 00:19:59,133 increasing and more things are being stirred up, 376 00:19:59,133 --> 00:20:01,233 the enemy is being dealt with more directly, 377 00:20:01,233 --> 00:20:06,163 or efforts are being made to wound and kill U.S. forces to 378 00:20:06,166 --> 00:20:08,236 make this war less politically popular, 379 00:20:08,233 --> 00:20:10,563 perhaps withholding the President's ability to prosecute 380 00:20:10,567 --> 00:20:12,167 it more fully? 381 00:20:12,166 --> 00:20:16,266 Mr. Gibbs: I have not heard something relating to the latter. 382 00:20:16,266 --> 00:20:25,066 Obviously we have a force the size extensively larger than was 383 00:20:25,066 --> 00:20:29,936 in there just a few months ago and obviously we're in the midst 384 00:20:29,934 --> 00:20:32,304 of the fighting season in Afghanistan and obviously coming 385 00:20:32,300 --> 00:20:34,370 to the end of that. 386 00:20:34,367 --> 00:20:41,197 But increased number of forces makes an increased number of 387 00:20:41,200 --> 00:20:48,030 operations that sometimes results in the very sad news 388 00:20:48,033 --> 00:20:49,263 that we've heard this week. 389 00:20:49,266 --> 00:20:51,436 The Press: From the podium could you address what we sort of left 390 00:20:51,433 --> 00:20:55,133 hanging a little bit last week, which is the sum total of what 391 00:20:55,133 --> 00:20:59,863 the Bush-Cheney transition left the administration regarding 392 00:20:59,867 --> 00:21:02,437 Afghanistan -- its questions it asked, 393 00:21:02,433 --> 00:21:05,763 policy pronouncements or suggestions it made, and -- 394 00:21:05,767 --> 00:21:10,897 Mr. Gibbs: Well, I think in depth -- obviously the documents that 395 00:21:10,900 --> 00:21:16,570 resulted in the assessments that happened in the latter months 396 00:21:16,567 --> 00:21:23,137 of the Bush administration obviously are top-secret documents. 397 00:21:23,133 --> 00:21:29,003 There were a couple of different assessments that were done. 398 00:21:29,000 --> 00:21:32,730 As you know, upon coming into the White House the President 399 00:21:32,734 --> 00:21:39,704 authorized an assessment of his own that led to the decision to 400 00:21:39,700 --> 00:21:45,670 add an additional 21,000 forces to create a secure -- 401 00:21:45,667 --> 00:21:49,297 more secure environment leading up to the initial election in 402 00:21:49,300 --> 00:21:53,800 August, and that the President said that at a point in which a 403 00:21:53,800 --> 00:21:57,700 government was chosen, after that election we'd have a chance 404 00:21:57,700 --> 00:22:01,230 to assess going forward in Afghanistan. 405 00:22:01,233 --> 00:22:03,003 And that's where we find ourselves now. 406 00:22:03,000 --> 00:22:05,430 The Press: When Rahm was on a Sunday show he said there were a series of 407 00:22:05,433 --> 00:22:07,733 questions that were being asked by this administration for the 408 00:22:07,734 --> 00:22:11,634 first time: What can the Afghan government do or not do? 409 00:22:11,633 --> 00:22:13,003 Where are we on police training? 410 00:22:13,000 --> 00:22:14,600 Could this be something the Europeans could do? 411 00:22:14,600 --> 00:22:16,670 Should we take up the military side? 412 00:22:16,667 --> 00:22:18,097 Based on your understanding of what you got from the 413 00:22:18,100 --> 00:22:20,070 Bush-Cheney, is it still accurate to say none of those 414 00:22:20,066 --> 00:22:23,796 questions were raised or dealt with in those transition documents? 415 00:22:23,800 --> 00:22:28,500 Mr. Gibbs: I think if you look at what Rahm was saying, 416 00:22:28,500 --> 00:22:31,000 the question isn't whether or not somebody was asking those 417 00:22:31,000 --> 00:22:35,130 questions; the question was whether anybody was acting on 418 00:22:35,133 --> 00:22:37,803 any assessments relating to those questions. 419 00:22:37,800 --> 00:22:41,230 That's what the President evaluated between the time he 420 00:22:41,233 --> 00:22:45,903 was sworn in and March when he authorized additional troops 421 00:22:45,900 --> 00:22:47,630 moving to Afghanistan. 422 00:22:47,633 --> 00:22:48,463 Mike. 423 00:22:48,467 --> 00:22:50,967 The Press: The decision is still several weeks away? 424 00:22:50,967 --> 00:22:52,037 Mr. Gibbs: Yes. 425 00:22:52,033 --> 00:22:53,933 The Press: Does the administration share the optimism of private 426 00:22:53,934 --> 00:22:57,504 forecasters who say that when GDP numbers come out tomorrow, 427 00:22:57,500 --> 00:22:59,800 the economy would have shown to have grown for the first time in a year? 428 00:22:59,800 --> 00:23:03,270 Is that something that you guys think will happen? 429 00:23:03,266 --> 00:23:05,696 Mr. Gibbs: If not, call Tommy. 430 00:23:05,700 --> 00:23:13,330 No, we're -- as you mentioned, quarterly gross domestic product 431 00:23:13,333 --> 00:23:17,433 figures will be released tomorrow. 432 00:23:17,433 --> 00:23:21,803 It's certainly our hope that we'll demonstrate for the first 433 00:23:21,800 --> 00:23:27,330 time, as you mention, in more than a year growth in our economy. 434 00:23:27,333 --> 00:23:30,303 I think, as we move on through the week, 435 00:23:30,300 --> 00:23:35,670 we'll also be able to discuss the reports that are coming into 436 00:23:35,667 --> 00:23:40,737 the independent board that evaluates the recovery plan for 437 00:23:40,734 --> 00:23:44,404 direct jobs that have been created. 438 00:23:44,400 --> 00:23:47,300 And I think we'll be able to continue to evaluate the 439 00:23:47,300 --> 00:23:54,930 progress that the Recovery Act has helped make in spurring 440 00:23:54,934 --> 00:23:58,534 economic growth, understanding that we still have, 441 00:23:58,533 --> 00:24:04,263 in the President's mind, much work to do to ensure an 442 00:24:04,266 --> 00:24:07,496 environment that is helping to create jobs. 443 00:24:07,500 --> 00:24:09,770 The Press: How do you explain the tepid feeling the public seems to have 444 00:24:09,767 --> 00:24:12,897 toward the Recovery Act given what you just said? 445 00:24:12,900 --> 00:24:21,330 Mr. Gibbs: Well, I think that the American people understand fundamentally 446 00:24:21,333 --> 00:24:24,563 that we didn't get here overnight and that one single 447 00:24:24,567 --> 00:24:28,537 piece of legislation isn't going to cure all of the problems that 448 00:24:28,533 --> 00:24:32,463 were created over a long period of time. 449 00:24:32,467 --> 00:24:36,597 The Recovery Act was intended to cushion the blow of the -- 450 00:24:36,600 --> 00:24:39,430 and severity of the economic downturn, 451 00:24:39,433 --> 00:24:48,603 to help save and create jobs, one aspect of a larger recovery 452 00:24:48,600 --> 00:24:52,770 that includes financial reform which is making its way through 453 00:24:52,767 --> 00:24:56,667 Congress to ensure that the type of activities we saw don't 454 00:24:56,667 --> 00:24:58,867 happen again. 455 00:24:58,867 --> 00:25:01,837 I think the American people understand that this is a 456 00:25:01,834 --> 00:25:04,434 process that didn't happen overnight and is going to take 457 00:25:04,433 --> 00:25:07,503 some time to solve, understanding that the President 458 00:25:07,500 --> 00:25:13,730 spends more time thinking about the economy than on anything 459 00:25:13,734 --> 00:25:16,764 else that he works on each day. 460 00:25:16,767 --> 00:25:20,067 The Press: Robert, since the administration has decided sort of in progress 461 00:25:20,066 --> 00:25:24,736 that you will release these visitors logs, 462 00:25:24,734 --> 00:25:25,834 it shows a willingness to -- 463 00:25:25,834 --> 00:25:27,004 Mr. Gibbs: I'm sorry -- 464 00:25:27,000 --> 00:25:29,600 The Press: You decided sort of throughout the course of these last few 465 00:25:29,600 --> 00:25:31,700 months that you will release the visitors logs -- 466 00:25:31,700 --> 00:25:36,170 Mr. Gibbs: This particular decision I think was finalized in August, yes. 467 00:25:36,166 --> 00:25:40,666 The Press: Right, which indicates that as the administration goes along 468 00:25:40,667 --> 00:25:45,167 you're willing to sort of create new policies or change rules 469 00:25:45,166 --> 00:25:47,196 based on the optics of things. 470 00:25:47,200 --> 00:25:50,230 Does the President believe that anything should be changed going 471 00:25:50,233 --> 00:25:55,733 forward from here about the Democratic contributors coming 472 00:25:55,734 --> 00:25:56,734 to the White House? 473 00:25:56,734 --> 00:25:59,604 Does he believe that anything should change going forward -- 474 00:25:59,600 --> 00:26:02,100 Mr. Gibbs: I haven't had a chance to talk to him about that today. 475 00:26:02,100 --> 00:26:07,130 But understand that what the President campaigned on -- 476 00:26:07,133 --> 00:26:13,433 toughening our ethics rules, making more transparent our 477 00:26:13,433 --> 00:26:19,663 transparency policy -- was something that he was passionate 478 00:26:19,667 --> 00:26:23,197 about and is proud of the progress that we've made in 479 00:26:23,200 --> 00:26:24,730 ensuring that. 480 00:26:24,734 --> 00:26:29,934 We had 4 million contributors to a presidential campaign. 481 00:26:29,934 --> 00:26:36,234 90% of those contributions were in the form of small donations. 482 00:26:36,233 --> 00:26:42,963 The President was clear with all of us that as it related to 483 00:26:42,967 --> 00:26:46,797 those that came to the White House, that those names could -- 484 00:26:46,800 --> 00:26:50,200 or that those names should and would be public. 485 00:26:50,200 --> 00:26:53,400 And the President will continue to work on this. 486 00:26:53,400 --> 00:26:55,800 The Press: Besides the aspects of the transparency, 487 00:26:55,800 --> 00:26:59,530 does the President believe that allowing donors to visit the 488 00:26:59,533 --> 00:27:01,303 White House, if their names are released or not, 489 00:27:01,300 --> 00:27:03,770 is in the spirit of what he was talking about during the campaign? 490 00:27:03,767 --> 00:27:10,197 Mr. Gibbs: Well, again, as I said, giving a contribution to the DNC doesn't 491 00:27:10,200 --> 00:27:16,600 guarantee you a visit here, nor should it or would it prohibit that. 492 00:27:16,600 --> 00:27:18,400 The Press: But does it help, obviously? 493 00:27:18,400 --> 00:27:19,500 Mr. Gibbs: I'm sorry? 494 00:27:19,500 --> 00:27:23,570 The Press: But it obviously helps get the potential of a visit here. 495 00:27:23,567 --> 00:27:25,997 Mr. Gibbs: Four hundred thousand people have visited this White House 496 00:27:26,000 --> 00:27:29,670 since the President was inaugurated. 497 00:27:29,667 --> 00:27:31,267 The Press: Robert, back to health care. 498 00:27:31,266 --> 00:27:33,866 If the public option, even with an opt-out, 499 00:27:33,867 --> 00:27:36,367 loses Olympia Snowe and Joseph Lieberman, 500 00:27:36,367 --> 00:27:38,767 aren't you back to square one? 501 00:27:38,767 --> 00:27:46,737 Mr. Gibbs: No, I think it's -- I think this is a debate that is and will go 502 00:27:46,734 --> 00:27:49,964 on for quite some time. 503 00:27:49,967 --> 00:27:58,097 I think we've got a decent ways to go just in this round of it 504 00:27:58,100 --> 00:28:03,770 and I think we'll see progress -- 505 00:28:03,767 --> 00:28:05,297 continue to see progress being made. 506 00:28:05,300 --> 00:28:11,730 So I hate to look two weeks down the road based on what somebody 507 00:28:11,734 --> 00:28:13,604 may or may not say today. 508 00:28:13,600 --> 00:28:16,400 The Press: How is it changed if you still have Democrats insisting on a 509 00:28:16,400 --> 00:28:18,970 public option, Republicans refusing to have it, 510 00:28:18,967 --> 00:28:20,797 and still not enough votes to pass it in the Senate? 511 00:28:20,800 --> 00:28:21,900 Mr. Gibbs: How has it changed? 512 00:28:21,900 --> 00:28:25,200 We're in a process where the House will soon introduce its 513 00:28:25,200 --> 00:28:28,130 own bill, because we're through the committee process; 514 00:28:28,133 --> 00:28:29,833 the same on the Senate side. 515 00:28:29,834 --> 00:28:32,704 And what's changed is we've never gotten to this point 516 00:28:32,700 --> 00:28:35,270 before in debating health care reform. 517 00:28:35,266 --> 00:28:36,336 Yes, sir. 518 00:28:36,333 --> 00:28:37,703 The Press: Thanks, Robert. 519 00:28:37,700 --> 00:28:39,670 Yeah, two questions on health care. 520 00:28:39,667 --> 00:28:43,337 One is, recently there have been some Republicans and some 521 00:28:43,333 --> 00:28:46,433 commentators that have raised the question about the 522 00:28:46,433 --> 00:28:50,203 constitutionality of a federal mandate to buy health insurance. 523 00:28:50,200 --> 00:28:53,800 And I wanted to ask you about that. 524 00:28:53,800 --> 00:28:58,300 Mr. Gibbs: I won't be confused as a constitutional scholar, 525 00:28:58,300 --> 00:29:04,570 but I don't believe there's a lot of -- 526 00:29:04,567 --> 00:29:07,267 I don't believe there's a lot of case law that would demonstrate 527 00:29:07,266 --> 00:29:11,566 the voracity of what they're commentating on. 528 00:29:11,567 --> 00:29:15,997 The Press: Second question -- and I'll just ask that you let me complete the 529 00:29:16,000 --> 00:29:20,000 question first -- that is -- 530 00:29:20,000 --> 00:29:22,370 Mr. Gibbs: Interesting concept, but go ahead, yes. 531 00:29:22,367 --> 00:29:23,797 The Press: Well, last time you didn't. 532 00:29:23,800 --> 00:29:25,530 Mr. Gibbs: No, the last three times. 533 00:29:25,533 --> 00:29:27,233 Actually, it was four. 534 00:29:27,233 --> 00:29:28,433 (laughter) 535 00:29:28,433 --> 00:29:29,803 Go ahead, I'm sorry. 536 00:29:29,800 --> 00:29:33,470 The Press: Congressman Stupak has said that he has 40 Democrats to kill the 537 00:29:33,467 --> 00:29:38,797 health bill in the House if his amendment to bar abortion 538 00:29:38,800 --> 00:29:41,930 funding doesn't get a vote. 539 00:29:41,934 --> 00:29:45,064 And he said that he has personally asked the White House 540 00:29:45,066 --> 00:29:50,166 to intervene and ask Speaker Pelosi to call for a vote on 541 00:29:50,166 --> 00:29:51,736 this amendment. 542 00:29:51,734 --> 00:29:55,234 Will the President do that? 543 00:29:55,233 --> 00:29:57,833 Mr. Gibbs: I will see if there's any update from Legislative 544 00:29:57,834 --> 00:30:00,334 Affairs on that. 545 00:30:00,333 --> 00:30:03,903 I know that the President's position on this has been clear, 546 00:30:03,900 --> 00:30:09,500 that no federal money should be used to pay for abortions in a 547 00:30:09,500 --> 00:30:10,700 health care bill. 548 00:30:10,700 --> 00:30:13,900 The Press: But Congressman Stupak, in an interview he said that in a 549 00:30:13,900 --> 00:30:15,630 conversation he had with the President, 550 00:30:15,633 --> 00:30:19,733 that the President told him he wasn't referring to the House 551 00:30:19,734 --> 00:30:25,804 bill, he was referring to his own vision of a health care bill. 552 00:30:25,800 --> 00:30:28,200 Mr. Gibbs: I can go back and see if I can get any more clarity on 553 00:30:28,200 --> 00:30:29,200 that conversation. 554 00:30:29,200 --> 00:30:30,630 I do know they -- I mean, obviously, 555 00:30:30,633 --> 00:30:35,963 they did talk about this when Congressman Stupak was here. 556 00:30:35,967 --> 00:30:37,297 The Press: Can you get back to me on it? 557 00:30:37,300 --> 00:30:39,170 Mr. Gibbs: I will get some guidance from Legislative Affairs. 558 00:30:39,166 --> 00:30:40,166 The Press: Thank you, Robert. 559 00:30:40,166 --> 00:30:41,666 The Press: And have you been asked about swine flu? 560 00:30:41,667 --> 00:30:44,497 Is the President satisfied that the federal government has done 561 00:30:44,500 --> 00:30:45,870 a good job -- 562 00:30:45,867 --> 00:30:47,597 Mr. Gibbs: Did you want an answer to your previous question, 563 00:30:47,600 --> 00:30:49,200 or do you just -- go ahead, I'm sorry. 564 00:30:49,200 --> 00:30:50,200 (laughter) 565 00:30:50,200 --> 00:30:51,470 I only did that because they snickered, 566 00:30:51,467 --> 00:30:52,637 and I just thought I'd play along. 567 00:30:52,633 --> 00:30:54,503 The Press: Is the President satisfied with the way the government has 568 00:30:54,500 --> 00:30:59,600 informed the American people about the availability of the 569 00:30:59,600 --> 00:31:02,830 swine flu, that it's gone smoothly enough? 570 00:31:02,834 --> 00:31:06,604 Mr. Gibbs: Well, look, I think this was something that the President and 571 00:31:06,600 --> 00:31:11,600 his team identified many months ago, 572 00:31:11,600 --> 00:31:16,100 when we saw the initial outbreaks that were off of the 573 00:31:16,100 --> 00:31:20,030 normal or traditional peak flu season. 574 00:31:20,033 --> 00:31:23,663 The President took action with his team. 575 00:31:23,667 --> 00:31:29,767 Obviously, we have seen from manufacturers a delay in the 576 00:31:29,767 --> 00:31:39,797 production of the vaccine that we're working daily to help rectify. 577 00:31:39,800 --> 00:31:44,800 I think it's important that the public continue to take the 578 00:31:44,800 --> 00:31:48,400 precautions the President has long talked about, 579 00:31:48,400 --> 00:31:55,070 and repeatedly check Web sites like flu.gov to get updates on 580 00:31:55,066 --> 00:31:58,936 actions that they can take to minimize the risk that they and 581 00:31:58,934 --> 00:32:05,064 their families face as we head into a more peak flu season. 582 00:32:05,066 --> 00:32:07,736 The Press: Well, the question is not -- you can't control how fast the 583 00:32:07,734 --> 00:32:13,404 vaccine comes out, but you can inform people on what to expect. 584 00:32:13,400 --> 00:32:16,030 And there are people in very long lines and very upset that 585 00:32:16,033 --> 00:32:18,533 they haven't -- they were led to believe they could get it. 586 00:32:18,533 --> 00:32:22,433 Has the government done enough to make that process smooth? 587 00:32:22,433 --> 00:32:25,863 Mr. Gibbs: Look, we're constantly working on that, 588 00:32:25,867 --> 00:32:35,367 understanding that we are layering on to a vaccine effort, 589 00:32:35,367 --> 00:32:39,197 efforts that have to be conducted by many different 590 00:32:39,200 --> 00:32:42,030 levels of government. 591 00:32:42,033 --> 00:32:47,663 We're continuing to work on ensuring that the vaccine can 592 00:32:47,667 --> 00:32:50,897 get to where it needs to get and to the priority groups it needs 593 00:32:50,900 --> 00:32:53,870 to get to as quickly as possible. 594 00:32:53,867 --> 00:32:55,867 And it's a topic, I can assure you, 595 00:32:55,867 --> 00:32:58,337 that's brought up daily here. 596 00:32:58,333 --> 00:32:59,533 Jon. 597 00:32:59,533 --> 00:33:01,103 The Press: Back on the visitor logs. 598 00:33:01,100 --> 00:33:06,030 Those logs, as I understand it, will be released on the 31st of December? 599 00:33:06,033 --> 00:33:08,563 Mr. Gibbs: I've got to check on the exact dates of -- 600 00:33:08,567 --> 00:33:13,367 I think they will come out on a frequent basis on a certain day. 601 00:33:13,367 --> 00:33:16,867 The Press: But they only go -- but they only start with the visitors 602 00:33:16,867 --> 00:33:18,767 that came after September 15th. 603 00:33:18,767 --> 00:33:19,897 Why is that? 604 00:33:19,900 --> 00:33:23,000 And will the White House consider releasing records of 605 00:33:23,000 --> 00:33:24,530 visitors prior to that? 606 00:33:24,533 --> 00:33:28,833 Mr. Gibbs: Well, there is -- I think there are going to be requests that 607 00:33:28,834 --> 00:33:32,964 have been made for records that will be done -- 608 00:33:32,967 --> 00:33:37,267 that have been made and it will be released shortly on earlier 609 00:33:37,266 --> 00:33:40,466 visits, understanding that one of the things -- 610 00:33:40,467 --> 00:33:43,867 that this was a question fairly early in the administration, 611 00:33:43,867 --> 00:33:48,497 that I said the administration was working on a process for how 612 00:33:48,500 --> 00:33:55,530 to do this -- understanding that the computer system that you 613 00:33:55,533 --> 00:33:57,633 have to go through, that hundreds and hundreds of 614 00:33:57,633 --> 00:34:00,503 thousands of people have to go through in order to get into 615 00:34:00,500 --> 00:34:05,900 here, was not equipped to do what our administration asked of 616 00:34:05,900 --> 00:34:07,200 it to do. 617 00:34:07,200 --> 00:34:11,370 That process we put together in order to ensure going forward 618 00:34:11,367 --> 00:34:12,837 those names would be released. 619 00:34:12,834 --> 00:34:18,664 And if people have requests, they should be sent to the White House. 620 00:34:18,667 --> 00:34:21,237 The Press: The 400,000, those are mostly, I'm assuming, 621 00:34:21,233 --> 00:34:23,733 East Wing and Residence visitors -- 622 00:34:23,734 --> 00:34:25,034 Mr. Gibbs: Some of them are tours, sure. 623 00:34:25,033 --> 00:34:27,403 The Press: We're not talking about West Wing meetings. 624 00:34:27,400 --> 00:34:28,400 The West Wing meetings -- 625 00:34:28,400 --> 00:34:30,400 Mr. Gibbs: Some of those are -- you'd be surprised the number of people 626 00:34:30,400 --> 00:34:33,930 that come in and out of this building each day. 627 00:34:33,934 --> 00:34:36,104 The Press: So you're saying, though, that the West Wing meetings, 628 00:34:36,100 --> 00:34:38,730 the records for those meetings prior to September 15 are not 629 00:34:38,734 --> 00:34:41,364 being released because there wasn't adequate records -- 630 00:34:41,367 --> 00:34:45,337 Mr. Gibbs: I'm saying that all those names -- there's a process -- 631 00:34:45,333 --> 00:34:48,003 again, I appreciate -- everybody seems much more interested in 632 00:34:48,000 --> 00:34:50,670 this policy today than they were when we actually rolled out a 633 00:34:50,667 --> 00:34:56,397 policy that changed several hundred years of history. 634 00:34:56,400 --> 00:34:57,430 We should maybe -- 635 00:34:57,433 --> 00:34:59,603 The Press: -- had a reason to wait; now we have reason to ask questions. 636 00:34:59,600 --> 00:35:00,670 There's a big difference. 637 00:35:00,667 --> 00:35:02,237 (laughter) 638 00:35:02,233 --> 00:35:06,833 Mr. Gibbs: I appreciate that you all have perked up. 639 00:35:06,834 --> 00:35:10,304 The Press: Well, contributors coming into the White House going to the 640 00:35:10,300 --> 00:35:13,230 bowling alley and places like that will make you perk up. 641 00:35:13,233 --> 00:35:16,403 Mr. Gibbs: Well, you know what, Chip, I'm glad that it took only about 642 00:35:16,400 --> 00:35:18,230 three months for the perking to happen. 643 00:35:18,233 --> 00:35:19,333 The Press: Well, if you told us about it then, 644 00:35:19,333 --> 00:35:20,603 we would have perked up then. 645 00:35:20,600 --> 00:35:24,370 Mr. Gibbs: From now on I'll start lacing in the news that changes several 646 00:35:24,367 --> 00:35:28,597 hundred years of precedent going forward in the White House with 647 00:35:28,600 --> 00:35:31,570 a shiny, dazzling object for which to hopefully perk up -- 648 00:35:31,567 --> 00:35:32,867 The Press: And you'll tell us when big contributors come to the White 649 00:35:32,867 --> 00:35:35,437 House and in exchange for their contributions have meetings with 650 00:35:35,433 --> 00:35:37,003 White House officials? 651 00:35:37,000 --> 00:35:38,200 The Press: Can you just clarify real quickly, 652 00:35:38,200 --> 00:35:39,970 what is the reason for -- 653 00:35:39,967 --> 00:35:43,197 Mr. Gibbs: Again, the process of accumulating those records. 654 00:35:43,200 --> 00:35:45,070 The Press: So they will be released in mass? 655 00:35:45,066 --> 00:35:46,566 Mr. Gibbs: No. 656 00:35:46,567 --> 00:35:48,737 I've answered this now twice, Jon. 657 00:35:48,734 --> 00:35:52,634 If people have -- and I think your paper does -- 658 00:35:52,633 --> 00:35:57,563 have requests that look back, those requests are being 659 00:35:57,567 --> 00:35:59,167 entertained and fulfilled. 660 00:35:59,166 --> 00:36:02,196 The Press: Robert, keeping with the administration's ethical tone, 661 00:36:02,200 --> 00:36:06,330 why not set a policy that says campaign bundlers and donors 662 00:36:06,333 --> 00:36:09,033 will have no more access to the White House campus or senior 663 00:36:09,033 --> 00:36:14,133 administration officials than the ordinary American? 664 00:36:14,133 --> 00:36:17,703 Mr. Gibbs: Peter, the President believes strongly in transparency, 665 00:36:17,700 --> 00:36:19,870 that people can determine whether -- 666 00:36:19,867 --> 00:36:23,797 who's here, why they're here, and for what course of business; 667 00:36:23,800 --> 00:36:27,230 that transparency in that way in the best policy. 668 00:36:27,233 --> 00:36:31,403 There are people that gave money that the President has been 669 00:36:31,400 --> 00:36:34,170 personal friends with since they went to school. 670 00:36:34,166 --> 00:36:36,436 I don't think it makes a lot of sense to preclude somebody like 671 00:36:36,433 --> 00:36:39,063 that from coming here simply because they gave money. 672 00:36:39,066 --> 00:36:41,436 David Axelrod couldn't work here if that were the case -- 673 00:36:41,433 --> 00:36:44,403 he's a donor. 674 00:36:44,400 --> 00:36:46,670 The Press: The President shortly will be signing the Matthew Shepard 675 00:36:46,667 --> 00:36:49,267 legislation as part of the defense bill, 676 00:36:49,266 --> 00:36:51,536 and presumably he'll talk about it at the time. 677 00:36:51,533 --> 00:36:55,133 But many of the activists are comparing this potentially to 678 00:36:55,133 --> 00:36:59,863 the impact that the 1960 civil rights legislation had for black Americans. 679 00:36:59,867 --> 00:37:02,637 And I wanted to ask you, is it the President's position that 680 00:37:02,633 --> 00:37:05,633 this is also milestone legislation for gays? 681 00:37:05,633 --> 00:37:09,463 And also, can you give us a update on White House strategy 682 00:37:09,467 --> 00:37:12,897 with the Senate in terms of the "don't ask don't tell" policy? 683 00:37:12,900 --> 00:37:15,330 Have you figured out who you want to carry it yet and -- 684 00:37:15,333 --> 00:37:16,733 Mr. Gibbs: I don't have an update on that. 685 00:37:16,734 --> 00:37:20,404 I will tell you, Margaret, that obviously the President, 686 00:37:20,400 --> 00:37:24,670 as you said, will address this topic in signing the DOD 687 00:37:24,667 --> 00:37:28,467 authorization bill later this afternoon -- 688 00:37:28,467 --> 00:37:31,297 something that the Shepard family and others have worked on 689 00:37:31,300 --> 00:37:35,100 for more than a decade, and the President is proud that it's 690 00:37:35,100 --> 00:37:36,400 going to become law. 691 00:37:36,400 --> 00:37:38,170 I'll tell you this, the President -- 692 00:37:38,166 --> 00:37:39,696 and you'll hear him talk about this later today -- 693 00:37:39,700 --> 00:37:41,900 the President is also proud -- Chip, 694 00:37:41,900 --> 00:37:45,370 you might want to perk up -- the President is also proud -- 695 00:37:45,367 --> 00:37:46,437 The Press: I'm writing down every word. 696 00:37:46,433 --> 00:37:48,003 (laughter) 697 00:37:48,000 --> 00:37:51,000 Mr. Gibbs: The President is also enormously proud that -- 698 00:37:51,000 --> 00:37:57,070 of the effort that was both made and that happened, Chip, 699 00:37:57,066 --> 00:38:00,766 in the DOD authorization bill that cut out unnecessary weapons 700 00:38:00,767 --> 00:38:03,837 programs as part of a larger procurement reform that the 701 00:38:03,834 --> 00:38:07,534 President, Secretary Gates, and Senator McCain have talked about 702 00:38:07,533 --> 00:38:12,663 throughout the year -- F-22 funding for almost $3 billion 703 00:38:12,667 --> 00:38:16,467 that was in a bill that has now been cut out; 704 00:38:16,467 --> 00:38:21,737 a presidential helicopter system that is no longer being funded 705 00:38:21,734 --> 00:38:24,834 after massive cost overruns. 706 00:38:24,834 --> 00:38:27,964 I think the President has a lot to be proud of in this 707 00:38:27,967 --> 00:38:32,667 legislation because in many ways it is changing exactly the way 708 00:38:32,667 --> 00:38:34,237 Washington does business. 709 00:38:34,233 --> 00:38:38,633 We're no longer funding weapons systems that the Pentagon 710 00:38:38,633 --> 00:38:42,733 believes will do serious disruption to their current 711 00:38:42,734 --> 00:38:47,904 missions, or for programs that are not -- are no longer needed. 712 00:38:47,900 --> 00:38:53,400 The Press: On just the gay rights stuff, does the President see himself 713 00:38:53,400 --> 00:38:56,230 having the potential to do what the Johnson administration did 714 00:38:56,233 --> 00:38:58,163 for civil rights, for gays? 715 00:38:58,166 --> 00:39:00,896 Mr. Gibbs: I think the President made a series of promises, 716 00:39:00,900 --> 00:39:05,030 including repealing "don't ask don't tell," 717 00:39:05,033 --> 00:39:08,363 ensuring that a hate crimes bill would come to his desk and that 718 00:39:08,367 --> 00:39:09,767 he would sign it. 719 00:39:09,767 --> 00:39:14,537 Those are promises that he made sincerely and takes quite 720 00:39:14,533 --> 00:39:18,433 seriously and is happy that one of them will become law today. 721 00:39:18,433 --> 00:39:19,503 April. 722 00:39:19,500 --> 00:39:21,530 The Press: Robert, the hate crimes bill doesn't just deal, though, 723 00:39:21,533 --> 00:39:26,803 with the issue of anti-gay sentiments and things of that nature. 724 00:39:26,800 --> 00:39:31,430 It deals with hate on other fronts to include ethnicity and 725 00:39:31,433 --> 00:39:32,403 things of that nature. 726 00:39:32,400 --> 00:39:36,530 Could you speak to the fact that you have to deal with this and 727 00:39:36,533 --> 00:39:39,563 sign this into law in 2009 when you do have the first black 728 00:39:39,567 --> 00:39:42,297 President here in the White House? 729 00:39:42,300 --> 00:39:46,870 Mr. Gibbs: Well, look, the President -- I'd just reiterate that the 730 00:39:46,867 --> 00:39:51,597 President is enormously proud of the fact that a bill that he 731 00:39:51,600 --> 00:39:55,930 thinks should have become law quite some time ago before he 732 00:39:55,934 --> 00:40:01,034 was here, he's happy to make sure becomes law today. 733 00:40:01,033 --> 00:40:02,103 Go ahead. 734 00:40:02,100 --> 00:40:05,700 The Press: Also on another front, has anyone from the White House, 735 00:40:05,700 --> 00:40:09,130 Legislative Affairs, anywhere, contacted Joe Lieberman by any 736 00:40:09,133 --> 00:40:12,263 chance about -- on a whole other subject, 737 00:40:12,266 --> 00:40:17,036 on the issue of public option and health reform? 738 00:40:17,033 --> 00:40:17,863 Mr. Gibbs: Today? 739 00:40:17,867 --> 00:40:19,437 I don't know whether they've talked to Senator Lieberman. 740 00:40:19,433 --> 00:40:22,633 The Press: In recent weeks? 741 00:40:22,633 --> 00:40:24,963 Mr. Gibbs: The Legislative Affairs team is in touch with many on 742 00:40:24,967 --> 00:40:25,837 Capitol Hill. 743 00:40:25,834 --> 00:40:27,264 I'm sure they've talked to Senator Lieberman. 744 00:40:27,266 --> 00:40:28,636 I'm sure they've talked to others. 745 00:40:28,633 --> 00:40:30,603 The Press: Is it a slap in the face for this administration, 746 00:40:30,600 --> 00:40:34,130 after they gave him a reprieve early on and for him to come 747 00:40:34,133 --> 00:40:37,003 around and say, I'm going against you? 748 00:40:37,000 --> 00:40:40,970 Mr. Gibbs: I would -- I'm not going to judge the end of this process by 749 00:40:40,967 --> 00:40:42,637 what people say today. 750 00:40:42,633 --> 00:40:43,963 The Press: We're not talking about end, we're talking about what's 751 00:40:43,967 --> 00:40:46,237 happening right now. 752 00:40:46,233 --> 00:40:47,603 Mr. Gibbs: You can talk about what's happening right now. 753 00:40:47,600 --> 00:40:53,930 I'm focused on not necessarily what is happening on any given 754 00:40:53,934 --> 00:40:56,604 day but what the President is trying to do over the course of 755 00:40:56,600 --> 00:40:58,670 his administration to ensure affordable and available health care. 756 00:40:58,667 --> 00:40:59,697 The Press: Are you surprised that he is making -- 757 00:40:59,700 --> 00:41:00,930 taking this step? 758 00:41:00,934 --> 00:41:03,804 I mean, he's still powerful no matter what party he's involved in. 759 00:41:03,800 --> 00:41:06,530 Are you surprised that he's taking this step? 760 00:41:06,533 --> 00:41:10,563 Mr. Gibbs: Look, the President is going to work to ensure that choice and 761 00:41:10,567 --> 00:41:14,667 competition are in a final piece of health care reform 762 00:41:14,667 --> 00:41:17,667 legislation because that's what has to -- 763 00:41:17,667 --> 00:41:20,767 that's what we have to have in order to make health reform real. 764 00:41:20,767 --> 00:41:27,267 The Press: Are you guys okay with Harry Reid's tactics? 765 00:41:27,266 --> 00:41:31,466 Mr. Gibbs: The President got an update on the tactics and is pleased that 766 00:41:31,467 --> 00:41:33,097 we're making progress going forward. 767 00:41:33,100 --> 00:41:34,070 Yes. 768 00:41:34,066 --> 00:41:35,696 The Press: When did he get the update, Robert? 769 00:41:35,700 --> 00:41:36,700 Mr. Gibbs: When did get what? 770 00:41:36,700 --> 00:41:38,870 The Press: Has he spoken with Harry Reid in the last 24 hours? 771 00:41:38,867 --> 00:41:41,567 Mr. Gibbs: No, he got -- I think they got a legislative update last week 772 00:41:41,567 --> 00:41:44,667 when they were here and you guys asked me why they were here. 773 00:41:44,667 --> 00:41:46,637 The Press: Has he spoken with Senator Lieberman -- 774 00:41:46,633 --> 00:41:48,803 when was the last time the President spoke to Senator Lieberman? 775 00:41:48,800 --> 00:41:57,100 Mr. Gibbs: Not that I'm aware of in the last week. 776 00:41:57,100 --> 00:41:59,700 The Press: Is he in regular conversation with Lieberman? 777 00:41:59,700 --> 00:42:04,170 Mr. Gibbs: There's not a periodically scheduled call. 778 00:42:04,166 --> 00:42:07,636 Again, I don't -- it's not like, oh, gosh, 779 00:42:07,633 --> 00:42:11,933 it's Wednesday at one, I've got to call Senator so-and-so. 780 00:42:11,934 --> 00:42:13,664 The Press: You know what we're talking about. 781 00:42:13,667 --> 00:42:15,797 Mr. Gibbs: I understand, but do you remember who you called -- 782 00:42:15,800 --> 00:42:17,700 when was the last time -- if I started asking you when the last 783 00:42:17,700 --> 00:42:19,730 time you called a certain person, you could tell me within the week? 784 00:42:19,734 --> 00:42:20,534 The Press: I could tell you. 785 00:42:20,533 --> 00:42:21,533 I could tell you. 786 00:42:21,533 --> 00:42:23,163 (laughter) 787 00:42:23,166 --> 00:42:24,636 The Press: -- with Joe Lieberman? 788 00:42:24,633 --> 00:42:26,903 Mr. Gibbs: Yes, when was the last time you talked to Joe Lieberman? 789 00:42:26,900 --> 00:42:27,870 Was it last week? 790 00:42:27,867 --> 00:42:29,137 The Press: No, it was actually three months ago. 791 00:42:29,133 --> 00:42:30,703 (laughter) 792 00:42:30,700 --> 00:42:32,330 Mr. Gibbs: What day? 793 00:42:32,333 --> 00:42:33,363 The Press: My follow on that -- 794 00:42:33,367 --> 00:42:35,697 The Press: To take my question back really quickly -- 795 00:42:35,700 --> 00:42:37,200 (laughter) 796 00:42:37,200 --> 00:42:41,500 -- will the President support Democratic groups such as 797 00:42:41,500 --> 00:42:45,070 Organizing for America or groups that support Democratic causes 798 00:42:45,066 --> 00:42:47,766 targeting Joe Lieberman politically? 799 00:42:47,767 --> 00:42:50,397 Mr. Gibbs: I'm not going to get into a series of hypotheticals. 800 00:42:50,400 --> 00:42:52,870 The Press: Mine is on the same general topic -- 801 00:42:52,867 --> 00:42:55,037 Mr. Gibbs: You mean the last time you talked to Joe Lieberman? 802 00:42:55,033 --> 00:42:56,303 (laughter) 803 00:42:56,300 --> 00:42:59,070 The Press: It's been a couple of weeks, but we didn't talk about this. 804 00:42:59,066 --> 00:43:01,466 Mr. Gibbs: Don't give me "a couple of weeks" -- tell me when. 805 00:43:01,467 --> 00:43:04,167 The Press: Would the President call Senator Lieberman -- 806 00:43:04,166 --> 00:43:07,436 consider that he would call Senator Lieberman to say, 807 00:43:07,433 --> 00:43:11,533 at least cast a vote to let this be voted on on the Senate floor 808 00:43:11,533 --> 00:43:13,363 and not block it procedurally? 809 00:43:13,367 --> 00:43:16,397 Mr. Gibbs: Look, the Senate -- I'm not Senator Lieberman's 810 00:43:16,400 --> 00:43:18,870 spokesperson, but I think if you talk to Senator Lieberman's 811 00:43:18,867 --> 00:43:23,897 spokesperson, Senator Lieberman said today that he would vote 812 00:43:23,900 --> 00:43:27,100 for the motion to proceed and have this bill come to the floor. 813 00:43:27,100 --> 00:43:29,400 I think that's the first part of this process. 814 00:43:29,400 --> 00:43:30,470 Sam. 815 00:43:30,467 --> 00:43:31,997 The Press: The second part of the process, which is the vote -- 816 00:43:32,000 --> 00:43:34,030 Mr. Gibbs: You can't get to the second before you get to the first. 817 00:43:34,033 --> 00:43:39,333 A motion to proceed and a motion to get a bill out is a little different. 818 00:43:39,333 --> 00:43:42,303 The Press: Fine, but my question is just the substantive problem that 819 00:43:42,300 --> 00:43:44,230 Senator Lieberman has with the bill and I'm wondering if you 820 00:43:44,233 --> 00:43:45,103 agree with him. 821 00:43:45,100 --> 00:43:47,000 He thinks the public option is going to create a new 822 00:43:47,000 --> 00:43:49,070 entitlement program that is actually going to result in 823 00:43:49,066 --> 00:43:50,936 increased cost in the health care system. 824 00:43:50,934 --> 00:43:56,404 Mr. Gibbs: I think we would disagree and I think elements of the 825 00:43:56,400 --> 00:44:00,300 Congressional Budget Office would disagree with the analysis 826 00:44:00,300 --> 00:44:01,900 that Senator Lieberman has made. 827 00:44:01,900 --> 00:44:02,900 Mr. Gibbs: Thanks, guys.