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1 00:00:01,300 --> 00:00:02,367 Mr. Carney: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. 2 00:00:02,367 --> 00:00:05,233 Welcome to the White House on this beautiful, 3 00:00:05,233 --> 00:00:08,300 sunny, warm November Monday. 4 00:00:08,300 --> 00:00:10,433 Before I take your questions, 5 00:00:10,433 --> 00:00:14,033 let me mention a couple of things. 6 00:00:14,033 --> 00:00:19,834 First and foremost, regarding the storms in the Midwest: 7 00:00:19,834 --> 00:00:22,100 Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone 8 00:00:22,100 --> 00:00:23,667 affected by yesterday's storms, 9 00:00:23,667 --> 00:00:26,533 including those who lost a loved one. 10 00:00:26,533 --> 00:00:28,166 The President continues to be briefed 11 00:00:28,166 --> 00:00:29,400 by Assistant to the President 12 00:00:29,400 --> 00:00:33,033 for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism Lisa Monaco. 13 00:00:33,033 --> 00:00:34,800 The White House will continue to stay in touch 14 00:00:34,800 --> 00:00:37,065 with our federal partners, including FEMA, 15 00:00:37,066 --> 00:00:39,700 as well as the state and local partners who are leading 16 00:00:39,700 --> 00:00:42,233 the response in the affected states. 17 00:00:42,233 --> 00:00:44,433 We urge citizens to continue to follow directions 18 00:00:44,433 --> 00:00:46,967 from their local officials. 19 00:00:46,967 --> 00:00:50,199 FEMA remains in close coordination with officials 20 00:00:50,200 --> 00:00:51,500 in affected states. 21 00:00:51,500 --> 00:00:55,000 FEMA's National Watch Center in Washington remains elevated 22 00:00:55,000 --> 00:00:58,567 at a 24/7 enhanced watch. 23 00:00:58,567 --> 00:01:00,200 FEMA, through its regional offices 24 00:01:00,200 --> 00:01:01,633 in Chicago and Kansas City, 25 00:01:01,633 --> 00:01:03,800 is continuing to monitor the effects 26 00:01:03,800 --> 00:01:04,800 of the severe weather, 27 00:01:04,800 --> 00:01:06,500 including strong tornadoes 28 00:01:06,500 --> 00:01:09,266 that affected the Midwest yesterday. 29 00:01:09,266 --> 00:01:12,300 FEMA has an Incident Management Assistance Team, IMAT, 30 00:01:12,300 --> 00:01:14,133 deployed to Illinois to coordinate with state 31 00:01:14,133 --> 00:01:17,033 and local officials to identify needs related 32 00:01:17,033 --> 00:01:20,533 to disaster response and recovery. 33 00:01:20,533 --> 00:01:24,667 FEMA also has liaison officers positioned at emergency 34 00:01:24,667 --> 00:01:28,400 operation centers in Illinois, Ohio and Indiana, 35 00:01:28,400 --> 00:01:30,633 and additional liaison officers on standby 36 00:01:30,633 --> 00:01:33,567 and ready to deploy if requested. 37 00:01:33,567 --> 00:01:35,734 Before the storm system developed, FEMA, 38 00:01:35,734 --> 00:01:38,300 through its regional offices, began to closely coordinate 39 00:01:38,300 --> 00:01:42,200 with state and local partners, including Ohio Emergency 40 00:01:42,200 --> 00:01:45,934 Management Agency, Wisconsin Emergency Management Agency, 41 00:01:45,934 --> 00:01:48,700 Michigan Homeland Security and Emergency Management, 42 00:01:48,700 --> 00:01:50,967 Illinois Emergency Management Agency, 43 00:01:50,967 --> 00:01:53,600 and Indiana Department of Homeland Security. 44 00:01:55,767 --> 00:01:58,066 My second announcement, or statement, rather, 45 00:01:58,066 --> 00:02:00,133 is that at 5:30 p.m. today 46 00:02:00,133 --> 00:02:02,366 it is expected the Senate will have a cloture vote 47 00:02:02,367 --> 00:02:03,633 on Judge Robert Wilkins, 48 00:02:03,633 --> 00:02:05,934 the third of the President's nominees 49 00:02:05,934 --> 00:02:08,133 to the D.C. Circuit Court. 50 00:02:08,133 --> 00:02:11,066 Less than three years ago, the Senate confirmed Judge Wilkins 51 00:02:11,066 --> 00:02:14,867 to the D.C. District Court without opposition. 52 00:02:14,867 --> 00:02:17,399 Every senator agreed he has the intellect, 53 00:02:17,400 --> 00:02:20,934 integrity and fair-mindedness to serve as a federal judge, 54 00:02:20,934 --> 00:02:23,600 and his record since then has validated 55 00:02:23,600 --> 00:02:26,233 his unanimous confirmation. 56 00:02:26,233 --> 00:02:29,900 Yet, Senate Republicans continue their cynical obstruction. 57 00:02:29,900 --> 00:02:33,100 Their proposed legislation would remove three judgeships 58 00:02:33,100 --> 00:02:36,500 from the D.C. Circuit even though Chief Justice Roberts 59 00:02:36,500 --> 00:02:39,433 has not recommended removing any. 60 00:02:39,433 --> 00:02:41,433 It also would give a judgeship to two courts 61 00:02:41,433 --> 00:02:46,132 that Chief Justice Roberts has said do not need anymore. 62 00:02:46,133 --> 00:02:48,100 It's time to stop playing partisan politics 63 00:02:48,100 --> 00:02:49,299 with the federal courts. 64 00:02:49,300 --> 00:02:51,767 We urge Senate Republicans to stop blocking 65 00:02:51,767 --> 00:02:53,966 a simple up-or-down vote. 66 00:02:53,967 --> 00:02:56,533 If the Senate were allowed to consider Judge Wilkins 67 00:02:56,533 --> 00:02:59,399 and all of the President's nominees on their merits, 68 00:02:59,400 --> 00:03:03,100 I am confident they would be confirmed without delay. 69 00:03:03,100 --> 00:03:04,500 I can now take your questions. 70 00:03:04,500 --> 00:03:08,333 I'm aiming for a 2:45 p.m. wrap here. 71 00:03:08,333 --> 00:03:09,333 Let's go. 72 00:03:09,333 --> 00:03:10,633 Nedra. 73 00:03:10,633 --> 00:03:12,934 The Press: The Washington Post reported over the weekend 74 00:03:12,934 --> 00:03:15,934 that the administration's goal is to have 80 percent of users 75 00:03:15,934 --> 00:03:18,800 able to sign up for health care plans online. 76 00:03:18,800 --> 00:03:22,133 Is it acceptable to the President if one in five 77 00:03:22,133 --> 00:03:25,867 of the users aren't able to get insurance online? 78 00:03:25,867 --> 00:03:27,066 Mr. Carney: Thank you for the question. 79 00:03:27,066 --> 00:03:32,633 I think the way to look at that figure is that of, say, 80 00:03:32,633 --> 00:03:37,166 ten who go on the system, roughly two won't get 81 00:03:37,166 --> 00:03:39,734 through the system -- so 2 out of 10. 82 00:03:39,734 --> 00:03:42,867 And there are three groups or baskets you can put 83 00:03:42,867 --> 00:03:45,266 those 2 out of 10 in: 84 00:03:45,266 --> 00:03:47,667 One, those who experience technical difficulties. 85 00:03:47,667 --> 00:03:52,633 That would be error messages or delayed response time, 86 00:03:52,633 --> 00:03:55,400 or issues involving site stability. 87 00:03:55,400 --> 00:04:00,633 Those are the three metrics that CMS and the tech team are using 88 00:04:00,633 --> 00:04:03,767 to measure the improvements that have been made, 89 00:04:03,767 --> 00:04:06,900 the improvements in reduction and error messages, 90 00:04:06,900 --> 00:04:08,300 the improvements in site stability, 91 00:04:08,300 --> 00:04:12,200 the improvements in the response time. 92 00:04:12,200 --> 00:04:13,799 So that's one basket. 93 00:04:13,800 --> 00:04:17,233 The other are those who start the process but find that 94 00:04:17,233 --> 00:04:19,533 either because they're not comfortable 95 00:04:19,533 --> 00:04:21,066 doing something like this online, 96 00:04:21,065 --> 00:04:24,265 or they may not spend a lot of time on the computer, 97 00:04:24,266 --> 00:04:28,633 may not be familiar with the kinds of information they need 98 00:04:28,633 --> 00:04:30,967 with regards to their financial situation, 99 00:04:30,967 --> 00:04:35,767 may end the process on their own and decide to utilize 100 00:04:35,767 --> 00:04:38,266 one of the other methods that are available to them 101 00:04:38,266 --> 00:04:40,567 to get information and enroll. 102 00:04:40,567 --> 00:04:43,500 And finally, there are those who have a personal 103 00:04:43,500 --> 00:04:47,266 or family situation that is complex enough that the site 104 00:04:47,266 --> 00:04:50,200 is not the best place to go to enroll. 105 00:04:50,200 --> 00:04:52,233 You are better served by using a navigator, 106 00:04:52,233 --> 00:04:58,233 a live person either through the call-in center 107 00:04:58,233 --> 00:05:02,900 or in one of the walk-in centers that exist 108 00:05:02,900 --> 00:05:03,900 all around the country. 109 00:05:03,900 --> 00:05:07,799 So it's important to look at -- 110 00:05:07,800 --> 00:05:12,500 when you talk about aiming to have the website functioning 111 00:05:12,500 --> 00:05:15,200 effectively for the vast majority of the American people, 112 00:05:15,200 --> 00:05:17,700 that there is a universe of people who will go on the site 113 00:05:17,700 --> 00:05:25,667 but leave it without getting through it for several reasons, 114 00:05:25,667 --> 00:05:27,299 and only one of them really -- 115 00:05:27,300 --> 00:05:29,200 or we categorize only one of them having to do 116 00:05:29,200 --> 00:05:30,467 with technical issues. 117 00:05:30,467 --> 00:05:32,133 Because the goal here is obviously 118 00:05:32,133 --> 00:05:35,000 to get people through the system, 119 00:05:35,000 --> 00:05:36,433 and by the system we don't mean the website, 120 00:05:36,433 --> 00:05:40,467 but through the system and therefore allow them to enroll 121 00:05:40,467 --> 00:05:44,734 in a plan and purchase quality, affordable health insurance, 122 00:05:44,734 --> 00:05:45,900 if they desire. 123 00:05:45,900 --> 00:05:49,566 So that's why we've been pursuing the other channels 124 00:05:49,567 --> 00:05:51,834 which existed even before the October 1 launch 125 00:05:51,834 --> 00:05:52,967 and were always part of this, 126 00:05:52,967 --> 00:05:55,500 because we knew that these populations existed, 127 00:05:55,500 --> 00:05:57,033 but why we've beefed them up, 128 00:05:57,033 --> 00:05:59,000 as we've had trouble with the website. 129 00:05:59,000 --> 00:06:00,367 The Press: But is it acceptable to the President? 130 00:06:00,367 --> 00:06:03,400 Is he pushing his aides to do better than this? 131 00:06:03,400 --> 00:06:06,000 Because if you had 80 percent of people going to Kayak 132 00:06:06,000 --> 00:06:07,800 not eventually be able to book their travel, 133 00:06:07,800 --> 00:06:10,867 or 80 percent of people on Amazon -- or, I'm sorry, 134 00:06:10,867 --> 00:06:14,066 80 percent able to, and 20 percent not able to, 135 00:06:14,066 --> 00:06:17,599 they probably wouldn't stay in business very long. 136 00:06:17,600 --> 00:06:20,166 Mr. Carney: Well, I think you're looking at that statistic 137 00:06:20,166 --> 00:06:22,200 simplistically, because the issue here is, 138 00:06:22,200 --> 00:06:24,900 can we make the website function effectively for the vast 139 00:06:24,900 --> 00:06:26,599 majority of users who go on it. 140 00:06:26,600 --> 00:06:29,934 There may be a portion of people -- 141 00:06:29,934 --> 00:06:30,934 in fact, there will be, 142 00:06:30,934 --> 00:06:33,367 as I've just described, who go on it, 143 00:06:33,367 --> 00:06:38,233 and they may decide to use a different method 144 00:06:38,233 --> 00:06:41,266 of enrolling not because there's a problem with the website, 145 00:06:41,266 --> 00:06:43,734 but because their personal situation is complex enough. 146 00:06:43,734 --> 00:06:46,000 For example, they might have children who live -- 147 00:06:46,000 --> 00:06:47,767 that they're seeking to get covered -- 148 00:06:47,767 --> 00:06:49,300 who live in different states. 149 00:06:49,300 --> 00:06:55,734 Or you might have a situation where one -- 150 00:06:55,734 --> 00:06:56,866 a member, or some members, 151 00:06:56,867 --> 00:07:00,700 of your family could be eligible for Medicaid; 152 00:07:00,700 --> 00:07:02,866 others may not be. 153 00:07:02,867 --> 00:07:05,734 Individuals filing separately where some individuals 154 00:07:05,734 --> 00:07:09,265 are able to purchase a marketplace plan 155 00:07:09,266 --> 00:07:10,867 and others aren't. 156 00:07:10,867 --> 00:07:14,066 So those kinds of complex situations, 157 00:07:14,066 --> 00:07:18,700 which is a universe of the population are -- 158 00:07:18,700 --> 00:07:21,599 those with those kinds of issues are going to be better served 159 00:07:21,600 --> 00:07:22,600 by using a navigator, 160 00:07:22,600 --> 00:07:24,533 either going to the call-in center 161 00:07:24,533 --> 00:07:28,166 or going to one of the in-person centers, hospitals, 162 00:07:28,166 --> 00:07:31,166 community centers and the like, where there are folks 163 00:07:31,166 --> 00:07:33,933 who are trained to help walk individuals 164 00:07:33,934 --> 00:07:35,133 through this process, 165 00:07:35,133 --> 00:07:38,500 and who can help them if they have a complex situation. 166 00:07:38,500 --> 00:07:39,567 And then there are others who -- 167 00:07:39,567 --> 00:07:40,900 and this was always going to be the case -- 168 00:07:40,900 --> 00:07:44,700 who, even though so many Americans 169 00:07:44,700 --> 00:07:49,567 are now comfortable with the computers, 170 00:07:49,567 --> 00:07:55,166 and use computers and online sites regularly, 171 00:07:55,166 --> 00:07:56,166 that there's going to be, 172 00:07:56,166 --> 00:07:58,967 with something as personal and complex 173 00:07:58,967 --> 00:08:01,400 as purchasing health insurance, 174 00:08:01,400 --> 00:08:03,633 will choose not to do so online. 175 00:08:03,633 --> 00:08:05,633 And that was of course always going to be the case. 176 00:08:05,633 --> 00:08:08,066 So when you look at the metrics here, 177 00:08:08,066 --> 00:08:10,566 we're focused on -- CMS is focused on, 178 00:08:10,567 --> 00:08:14,066 when it comes to the functionality of the website, 179 00:08:14,066 --> 00:08:15,767 speed and response times essentially. 180 00:08:15,767 --> 00:08:19,367 Response time, as we've explained before, 181 00:08:19,367 --> 00:08:22,533 is how fast the system responds to users' requests. 182 00:08:22,533 --> 00:08:25,033 And for the first few weeks after the site launched, 183 00:08:25,033 --> 00:08:26,967 we estimated that users were waiting an average 184 00:08:26,967 --> 00:08:29,532 of 8 seconds for pages across the site to load, 185 00:08:29,533 --> 00:08:32,900 and this past week that average response time 186 00:08:32,900 --> 00:08:36,332 for most users remained under 1 second. 187 00:08:36,332 --> 00:08:39,533 So that's a metric by which they are able to measure 188 00:08:39,533 --> 00:08:42,265 the progress that is a result of the improvements, 189 00:08:42,265 --> 00:08:43,967 the software and hardware improvements, 190 00:08:43,967 --> 00:08:45,165 that they've been putting in place. 191 00:08:45,166 --> 00:08:47,300 Another one is error rate, a measure of the frequency 192 00:08:47,300 --> 00:08:51,467 on a per-page basis of system timeouts or failures 193 00:08:51,467 --> 00:08:56,165 that prevent the user from advancing to the next page, 194 00:08:56,166 --> 00:08:57,734 or a result in errors -- 195 00:08:57,734 --> 00:08:59,800 or users, rather, receiving error-messages. 196 00:08:59,800 --> 00:09:03,099 And we have reduced the error rate from 6 percent 197 00:09:03,100 --> 00:09:04,100 to less than 1 percent. 198 00:09:04,100 --> 00:09:07,967 That is still not where we need to be, 199 00:09:07,967 --> 00:09:10,066 but it is obviously significant progress. 200 00:09:10,066 --> 00:09:13,333 And finally, site stability is something that is constantly 201 00:09:13,333 --> 00:09:14,733 being addressed, and the improvements 202 00:09:14,734 --> 00:09:17,367 that are being introduced to improve site stability. 203 00:09:17,367 --> 00:09:21,567 So as more and more consumers use the site, 204 00:09:21,567 --> 00:09:23,967 the site remains stable and doesn't crash. 205 00:09:23,967 --> 00:09:25,300 The Press: There also were reports over the weekend 206 00:09:25,300 --> 00:09:27,233 that there's some sort of self-assessment going on 207 00:09:27,233 --> 00:09:28,233 here at the White House, 208 00:09:28,233 --> 00:09:30,934 and that maybe there were going to be -- 209 00:09:30,934 --> 00:09:34,165 there is going to be a shakeup, but not immediately. 210 00:09:34,166 --> 00:09:37,467 Why the delay in accountability for these problems? 211 00:09:37,467 --> 00:09:40,433 Mr. Carney: Nedra, the President has made clear 212 00:09:40,433 --> 00:09:44,633 ever since we saw the problems that we've had with the website 213 00:09:44,633 --> 00:09:47,367 and with the rollout of the marketplaces 214 00:09:47,367 --> 00:09:52,699 that he wants his team focused on making the necessary fixes 215 00:09:52,700 --> 00:09:55,800 so that the American people are served well 216 00:09:55,800 --> 00:09:59,000 by the Affordable Care Act and are able to receive 217 00:09:59,000 --> 00:10:00,367 the benefits that it offers, 218 00:10:00,367 --> 00:10:04,699 are able to purchase quality, affordable health insurance. 219 00:10:04,700 --> 00:10:06,133 We're not engaged in a lot 220 00:10:06,133 --> 00:10:08,500 of Monday morning quarterbacking here. 221 00:10:08,500 --> 00:10:10,500 So I saw that story. 222 00:10:10,500 --> 00:10:16,500 I have no personnel decisions to announce or to even to preview, 223 00:10:18,900 --> 00:10:20,733 because right now everybody on the President's team 224 00:10:20,734 --> 00:10:24,000 is focused on making the improvements necessary 225 00:10:24,000 --> 00:10:25,834 so that this important 226 00:10:25,834 --> 00:10:28,934 legislation provides the benefits to millions 227 00:10:28,934 --> 00:10:31,165 of Americans that it was designed to provide. 228 00:10:31,166 --> 00:10:32,500 Roberta. 229 00:10:32,500 --> 00:10:35,800 The Press: So for that 20 percent of people who might not 230 00:10:35,800 --> 00:10:39,766 be able to use the website smoothly by the end of the 231 00:10:39,767 --> 00:10:43,100 month, what stage are things at in terms of working 232 00:10:43,100 --> 00:10:45,400 with health insurance companies on direct enrollment, 233 00:10:45,400 --> 00:10:48,367 sharing the risks of that and ramping that up 234 00:10:48,367 --> 00:10:50,699 as an alternative, or perhaps a contingency 235 00:10:50,700 --> 00:10:54,233 if that 80 percent target isn't reached? 236 00:10:54,233 --> 00:10:55,632 Mr. Carney: Well, let me say a couple of things. 237 00:10:55,633 --> 00:10:58,967 Again, as I just described, when you talk about the 2 out of 10 238 00:10:58,967 --> 00:11:03,133 who may not stay with the website, 239 00:11:03,133 --> 00:11:06,734 there are a variety of reasons that may be the case. 240 00:11:06,734 --> 00:11:09,000 Not all of them have to do with technical problems 241 00:11:09,000 --> 00:11:10,300 with the website. 242 00:11:10,300 --> 00:11:12,967 So as hard as we work and we are working and will continue 243 00:11:12,967 --> 00:11:16,266 to work on improving the website and its functionality, 244 00:11:16,266 --> 00:11:18,533 it has always been the case that we need to make sure 245 00:11:18,533 --> 00:11:21,567 that there are other avenues for people either 246 00:11:21,567 --> 00:11:26,934 with complex situations or people who would rather not 247 00:11:26,934 --> 00:11:29,567 perform this kind of purchase online, 248 00:11:29,567 --> 00:11:30,934 and that's why we have call-in centers, 249 00:11:30,934 --> 00:11:32,165 and that's why we've beefed them up, 250 00:11:32,166 --> 00:11:36,166 and that's why we have in-person counselors who can work 251 00:11:36,166 --> 00:11:38,533 with American consumers around the country 252 00:11:38,533 --> 00:11:41,600 to make decisions and review options 253 00:11:41,600 --> 00:11:43,800 when it comes to health care coverage. 254 00:11:43,800 --> 00:11:48,467 We're working to make those alternate channels 255 00:11:48,467 --> 00:11:49,900 even more robust, as you know, 256 00:11:49,900 --> 00:11:52,733 and we're working to have as many options 257 00:11:52,734 --> 00:11:55,000 for Americans to enroll as possible 258 00:11:55,000 --> 00:11:57,767 to help meet the pent-up demand that we've seen. 259 00:11:57,767 --> 00:11:59,433 We're engaging with experts in this area, 260 00:11:59,433 --> 00:12:01,500 including with health plans, 261 00:12:01,500 --> 00:12:04,533 and we are considering additional channels. 262 00:12:04,533 --> 00:12:11,700 I think we have worked with insurance companies 263 00:12:11,700 --> 00:12:14,333 and state insurance commissioners on these issues 264 00:12:14,333 --> 00:12:15,467 and will continue to do that. 265 00:12:15,467 --> 00:12:17,066 I mean, it's important to remember, 266 00:12:17,066 --> 00:12:22,467 even as we deal with the absolutely necessary work 267 00:12:22,467 --> 00:12:25,367 on improving the website, that the broader -- 268 00:12:25,367 --> 00:12:27,666 the website is a means to an end. 269 00:12:27,667 --> 00:12:31,200 It's one of a variety of means to the same end, 270 00:12:31,200 --> 00:12:35,133 which is providing this benefit to the American people. 271 00:12:35,133 --> 00:12:37,900 And the individuals who receive that benefit, 272 00:12:37,900 --> 00:12:40,233 including everybody with insurance in America, 273 00:12:40,233 --> 00:12:42,699 even those of us, the vast majority of us 274 00:12:42,700 --> 00:12:45,433 who have insurance covered through our employers 275 00:12:45,433 --> 00:12:47,400 or through Medicare or Medicaid are getting benefits 276 00:12:47,400 --> 00:12:48,632 because of the Affordable Care Act, 277 00:12:48,633 --> 00:12:50,333 and it's important that it be implemented 278 00:12:50,333 --> 00:12:51,567 so that they get those benefits, 279 00:12:51,567 --> 00:12:52,700 that we all get those benefits. 280 00:12:52,700 --> 00:12:54,900 And then those Americans who are uninsured, 281 00:12:54,900 --> 00:12:57,600 who have the opportunity now to get coverage 282 00:12:57,600 --> 00:12:58,734 because of the Affordable Care Act, 283 00:12:58,734 --> 00:13:04,133 the goal is to make sure that those Americans 284 00:13:04,133 --> 00:13:06,834 and the 5 percent who are in the individual market, 285 00:13:06,834 --> 00:13:11,766 that everyone is made aware of the options available 286 00:13:11,767 --> 00:13:15,667 to them and that everyone is able to take advantage 287 00:13:15,667 --> 00:13:17,900 of the benefits that the law provides. 288 00:13:17,900 --> 00:13:19,000 So that's our focus. 289 00:13:19,000 --> 00:13:24,600 No matter how many fixes are made to the website 290 00:13:24,600 --> 00:13:30,033 and how high its functionality, not all of it -- 291 00:13:30,033 --> 00:13:32,000 there are going to be Americans who need to get assistance, 292 00:13:32,000 --> 00:13:34,000 either in person or over the phone, to enroll. 293 00:13:37,100 --> 00:13:40,567 The Press: But considering additional channels 294 00:13:40,567 --> 00:13:42,500 that you just mentioned -- that's direct enrollment, 295 00:13:42,500 --> 00:13:44,600 ramping up direct enrollment with health plans? 296 00:13:44,600 --> 00:13:47,333 Is that what you're talking about? 297 00:13:47,333 --> 00:13:48,900 Mr. Carney: I certainly wouldn't rule that out. 298 00:13:48,900 --> 00:13:52,533 It's something that we've talked about and are working on. 299 00:13:52,533 --> 00:13:58,166 We're interested in engaging or opening as many channels 300 00:13:58,166 --> 00:14:01,300 for enrollment as possible -- because the goal here is, again, 301 00:14:01,300 --> 00:14:03,599 not to have the best possible website, 302 00:14:03,600 --> 00:14:06,333 and we're far from that, and we'll still -- 303 00:14:06,333 --> 00:14:09,666 the website, come December 1st, 304 00:14:09,667 --> 00:14:12,967 will be vastly improved but will still need improvements. 305 00:14:12,967 --> 00:14:16,300 And we're going to keep working on that day by day 306 00:14:16,300 --> 00:14:18,165 to make it as effective as possible. 307 00:14:18,166 --> 00:14:20,734 And, in the meantime, and beyond the meantime, 308 00:14:20,734 --> 00:14:23,667 we will make sure that there are other channels available 309 00:14:23,667 --> 00:14:28,800 for Americans to find out the universe of options 310 00:14:28,800 --> 00:14:30,433 available to them and then to make some choices 311 00:14:30,433 --> 00:14:33,333 about what kind of insurance coverage suits them best. 312 00:14:33,333 --> 00:14:36,733 Let me go up and back, as I've been doing. 313 00:14:36,734 --> 00:14:38,567 Jon Allen. 314 00:14:38,567 --> 00:14:40,967 The Press: I wanted to know the President's reaction 315 00:14:40,967 --> 00:14:43,333 to Secretary of Education Arne Duncan's comments 316 00:14:43,333 --> 00:14:46,733 that it was white suburban moms who are pushing back 317 00:14:46,734 --> 00:14:49,233 on Common Core standards. 318 00:14:49,233 --> 00:14:52,834 Mr. Carney: I don't have -- I haven't spoken to the President 319 00:14:52,834 --> 00:14:56,333 about this issue, and I haven't seen Arne's full comments. 320 00:14:56,333 --> 00:14:58,934 But if his point was that we need to be honest with kids 321 00:14:58,934 --> 00:15:00,433 and parents about whether we're providing 322 00:15:00,433 --> 00:15:01,667 the skills they need to succeed, 323 00:15:01,667 --> 00:15:05,900 I think we can all agree on that. 324 00:15:05,900 --> 00:15:07,867 So again, I haven't had a discussion 325 00:15:07,867 --> 00:15:09,800 with the President about that, 326 00:15:09,800 --> 00:15:12,666 but I think the broader point that we need to be honest 327 00:15:12,667 --> 00:15:15,734 about whether we're providing the skills 328 00:15:15,734 --> 00:15:20,133 our children need to succeed, I think we can agree on that. 329 00:15:20,133 --> 00:15:21,533 The Press: Is that an appropriate way 330 00:15:21,533 --> 00:15:24,266 for the Secretary of Education to talk about a constituency, 331 00:15:24,266 --> 00:15:26,533 to qualify them by race? 332 00:15:26,533 --> 00:15:28,600 Mr. Carney: I didn't see all of Arne's comments, Jon. 333 00:15:28,600 --> 00:15:31,200 I can just tell you that the Secretary of Education 334 00:15:31,200 --> 00:15:33,934 and everybody on the President's team dedicated to this effort 335 00:15:33,934 --> 00:15:38,400 is focused on making sure that we do everything we can 336 00:15:38,400 --> 00:15:42,367 working with states and others to ensure that our kids 337 00:15:42,367 --> 00:15:46,000 are getting the education they need for the 21st century, 338 00:15:46,000 --> 00:15:51,400 for the careers of the 21st century. 339 00:15:51,400 --> 00:15:53,400 Ann, how are you? 340 00:15:53,400 --> 00:15:54,867 The Press: Thank you. 341 00:15:54,867 --> 00:15:56,733 Fine, thank you, Jay. 342 00:15:56,734 --> 00:15:59,533 President Obama took a long time coming to his decision 343 00:15:59,533 --> 00:16:03,900 on support of gay marriage, where it is legal. 344 00:16:03,900 --> 00:16:07,266 Vice President Cheney's daughters have had a very public 345 00:16:07,266 --> 00:16:10,666 dispute about it, and now Vice President Cheney has put out 346 00:16:10,667 --> 00:16:14,100 a statement saying that they're pained to see what has been 347 00:16:14,100 --> 00:16:16,567 a discussion in their family come out publicly. 348 00:16:16,567 --> 00:16:19,066 Does the President think that Vice President Cheney, 349 00:16:19,066 --> 00:16:22,133 who embraced the idea of gay marriage long before he did, 350 00:16:22,133 --> 00:16:24,400 kind of led the way? 351 00:16:24,400 --> 00:16:26,500 Does he give him some political credit for that? 352 00:16:26,500 --> 00:16:29,934 And is the President sorry to see that this is still something 353 00:16:29,934 --> 00:16:34,400 that can be a source of tension not only just in families, 354 00:16:34,400 --> 00:16:37,367 but in the political dialogue? 355 00:16:37,367 --> 00:16:39,599 Mr. Carney: I haven't discussed with President Obama 356 00:16:39,600 --> 00:16:41,967 this issue with regards to the Cheney family, 357 00:16:41,967 --> 00:16:43,233 former Vice President Cheney. 358 00:16:43,233 --> 00:16:48,699 I would simply say that like so many Americans, 359 00:16:48,700 --> 00:16:55,467 Former Vice President Cheney has come to view equality 360 00:16:55,467 --> 00:16:57,900 as something that we need to make fact 361 00:16:57,900 --> 00:16:59,132 and not just an aspiration. 362 00:16:59,133 --> 00:17:03,567 And that is certainly where the President is. 363 00:17:03,567 --> 00:17:07,099 And that's reflected in his very strongly held view 364 00:17:07,099 --> 00:17:09,199 that the House of Representatives 365 00:17:09,200 --> 00:17:11,500 ought to follow the Senate's lead 366 00:17:11,500 --> 00:17:13,800 and pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, 367 00:17:13,800 --> 00:17:21,099 for example -- because in the not too distant future, 368 00:17:21,099 --> 00:17:25,800 we in this country will look back at this moment and pretty 369 00:17:25,800 --> 00:17:31,265 clearly recognize that those who opposed ENDA were wrong, 370 00:17:31,266 --> 00:17:35,600 as those who opposed other significant civil rights 371 00:17:35,600 --> 00:17:39,500 legislation for the variety of reasons that they put forward 372 00:17:39,500 --> 00:17:41,867 at the time proved to be wrong. 373 00:17:41,867 --> 00:17:43,100 And with regards to interfamily dynamics, 374 00:17:43,100 --> 00:17:48,966 obviously this is a tough issue and can be a tough issue 375 00:17:53,667 --> 00:17:55,332 for a lot of families. 376 00:17:55,333 --> 00:18:00,133 But it is a very American value to pursue equality for everyone. 377 00:18:00,133 --> 00:18:02,867 The Press: Well, you make the point that opposition to it is wrong; 378 00:18:02,867 --> 00:18:04,867 it's not just a matter of tolerating 379 00:18:04,867 --> 00:18:06,332 somebody else's point of view. 380 00:18:06,333 --> 00:18:08,767 Does the President believe there's been progress 381 00:18:08,767 --> 00:18:10,000 in the country, perhaps since -- 382 00:18:10,000 --> 00:18:11,200 Mr. Carney: Oh, without question. 383 00:18:11,200 --> 00:18:12,967 And you've heard the President discuss this many times, 384 00:18:12,967 --> 00:18:15,133 including I think in the interview he gave 385 00:18:15,133 --> 00:18:19,100 with Robin Roberts last year. 386 00:18:19,100 --> 00:18:20,332 That was last year, right? 387 00:18:20,333 --> 00:18:24,500 And there's no question there's been enormous progress. 388 00:18:24,500 --> 00:18:30,300 Anybody who looks at LGBT rights and the road traveled 389 00:18:30,300 --> 00:18:31,734 in this country just in the past decade 390 00:18:31,734 --> 00:18:36,367 I think would rightly be pleased by the significant progress 391 00:18:36,367 --> 00:18:37,633 that's been made, 392 00:18:37,633 --> 00:18:39,633 even as we acknowledge that more work needs to be done, 393 00:18:39,633 --> 00:18:41,867 more progress needs to be done -- made. 394 00:18:41,867 --> 00:18:44,000 The Press: Real quick following up on Nedra's question. 395 00:18:44,000 --> 00:18:46,433 Is it fair to say that 80-percent success 396 00:18:46,433 --> 00:18:48,867 on the website would be the vast majority? 397 00:18:48,867 --> 00:18:51,000 Is that how you define "vast majority," 398 00:18:51,000 --> 00:18:53,433 the phrase you keep using? 399 00:18:53,433 --> 00:18:55,467 Mr. Carney: Well, I think that is a -- 400 00:18:55,467 --> 00:18:58,633 I mean, others can decide whether or not 80 percent 401 00:18:58,633 --> 00:18:59,800 is a vast majority. 402 00:18:59,800 --> 00:19:01,633 I think in most contexts it is. 403 00:19:01,633 --> 00:19:08,166 But this is focused on the kind of technical metrics 404 00:19:08,166 --> 00:19:09,399 that I discussed. 405 00:19:09,400 --> 00:19:11,667 When it comes to website functionality 406 00:19:11,667 --> 00:19:13,699 and making the improvements to the website 407 00:19:13,700 --> 00:19:15,800 that are absolutely necessary, 408 00:19:15,800 --> 00:19:17,667 they look at error rate, they look at response time, 409 00:19:17,667 --> 00:19:20,934 they look at site stability -- and you make improvements 410 00:19:20,934 --> 00:19:24,800 in those measurable areas, 411 00:19:24,800 --> 00:19:31,567 and by doing so you increase the likelihood that any American 412 00:19:31,567 --> 00:19:35,433 who goes on that site will have a satisfactory experience. 413 00:19:35,433 --> 00:19:38,400 Now, there are reasons that have nothing to do 414 00:19:38,400 --> 00:19:40,633 with the functionality of the website 415 00:19:40,633 --> 00:19:43,200 that some Americans may go online, 416 00:19:43,200 --> 00:19:45,333 start the process and decide either 417 00:19:45,333 --> 00:19:46,700 because of the complexity of their personal 418 00:19:46,700 --> 00:19:48,033 or family situation, 419 00:19:48,033 --> 00:19:52,433 or for other reasons, may decide that they would rather engage 420 00:19:52,433 --> 00:19:57,667 a live person, either through a call-in center or in person. 421 00:19:57,667 --> 00:19:58,966 And that is something 422 00:19:58,967 --> 00:20:01,500 that has obviously always been understood. 423 00:20:01,500 --> 00:20:03,400 Our goal when it comes to the fixes on the website 424 00:20:03,400 --> 00:20:05,300 is to make it as functional as possible 425 00:20:05,300 --> 00:20:09,500 so that the fewest number possible of users 426 00:20:09,500 --> 00:20:14,033 have some of the problems with delays and errors and crashes 427 00:20:14,033 --> 00:20:16,233 that we've seen in the early days of this launch. 428 00:20:16,233 --> 00:20:17,734 Olivier. 429 00:20:17,734 --> 00:20:21,265 The Press: Jay, the President is having a group of powerful senators 430 00:20:21,266 --> 00:20:24,133 to the White House to talk about Iran. 431 00:20:24,133 --> 00:20:25,934 I'm wondering why the President 432 00:20:25,934 --> 00:20:29,633 is doing this briefing and not -- 433 00:20:29,633 --> 00:20:30,834 Mr. Carney: Is there any group of senators 434 00:20:30,834 --> 00:20:32,567 that you would not describe as powerful? 435 00:20:32,567 --> 00:20:34,100 And how would they feel about it? 436 00:20:34,100 --> 00:20:35,966 The Press: Not by name and on camera. 437 00:20:35,967 --> 00:20:37,333 Mr. Carney: It is true, yes. 438 00:20:37,333 --> 00:20:40,200 The Press: So why the President and not, say, 439 00:20:40,200 --> 00:20:41,200 the National Security Advisor? 440 00:20:41,200 --> 00:20:42,934 And how are these -- 441 00:20:42,934 --> 00:20:43,934 Mr. Carney: Say that again? 442 00:20:43,934 --> 00:20:44,899 What was -- 443 00:20:44,900 --> 00:20:45,967 The Press: Why the President specifically 444 00:20:45,967 --> 00:20:47,200 and not, say, the National Security Advisor? 445 00:20:47,200 --> 00:20:48,700 What's the benefit of having the President 446 00:20:48,700 --> 00:20:49,800 deliver this briefing? 447 00:20:49,800 --> 00:20:51,934 And is he asking them to hold off on sanctions? 448 00:20:51,934 --> 00:20:53,700 What's his message? 449 00:20:53,700 --> 00:20:54,967 Mr. Carney: Tomorrow at the White House, 450 00:20:54,967 --> 00:20:57,166 the President will meet with leadership and the Chairman 451 00:20:57,166 --> 00:20:59,399 and ranking members of the Senate Banking Committee, 452 00:20:59,400 --> 00:21:00,800 Senate Foreign Relations Committee, 453 00:21:00,800 --> 00:21:03,834 Senate Armed Services Committee and Senate Select Committee 454 00:21:03,834 --> 00:21:06,734 on Intelligence to provide an update on the status of the 455 00:21:06,734 --> 00:21:10,766 P5-plus-1 negotiations with Iran before the next round of talks 456 00:21:10,767 --> 00:21:12,533 begin later this week in Geneva. 457 00:21:12,533 --> 00:21:16,800 The reason that the President will be having this meeting 458 00:21:16,800 --> 00:21:22,667 is because he has met regularly with and discussed regularly 459 00:21:22,667 --> 00:21:27,399 with members of Congress, in particular the Senate, 460 00:21:27,400 --> 00:21:32,333 what is happening with our negotiations with other members 461 00:21:32,333 --> 00:21:34,567 of the P5-plus-1 and Iran on this issue, 462 00:21:34,567 --> 00:21:39,600 the steps that we have taken to explore the potential 463 00:21:39,600 --> 00:21:43,800 for a diplomatic resolution to the challenge presented 464 00:21:43,800 --> 00:21:46,834 by Iran's nuclear program. 465 00:21:46,834 --> 00:21:54,633 And it is very much in keeping with the method the President 466 00:21:54,633 --> 00:22:00,166 has employed thus far in this matter that he consult closely 467 00:22:00,166 --> 00:22:04,265 and regularly with leaders in the Senate on this issue. 468 00:22:04,266 --> 00:22:09,934 When it comes to our position on additional sanctions, 469 00:22:09,934 --> 00:22:13,000 I'm sure that this will be a topic, 470 00:22:13,000 --> 00:22:17,300 because it's the President's view that it's the right thing 471 00:22:17,300 --> 00:22:22,300 to do for Congress to pause so that we can test whether or not 472 00:22:22,300 --> 00:22:23,966 the Iranians are serious 473 00:22:23,967 --> 00:22:27,734 about resolving this issue diplomatically. 474 00:22:27,734 --> 00:22:35,466 And, as you know, we have been engaged with the new government. 475 00:22:35,467 --> 00:22:37,400 We have had a round of discussions in Geneva; 476 00:22:37,400 --> 00:22:40,400 we're having another round coming up. 477 00:22:40,400 --> 00:22:42,834 And we believe there is the potential, anyway, 478 00:22:42,834 --> 00:22:48,834 to initiate the first phase of an agreement that would see Iran 479 00:22:51,834 --> 00:22:55,567 halting progress on its program and rolling back 480 00:22:55,567 --> 00:22:58,166 certain aspects of it, 481 00:22:58,166 --> 00:23:04,166 and therefore basically stalling progress 482 00:23:04,166 --> 00:23:06,300 on their program and rolling it back 483 00:23:06,300 --> 00:23:08,399 as we pursue a more comprehensive agreement 484 00:23:08,400 --> 00:23:11,233 and as we test whether or not a more comprehensive agreement 485 00:23:11,233 --> 00:23:14,867 is achievable, whether or not Tehran is serious 486 00:23:14,867 --> 00:23:20,966 about taking the necessary concrete steps 487 00:23:20,967 --> 00:23:23,700 so that the international community 488 00:23:23,700 --> 00:23:26,600 is absolutely confident in a verifiable, 489 00:23:26,600 --> 00:23:31,100 transparent way that they have forsaken 490 00:23:31,100 --> 00:23:32,667 their nuclear weapons ambitions. 491 00:23:32,667 --> 00:23:36,533 So this is an important stage in this process, 492 00:23:36,533 --> 00:23:38,699 and the President looks forward to the meeting. 493 00:23:38,700 --> 00:23:40,467 The Press: There's some confusion about the amount of sanctions 494 00:23:40,467 --> 00:23:42,967 relief that Iran would be getting 495 00:23:42,967 --> 00:23:44,667 under this interim agreement. 496 00:23:44,667 --> 00:23:48,632 Can you shed any light on what the accurate figures are? 497 00:23:48,633 --> 00:23:55,033 Mr. Carney: I can shed some light on what the accurate figures are not. 498 00:23:55,033 --> 00:23:59,132 There have been reports of $40 to $50 billion in relief, 499 00:23:59,133 --> 00:24:03,333 and those reports are significantly exaggerated. 500 00:24:03,333 --> 00:24:07,800 It is important to recognize, as we've talked about, 501 00:24:07,800 --> 00:24:10,000 that the relief that would accompany an agreement 502 00:24:10,000 --> 00:24:12,467 for this first phase would be modest 503 00:24:12,467 --> 00:24:14,767 and it would be eminently reversible. 504 00:24:14,767 --> 00:24:19,934 We've described it as the kind of relief that we could provide 505 00:24:19,934 --> 00:24:21,800 by turning down or off a spigot, 506 00:24:21,800 --> 00:24:24,332 and then cranking it back up pretty seriously. 507 00:24:24,333 --> 00:24:28,567 It would leave in place the entire structure 508 00:24:28,567 --> 00:24:30,433 of the sanctions regime that's been in place 509 00:24:30,433 --> 00:24:34,133 that has brought Iran to the table. 510 00:24:34,133 --> 00:24:39,367 So this is modest and it is reversible, 511 00:24:39,367 --> 00:24:43,700 and it does not -- it's the kind of relief that ensures 512 00:24:43,700 --> 00:24:46,567 that even as it's provided, 513 00:24:46,567 --> 00:24:48,667 the other sanctions remain in place 514 00:24:48,667 --> 00:24:50,800 and continue to have an effect. 515 00:24:50,800 --> 00:24:56,767 So the purpose of doing it is to acknowledge that there's 516 00:24:59,734 --> 00:25:03,600 no comprehensive agreement achievable at the beginning 517 00:25:03,600 --> 00:25:08,500 of a P5-plus-1 process, and that it is far preferable 518 00:25:08,500 --> 00:25:11,266 for the P5-plus-1 and all of our international partners and 519 00:25:11,266 --> 00:25:17,033 allies for us to lock in a halt to the progress of the program 520 00:25:17,033 --> 00:25:21,433 and to roll back certain aspects of it as we negotiate 521 00:25:21,433 --> 00:25:24,934 a comprehensive agreement, or see if one is achievable. 522 00:25:24,934 --> 00:25:30,867 The alternative would be to engage in an effort to find out 523 00:25:30,867 --> 00:25:32,300 whether or not there's a comprehensive agreement 524 00:25:32,300 --> 00:25:34,867 achievable without any kind of first phase 525 00:25:34,867 --> 00:25:37,100 and therefore without any halt to the progress. 526 00:25:37,100 --> 00:25:40,800 And so that period where we were having these negotiations would 527 00:25:40,800 --> 00:25:45,633 also be marked by continued progress by Iran on its program. 528 00:25:45,633 --> 00:25:48,266 So we believe that this two-phased approach 529 00:25:48,266 --> 00:25:51,667 is the right approach to take, 530 00:25:51,667 --> 00:25:56,199 and the President will be talking about that 531 00:25:56,200 --> 00:25:58,467 with Senate leaders tomorrow. 532 00:25:58,467 --> 00:26:02,467 Major Garrett, then Margaret. 533 00:26:02,467 --> 00:26:06,633 The Press: On the 80-percent functionality of the website, 534 00:26:06,633 --> 00:26:09,367 that's just aNovember 30th date, or is that something 535 00:26:09,367 --> 00:26:13,200 you've outlined as a rough ratio, let's say, 536 00:26:13,200 --> 00:26:15,967 for the whole first year of the Affordable Care Act? 537 00:26:15,967 --> 00:26:20,533 And is it something that was built into your sort of 538 00:26:20,533 --> 00:26:24,300 assumptions about usability of the Affordable Care Act in its 539 00:26:24,300 --> 00:26:28,367 first year, or is it simply a metric that you've come up with 540 00:26:28,367 --> 00:26:31,166 since the website did not roll out as effectively 541 00:26:31,166 --> 00:26:33,667 as you thought it would? 542 00:26:33,667 --> 00:26:36,800 Mr. Carney: Let me start by saying that in their regular briefings, 543 00:26:36,800 --> 00:26:39,834 CMS and HHS can add more details in response 544 00:26:39,834 --> 00:26:41,433 to these kinds of questions. 545 00:26:41,433 --> 00:26:44,667 What I can, again, I think describe for you is that 546 00:26:44,667 --> 00:26:51,734 the 8 out of 10, 2 out of 10 structure relates 547 00:26:51,734 --> 00:26:57,332 to an expectation of what broadly speaking Americans 548 00:26:57,333 --> 00:27:02,166 would experience in a world where the website is functioning 549 00:27:02,166 --> 00:27:04,166 effectively for the vast majority of users. 550 00:27:04,166 --> 00:27:08,033 So that means that there would be still some -- 551 00:27:08,033 --> 00:27:11,132 a small percentage, hopefully -- 552 00:27:11,133 --> 00:27:14,300 who are not getting through because they experienced 553 00:27:14,300 --> 00:27:15,399 technical difficulties. 554 00:27:15,400 --> 00:27:17,333 And as we've discussed -- I discussed last week, 555 00:27:17,333 --> 00:27:20,400 the President discussed last week -- 556 00:27:20,400 --> 00:27:25,834 we will not have a perfect website. 557 00:27:25,834 --> 00:27:29,934 There will be, as is the case with all complex websites, 558 00:27:29,934 --> 00:27:33,332 individuals who experience some technical difficulties somewhere 559 00:27:33,333 --> 00:27:34,333 and for some reasons. 560 00:27:34,333 --> 00:27:36,533 And the way to measure those, again, 561 00:27:36,533 --> 00:27:40,399 goes into those categories of error messages, 562 00:27:40,400 --> 00:27:43,967 delayed response times, and stability issues with the site. 563 00:27:43,967 --> 00:27:45,066 But there are other -- 564 00:27:45,066 --> 00:27:47,500 and again, in that 2 out of 10 pot, 565 00:27:47,500 --> 00:27:48,734 you have two other categories, one -- 566 00:27:48,734 --> 00:27:53,367 I mean, and this is just roughly speaking -- 567 00:27:53,367 --> 00:27:55,934 one, those who have, as I've described before -- 568 00:27:55,934 --> 00:27:57,500 The Press: And those will be there always. 569 00:27:57,500 --> 00:28:00,567 Mr. Carney: Well, I think, yes, that's certainly the case, 570 00:28:00,567 --> 00:28:05,000 that there will always -- it was never going to be that 571 00:28:05,000 --> 00:28:10,500 even with an error-free, perfectly functioning website, 572 00:28:10,500 --> 00:28:16,400 that suddenly every American or potential purchaser of insurance 573 00:28:16,400 --> 00:28:20,367 in the marketplace would make that purchase online. 574 00:28:20,367 --> 00:28:22,500 And that's why there are call-in centers, 575 00:28:22,500 --> 00:28:25,767 that's why there are in-person navigators to assist Americans 576 00:28:25,767 --> 00:28:29,900 who prefer to do it, if you will, the old-fashioned way, 577 00:28:29,900 --> 00:28:32,100 and also you can do this by mail, 578 00:28:32,100 --> 00:28:33,300 an even more old-fashioned way. 579 00:28:33,300 --> 00:28:34,700 So that's just to say that there's always going to be 580 00:28:34,700 --> 00:28:40,533 a universe of people who -- you know, they may go online, 581 00:28:40,533 --> 00:28:42,766 but they may not go through the entire process, 582 00:28:42,767 --> 00:28:44,867 not because there's a technical problem with the site, 583 00:28:44,867 --> 00:28:46,367 but for other reasons, 584 00:28:46,367 --> 00:28:49,066 complexities of their own situation of which 585 00:28:49,066 --> 00:28:51,266 there are going to be some percentage of families -- 586 00:28:51,266 --> 00:28:54,934 The Press: Percentage-wise on custody things or geography or -- 587 00:28:54,934 --> 00:28:56,100 Mr. Carney: Precisely precisely. 588 00:28:56,100 --> 00:28:58,899 So that's the -- I'm trying to give a little context 589 00:28:58,900 --> 00:29:00,500 to how these are viewed. 590 00:29:00,500 --> 00:29:03,066 More details are probably available at CMS, 591 00:29:03,066 --> 00:29:06,233 but that's the broad -- 592 00:29:08,266 --> 00:29:10,100 The Press: 80/20 is not a ratio just for the website, 593 00:29:10,100 --> 00:29:11,100 it's for the entire experience. 594 00:29:11,100 --> 00:29:12,300 Mr. Carney: Again, as understand it, 595 00:29:12,300 --> 00:29:15,233 we're talking about people who would use the website, 596 00:29:15,233 --> 00:29:22,399 but may not follow it through to the end -- i.e. enroll -- 597 00:29:22,400 --> 00:29:24,700 because either they have a technical problem, 598 00:29:24,700 --> 00:29:27,367 or they find that they're one -- 599 00:29:27,367 --> 00:29:29,466 somebody in this category -- 600 00:29:29,467 --> 00:29:31,166 these other two categories. 601 00:29:31,166 --> 00:29:34,466 And I'm a layman here, so that's my understanding. 602 00:29:34,467 --> 00:29:36,400 The Press: Picking up on Iran, 603 00:29:36,400 --> 00:29:38,233 you said from the podium a couple of times, 604 00:29:38,233 --> 00:29:41,966 those who are skeptical about this two-phase process 605 00:29:41,967 --> 00:29:43,500 are essentially indirectly advocating -- 606 00:29:43,500 --> 00:29:44,500 or not advocating -- 607 00:29:44,500 --> 00:29:45,767 the only other fallback position 608 00:29:45,767 --> 00:29:52,200 to that is military confrontation with Iran. 609 00:29:52,200 --> 00:29:53,200 Does that overall description also apply 610 00:29:53,200 --> 00:29:55,433 to the Israeli government, 611 00:29:55,433 --> 00:30:01,333 which has been very critical of the first phase of this? 612 00:30:01,333 --> 00:30:03,233 The Prime Minister has repeatedly called it 613 00:30:03,233 --> 00:30:07,200 a "bad deal" without, as the Secretary of State saying, 614 00:30:07,200 --> 00:30:09,734 knowing all the full details. 615 00:30:09,734 --> 00:30:11,265 Mr. Carney: I'd say a couple of things. 616 00:30:11,266 --> 00:30:17,700 The comprehensive structure of sanctions that 617 00:30:17,700 --> 00:30:20,600 have been put in place and that have been as effective 618 00:30:20,600 --> 00:30:23,699 as they have been were designed 619 00:30:23,700 --> 00:30:28,400 to try to change Iranian behavior. 620 00:30:28,400 --> 00:30:30,834 So the sanctions were not imposed for the sake 621 00:30:30,834 --> 00:30:35,100 of sanctions themselves or for harming the Iranian economy. 622 00:30:35,100 --> 00:30:40,533 They were meant to see if Tehran's behavior would change; 623 00:30:40,533 --> 00:30:43,766 that there would be a price that was too high 624 00:30:43,767 --> 00:30:49,133 for them to pay in order to maintain their nuclear program 625 00:30:49,133 --> 00:30:53,500 in a way that was -- in which they would not provide 626 00:30:53,500 --> 00:30:58,400 assurances to the West that they were forsaking nuclear weapons. 627 00:30:58,400 --> 00:31:03,400 That was why the President led the way in putting together this 628 00:31:03,400 --> 00:31:05,633 comprehensive set of sanctions, the most debilitating and 629 00:31:05,633 --> 00:31:08,600 comprehensive set ever imposed in history. 630 00:31:08,600 --> 00:31:13,100 And you'll remember that he got there by making clear in his 631 00:31:13,100 --> 00:31:17,033 campaign in 2008 and in his inaugural address in January of 632 00:31:17,033 --> 00:31:22,899 2009 that he was willing to meet with and discuss with Iranian 633 00:31:22,900 --> 00:31:25,467 leaders these issues. 634 00:31:25,467 --> 00:31:28,767 And that was a position that had been criticized 635 00:31:28,767 --> 00:31:30,967 during the campaign. 636 00:31:30,967 --> 00:31:35,867 But that willingness basically put the onus on Iran to 637 00:31:35,867 --> 00:31:37,667 demonstrate that they weren't the problem. 638 00:31:37,667 --> 00:31:42,100 And what we saw for the first four-plus years is that Iranian 639 00:31:42,100 --> 00:31:44,332 behavior was the problem. 640 00:31:44,333 --> 00:31:46,033 And that unified the international community and 641 00:31:46,033 --> 00:31:49,300 allowed for the construction of this comprehensive set of 642 00:31:49,300 --> 00:31:52,767 sanctions, and allowed for the isolation of Tehran that we've 643 00:31:52,767 --> 00:31:57,133 seen, and which, in turn, through an election in Tehran 644 00:31:57,133 --> 00:32:00,867 and through the building impact of these sanctions on the 645 00:32:00,867 --> 00:32:04,332 Iranian economy, we have seen Iran come forward and take a new 646 00:32:04,333 --> 00:32:10,500 approach towards this issue and its dealings with the P5-plus-1. 647 00:32:10,500 --> 00:32:15,266 Since the goal that we all share is making sure Iran does not 648 00:32:15,266 --> 00:32:21,333 and cannot acquire a nuclear weapon, we need to pursue 649 00:32:21,333 --> 00:32:23,200 the possibility that we can achieve that goal 650 00:32:23,200 --> 00:32:25,200 peacefully through diplomacy. 651 00:32:26,767 --> 00:32:28,600 And as the President and others have said, 652 00:32:28,600 --> 00:32:32,966 the surest way to make sure that Iran does not have a nuclear 653 00:32:32,967 --> 00:32:35,500 weapon and does not have it for the long term is an agreement 654 00:32:35,500 --> 00:32:40,967 and a decision by Tehran to give up pursuit of a nuclear weapon. 655 00:32:40,967 --> 00:32:45,734 But we have to obviously couple that with very intrusive 656 00:32:45,734 --> 00:32:49,166 verification procedures so that we can be confident 657 00:32:49,166 --> 00:32:50,600 that that is the case. 658 00:32:50,600 --> 00:32:53,500 So the end goal here is shared by everyone, 659 00:32:53,500 --> 00:32:56,000 and there is no daylight between the United States and Israel 660 00:32:56,000 --> 00:32:58,600 when it comes to that. 661 00:32:58,600 --> 00:33:02,300 And there's no daylight among the members of the P5-plus-1. 662 00:33:02,300 --> 00:33:03,300 The Press: There clearly appears to be daylight 663 00:33:03,300 --> 00:33:05,934 in tactics and methods right now. 664 00:33:05,934 --> 00:33:08,133 I mean, everything in that history you just described, 665 00:33:08,133 --> 00:33:10,367 Israel and the United States were very close on this, 666 00:33:10,367 --> 00:33:12,867 but now they are -- through press conferences and statements 667 00:33:12,867 --> 00:33:15,233 from the Prime Minister repeatedly -- a breach. 668 00:33:15,233 --> 00:33:17,332 It's obvious. 669 00:33:17,333 --> 00:33:18,600 Mr. Carney: Well, I think everyone -- 670 00:33:18,600 --> 00:33:19,766 and I think the Prime Minister said this -- 671 00:33:19,767 --> 00:33:24,000 believes that we should explore whether or not 672 00:33:24,000 --> 00:33:25,333 this can be resolved peacefully. 673 00:33:25,333 --> 00:33:28,500 That is obviously a preference for everyone. 674 00:33:28,500 --> 00:33:31,200 And it is our view that the process we have in place 675 00:33:31,200 --> 00:33:36,934 with the P5-plus-1 is the best way to explore that possibility, 676 00:33:36,934 --> 00:33:38,667 as we leave all options on the table; 677 00:33:38,667 --> 00:33:42,867 as we make clear that President Obama will not, 678 00:33:45,066 --> 00:33:46,133 as a matter of policy, 679 00:33:46,133 --> 00:33:49,867 allow Iran to acquire a nuclear weapon. 680 00:33:49,867 --> 00:33:56,332 Achieving that goal is best done peacefully if that's possible. 681 00:33:56,333 --> 00:33:58,667 And going back to the beginning of your question, 682 00:33:58,667 --> 00:34:05,934 if the decision or the view is that we should not engage 683 00:34:05,934 --> 00:34:10,100 in negotiations, you really -- whether you're proactively 684 00:34:10,100 --> 00:34:14,333 choosing the use of force as the better alternative 685 00:34:14,333 --> 00:34:18,300 or simply disallowing or suggesting 686 00:34:18,300 --> 00:34:20,934 there's no path through which you can negotiate 687 00:34:20,934 --> 00:34:22,667 a diplomatic peaceful resolution, 688 00:34:22,667 --> 00:34:26,100 you're still leaving yourself with only one other means 689 00:34:26,100 --> 00:34:27,366 to achieve that objective: 690 00:34:27,367 --> 00:34:29,800 Prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. 691 00:34:29,800 --> 00:34:32,633 And that's why we -- so we put in place a process 692 00:34:32,632 --> 00:34:34,165 working with our -- 693 00:34:34,166 --> 00:34:38,333 The Press: Is that where you think the Israeli government is right now? 694 00:34:38,333 --> 00:34:39,667 Mr. Carney: Well, look, we negotiate -- 695 00:34:39,667 --> 00:34:41,033 we, rather, consult with Israel constantly on these issues. 696 00:34:41,033 --> 00:34:43,866 The President speaks with no other leader 697 00:34:43,867 --> 00:34:45,767 more frequently than he does -- 698 00:34:45,766 --> 00:34:48,600 The Press: And they know all the details of the negotiations? 699 00:34:48,600 --> 00:34:51,500 Mr. Carney: We, again, consult with the Israelis regularly. 700 00:34:51,500 --> 00:34:57,300 We share a significant amount of information 701 00:34:57,300 --> 00:35:00,867 on a variety of issues, but Iran is certainly one of them. 702 00:35:00,867 --> 00:35:06,433 And our commitment to Israel's defense is unshakable, 703 00:35:06,433 --> 00:35:10,000 and that is as true today as it's been every day 704 00:35:10,000 --> 00:35:12,967 that President Obama has been in office and has overseen 705 00:35:12,967 --> 00:35:17,000 a policy that has provided, I think, even in the -- 706 00:35:17,000 --> 00:35:18,000 or most importantly, 707 00:35:18,000 --> 00:35:19,300 in the views of many Israeli leaders, 708 00:35:19,300 --> 00:35:23,767 the most tangible evidence of that commitment to Israel's 709 00:35:23,767 --> 00:35:25,133 security that they've ever seen. 710 00:35:25,133 --> 00:35:28,567 So that remains our policy. 711 00:35:28,567 --> 00:35:29,934 That remains our position. 712 00:35:29,934 --> 00:35:33,333 And we are going about this with our P5-plus-1 partners in a way 713 00:35:33,333 --> 00:35:39,333 that ensures that any steps we take will require transparency 714 00:35:44,800 --> 00:35:50,367 and the ability to verify concrete steps by the Iranians. 715 00:35:50,367 --> 00:35:52,400 If in the end they are not -- 716 00:35:52,400 --> 00:35:54,533 if they demonstrate that they are not willing to take 717 00:35:54,533 --> 00:35:57,633 the concrete steps necessary to prove to the world 718 00:35:57,633 --> 00:35:59,899 that they're giving up their nuclear weapons ambitions, 719 00:35:59,900 --> 00:36:01,934 then there's no deal. 720 00:36:01,934 --> 00:36:02,934 Simple as that. 721 00:36:02,934 --> 00:36:03,900 Margaret. 722 00:36:03,900 --> 00:36:05,000 The Press: Thanks. 723 00:36:05,000 --> 00:36:06,700 I want to ask you about the OFA call tonight, 724 00:36:06,700 --> 00:36:10,033 but before I forget I wanted to do a little cleanup question. 725 00:36:10,033 --> 00:36:16,033 On health care, in the front row, 726 00:36:18,700 --> 00:36:24,667 you had said that in addition to what you're doing to improve 727 00:36:35,567 --> 00:36:36,734 the website, you're "working with additional channels," 728 00:36:36,734 --> 00:36:38,000 and that sounded like maybe worth asking more about. 729 00:36:38,000 --> 00:36:39,300 Is this with business, or is the Lady Gaga tour back on, 730 00:36:39,300 --> 00:36:39,900 or what are we talking about with the additional channels? 731 00:36:39,900 --> 00:36:41,266 [laughter] 732 00:36:41,266 --> 00:36:42,233 Mr. Carney: I think what I was trying to refer to was the fact 733 00:36:42,233 --> 00:36:42,900 that we have, in addition to the work 734 00:36:42,900 --> 00:36:44,100 we've done on the website, 735 00:36:44,100 --> 00:36:45,200 we have made more robust the channels available for -- 736 00:36:45,200 --> 00:36:46,066 the alternate channels available for Americans 737 00:36:46,066 --> 00:36:47,133 to get information and to enroll. 738 00:36:47,133 --> 00:36:48,133 That includes by mail, by phone or in person. 739 00:36:48,133 --> 00:36:51,734 And in response to the question about -- 740 00:36:51,734 --> 00:36:53,667 but in response to the question about direct enrollment, 741 00:36:53,667 --> 00:36:56,366 working with insurers, we are having conversations 742 00:36:56,367 --> 00:36:58,867 with insurers all the time about that and other issues, 743 00:36:58,867 --> 00:37:05,000 all with the goal of maximizing the options available 744 00:37:05,000 --> 00:37:09,700 to Americans when it comes to enrolling in 745 00:37:09,700 --> 00:37:11,232 and purchasing quality, affordable -- 746 00:37:11,233 --> 00:37:12,967 enrolling in the marketplace and purchasing quality, 747 00:37:12,967 --> 00:37:13,967 affordable health insurance. 748 00:37:13,967 --> 00:37:15,133 The Press: But on the additional channels, 749 00:37:15,133 --> 00:37:16,899 you meant the channels that we've already talked 750 00:37:16,900 --> 00:37:18,767 about before in the past? 751 00:37:18,767 --> 00:37:20,899 Mr. Carney: Well, but also -- we are also working to set up 752 00:37:20,900 --> 00:37:23,100 direct enrollment through insurance companies 753 00:37:23,100 --> 00:37:25,400 so that Americans could choose to enroll directly 754 00:37:25,400 --> 00:37:26,567 through the insurance company. 755 00:37:26,567 --> 00:37:31,266 And that's another method by which we can reach 756 00:37:31,266 --> 00:37:33,800 the same point that is the goal here. 757 00:37:33,800 --> 00:37:35,367 Again, it's the end here that matters, 758 00:37:35,367 --> 00:37:36,867 not necessarily the means. 759 00:37:36,867 --> 00:37:39,333 The means are important and we have made clear 760 00:37:39,333 --> 00:37:42,500 our shared frustration with the problems 761 00:37:42,500 --> 00:37:44,567 that the website has experienced, 762 00:37:44,567 --> 00:37:48,200 but we have to make sure that there are other means available 763 00:37:48,200 --> 00:37:50,299 for the American people even as we make improvements 764 00:37:50,300 --> 00:37:52,066 to the website. 765 00:37:52,066 --> 00:37:54,866 The Press: On OFA, tonight the President will talk 766 00:37:54,867 --> 00:37:57,266 with OFA folks on a call. 767 00:37:57,266 --> 00:38:01,500 To the extent that you can talk about the policy 768 00:38:01,500 --> 00:38:02,800 as well as the political goals, 769 00:38:02,800 --> 00:38:06,033 more broadly than sort of trying to get the momentum back, 770 00:38:06,033 --> 00:38:08,967 what is he hoping to accomplish specifically with this call, 771 00:38:08,967 --> 00:38:10,734 and for what duration of time 772 00:38:10,734 --> 00:38:13,967 is he kind of laying forth a plan? 773 00:38:13,967 --> 00:38:16,567 Mr. Carney: Well, I don't have an extensive preview 774 00:38:16,567 --> 00:38:18,000 of what the President will say. 775 00:38:18,000 --> 00:38:24,166 I can say that there are a lot of people out there who strongly 776 00:38:24,166 --> 00:38:29,400 support health insurance reform, and who strongly supported 777 00:38:29,400 --> 00:38:31,700 and support the Affordable Care Act 778 00:38:31,700 --> 00:38:36,799 because of the promise that it represents. 779 00:38:39,867 --> 00:38:44,367 We are obviously in a moment of time 780 00:38:44,367 --> 00:38:45,834 as applies to the Affordable Care Act 781 00:38:45,834 --> 00:38:49,433 where a lot of focus understandably is being directed 782 00:38:49,433 --> 00:38:51,700 towards the problems with the website and other issues 783 00:38:51,700 --> 00:38:52,700 that have affected the rollout of the marketplaces. 784 00:38:52,700 --> 00:39:00,533 And that is as you would expect it to be. 785 00:39:00,533 --> 00:39:01,600 But we cannot forget -- 786 00:39:01,600 --> 00:39:06,700 we need to step back and not forget that what 787 00:39:06,700 --> 00:39:08,700 was achieved in the passage of the Affordable Care Act 788 00:39:08,700 --> 00:39:12,600 was the culmination of a century-long effort 789 00:39:12,600 --> 00:39:18,100 by presidents and lawmakers to introduce health insurance 790 00:39:18,100 --> 00:39:21,133 reform to make affordable, quality health insurance 791 00:39:21,133 --> 00:39:24,533 more broadly available to average Americans, 792 00:39:24,533 --> 00:39:31,100 all undertaken with the point of view that in the wealthiest 793 00:39:31,100 --> 00:39:35,033 country on Earth, health care should not be a privilege 794 00:39:35,033 --> 00:39:37,967 for a few, it should be available to all. 795 00:39:37,967 --> 00:39:43,967 And what we've seen is that passage of that legislation 796 00:39:46,567 --> 00:39:50,800 is only half the battle, and implementation of it 797 00:39:50,800 --> 00:39:54,333 is just as -- in fact, more important, 798 00:39:54,333 --> 00:39:57,767 because we need to make sure that the promise is realized 799 00:39:57,767 --> 00:40:00,466 and that Americans across the country 800 00:40:00,467 --> 00:40:06,900 who have seen health care costs drive up their own costs 801 00:40:06,900 --> 00:40:10,133 have seen -- in a process that's been underway 802 00:40:10,133 --> 00:40:16,700 for years and decades, have seen their even their employer-based 803 00:40:16,700 --> 00:40:21,933 insurance change in ways that places more costs on them, 804 00:40:21,934 --> 00:40:25,233 and also have seen employers drop them and have seen 805 00:40:25,233 --> 00:40:29,166 experiences, if they have been in the individual market, 806 00:40:29,166 --> 00:40:32,300 that are really challenging for them and create 807 00:40:32,300 --> 00:40:34,166 a lot of insecurity for them -- 808 00:40:34,166 --> 00:40:37,867 that they are able to get the benefits of this new system 809 00:40:37,867 --> 00:40:41,367 that builds on, expands on the private insurance system 810 00:40:41,367 --> 00:40:44,166 that we have but does it in a way that provides basic 811 00:40:44,166 --> 00:40:47,633 benefits and basic affordability to millions of Americans 812 00:40:47,633 --> 00:40:48,866 who didn't have them before. 813 00:40:48,867 --> 00:40:50,033 The Press: So it's really basically a focus call. 814 00:40:50,033 --> 00:40:51,734 It's not going to be about immigration or other -- 815 00:40:51,734 --> 00:40:54,100 Mr. Carney: Well, I can't rule out other topics. 816 00:40:54,100 --> 00:41:00,533 But I think that the President understands that there are a lot 817 00:41:00,533 --> 00:41:05,600 of people out there who believe deeply in the need to make sure 818 00:41:05,600 --> 00:41:07,033 that this is implemented properly, 819 00:41:07,033 --> 00:41:10,967 because millions of Americans fought hard for and believe 820 00:41:10,967 --> 00:41:15,400 in the benefits that the Affordable Care Act provides. 821 00:41:15,400 --> 00:41:18,834 The Press: Very quickly -- sorry, I took too much time. 822 00:41:18,834 --> 00:41:20,200 Since we've been talking, there's a story out 823 00:41:20,200 --> 00:41:22,265 by The Washington Post that says that Pete Rouse may be leaving. 824 00:41:22,266 --> 00:41:23,433 Can you -- 825 00:41:23,433 --> 00:41:24,834 Mr. Carney: This is the breaking news question. 826 00:41:24,834 --> 00:41:26,366 The Press: This is the breaking news question. 827 00:41:26,367 --> 00:41:27,667 Mr. Carney: What is it again? 828 00:41:27,667 --> 00:41:29,266 The Press: It may have had something to do with the paper 829 00:41:29,266 --> 00:41:30,800 that was passed to you -- 830 00:41:30,800 --> 00:41:32,033 Mr. Carney: No. 831 00:41:32,033 --> 00:41:33,033 Oh, no, in fact I'm glad you reminded me, but go ahead. 832 00:41:33,033 --> 00:41:34,400 [laughter] 833 00:41:34,400 --> 00:41:35,900 The Press: Anyway, what can you tell about Pete Rouse's plans? 834 00:41:35,900 --> 00:41:38,266 And can you confirm this report? 835 00:41:38,266 --> 00:41:40,567 Mr. Carney: I don't have any personnel announcements to make, 836 00:41:40,567 --> 00:41:42,500 and I haven't obviously seen that report. 837 00:41:42,500 --> 00:41:44,834 Let me tell you that the President called Illinois 838 00:41:44,834 --> 00:41:49,700 Governor Pat Quinn and Mayor of Washington Gary Manier 839 00:41:49,700 --> 00:41:51,667 to receive an update on the response to yesterday's 840 00:41:51,667 --> 00:41:53,467 severe weather and to express his gratitude 841 00:41:53,467 --> 00:41:55,934 for all of the brave women and men working 842 00:41:55,934 --> 00:41:57,333 to respond to this disaster. 843 00:41:57,333 --> 00:41:59,600 I just wanted to update you on that. 844 00:41:59,600 --> 00:42:02,667 That was the note that was passed to me, 845 00:42:02,667 --> 00:42:05,200 and I want to thank you for reminding me. 846 00:42:05,200 --> 00:42:07,200 Jim. 847 00:42:07,200 --> 00:42:08,933 The Press: Since Margaret asked about Pete Rouse, 848 00:42:08,934 --> 00:42:10,967 I wanted to ask you -- over the weekend, 849 00:42:10,967 --> 00:42:14,734 David Plouffe and then earlier this morning Robert Gibbs, 850 00:42:14,734 --> 00:42:18,133 your predecessor, said that it would not surprise them 851 00:42:18,133 --> 00:42:20,399 and that it's probably expected that there will be changes 852 00:42:20,400 --> 00:42:21,633 here at the White House, 853 00:42:21,633 --> 00:42:25,834 perhaps over at HHS in response to the fumbled rollout 854 00:42:25,834 --> 00:42:26,834 of the Affordable Care Act. 855 00:42:26,834 --> 00:42:28,834 Does the President see the wisdom in that? 856 00:42:31,800 --> 00:42:33,900 Mr. Carney: I would point you to what the President has said, 857 00:42:33,900 --> 00:42:37,433 which is that he believes his team ought to be and is focused 858 00:42:37,433 --> 00:42:41,100 on getting this right for the American people, 859 00:42:41,100 --> 00:42:44,033 making the fixes to the website that are necessary so that 860 00:42:44,033 --> 00:42:48,667 it functions more effectively for users across the country; 861 00:42:48,667 --> 00:42:55,266 making necessary fixes to the law that we can make to make it 862 00:42:55,266 --> 00:42:56,900 better for Americans around the country. 863 00:42:56,900 --> 00:43:02,300 So we're focused and he is focused on implementation. 864 00:43:02,300 --> 00:43:05,567 He said that it's not -- Monday morning quarterbacking 865 00:43:05,567 --> 00:43:07,333 is not what we're engaged in. 866 00:43:07,333 --> 00:43:09,066 The Press: But there will be a time when he'll be able 867 00:43:09,066 --> 00:43:10,366 to look beyond that. 868 00:43:10,367 --> 00:43:12,533 Mr. Carney: Well, hypothetically, you could say that. 869 00:43:12,533 --> 00:43:16,433 I think it's also the case that personnel changes happen 870 00:43:16,433 --> 00:43:17,667 all the time. 871 00:43:17,667 --> 00:43:19,299 And I wouldn't necessarily associate any particular one 872 00:43:19,300 --> 00:43:24,266 with any incident, which is -- I'm just offering that caution. 873 00:43:24,266 --> 00:43:27,700 I know I'm probably spitting in the wind there. 874 00:43:27,700 --> 00:43:34,533 But I don't have any review to describe 875 00:43:34,533 --> 00:43:36,433 or personnel announcements to make. 876 00:43:36,433 --> 00:43:39,400 The Press: And a lot of folks have been asking -- 877 00:43:39,400 --> 00:43:41,533 Jay, I know you've been asked this question -- 878 00:43:41,533 --> 00:43:44,100 but tomorrow is the 150th anniversary 879 00:43:44,100 --> 00:43:45,333 of the Gettysburg Address, 880 00:43:45,333 --> 00:43:48,233 and they're going to have a ceremony commemorating that 881 00:43:48,233 --> 00:43:49,333 up at Gettysburg. 882 00:43:49,333 --> 00:43:51,033 And I know the Interior Secretary will be there; 883 00:43:51,033 --> 00:43:52,633 it looks like the President will not be there. 884 00:43:52,633 --> 00:43:53,700 What is he going to be doing? 885 00:43:53,700 --> 00:43:55,700 I know he is doing this PBS special. 886 00:43:55,700 --> 00:43:57,700 What's he doing beyond that to commemorate this? 887 00:43:57,700 --> 00:44:00,399 Because just about every other big anniversary 888 00:44:00,400 --> 00:44:04,266 for this address, a President has had a prominent role. 889 00:44:04,266 --> 00:44:06,166 Mr. Carney: Well, I don't have any scheduling updates 890 00:44:06,166 --> 00:44:07,300 to provide to you. 891 00:44:07,300 --> 00:44:09,834 Obviously, that address and that moment in time 892 00:44:09,834 --> 00:44:11,200 is seminal in our history. 893 00:44:11,200 --> 00:44:13,866 And I think that all Americans across the country will have 894 00:44:13,867 --> 00:44:21,066 the opportunity to think about those words and that address. 895 00:44:21,066 --> 00:44:22,700 But with regards to the President, 896 00:44:22,700 --> 00:44:23,700 beyond what you just described, 897 00:44:23,700 --> 00:44:24,933 I don't have anything more for you. 898 00:44:24,934 --> 00:44:27,000 The Press: And recently, in the last several days, 899 00:44:27,000 --> 00:44:30,166 the Secretary of State -- speaking of another anniversary 900 00:44:30,166 --> 00:44:33,667 that's coming up on Wednesday, I know that the President 901 00:44:33,667 --> 00:44:36,834 and Bill Clinton will be marking the 50th anniversary 902 00:44:36,834 --> 00:44:39,866 since the assassination of President Kennedy. 903 00:44:39,867 --> 00:44:43,100 And just recently, Secretary of State Kerry made a comment 904 00:44:43,100 --> 00:44:44,866 that he thought that Lee Harvey Oswald 905 00:44:44,867 --> 00:44:48,166 may have had some help in that assassination. 906 00:44:48,166 --> 00:44:49,333 And I'm just curious, 907 00:44:49,333 --> 00:44:51,100 what are the President's thoughts on that? 908 00:44:51,100 --> 00:44:53,967 Does he believe that Lee Harvey Oswald -- 909 00:44:53,967 --> 00:44:56,066 Mr. Carney: I haven't had a discussion with the President 910 00:44:56,066 --> 00:44:57,066 about Kennedy's assassination, 911 00:44:57,066 --> 00:44:58,399 President Kennedy's assassination. 912 00:44:58,400 --> 00:45:00,633 The Press: And there are classified files that have still 913 00:45:00,633 --> 00:45:03,399 not been released in that case. 914 00:45:03,400 --> 00:45:06,333 Has the President weighed in on whether or not 915 00:45:06,333 --> 00:45:08,266 those files should be released? 916 00:45:08,266 --> 00:45:10,033 Mr. Carney: I have not had that conversation with him. 917 00:45:10,033 --> 00:45:11,033 Ed. 918 00:45:11,033 --> 00:45:12,232 The Press: Jay, quick one on Guantanamo. 919 00:45:12,233 --> 00:45:14,934 You did a readout this morning of Lisa Monaco talking 920 00:45:14,934 --> 00:45:16,867 to officials in Yemen about Guantanamo. 921 00:45:16,867 --> 00:45:19,600 And I wonder -- there have been reports suggesting 922 00:45:19,600 --> 00:45:22,667 the administration may transfer up to 100 Yemeni detainees 923 00:45:22,667 --> 00:45:25,366 out of Guantanamo back to their home country. 924 00:45:25,367 --> 00:45:27,633 Why does the administration think this may be effective, 925 00:45:27,633 --> 00:45:30,399 given the fact that the President himself shut that down 926 00:45:30,400 --> 00:45:33,133 a few years ago after the underwear bomber had gotten some 927 00:45:33,133 --> 00:45:36,533 help from Yemen and there were concerns that it might be a bad 928 00:45:36,533 --> 00:45:38,100 idea to send more detainees there? 929 00:45:38,100 --> 00:45:39,533 What's changed? 930 00:45:39,533 --> 00:45:42,400 Mr. Carney: Well, the moratorium on detainee transfers to Yemen 931 00:45:42,400 --> 00:45:45,367 was lifted earlier this year, as I'm sure you remember. 932 00:45:45,367 --> 00:45:47,767 And in his speech at NDU, the President 933 00:45:47,767 --> 00:45:50,466 called on Congress to lift its restrictions 934 00:45:50,467 --> 00:45:53,133 on detainee transfers from Guantanamo. 935 00:45:53,133 --> 00:45:57,033 The lifting of the moratorium on detainee transfers to Yemen 936 00:45:57,033 --> 00:45:58,500 came with also the assertion that those detainees 937 00:45:58,500 --> 00:46:04,533 would be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, 938 00:46:04,533 --> 00:46:08,933 and that has been the case ever since. 939 00:46:08,934 --> 00:46:12,367 It is still absolutely the administration's firm commitment 940 00:46:12,367 --> 00:46:15,734 to close the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay. 941 00:46:15,734 --> 00:46:18,600 The facility continues to drain our resources 942 00:46:18,600 --> 00:46:20,834 in an era of sequestration and tighter budgets, 943 00:46:20,834 --> 00:46:23,633 and it harms our national security. 944 00:46:23,633 --> 00:46:26,066 To the greatest extent possible, the administration will continue 945 00:46:26,066 --> 00:46:28,466 transferring detainees who have been cleared 946 00:46:28,467 --> 00:46:29,667 to go to other countries. 947 00:46:29,667 --> 00:46:33,799 And we, as I mentioned, will call again on Congress 948 00:46:33,800 --> 00:46:36,834 to lift the restrictions on detainee transfers, 949 00:46:36,834 --> 00:46:39,366 which have significantly limited our ability to responsibly 950 00:46:39,367 --> 00:46:41,934 reduce the detainee population and ultimately 951 00:46:41,934 --> 00:46:44,000 to close the facility. 952 00:46:44,000 --> 00:46:45,100 The detainee language 953 00:46:45,100 --> 00:46:46,600 that is in the Senate Armed Services Committee 954 00:46:46,600 --> 00:46:48,967 version of the FY2014 National Defense Authorization Act 955 00:46:48,967 --> 00:46:51,500 is in our view positive and an important step 956 00:46:51,500 --> 00:46:53,166 in that direction. 957 00:46:53,166 --> 00:46:54,567 The Press: Now -- 958 00:46:54,567 --> 00:46:56,000 Mr. Carney: Go ahead. 959 00:46:56,000 --> 00:46:57,200 The Press: Thank you for that. 960 00:46:57,200 --> 00:46:59,633 On health care, the whole "vast majority" question -- 961 00:46:59,633 --> 00:47:01,933 last week, when the President talked about it, 962 00:47:01,934 --> 00:47:05,233 he just used "majority" not "vast majority." 963 00:47:05,233 --> 00:47:08,300 Is there any way that the bar can be lowered below 80 percent 964 00:47:08,300 --> 00:47:11,367 if at the end of November it's 70 percent or 60 percent? 965 00:47:11,367 --> 00:47:12,800 Is that acceptable? 966 00:47:12,800 --> 00:47:15,100 Mr. Carney: Again, I try to describe, Ed, 967 00:47:15,100 --> 00:47:17,667 and I appreciate everyone's patience, 968 00:47:17,667 --> 00:47:19,633 sort of the universe of people that we're talking about. 969 00:47:19,633 --> 00:47:24,200 And when you talk about the 2 out of 10 970 00:47:24,200 --> 00:47:25,799 or 8 out of 10 that -- 971 00:47:25,800 --> 00:47:28,967 among those who don't get through the website, 972 00:47:28,967 --> 00:47:31,567 there are a variety of reasons that will be 973 00:47:31,567 --> 00:47:33,033 and has been the case. 974 00:47:33,033 --> 00:47:38,133 One of them is -- are those people who experience 975 00:47:38,133 --> 00:47:42,399 technical problems, error messages or delays, 976 00:47:42,400 --> 00:47:44,000 or crashes that forced them off the site 977 00:47:44,000 --> 00:47:46,333 and in another direction. 978 00:47:46,333 --> 00:47:50,800 But others will go online but may find 979 00:47:50,800 --> 00:47:54,667 that their personal situation is complex enough 980 00:47:54,667 --> 00:47:56,333 in ways that we were talking about earlier, 981 00:47:56,333 --> 00:47:59,300 that they're better served if they go to a navigator, 982 00:47:59,300 --> 00:48:02,667 either through a call-in center or in person, 983 00:48:02,667 --> 00:48:04,633 so that that can be -- they can have somebody 984 00:48:04,633 --> 00:48:06,100 help them through that process. 985 00:48:06,100 --> 00:48:07,433 And then, of course, there are going to be people 986 00:48:07,433 --> 00:48:08,433 who may find some information online, 987 00:48:08,433 --> 00:48:14,333 may have a perfectly acceptable experience, 988 00:48:14,333 --> 00:48:15,633 no problems, no errors, 989 00:48:15,633 --> 00:48:19,332 but will decide that when it comes to purchasing insurance, 990 00:48:19,333 --> 00:48:20,333 that that's not something 991 00:48:20,333 --> 00:48:21,667 they're comfortable doing online. 992 00:48:21,667 --> 00:48:22,900 That was always going to be the case. 993 00:48:22,900 --> 00:48:24,433 There was always going to be a population that fit that 994 00:48:24,433 --> 00:48:27,400 description, and that's why it's important that they, too, 995 00:48:27,400 --> 00:48:29,633 are able to avail themselves of other means. 996 00:48:29,633 --> 00:48:32,834 The Press: You mean like go by phone, as you said earlier, 997 00:48:32,834 --> 00:48:34,700 or go by mail? 998 00:48:34,700 --> 00:48:35,799 Under that scenario, though, could the 80/20 split 999 00:48:35,800 --> 00:48:36,967 you were asked about before, 1000 00:48:36,967 --> 00:48:39,400 could up to 20 percent of the people who go online 1001 00:48:39,400 --> 00:48:42,133 but can't actually sign up -- I realize not all 20 percent 1002 00:48:42,133 --> 00:48:43,200 will not be able to get on. 1003 00:48:43,200 --> 00:48:44,899 Some will do it by mail, some will do it by phone. 1004 00:48:44,900 --> 00:48:47,200 But will there be a significant percentage of people then 1005 00:48:47,200 --> 00:48:50,633 who will be fined anyway, even though they went on the website 1006 00:48:50,633 --> 00:48:52,633 trying to get health care, they don't get it, 1007 00:48:52,633 --> 00:48:55,633 and then they'll pay the penalty? 1008 00:48:55,633 --> 00:48:57,933 Mr. Carney: Well, again, the universe I've described to you 1009 00:48:57,934 --> 00:49:01,400 are people who will have available to them other means, 1010 00:49:01,400 --> 00:49:04,600 and when it comes to the improvements to the website, 1011 00:49:04,600 --> 00:49:08,333 which is the context in which these metrics 1012 00:49:08,333 --> 00:49:11,934 are being described, 1013 00:49:11,934 --> 00:49:14,000 the improvements will make the website better, 1014 00:49:14,000 --> 00:49:16,367 will make it more effective, will make it function 1015 00:49:16,367 --> 00:49:19,900 effectively for the vast majority of users. 1016 00:49:19,900 --> 00:49:23,533 There will still be some who experience technical 1017 00:49:23,533 --> 00:49:28,232 difficulties, and that will result in those individuals, 1018 00:49:28,233 --> 00:49:30,567 if they don't want to keep trying, 1019 00:49:30,567 --> 00:49:33,600 availing themselves of the other means available to them. 1020 00:49:33,600 --> 00:49:36,700 And then there will be those who decide to use other methods 1021 00:49:36,700 --> 00:49:40,399 because they, for reasons that have nothing to do with the 1022 00:49:40,400 --> 00:49:44,066 functionality of the website, that it's an issue of complexity 1023 00:49:44,066 --> 00:49:50,600 in their personal situations or a personal decision not to do 1024 00:49:50,600 --> 00:49:52,967 this kind of process or make this kind of purchase online. 1025 00:49:52,967 --> 00:49:56,700 So I guess the point is, when it comes to the website, 1026 00:49:56,700 --> 00:50:00,466 we are working 24/7 to make the technical fixes, 1027 00:50:00,467 --> 00:50:05,166 software and hardware fixes that will improve its functionality. 1028 00:50:05,166 --> 00:50:09,133 But that's all part of a broader effort to make access 1029 00:50:09,133 --> 00:50:12,433 to the marketplaces as smooth as possible and provide as many 1030 00:50:12,433 --> 00:50:14,900 channels as possible, which is what we're doing. 1031 00:50:14,900 --> 00:50:15,900 The Press: And the very last one. 1032 00:50:15,900 --> 00:50:17,533 There were reports about an official helping 1033 00:50:17,533 --> 00:50:22,933 to run the D.C. exchange who was fired within hours 1034 00:50:22,934 --> 00:50:26,700 or within a day of criticizing how the program was working. 1035 00:50:26,700 --> 00:50:28,700 Did the administration have anything to do 1036 00:50:28,700 --> 00:50:30,567 with this official in D.C. losing his job? 1037 00:50:30,567 --> 00:50:33,000 Mr. Carney: I can't speak to why they made that decision. 1038 00:50:33,000 --> 00:50:34,066 I would refer you to them. 1039 00:50:34,066 --> 00:50:35,165 Peter. 1040 00:50:35,166 --> 00:50:40,266 This is going to have to be my last engagement. 1041 00:50:40,266 --> 00:50:43,333 The Press: You talked about 80 percent would be viewed as success. 1042 00:50:43,333 --> 00:50:45,600 Then perhaps to put it more simply, 1043 00:50:45,600 --> 00:50:47,834 what would failure be defined as? 1044 00:50:47,834 --> 00:50:49,299 How does the President define failure, 1045 00:50:49,300 --> 00:50:51,934 not sufficiently meeting the expectations? 1046 00:50:51,934 --> 00:50:54,467 Mr. Carney: The President believes that the site is not functioning 1047 00:50:54,467 --> 00:50:57,934 effectively now and wasn't effective -- 1048 00:50:57,934 --> 00:50:59,700 functioning effectively on October 1st. 1049 00:50:59,700 --> 00:51:00,966 That doesn't mean it's not functioning. 1050 00:51:00,967 --> 00:51:02,700 Obviously, there are more and more people successfully 1051 00:51:02,700 --> 00:51:05,200 navigating the website every day. 1052 00:51:05,200 --> 00:51:07,332 The Press: I mean, for the December 1st date, 1053 00:51:07,333 --> 00:51:09,767 what would failure look like? 1054 00:51:09,767 --> 00:51:13,033 Mr. Carney: Look, I think we've said that we are making improvements 1055 00:51:13,033 --> 00:51:15,266 so that it will function effectively 1056 00:51:15,266 --> 00:51:16,734 for the vast majority of users. 1057 00:51:16,734 --> 00:51:21,933 It is important when looking at users' experiences on any day, 1058 00:51:21,934 --> 00:51:25,166 but December 1st included, that there -- 1059 00:51:25,166 --> 00:51:32,266 of those who basically stop using the online site, 1060 00:51:32,266 --> 00:51:35,967 there will be different reasons why that's so. 1061 00:51:35,967 --> 00:51:39,033 Some of them will have technical problems, 1062 00:51:39,033 --> 00:51:42,133 and that's what we can address through fixes to the website. 1063 00:51:42,133 --> 00:51:43,834 There will be others who -- 1064 00:51:43,834 --> 00:51:46,633 and this was always going to be the case -- 1065 00:51:46,633 --> 00:51:48,700 because of their personal situations and the 1066 00:51:48,700 --> 00:51:51,133 complexity of the kind of coverage they need, 1067 00:51:51,133 --> 00:51:53,933 will be better served by going to call-in centers 1068 00:51:53,934 --> 00:51:56,734 or in-person centers to get assistance in applying 1069 00:51:56,734 --> 00:52:00,066 and getting the information they need. 1070 00:52:00,066 --> 00:52:02,066 The Press: Just to conclude, as Todd Park said 1071 00:52:02,066 --> 00:52:03,633 when he spoke before the House Oversight Committee, 1072 00:52:03,633 --> 00:52:05,966 the goal is to meet this vast majority mark, 1073 00:52:05,967 --> 00:52:08,100 which is roughly 80 percent, with a nuance, 1074 00:52:08,100 --> 00:52:09,433 I understand, within it. 1075 00:52:09,433 --> 00:52:13,233 So I guess my question is, if we don't meet what the President 1076 00:52:13,233 --> 00:52:15,700 views as that standard, what is the consequence? 1077 00:52:15,700 --> 00:52:17,533 What is the President prepared to do? 1078 00:52:17,533 --> 00:52:20,066 There have to be contingency plans to accommodate those 1079 00:52:20,066 --> 00:52:21,700 people that feel they weren't -- 1080 00:52:21,700 --> 00:52:22,966 Mr. Carney: There's a continuum here, Peter, 1081 00:52:22,967 --> 00:52:25,700 which is that the site is working vastly more effectively 1082 00:52:25,700 --> 00:52:29,299 today than it was the first week of October, 1083 00:52:29,300 --> 00:52:35,734 and that process will continue up to and beyondDecember 1st. 1084 00:52:35,734 --> 00:52:38,232 The goal described as having a satisfactory experience 1085 00:52:38,233 --> 00:52:40,200 or having it function effectively 1086 00:52:40,200 --> 00:52:42,700 for the vast majority 1087 00:52:42,700 --> 00:52:45,600 of users applies to the end of this month, 1088 00:52:45,600 --> 00:52:47,266 but it will continue to apply going forward. 1089 00:52:47,266 --> 00:52:48,667 In other words, we're going to make improvements 1090 00:52:48,667 --> 00:52:52,232 so that it's better on December 2nd than December 1st 1091 00:52:52,233 --> 00:52:53,500 and going forward, because -- 1092 00:52:53,500 --> 00:52:54,867 The Press: But there's still a potential that some people 1093 00:52:54,867 --> 00:52:58,233 fall in the gap because there's only two weeks from December 1st 1094 00:52:58,233 --> 00:53:00,533 to December 15th, where some people potentially 1095 00:53:00,533 --> 00:53:02,967 won't be able to get coverage in time for January 1st, 1096 00:53:02,967 --> 00:53:04,567 which you're still providing affordable care 1097 00:53:04,567 --> 00:53:05,667 for a lot of people. 1098 00:53:05,667 --> 00:53:07,567 But if you live in a state like Washington State, 1099 00:53:07,567 --> 00:53:08,667 Vermont, Arkansas, 1100 00:53:08,667 --> 00:53:10,000 where you're losing your coverage, 1101 00:53:10,000 --> 00:53:11,767 and the state insurance commissioner says we're 1102 00:53:11,767 --> 00:53:13,567 not going to give you that old coverage back, 1103 00:53:13,567 --> 00:53:14,767 there are some Americans -- 1104 00:53:14,767 --> 00:53:16,866 if the 80-percent bar is where it stands -- 1105 00:53:16,867 --> 00:53:19,367 won't be able to get coverage in time for January 1st, 1106 00:53:19,367 --> 00:53:20,900 and will then go uncovered -- 1107 00:53:20,900 --> 00:53:22,800 Mr. Carney: That's a misunderstanding of what that figure represents, 1108 00:53:22,800 --> 00:53:25,000 because there are ways for those individuals 1109 00:53:25,000 --> 00:53:28,200 to get insurance now that don't include the website. 1110 00:53:28,200 --> 00:53:32,667 The Press: So you're confident that in some form 1111 00:53:32,667 --> 00:53:34,100 they will be able to, without question, 1112 00:53:34,100 --> 00:53:36,366 be able to get it in that window? 1113 00:53:36,367 --> 00:53:38,433 Mr. Carney: I am very confident that they will be able to. 1114 00:53:38,433 --> 00:53:39,667 That's why these alternate channels exist 1115 00:53:39,667 --> 00:53:40,900 and why they were always envisioned 1116 00:53:40,900 --> 00:53:42,367 to be a part of this -- 1117 00:53:42,367 --> 00:53:44,200 because there were always going to be some individuals 1118 00:53:44,200 --> 00:53:46,265 who weren't going to make this kind of purchase online 1119 00:53:46,266 --> 00:53:47,500 either because they don't in general 1120 00:53:47,500 --> 00:53:48,734 make purchases online or use computers, 1121 00:53:48,734 --> 00:53:49,967 or because for something like this 1122 00:53:49,967 --> 00:53:51,000 they're not comfortable doing it. 1123 00:53:51,000 --> 00:53:53,133 And there will be those whose situations 1124 00:53:53,133 --> 00:53:55,200 when it comes to purchasing a certain insurance, 1125 00:53:55,200 --> 00:53:59,734 because of where members of their family live 1126 00:53:59,734 --> 00:54:01,165 or other issues, 1127 00:54:01,166 --> 00:54:04,100 will be better served by having an in-person counselor 1128 00:54:04,100 --> 00:54:05,600 help them through the process. 1129 00:54:05,600 --> 00:54:06,633 The Press: I just want to be clear -- because that's very important 1130 00:54:06,633 --> 00:54:07,966 what you just guaranteed -- 1131 00:54:07,967 --> 00:54:10,100 that everyone will be able to do it by thatDecember 15th date, 1132 00:54:10,100 --> 00:54:12,299 even through these other means. 1133 00:54:12,300 --> 00:54:15,400 The reason I pose that is because the other means 1134 00:54:15,400 --> 00:54:16,400 include going through the web service, 1135 00:54:16,400 --> 00:54:17,400 which includes the 834s, 1136 00:54:17,400 --> 00:54:18,433 which have to go through the system. 1137 00:54:18,433 --> 00:54:20,834 So if the system isn't working perfectly, 1138 00:54:20,834 --> 00:54:23,066 the vast majority isn't good enough, because everybody, 1139 00:54:23,066 --> 00:54:25,265 even by calling or an in-person navigator -- 1140 00:54:25,266 --> 00:54:28,367 Mr. Carney: You're mixing -- the vast majority applies 1141 00:54:28,367 --> 00:54:29,900 to the website experience. 1142 00:54:29,900 --> 00:54:31,500 The Press: And everybody ultimately goes through the website. 1143 00:54:31,500 --> 00:54:34,500 If I call a navigator, I'm going to have to put it through. 1144 00:54:34,500 --> 00:54:35,667 Mr. Carney: They do, you don't. 1145 00:54:35,667 --> 00:54:37,500 Incorrect that you have to -- that everybody has to; 1146 00:54:37,500 --> 00:54:38,734 we had this debate earlier. 1147 00:54:38,734 --> 00:54:42,433 But that the purpose is that if you want to go through 1148 00:54:42,433 --> 00:54:44,734 and avail yourself of a call-in center experience, 1149 00:54:44,734 --> 00:54:48,433 you can have that encounter with an individual 1150 00:54:48,433 --> 00:54:49,900 who will then take your information 1151 00:54:49,900 --> 00:54:52,400 and make sure that you both get what you need to -- 1152 00:54:52,400 --> 00:54:56,166 get the information you need to know and apply accordingly. 1153 00:54:56,166 --> 00:55:01,500 So this has to do with the user experience online. 1154 00:55:01,500 --> 00:55:04,834 And what we're working to do 24/7 is to make improvements 1155 00:55:04,834 --> 00:55:06,165 to the website so that more and more Americans, 1156 00:55:06,166 --> 00:55:09,600 up to a vast majority and beyond -- 1157 00:55:09,600 --> 00:55:13,232 because this work will continue -- 1158 00:55:13,233 --> 00:55:15,700 have an acceptable experience online. 1159 00:55:15,700 --> 00:55:18,000 There will still be Americans who choose 1160 00:55:18,000 --> 00:55:23,233 not to engage in that process when purchasing insurance, 1161 00:55:23,233 --> 00:55:25,200 so there are other methods by which they can do that. 1162 00:55:25,200 --> 00:55:26,200 I've got to run. 1163 00:55:26,200 --> 00:55:28,200 Thank you all very much.