English subtitles for clip: File:11-30-09- White House Press Briefing.webm
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1 00:00:08,771 --> 00:00:13,301 Mr. Gibbs: Good afternoon. Let's quickly -- I'll do a 2 00:00:13,301 --> 00:00:17,751 week ahead and then a couple of quick announcements before we start with questions. Obviously, 3 00:00:17,750 --> 00:00:23,370 as you know, on Tuesday the President will address the nation at 8:00 p.m. eastern time 4 00:00:23,371 --> 00:00:29,341 from the military academy at West Point, on Afghanistan and Pakistan. On Wednesday the 5 00:00:29,341 --> 00:00:33,531 President will attend meetings here at the White House. On Thursday the President will 6 00:00:33,531 --> 00:00:39,401 hold a forum on jobs and economic growth here at the White House. The forum will be an opportunity 7 00:00:39,401 --> 00:00:44,821 for the President and his economic team to hear from CEOs, small business owners and 8 00:00:44,821 --> 00:00:49,321 financial experts about ideas for continuing to grow the economy and put Americans back to work. 9 00:00:49,321 --> 00:00:51,171 The Press: Do you have a time on that? 10 00:00:51,171 --> 00:00:56,331 Mr. Gibbs: I don't know when that starts yet, but we can figure that out. On Thursday evening Mrs. 11 00:00:56,331 --> 00:01:01,751 Obama will join the President at the National Park Service at the National Park Foundation's 12 00:01:01,751 --> 00:01:08,571 Annual National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony held on the Ellipse at 5:00 p.m. eastern. 13 00:01:08,571 --> 00:01:12,391 And on Friday -- we'll have more details on this later -- the President will visit Allentown, 14 00:01:12,391 --> 00:01:18,821 Pennsylvania, as part of a commitment to visit communities across the country over the next 15 00:01:18,820 --> 00:01:24,600 several months, where he will speak with workers and share ideas for continued economic recovery. 16 00:01:24,601 --> 00:01:31,601 Before we get going, a couple of quick things. In the gaggle I mentioned that the congressional 17 00:01:33,870 --> 00:01:39,640 readout and consultations would be at 4:45 p.m. tomorrow -- that's now been changed to 18 00:01:39,640 --> 00:01:46,640 4:00 p.m. tomorrow. Let me add that before the President spoke this morning with President 19 00:01:46,790 --> 00:01:52,450 Sarkozy of France, he spoke with Danish Prime Minister Rasmussen. The President and the 20 00:01:52,451 --> 00:01:57,361 Prime Minister consulted on the upcoming Copenhagen Climate Change Conference and the President's 21 00:01:57,360 --> 00:02:02,750 participation on December 9th. The President expressed his appreciation for Denmark's leadership 22 00:02:02,750 --> 00:02:07,350 in this process. The President also updated the Prime Minister on his review of our strategy 23 00:02:07,350 --> 00:02:12,350 in Afghanistan and Pakistan and thanked him for his country's significant contribution 24 00:02:12,351 --> 00:02:18,251 to the effort in Afghanistan. The United States and Denmark are close allies and partner together 25 00:02:18,251 --> 00:02:24,861 around the world to promote freedom, security and prosperity. We talked a little bit this 26 00:02:24,861 --> 00:02:30,971 morning about additional calls that the President will make between this afternoon and the time 27 00:02:30,971 --> 00:02:35,911 of the speech. I anticipate that those will include President Karzai, President Zardari, 28 00:02:35,911 --> 00:02:40,791 Chancellor Merkel, Prime Minister Tusk of Poland, President Hu of China, and Prime 29 00:02:40,790 --> 00:02:45,160 Minister Singh of India. And obviously many administration officials, including the Vice 30 00:02:45,161 --> 00:02:52,161 President, General Jones, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of State, and the Chairman 31 00:02:53,741 --> 00:03:00,741 of the Joint Chiefs and others will also make consultation calls to our allies over the 32 00:03:01,001 --> 00:03:04,451 course of the next many hours before the speech. 33 00:03:04,450 --> 00:03:08,110 The Press: This is in addition to Medvedev and Brown and all that? 34 00:03:08,111 --> 00:03:13,051 Mr. Gibbs: Yes. Those I just listed are at least in addition to; there could be more others. 35 00:03:13,051 --> 00:03:15,621 The Press: And those are today? 36 00:03:15,620 --> 00:03:21,360 Mr. Gibbs: Most of them, quite frankly, are likely scheduled for tomorrow. Yes, sir. 37 00:03:21,361 --> 00:03:27,701 The Press: Thanks, Robert. We've heard a lot about the 38 00:03:27,700 --> 00:03:29,050 benchmarks and what the President is looking for in Afghanistan, but we haven't really 39 00:03:29,051 --> 00:03:30,991 talked a lot in detail about Pakistan. What is the President hoping to address with Pakistan 40 00:03:30,991 --> 00:03:33,571 tomorrow night, and what does he want to get in exchange? 41 00:03:33,570 --> 00:03:39,500 Mr. Gibbs: Well, Phil, I think you can anticipate that 42 00:03:39,501 --> 00:03:45,221 a good portion of the President's speech tomorrow will discuss our relationship with Pakistan 43 00:03:45,221 --> 00:03:52,221 and touch on, going back to the very beginning of this administration, in a renewed engagement 44 00:03:55,090 --> 00:04:02,090 diplomatically with the Pakistanis, as I said this morning, to jointly address violent extremism. 45 00:04:02,971 --> 00:04:09,971 And I think our relationship is stronger and our efforts are stronger in dealing with that 46 00:04:10,851 --> 00:04:17,851 as a result of that engagement and diplomacy. The President will build on that and talk 47 00:04:17,891 --> 00:04:21,431 about the importance of them in the region tomorrow night. 48 00:04:21,431 --> 00:04:24,981 The Press: Is he going to talk about benchmarks with Pakistan tomorrow night? 49 00:04:24,980 --> 00:04:30,200 Mr. Gibbs: I'll let the President make a little news tomorrow, but I anticipate that the President 50 00:04:30,201 --> 00:04:35,221 will be pretty clear about how we're moving forward with Afghanistan and Pakistan. 51 00:04:35,220 --> 00:04:42,540 The Press: And how much has he talked with the officials in Pakistan ahead of tomorrow's speech? 52 00:04:42,541 --> 00:04:47,661 Mr. Gibbs: President Zardari is on the list and will be called either -- there was some schedule 53 00:04:47,660 --> 00:04:53,600 in flux whether it's later today or first thing tomorrow. We'll have some clarity on 54 00:04:53,600 --> 00:04:54,930 that in a little while. 55 00:04:54,931 --> 00:04:57,271 The Press: But in coming up with what he's going to say, how much conversation took place? 56 00:04:57,271 --> 00:05:00,491 Mr. Gibbs: Well, look, I think -- I don't remember the 57 00:05:00,491 --> 00:05:07,491 last time or don't have in front of me the last time the President spoke directly with 58 00:05:08,571 --> 00:05:15,571 President Zardari, but I know that many of the national security team -- Secretary of 59 00:05:19,021 --> 00:05:23,171 State Clinton visited not too long ago, and others have made trips to Pakistan and throughout 60 00:05:23,171 --> 00:05:25,421 the region to strengthen our diplomatic ties. 61 00:05:25,421 --> 00:05:29,411 The Press: Can I just follow please? 62 00:05:29,410 --> 00:05:32,130 Mr. Gibbs: Let me go get a couple here quick. Yes, sir. 63 00:05:32,130 --> 00:05:35,320 The Press: Thanks, Robert. How specific tomorrow will the President be about an exit strategy? And 64 00:05:35,321 --> 00:05:37,371 how specific will he be about cost? 65 00:05:37,371 --> 00:05:44,371 Mr. Gibbs: Well, I think the President will reiterate tomorrow what I've said a number of times, 66 00:05:46,861 --> 00:05:53,861 which is that this is not an open-ended commitment; that we are there to partner with the Afghans, 67 00:06:00,880 --> 00:06:06,920 to train the Afghan national security forces, the army and the police, so that they can 68 00:06:06,921 --> 00:06:13,811 provide the security for their country and wage the battle against an unpopular insurgency 69 00:06:13,810 --> 00:06:19,850 in that country. That's, I'd say, first and foremost, our primary mission there. 70 00:06:19,850 --> 00:06:21,810 The Press: You said last week -- I think Wednesday in 71 00:06:21,810 --> 00:06:24,760 the gaggle -- that we wouldn't be there in eight or nine years. Will the President 72 00:06:24,761 --> 00:06:29,771 spell that out as a timetable tomorrow on when troops will leave? 73 00:06:29,771 --> 00:06:31,771 Mr. Gibbs: Again, I found a good job security policy 74 00:06:31,771 --> 00:06:38,541 is not to get too far ahead of where the President is. I think you can be assured that the President 75 00:06:38,541 --> 00:06:45,541 will talk about the fact that this is not an open-ended commitment. 76 00:06:46,271 --> 00:06:47,701 The Press: Can you follow up on the cost questions, though? 77 00:06:47,701 --> 00:06:48,381 Will he talk about -- you've given us figures before as to what it costs per soldier. Will 78 00:06:48,380 --> 00:06:53,660 he talk about how it will be paid for? Does he have a position on a war tax that you think he'll discuss? 79 00:06:53,660 --> 00:06:59,420 Mr. Gibbs: I have not heard extensive discussion of that here. I know the President will touch on cost; 80 00:06:59,421 --> 00:07:03,351 I don't expect to get overly detailed in the speech tomorrow. Yes, sir. 81 00:07:03,350 --> 00:07:09,740 The Press: When more troops are sent into a country inevitably 82 00:07:09,741 --> 00:07:15,921 it results in more casualties -- when in a military presence and fighting is increased. 83 00:07:15,921 --> 00:07:21,021 Is the President going to -- is that going to be part of the President's message tomorrow, 84 00:07:21,021 --> 00:07:25,611 to prepare the American people for the fact that while an exit strategy exists, the next 85 00:07:25,611 --> 00:07:29,921 year or two is going to be perhaps bloodier than even the last six months? 86 00:07:29,921 --> 00:07:36,351 Mr. Gibbs: Well, Jake -- and we've discussed this before 87 00:07:36,350 --> 00:07:43,350 -- I think the amount of sacrifice that we've seen from the men and women that we have there 88 00:07:43,861 --> 00:07:50,861 already is something that I know the President is assured by each and every day. I think, 89 00:07:53,850 --> 00:08:00,850 you know, he signs letters of condolence; he meets with the families of those that have 90 00:08:04,160 --> 00:08:11,160 been killed. Obviously the trip to Dover is something that I doubt you ever truly forget. 91 00:08:14,690 --> 00:08:21,690 I think the President will reiterate the importance of why we're there, but also, by all means 92 00:08:21,810 --> 00:08:28,810 very early on acknowledge the tremendous cost and sacrifice to our men and women in uniform. 93 00:08:30,750 --> 00:08:37,630 I don't think there's any doubt that we are all in awe of the commitment from our military 94 00:08:37,630 --> 00:08:39,670 and our civilian side in order to get this right. 95 00:08:39,671 --> 00:08:45,581 The Press: And just in terms of defining our terms, where 96 00:08:45,581 --> 00:08:52,581 does making sure that we have a stable Afghan partner end and nation-building begin? What's 97 00:08:53,031 --> 00:08:59,801 the line? Is it just a question of our responsibility, U.S. responsibility, being training Afghan 98 00:08:59,800 --> 00:09:06,800 troops? Is that the "safe and secure" part -- "safe and stable partner" part? Because 99 00:09:07,451 --> 00:09:14,451 we've heard a lot about what the U.S. intends to do. I know you don't want to get ahead 100 00:09:17,391 --> 00:09:18,781 of the President's speech, but just in terms of -- define the terms a little for us. 101 00:09:18,781 --> 00:09:20,521 Mr. Gibbs: Well, I guess I would more ask you to -- 102 00:09:20,521 --> 00:09:27,521 I don't -- again, I'm unclear as to what continuum you're putting -- are you asking me to put 103 00:09:28,501 --> 00:09:31,901 them on a certain -- 104 00:09:31,901 --> 00:09:35,181 The Press: Well, the President has said, about the new strategy, that it's important that we have 105 00:09:35,181 --> 00:09:39,241 a secure -- or a stable ally in the Afghan -- 106 00:09:39,240 --> 00:09:44,220 Mr. Gibbs: Well, and a partner that is -- and a partner 107 00:09:44,221 --> 00:09:49,201 that understands, as the President directly told President Karzai in a telephone call 108 00:09:49,201 --> 00:09:56,201 in the Oval Office, that it is time to turn -- it's time for a new chapter in our relationship 109 00:09:57,441 --> 00:10:04,441 as it relates to corruption and improved governance, in order to address the security situation 110 00:10:08,911 --> 00:10:15,911 not just through training and security force needs, but also, look, it's hard for civilians 111 00:10:17,881 --> 00:10:24,821 to go in and improve areas -- it's impossible -- that aren't secure. So I would say this 112 00:10:24,821 --> 00:10:31,821 is all part of what has to be a partnership. And I think anybody would tell you, Jake, 113 00:10:33,941 --> 00:10:38,161 that -- and I've said this and I think, quite frankly, you've seen this from Democrats and 114 00:10:38,161 --> 00:10:45,161 Republicans in Congress -- without partners that are willing to do stuff in both Afghanistan 115 00:10:45,451 --> 00:10:52,451 and Pakistan, no number of American troops can solve all of those problems -- unless 116 00:10:53,990 --> 00:11:00,990 or until those steps are taken inside both of those countries will we see a change in 117 00:11:03,131 --> 00:11:06,451 the security situation. 118 00:11:06,451 --> 00:11:13,451 The Press: A "stable partner" means a partner that is willing to have its own troops step up? It 119 00:11:15,701 --> 00:11:20,481 doesn't mean a thriving democracy. It doesn't mean a great economy. It doesn't mean schools 120 00:11:20,481 --> 00:11:20,731 -- schools for girls or human rights. It means -- 121 00:11:20,681 --> 00:11:20,931 Mr. Gibbs: First and foremost -- first and foremost, 122 00:11:20,891 --> 00:11:27,891 we have to have a partner that can identify, recruit, retain a security force and a police 123 00:11:29,860 --> 00:11:36,800 force that are able to take improved security -- an improved security environment and eventually 124 00:11:36,800 --> 00:11:43,800 hold that area; once that area is cleared, that area then has to be held. Ultimately, 125 00:11:43,971 --> 00:11:50,971 the strategy will be to transfer the security responsibility of an area to the Afghans. 126 00:11:52,420 --> 00:11:54,640 That is a big part of what you'll hear the President talk about tomorrow. 127 00:11:54,641 --> 00:11:57,741 The Press: But that's what we want from the Afghan government? 128 00:11:57,740 --> 00:12:01,570 Mr. Gibbs: That's -- I would say that's a big part of it, yes. 129 00:12:01,571 --> 00:12:04,491 The Press: Thank you, Robert. I just want to go back to the war tax. You said the President is 130 00:12:04,490 --> 00:12:10,330 not likely to get into much detail on how to pay for it tomorrow night. Why not? When 131 00:12:10,331 --> 00:12:14,921 we're $14 trillion in debt, why don't the American people deserve some explanation? 132 00:12:14,920 --> 00:12:17,040 Mr. Gibbs: I don't think you heard me say that they didn't 133 00:12:17,040 --> 00:12:17,990 deserve an explanation. Obviously, there's a -- 134 00:12:17,990 --> 00:12:19,260 The Press: Why won't he get into it? 135 00:12:19,261 --> 00:12:23,071 Mr. Gibbs: Well, he will certainly touch on the cost. 136 00:12:23,071 --> 00:12:28,561 This is neither the beginning of this debate, Ed, nor will this be the end of it. I think 137 00:12:28,561 --> 00:12:34,251 you'll hear the President acknowledge the resource requirements, and the responsibilities 138 00:12:34,251 --> 00:12:41,031 and the tradeoffs that are going to be discussed both here and, more importantly, on Capitol 139 00:12:41,031 --> 00:12:43,241 Hill, as they control the purse strings. 140 00:12:43,240 --> 00:12:46,350 The Press: How will he handle those offsets? Will it be with a new tax, or will it be spending cuts? 141 00:12:46,350 --> 00:12:53,230 Mr. Gibbs: Well, again, I think those discussions -- once the President has a policy and can put 142 00:12:53,230 --> 00:12:56,120 a price tag on it, I think you'll see those more in earnest. 143 00:12:56,121 --> 00:12:57,001 The Press: I wanted to ask about another subject, the 144 00:12:57,001 --> 00:13:03,171 state dinner last week with India. The White House has asked the Secret Service to investigate 145 00:13:03,170 --> 00:13:06,990 the incident, what went wrong. As part of that review, will they just be reviewing what 146 00:13:06,990 --> 00:13:10,100 the Secret Service did or will they also take a look at White House staff, Social Secretary's 147 00:13:10,100 --> 00:13:11,230 office, and see whether they made mistakes, as well? 148 00:13:11,230 --> 00:13:18,230 Mr. Gibbs: I will check with folks here. My understanding 149 00:13:18,651 --> 00:13:21,921 is that the Secret Service will look at what the Secret Service did. 150 00:13:21,920 --> 00:13:23,040 The Press: But do you think the White House staff should 151 00:13:23,040 --> 00:13:29,130 be looked at, as well? There were guests who came to this event who say that at previous 152 00:13:29,131 --> 00:13:30,601 dinners there was somebody from the Social Secretary's office there who was checking 153 00:13:30,600 --> 00:13:33,690 names. That's not really the responsibility of the Secret Service. 154 00:13:33,691 --> 00:13:35,981 Mr. Gibbs: No, but, Ed, understand that the individuals 155 00:13:35,980 --> 00:13:42,650 that are listed weren't on any list. I think the Secret Service, through the director, 156 00:13:42,651 --> 00:13:49,651 has admitted that somebody who wasn't on a list and wasn't WAVE'd in was allowed into 157 00:13:51,720 --> 00:13:58,720 an event that clearly he said shouldn't be, and that no call or reach-out ever came to 158 00:14:02,670 --> 00:14:09,180 anybody in terms of staff from the Secret Service about whether or not there was confusion 159 00:14:09,181 --> 00:14:11,171 on a name on a list. 160 00:14:11,170 --> 00:14:13,320 The Press: At previous dinners, there was somebody from the White House staff there checking names. 161 00:14:13,321 --> 00:14:18,431 So if they had been there and these people were not on the list, they might have caught them. 162 00:14:18,431 --> 00:14:23,261 Mr. Gibbs: But, again, Ed, I assume in absence of somebody being there -- because they're working telephones 163 00:14:23,261 --> 00:14:28,971 in the White House -- somebody would have checked. Again, I think the focus of the investigation 164 00:14:28,970 --> 00:14:33,690 at this point is on the fact that none -- that name wasn't on a list, that name wasn't 165 00:14:33,691 --> 00:14:40,341 WAVE'd in, but that couple got into the White House and I think that's what the Secret Service 166 00:14:40,341 --> 00:14:44,091 is rightly focused on in their security investigation. 167 00:14:44,091 --> 00:14:46,481 The Press: Follow up. Normally in the past, before this administration came, there was always a checks 168 00:14:46,480 --> 00:14:55,540 and balances type of system at that gate with the Social Office, as well as the Secret Service -- 169 00:14:55,540 --> 00:14:57,430 Mr. Gibbs: I think that's what Ed just asked. 170 00:14:57,431 --> 00:14:57,701 The Press: That's what I'm saying. And you're saying -- 171 00:14:57,701 --> 00:15:00,291 Mr. Gibbs: This is a follow-up or -- go ahead, I'm sorry, 172 00:15:00,290 --> 00:15:03,200 I didn't mean to interrupt. 173 00:15:03,201 --> 00:15:06,891 The Press: Again, there's always been a series of checks and balances. And if there was a concern from 174 00:15:06,891 --> 00:15:09,811 the Secret Service, they would always relay it back to -- it was a back and forth between 175 00:15:09,811 --> 00:15:13,741 the Social Office and the Secret Service. 176 00:15:13,740 --> 00:15:14,840 Mr. Gibbs: What I'm saying -- what I said to Ed was -- 177 00:15:14,841 --> 00:15:16,411 The Press: But let me finish, please -- 178 00:15:16,410 --> 00:15:18,860 Mr. Gibbs: No, no, no, but let me -- I think the question 179 00:15:18,860 --> 00:15:25,640 was asked, so let me reiterate my answer. Again, April, none of that relay happened, 180 00:15:25,641 --> 00:15:30,161 right? None of that relay happened between the Secret Service and the Social Office, 181 00:15:30,160 --> 00:15:33,710 whether or not the Social Office was standing at the gate or whether or not somebody was 182 00:15:33,711 --> 00:15:37,911 sitting in their office at the White House. 183 00:15:37,910 --> 00:15:41,050 The Press: If you would allow me to finish, you can understand what I'm saying. The relay did not happen 184 00:15:41,050 --> 00:15:46,660 because that person was omitted at the gate from the Social Office. The way we understand, 185 00:15:46,660 --> 00:15:48,750 that person -- 186 00:15:48,751 --> 00:15:49,361 Mr. Gibbs: Omitted? 187 00:15:49,360 --> 00:15:50,740 The Press: That person was fired earlier in the year. So -- 188 00:15:50,740 --> 00:15:54,870 Mr. Gibbs: But again, April, you can ask it seven ways. 189 00:15:54,871 --> 00:15:59,981 The answer continues to be, the relay didn't happen because somebody was or wasn't there. 190 00:15:59,980 --> 00:16:04,150 The relay didn't happen because nobody picked up the phone to relay the information. I mean, 191 00:16:04,151 --> 00:16:08,721 I appreciate the observation that somebody could or could not have been at a certain 192 00:16:08,720 --> 00:16:13,340 gate. But again, you could pick up the phone, just like I can pick up my phone in the office 193 00:16:13,341 --> 00:16:18,331 and relay you, April. You don't have to be standing in my office for me to convey information 194 00:16:18,331 --> 00:16:19,811 to you. I think the -- 195 00:16:19,811 --> 00:16:23,721 The Press: So are you saying that the Social Office does not have any responsibility in this at all? 196 00:16:23,720 --> 00:16:26,810 Mr. Gibbs: April, there's an investigation that's ongoing 197 00:16:26,811 --> 00:16:30,501 into the actions of what happened, and I'm going to wait for that to be completed. 198 00:16:30,501 --> 00:16:33,321 The Press: The reason why we are questioning the Social 199 00:16:33,321 --> 00:16:37,751 Office and the Secret Service is because in the past, both have worked in conjunction 200 00:16:37,751 --> 00:16:41,791 and successfully were able to protect the President of the United States without anyone 201 00:16:41,790 --> 00:16:45,600 coming in. And now because the Social Office did not have that other layer of checks and 202 00:16:45,600 --> 00:16:47,840 balances there, this happened. And people are questioning why this White House is not 203 00:16:47,841 --> 00:16:52,871 putting the onus some on the Social Office, as well. 204 00:16:52,871 --> 00:16:56,161 Mr. Gibbs: I'm going to let the investigation put the 205 00:16:56,160 --> 00:17:01,070 onus on where the onus should be. But what I'm simply doing is explaining to you a series 206 00:17:01,071 --> 00:17:07,881 of facts that include the notion that if somebody was confused about whether or not somebody 207 00:17:07,881 --> 00:17:14,281 was on a list at a guard tower on the exterior perimeter of the White House, and there was 208 00:17:14,281 --> 00:17:19,981 a question, generally somebody could pick up the phone and ask. I'm saying that -- 209 00:17:19,981 --> 00:17:24,781 I'm saying that the Secret Service, in the statement that they released a few days ago, 210 00:17:24,781 --> 00:17:27,891 acknowledged that that didn't happen and that that was a mistake. 211 00:17:27,891 --> 00:17:29,631 The Press: The whole process has been changed at that 212 00:17:29,631 --> 00:17:34,011 gate from now on. Will the Social Office be working in conjunction with the Secret Service now? 213 00:17:34,011 --> 00:17:38,071 Mr. Gibbs: I think first and foremost we're going to go through this investigation, and I would 214 00:17:38,071 --> 00:17:43,091 refer you to the Secret Service about operations that might change at that gate. 215 00:17:43,091 --> 00:17:46,911 The Press: And the last question. People were saying 216 00:17:46,911 --> 00:17:52,911 that the President was never in danger, and many people have said that is not true. 217 00:17:52,911 --> 00:17:53,871 They got in -- 218 00:17:53,871 --> 00:17:54,801 Mr. Gibbs: Who's "many people"? 219 00:17:54,801 --> 00:18:00,101 The Press: People here, Secret Service. These people met with the President. They shook the President's 220 00:18:00,101 --> 00:18:01,841 hand. Who's to say they did not have some kind of -- granted, they didn't -- but hypothetically, 221 00:18:01,841 --> 00:18:05,141 what if a person had walked in and could have done something to the President? The President 222 00:18:05,141 --> 00:18:05,871 -- do you -- 223 00:18:05,871 --> 00:18:06,801 Mr. Gibbs: This hasn't happened before. (laughter) 224 00:18:06,801 --> 00:18:12,411 I appreciate the opportunity to indulge in a grand hypothetical. 225 00:18:12,411 --> 00:18:14,421 The Press: Has the President remarked on this at all? 226 00:18:14,421 --> 00:18:18,561 Mr. Gibbs: Look, I think the President shares the concern 227 00:18:18,561 --> 00:18:24,321 that the director has for how this happened and how we can remedy it from happening again. 228 00:18:24,321 --> 00:18:25,901 The Press: Is he concerned about his safety with this? 229 00:18:25,901 --> 00:18:26,441 Mr. Gibbs: No. 230 00:18:26,441 --> 00:18:28,771 The Press: Have you heard him say anything, is he angry 231 00:18:28,771 --> 00:18:31,781 or is he as incredulous as the average American is that people could just walk right into 232 00:18:31,781 --> 00:18:33,851 the White House like this? 233 00:18:33,851 --> 00:18:38,071 Mr. Gibbs: I think the President -- look, the reason there's an investigation is the President 234 00:18:38,071 --> 00:18:43,701 and the White House has asked for that to happen. So I think suffice to say the President 235 00:18:43,701 --> 00:18:46,921 is rightly concerned about what happened last week. 236 00:18:46,921 --> 00:18:49,081 The Press: Have you actually heard him say anything about it? 237 00:18:49,081 --> 00:18:50,661 Mr. Gibbs: I have not heard it, but it's been relayed to me. 238 00:18:50,661 --> 00:18:53,821 The Press: Can you confirm whether or not charges will 239 00:18:53,821 --> 00:18:56,211 be filed against this couple? 240 00:18:56,211 --> 00:19:01,541 Mr. Gibbs: That is not a power bestowed on me as the press secretary. I know they've -- according 241 00:19:01,541 --> 00:19:06,361 to media reports, they've been interviewed by the Secret Service. I think that's a decision 242 00:19:06,361 --> 00:19:10,761 that would be made by the Secret Service and the United States Attorney in that area. 243 00:19:10,761 --> 00:19:14,121 The Press: Robert, just to follow on April's question -- 244 00:19:14,121 --> 00:19:15,991 Mr. Gibbs: Well, April's question was following Ed's -- 245 00:19:15,991 --> 00:19:18,461 The Press: Right, and so I'm -- a triple follow-up. 246 00:19:18,461 --> 00:19:18,981 Mr. Gibbs: Okay. 247 00:19:18,981 --> 00:19:20,711 The Press: The Social Office knows that list inside and 248 00:19:20,711 --> 00:19:23,891 out. Presumably, if someone from the Social Office had been at the gate they would have 249 00:19:23,891 --> 00:19:25,271 overheard the couple -- 250 00:19:25,271 --> 00:19:26,771 Mr. Gibbs: Let me refer you to -- 251 00:19:26,771 --> 00:19:27,651 The Press: No, no, no -- 252 00:19:27,651 --> 00:19:32,391 Mr. Gibbs: -- the follow-up answer that I gave to April and the follow-up answer -- 253 00:19:32,391 --> 00:19:35,261 The Press: No, listen to me -- 254 00:19:35,261 --> 00:19:36,671 Mr. Gibbs: I understand, but, Sheryl -- 255 00:19:36,671 --> 00:19:38,031 The Press: They would have overheard the couple announce 256 00:19:38,031 --> 00:19:39,961 themselves and would have -- and it wouldn't have required a phone call. It wouldn't have 257 00:19:39,961 --> 00:19:41,351 -- they would have flagged it right away. Would it not make sense -- 258 00:19:41,351 --> 00:19:43,211 Mr. Gibbs: If the couple wouldn't have come it wouldn't 259 00:19:43,211 --> 00:19:45,921 have required a phone call. 260 00:19:45,921 --> 00:19:46,171 The Press: That's true, too -- 261 00:19:46,021 --> 00:19:51,091 Mr. Gibbs: I understand. And generally, when people have questions -- Sheryl, when you have a question, 262 00:19:51,091 --> 00:19:55,161 April, when you have a question, I don't have to be there in person to answer your question, 263 00:19:55,161 --> 00:19:59,001 despite the fact that you may announce your question. Generally, you can pick up the telephone 264 00:19:59,001 --> 00:20:03,861 and reach me right there in my office, a procedure that somebody could do sitting at an exterior 265 00:20:03,861 --> 00:20:07,421 perimeter gate in the White House, just as they could sitting in the briefing room or 266 00:20:07,421 --> 00:20:12,021 in one of those offices. 267 00:20:12,021 --> 00:20:14,791 The Press: Well, all I'm saying is obviously the Secret Service didn't have questions, they didn't 268 00:20:14,791 --> 00:20:15,041 relay a call, but a second layer of checking -- 269 00:20:14,931 --> 00:20:15,691 Mr. Gibbs: Leaving aside the fact that that didn't 270 00:20:15,691 --> 00:20:17,471 happen, how do -- 271 00:20:17,471 --> 00:20:18,631 The Press: Right. 272 00:20:18,631 --> 00:20:20,551 Mr. Gibbs: I think that -- 273 00:20:20,551 --> 00:20:24,781 The Press: But if they found anything, they may not have gotten in. 274 00:20:24,781 --> 00:20:25,151 The Press: Are you concerned -- or is the White House 275 00:20:25,151 --> 00:20:27,291 going to do what's necessary to make sure the Secret Service is not scapegoated here, 276 00:20:27,291 --> 00:20:30,441 and that there could be responsibility for this at the White House? 277 00:20:30,441 --> 00:20:33,481 Mr. Gibbs: Of course. That's why there's an investigation, Chip. 278 00:20:33,481 --> 00:20:35,801 The Press: But you seem to be steering the blame toward the Secret Service. 279 00:20:35,801 --> 00:20:38,111 Mr. Gibbs: No, no, no, no, no, no. Understand I'm simply 280 00:20:38,111 --> 00:20:43,241 reiterating for the three questions that I got on the same subject what the U.S. Secret 281 00:20:43,241 --> 00:20:50,241 Service put out on this last week. Chip, I have walked with and been next to the Secret 282 00:20:52,091 --> 00:20:59,081 Service for the two-and-a-half years virtually every single day that the President has had 283 00:20:59,081 --> 00:21:05,441 the valuable and brave protection of the United States Secret Service. Nobody -- nobody is 284 00:21:05,441 --> 00:21:12,441 more thankful for that than the President, as well as the country. The President has 285 00:21:13,621 --> 00:21:17,371 faith in the Secret Service, always has, and that's not about to change. 286 00:21:17,371 --> 00:21:18,701 The Press: Can I change the subject for a second? 287 00:21:18,701 --> 00:21:21,721 Mr. Gibbs: We'll go to Chuck, and maybe somebody will -- 288 00:21:21,721 --> 00:21:26,431 The Press: Let me start with Afghanistan. This is what in the March 27th speech -- some of this 289 00:21:26,431 --> 00:21:30,841 -- some of the things he said in the March 27th speech sound like what you're previewing 290 00:21:30,841 --> 00:21:36,431 now. He said, "On benchmarks for Afghanistan, we cannot turn a blind eye to the corruption 291 00:21:36,431 --> 00:21:38,371 that causes Afghans to lose faith in their own leaders. We will seek a new compact with 292 00:21:38,371 --> 00:21:42,941 the Afghan government that cracks down on corrupt behavior, sets clear benchmarks, clear 293 00:21:42,941 --> 00:21:47,641 metrics for international assistance." He said, "Going forward, we will not blindly 294 00:21:47,641 --> 00:21:54,641 stay the course, instead we will set clear methods to measure progress and hold ourselves 295 00:21:55,731 --> 00:21:56,291 accountable." How much -- how much is that March 27th speech going to end up being very 296 00:21:56,291 --> 00:21:57,781 applicable to what we hear tomorrow? 297 00:21:57,781 --> 00:22:04,781 Mr. Gibbs: Well, look, we were asked in the lead up to a security forces decision in March about 298 00:22:05,061 --> 00:22:11,191 whether there would be benchmarks. That answer then was yes, and the answer now is yes. Obviously, 299 00:22:11,191 --> 00:22:12,481 as it relates to -- 300 00:22:12,481 --> 00:22:16,241 The Press: The benchmarks are changing, essentially, or did we not finish setting the benchmarks? 301 00:22:16,241 --> 00:22:17,551 Mr. Gibbs: No, no, we finished setting the benchmarks. 302 00:22:17,551 --> 00:22:22,641 But, again, we're -- again, not to get ahead of what the President announces, but I think 303 00:22:22,641 --> 00:22:25,591 there will be some new wrinkles to what we're doing. 304 00:22:25,591 --> 00:22:29,321 The Press: There have been benchmarks this whole time? 305 00:22:29,321 --> 00:22:34,831 Mr. Gibbs: Yes, as reported to Congress, absolutely. 306 00:22:34,831 --> 00:22:39,751 In terms of the corruption and the governance, obviously when you mention -- 307 00:22:39,751 --> 00:22:42,421 The Press: This is a free election, I understand that. 308 00:22:42,421 --> 00:22:42,671 Mr. Gibbs: Right, and obviously -- 309 00:22:42,581 --> 00:22:42,831 The Press: It's the same government, though. 310 00:22:42,791 --> 00:22:49,201 Mr. Gibbs: Well, somewhat up in the air, as of the middle of August, right. 311 00:22:49,201 --> 00:22:56,151 The Press: But I guess the thing is that how -- what is going to be different about what he says 312 00:22:56,151 --> 00:23:01,031 than from what he said on March 27th? It's just, like you just said, "new wrinkles" to 313 00:23:01,031 --> 00:23:01,641 some of this stuff? 314 00:23:01,641 --> 00:23:07,861 Mr. Gibbs: Well, I'm going to let the President outline what the mission is going forward and discuss 315 00:23:07,861 --> 00:23:13,081 in depth the benchmarks that will go along with it. 316 00:23:13,081 --> 00:23:19,061 The Press: And can you get into the -- I mean, is the 317 00:23:19,061 --> 00:23:23,151 President going to try to simultaneously assure folks that we're going to withdraw troops 318 00:23:23,151 --> 00:23:28,111 in a timely fashion and let allies know we're there for the long haul? I mean, is -- how 319 00:23:28,111 --> 00:23:31,011 do you -- I mean, is that a balance he's going to try to strike? 320 00:23:31,011 --> 00:23:34,641 Mr. Gibbs: Well, I think nobody should underestimate 321 00:23:34,641 --> 00:23:41,171 the commitment of a President that has thus far doubled the number of American men and 322 00:23:41,171 --> 00:23:48,171 women on the ground in Afghanistan. I don't think anybody could look at themselves in 323 00:23:49,561 --> 00:23:56,441 a mirror with a straight face and say that this President hasn't in any way been anything 324 00:23:56,441 --> 00:24:03,121 but resolved to doing what has to happen in Afghanistan to make this country safe. 325 00:24:03,121 --> 00:24:06,031 The Press: Really quickly, does the President think there 326 00:24:06,031 --> 00:24:08,451 should be charges filed against these folks to set an example? 327 00:24:08,451 --> 00:24:09,331 Mr. Gibbs: You know, I -- 328 00:24:09,331 --> 00:24:10,241 The Press: Does he want them to have some sort of -- 329 00:24:10,241 --> 00:24:13,941 Mr. Gibbs: I have not talked to the President on that. 330 00:24:13,941 --> 00:24:20,871 Again, the White House would leave that up to relevant law enforcement to determine whether law -- 331 00:24:20,861 --> 00:24:21,131 The Press: But is he concerned about being used -- 332 00:24:21,131 --> 00:24:22,991 Mr. Gibbs: Well, again, I mentioned -- 333 00:24:22,991 --> 00:24:26,331 The Press: -- as a reality TV show? 334 00:24:26,331 --> 00:24:33,331 Mr. Gibbs: I think the concern goes greatly beyond "The Real Housewives of D.C." But, yes. I love 335 00:24:35,321 --> 00:24:38,361 that we've spanned the gamut from -- we've gone from Afghanistan and now I just said 336 00:24:38,361 --> 00:24:40,191 "The Real Housewives of D.C." 337 00:24:40,191 --> 00:24:41,121 The Press: You said it. 338 00:24:41,121 --> 00:24:44,891 Mr. Gibbs: I know. It's a commentary on my life. Jonathan. 339 00:24:44,891 --> 00:24:49,381 The Press: On the benchmarks issue, you talked about benchmarks for success, we're talking about, 340 00:24:49,381 --> 00:24:56,321 you know, training of Afghan security forces, stability, corruption in the government. But 341 00:24:56,321 --> 00:25:01,491 are there also benchmarks for failure, I mean, and consequences for not reaching those benchmarks? 342 00:25:01,491 --> 00:25:04,171 Mr. Gibbs: Well, I don't know the -- 343 00:25:04,171 --> 00:25:08,411 The Press: In other words, will U.S. forces be withdrawn 344 00:25:08,411 --> 00:25:11,711 if these benchmarks can't be met? 345 00:25:11,711 --> 00:25:18,211 Mr. Gibbs: Again, I'm going to let the President outline the benchmarks. I think what the President 346 00:25:18,211 --> 00:25:24,921 believes is we are set -- we will be setting forward a mission that he believes can be 347 00:25:24,921 --> 00:25:30,051 attained. I think part of that is we have to look at -- again, Jonathan, the President 348 00:25:30,051 --> 00:25:35,461 will look at what that mission is, and make sure that what we are doing is setting out 349 00:25:35,461 --> 00:25:42,461 a mission and a series of resources that are attainable. As I mentioned to Chuck a minute 350 00:25:45,291 --> 00:25:52,291 ago, there are now twice as many forces there than were there just a year ago. I think what 351 00:25:56,411 --> 00:26:02,311 the President has to do clearly with the American people is let them know that we now have what's 352 00:26:02,311 --> 00:26:09,141 needed there to accomplish what that mission is, rather than somehow assuming that we could 353 00:26:09,141 --> 00:26:10,801 do that with half of what is there now. 354 00:26:10,801 --> 00:26:17,431 The Press: One quick housekeeping question. The reporters who are going up to West Point tomorrow with 355 00:26:17,431 --> 00:26:20,891 the press -- with the President -- well, not with the President; with the press charter 356 00:26:20,891 --> 00:26:24,491 -- will have a whole lot of time up there. Are there -- 357 00:26:24,491 --> 00:26:24,921 Mr. Gibbs: Beautiful area. 358 00:26:24,921 --> 00:26:27,571 The Press: Are there going to be briefings up there or 359 00:26:27,571 --> 00:26:30,321 anything available to us? 360 00:26:30,321 --> 00:26:35,911 Mr. Gibbs: I will -- I think we will do a briefing by phone that will allow you, if you're on the 361 00:26:35,911 --> 00:26:38,881 press charter or not, to take part in. And I'll double-check -- Tommy mentioned that 362 00:26:38,881 --> 00:26:41,101 to me earlier. 363 00:26:41,101 --> 00:26:42,191 The Press: We're not going to miss out up there? 364 00:26:42,191 --> 00:26:47,051 Mr. Gibbs: No, no, no, we'll make sure that -- I think it's all been scheduled around, so we'll just 365 00:26:47,051 --> 00:26:48,361 -- yes, sir. 366 00:26:48,361 --> 00:26:53,621 The Press: Robert, I'm wondering why foreign leaders are being briefed on this before relevant 367 00:26:53,621 --> 00:26:57,131 members of Congress, and what the difference is in the briefings that the foreign leaders 368 00:26:57,131 --> 00:26:58,371 are receiving from members of Congress. 369 00:26:58,371 --> 00:27:04,271 Mr. Gibbs: Well, I mean, obviously, when the President sits down with Congress tomorrow afternoon, 370 00:27:04,271 --> 00:27:11,271 he will go through a series of detailed decisions that he has made and has been relayed to the 371 00:27:11,381 --> 00:27:17,521 chain of command. In terms of briefing our international partners, understanding that 372 00:27:17,521 --> 00:27:24,521 ISAF is an international entity made up obviously with a big, valuable contribution from the 373 00:27:28,471 --> 00:27:35,461 United States, but when the President talks with the French, the Germans, the Danes and 374 00:27:35,461 --> 00:27:42,461 others, it is because they are valuable partners in this mission. I don't believe that -- 375 00:27:45,091 --> 00:27:52,091 I don't believe that any -- I know that nobody is going to get a briefing that's ahead of 376 00:27:52,571 --> 00:27:56,251 what the President tells members of Congress and the American people. 377 00:27:56,251 --> 00:28:00,331 The Press: How direct of a message is he going to have 378 00:28:00,331 --> 00:28:06,201 tomorrow night for enemies in the region, for Osama bin Laden, for other al Qaeda leaders? 379 00:28:06,201 --> 00:28:11,311 Mr. Gibbs: Well, look, Peter, we are there and the President 380 00:28:11,311 --> 00:28:18,311 moved an additional 30-or-so thousand forces there in March with the stated mission to 381 00:28:19,091 --> 00:28:24,851 dismantle, disrupt, and destroy al Qaeda. That mission remains the same. And the President 382 00:28:24,851 --> 00:28:31,851 will reiterate that tomorrow night and discuss actions that we can take in that region to 383 00:28:35,271 --> 00:28:41,711 address violent extremism. I think obviously that will be a healthy portion of the speech. 384 00:28:41,711 --> 00:28:46,071 The Press: Robert, was Mr. Orszag there yesterday when 385 00:28:46,071 --> 00:28:48,911 the President relayed his decision? 386 00:28:48,911 --> 00:28:52,651 Mr. Gibbs: The members that I read out in the Situation Room -- I'm sorry, in the Oval Office and 387 00:28:52,651 --> 00:28:57,381 then the Situation Room -- there was nobody additional to that. 388 00:28:57,381 --> 00:29:03,021 The Press: Would the plan be to submit an amended budget 389 00:29:03,021 --> 00:29:06,091 for fiscal '10 to pay for the war or -- 390 00:29:06,091 --> 00:29:07,461 Mr. Gibbs: I don't -- 391 00:29:07,461 --> 00:29:07,711 The Press: -- would it be put off until fiscal '11? 392 00:29:07,461 --> 00:29:12,001 Mr. Gibbs: You know, I -- let me get better guidance on that decision, and we'll get a better sense 393 00:29:12,001 --> 00:29:16,591 of that once the President makes a decision. 394 00:29:16,591 --> 00:29:18,271 The Press: Has that not come up, how you're going to handle it? 395 00:29:18,271 --> 00:29:19,181 Mr. Gibbs: There have been discussions. 396 00:29:19,181 --> 00:29:19,641 The Press: On -- 397 00:29:19,641 --> 00:29:21,241 Mr. Gibbs: I don't have anything conclusive. 398 00:29:21,241 --> 00:29:24,321 The Press: Do you have a range of the war cost? 399 00:29:24,321 --> 00:29:27,851 Mr. Gibbs: Well, you know, I think the rough math that 400 00:29:27,851 --> 00:29:32,471 we've used before is applicable for -- 401 00:29:32,471 --> 00:29:34,021 The Press: One million (dollars) per troop per -- 402 00:29:34,021 --> 00:29:40,241 Mr. Gibbs: Yes. I mean, for 10,000 troops it's $10 billion. That's the rough estimate of what I think 403 00:29:40,241 --> 00:29:46,081 people have been using both here and at the Pentagon. 404 00:29:46,081 --> 00:29:49,141 The Press: I get the sense, though -- I may be wrong 405 00:29:49,141 --> 00:29:54,151 -- that the administration just hasn't really figured out how it's going to pay for this yet. 406 00:29:54,151 --> 00:29:57,661 Mr. Gibbs: Again, I'm not going to get detailed into some of the discussions that have been had 407 00:29:57,661 --> 00:30:04,661 here. Roger, the cost of -- the costs of our involvement in Afghanistan, both in terms 408 00:30:06,961 --> 00:30:13,961 of our men and women in uniform, the health of the force, and what this will mean budgetarily 409 00:30:17,991 --> 00:30:22,201 I can assure you have been part of this discussion from the very beginning. Major. 410 00:30:22,201 --> 00:30:24,421 The Press: Is the White House open or opposed to a war 411 00:30:24,421 --> 00:30:26,951 tax -- being talked about on Capitol Hill -- just yes or no. 412 00:30:26,951 --> 00:30:28,831 Mr. Gibbs: I haven't talked to anybody -- 413 00:30:28,831 --> 00:30:29,911 The Press: About a war tax? 414 00:30:29,911 --> 00:30:33,601 Mr. Gibbs: -- I have not heard discussions about that 415 00:30:33,601 --> 00:30:36,031 so I don't know what the -- 416 00:30:36,031 --> 00:30:43,031 The Press: There have been no discussions that you're aware of here at the White House? 417 00:30:43,171 --> 00:30:45,241 Mr. Gibbs: I have not been involved in any of those and 418 00:30:45,241 --> 00:30:46,401 I have not heard of any. 419 00:30:46,401 --> 00:30:48,441 The Press: No position one way or the other? 420 00:30:48,441 --> 00:30:48,991 Mr. Gibbs: Well, it would be hard for me to gain a position if I haven't heard the talk about it. 421 00:30:48,991 --> 00:30:49,951 The Press: You told us this morning that the President's 422 00:30:49,951 --> 00:30:51,241 conversations with various international leaders is not to inform them specifically of what 423 00:30:51,241 --> 00:30:58,241 he intends to do. Is part of the reason that the President will hear from them commitments 424 00:30:58,921 --> 00:31:02,341 that they are likely to make that he can include in the speech tomorrow night to explain to 425 00:31:02,341 --> 00:31:05,391 the American people not only what the United States is going to do, but what international 426 00:31:05,391 --> 00:31:06,481 partners are going to do? 427 00:31:06,481 --> 00:31:10,511 Mr. Gibbs: Well, look, I think there's no doubt -- again, reiterating what I said earlier -- this is 428 00:31:10,511 --> 00:31:15,701 an international effort. This is not one country's problem, because terrorism does not affect 429 00:31:15,701 --> 00:31:22,701 just one country, or quite frankly, one region of the world. It affects London. It affects 430 00:31:22,851 --> 00:31:29,851 Madrid. It affects a whole host of areas. I'm going to -- I'd refer you to NATO in terms 431 00:31:32,461 --> 00:31:38,441 of whether or not there are specific contributions, or individual countries about specific troop 432 00:31:38,441 --> 00:31:44,591 contributions that they may make as part of this. As you know, there's a ministerial conference 433 00:31:44,591 --> 00:31:49,841 that Secretary of State Clinton will attend, I believe, on the fourth of December, and 434 00:31:49,841 --> 00:31:56,841 a force generation conference in NATO that will take place on the 7th of December. Suffice 435 00:31:57,311 --> 00:32:04,311 to say, the President believes that this has to be an increased international effort to 436 00:32:05,251 --> 00:32:09,061 deal with this problem. 437 00:32:09,061 --> 00:32:16,061 The Press: And related to that, it may be that these conversations yield details the President 438 00:32:16,741 --> 00:32:19,591 can communicate to the American public tomorrow night. I mean, these conversations he is having 439 00:32:19,591 --> 00:32:19,931 with this variety of -- 440 00:32:19,931 --> 00:32:25,611 Mr. Gibbs: Well, look, I have seen already reports today of British announcements. As I said earlier, 441 00:32:25,611 --> 00:32:31,111 the Australians committed a greater number of forces back in the spring when the President 442 00:32:31,111 --> 00:32:37,631 dedicated more American forces, so some of this has come as a part of the security build 443 00:32:37,631 --> 00:32:42,361 up toward the elections, some of this may come as new force contributions. 444 00:32:42,361 --> 00:32:46,161 The Press: You said the primary mission the President 445 00:32:46,161 --> 00:32:46,681 will talk about going forward will be training Afghan forces. It will also, obviously, be 446 00:32:46,681 --> 00:32:48,741 a combat mission -- 447 00:32:48,741 --> 00:32:55,741 Mr. Gibbs: Well, there's no doubt that there will be some amount of counterterrorism, and they'll 448 00:32:56,421 --> 00:33:03,421 be fighting back against the insurgency. 449 00:33:04,281 --> 00:33:04,581 The Press: That will go side by side -- 450 00:33:04,581 --> 00:33:04,831 Mr. Gibbs: Sure. 451 00:33:04,741 --> 00:33:05,101 The Press: -- but -- 452 00:33:05,101 --> 00:33:05,801 Mr. Gibbs: Those efforts will continue. 453 00:33:05,801 --> 00:33:09,101 The Press: Right, but you -- the primary mission -- the new primary mission will be, of these 454 00:33:09,101 --> 00:33:10,041 new forces, will be -- 455 00:33:10,041 --> 00:33:12,771 Mr. Gibbs: I think there has to be a renewed emphasis on the training of Afghan national security 456 00:33:12,771 --> 00:33:19,771 forces. Again, we aren't going to be there forever. And we can't -- and we don't have 457 00:33:21,071 --> 00:33:28,071 the resources -- manpower or budgetarily -- to be the primary -- to be primarily responsible 458 00:33:30,471 --> 00:33:37,471 for the security of Afghanistan. Afghans have to be primarily responsible for that security 459 00:33:37,991 --> 00:33:44,441 through increased training, so that once an area is cleared or held it can be transferred 460 00:33:44,441 --> 00:33:47,231 eventually to Afghans to do. 461 00:33:47,231 --> 00:33:52,491 The Press: On climate change, why is it a good idea for the President to arrive near the beginning 462 00:33:52,491 --> 00:33:58,811 of the climate talk negotiations as opposed to end, when the ultimate deal is going to 463 00:33:58,811 --> 00:34:05,731 be struck? And secondarily, does the White House have any evaluation or comment on this 464 00:34:05,731 --> 00:34:12,731 controversy of the hacked e-mails that suggest that some of the underlying science through 465 00:34:12,921 --> 00:34:13,931 some of the propositions put forward by climatologists may be in error or may have been altered in some way? 466 00:34:13,681 --> 00:34:18,951 Mr. Gibbs: On the second part, I think Carol Browner addressed that last week, on the order of 467 00:34:18,951 --> 00:34:25,951 several thousand scientists have come to the conclusion that climate change is happening. 468 00:34:26,271 --> 00:34:32,781 I don't think that's anything that is, quite frankly, among -- most people -- in dispute 469 00:34:32,781 --> 00:34:39,781 anymore. In terms of when the President goes, obviously we believe that progress has been 470 00:34:41,481 --> 00:34:46,791 made with developing nations -- the U.S. has made some progress with the Chinese and the 471 00:34:46,791 --> 00:34:52,801 Indians over the past couple of weeks. The President will travel to Oslo on the 10th, 472 00:34:52,801 --> 00:34:59,801 and believed it was important to use this visit to help get us to the point of a deal 473 00:35:04,050 --> 00:35:10,920 -- something that can take the type of action that scientists say need to be taken to stop 474 00:35:10,921 --> 00:35:17,921 and reverse climate change. I think the President believes that a visit happening at the beginning 475 00:35:19,001 --> 00:35:24,691 is just as important as it would be at any point to getting that deal going quicker. 476 00:35:24,691 --> 00:35:29,891 The Press: Can I follow up on -- can I follow that one up? 477 00:35:29,891 --> 00:35:36,231 The Press: Is it possible, Robert, that the White House could have done something more to assist the 478 00:35:36,231 --> 00:35:39,401 Secret Service to prevent that situation from arriving? 479 00:35:39,401 --> 00:35:40,061 Mr. Gibbs: Again, there's an ongoing investigation. 480 00:35:40,061 --> 00:35:47,221 The Press: Is it possible that the White House should have done more? 481 00:35:47,221 --> 00:35:47,711 Mr. Gibbs: I assume that's what the investigation will detail. 482 00:35:47,711 --> 00:35:48,201 The Press: Just a two-part -- only two. 483 00:35:48,201 --> 00:35:49,691 Mr. Gibbs: -- a two-part. 484 00:35:49,691 --> 00:35:52,621 (laughter) My son does that. 485 00:35:52,621 --> 00:35:59,621 The Press: Are you aware of a list, the published list 486 00:36:01,591 --> 00:36:08,591 of 31,000 scientists who oppose this idea of global warming? 487 00:36:11,531 --> 00:36:17,181 Mr. Gibbs: I don't doubt that there -- 488 00:36:17,181 --> 00:36:17,481 The Press: And 6,000 of them are PhDs. 489 00:36:17,481 --> 00:36:21,061 Mr. Gibbs: I don't doubt that there's such a list, Lester. 490 00:36:21,061 --> 00:36:28,061 I think there's no real scientific basis for the dispute of this. 491 00:36:31,251 --> 00:36:35,231 The Press: Okay. And the White House list of those attending 492 00:36:35,231 --> 00:36:39,181 the first state dinner listed: "The Honorable Robert Gibbs, White House Press Secretary." 493 00:36:39,181 --> 00:36:45,711 And my question, can you name any previous press secretaries who were given the title 494 00:36:45,711 --> 00:36:48,811 usually reserved for judges and elected political leaders? 495 00:36:48,811 --> 00:36:49,971 (laughter) 496 00:36:49,971 --> 00:36:55,421 Mr. Gibbs: Speaking on background -- (laughter) -- as somebody intimately familiar with the thinking 497 00:36:55,421 --> 00:36:59,601 of "The Honorable Robert Gibbs" -- 498 00:36:59,601 --> 00:37:00,391 The Press: I didn't say you were dishonorable. (laughter) 499 00:37:00,391 --> 00:37:01,451 Mr. Gibbs: I thought it was -- 500 00:37:01,451 --> 00:37:04,421 The Press: Did you come up with this? Was this your idea? 501 00:37:04,421 --> 00:37:07,551 Mr. Gibbs: Yes, exactly -- I write all those. Look, it 502 00:37:07,551 --> 00:37:14,551 was a flattering promotion that I'm sure the press secretary was quite honored to have. 503 00:37:14,861 --> 00:37:15,491 (laughter) 504 00:37:15,491 --> 00:37:17,591 The Press: The President wanted this? Do you think he wanted this? 505 00:37:17,591 --> 00:37:22,621 Mr. Gibbs: Lester, I daresay that the President is quite 506 00:37:22,621 --> 00:37:28,061 busy doing a number of things; I seriously doubt he was proofreading the press release 507 00:37:28,061 --> 00:37:31,441 guest list. But I will double-check on that. 508 00:37:31,441 --> 00:37:34,161 The Press: Thank you very much. 509 00:37:34,161 --> 00:37:40,041 The Press: Thanks, Robert. Last night, in briefing his senior advisors on his decision, essentially 510 00:37:40,041 --> 00:37:44,841 it's closing the book on the internal deliberations that have lasted months over this and there's 511 00:37:44,841 --> 00:37:49,051 been some sharp disagreements on approach. And I'm wondering, is the President at all 512 00:37:49,051 --> 00:37:54,011 concerned about the morale of this group of advisors that came around and talked about 513 00:37:54,011 --> 00:37:57,271 this for months? There will be some "winners" and "losers" in -- 514 00:37:57,271 --> 00:38:00,701 Mr. Gibbs: I've got to say, Scott, I think that -- and 515 00:38:00,701 --> 00:38:07,701 I know you all have an opportunity to hear from and talk to people that participated 516 00:38:08,941 --> 00:38:15,941 in what I think to a person would say were discussions that have made this policy better. 517 00:38:19,331 --> 00:38:24,701 I don't -- look, I know there's a Washington game of trying to pick winners and losers. 518 00:38:24,701 --> 00:38:28,721 I think when people step back and look at what the President's ultimate decision will 519 00:38:28,721 --> 00:38:35,721 be, I think that everybody sitting in that room had a valuable contribution in making 520 00:38:35,861 --> 00:38:40,831 this a better policy for the men and women in our armed services, and quite frankly, 521 00:38:40,831 --> 00:38:47,161 for each and every American. I don't think anybody participated in this process thinking, 522 00:38:47,161 --> 00:38:54,081 if I argue something in the Situation Room and it's not adopted that somehow I've lost. 523 00:38:54,081 --> 00:39:00,821 I think each and every person -- I daresay -- well, I won't say that. But I think each 524 00:39:00,821 --> 00:39:06,081 and every person helped contribute to making this a better policy for the United States. 525 00:39:06,081 --> 00:39:08,151 The Press: And a quick follow. You have the commanding 526 00:39:08,151 --> 00:39:13,321 general in Afghanistan and the top American diplomat in Afghanistan who sort of publicly 527 00:39:13,321 --> 00:39:18,421 disagreed over approach. Is there a concern specific to them, can they get together and 528 00:39:18,421 --> 00:39:20,471 carry out whatever decision -- 529 00:39:20,471 --> 00:39:24,781 Mr. Gibbs: Without getting into what was talked about last night in the Situation Room, I think 530 00:39:24,781 --> 00:39:31,781 suffice to say that leaving that discussion last night both of those individuals in Afghanistan 531 00:39:33,371 --> 00:39:40,371 and the President felt very good about our way forward. Sheryl. 532 00:39:41,141 --> 00:39:46,771 The Press: Robert, changing the topic quickly to health 533 00:39:46,771 --> 00:39:51,761 care, does the President still believe that he'll be signing health legislation by the 534 00:39:51,761 --> 00:39:52,011 end of the year? 535 00:39:51,761 --> 00:39:52,011 Mr. Gibbs: He hopes he is. 536 00:39:51,801 --> 00:39:52,121 The Press: But does he -- you say he "hopes" so. In the past he's said he expects to sign it by the 537 00:39:52,121 --> 00:39:52,371 end of the year. Does he -- 538 00:39:52,231 --> 00:39:52,481 Mr. Gibbs: He hopes to expect to sign it. 539 00:39:52,351 --> 00:39:57,351 The Press: Does he still expect that he will be signing -- 540 00:39:57,351 --> 00:40:04,351 Mr. Gibbs: I don't know why we would move the deadline 541 00:40:05,531 --> 00:40:06,681 now. Yes, Mark. 542 00:40:06,681 --> 00:40:08,791 The Press: Robert, can I come back to the cost again? I just want to be clear about what the President 543 00:40:08,791 --> 00:40:09,041 is going to say tomorrow night and maybe to ask what he's not going to say. He's not going 544 00:40:08,881 --> 00:40:10,741 to say it's going to cost X amount and here's exactly how we're going to pay for it? 545 00:40:10,741 --> 00:40:11,291 Mr. Gibbs: Let me go back and see where we are on the 546 00:40:11,291 --> 00:40:18,081 latest draft of the speech in terms of the degree of specificity. I think the President 547 00:40:18,081 --> 00:40:23,461 will talk about and allude to the cost. I don't know if it gets down to the granularity 548 00:40:23,461 --> 00:40:29,641 of the exact dollar amount for each and everything. I think some of that will -- Mark, quite frankly, 549 00:40:29,641 --> 00:40:32,231 some of that is going to depend on decisions that ultimately are made -- logistical decisions 550 00:40:32,231 --> 00:40:36,041 that are ultimately made. 551 00:40:36,041 --> 00:40:43,041 The Press: Understanding that, but he's clearly not going to give us a plan for how he's going to pay 552 00:40:43,671 --> 00:40:44,661 for it tomorrow night, correct? 553 00:40:44,661 --> 00:40:50,121 Mr. Gibbs: I don't think that the intention of the speech is to lay out a lengthy discourse on that. 554 00:40:50,121 --> 00:40:52,361 The Press: But wasn't the President pretty scathing 555 00:40:52,361 --> 00:40:53,841 about the Bush administration's failure to do that with Iraq? 556 00:40:53,841 --> 00:40:57,601 Mr. Gibbs: No, I think the -- I think what Mara just 557 00:40:57,601 --> 00:41:04,601 mentioned was that this was something that was not contemplated as being part of the 558 00:41:07,161 --> 00:41:14,161 regular process of all this. Look, we've talked about this before. One of the reasons that 559 00:41:16,091 --> 00:41:21,521 we're involved in a lengthy debate on health care is we've had a lengthy debate about how 560 00:41:21,521 --> 00:41:27,791 we're going to pay for an initiative of the President. I anticipate that these are discussions 561 00:41:27,791 --> 00:41:34,701 that will be joined as it relates to other priorities as well, including the war in Afghanistan. 562 00:41:34,701 --> 00:41:40,681 The Press: Can I ask, Robert, just two Afghanistan questions? 563 00:41:40,681 --> 00:41:43,911 One, what's your answer to the people who say by stressing over and over again that 564 00:41:43,911 --> 00:41:46,351 this won't be open-ended, you're basically telling our enemies just wait us out, and 565 00:41:46,351 --> 00:41:48,791 our -- or as well, allies, hedge your bets, because we're going to be leaving? 566 00:41:48,791 --> 00:41:51,771 Mr. Gibbs: That to me doesn't make any logical sense. 567 00:41:51,771 --> 00:41:58,771 I mean, if you -- if you're to believe that a certain insurgency has the momentum and 568 00:41:59,561 --> 00:42:04,191 they're increasingly occupying and attacking and gathering more space, are you saying that 569 00:42:04,191 --> 00:42:07,911 all we have to do is say we're going to leave at a certain date and they'll stop their 570 00:42:07,911 --> 00:42:12,281 -- they'll stop their pursuit or their momentum? If that's the case, then, maybe the President 571 00:42:12,281 --> 00:42:17,841 should just say that. I mean, it doesn't actually make any -- I mean, it's a great talking point. 572 00:42:17,841 --> 00:42:22,331 It doesn't actually make any logical -- it doesn't make any logical sense. 573 00:42:22,331 --> 00:42:24,311 The Press: Well, what about the argument to our erstwhile 574 00:42:24,311 --> 00:42:28,971 allies like people in Pakistan, or even warlords in Afghanistan, that they'll hedge their bets, 575 00:42:28,971 --> 00:42:30,301 because they're not sure if we are going to stay or go. 576 00:42:30,301 --> 00:42:32,451 Mr. Gibbs: Mara, when the President put his hand on the 577 00:42:32,451 --> 00:42:37,821 Bible on a cold day in January, there were half as many forces as there are now. There 578 00:42:37,821 --> 00:42:42,931 isn't anybody with a straight face that can question the resolve of this Commander-In-Chief 579 00:42:42,931 --> 00:42:49,931 to put the appropriate resources on what he believes was an urgent threat to our national 580 00:42:51,371 --> 00:42:56,431 security. Again, I don't know anybody that could make that logical argument. 581 00:42:56,431 --> 00:42:59,361 The Press: Also, just a follow-up on Scott's question 582 00:42:59,361 --> 00:43:03,971 about the process. This was an extraordinary process, a lot of meetings, a lot of questioning 583 00:43:03,971 --> 00:43:07,961 of assumptions. It went -- bored down in a way that maybe is unprecedented actually, 584 00:43:07,961 --> 00:43:08,931 in a way. 585 00:43:08,931 --> 00:43:11,401 Mr. Gibbs: And I think -- I would tell you this, and I'll let you finish your question. I think 586 00:43:11,401 --> 00:43:16,961 the President and every participant would tell you they're glad of that, that what happened 587 00:43:16,961 --> 00:43:23,961 was we bored down on this in a way that I daresay had not yet been done. Without revealing 588 00:43:26,071 --> 00:43:32,441 confidences, there was discussions in these meetings about the fact that we were talking 589 00:43:32,441 --> 00:43:37,281 about a resource -- an effort that had been under-resourced for quite some time. 590 00:43:37,281 --> 00:43:41,561 The Press: But could you elaborate on -- was there a 591 00:43:41,561 --> 00:43:48,561 turning point in this process? Was there a moment when the President kind of chose Path 592 00:43:49,381 --> 00:43:51,371 A instead of Path B? Or could you talk a little bit more about this extraordinary -- 593 00:43:51,371 --> 00:43:55,031 Mr. Gibbs: I don't think there was a single inflection 594 00:43:55,031 --> 00:44:02,031 point or "Eureka!" or epiphany. I think over the course of these discussions there -- 595 00:44:07,531 --> 00:44:14,531 the President and a group of advisors, his group of advisors, settled on a decision that 596 00:44:15,351 --> 00:44:20,931 I think you'll hear tomorrow people are very comfortable with. 597 00:44:20,931 --> 00:44:22,141 The Press: Robert, speaking of epiphanies, the President 598 00:44:22,141 --> 00:44:27,931 hasn't had a full press conference for more than four months now. And your -- 599 00:44:27,931 --> 00:44:30,581 Mr. Gibbs: Lucky him. 600 00:44:30,581 --> 00:44:31,611 (laughter) 601 00:44:31,611 --> 00:44:34,591 The Press: And his appearances with joint leaders have been cut down to one question on each side. 602 00:44:34,591 --> 00:44:39,561 Does he feel that that kind of exchange with the press is no longer useful to him? 603 00:44:39,561 --> 00:44:42,261 Mr. Gibbs: No, I think we've got some upcoming interviews 604 00:44:42,261 --> 00:44:48,191 with ABC, which I think would probably provide the President with the unique opportunity -- 605 00:44:48,191 --> 00:44:48,561 The Press: Yes, my question was press conferences. 606 00:44:48,561 --> 00:44:54,891 Mr. Gibbs: No, no, I understand. I just picked that as -- I picked that network just out of thin 607 00:44:54,891 --> 00:45:01,211 air. I think the President has -- in fact, I think the last time we got a question about 608 00:45:01,211 --> 00:45:05,641 the President answering questions, if I'm not mistaken, it was -- wasn't it couched 609 00:45:05,641 --> 00:45:12,291 in the notion that he was overexposed? Hard for me to imagine that the President would 610 00:45:12,291 --> 00:45:17,521 submit himself to so many questions that the punditocracy (sic) would say he's overexposed, 611 00:45:17,521 --> 00:45:24,441 but the new thing happens to be that he's not answering enough questions. 612 00:45:24,441 --> 00:45:24,931 The Press: The question is the format, Robert. 613 00:45:24,931 --> 00:45:27,441 Mr. Gibbs: The President enjoys taking your questions 614 00:45:27,441 --> 00:45:31,561 and questions from reporters throughout this process, and I assume he'll continue to do so. 615 00:45:31,411 --> 00:45:31,971 The Press: Robert, you said this morning that the President had given orders in the Oval Office over the 616 00:45:31,971 --> 00:45:32,461 weekend. Can you say what -- are they being carried out now? What's happening? Are people 617 00:45:32,461 --> 00:45:39,461 being ordered -- 618 00:45:41,011 --> 00:45:52,701 Mr. Gibbs: I anticipate that they are being acted upon by those whose job it is to implement them, yes. 619 00:45:52,701 --> 00:45:52,851 The Press: Meaning that -- 620 00:45:52,801 --> 00:45:55,691 The Press: Since General McChrystal will be in town, will he be here tomorrow or up on Capitol 621 00:45:55,691 --> 00:45:56,571 Hill later this week? 622 00:45:56,571 --> 00:46:03,471 Mr. Gibbs: I believe that General McChrystal will be in Afghanistan tomorrow, and I believe in 623 00:46:03,471 --> 00:46:10,471 the coming days -- I don't know exactly when -- he and Ambassador Eikenberry will travel 624 00:46:10,751 --> 00:46:13,531 to the Hill to testify. David. 625 00:46:13,531 --> 00:46:17,631 The Press: Earlier you said that the primary mission in Afghanistan is to train and set up the 626 00:46:17,631 --> 00:46:22,431 Afghan security and police forces to fight the unpopular insurgency there. 627 00:46:22,431 --> 00:46:25,951 Mr. Gibbs: Right -- our partnering with them, yes. 628 00:46:25,951 --> 00:46:27,821 The Press: Now, you didn't mention al Qaeda in that statement. 629 00:46:27,821 --> 00:46:34,821 I assume there's a connection. Can you lay out what the connection is? And does the President 630 00:46:35,391 --> 00:46:41,051 still believe that -- let me ask you this, put it this way -- how does the President 631 00:46:41,051 --> 00:46:48,051 these days assess the threat posed to the United States by whatever remains of al Qaeda? 632 00:46:48,271 --> 00:46:53,661 Mr. Gibbs: Well, I don't think you have to dig deep into 633 00:46:53,661 --> 00:47:00,661 news clips to see -- and you certainly don't into the President's daily intelligence briefing 634 00:47:03,491 --> 00:47:10,491 -- that the threat from al Qaeda exists in very real ways, not just emanating from the 635 00:47:12,321 --> 00:47:19,321 border region of Afghanistan and Pakistan but throughout the world. The reason that 636 00:47:21,671 --> 00:47:28,671 al Qaeda was in Afghanistan was because al Qaeda had the safe haven protection of a government 637 00:47:29,901 --> 00:47:35,451 run by the Taliban. I think what the President will discuss tomorrow is ensuring that we 638 00:47:35,451 --> 00:47:42,451 prevent the Taliban from being capable of controlling the government of Afghanistan, 639 00:47:44,181 --> 00:47:51,181 as well as incapable of providing safe haven from which al Qaeda can plot and undertake 640 00:47:54,351 --> 00:48:01,301 terrorist activities like we've seen happen previously in the United States. 641 00:48:01,301 --> 00:48:06,331 The Press: But to do that, do you have to have complete 642 00:48:06,330 --> 00:48:09,990 success with the counterinsurgency so that there is no -- there are no remnants left 643 00:48:09,991 --> 00:48:10,921 of the Taliban? 644 00:48:10,921 --> 00:48:14,211 Mr. Gibbs: Well, I'll let the President go through some of that tomorrow. George. 645 00:48:14,211 --> 00:48:20,071 The Press: Congressman Obey and Murtha today put in the 646 00:48:20,071 --> 00:48:25,161 bill calling for the war surtax starting in 2011. I understand you said you haven't heard 647 00:48:25,161 --> 00:48:29,521 any discussion on it, but when the President meets with members and senators tomorrow, 648 00:48:29,521 --> 00:48:36,521 will he give them any guidance on that? 649 00:48:40,751 --> 00:48:41,151 Mr. Gibbs: Let me check and get some guidance. 650 00:48:41,151 --> 00:48:41,621 The Press: The administration is going to try again to engage Iran, continue the process that started 651 00:48:41,621 --> 00:48:44,721 a few months ago, or should we be at a turning point after the announcement of Iran yesterday? 652 00:48:44,721 --> 00:48:50,271 Mr. Gibbs: That's a question for the Iranians. The Iranians 653 00:48:50,271 --> 00:48:57,271 should quite clearly understand their responsibilities and obligations under international treaty 654 00:48:58,341 --> 00:49:05,341 that they signed, okay? The Iranians have been rebuked for their actions with a single 655 00:49:07,461 --> 00:49:14,461 -- by a single international voice through a strong vote in the IAEA board of governors. 656 00:49:15,301 --> 00:49:22,301 If they make a decision to fulfill their responsibilities and obligations, then the international community 657 00:49:23,571 --> 00:49:29,141 would welcome that. If they decide not to fulfill those responsibilities and obligations, 658 00:49:29,141 --> 00:49:32,561 then all I can say to the Iranians is, time is running out. 659 00:49:32,561 --> 00:49:34,061 The Press: Thank you. 660 00:49:34,061 --> 00:49:35,551 Mr. Gibbs: Thanks, guys.