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1 00:00:02,433 --> 00:00:04,300 Mr. Carney: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. 2 00:00:04,300 --> 00:00:06,367 Thanks for being here. Thank you for your patience. 3 00:00:06,367 --> 00:00:10,033 Before I take your questions, I have some 4 00:00:10,033 --> 00:00:12,700 exciting news at the top. 5 00:00:12,700 --> 00:00:15,966 Some of you may have noticed that we have a new White House 6 00:00:15,967 --> 00:00:18,700 tweeter, Jen Palmieri, who just announced that tomorrow, 7 00:00:18,700 --> 00:00:21,900 in Orlando, the President will kick of a series of regional 8 00:00:21,900 --> 00:00:25,567 events we will hold across the country to explore how we can 9 00:00:25,567 --> 00:00:29,000 continue to expand opportunity for all Americans by helping 10 00:00:29,000 --> 00:00:31,934 women and working families succeed. 11 00:00:31,934 --> 00:00:34,333 These events will take place over the next few months, 12 00:00:34,333 --> 00:00:36,233 leading up to our White House Summit 13 00:00:36,233 --> 00:00:39,166 on Working Families on June 23rd. 14 00:00:39,166 --> 00:00:43,467 That's our White House Summit on Working Families on June 23rd. 15 00:00:43,467 --> 00:00:46,166 There is another way the President will make 2014 a year 16 00:00:46,166 --> 00:00:49,566 of action by bringing together business leaders, economists, 17 00:00:49,567 --> 00:00:53,600 labor legislators and other stakeholders to find innovative 18 00:00:53,600 --> 00:00:57,567 solutions for building 21st century workplaces that meet the 19 00:00:57,567 --> 00:01:02,266 needs and realities for a 21st century workforce. 20 00:01:02,266 --> 00:01:05,066 Each of these forums will focus on key issues. 21 00:01:05,066 --> 00:01:07,633 And tomorrow, at Valencia College, 22 00:01:07,633 --> 00:01:11,699 the President will discuss how we can better equip our students 23 00:01:11,700 --> 00:01:13,533 and workers with the skills they need 24 00:01:13,533 --> 00:01:17,800 for good jobs and to advance in their careers. 25 00:01:17,800 --> 00:01:19,667 Before I take your questions, I just want to make sure that 26 00:01:19,667 --> 00:01:23,233 everybody is following @JPalm44. 27 00:01:23,233 --> 00:01:26,133 With that, I go to Darlene. 28 00:01:26,133 --> 00:01:27,399 The Press: Thanks, Jay. 29 00:01:27,400 --> 00:01:31,333 Is there any reaction to the takeover of the Ukrainian naval 30 00:01:31,333 --> 00:01:37,934 headquarters today by Crimean self-defense forces? 31 00:01:37,934 --> 00:01:42,300 Mr. Carney: We strongly condemn Russia's use of force in Crimea. 32 00:01:42,300 --> 00:01:45,834 The Russian military is directly responsible for any casualties 33 00:01:45,834 --> 00:01:50,266 that its forces -- whether they be regular, uniformed troops, 34 00:01:50,266 --> 00:01:53,033 or irregulars without insignias 35 00:01:53,033 --> 00:01:56,800 -- inflict on Ukrainian military members in Crimea. 36 00:01:56,800 --> 00:01:59,166 Reports that a Ukrainian military officer was killed 37 00:01:59,166 --> 00:02:03,700 yesterday are particularly concerning and belie President 38 00:02:03,700 --> 00:02:06,967 Putin's claim that Russia's military intervention in Crimea 39 00:02:06,967 --> 00:02:10,366 has brought security to that part of Ukraine. 40 00:02:10,366 --> 00:02:13,433 The continued efforts by Russian forces to seize Ukrainian 41 00:02:13,433 --> 00:02:17,367 military installations are creating a dangerous situation. 42 00:02:17,367 --> 00:02:19,033 We condemn these actions. 43 00:02:19,033 --> 00:02:21,934 Russia should immediately begin discussions with the Ukrainian 44 00:02:21,934 --> 00:02:25,300 government to ensure the safety of Ukrainian forces in the 45 00:02:25,300 --> 00:02:28,033 Crimean region of Ukraine. 46 00:02:28,033 --> 00:02:31,266 Diplomacy remains the only acceptable means of resolving 47 00:02:31,266 --> 00:02:35,200 this situation, and we are prepared to impose further costs 48 00:02:35,200 --> 00:02:38,799 on Russia for its violation of Ukrainian sovereignty and 49 00:02:38,800 --> 00:02:41,367 territorial integrity. 50 00:02:41,367 --> 00:02:43,399 The Press: When you say that the U.S. is prepared 51 00:02:43,400 --> 00:02:47,700 to impose further costs -- asset freezes have 52 00:02:47,700 --> 00:02:52,733 already been instituted --what beyond economic sanctions 53 00:02:52,734 --> 00:02:59,400 or sanctions in general is the President willing to use, 54 00:02:59,400 --> 00:02:59,900 is the U.S. 55 00:02:59,900 --> 00:03:04,200 willing to use, to bring about this diplomatic solution that 56 00:03:04,200 --> 00:03:06,899 you all talk about wanting? 57 00:03:06,900 --> 00:03:08,266 Mr. Carney: Well, I think it's important to note, 58 00:03:08,266 --> 00:03:11,466 Darlene, that the sanctions that have been announced already 59 00:03:11,467 --> 00:03:16,200 -- the designations that we have made public -- are, if you will, 60 00:03:16,200 --> 00:03:21,632 the beginning of actions we can take under the authorities 61 00:03:21,633 --> 00:03:24,734 provided by the executive orders. 62 00:03:24,734 --> 00:03:27,367 And as I said yesterday, you can expect that more action will 63 00:03:27,367 --> 00:03:30,700 be taken under those authorities. 64 00:03:30,700 --> 00:03:36,867 So Russia has incurred costs already; 65 00:03:36,867 --> 00:03:40,500 has caused the United States and our European allies 66 00:03:40,500 --> 00:03:42,367 and Japan to take action. 67 00:03:42,367 --> 00:03:49,100 Because of what Russia has done already -- that will cause costs 68 00:03:49,100 --> 00:03:53,632 to be incurred by Russia now and in the future. 69 00:03:53,633 --> 00:03:59,367 But there will be additional responses under the authorities 70 00:03:59,367 --> 00:04:02,333 provided by the executive orders, 71 00:04:02,333 --> 00:04:04,233 and we're working on those now. 72 00:04:04,233 --> 00:04:05,867 The Press: Sorry, I guess what I'm trying to get at is 73 00:04:05,867 --> 00:04:08,200 what are some of those additional responses. 74 00:04:08,200 --> 00:04:10,733 Mr. Carney: Well, if you look at the executive orders, 75 00:04:10,734 --> 00:04:14,633 they provide a great deal of flexibility and an expansive 76 00:04:14,633 --> 00:04:21,000 range of potential designations for sanctions, 77 00:04:21,000 --> 00:04:24,800 including Russian government officials, 78 00:04:24,800 --> 00:04:28,333 the arms sectors of Russia, and individuals who, 79 00:04:28,333 --> 00:04:30,967 while not holding positions within the Russian government, 80 00:04:30,967 --> 00:04:36,500 have influence over or provide material support to senior 81 00:04:36,500 --> 00:04:38,633 Russian government officials. 82 00:04:38,633 --> 00:04:40,400 And then there were the designations -- I mean, 83 00:04:40,400 --> 00:04:42,433 there were the categories listed 84 00:04:42,433 --> 00:04:44,900 in the first executive order as well. 85 00:04:44,900 --> 00:04:48,366 We are working very closely with our partners in Europe and 86 00:04:48,367 --> 00:04:52,767 elsewhere on a response to Russia's violation of Ukraine's 87 00:04:52,767 --> 00:04:55,567 territorial integrity and its violation of Ukraine's 88 00:04:55,567 --> 00:04:57,834 sovereignty. 89 00:04:57,834 --> 00:05:02,233 You have seen action taken by the European Union, 90 00:05:02,233 --> 00:05:03,600 as well as Japan. 91 00:05:03,600 --> 00:05:10,066 And we are coordinating with our allies and partners 92 00:05:10,066 --> 00:05:15,900 on how we will react further to further transgressions by 93 00:05:15,900 --> 00:05:21,734 Russia. It remains a simple fact that the so-called referendum 94 00:05:21,734 --> 00:05:26,532 and so-called annexation violate Ukrainian law, 95 00:05:26,533 --> 00:05:28,900 violate the Ukrainian constitution, 96 00:05:28,900 --> 00:05:33,000 are illegal under the United Nations Charter, 97 00:05:33,000 --> 00:05:38,900 and have not been and will not be recognized by the United 98 00:05:38,900 --> 00:05:42,667 States and other members of the international community. 99 00:05:42,667 --> 00:05:51,833 So we will continue to make clear that this kind of behavior 100 00:05:51,834 --> 00:05:56,233 will result in costs to Russia and isolation to Russia. 101 00:05:56,233 --> 00:06:05,467 And Russia will need to assess the impact of those costs and 102 00:06:05,467 --> 00:06:10,300 understand that they will grow more severe and compound over 103 00:06:10,300 --> 00:06:14,900 time, and also understand that there is a reasonable 104 00:06:14,900 --> 00:06:18,200 alternative here available to Russia that allows Russia 105 00:06:18,200 --> 00:06:23,033 to ensure that its legitimate interests in Ukraine are 106 00:06:23,033 --> 00:06:29,400 accounted for and protected; that Russian ethnics in -- or 107 00:06:29,400 --> 00:06:35,133 ethnic Russians, rather, in Ukraine are assured of their 108 00:06:35,133 --> 00:06:38,734 rights in that country through 109 00:06:38,734 --> 00:06:41,599 international observers and monitors. 110 00:06:41,600 --> 00:06:46,066 And we will continue to work with our partners to make clear 111 00:06:46,066 --> 00:06:50,866 those options to Moscow. 112 00:06:50,867 --> 00:06:52,934 The Press: One other question. 113 00:06:52,934 --> 00:06:56,033 The statement the NSC put out yesterday announcing the G7 114 00:06:56,033 --> 00:06:58,400 meeting next week in the Netherlands, 115 00:06:58,400 --> 00:07:01,467 it says that Obama had invited his counterparts. 116 00:07:01,467 --> 00:07:03,265 I just want to make sure that that meeting is actually going 117 00:07:03,266 --> 00:07:04,834 to be happening. 118 00:07:04,834 --> 00:07:05,967 Mr. Carney: Yes. 119 00:07:05,967 --> 00:07:09,133 Yes, it will. 120 00:07:09,133 --> 00:07:10,532 The Press: Jay, with regard to Ukraine, 121 00:07:10,533 --> 00:07:15,667 as the crisis has unfolded, events seem to have unfolded 122 00:07:15,667 --> 00:07:18,667 more quickly than the United States has anticipated. 123 00:07:18,667 --> 00:07:21,066 In spite of efforts of diplomacy, 124 00:07:21,066 --> 00:07:24,799 Putin has established facts on the ground very quickly. 125 00:07:24,800 --> 00:07:28,433 Has the way this has happened forced a fundamental rethink 126 00:07:28,433 --> 00:07:33,900 of the way the United States deals with Russia? 127 00:07:33,900 --> 00:07:38,299 Mr. Carney: What I would say Mark is that we and our allies 128 00:07:38,300 --> 00:07:43,600 and partners have, of course, responded to these developments 129 00:07:43,600 --> 00:07:49,734 by making clear to Russia that there is a legal alternative 130 00:07:49,734 --> 00:07:53,433 available to them to pursuing their interests in Ukraine. 131 00:07:53,433 --> 00:07:56,834 And I don't think that the fact that Russia has not availed 132 00:07:56,834 --> 00:08:03,633 itself of that option yet means that we didn't or don't 133 00:08:03,633 --> 00:08:11,467 anticipate the kinds of things that Russia has done and may do. 134 00:08:11,467 --> 00:08:15,800 It still is the far preferable alternative to a violation 135 00:08:15,800 --> 00:08:19,633 of international law in a sovereign state's territorial 136 00:08:19,633 --> 00:08:23,366 integrity that Russia pursue its interests through legitimate 137 00:08:23,367 --> 00:08:31,767 channels. What I can assure you is that these decisions 138 00:08:31,767 --> 00:08:37,533 by the Russian leadership and the implementation of those 139 00:08:37,533 --> 00:08:43,400 decisions are resulting in and will result in further costs 140 00:08:43,400 --> 00:08:46,667 to the Russian economy, and to individuals, 141 00:08:46,667 --> 00:08:51,734 and potentially sectors of the Russian economy and enterprises 142 00:08:51,734 --> 00:08:55,100 the longer this goes on and the longer that Russia flouts 143 00:08:55,100 --> 00:08:58,166 international law. 144 00:08:58,166 --> 00:09:00,900 The Press: One of the events that seems to have 145 00:09:00,900 --> 00:09:05,233 been upsetting to Russia in the run-up to this is the prospect 146 00:09:05,233 --> 00:09:11,632 that some of the former Soviet states become closer to NATO. 147 00:09:11,633 --> 00:09:19,567 Does the crisis in Ukraine call for a greater commitment by the 148 00:09:19,567 --> 00:09:23,300 United States in defense and security in Europe? 149 00:09:23,300 --> 00:09:28,699 Mr. Carney: Well, that commitment is extremely strong 150 00:09:28,700 --> 00:09:38,033 and contains within it an obligation by the United States 151 00:09:38,033 --> 00:09:44,633 and all NATO members to our fellow members in the alliance. 152 00:09:44,633 --> 00:09:48,333 What you have seen is the United States, and NATO in general, 153 00:09:48,333 --> 00:09:55,600 take action in the Baltic nations, in Poland, 154 00:09:55,600 --> 00:10:03,467 to reassure those nations and make clear that our commitment 155 00:10:03,467 --> 00:10:05,667 remains as firm as ever. 156 00:10:05,667 --> 00:10:13,467 And I don't want to predict where this will lead in terms 157 00:10:13,467 --> 00:10:18,133 of Russia's actions, but I don't think anyone doubts the strength 158 00:10:18,133 --> 00:10:21,266 of that alliance and the commitments 159 00:10:21,266 --> 00:10:23,500 that are contained within it. 160 00:10:23,500 --> 00:10:24,500 The Press: I guess my question is, 161 00:10:24,500 --> 00:10:27,266 do these events cause the United States to think that it needs to 162 00:10:27,266 --> 00:10:30,934 take greater steps, invest more in that alliance? 163 00:10:30,934 --> 00:10:32,266 Mr. Carney: I would simply point to you the 164 00:10:32,266 --> 00:10:33,967 steps that we have taken. 165 00:10:33,967 --> 00:10:38,165 I mean, if you're talking about a broader assessment of European 166 00:10:38,166 --> 00:10:41,667 security -- and I think those things are ongoing -- and 167 00:10:41,667 --> 00:10:47,300 obviously if Russia takes action that further destabilizes the 168 00:10:47,300 --> 00:10:53,666 situation in Ukraine or pursues other courses of action that 169 00:10:53,667 --> 00:10:58,734 cause the alliance to reassess or evaluate its posture, 170 00:10:58,734 --> 00:11:01,233 I'm sure that will take place. 171 00:11:01,233 --> 00:11:06,967 This is a powerful and united alliance, 172 00:11:06,967 --> 00:11:11,400 so you can expect that those discussions have taken place and 173 00:11:11,400 --> 00:11:12,733 will continue to take place. 174 00:11:12,734 --> 00:11:16,133 But there's a lot of speculation associated with your question 175 00:11:16,133 --> 00:11:19,433 so I don't want to get ahead of events on the ground. 176 00:11:19,433 --> 00:11:20,934 The Press: Just quickly on Malaysia. 177 00:11:20,934 --> 00:11:23,967 Could you update us on the role of the FBI in assisting 178 00:11:23,967 --> 00:11:25,033 in that investigation? 179 00:11:25,033 --> 00:11:26,667 And have they been asked, have they been rebuffed? 180 00:11:26,667 --> 00:11:28,533 What are they doing to help find this plane? 181 00:11:28,533 --> 00:11:31,100 Mr. Carney: The FBI is assisting in the investigation. 182 00:11:31,100 --> 00:11:36,166 The NTSB and the FAA are the primary interlocutors with the 183 00:11:36,166 --> 00:11:40,667 Malaysian government, but the FBI is also assisting in the 184 00:11:40,667 --> 00:11:41,967 investigation. 185 00:11:41,967 --> 00:11:48,000 And we are finding that the level of cooperation with the 186 00:11:48,000 --> 00:11:54,500 Malaysian government is solid, and we are working closely with 187 00:11:54,500 --> 00:11:57,300 the Malaysians as well as our other international partners 188 00:11:57,300 --> 00:12:00,266 in this effort to find out what happened 189 00:12:00,266 --> 00:12:03,934 to the plane and why it happened. 190 00:12:03,934 --> 00:12:07,233 But I have no update on the course of the investigation. 191 00:12:07,233 --> 00:12:12,000 It remains the case that we are not in a position yet to draw 192 00:12:12,000 --> 00:12:15,100 conclusions about what happened. 193 00:12:15,100 --> 00:12:18,066 Let me move around. NBC. 194 00:12:18,066 --> 00:12:21,600 The Press: Jay, thank you. 195 00:12:21,600 --> 00:12:26,000 How would the president assess the United States' relationship 196 00:12:26,000 --> 00:12:26,967 with Russia right now? 197 00:12:26,967 --> 00:12:29,367 Obviously there have been comparisons made to the Cold 198 00:12:29,367 --> 00:12:31,733 War, a lot of people saying this is the frostiest 199 00:12:31,734 --> 00:12:33,100 it's been since the Cold War. 200 00:12:33,100 --> 00:12:35,066 How does he see it? 201 00:12:35,066 --> 00:12:37,400 Mr. Carney: I don't think there's any question that 202 00:12:37,400 --> 00:12:41,233 relations between Russia and the West 203 00:12:41,233 --> 00:12:44,233 are not in a good place right now. 204 00:12:44,233 --> 00:12:47,733 What is absolutely the case is that this President since the 205 00:12:47,734 --> 00:12:52,300 time he took office has been very clear-eyed about 206 00:12:52,300 --> 00:12:54,666 U.S.-Russia relations. 207 00:12:54,667 --> 00:13:00,133 He has been focused on making progress where the interests 208 00:13:00,133 --> 00:13:02,867 of the United States and Russia coincide, 209 00:13:02,867 --> 00:13:06,834 where we can make progress in a way that benefits our national 210 00:13:06,834 --> 00:13:12,967 security, and very clear-eyed and blunt and vocal about those 211 00:13:12,967 --> 00:13:17,266 areas where we disagree. 212 00:13:17,266 --> 00:13:22,800 Over the last period of time, the intensity of the 213 00:13:22,800 --> 00:13:28,233 disagreements has increased, to be sure, 214 00:13:28,233 --> 00:13:31,199 with regard to Syria in particular and certainly most 215 00:13:31,200 --> 00:13:34,967 especially of late in Ukraine. 216 00:13:34,967 --> 00:13:40,433 This is obviously a higher order of disagreement and involves, 217 00:13:40,433 --> 00:13:42,867 in this case, Russia's violation of international law, 218 00:13:42,867 --> 00:13:47,000 its military intervention in a sovereign -- into the territory 219 00:13:47,000 --> 00:13:49,533 of a sovereign neighbor state. 220 00:13:49,533 --> 00:13:55,700 And you have seen a broad international consensus 221 00:13:55,700 --> 00:13:58,767 in opposition to what Russia has done. 222 00:13:58,767 --> 00:14:02,533 So we are going to continue to make sure that U.S. 223 00:14:02,533 --> 00:14:05,800 national security interests, the national security interests 224 00:14:05,800 --> 00:14:10,967 of our allies and partners, are what drive or policy 225 00:14:10,967 --> 00:14:12,867 decision-making going forward. 226 00:14:12,867 --> 00:14:15,533 The Press: And on the question of costs, 227 00:14:15,533 --> 00:14:17,200 Vice President Biden obviously had some 228 00:14:17,200 --> 00:14:21,233 very strong language today. 229 00:14:21,233 --> 00:14:23,065 Is the United States moving any closer to considering 230 00:14:23,066 --> 00:14:26,000 a potential military option, or is that 231 00:14:26,000 --> 00:14:27,667 still pretty much off the table? 232 00:14:27,667 --> 00:14:30,233 Mr. Carney: We are still focused on what we believe 233 00:14:30,233 --> 00:14:36,000 is the proper way to resolve this situation, 234 00:14:36,000 --> 00:14:38,233 which is through de-escalation. 235 00:14:38,233 --> 00:14:39,834 The Press: So military option is not at the forefront 236 00:14:39,834 --> 00:14:41,333 of discussions right now? 237 00:14:41,333 --> 00:14:42,733 Mr. Carney: It certainly is not at the forefront 238 00:14:42,734 --> 00:14:45,567 of discussions. I think that we are focused on, when it comes 239 00:14:45,567 --> 00:14:51,100 to costs for Russia for the actions it's undertaken, 240 00:14:51,100 --> 00:14:56,300 looking at and implementing the visa bans and sanctions that 241 00:14:56,300 --> 00:15:00,233 have already been put in place and others that can be put 242 00:15:00,233 --> 00:15:03,367 in place under the authorities allowed 243 00:15:03,367 --> 00:15:05,199 by the executive orders he signed. 244 00:15:05,200 --> 00:15:08,767 And we are working with our partners and allies to make sure 245 00:15:08,767 --> 00:15:11,000 that that effort is coordinated and that 246 00:15:11,000 --> 00:15:14,734 we remain united in the actions that we take. 247 00:15:14,734 --> 00:15:19,033 And we have seen strong unity and cooperation with our 248 00:15:19,033 --> 00:15:24,667 European partners and Japan in making clear to the Russians 249 00:15:24,667 --> 00:15:30,100 that this behavior, these actions are unacceptable. 250 00:15:30,100 --> 00:15:31,700 They violate international law. 251 00:15:31,700 --> 00:15:39,700 They harken back to an era that the rest of the world 252 00:15:39,700 --> 00:15:42,500 or most of the rest of the world has left behind. 253 00:15:42,500 --> 00:15:51,633 And that in today's economy and today's world, 254 00:15:51,633 --> 00:15:56,467 when it comes to the institutions that govern 255 00:15:56,467 --> 00:16:01,734 interaction between nations and the intersection of our 256 00:16:01,734 --> 00:16:05,333 economies, there is a significant price to be paid for 257 00:16:05,333 --> 00:16:10,699 the kind of flagrant violation of the established order and 258 00:16:10,700 --> 00:16:13,767 international law that we're seeing Russia undertake. 259 00:16:13,767 --> 00:16:15,000 The Press: Could we see President Obama announce next 260 00:16:15,000 --> 00:16:16,367 steps by the end of the week? 261 00:16:16,367 --> 00:16:17,666 Mr. Carney: I'm not going to give you a timeline 262 00:16:17,667 --> 00:16:20,467 on our steps, except to say that, as I noted yesterday, 263 00:16:20,467 --> 00:16:26,800 you can expect further costs to be imposed upon Russia because 264 00:16:26,800 --> 00:16:29,032 of the actions it's taken in Crimea. 265 00:16:29,033 --> 00:16:31,800 The Press: And one more just on Malaysia. 266 00:16:31,800 --> 00:16:34,400 Given there is so much uncertainty about what happened 267 00:16:34,400 --> 00:16:36,632 -- and President Obama obviously before he speaks about this 268 00:16:36,633 --> 00:16:39,467 wants to be careful about his language -- but some people have 269 00:16:39,467 --> 00:16:43,600 taken to Twitter and said, why haven't we heard from the 270 00:16:43,600 --> 00:16:45,934 President yet if only to reassure Americans who might 271 00:16:45,934 --> 00:16:49,233 be feeling jittery? 272 00:16:49,233 --> 00:16:51,233 Mr. Carney: About the Malaysian plane? 273 00:16:51,233 --> 00:16:52,165 The Press: About the Malaysian plane. 274 00:16:52,166 --> 00:16:53,667 Mr. Carney: The President has been updated regularly. 275 00:16:53,667 --> 00:16:59,000 We have contributed a significant number of resources 276 00:16:59,000 --> 00:17:02,934 and assets to the search for the plane and to the investigation 277 00:17:02,934 --> 00:17:05,266 into what happened. 278 00:17:05,266 --> 00:17:08,500 And we're going to continue that effort. 279 00:17:08,500 --> 00:17:09,433 Chris. 280 00:17:09,433 --> 00:17:10,333 The Press: Thanks, Jay. 281 00:17:10,333 --> 00:17:13,133 The President yesterday received a letter from 200 members 282 00:17:13,133 --> 00:17:16,400 of Congress brought up to House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer, 283 00:17:16,400 --> 00:17:18,834 calling on him to immediately act by signing 284 00:17:18,834 --> 00:17:21,200 a non-discrimination executive order for LGBT workers. 285 00:17:21,200 --> 00:17:23,500 You've said before this issue is best left to Congress, 286 00:17:23,500 --> 00:17:25,099 but this many lawmakers are lobbing 287 00:17:25,099 --> 00:17:26,065 it back to the President. 288 00:17:26,066 --> 00:17:28,033 Has he misjudged the situation? 289 00:17:28,032 --> 00:17:32,632 Mr. Carney: Chris, we continue to support ENDA, 290 00:17:32,633 --> 00:17:35,400 the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. 291 00:17:35,400 --> 00:17:38,934 And I don't have any update for you on proposed 292 00:17:38,934 --> 00:17:41,600 or possible executive orders. 293 00:17:41,600 --> 00:17:47,966 The fact is that legislation which has moved in the Senate, 294 00:17:47,967 --> 00:17:50,533 if it were to be passed by the full Congress and signed into 295 00:17:50,533 --> 00:17:53,065 law, would have the greatest benefit when it comes 296 00:17:53,066 --> 00:17:58,166 to ensuring the rights of LGBT individuals. 297 00:17:58,166 --> 00:18:03,633 So on the issue that you ask me about regularly of executive 298 00:18:03,633 --> 00:18:07,166 order proposed or speculated about, 299 00:18:07,166 --> 00:18:08,033 I just don't have any updates. 300 00:18:08,033 --> 00:18:09,166 The Press: But what makes you think that legislation 301 00:18:09,166 --> 00:18:11,700 should be the only course of action if lawmakers in Congress 302 00:18:11,700 --> 00:18:15,033 are saying the President should issue an executive order 303 00:18:15,033 --> 00:18:16,132 as they continue to -- 304 00:18:16,133 --> 00:18:18,066 Mr. Carney: Again, Chris, I just don't have any new 305 00:18:18,066 --> 00:18:21,066 information to provide to you about our views on this, 306 00:18:21,066 --> 00:18:22,867 which we've discussed many times. 307 00:18:22,867 --> 00:18:25,899 And there is no question I think in anyone's mind that the 308 00:18:25,900 --> 00:18:30,333 passage of legislation in the form of the Employment 309 00:18:30,333 --> 00:18:34,500 Non-Discrimination Act would provide those protections 310 00:18:34,500 --> 00:18:37,734 broadly in a way that an EO would not. 311 00:18:37,734 --> 00:18:44,100 And, as I've said before, opposition to that legislation 312 00:18:44,100 --> 00:18:47,132 is contrary to the tide of history, 313 00:18:47,133 --> 00:18:52,500 and that those lawmakers who oppose this will find in the not 314 00:18:52,500 --> 00:18:55,934 too distant future that they made a grave mistake and that 315 00:18:55,934 --> 00:18:58,734 they will regret it. 316 00:18:58,734 --> 00:19:00,100 The Press: And one last very important question on this. 317 00:19:00,100 --> 00:19:02,265 The letter takes note that time is of the essence, 318 00:19:02,266 --> 00:19:04,600 because after an executive order is signed, 319 00:19:04,600 --> 00:19:06,734 full implementation will require a process that will last many 320 00:19:06,734 --> 00:19:08,300 months, if not longer. 321 00:19:08,300 --> 00:19:09,667 Do you deny there's a limited time for the President 322 00:19:09,667 --> 00:19:10,867 to exercise this option 323 00:19:10,867 --> 00:19:14,300 before time is up at the end of his administration? 324 00:19:14,300 --> 00:19:15,800 Mr. Carney: Chris, I'm not even sure there's a question 325 00:19:15,800 --> 00:19:17,700 there, but I would point you to my previous answer. 326 00:19:17,700 --> 00:19:18,934 Cheryl. 327 00:19:18,934 --> 00:19:20,567 The Press: I'm wondering if you have any update on the 328 00:19:20,567 --> 00:19:23,867 prospects for exporting natural gas 329 00:19:23,867 --> 00:19:26,066 in light of the Ukraine situation. 330 00:19:26,066 --> 00:19:30,100 Mr. Carney: I have no new information to impart on 331 00:19:30,100 --> 00:19:37,433 that. We've talked about the evaluations that are made by the 332 00:19:37,433 --> 00:19:44,166 Department of Energy, the licenses that it approves. 333 00:19:44,166 --> 00:19:47,633 And that process obviously continues. 334 00:19:47,633 --> 00:19:50,800 And in the short term, we are obviously taking steps to assist 335 00:19:50,800 --> 00:19:55,934 Ukraine with its energy security, its energy efficiency, 336 00:19:55,934 --> 00:19:59,767 and more broadly through bilateral assistance and 337 00:19:59,767 --> 00:20:03,967 multilateral assistance to provide needed assistance to the 338 00:20:03,967 --> 00:20:07,367 Ukrainian government at a difficult time for its economy. 339 00:20:07,367 --> 00:20:11,934 It's essential, in our view, that the Congress upon return 340 00:20:11,934 --> 00:20:15,834 act very quickly to pass legislation that you've seen 341 00:20:15,834 --> 00:20:20,300 in the Senate that would authorize the provision of loan 342 00:20:20,300 --> 00:20:25,567 guarantees in direct bilateral assistance, but also provide the 343 00:20:25,567 --> 00:20:28,433 quota reforms, the so-called quota reforms to the IMF that 344 00:20:28,433 --> 00:20:32,033 would allow the IMF to provide maximum assistance 345 00:20:32,033 --> 00:20:34,233 as part of its package to Ukraine. 346 00:20:34,233 --> 00:20:37,100 So we look forward to Congress for taking action on that. 347 00:20:37,100 --> 00:20:41,332 That is something that Congress can do concretely to assist 348 00:20:41,333 --> 00:20:43,467 Ukraine in this difficult time. 349 00:20:43,467 --> 00:20:45,967 And we urge Congress to take action. 350 00:20:45,967 --> 00:20:48,400 I've also noted -- and I won't repeat, 351 00:20:48,400 --> 00:20:53,767 unless you want me to -- some facts about surpluses in terms 352 00:20:53,767 --> 00:20:58,133 of energy supplies in Europe and the impact that any action 353 00:20:58,133 --> 00:21:03,767 Russia might take to limit or cut off gas supplies to Ukraine 354 00:21:03,767 --> 00:21:06,066 or Europe on the Russian economy, 355 00:21:06,066 --> 00:21:08,000 which would certainly be quite severe because they depend -- 356 00:21:08,000 --> 00:21:16,066 Russia does -- on those markets for a great deal of their 357 00:21:16,066 --> 00:21:17,667 foreign currency. 358 00:21:17,667 --> 00:21:19,233 The Press: Israel war planes attacked 359 00:21:19,233 --> 00:21:21,166 Syrian military targets. 360 00:21:21,166 --> 00:21:23,899 This is the most serious escalation 361 00:21:23,900 --> 00:21:25,900 in almost four decades. 362 00:21:25,900 --> 00:21:34,867 Do you worry that it might escalate and get out of hand? 363 00:21:34,867 --> 00:21:37,100 Mr. Carney: Look, we, in matters like this, 364 00:21:37,100 --> 00:21:38,766 refer you to the statement released 365 00:21:38,767 --> 00:21:40,266 by the Israelis on this issue. 366 00:21:40,266 --> 00:21:45,266 I really don't have anything more for you on it, 367 00:21:45,266 --> 00:21:47,066 so I would point you to the Israelis. 368 00:21:47,066 --> 00:21:48,300 The Press: But you don't think it will complicate 369 00:21:48,300 --> 00:21:51,332 the Syrian situation that's already tense? 370 00:21:51,333 --> 00:21:54,300 Mr. Carney: I think that the Syrian situation 371 00:21:54,300 --> 00:21:57,734 is a problem unto itself. 372 00:21:57,734 --> 00:22:01,100 There's no question about that. 373 00:22:01,100 --> 00:22:03,000 The Press: Jay, getting back to the Vice President's 374 00:22:03,000 --> 00:22:09,000 trip, what about this comment from Vladimir Putin yesterday 375 00:22:09,000 --> 00:22:10,867 that the Russians almost feel provoked 376 00:22:10,867 --> 00:22:14,332 by NATO's reach into Eastern Europe? 377 00:22:14,333 --> 00:22:16,467 Looking back -- and I know this didn't happen on this 378 00:22:16,467 --> 00:22:20,066 administration's watch -- but was that a mistake for the West 379 00:22:20,066 --> 00:22:24,367 and for NATO to move all the way to Russia's borders -- 380 00:22:24,367 --> 00:22:27,033 historically? 381 00:22:27,033 --> 00:22:29,632 Mr. Carney: No. 382 00:22:29,633 --> 00:22:33,700 And I'll tell you why, having covered it 383 00:22:33,700 --> 00:22:37,967 from Moscow and Washington. 384 00:22:37,967 --> 00:22:45,567 The opportunity that Russia has had and has pursued sporadically 385 00:22:45,567 --> 00:22:52,066 since the emergence of Russia and the other independent states 386 00:22:52,066 --> 00:22:54,333 in the wake of the dissolution of the Soviet Union has been 387 00:22:54,333 --> 00:23:00,633 to integrate and engage with Europe and with the broader 388 00:23:00,633 --> 00:23:04,767 global economy, and to integrate and engage with international 389 00:23:04,767 --> 00:23:12,433 institutions that help set the rules by which peaceful nations 390 00:23:12,433 --> 00:23:17,333 govern their interactions. 391 00:23:17,333 --> 00:23:25,433 The fact of the matter is those opportunities 392 00:23:25,433 --> 00:23:27,333 potentially still exist for Russia. 393 00:23:27,333 --> 00:23:33,500 And in the long term, a path of confrontation with the West 394 00:23:33,500 --> 00:23:37,633 of trying to assert through military force intervention -- 395 00:23:37,633 --> 00:23:44,867 like we've seen in Crimea -- hegemony over sovereign states 396 00:23:44,867 --> 00:23:47,233 will not result in a stronger Russia, 397 00:23:47,233 --> 00:23:52,767 but a more isolated Russia and one that's less connected, 398 00:23:52,767 --> 00:23:58,166 and therefore less able to grow economically. 399 00:23:58,166 --> 00:24:05,899 So the fact of the matter is I think that the West in general, 400 00:24:05,900 --> 00:24:07,433 and the United States in particular, 401 00:24:07,433 --> 00:24:14,333 has since the dissolution of the Soviet Union pursued policies 402 00:24:14,333 --> 00:24:20,633 designed to help Russia and the former Soviet republics, 403 00:24:20,633 --> 00:24:23,300 now independent states, integrate with the global 404 00:24:23,300 --> 00:24:29,667 economy, integrate with Europe and the rest of the world 405 00:24:29,667 --> 00:24:33,132 in a manner that in the long term has benefited a number of 406 00:24:33,133 --> 00:24:37,400 those states and could benefit Russia and others. 407 00:24:37,400 --> 00:24:44,467 The option, the alternative is what we're seeing now. 408 00:24:44,467 --> 00:24:54,166 And that -- again, while it obviously creates instability 409 00:24:54,166 --> 00:24:56,899 in Ukraine, creates great concern in Europe and here and 410 00:24:56,900 --> 00:25:01,500 around the world -- ultimately comes at a high cost to Russia 411 00:25:01,500 --> 00:25:05,867 and the Russian people and to the Russian economy, 412 00:25:05,867 --> 00:25:10,700 because it leads to international condemnation and 413 00:25:10,700 --> 00:25:13,066 approbation (disapprobation) and isolation, 414 00:25:13,066 --> 00:25:18,166 and does economic harm to Russia, 415 00:25:18,166 --> 00:25:22,133 and doesn't leave Russia in a better place, ultimately. 416 00:25:22,133 --> 00:25:26,700 So we're taking steps that we find necessary 417 00:25:26,700 --> 00:25:27,867 in response to this action. 418 00:25:27,867 --> 00:25:30,633 We're working with our allies and partners. 419 00:25:30,633 --> 00:25:35,166 We will see what kind of calculations the leadership 420 00:25:35,166 --> 00:25:37,433 of Russia makes in the coming days and weeks. 421 00:25:37,433 --> 00:25:41,266 The Press: And I'm sure you heard Republicans say 422 00:25:41,266 --> 00:25:45,066 in the last several days that what's happening in Ukraine 423 00:25:45,066 --> 00:25:47,900 right now, what's happening in Crimea will be a liability for 424 00:25:47,900 --> 00:25:52,200 former Secretary Clinton should she choose to run for President. 425 00:25:52,200 --> 00:25:53,433 Mr. Carney: Well, that's a pretty superficial way 426 00:25:53,433 --> 00:25:54,900 of looking at things. 427 00:25:54,900 --> 00:25:59,467 I think that the challenges posed by Russia's intervention 428 00:25:59,467 --> 00:26:03,266 in Ukraine are challenges for the United States, 429 00:26:03,266 --> 00:26:11,600 for the Ukraine, for Europe, and for Russia. 430 00:26:11,600 --> 00:26:15,199 Our obligation is to be very clear-eyed about what our 431 00:26:15,200 --> 00:26:18,567 national security interests, what our obligations are to our 432 00:26:18,567 --> 00:26:21,033 allies and partners, and to pursue those. 433 00:26:21,033 --> 00:26:22,899 That's how we're looking at it. 434 00:26:22,900 --> 00:26:26,133 I know there's a temptation to see everything through the lens 435 00:26:26,133 --> 00:26:37,900 of the next election cycle, but that's pretty flaccid thinking. 436 00:26:37,900 --> 00:26:39,500 The Press: To what extent does the President 437 00:26:39,500 --> 00:26:42,834 believe that he is responsible and his Affordable Care Act 438 00:26:42,834 --> 00:26:46,000 is responsible for the situation that his former 439 00:26:46,000 --> 00:26:49,967 Senate Democrats find themselves in politically? 440 00:26:49,967 --> 00:26:53,367 Mr. Carney: Going right to that superficial conversation, 441 00:26:53,367 --> 00:26:55,433 I would say that -- 442 00:26:55,433 --> 00:26:56,700 The Press: Some of them would say it's not 443 00:26:56,700 --> 00:26:57,700 superficial at all. 444 00:26:57,700 --> 00:27:00,266 Mr. Carney: Well, no, I'm not diminishing the fact that, 445 00:27:00,266 --> 00:27:01,900 as is the case every election cycle, 446 00:27:01,900 --> 00:27:06,200 there are challenging races, and certainly in midterms that can 447 00:27:06,200 --> 00:27:09,433 be doubly so for Democrats. 448 00:27:09,433 --> 00:27:12,834 But this President believes and what those Democrats who voted 449 00:27:12,834 --> 00:27:17,166 to extend affordable, quality health insurance to millions 450 00:27:17,166 --> 00:27:19,667 of Americans believe is that it's the right policy, 451 00:27:19,667 --> 00:27:22,600 and that the alternative Republicans have proposed, 452 00:27:22,600 --> 00:27:24,734 which is repeal, it means higher premiums; 453 00:27:24,734 --> 00:27:28,132 it means insurance companies dictating to you whether or not 454 00:27:28,133 --> 00:27:30,533 you get coverage for your condition or whether your sister 455 00:27:30,533 --> 00:27:32,399 gets charged double what you get charged, 456 00:27:32,400 --> 00:27:35,834 whether you can see your insurance coverage cancelled 457 00:27:35,834 --> 00:27:38,734 arbitrarily and capriciously, 458 00:27:38,734 --> 00:27:44,800 and whether or not premiums can go up exponentially. 459 00:27:44,800 --> 00:27:46,834 That's the alternative they're proposing. 460 00:27:46,834 --> 00:27:51,400 And what I think you'll see as more and more people enroll 461 00:27:51,400 --> 00:27:55,967 and as the year progresses is that the arguments for repeal 462 00:27:55,967 --> 00:27:59,433 are going to be arguments made to individuals who have 463 00:27:59,433 --> 00:28:03,367 insurance coverage, sometimes for the first time, 464 00:28:03,367 --> 00:28:07,000 who are being told by Republican candidates that they would 465 00:28:07,000 --> 00:28:09,467 prefer that insurance companies deny them coverage; 466 00:28:09,467 --> 00:28:12,533 that they would prefer that those with preexisting 467 00:28:12,533 --> 00:28:18,000 conditions be denied coverage, and that those with existing 468 00:28:18,000 --> 00:28:22,633 conditions find out when they need medical attention that the 469 00:28:22,633 --> 00:28:25,400 fine print in their policy carves out 470 00:28:25,400 --> 00:28:26,934 coverage for that particular condition. 471 00:28:26,934 --> 00:28:29,399 All of those, of course, are forbidden under 472 00:28:29,400 --> 00:28:30,400 the Affordable Care Act. 473 00:28:30,400 --> 00:28:35,300 So this is going to be an important debate on policy 474 00:28:35,300 --> 00:28:39,033 grounds and on the impact to the 475 00:28:39,033 --> 00:28:41,867 lives of millions of Americans across the country. 476 00:28:41,867 --> 00:28:42,767 The President feels, 477 00:28:42,767 --> 00:28:45,934 and I know that Democrats feel they have the stronger case. 478 00:28:45,934 --> 00:28:47,433 And I'm sure that this will 479 00:28:47,433 --> 00:28:50,533 be debated in races across the country. 480 00:28:50,533 --> 00:28:52,699 Again, Republicans are going to have to explain why the 481 00:28:52,700 --> 00:28:56,934 alternative is better, why they would rather have insurance 482 00:28:56,934 --> 00:29:00,734 executives dictate to individuals across the country 483 00:29:00,734 --> 00:29:05,199 whether they get coverage as opposed to the peace of mind 484 00:29:05,200 --> 00:29:08,033 that comes from knowing that you get coverage and that your 485 00:29:08,033 --> 00:29:09,433 conditions are covered. 486 00:29:09,433 --> 00:29:10,967 The Press: Has he heard any of the concerns from some 487 00:29:10,967 --> 00:29:12,834 Senate Democrats that his organization, 488 00:29:12,834 --> 00:29:14,934 Organizing for America, has not been 489 00:29:14,934 --> 00:29:17,466 sufficiently focused on the midterm elections? 490 00:29:17,467 --> 00:29:22,300 And has he urged any more of a sharper focus? 491 00:29:22,300 --> 00:29:24,033 Mr. Carney: I would refer you to that organization. 492 00:29:24,033 --> 00:29:29,934 I'm not here as a spokesman for the DNC or for campaigns. 493 00:29:29,934 --> 00:29:31,867 I can tell you what the President's views are on matters 494 00:29:31,867 --> 00:29:38,133 of policy, why he believes and shares with Democrats the belief 495 00:29:38,133 --> 00:29:41,467 that providing affordable, quality health insurance was and 496 00:29:41,467 --> 00:29:49,367 is the right thing, and why the Republican alternative is hardly 497 00:29:49,367 --> 00:29:52,399 an alternative at all, because it really is telling the 498 00:29:52,400 --> 00:29:57,467 American people that the world was better when they didn't have 499 00:29:57,467 --> 00:30:04,834 insurance or they had insurance that allowed issuers to dictate 500 00:30:04,834 --> 00:30:06,333 whether or not their conditions were covered, 501 00:30:06,333 --> 00:30:11,066 whether or not their kid with asthma got adequate coverage. 502 00:30:11,066 --> 00:30:14,800 And we're in the real world now, as opposed to the theoretical 503 00:30:14,800 --> 00:30:19,367 world, prior to implementation of ACA. 504 00:30:19,367 --> 00:30:22,500 And candidates who make that case for repeal are going 505 00:30:22,500 --> 00:30:25,533 to have to make it to Americans who have 506 00:30:25,533 --> 00:30:29,166 concretely benefited from the Affordable Care Act. 507 00:30:29,166 --> 00:30:32,166 And we'll see what happens. Bill. 508 00:30:32,166 --> 00:30:33,867 The Press: With just two weeks to go before the 509 00:30:33,867 --> 00:30:36,200 end of the month, is the President feeling 510 00:30:36,200 --> 00:30:38,533 the pressure to get more young people to sign up? 511 00:30:38,533 --> 00:30:41,000 I mean, you're still at about 25 percent; 512 00:30:41,000 --> 00:30:43,467 you need to be around 40. 513 00:30:43,467 --> 00:30:46,500 Mr. Carney: Well, I'm happy to repeat again that the 514 00:30:46,500 --> 00:30:49,500 40 percent figure is the percentage 515 00:30:49,500 --> 00:30:55,400 of young adults within the overall population of uninsured. 516 00:30:55,400 --> 00:30:59,367 It is not by any insurance experts' estimation the 517 00:30:59,367 --> 00:31:02,200 percentage you need to have the marketplaces work. 518 00:31:02,200 --> 00:31:04,367 I would point you to Massachusetts as the -- 519 00:31:04,367 --> 00:31:05,767 The Press: Well, whatever it is, you don't have it. 520 00:31:05,767 --> 00:31:07,900 Mr. Carney: Well, how would you know since you're citing 521 00:31:07,900 --> 00:31:10,533 a figure that actually doesn't relate to the conversation? 522 00:31:10,533 --> 00:31:12,100 What I can say is that -- 523 00:31:12,100 --> 00:31:12,766 The Press: We know that's not enough. 524 00:31:12,767 --> 00:31:14,033 Mr. Carney: Do you? 525 00:31:14,033 --> 00:31:15,632 Do you have experts who say it's not enough? 526 00:31:15,633 --> 00:31:18,200 I think if you look at what insurance executives have said, 527 00:31:18,200 --> 00:31:19,533 they believe that they're 528 00:31:19,533 --> 00:31:21,367 getting the demographic mix that's necessary. 529 00:31:21,367 --> 00:31:24,834 We're confident that come April 1st you will see a demographic 530 00:31:24,834 --> 00:31:28,333 mix that is equal to the objective, 531 00:31:28,333 --> 00:31:31,900 which is to ensure that actuarially the marketplaces 532 00:31:31,900 --> 00:31:33,200 function effectively. 533 00:31:33,200 --> 00:31:37,000 And, yes, I think that we have undertaken and continue 534 00:31:37,000 --> 00:31:42,000 to undertake an effort to reach Americans everywhere so that 535 00:31:42,000 --> 00:31:44,633 they're getting the information through 536 00:31:44,633 --> 00:31:49,166 the channels that they watch or receive. 537 00:31:49,166 --> 00:31:52,700 And you've seen that effort include the President doing an 538 00:31:52,700 --> 00:31:54,266 interview with Zach Galifianakis, 539 00:31:54,266 --> 00:31:58,200 and you've seen it in efforts undertaken by athletes and other 540 00:31:58,200 --> 00:32:01,467 celebrities, and you'll see it in the kinds of interviews that 541 00:32:01,467 --> 00:32:04,000 the President will give and others have engaged in. 542 00:32:04,000 --> 00:32:07,033 Because, unfortunately -- it's not enough for me to make the 543 00:32:07,033 --> 00:32:09,567 case to you here or for the President to give a speech 544 00:32:09,567 --> 00:32:11,500 covered by you -- a lot of folks, 545 00:32:11,500 --> 00:32:13,200 millions and millions and millions of Americans, 546 00:32:13,200 --> 00:32:16,567 and certainly a huge percentage of young Americans aren't 547 00:32:16,567 --> 00:32:19,900 listening or watching or reading what the people in this 548 00:32:19,900 --> 00:32:21,100 room are producing. 549 00:32:21,100 --> 00:32:24,833 And you're our -- through the traditional media, 550 00:32:24,834 --> 00:32:26,467 this is our filter. 551 00:32:26,467 --> 00:32:31,867 So in order to reach them, we have to be creative, 552 00:32:31,867 --> 00:32:32,934 and that's what we've done. 553 00:32:32,934 --> 00:32:34,200 The Press: Yeah, but are you suggesting that he doesn't 554 00:32:34,200 --> 00:32:36,233 need to worry about getting more young people to sign up? 555 00:32:36,233 --> 00:32:36,966 Mr. Carney: No, no. 556 00:32:36,967 --> 00:32:38,600 I said that we're going to be working hard right up to the 557 00:32:38,600 --> 00:32:41,600 deadline to ensure that that information is getting to the 558 00:32:41,600 --> 00:32:45,132 people who need it and that more Americans are enrolling. 559 00:32:45,133 --> 00:32:49,600 And we're comfortable, as you've seen, 560 00:32:49,600 --> 00:32:53,899 with the pace thus far of enrollees. 561 00:32:53,900 --> 00:32:58,333 I think CMS put out information about recent figures in terms 562 00:32:58,333 --> 00:33:01,767 of total number of Americans who have signed up, 563 00:33:01,767 --> 00:33:06,633 and obviously we've got 11 or 12 or 13 very important days left. 564 00:33:06,633 --> 00:33:09,200 The Press: If you're suggesting that perhaps the situation regarding 565 00:33:09,200 --> 00:33:12,900 young people is not as dire as some suggest, then -- 566 00:33:12,900 --> 00:33:13,900 Mr. Carney: I would point you to experts 567 00:33:13,900 --> 00:33:14,633 who have said -- 568 00:33:14,633 --> 00:33:15,533 The Press: -- why is he appealing to mothers 569 00:33:15,533 --> 00:33:18,033 and young people and going on programs -- he's on "Ellen" 570 00:33:18,033 --> 00:33:19,000 I think tomorrow. 571 00:33:19,000 --> 00:33:19,867 Mr. Carney: Absolutely. 572 00:33:19,867 --> 00:33:25,633 Based on the model provided by the closest similar experience 573 00:33:25,633 --> 00:33:30,900 in Massachusetts -- that health care reform signed into law 574 00:33:30,900 --> 00:33:35,133 by a Republican governor on which this President modeled his 575 00:33:35,133 --> 00:33:40,500 plan -- the demographic breakdown at the various stages 576 00:33:40,500 --> 00:33:42,600 of enrollment in the open enrollment period 577 00:33:42,600 --> 00:33:44,600 is mirrored by what we've seen in our figures. 578 00:33:44,600 --> 00:33:47,332 And I don't think anyone would argue that Massachusetts did not 579 00:33:47,333 --> 00:33:51,166 get in the end either sufficient numbers or the sufficient 580 00:33:51,166 --> 00:33:54,300 demographic breakdown that it needed to function effectively. 581 00:33:54,300 --> 00:33:57,100 So we feel confident that we'll do the same. 582 00:33:57,100 --> 00:33:58,065 Roger. 583 00:33:58,066 --> 00:33:59,266 The Press: Thank you. 584 00:33:59,266 --> 00:34:03,166 On Malaysia, is the FBI examining the hard drive 585 00:34:03,166 --> 00:34:04,833 of the pilot's simulator? 586 00:34:04,834 --> 00:34:06,166 Mr. Carney: You'd have to ask the FBI. 587 00:34:06,166 --> 00:34:07,332 I have no idea. 588 00:34:07,333 --> 00:34:08,600 The Press: Has Malaysia asked for any 589 00:34:08,600 --> 00:34:11,033 additional U.S. help beyond what the U.S. 590 00:34:11,033 --> 00:34:11,734 has already -- 591 00:34:11,734 --> 00:34:12,632 Mr. Carney: What I can tell you, Roger, 592 00:34:12,632 --> 00:34:14,100 is what I said before. 593 00:34:14,100 --> 00:34:18,866 We feel that we have a good, collaborative relationship with 594 00:34:18,867 --> 00:34:20,700 Malaysian authorities who are obviously taking the lead 595 00:34:20,699 --> 00:34:22,833 in this investigation and taking the lead 596 00:34:22,833 --> 00:34:28,600 in the search for the missing airplane. 597 00:34:28,600 --> 00:34:31,933 Our cooperation includes Department of Defense assets 598 00:34:31,934 --> 00:34:35,033 that have been assigned the task of assisting for the search; 599 00:34:35,033 --> 00:34:40,299 it includes investigative efforts by the FAA and the NTSB 600 00:34:40,300 --> 00:34:41,767 as well as the FBI. 601 00:34:41,766 --> 00:34:44,699 But I would refer you to those agencies for more specifics 602 00:34:44,699 --> 00:34:46,165 about what they're doing. 603 00:34:46,166 --> 00:34:49,200 The Press: And on Russia, is tapping of the 604 00:34:49,199 --> 00:34:53,966 SPR to drive down prices and maybe squeeze Russia's economy, 605 00:34:53,967 --> 00:34:57,867 is that an option under consideration? 606 00:34:57,867 --> 00:35:01,967 Mr. Carney: You know I don't speculate about uses of the SPR. There was 607 00:35:01,967 --> 00:35:08,500 a recent routine sale for reasons that we discussed, 608 00:35:08,500 --> 00:35:12,000 unrelated to this matter, so I'm not going to get into 609 00:35:12,000 --> 00:35:13,467 speculation about that. 610 00:35:13,467 --> 00:35:16,867 I can tell you what I said earlier in answer to a question 611 00:35:16,867 --> 00:35:20,333 from Cheryl about Ukraine's energy situation, 612 00:35:20,333 --> 00:35:24,600 the supplies that Europe and Ukraine depend on from Russia, 613 00:35:24,600 --> 00:35:28,033 but also the costs to Russia of cutting off or limiting those 614 00:35:28,033 --> 00:35:28,866 supplies. 615 00:35:28,867 --> 00:35:30,433 The Press: Can you say if anybody in the government -- 616 00:35:30,433 --> 00:35:32,133 whether it's feasible? 617 00:35:32,133 --> 00:35:36,133 Mr. Carney: I'm not going to talk speculatively about the SPR. 618 00:35:36,133 --> 00:35:37,000 Ann. 619 00:35:37,000 --> 00:35:37,967 The Press: Thanks, Jay. 620 00:35:37,967 --> 00:35:39,900 Has the President heard back from 621 00:35:39,900 --> 00:35:41,200 the other members of the G7? 622 00:35:41,200 --> 00:35:42,866 Does it look like they will be able to have that meeting? 623 00:35:42,867 --> 00:35:44,200 Mr. Carney: I answered that question at the top. 624 00:35:44,200 --> 00:35:45,866 There will be a meeting of the G7, yes. 625 00:35:45,867 --> 00:35:48,967 The Press: Would you describe it as an action meeting? 626 00:35:48,967 --> 00:35:51,867 Since these are all leaders that describe -- that talk to each 627 00:35:51,867 --> 00:35:53,900 other all the time, what's the point? 628 00:35:53,900 --> 00:35:56,200 Is it to once again make a statement, 629 00:35:56,200 --> 00:36:00,165 or is there some kind of action that the G7 could or would take? 630 00:36:00,166 --> 00:36:04,033 Mr. Carney: We have been coordinating closely with our 631 00:36:04,033 --> 00:36:08,266 allies and partners in Europe and elsewhere, 632 00:36:08,266 --> 00:36:11,900 and obviously the member nations of the G7 have been very 633 00:36:11,900 --> 00:36:15,500 actively engaged in the effort to coordinate a response to 634 00:36:15,500 --> 00:36:17,066 Russia's actions. 635 00:36:17,066 --> 00:36:18,966 So that will be the topic of the conversation. 636 00:36:18,967 --> 00:36:22,333 And I'm not going to preview a conversation that hasn't taken 637 00:36:22,333 --> 00:36:28,867 place except to say that we have worked collectively together and 638 00:36:28,867 --> 00:36:31,867 will continue to do so moving forward as necessary, 639 00:36:31,867 --> 00:36:33,767 depending on Russia's actions. 640 00:36:33,767 --> 00:36:35,767 The Press: There's nothing now that you could say that the President 641 00:36:35,767 --> 00:36:37,799 is going to table that would actually ask the G7 -- 642 00:36:37,800 --> 00:36:39,800 Mr. Carney: I'm not going to preview the meeting. 643 00:36:39,800 --> 00:36:40,700 Ed. 644 00:36:40,700 --> 00:36:42,633 The Press: Jay, on the Malaysian plane, 645 00:36:42,633 --> 00:36:45,834 when you said the President has been updated regularly, 646 00:36:45,834 --> 00:36:47,533 do you mean briefed every day? 647 00:36:47,533 --> 00:36:49,366 Can you describe his involvement? 648 00:36:49,367 --> 00:36:50,967 We understand the FBI is involved, 649 00:36:50,967 --> 00:36:52,700 but does this cross his desk every day? 650 00:36:52,700 --> 00:36:53,633 Mr. Carney: Absolutely. 651 00:36:53,633 --> 00:36:54,399 The Press: It does? 652 00:36:54,400 --> 00:36:57,367 Mr. Carney: I mean, he gets updates on the status of the 653 00:36:57,367 --> 00:37:02,133 search and investigation, the contributions that we're making. 654 00:37:02,133 --> 00:37:04,633 But again, this is an investigation being led 655 00:37:04,633 --> 00:37:09,133 appropriately by the Malaysian government, 656 00:37:09,133 --> 00:37:10,567 to which we are providing significant assistance. 657 00:37:10,567 --> 00:37:13,133 The Press: And on Ukraine, I want to drill down on -- 658 00:37:13,133 --> 00:37:15,100 the Ukrainian Prime Minister was here last week. 659 00:37:15,100 --> 00:37:16,366 The President pledged his support. 660 00:37:16,367 --> 00:37:19,600 Yesterday, the Prime Minister made some allegations that the 661 00:37:19,600 --> 00:37:24,734 Ukrainian military officer being killed yesterday was, 662 00:37:24,734 --> 00:37:26,700 in his words, a Russian war crime. 663 00:37:26,700 --> 00:37:29,799 And he said it had moved from 664 00:37:29,800 --> 00:37:30,934 a political conflict to a military conflict. 665 00:37:30,934 --> 00:37:33,133 And I wonder, since you at the top used the phrase, 666 00:37:33,133 --> 00:37:37,600 "use of force," about what happened over the last 24 hours, 667 00:37:37,600 --> 00:37:39,500 does the White House agree with the Prime Minister? 668 00:37:39,500 --> 00:37:41,800 Do you believe we've moved from 669 00:37:41,800 --> 00:37:45,300 a political conflict in Ukraine to a military one? 670 00:37:45,300 --> 00:37:49,166 Mr. Carney: Russia intervened militarily, 671 00:37:49,166 --> 00:37:52,600 occupied a region of Ukraine with military forces; 672 00:37:52,600 --> 00:37:56,567 held a referendum in violation of Ukrainian law and the 673 00:37:56,567 --> 00:38:07,000 Ukrainian constitution in an environment intensified by the 674 00:38:07,000 --> 00:38:12,100 presence of heavily armed Russian military personnel. 675 00:38:12,100 --> 00:38:14,366 So I don't think there's been any doubt that there is a 676 00:38:14,367 --> 00:38:18,633 military component to this activity that is deeply 677 00:38:18,633 --> 00:38:25,567 troubling and elemental to what Russia has done. 678 00:38:25,567 --> 00:38:26,800 After all, as we've talked about, 679 00:38:26,800 --> 00:38:32,600 there is a means by which the residents of Crimea, 680 00:38:32,600 --> 00:38:39,767 the Crimean region of Ukraine, can seek a change in their 681 00:38:39,767 --> 00:38:41,667 territorial status, their relationship 682 00:38:41,667 --> 00:38:46,967 to the central government in Kyiv. 683 00:38:46,967 --> 00:38:51,400 That kind of discussion has to be held consistent with the 684 00:38:51,400 --> 00:38:59,600 Ukrainian constitution and in a dialogue with the Ukrainian 685 00:38:59,600 --> 00:39:01,700 government and Ukrainian parliament. 686 00:39:01,700 --> 00:39:09,066 But those kinds of discussions are of course possible, 687 00:39:09,066 --> 00:39:13,366 and the Ukrainian government has indicated that it is willing 688 00:39:13,367 --> 00:39:16,600 to discuss constitutional reform and other issues, 689 00:39:16,600 --> 00:39:18,799 but it has to be done not at the point of a gun, 690 00:39:18,800 --> 00:39:21,633 not under threat of force, but in accordance with Ukrainian 691 00:39:21,633 --> 00:39:26,232 law, with international law, and not over the heads 692 00:39:26,233 --> 00:39:27,934 of democratically elected representatives 693 00:39:27,934 --> 00:39:28,900 of the Ukrainian people. 694 00:39:28,900 --> 00:39:30,100 The Press: I ask in part because the ambiguity of some 695 00:39:30,100 --> 00:39:33,232 of these forces that have been on the ground are not 696 00:39:33,233 --> 00:39:36,433 wearing necessarily Russian uniforms, but folks on the 697 00:39:36,433 --> 00:39:39,300 ground have seen vehicles with Russian plates on them. 698 00:39:39,300 --> 00:39:40,000 Mr. Carney: Yes. 699 00:39:40,000 --> 00:39:40,934 I don't think there's much ambiguity. 700 00:39:40,934 --> 00:39:41,800 The Press: So this White House believes 701 00:39:41,800 --> 00:39:42,600 clearly it's Russian military? 702 00:39:42,600 --> 00:39:46,866 Mr. Carney: I don't think the efforts to -- if they are such -- 703 00:39:46,867 --> 00:39:51,700 to camouflage the identity or the origin of these forces have 704 00:39:51,700 --> 00:39:53,966 been very successful, and I think they've been kind of 705 00:39:53,967 --> 00:39:54,867 half-hearted. 706 00:39:54,867 --> 00:39:55,734 The Press: Last one. 707 00:39:55,734 --> 00:39:57,433 You were asked about health care as an issue. 708 00:39:57,433 --> 00:40:00,133 Another issue the President is pushing is minimum wage. 709 00:40:00,133 --> 00:40:02,633 Republicans like Eric Cantor today are pushing the study by 710 00:40:02,633 --> 00:40:05,000 Express Employment Professionals, 711 00:40:05,000 --> 00:40:07,600 and they're claiming -- this is a group that's looked at how 712 00:40:07,600 --> 00:40:10,866 employers will deal with a minimum wage hike. 713 00:40:10,867 --> 00:40:12,367 I suspect you might have different views, 714 00:40:12,367 --> 00:40:15,567 so I ask you -- the survey found that 38 percent of employers who 715 00:40:15,567 --> 00:40:18,066 currently pay the minimum wage say that if you raised 716 00:40:18,066 --> 00:40:22,200 it to $10.10 an hour they would end up laying people off 717 00:40:22,200 --> 00:40:24,399 to cover costs -- 38 percent of those employers. 718 00:40:24,400 --> 00:40:25,633 How do you push the word on that issue? 719 00:40:25,633 --> 00:40:27,799 Mr. Carney: Well, I'm not sure -- it sounds like a little forum shopping 720 00:40:27,800 --> 00:40:31,133 for the survey he wanted and the report he wanted. 721 00:40:31,133 --> 00:40:34,500 What I can tell you is that overwhelmingly economists say 722 00:40:34,500 --> 00:40:39,967 that the macro impact of raising the minimum wage does not affect 723 00:40:39,967 --> 00:40:44,467 job creation in a negative way and that the positive economic 724 00:40:44,467 --> 00:40:48,600 benefit of raising the minimum wage spurs further economic 725 00:40:48,600 --> 00:40:52,600 growth and hiring because it puts more money in the pockets 726 00:40:52,600 --> 00:40:58,433 of those at the lower end of the earning -- lowest end of the 727 00:40:58,433 --> 00:41:03,033 earning scale, and folks who make that minimum tend to spend 728 00:41:03,033 --> 00:41:04,799 what they have in order to make ends meet. 729 00:41:04,800 --> 00:41:09,066 So if Congressman Cantor wants to take issue with the general 730 00:41:09,066 --> 00:41:11,866 proposition that in America you shouldn't work full-time and 731 00:41:11,867 --> 00:41:14,066 still be in poverty, he ought to say so. 732 00:41:14,066 --> 00:41:18,200 And he doesn't need a survey from an organization prepared 733 00:41:18,200 --> 00:41:20,433 to say what he wants to say to make that point. 734 00:41:20,433 --> 00:41:25,300 Just say you don't think that's a fair proposition; that, sure, 735 00:41:25,300 --> 00:41:28,967 it's okay in America to get paid the minimum wage and find out 736 00:41:28,967 --> 00:41:31,100 at the end of the week you're still in poverty. 737 00:41:31,100 --> 00:41:34,299 And that's a terrible consequence. 738 00:41:34,300 --> 00:41:39,300 What I don't understand from him or others is why a minimum wage 739 00:41:39,300 --> 00:41:46,133 that has naturally eroded in terms of its purchasing power 740 00:41:46,133 --> 00:41:49,332 because of inflation over the years -- why it was the right 741 00:41:49,333 --> 00:41:53,834 level in the past when Presidents have raised it and 742 00:41:53,834 --> 00:41:56,232 Congresses have raised it, but that's not the case now; 743 00:41:56,233 --> 00:42:00,834 why it's okay now but wasn't then that Americans work 744 00:42:00,834 --> 00:42:03,734 full-time and live in poverty. 745 00:42:03,734 --> 00:42:07,100 The Press: I'm wondering if you'd agree with an assertion that 746 00:42:07,100 --> 00:42:08,967 the NATO Secretary General is going to make in a speech 747 00:42:08,967 --> 00:42:11,767 in D.C. today that the situation 748 00:42:11,767 --> 00:42:14,399 in Ukraine is "the gravest threat to European 749 00:42:14,400 --> 00:42:17,934 security and stability since the end of the Cold War"? 750 00:42:17,934 --> 00:42:20,033 Mr. Carney: Well, I haven't heard him give the speech. 751 00:42:20,033 --> 00:42:21,333 It sounds like he hasn't yet. 752 00:42:21,333 --> 00:42:22,333 So I would say that -- 753 00:42:22,333 --> 00:42:23,400 The Press: It's in the prepared text. 754 00:42:23,400 --> 00:42:27,567 Mr. Carney: Well, I certainly wouldn't disagree with the fact 755 00:42:27,567 --> 00:42:32,500 that Russia's actions have created instability and concerns 756 00:42:32,500 --> 00:42:34,600 broadly about security in Europe 757 00:42:34,600 --> 00:42:39,633 in a way that we haven't seen certainly since the '90s. 758 00:42:39,633 --> 00:42:45,866 But it doesn't have to get worse. 759 00:42:45,867 --> 00:42:51,734 And what I think you've seen in the coordinated response by the 760 00:42:51,734 --> 00:42:57,033 international community and the consensus opposition to Russia's 761 00:42:57,033 --> 00:43:04,165 actions is that Russia will not find tolerance for this kind of 762 00:43:04,166 --> 00:43:08,300 behavior in violation of international law, 763 00:43:08,300 --> 00:43:11,700 and that there are costs and 764 00:43:11,700 --> 00:43:13,399 consequences associated with that behavior. 765 00:43:13,400 --> 00:43:16,166 And others have asked in the past -- and you've certainly 766 00:43:16,166 --> 00:43:25,500 seen it discussed -- how high of a cost is Russia willing to pay? 767 00:43:25,500 --> 00:43:28,500 I mean, that's obviously for Russian leaders to decide. 768 00:43:28,500 --> 00:43:29,700 But they're going to be real. 769 00:43:29,700 --> 00:43:36,899 And in this economy and this modern world, 770 00:43:36,900 --> 00:43:39,734 the outcome of having to pay those costs and having to suffer 771 00:43:39,734 --> 00:43:43,734 from the isolation associated with condemnation of these 772 00:43:43,734 --> 00:43:48,100 actions from around the world is significant, 773 00:43:48,100 --> 00:43:49,799 and it is most severe and significant 774 00:43:49,800 --> 00:43:53,400 for Russia and the Russian people. 775 00:43:53,400 --> 00:43:58,767 So we're going to continue to pursue with our allies and 776 00:43:58,767 --> 00:44:03,834 partners a set of policy responses that support our 777 00:44:03,834 --> 00:44:06,033 national security interests and the national security interests 778 00:44:06,033 --> 00:44:09,100 of our allies and partners. 779 00:44:09,100 --> 00:44:10,400 The Press: One other foreign policy issue. 780 00:44:10,400 --> 00:44:13,333 I'm wondering if you have a reaction to the latest critical 781 00:44:13,333 --> 00:44:16,834 comments about the administration from the Israeli 782 00:44:16,834 --> 00:44:21,399 Defense Minister Ya'alon, claiming that the administration 783 00:44:21,400 --> 00:44:25,600 is showing weakness on Iran and other issues. 784 00:44:25,600 --> 00:44:28,165 Mr. Carney: Well, those comments were clearly not constructive. 785 00:44:28,166 --> 00:44:31,000 The United States maintains an unshakeable commitment 786 00:44:31,000 --> 00:44:32,367 to Israel's security. 787 00:44:32,367 --> 00:44:36,433 President Obama has provided an all-time high level of security 788 00:44:36,433 --> 00:44:39,800 assistance to Israel, including critical Iron Dome and missile 789 00:44:39,800 --> 00:44:44,133 defense funding, even during times of budgetary uncertainty, 790 00:44:44,133 --> 00:44:46,866 to provide Israel with unprecedented capabilities and 791 00:44:46,867 --> 00:44:50,433 options that help Israel better deal with regional threats and 792 00:44:50,433 --> 00:44:51,433 challenges. 793 00:44:51,433 --> 00:44:55,266 Now, Minister Ya'alon could consult with Prime Minister 794 00:44:55,266 --> 00:44:57,400 Netanyahu, who has said that the breadth of our security 795 00:44:57,400 --> 00:44:59,934 cooperation, this administration's security 796 00:44:59,934 --> 00:45:04,033 cooperation with Israel is unprecedented. 797 00:45:04,033 --> 00:45:09,700 And it's certainly confusing why Minister Ya'alon would continue 798 00:45:09,700 --> 00:45:12,567 this pattern of his, of making comments that don't accurately 799 00:45:12,567 --> 00:45:16,633 represent the scope of our close partnership on a range of 800 00:45:16,633 --> 00:45:18,533 security issues and the enduring bonds 801 00:45:18,533 --> 00:45:20,133 between the United States and Israel. 802 00:45:20,133 --> 00:45:24,100 The Press: Do you in any way think he was representing the government 803 00:45:24,100 --> 00:45:27,767 itself in those comments, or is he just freelancing? 804 00:45:27,767 --> 00:45:29,299 Mr. Carney: Well, you should ask him. 805 00:45:29,300 --> 00:45:32,967 I would point you to the comments of other very prominent 806 00:45:32,967 --> 00:45:35,467 Israeli leaders, including the Prime Minister, 807 00:45:35,467 --> 00:45:39,033 about the demonstrated commitment of this 808 00:45:39,033 --> 00:45:42,232 administration and this country to Israel's security. 809 00:45:42,233 --> 00:45:43,133 Alexis. 810 00:45:43,133 --> 00:45:45,033 The Press: Jay, just to follow up on what Peter was asking, 811 00:45:45,033 --> 00:45:47,734 just to close that loop -- did the President speak with Prime 812 00:45:47,734 --> 00:45:51,533 Minister Netanyahu in the last day or two? 813 00:45:51,533 --> 00:45:55,433 Mr. Carney: I don't believe so, but I don't have any 814 00:45:55,433 --> 00:45:57,500 foreign leader conversations to read out. 815 00:45:57,500 --> 00:45:58,934 The Press: And would that also include the President's interest 816 00:45:58,934 --> 00:46:02,834 in talking to the leaders that he'll see next week, 817 00:46:02,834 --> 00:46:04,866 related to Ukraine and Russia? 818 00:46:04,867 --> 00:46:06,233 You can't say whether he had any more calls -- 819 00:46:06,233 --> 00:46:07,734 Mr. Carney: He spoke with Chancellor Merkel yesterday; 820 00:46:07,734 --> 00:46:08,667 I think we read that out. 821 00:46:08,667 --> 00:46:13,133 And we've been reading out calls pretty consistently. 822 00:46:13,133 --> 00:46:15,899 But not every conversation is read out, 823 00:46:15,900 --> 00:46:18,200 so I don't have any to read out today. 824 00:46:18,200 --> 00:46:18,866 The Press: And one follow-up. 825 00:46:18,867 --> 00:46:22,567 On the President's discussions with local anchors today, 826 00:46:22,567 --> 00:46:27,266 can you describe -- because of the range of cities and 827 00:46:27,266 --> 00:46:30,100 localities -- what the President, 828 00:46:30,100 --> 00:46:34,100 how he chose -- how you all chose those particular stations? 829 00:46:34,100 --> 00:46:38,799 Because not all those audiences are Obama fans. 830 00:46:38,800 --> 00:46:42,667 Mr. Carney: Well, I think that -- I guess you've made my point for me. 831 00:46:42,667 --> 00:46:46,900 That's not what these kinds of efforts to reach people where 832 00:46:46,900 --> 00:46:50,800 they live and through the channels that they receive their 833 00:46:50,800 --> 00:46:55,734 information is about. We have in today's interviews 834 00:46:55,734 --> 00:46:59,900 continued our "Live from the White House" efforts, 835 00:46:59,900 --> 00:47:02,467 and this is an event consistent with ones 836 00:47:02,467 --> 00:47:03,000 we've done in the past. 837 00:47:03,000 --> 00:47:05,300 The President will participate in the latest installment of 838 00:47:05,300 --> 00:47:07,700 "Live from the White House" by conducting a round of interviews 839 00:47:07,700 --> 00:47:10,667 with local television anchors from New England, St. Louis, 840 00:47:10,667 --> 00:47:13,967 Minneapolis, Dallas, Phoenix and San Diego to make the case for 841 00:47:13,967 --> 00:47:15,734 raising the minimum wage and giving 842 00:47:15,734 --> 00:47:18,700 hardworking Americans the raise they deserve. 843 00:47:18,700 --> 00:47:21,332 While in Washington, the local anchors will spend the day with 844 00:47:21,333 --> 00:47:22,567 behind-the-scenes access 845 00:47:22,567 --> 00:47:24,834 to the White House and the President's top advisors. 846 00:47:24,834 --> 00:47:29,533 These interviews are embargoed until 5:00 p.m. 847 00:47:29,533 --> 00:47:31,333 Eastern Daylight Time and they will take place in the 848 00:47:31,333 --> 00:47:35,834 Diplomatic Room in the Residence. 849 00:47:35,834 --> 00:47:41,165 The President will obviously be discussing with these regional 850 00:47:41,166 --> 00:47:45,400 television anchors his views about why it's so necessary 851 00:47:45,400 --> 00:47:48,734 to raise the minimum wage so that American families across 852 00:47:48,734 --> 00:47:50,333 the country are not living in poverty even though they're 853 00:47:50,333 --> 00:47:52,533 working full-time or their breadwinners are working 854 00:47:52,533 --> 00:47:54,600 full-time. 855 00:47:54,600 --> 00:47:57,767 Other questions may be asked, and if they are he'll answer 856 00:47:57,767 --> 00:48:00,734 them. 857 00:48:00,734 --> 00:48:04,900 I had the anchors who were visiting us today in my office 858 00:48:04,900 --> 00:48:08,300 earlier, and I said one of the things that -- and I mean 859 00:48:08,300 --> 00:48:10,967 no disrespect by saying this -- but when I was a member of the 860 00:48:10,967 --> 00:48:15,900 national media I did not understand as clearly 861 00:48:15,900 --> 00:48:25,467 as I do now how impactful and important a source of news, 862 00:48:25,467 --> 00:48:29,033 local television news and certainly local newspapers are. 863 00:48:29,033 --> 00:48:32,467 And, again, this is part of our effort -- consistent, 864 00:48:32,467 --> 00:48:34,834 across the board since President Obama has been in office -- 865 00:48:34,834 --> 00:48:38,533 to make sure we're communicating with Americans across the 866 00:48:38,533 --> 00:48:43,600 country and reaching them where they live, if you will. 867 00:48:43,600 --> 00:48:46,066 And that obviously includes, as he frequently does, 868 00:48:46,066 --> 00:48:47,366 talking to the national media. 869 00:48:47,367 --> 00:48:50,433 But it includes talking to local and regional media, too. 870 00:48:50,433 --> 00:48:52,967 Last one, Victoria. 871 00:48:52,967 --> 00:48:54,533 The Press: Have U.S. business groups 872 00:48:54,533 --> 00:48:56,500 or members of the business community been in 873 00:48:56,500 --> 00:48:59,667 touch with the administration about sanctions, 874 00:48:59,667 --> 00:49:02,500 maybe to express concerns or to talk about it? 875 00:49:02,500 --> 00:49:08,367 Mr. Carney: I don't have -- I think it's fair to assume, 876 00:49:08,367 --> 00:49:11,166 or I can say for a fact that whenever, 877 00:49:11,166 --> 00:49:16,367 under any circumstance, we consider imposing sanctions, 878 00:49:16,367 --> 00:49:19,800 that evaluations are made about what the impact of the 879 00:49:19,800 --> 00:49:23,233 imposition of sanctions would be on the U.S. 880 00:49:23,233 --> 00:49:26,633 economy, the economy of our allies and partners, 881 00:49:26,633 --> 00:49:28,232 the economies of our allies and partners, 882 00:49:28,233 --> 00:49:29,934 and on U.S. businesses. 883 00:49:29,934 --> 00:49:32,700 So I think when those assessments are made, 884 00:49:32,700 --> 00:49:34,966 those kinds of considerations are taken into account. 885 00:49:34,967 --> 00:49:38,600 But I don't have any specific conversations to read out 886 00:49:38,600 --> 00:49:40,633 because that process takes place naturally. 887 00:49:40,633 --> 00:49:42,866 The Press: What is the assessment of what the impact 888 00:49:42,867 --> 00:49:46,133 will be on U.S.-Russian business? 889 00:49:46,133 --> 00:49:49,567 Mr. Carney: Well, I think that question presupposes actions 890 00:49:49,567 --> 00:49:55,166 that we have not yet taken, so I will be in a better position 891 00:49:55,166 --> 00:50:00,700 to answer that if and when further sanctions are imposed. 892 00:50:00,700 --> 00:50:03,165 The Press: Jay, did you see this report that Ukraine's military 893 00:50:03,166 --> 00:50:07,433 is taking steps to withdraw its forces from Crimea? 894 00:50:07,433 --> 00:50:10,333 The Associated Press and AFP have both reported this in the 895 00:50:10,333 --> 00:50:11,734 last half hour. 896 00:50:11,734 --> 00:50:13,100 Is there a reaction from the administration? 897 00:50:13,100 --> 00:50:14,700 Mr. Carney: Well, I would simply point you to what I said earlier, 898 00:50:14,700 --> 00:50:19,533 that any harm done to Ukrainian military personnel 899 00:50:19,533 --> 00:50:23,734 by Russian military personnel is the responsibility of Russian 900 00:50:23,734 --> 00:50:27,467 military personnel, and it's essential that Ukrainian 901 00:50:27,467 --> 00:50:29,567 military personnel are not harmed. 902 00:50:29,567 --> 00:50:31,066 But I haven't seen those reports. 903 00:50:31,066 --> 00:50:33,265 The Press: Jay, on immigration, I understand the President 904 00:50:33,266 --> 00:50:35,934 was going to see the movie of César Chávez. 905 00:50:35,934 --> 00:50:36,633 Mr. Carney: Yes. 906 00:50:36,633 --> 00:50:39,500 The Press: Do you think this is going to help to make the point 907 00:50:39,500 --> 00:50:42,734 about the need for immigration reform? 908 00:50:42,734 --> 00:50:47,834 Mr. Carney: Well, I think the place that César Chávez has in our history 909 00:50:47,834 --> 00:50:54,332 and the importance of new generations of Americans 910 00:50:54,333 --> 00:50:57,667 understanding the place that he holds is important. 911 00:50:57,667 --> 00:51:00,799 Separate and apart from any conversation about policy, 912 00:51:00,800 --> 00:51:04,400 we're engaged in an effort across the board to make sure 913 00:51:04,400 --> 00:51:10,467 that the benefits of comprehensive immigration reform 914 00:51:10,467 --> 00:51:12,700 are understood -- the security benefits, 915 00:51:12,700 --> 00:51:17,332 the economic benefits that comprehensive immigration reform 916 00:51:17,333 --> 00:51:21,500 provides -- and that folks understand that there isn't 917 00:51:21,500 --> 00:51:23,867 an alternative to comprehensive immigration reform, 918 00:51:23,867 --> 00:51:26,834 and that there's a bipartisan consensus across the country 919 00:51:26,834 --> 00:51:30,066 that includes business and labor, 920 00:51:30,066 --> 00:51:32,200 law enforcement and faith communities, 921 00:51:32,200 --> 00:51:36,633 Democrats and Republicans behind the need to get this done. 922 00:51:36,633 --> 00:51:39,567 The Senate has done it in bipartisan fashion 923 00:51:39,567 --> 00:51:41,800 with a big vote. The House can do it. 924 00:51:41,800 --> 00:51:45,633 I am absolutely confident, and I wish I had the opportunity 925 00:51:45,633 --> 00:51:50,033 to put my money, metaphorically, on the table to back this up, 926 00:51:50,033 --> 00:51:56,033 that if legislation similar to the Senate bill were put on the 927 00:51:56,033 --> 00:51:57,133 floor of the House today it would pass with Democrats and 928 00:51:57,133 --> 00:51:58,100 Republicans voting for it. 929 00:51:58,100 --> 00:52:01,433 The Press: Is the President aware that César Chávez opposed 930 00:52:01,433 --> 00:52:04,367 guest workers, which the President's bill would double? 931 00:52:04,367 --> 00:52:10,367 César Chávez said reducing guest workers drove up wages. 932 00:52:10,367 --> 00:52:12,033 Mr. Carney: I appreciate the history lesson, Neil, 933 00:52:12,033 --> 00:52:15,299 but I think I was talking to this gentleman here. 934 00:52:15,300 --> 00:52:19,033 The fact of the matter is -- and maybe Neil can explain this -- 935 00:52:19,033 --> 00:52:23,533 why -- that if Speaker Boehner would simply put a bill on the 936 00:52:23,533 --> 00:52:25,299 floor it would get Republican support 937 00:52:25,300 --> 00:52:26,800 as well as Democratic support. 938 00:52:26,800 --> 00:52:29,200 And then you would see a situation where in Congress the 939 00:52:29,200 --> 00:52:32,600 American people could see that both parties supported this 940 00:52:32,600 --> 00:52:37,400 vital initiative that would enhance security, 941 00:52:37,400 --> 00:52:39,300 ensure that businesses across the country were playing by the 942 00:52:39,300 --> 00:52:43,600 same rules, and would be a direct benefit to the bottom 943 00:52:43,600 --> 00:52:46,734 line, if you will, to economic growth and job creation. 944 00:52:46,734 --> 00:52:50,200 So we look forward to that day arriving. 945 00:52:50,200 --> 00:52:51,299 Thanks, everybody.