English subtitles for clip: File:5-8-09- White House Press Briefing.webm
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1 00:00:10,300 --> 00:00:24,570 Mr. Gibbs: Good Friday afternoon, everyone. 2 00:00:24,567 --> 00:00:27,637 Let me start with a couple of -- well, 3 00:00:27,633 --> 00:00:31,533 I have one trip announcement, I have the upcoming week ahead, 4 00:00:31,533 --> 00:00:36,603 and a readout of the President's call to President-elect Zuma of South Africa. 5 00:00:36,600 --> 00:00:43,230 But I want to start by talking about the President's June trip overseas. 6 00:00:43,233 --> 00:00:50,203 On June 4 the President will give a speech in Egypt. 7 00:00:50,200 --> 00:00:55,370 The speech will be about America's relations with the Muslim world. 8 00:00:55,367 --> 00:01:00,637 He will then travel on June 5 to Dresden, 9 00:01:00,633 --> 00:01:05,163 Germany and visit Buchenwald Concentration Camp. 10 00:01:05,166 --> 00:01:07,296 And on June 6, as has been reported, 11 00:01:07,300 --> 00:01:12,530 the President will take part in activities commemorating the 12 00:01:12,533 --> 00:01:24,363 65th anniversary of D-Day. The week ahead for you-- 13 00:01:24,367 --> 00:01:25,797 The Press: Where in Egypt is the speech? 14 00:01:25,800 --> 00:01:34,000 Mr. Gibbs: We have not locked in the final location yet. The week ahead. 15 00:01:34,000 --> 00:01:35,730 The President will speak at the White House Correspondent's 16 00:01:35,734 --> 00:01:39,634 Dinner tomorrow evening, looking forward to that. 17 00:01:39,633 --> 00:01:43,063 He has no scheduled public events on Sunday. 18 00:01:43,066 --> 00:01:48,466 On Monday, the President will attend meetings and have an event here at the White House. 19 00:01:48,467 --> 00:01:51,697 The President will also welcome the University of North Carolina 20 00:01:51,700 --> 00:01:54,770 men's basketball team to the White House. 21 00:01:54,767 --> 00:01:57,267 That is an NC State alum, that was hard. 22 00:01:57,266 --> 00:02:01,496 On Tuesday, the President will attend meetings and events at the White House. 23 00:02:01,500 --> 00:02:04,230 In the evening in the East Room the President and First Lady 24 00:02:04,233 --> 00:02:09,603 will host an evening celebrating poetry, music and the spoken word. 25 00:02:09,600 --> 00:02:12,830 On Wednesday the President will attend meetings in the White House. 26 00:02:12,834 --> 00:02:15,364 In the afternoon he will travel to Arizona, 27 00:02:15,367 --> 00:02:21,097 where he will deliver the commencement address at Arizona State University in Tempe. 28 00:02:21,100 --> 00:02:23,200 Following the address he will travel to Albuquerque, 29 00:02:23,200 --> 00:02:26,770 New Mexico where he will spend the night. 30 00:02:26,767 --> 00:02:31,367 I believe the speech is 7:00 p. m. local time. 31 00:02:31,367 --> 00:02:34,267 On Thursday the President will hold an event in Albuquerque, 32 00:02:34,266 --> 00:02:41,396 likely a town hall meeting, before returning to Washington in the evening. 33 00:02:41,400 --> 00:02:43,870 On Friday the President will attend an event and meetings 34 00:02:43,867 --> 00:02:46,867 here at the White House, and in the afternoon he will welcome 35 00:02:46,867 --> 00:02:52,497 the Philadelphia Phillies to the White House. 36 00:02:52,500 --> 00:02:54,430 Let me give you a quick readout of the President's call with 37 00:02:54,433 --> 00:02:56,963 President-elect Zuma of South Africa. 38 00:02:56,967 --> 00:02:59,597 President Obama congratulated President-elect Zuma on the 39 00:02:59,600 --> 00:03:01,470 successful election in South Africa, 40 00:03:01,467 --> 00:03:04,437 noting the impressive 77 percent turn out, 41 00:03:04,433 --> 00:03:07,963 and commending South Africans for their commitment to democracy. 42 00:03:07,967 --> 00:03:10,267 President Obama and President-elect Zuma agreed that 43 00:03:10,266 --> 00:03:13,296 the United States and South Africa share many interests and 44 00:03:13,300 --> 00:03:16,970 look forward to deepening and improving their bilateral relationship. 45 00:03:16,967 --> 00:03:20,497 President Obama encouraged President-elect Zuma to show 46 00:03:20,500 --> 00:03:23,130 strong regional leadership and the two discussed the need for 47 00:03:23,133 --> 00:03:29,333 sustained international efforts to promote reform in Zimbabwe. 48 00:03:29,333 --> 00:03:34,163 And that appears to be all that I have. 49 00:03:34,166 --> 00:03:38,366 The Press: Robert, does the President consider Egypt to be a democracy? 50 00:03:38,367 --> 00:03:43,297 Mr. Gibbs: I think the issues of democracy and human rights are 51 00:03:43,300 --> 00:03:48,200 things that are on the President's mind, 52 00:03:48,200 --> 00:03:53,970 and we'll have a chance to discuss those in more depth on the trip. 53 00:03:53,967 --> 00:03:59,697 The Press: Can you give us some insight into why he chose Egypt for this speech? 54 00:03:59,700 --> 00:04:03,030 Mr. Gibbs: Well, I -- again, we haven't locked in the final 55 00:04:03,033 --> 00:04:09,603 location, but I think obviously it is a country that in many 56 00:04:09,600 --> 00:04:13,670 ways represents the heart of the Arab world, 57 00:04:13,667 --> 00:04:20,197 and I think will be a trip, a terrific opportunity for the President to 58 00:04:20,200 --> 00:04:26,500 address and discuss our relationship with the Muslim world. Yes, sir. 59 00:04:26,500 --> 00:04:27,730 The Press: Robert, two questions. 60 00:04:27,734 --> 00:04:31,234 First, on banks, in light of the stress tests yesterday, 61 00:04:31,233 --> 00:04:34,303 the banks have come out with their plans on how to fill the 62 00:04:34,300 --> 00:04:38,470 capital holes that were identified. 63 00:04:38,467 --> 00:04:41,767 Does the White House believe those plans from the banks are credible? 64 00:04:41,767 --> 00:04:46,737 Mr. Gibbs: Well, I don't know that we have fully reviewed the 65 00:04:46,734 --> 00:04:50,834 plans that have yet come forward. 66 00:04:50,834 --> 00:04:55,664 I know there's a several week period from which to develop and 67 00:04:55,667 --> 00:05:02,467 submit a plan, and ultimately a several month period by which to execute that plan. 68 00:05:02,467 --> 00:05:06,667 Those plans will be evaluated and there are, 69 00:05:06,667 --> 00:05:11,067 as I've mentioned before, many steps that can be taken in order 70 00:05:11,066 --> 00:05:15,436 to increase that capital needed as the stress test requires, 71 00:05:15,433 --> 00:05:19,063 whether -- I think most banks have said they strongly prefer 72 00:05:19,066 --> 00:05:21,736 to do this through the private market. 73 00:05:21,734 --> 00:05:23,834 That would certainly be our preference, as well. 74 00:05:23,834 --> 00:05:28,104 And as I said yesterday, many financial institutions have used 75 00:05:28,100 --> 00:05:33,370 the first few months of this year to raise that private capital. 76 00:05:33,367 --> 00:05:35,937 They can also sell businesses and assets, again, 77 00:05:35,934 --> 00:05:39,004 which some have done over the course of several months. 78 00:05:39,000 --> 00:05:47,130 And there may also be financial institutions that wish to seek 79 00:05:47,133 --> 00:05:50,563 capital from the Treasury and we'll certainly evaluate that. 80 00:05:50,567 --> 00:05:52,097 The Press: But do you like what you're hearing so far? 81 00:05:52,100 --> 00:05:55,430 Mr. Gibbs: I have not seen these plans and I don't -- I would 82 00:05:55,433 --> 00:06:01,263 point you to Treasury and the regulators involved to get a chance to look at that. 83 00:06:01,266 --> 00:06:02,836 The Press: Let me ask one question about next week. 84 00:06:02,834 --> 00:06:08,434 Will the town hall have a theme -- for example, credit cards? 85 00:06:08,433 --> 00:06:12,933 Mr. Gibbs: That is the theme that we have notionally discussed inside of here, yes. 86 00:06:12,934 --> 00:06:14,834 The Press: What exactly? 87 00:06:14,834 --> 00:06:18,664 Mr. Gibbs: The legislation that's moving through Congress 88 00:06:18,667 --> 00:06:27,137 and the strong desire to get something done on an issue of 89 00:06:27,133 --> 00:06:29,903 tremendous importance to middle-class families, 90 00:06:29,900 --> 00:06:33,170 and that is to rein in some of the excesses and some of the 91 00:06:33,166 --> 00:06:37,396 abuses that we've seen from credit cards over the past many 92 00:06:37,400 --> 00:06:40,230 years, understanding that, for many people, 93 00:06:40,233 --> 00:06:47,703 credit cards provide an opportunity to finance purchases. 94 00:06:47,700 --> 00:06:51,330 But we think there's a more equitable way to do that, 95 00:06:51,333 --> 00:06:54,233 and I think that those reforms are on their way through Congress. Yes, sir. 96 00:06:54,233 --> 00:06:57,563 The Press: Why Egypt as the location for this major address? 97 00:06:57,567 --> 00:07:02,897 Mr. Gibbs: Well, really nothing to add from what I told Chuck. 98 00:07:02,900 --> 00:07:07,000 The Press: Obviously Egypt is considered -- there are a lot of 99 00:07:07,000 --> 00:07:11,600 Muslims who look at the leadership of Egypt warily and 100 00:07:11,600 --> 00:07:18,170 consider it to be exactly the problem with leaders in the Muslim world. 101 00:07:18,166 --> 00:07:23,936 Obviously Zawahiri came from terrorist organizations that fight Egyptian leaders. 102 00:07:23,934 --> 00:07:28,434 Is it not possible that this is a bad selection? 103 00:07:28,433 --> 00:07:34,233 Mr. Gibbs: No. I think, as I mentioned earlier, I think, in many ways, 104 00:07:34,233 --> 00:07:40,733 this is the heart of Arab world. And I think, in many ways -- Jake, 105 00:07:40,734 --> 00:07:47,064 this isn't a speech -- this isn't a speech to leaders. 106 00:07:47,066 --> 00:07:55,366 This is a speech to many, many people and a continuing effort 107 00:07:55,367 --> 00:08:01,337 by this President and this White House to demonstrate how we can 108 00:08:01,333 --> 00:08:06,933 work together to ensure the safety and security and the 109 00:08:06,934 --> 00:08:11,164 future well-being, through hope and opportunity, 110 00:08:11,166 --> 00:08:16,696 of the children of this country and of the Muslim world. 111 00:08:16,700 --> 00:08:19,900 And that's what the President set out to do when he promised 112 00:08:19,900 --> 00:08:24,630 to give the speech, and that's exactly what he intends to do next month. 113 00:08:24,633 --> 00:08:26,163 The Press: I guess my only point is there are a lot of Muslims 114 00:08:26,166 --> 00:08:28,966 who think of Mubarak and the Egyptian leaders as part of the problem. 115 00:08:28,967 --> 00:08:36,367 Mr. Gibbs: Right. Well, again, this is not about who the leaders might be of any 116 00:08:36,367 --> 00:08:42,067 certain country; this is about the way the President views this 117 00:08:42,066 --> 00:08:46,396 relationship, the way he thinks this country should view that 118 00:08:46,400 --> 00:08:50,500 relationship, and the shared and common progress that we can make 119 00:08:50,500 --> 00:08:54,430 to strengthen that relationship and fight extremists. Yes, ma'am. 120 00:08:54,433 --> 00:08:58,263 The Press: A budget question, if I can. 121 00:08:58,266 --> 00:09:02,336 Yesterday, the budget proposal called for cutting the State 122 00:09:02,333 --> 00:09:04,933 Criminal Alien Assistance Program. 123 00:09:04,934 --> 00:09:08,604 And President Obama, when he was in the Senate, 124 00:09:08,600 --> 00:09:12,230 supported that program. And now he wants to cut it. 125 00:09:12,233 --> 00:09:13,963 Can you explain why the difference in thinking? 126 00:09:13,967 --> 00:09:18,967 Mr. Gibbs: Sure. It's a block grant program that, based on the evaluation that OMB 127 00:09:18,967 --> 00:09:34,067 made, they believe in many cases funds projects and such that may 128 00:09:34,066 --> 00:09:38,536 not necessarily fall under the genuine scope of the program. 129 00:09:38,533 --> 00:09:41,803 That's not to say that the President doesn't have strong 130 00:09:41,800 --> 00:09:46,470 views on immigration and enforcement. 131 00:09:46,467 --> 00:09:51,267 I think since we all took a gander at the larger budget 132 00:09:51,266 --> 00:09:56,636 yesterday, I think you would note that there's a sizable 133 00:09:56,633 --> 00:10:02,063 amount of money to increase enforcement at the border as an 134 00:10:02,066 --> 00:10:08,496 important step on our path toward immigration reform. Yes, sir. 135 00:10:08,500 --> 00:10:12,100 The Press: Robert, is the administration satisfied, 136 00:10:12,100 --> 00:10:16,730 or even encouraged by, signs of stepped up military action by 137 00:10:16,734 --> 00:10:20,064 the Pakistani forces in the Swat Valley? 138 00:10:20,066 --> 00:10:24,136 Mr. Gibbs: Well, Mark, I think the meetings this week were 139 00:10:24,133 --> 00:10:28,363 helpful and instructive on both sides. 140 00:10:28,367 --> 00:10:34,167 I think the President believes and heard from the leaders of a 141 00:10:34,166 --> 00:10:41,236 renewed commitment to address extremism, to address al Qaeda, 142 00:10:41,233 --> 00:10:45,433 the Taliban and all of its extremist allies. 143 00:10:45,433 --> 00:10:51,103 Obviously we continue to be concerned about the situation and will watch it carefully. 144 00:10:51,100 --> 00:10:58,130 But the President believes the outcome of the meetings was good and so far thus are the actions. 145 00:10:58,133 --> 00:11:01,203 The Press: Does President Obama believe that he and President 146 00:11:01,200 --> 00:11:05,670 Zardari view the Taliban in the same light? 147 00:11:05,667 --> 00:11:09,467 Mr. Gibbs: Well, I think that the President feels confident 148 00:11:09,467 --> 00:11:14,837 that there is a renewed recognition of the threat that's 149 00:11:14,834 --> 00:11:26,134 posed -- the threat by the Taliban and others -- not just to our country, but to Pakistan. 150 00:11:26,133 --> 00:11:30,533 The Press: So you think you're on the same page? 151 00:11:30,533 --> 00:11:32,663 Mr. Gibbs: I think we're heartened by the developments thus far. 152 00:11:32,667 --> 00:11:35,897 But again, it's something of deep concern to the President 153 00:11:35,900 --> 00:11:38,330 and to the national security team and something we'll 154 00:11:38,333 --> 00:11:40,933 continue to monitor. 155 00:11:40,934 --> 00:11:46,234 This is, Mark, something that increasingly is -- has been on 156 00:11:46,233 --> 00:11:51,233 the President's radar for many years and something that the 157 00:11:51,233 --> 00:11:53,963 team and the President here spend an increasing amount of 158 00:11:53,967 --> 00:12:00,267 time watching, to ensure that we continue to make progress. 159 00:12:00,266 --> 00:12:02,996 I would say also this is -- part of the efforts for these 160 00:12:03,000 --> 00:12:08,400 meetings here this week were to address not simply the military 161 00:12:08,400 --> 00:12:10,070 and the shared security concerns, 162 00:12:10,066 --> 00:12:14,596 in hopes the shared security concerns for alliance that will 163 00:12:14,600 --> 00:12:21,000 address those threats, but also importantly to address 164 00:12:21,000 --> 00:12:25,370 corruption, to address rebuilding and reconstruction, 165 00:12:25,367 --> 00:12:28,637 to address agricultural production. 166 00:12:28,633 --> 00:12:34,433 I think the President has often said that security is our utmost 167 00:12:34,433 --> 00:12:38,163 concern, but the problems that are being faced in either 168 00:12:38,166 --> 00:12:42,766 Pakistan or Afghanistan are not necessarily going to be solved 169 00:12:42,767 --> 00:12:49,067 only by military action; that only when each government can 170 00:12:49,066 --> 00:12:56,696 adequately and sufficiently provide some economic hope to 171 00:12:56,700 --> 00:12:59,570 its citizens will we see genuine progress. 172 00:12:59,567 --> 00:13:07,237 And that's why the meetings were important not just at the 173 00:13:07,233 --> 00:13:10,733 presidential level but ensuring that those in charge of 174 00:13:10,734 --> 00:13:18,904 agriculture got together and met, those that are concerned about the economy, 175 00:13:18,900 --> 00:13:22,230 those that are concerned about police, law enforcement, 176 00:13:22,233 --> 00:13:26,233 and intelligence sharing all got together. 177 00:13:26,233 --> 00:13:29,203 And it will be a continued effort by this President and 178 00:13:29,200 --> 00:13:35,000 this team to engage these two important countries to make that progress. Chuck. 179 00:13:35,000 --> 00:13:36,600 The Press: Robert, back to Egypt. 180 00:13:36,600 --> 00:13:40,670 So is it correct to say that your choice of Egypt in no way 181 00:13:40,667 --> 00:13:42,397 should be interpreted as an endorsement of sort of the Mubarak form of democracy. ,00:13:47.066 The Press: Or Mike Bloomberg. 182 00:13:47,066 --> 00:13:50,066 (laughter) 183 00:13:50,066 --> 00:13:51,796 Mr. Gibbs: That's good -- you got to give him credit on that one. 184 00:13:51,800 --> 00:13:55,230 The Press: I got to give credit. Today. 185 00:13:55,233 --> 00:13:57,363 (laughter) 186 00:13:57,367 --> 00:14:02,297 Mr. Gibbs: Look, again, I think the scope of the speech, 187 00:14:02,300 --> 00:14:08,470 the desire for the President to speak is bigger than where the 188 00:14:08,467 --> 00:14:10,997 speech was going to be given or who is the leadership of the 189 00:14:11,000 --> 00:14:12,500 country where the speech is given. 190 00:14:12,500 --> 00:14:15,500 The Press: Was this based on an invitation that President Mubarak had given? 191 00:14:15,500 --> 00:14:16,430 Mr. Gibbs: No. 192 00:14:16,433 --> 00:14:18,703 The Press: So it was a -- you reached out to him and said, 193 00:14:18,700 --> 00:14:20,670 hey, we want to come to Egypt and give this speech? 194 00:14:20,667 --> 00:14:25,637 Mr. Gibbs: This was a -- this is a country that we selected to speak in. 195 00:14:25,633 --> 00:14:30,063 The Press: President Zardari, in an interview with David Gregory 196 00:14:30,066 --> 00:14:34,036 that's going to air Sunday, said -- plug-plug -- 197 00:14:34,033 --> 00:14:37,133 (laughter) 198 00:14:37,133 --> 00:14:38,163 Mr. Gibbs: Did you want to come up here? 199 00:14:38,166 --> 00:14:38,936 (laughter) 200 00:14:38,934 --> 00:14:42,364 The Press: -- said that he thought Osama bin Laden is 201 00:14:42,367 --> 00:14:43,197 probably dead. 202 00:14:43,200 --> 00:14:45,400 What is -- can you give us a status on what the 203 00:14:45,400 --> 00:14:50,830 administration believes about Osama bin Laden's whereabouts or -- 204 00:14:50,834 --> 00:14:58,434 Mr. Gibbs: I don't have any information on whether he's dead or alive. 205 00:14:58,433 --> 00:15:00,603 The Press: Is it still a priority to find -- I mean, 206 00:15:00,600 --> 00:15:03,700 would you describe sort of the level -- 207 00:15:03,700 --> 00:15:07,330 Mr. Gibbs: I think it -- I think the President has talked about this. 208 00:15:07,333 --> 00:15:13,703 I think the President certainly believes that Osama bin Laden 209 00:15:13,700 --> 00:15:20,870 and others should be brought to justice. 210 00:15:20,867 --> 00:15:23,697 I think also the President has discussed and I think it's 211 00:15:23,700 --> 00:15:27,570 obvious with what's going on in Pakistan and Afghanistan now is 212 00:15:27,567 --> 00:15:32,867 that our focus has to be in addressing all of the security 213 00:15:32,867 --> 00:15:40,237 concerns, not just focusing on one individual. Jonathan. 214 00:15:40,233 --> 00:15:43,703 The Press: The economy shed another half a million jobs, 215 00:15:43,700 --> 00:15:47,000 more than a half million jobs last week. 216 00:15:47,000 --> 00:15:50,830 And the last month the unemployment rate is nearing 9 percent. 217 00:15:50,834 --> 00:15:55,164 Does the President believe that what needs to be done with the 218 00:15:55,166 --> 00:15:59,496 stimulus, with the financial rescue is now done and it's just 219 00:15:59,500 --> 00:16:01,530 time to sit back and wait? 220 00:16:01,533 --> 00:16:06,203 Or are there other things in the works: interventions to move the 221 00:16:06,200 --> 00:16:11,300 economy in the near term away from the downward slide? 222 00:16:11,300 --> 00:16:14,200 Mr. Gibbs: Well, to discuss broadly I think what the 223 00:16:14,200 --> 00:16:17,000 President's viewpoint is, and you certainly heard from him 224 00:16:17,000 --> 00:16:21,870 this morning about the jobs numbers, 225 00:16:21,867 --> 00:16:26,467 and while there's a recognition that the rate at which we are 226 00:16:26,467 --> 00:16:29,597 losing jobs is less than it has been for the previous few 227 00:16:29,600 --> 00:16:40,430 months, 539, 000 jobs lost in a one-month period of time still 228 00:16:40,433 --> 00:16:49,633 speaks volumes to the recession that we're in and the need to 229 00:16:49,633 --> 00:16:55,563 continue to implement our recovery plan and to look for 230 00:16:55,567 --> 00:17:01,267 other avenues with which to stabilize and spur the economy. 231 00:17:01,266 --> 00:17:06,936 Specifically, obviously we've talked about the -- we've talked 232 00:17:06,934 --> 00:17:11,464 about the Recovery Act extensively. 233 00:17:11,467 --> 00:17:17,637 I think the stress tests were an important first step in some 234 00:17:17,633 --> 00:17:22,903 confidence and clarity around the major banks in our financial system. 235 00:17:22,900 --> 00:17:26,800 Obviously the implementation of the public-private investment 236 00:17:26,800 --> 00:17:31,170 partnership and other steps related to housing and small 237 00:17:31,166 --> 00:17:35,536 business lending are all still important. 238 00:17:35,533 --> 00:17:38,763 And I don't think the President will -- I don't think the 239 00:17:38,767 --> 00:17:43,797 President will believe we're making -- the President won't 240 00:17:43,800 --> 00:17:49,170 stop until we have an economy that's creating jobs, 241 00:17:49,166 --> 00:17:53,496 though I think that's probably many months into the future. 242 00:17:53,500 --> 00:17:55,800 But I think, Jonathan, one of the things the President talked 243 00:17:55,800 --> 00:18:00,470 about today is important and significant because -- and we 244 00:18:00,467 --> 00:18:05,137 heard this -- I think I can remember hearing these stories 245 00:18:05,133 --> 00:18:08,903 on his travels when he was a Senate candidate, 246 00:18:08,900 --> 00:18:12,370 with a plant that had moved to Mexico. 247 00:18:12,367 --> 00:18:17,397 You had workers that were on unemployment benefits. 248 00:18:17,400 --> 00:18:20,070 They get an opportunity to go back to retraining, 249 00:18:20,066 --> 00:18:23,696 but then they have to give up their unemployment benefits. 250 00:18:23,700 --> 00:18:28,230 And if a company that's laid you off calls you back and says, 251 00:18:28,233 --> 00:18:31,833 Look, we've got some temporary eight-week work; 252 00:18:31,834 --> 00:18:34,264 I know you're only in the second week of your education benefits, 253 00:18:34,266 --> 00:18:41,566 but you have to give those up to take this temporary work, 254 00:18:41,567 --> 00:18:44,797 you're putting a family and a worker in a very difficult situation. 255 00:18:44,800 --> 00:18:50,700 And I think if you look at the unemployment statistics -- if 256 00:18:50,700 --> 00:18:55,800 you take a look at the unemployment statistics today -- 257 00:18:55,800 --> 00:18:57,430 based on just on education level, 258 00:18:57,433 --> 00:18:59,833 I think you can begin to understand the importance of 259 00:18:59,834 --> 00:19:03,034 what the President is talking about in asking states to review 260 00:19:03,033 --> 00:19:09,963 their policies relating to the use of educational benefits and unemployment benefits together. 261 00:19:09,967 --> 00:19:16,237 The unemployment rate 16 months from the peak of the recession, 262 00:19:16,233 --> 00:19:19,433 for somebody with less than a high school degree, 263 00:19:19,433 --> 00:19:25,063 high school education, the unemployment rate today is 14. 8 percent. 264 00:19:25,066 --> 00:19:27,196 For somebody that has completed high school, 265 00:19:27,200 --> 00:19:30,270 that unemployment rate is 9. 3 percent. 266 00:19:30,266 --> 00:19:32,836 For somebody that has attended some college, 267 00:19:32,834 --> 00:19:35,634 the unemployment rate is 7. 4 percent. 268 00:19:35,633 --> 00:19:38,203 And for somebody that has a four-year college education or 269 00:19:38,200 --> 00:19:42,300 higher, that unemployment rate today is 4. 4 percent. 270 00:19:42,300 --> 00:19:43,730 And I'll get you this chart. 271 00:19:43,734 --> 00:19:49,064 But I think it understands -- it underscores the importance of 272 00:19:49,066 --> 00:19:55,296 continuing to look for ways to rework some of the programs that 273 00:19:55,300 --> 00:20:01,670 we have in government to ensure that we're meeting the needs of 274 00:20:01,667 --> 00:20:05,037 those that are unemployed that are seeking retraining, 275 00:20:05,033 --> 00:20:08,633 that are seeking an opportunity for education. 276 00:20:08,633 --> 00:20:15,063 And we'll continue to evaluate what's needed to address all the situation. 277 00:20:15,066 --> 00:20:17,366 But I think the bottom line, as the President said, 278 00:20:17,367 --> 00:20:21,967 while the rate of job loss is slightly less this month than 279 00:20:21,967 --> 00:20:24,737 the previous months, it's still of great, 280 00:20:24,734 --> 00:20:31,604 great concern that an economy is shedding 539,000 jobs a month. Yes, sir. 281 00:20:31,600 --> 00:20:32,770 The Press: Could I follow-up on that? 282 00:20:32,767 --> 00:20:37,037 When you said the -- referred to the need to look for other 283 00:20:37,033 --> 00:20:41,703 avenues to spur the economy, are you signaling something new on the horizon? 284 00:20:41,700 --> 00:20:42,530 Mr. Gibbs: No, no. 285 00:20:42,533 --> 00:20:44,303 The Press: Or is something else in the hopper? 286 00:20:44,300 --> 00:20:45,830 Mr. Gibbs: No, just the sense that -- again, 287 00:20:45,834 --> 00:20:53,534 we're looking to take steps to lay the new foundation for 288 00:20:53,533 --> 00:20:55,763 economic growth that the President has talked extensively 289 00:20:55,767 --> 00:20:58,867 about -- whether it's to cut costs for health care, 290 00:20:58,867 --> 00:21:02,297 whether it's to drive down the cost for energy, 291 00:21:02,300 --> 00:21:06,330 whether it's to help reform our educational system to provide 292 00:21:06,333 --> 00:21:08,163 people with a greater opportunity to protect their 293 00:21:08,166 --> 00:21:13,766 health care benefits, or to get the training they need while 294 00:21:13,767 --> 00:21:15,897 they're unemployed -- all of those steps. 295 00:21:15,900 --> 00:21:18,570 The President talked to his economic team today in the Oval 296 00:21:18,567 --> 00:21:24,667 Office, and wants to ensure that we're taking every step possible 297 00:21:24,667 --> 00:21:28,197 to deal with the severity of this crisis. 298 00:21:28,200 --> 00:21:32,770 I think the figure I think that I read this morning was since 299 00:21:32,767 --> 00:21:37,437 the beginning of this recession, the economy has shed 5. 7 million jobs. 300 00:21:37,433 --> 00:21:44,103 And if you look at the -- if you take into account the people 301 00:21:44,100 --> 00:21:47,630 that aren't factored into an unemployment rate, 302 00:21:47,633 --> 00:21:50,163 which are people that have -- are so discouraged they've 303 00:21:50,166 --> 00:21:56,666 stopped looking for work or those that are in part-time jobs 304 00:21:56,667 --> 00:21:59,567 because they can't get a full-time job, 305 00:21:59,567 --> 00:22:02,297 you see that those numbers are much, much higher. 306 00:22:02,300 --> 00:22:05,400 And I think that's of grave concern to the President. 307 00:22:05,400 --> 00:22:08,170 The Press: Can I check on one other topic, on the Supreme Court? 308 00:22:08,166 --> 00:22:12,736 Is it the President's goal to get a Senate confirmation vote 309 00:22:12,734 --> 00:22:18,334 on a nominee by the time the August recess rolls around? 310 00:22:18,333 --> 00:22:20,003 Mr. Gibbs: Well, I think the goal that the President has laid 311 00:22:20,000 --> 00:22:25,500 out is to ensure that by the next time the Supreme Court 312 00:22:25,500 --> 00:22:30,070 hears cases in a new term, the first Monday in October, 313 00:22:30,066 --> 00:22:35,196 that a new nominee is seated to replace Justice Souter, who is stepping down. 314 00:22:35,200 --> 00:22:39,600 Whether that's done before the August recess, 315 00:22:39,600 --> 00:22:43,600 whether that's done in September, 316 00:22:43,600 --> 00:22:51,530 is less important to ensuring that we get something in place for the next term. 317 00:22:51,533 --> 00:22:54,033 The Press: In his talks with senators on this subject, 318 00:22:54,033 --> 00:22:57,103 has he sort of outlined anything or is it basically what you just 319 00:22:57,100 --> 00:22:59,600 described -- somewhere between August and September? 320 00:22:59,600 --> 00:23:00,630 Mr. Gibbs: It's basically what I described. 321 00:23:00,633 --> 00:23:02,803 I mean, obviously there's a fairly extensive process. 322 00:23:02,800 --> 00:23:06,170 I mean, I think the -- there was some initial concern among 323 00:23:06,166 --> 00:23:08,066 people that -- not necessarily here, 324 00:23:08,066 --> 00:23:11,536 but I saw reported -- of the organization of the Judiciary 325 00:23:11,533 --> 00:23:14,933 Committee because the ranking member had switched parties. 326 00:23:14,934 --> 00:23:19,264 But that got dealt with organizationally very quickly. 327 00:23:19,266 --> 00:23:21,896 The President had a good conversation with Senator 328 00:23:21,900 --> 00:23:25,970 Sessions and has had it with both Democrats and Republicans, 329 00:23:25,967 --> 00:23:32,497 and thinks that whether or not everybody agrees on the exact 330 00:23:32,500 --> 00:23:34,870 characteristics or traits of a nominee, 331 00:23:34,867 --> 00:23:40,537 that everybody seems to want to move forward judiciously, no pun intended. Yes, sir. 332 00:23:40,533 --> 00:23:42,663 The Press: Robert, will your office release the photo and 333 00:23:42,667 --> 00:23:45,967 report about the mock Air Force One flyover today or tomorrow? 334 00:23:45,967 --> 00:23:47,367 Mr. Gibbs: Today. 335 00:23:47,367 --> 00:23:49,337 The Press: Can you tell us when or under what circumstances? 336 00:23:49,333 --> 00:23:51,603 Mr. Gibbs: It will be sometime later this afternoon. 337 00:23:51,600 --> 00:23:58,030 I think the final stuff is on my desk to review when I get back 338 00:23:58,033 --> 00:24:02,263 and we'll release the report, the photo -- 339 00:24:02,266 --> 00:24:03,796 The Press: A photo. 340 00:24:03,800 --> 00:24:05,300 Mr. Gibbs: Yes. 341 00:24:05,300 --> 00:24:08,430 The Press: How would you suggest the American people interpret 342 00:24:08,433 --> 00:24:10,863 the handling of this in relationship to the 343 00:24:10,867 --> 00:24:14,837 administration's commitment to transparency? 344 00:24:14,834 --> 00:24:18,264 Mr. Gibbs: I'd suggest they'll be able to read the report, 345 00:24:18,266 --> 00:24:24,296 which the President instructed the deputy chief of staff to undertake. 346 00:24:24,300 --> 00:24:29,730 We'll have -- without getting into some of what's in there, 347 00:24:29,734 --> 00:24:32,964 I think you'll also have -- I don't think this is the only 348 00:24:32,967 --> 00:24:37,367 look into this incident that's taking place. 349 00:24:37,367 --> 00:24:38,567 The Press: Secretary Gates had his own. 350 00:24:38,567 --> 00:24:44,137 Mr. Gibbs: Right. The President has also, without getting into some of the 351 00:24:44,133 --> 00:24:49,603 recommendations -- and I've got to finish reading all this -- 352 00:24:49,600 --> 00:24:56,900 looking into some of the breakdowns that allowed something like this to happen. 353 00:24:56,900 --> 00:24:59,370 And the President instructed the staff to ensure that it doesn't 354 00:24:59,367 --> 00:25:03,637 happen again, and those are the steps that we're taking. 355 00:25:03,633 --> 00:25:04,703 The Press: On the question of Notre Dame, 356 00:25:04,700 --> 00:25:06,670 the Archbishop Raymond Burke said something this morning you may not have heard. 357 00:25:06,667 --> 00:25:09,667 I just want to read it to you and get your reaction: The 358 00:25:09,667 --> 00:25:11,837 proposed granting of an honorary doctorate at Notre Dame to our 359 00:25:11,834 --> 00:25:14,304 President who is so aggressively advancing an anti-life, 360 00:25:14,300 --> 00:25:17,670 anti-family agenda is rightly the source of the greatest scandal. 361 00:25:17,667 --> 00:25:20,767 The question is, is the President open to waiving the 362 00:25:20,767 --> 00:25:24,237 reception of the doctorate if that in some way would minimize 363 00:25:24,233 --> 00:25:29,203 or reduce the tensions that have surfaced around this particular commencement address? 364 00:25:29,200 --> 00:25:31,100 Does he have any reaction to the Archbishop's comment? 365 00:25:31,100 --> 00:25:34,630 Mr. Gibbs: No, I mean, our comment on this is the same. 366 00:25:34,633 --> 00:25:38,163 We are honored to have received the invitation. 367 00:25:38,166 --> 00:25:43,466 The President looks forward to sharing with the students a 368 00:25:43,467 --> 00:25:48,467 memorable occasion of their graduating. 369 00:25:48,467 --> 00:25:56,337 Notre Dame has a good history of robust civic debate, 370 00:25:56,333 --> 00:26:02,533 and the President looks forward to speaking to the graduating 371 00:26:02,533 --> 00:26:08,003 class and hopefully giving them a message that they'll think 372 00:26:08,000 --> 00:26:09,100 about as they move forward. 373 00:26:09,100 --> 00:26:10,500 The Press: Would you acknowledge the speaking as separate from 374 00:26:10,500 --> 00:26:12,430 the reception of the honorary doctorate, 375 00:26:12,433 --> 00:26:14,503 and if that that might be a means of calming this down? 376 00:26:14,500 --> 00:26:15,900 Is he open to that? Has he thought about it? 377 00:26:15,900 --> 00:26:18,170 Has it been presented to him in any way, shape or form? 378 00:26:18,166 --> 00:26:22,236 Mr. Gibbs: I don't think the President -- I don't think -- 379 00:26:22,233 --> 00:26:25,833 the President intends to go to Notre Dame, speak, 380 00:26:25,834 --> 00:26:32,634 accept the degree, and come back to the White House. Yes, sir. 381 00:26:32,633 --> 00:26:36,303 The Press: Just a little bit on the nature of the speech, of the Muslim speech. 382 00:26:36,300 --> 00:26:39,000 We heard the President say in Turkey that the United States 383 00:26:39,000 --> 00:26:42,470 was not at war with Islam. Does he hope to build upon that? 384 00:26:42,467 --> 00:26:45,167 And do you imagine the primary focus of the speech will be on 385 00:26:45,166 --> 00:26:48,996 the Muslims in the Arab Middle East, 386 00:26:49,000 --> 00:26:51,500 or will it try to reach beyond that and address Muslims in the 387 00:26:51,500 --> 00:26:54,070 South and Southeast Asia, and the United States? 388 00:26:54,066 --> 00:26:58,736 Mr. Gibbs: No, I -- and this was -- it's my mistake to use only 389 00:26:58,734 --> 00:27:06,934 the connotation of Arab Muslims and not -- or Arab Muslims 390 00:27:06,934 --> 00:27:15,904 rather than obviously the -- Indonesia is a place that is special to the President. 391 00:27:15,900 --> 00:27:20,900 It's also the largest Muslim nation in the world. 392 00:27:20,900 --> 00:27:23,000 But I think you hit on the right note, 393 00:27:23,000 --> 00:27:29,700 which is this is not simply a speech that's directed towards simply one area. 394 00:27:29,700 --> 00:27:38,030 I think it addresses and will address our relationship here and in all corners of the world. 395 00:27:38,033 --> 00:27:42,063 And again, I think this is -- you rightly bring up Turkey. 396 00:27:42,066 --> 00:27:47,566 This is a continuing effort of the President's to engage the 397 00:27:47,567 --> 00:27:49,797 Muslim world, whether it was the interview at the beginning of 398 00:27:49,800 --> 00:27:55,330 his administration with Al Arabiya, whether it was the speech in Turkey. 399 00:27:55,333 --> 00:28:00,063 The President has high hopes for a stronger relationship. 400 00:28:00,066 --> 00:28:03,896 The Press: Just a quick follow. Will there be any other stops in the Middle East on this trip? 401 00:28:03,900 --> 00:28:07,400 Mr. Gibbs: No. Yes, ma'am. 402 00:28:07,400 --> 00:28:10,430 The Press: Robert, can you just -- going back again to Egypt -- 403 00:28:10,433 --> 00:28:14,233 just to give us a little bit more that captures the sense of the moment? 404 00:28:14,233 --> 00:28:17,563 I mean, America's relationship with the Muslim world has been 405 00:28:17,567 --> 00:28:22,967 at an all-time low, and now President Obama is about to make this major speech. 406 00:28:22,967 --> 00:28:25,037 What exactly does he want to accomplish? 407 00:28:25,033 --> 00:28:26,503 What is he setting out, in terms -- 408 00:28:26,500 --> 00:28:27,930 Mr. Gibbs: Well, you know, 409 00:28:27,934 --> 00:28:36,904 without getting into a lot of detail what he's going to look 410 00:28:36,900 --> 00:28:39,400 at going forward, I think it's important, 411 00:28:39,400 --> 00:28:42,400 as I mentioned a moment ago, to look at what Scott mentioned he 412 00:28:42,400 --> 00:28:48,100 said in Turkey, and I think to take that phrase and build on it 413 00:28:48,100 --> 00:28:53,100 -- to understand the relationships that we have to 414 00:28:53,100 --> 00:28:56,000 have in this world to make progress, 415 00:28:56,000 --> 00:28:59,830 not just for our country, but for all of the world; 416 00:28:59,834 --> 00:29:03,364 to ensure the safety and security of America, 417 00:29:03,367 --> 00:29:07,467 but to ensure the safety and security of others around the 418 00:29:07,467 --> 00:29:10,337 world; to ensure hope and opportunity here, 419 00:29:10,333 --> 00:29:15,133 and hope and opportunity, again, around the world. 420 00:29:15,133 --> 00:29:17,833 I think that's what the President will build on. 421 00:29:17,834 --> 00:29:22,834 I think having spent part of his childhood in Indonesia -- I 422 00:29:22,834 --> 00:29:29,004 think all of this gives the President the opportunity 423 00:29:29,000 --> 00:29:41,670 hopefully to extend a hand to those that in many ways are like 424 00:29:41,667 --> 00:29:47,297 us, but just simply have a different religion. Yes, sir. 425 00:29:47,300 --> 00:29:49,830 The Press: Would you please give us some more details about the 426 00:29:49,834 --> 00:29:55,104 upcoming trip to Germany on June 5 to Dresden and Buchenwald? 427 00:29:55,100 --> 00:29:56,570 Why is he going again to Germany? 428 00:29:56,567 --> 00:29:58,937 And can you confirm that the President will also travel to 429 00:29:58,934 --> 00:30:05,634 Germany on November 9 for the 20th anniversary of the event -- the Berlin wall? 430 00:30:05,633 --> 00:30:07,133 Mr. Gibbs: Boy, these guys will tell you I'm bad at the week 431 00:30:07,133 --> 00:30:11,103 ahead, so November is sort of a bit out of my bailiwick. 432 00:30:11,100 --> 00:30:17,670 I don't have anything on November, and I don't have much beyond. 433 00:30:17,667 --> 00:30:25,797 In all honesty, the advance team is in Germany now. 434 00:30:25,800 --> 00:30:31,400 I believe we hope to see Merkel. 435 00:30:31,400 --> 00:30:36,400 I think we hope to -- and obviously Buchenwald is a place 436 00:30:36,400 --> 00:30:42,370 that as we go from there to Normandy is an important 437 00:30:42,367 --> 00:30:46,497 reminder of the history that surrounds all of these events, 438 00:30:46,500 --> 00:30:56,130 and obviously the President's family members that were 439 00:30:56,133 --> 00:31:04,103 involved in World War II and the place that that holds. Peter. 440 00:31:04,100 --> 00:31:04,730 The Press: Robert -- 441 00:31:04,734 --> 00:31:05,764 Mr. Gibbs: It always makes me nervous, Peter, 442 00:31:05,767 --> 00:31:07,697 when you're reading your BlackBerry and asking me a question. 443 00:31:07,700 --> 00:31:11,730 The Press: I'm passing on a question from Christi Parsons. 444 00:31:11,734 --> 00:31:12,864 Will the President's -- 445 00:31:12,867 --> 00:31:14,137 Mr. Gibbs: Caller on line three. 446 00:31:14,133 --> 00:31:15,803 (laughter) 447 00:31:15,800 --> 00:31:18,030 The Press: The great Christi Parsons, I should say. 448 00:31:18,033 --> 00:31:22,603 Will the President's great-uncle Charlie Payne be accompanying him to Europe? 449 00:31:22,600 --> 00:31:24,870 He was the man who helped liberate Buchenwald. 450 00:31:24,867 --> 00:31:31,467 Mr. Gibbs: I don't know if Uncle Charlie will travel or not yet. 451 00:31:31,467 --> 00:31:36,767 I don't think those plans have totally been determined. Margaret. 452 00:31:36,767 --> 00:31:38,197 The Press: With regard to the Egypt trip, 453 00:31:38,200 --> 00:31:42,230 should we draw comparisons to the Berlin trip in terms of its 454 00:31:42,233 --> 00:31:46,563 scope, its size, and how it attracted people from at least 455 00:31:46,567 --> 00:31:49,067 all over the region, if not all over the world? 456 00:31:49,066 --> 00:31:51,966 Will the President be inviting Muslims from other countries to 457 00:31:51,967 --> 00:31:54,237 try to get to Egypt to watch him speak, 458 00:31:54,233 --> 00:31:57,463 or is that not even really going to be possible based on the size of the crowd? 459 00:31:57,467 --> 00:32:03,897 Mr. Gibbs: Well, again -- and logistically, we're at the beginning of this phase. 460 00:32:03,900 --> 00:32:11,270 I think the advance trip leaves sometime later this weekend. 461 00:32:11,266 --> 00:32:16,966 So it's hard to discuss crowd logistics because the venue just 462 00:32:16,967 --> 00:32:19,737 hasn't been to that degree locked in. 463 00:32:19,734 --> 00:32:26,664 I do think -- I think the President doesn't believe that 464 00:32:26,667 --> 00:32:33,397 people have to travel to the location to hopefully hear the words and the message. 465 00:32:33,400 --> 00:32:36,600 I think that's why some of the other interviews that we've done 466 00:32:36,600 --> 00:32:42,570 and some of the other speeches we've done -- our hope is not to 467 00:32:42,567 --> 00:32:46,467 draw a large crowd, but our hope is to reach a large portion of 468 00:32:46,467 --> 00:32:49,537 the world with what we hope is a powerful message. 469 00:32:49,533 --> 00:32:51,803 The Press: May I have a quick Pakistan question as well? 470 00:32:51,800 --> 00:32:53,970 As the Pakistani President was here, 471 00:32:53,967 --> 00:32:56,567 the army opened up full-scale operations in Swat, 472 00:32:56,567 --> 00:32:59,197 declared war on the Taliban. What I'm trying to figure out is, 473 00:32:59,200 --> 00:33:02,430 did the Pakistani President inform President Obama during 474 00:33:02,433 --> 00:33:05,303 their bilat or trilat, this is about to happen ? 475 00:33:05,300 --> 00:33:08,430 Or did the President say, Hey, you really should probably do 476 00:33:08,433 --> 00:33:10,663 this immediately and he picked up the phone and called? 477 00:33:10,667 --> 00:33:12,467 Or is it just a total coincidence? 478 00:33:12,467 --> 00:33:18,497 Mr. Gibbs: Well, I don't know if we were given any specific operational details. 479 00:33:18,500 --> 00:33:22,700 I don't think -- I think based on what was going on in the news 480 00:33:22,700 --> 00:33:29,170 and the security situation, I don't think it's -- I don't 481 00:33:29,166 --> 00:33:31,566 think some of the movements are altogether that surprising. 482 00:33:31,567 --> 00:33:34,367 I think obviously the deterioration of the security 483 00:33:34,367 --> 00:33:39,197 situation and what was going in the Swat Valley was happening 484 00:33:39,200 --> 00:33:42,070 even as Zardari was traveling here. 485 00:33:42,066 --> 00:33:48,036 Again, I think what the President found some hope in is, 486 00:33:48,033 --> 00:33:53,233 again, that sort of common recognition of the security 487 00:33:53,233 --> 00:33:57,133 challenges that both countries face and that both countries 488 00:33:57,133 --> 00:33:58,663 have to be aware of. 489 00:33:58,667 --> 00:34:00,067 The Press: Thank you, Robert. 490 00:34:00,066 --> 00:34:02,036 Can you talk a little bit more about the meetings the President 491 00:34:02,033 --> 00:34:04,003 is holding with the senators on the Supreme Court? 492 00:34:04,000 --> 00:34:05,930 Are they talking process and schedule, 493 00:34:05,934 --> 00:34:07,604 are they talking judicial philosophy, 494 00:34:07,600 --> 00:34:11,130 is he asking them for names, have any given him any names? 495 00:34:11,133 --> 00:34:19,403 Mr. Gibbs: Some have given names. These are fairly wide-ranging calls. 496 00:34:19,400 --> 00:34:24,000 In some instances, they've been calls to say, look, 497 00:34:24,000 --> 00:34:30,700 I wanted to touch base with you and talk with you at length when 498 00:34:30,700 --> 00:34:35,130 we both had a longer chance to think about it. 499 00:34:35,133 --> 00:34:38,503 Look, I think we're in the very beginning of this process and 500 00:34:38,500 --> 00:34:43,570 obviously the Senate plays a tremendously important 501 00:34:43,567 --> 00:34:44,997 consultative role in this. 502 00:34:45,000 --> 00:34:50,070 And he wants to reach out to members of both parties to get 503 00:34:50,066 --> 00:34:58,096 their -- to hear from them about their concerns, 504 00:34:58,100 --> 00:35:01,970 to understand some of the timing issues that they might have. 505 00:35:01,967 --> 00:35:10,897 And the President always is happy to hear from members that 506 00:35:10,900 --> 00:35:17,270 have suggestions, and some have sent suggestions back to the 507 00:35:17,266 --> 00:35:21,096 President for him to look at and consider -- none of which I'm 508 00:35:21,100 --> 00:35:24,000 going to impart today. I'll take one more from Deb. 509 00:35:24,000 --> 00:35:25,000 The Press: Thank you, Robert. 510 00:35:25,000 --> 00:35:29,200 A group of holdout lenders today dropped their fight in U.S. 511 00:35:29,200 --> 00:35:32,930 Bankruptcy Court against the Chrysler reorganization plan. 512 00:35:32,934 --> 00:35:35,664 What does the White House think about that in terms of what -- 513 00:35:35,667 --> 00:35:37,767 how it will effect what happens next? 514 00:35:37,767 --> 00:35:41,037 Mr. Gibbs: Well, Deb, I think it's another important and 515 00:35:41,033 --> 00:35:52,663 promising step in Chrysler's favor to go through a very quick 516 00:35:52,667 --> 00:36:00,937 restructuring and bankruptcy and to very quickly have Chrysler 517 00:36:00,934 --> 00:36:09,004 and Fiat emerge together as partners to put a very storied 518 00:36:09,000 --> 00:36:13,730 automobile company back on a path toward viability. 519 00:36:13,734 --> 00:36:18,164 And as you've heard the President say, 520 00:36:18,166 --> 00:36:27,766 viability means able to sustain its operations without continued government assistance. 521 00:36:27,767 --> 00:36:30,567 There were -- obviously the bankruptcy court judge's 522 00:36:30,567 --> 00:36:35,797 decision a couple of days ago to move the bankruptcy 523 00:36:35,800 --> 00:36:39,630 expeditiously we thought was an important sign. 524 00:36:39,633 --> 00:36:43,363 I think we found out that despite what some people were 525 00:36:43,367 --> 00:36:48,767 saying, the holdout creditors represented a very, 526 00:36:48,767 --> 00:36:55,797 very minuscule percentage of overall asset holders -- I think 4 to 5 percent. 527 00:36:55,800 --> 00:37:02,070 And I think despite some skepticism that Chrysler could 528 00:37:02,066 --> 00:37:07,666 do this quickly, I think the auto team and the President are 529 00:37:07,667 --> 00:37:12,567 heartened that this appears to be happening as quickly as we 530 00:37:12,567 --> 00:37:19,737 had hoped, and we hope that that means that Chrysler will begin 531 00:37:19,734 --> 00:37:23,604 even more quickly to emerge in this partnership as a strong 532 00:37:23,600 --> 00:37:26,470 auto company. Thanks, guys. Enjoy your weekend. 533 00:37:26,467 --> 00:37:29,037 The Press: Any SCOTUS announcement next week? 534 00:37:29,033 --> 00:37:30,533 Mr. Gibbs: No. Thanks, guys.