English subtitles for clip: File:6-9-10- White House Press Briefing.webm
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1 00:00:00,467 --> 00:00:01,597 Mr. Gibbs: Take us away. 2 00:00:01,600 --> 00:00:03,630 The Press: Thank you. 3 00:00:03,633 --> 00:00:07,303 On the U.N. sanctions vote, what is it about this round of 4 00:00:07,300 --> 00:00:09,930 sanctions that the administration thinks will get 5 00:00:09,934 --> 00:00:14,504 Iran to obey this time after they've defied -- 6 00:00:14,500 --> 00:00:16,670 Mr. Gibbs: Well, let me say a few things that I think you heard the 7 00:00:16,667 --> 00:00:21,467 President speak about in his remarks. 8 00:00:21,467 --> 00:00:24,097 First and foremost, this is the most comprehensive and most 9 00:00:24,100 --> 00:00:32,170 robust set of international sanctions placed to date on Iran. 10 00:00:32,166 --> 00:00:39,666 I think these sanctions broaden the scope of what Iran has had 11 00:00:39,667 --> 00:00:40,667 to deal with. 12 00:00:40,667 --> 00:00:45,767 It sends a message from the international community about 13 00:00:45,767 --> 00:00:49,567 its commitment to preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear 14 00:00:49,567 --> 00:00:53,567 weapon, and sends a message to international businesses that 15 00:00:53,567 --> 00:00:58,037 the price of doing business with Iran will be exceedingly high. 16 00:00:58,033 --> 00:01:00,303 As the President has said on a number of occasions and 17 00:01:00,300 --> 00:01:08,730 reiterated today, that sanctions are not a magic bullet. 18 00:01:08,734 --> 00:01:14,534 We will continue to put -- through this and other means, 19 00:01:14,533 --> 00:01:17,263 put pressure on Iran. 20 00:01:17,266 --> 00:01:21,696 I think you see the degree to which Iran has sought to fight 21 00:01:21,700 --> 00:01:27,170 these sanctions as a measure of what they feel like the impact 22 00:01:27,166 --> 00:01:29,296 of these will be. 23 00:01:29,300 --> 00:01:34,830 We continue to seek a diplomatic solution and we will continue to 24 00:01:34,834 --> 00:01:40,234 hold them responsible for the obligations that they've made to 25 00:01:40,233 --> 00:01:42,303 the international community. 26 00:01:42,300 --> 00:01:46,400 The Press: Is the administration disappointed in Brazil and 27 00:01:46,400 --> 00:01:49,500 Turkey for voting against the sanctions? 28 00:01:49,500 --> 00:01:50,400 I mean, does that -- 29 00:01:50,400 --> 00:01:55,000 Mr. Gibbs: I think it is not altogether surprising -- 30 00:01:55,000 --> 00:01:56,770 I don't think their votes are altogether surprising. 31 00:01:56,767 --> 00:02:00,537 I think -- obviously we've had a slightly different approach over 32 00:02:00,533 --> 00:02:02,603 the past many weeks. 33 00:02:02,600 --> 00:02:08,770 I don't want to characterize why they voted the way they did, 34 00:02:08,767 --> 00:02:13,497 but I think there was a demonstrated and forceful 35 00:02:13,500 --> 00:02:18,770 international commitment to ensuring that not living up to 36 00:02:18,767 --> 00:02:21,367 your obligations has severe consequences, 37 00:02:21,367 --> 00:02:24,337 and that's what the U.N. Security Council did today. 38 00:02:24,333 --> 00:02:26,533 The Press: If I could ask one question on the Middle East. 39 00:02:26,533 --> 00:02:27,133 Mr. Gibbs: Yes. 40 00:02:27,133 --> 00:02:29,803 The Press: The Israeli embassy says they're trying to finalize Netanyahu's 41 00:02:29,800 --> 00:02:31,270 visit for the end of this month. 42 00:02:31,266 --> 00:02:31,836 Mr. Gibbs: Yes. 43 00:02:31,834 --> 00:02:33,134 The Press: Do you have anything on that? 44 00:02:33,133 --> 00:02:34,063 Mr. Gibbs: Hold on a second. 45 00:02:34,066 --> 00:02:35,436 Do you have any sense of what the -- 46 00:02:35,433 --> 00:02:39,403 I don't have any electronics, so I'm not sure what that is. 47 00:02:39,400 --> 00:02:40,570 Got to move the rabbit ears. 48 00:02:40,567 --> 00:02:43,797 Sorry. 49 00:02:43,800 --> 00:02:46,670 We are -- we have been talking with them. 50 00:02:46,667 --> 00:02:53,067 We have not settled on a date as of yet, 51 00:02:53,066 --> 00:02:56,696 but have been in discussions with them about coming back 52 00:02:56,700 --> 00:02:59,630 maybe as early as the end of the month. 53 00:02:59,633 --> 00:03:03,463 Obviously, we've got to choreograph G-20 and some other 54 00:03:03,467 --> 00:03:07,637 stops that -- but we're in touch with them on that. 55 00:03:07,633 --> 00:03:08,333 Yes, sir. 56 00:03:08,333 --> 00:03:11,963 The Press: On Iran, the Iranian President called the resolution valueless 57 00:03:11,967 --> 00:03:15,837 and likened it to a used handkerchief that should be 58 00:03:15,834 --> 00:03:16,464 thrown away. 59 00:03:16,467 --> 00:03:18,467 Do you have any reaction to that? 60 00:03:18,467 --> 00:03:19,867 Mr. Gibbs: I would just say this. 61 00:03:19,867 --> 00:03:23,237 Again, look, I think anybody that wakes up -- 62 00:03:23,233 --> 00:03:25,463 nobody should wake up and be surprised about the outlandish 63 00:03:25,467 --> 00:03:30,197 rhetoric that comes from him on a near daily basis. 64 00:03:30,200 --> 00:03:33,500 Understand this: They fought what happened in the Security 65 00:03:33,500 --> 00:03:36,570 Council -- they fought it today tooth and nail, 66 00:03:36,567 --> 00:03:39,237 and they have fought this tooth and nail for weeks. 67 00:03:39,233 --> 00:03:44,303 They understand both what this means in demonstrating a greater 68 00:03:44,300 --> 00:03:48,330 international commitment and a forceful international commitment. 69 00:03:48,333 --> 00:03:50,403 They understand what -- as I said a minute ago, 70 00:03:50,400 --> 00:03:53,300 what this means for international businesses doing 71 00:03:53,300 --> 00:03:55,100 business in that country. 72 00:03:55,100 --> 00:03:57,970 Iran today has greater sanctions placed upon it, 73 00:03:57,967 --> 00:04:03,067 finds itself more isolated than it ever has been before, 74 00:04:03,066 --> 00:04:10,836 and it finds the coalition aligned against its pursuits 75 00:04:10,834 --> 00:04:12,434 broader than it's ever been before. 76 00:04:12,433 --> 00:04:13,633 And I think that's important. 77 00:04:13,633 --> 00:04:17,163 The Press: But given that rhetoric, are you getting any indication that the 78 00:04:17,166 --> 00:04:19,566 leadership in Tehran is getting ready to change its 79 00:04:19,567 --> 00:04:20,967 confrontational stance? 80 00:04:20,967 --> 00:04:25,937 Mr. Gibbs: Well, that's -- we will see as a result of some of these 81 00:04:25,934 --> 00:04:29,234 sanctions, understanding there are other steps that we could 82 00:04:29,233 --> 00:04:31,633 take with additional countries, there are other steps that we 83 00:04:31,633 --> 00:04:37,303 could take unilaterally, as we pursue a diplomatic solution. 84 00:04:37,300 --> 00:04:43,070 The Press: On BP, following Admiral Allen's letter to BP demanding more 85 00:04:43,066 --> 00:04:46,296 information on how the company was seeking damage claims, 86 00:04:46,300 --> 00:04:48,800 do you feel you're getting sufficient cooperation from BP 87 00:04:48,800 --> 00:04:51,170 in dealing with compensation claims? 88 00:04:51,166 --> 00:04:56,896 Mr. Gibbs: Well, today's meeting is a direct offshoot of what we have 89 00:04:56,900 --> 00:05:01,930 heard from those in the Gulf, some of what we heard on the 90 00:05:01,934 --> 00:05:09,564 last trip to the Gulf on Friday, that there is a series of steps 91 00:05:09,567 --> 00:05:12,037 that BP needs to take, particularly in terms of the 92 00:05:12,033 --> 00:05:13,803 transparency of claims. 93 00:05:13,800 --> 00:05:21,300 We heard from folks about the degree to which larger claims 94 00:05:21,300 --> 00:05:24,870 have not been either addressed or paid out. 95 00:05:24,867 --> 00:05:31,267 I don't want to get ahead of the result of what Admiral Allen and 96 00:05:31,266 --> 00:05:34,166 others say out of that meeting, but I will say, 97 00:05:34,166 --> 00:05:36,296 going into that meeting we think they're -- 98 00:05:36,300 --> 00:05:41,630 and that letter outlines some specific steps that we think BP 99 00:05:41,633 --> 00:05:47,563 needs to take right now to address this claims process. 100 00:05:47,567 --> 00:05:51,797 They've got a certain amount of time to pay these claims. 101 00:05:51,800 --> 00:05:56,400 We want to see some transparency as to what claims have not been paid. 102 00:05:56,400 --> 00:06:01,070 Again, in meeting with either a seafood processor or a 103 00:06:01,066 --> 00:06:05,066 convenience store owner or a larger commercial fisherman -- 104 00:06:05,066 --> 00:06:08,166 you may have gotten a $5,000 check. 105 00:06:08,166 --> 00:06:13,236 That is likely not going to cover how much you might owe on 106 00:06:13,233 --> 00:06:18,703 your boat, or the lost income of not processing more shrimp, 107 00:06:18,700 --> 00:06:22,270 or the loss that you've seen in your convenience store. 108 00:06:22,266 --> 00:06:25,766 All of those were personal stories the President heard 109 00:06:25,767 --> 00:06:26,797 just last Friday. 110 00:06:26,800 --> 00:06:27,900 Yes, sir. 111 00:06:27,900 --> 00:06:32,430 The Press: In terms of the claims process and also in terms of the 112 00:06:32,433 --> 00:06:36,633 cleaning process, which are the two most important aspects of 113 00:06:36,633 --> 00:06:41,503 what's going on beyond plugging the hole down there for 114 00:06:41,500 --> 00:06:44,370 Louisianans, why is BP in charge of that? 115 00:06:44,367 --> 00:06:47,437 Why is the government not supervising? 116 00:06:47,433 --> 00:06:50,003 I mean, BP is hiring contractors. 117 00:06:50,000 --> 00:06:52,430 Why doesn't the government hire contractors and -- 118 00:06:52,433 --> 00:06:55,163 Mr. Gibbs: Well, the government has activated members of the 119 00:06:55,166 --> 00:06:55,896 National Guard. 120 00:06:55,900 --> 00:06:59,570 The government has activated -- or has Coast Guard members. 121 00:06:59,567 --> 00:07:03,097 Different branches of the government have different folks down there. 122 00:07:03,100 --> 00:07:05,700 I would say we are -- the relationship that we have in 123 00:07:05,700 --> 00:07:11,000 terms of directing them is the same as we have in the broader relationship. 124 00:07:11,000 --> 00:07:15,000 The Press: They're failing at cleaning -- BP is failing at the cleaning 125 00:07:15,000 --> 00:07:17,400 process, they're failing at the claims process. 126 00:07:17,400 --> 00:07:22,000 Mr. Gibbs: Which is, Jake, why Admiral Allen sent that letter and why 127 00:07:22,000 --> 00:07:25,200 Admiral Allen, again, off of the meeting that the President had 128 00:07:25,200 --> 00:07:31,770 last week, has set up a meeting to fix this claims process. 129 00:07:31,767 --> 00:07:34,167 The Press: But why doesn't the government take -- 130 00:07:34,166 --> 00:07:35,296 why doesn't the government -- 131 00:07:35,300 --> 00:07:38,700 Mr. Gibbs: Well, again, I don't want to come out of -- 132 00:07:38,700 --> 00:07:41,770 not in the meeting, the claims meeting, today. 133 00:07:41,767 --> 00:07:44,637 I do think a series of remedies that have been outlined that we 134 00:07:44,633 --> 00:07:49,133 believe BP must take will be discussed, 135 00:07:49,133 --> 00:07:52,763 and we'll move forward from them in order to make the claims 136 00:07:52,767 --> 00:07:55,167 process, which we know is going to be large -- 137 00:07:55,166 --> 00:08:00,766 economic damages out of this thing certainly will swell into 138 00:08:00,767 --> 00:08:04,897 the many billions of dollars -- and we will work in every way we 139 00:08:04,900 --> 00:08:08,730 can with the people of the Gulf and with the states affected to 140 00:08:08,734 --> 00:08:13,904 ensure that the process is one that is completely fair for them. 141 00:08:13,900 --> 00:08:14,670 The Press: Okay. 142 00:08:14,667 --> 00:08:18,037 In terms of the Iran sanctions, the three previous regimes since 143 00:08:18,033 --> 00:08:22,433 2006 of sanctions were unanimous votes. 144 00:08:22,433 --> 00:08:25,403 Without -- I know you don't want to get into why Turkey and 145 00:08:25,400 --> 00:08:27,500 Brazil and Lebanon voted the way they did, 146 00:08:27,500 --> 00:08:31,170 but what reason can you think of that this would not be a 147 00:08:31,166 --> 00:08:33,336 unanimous vote as opposed to the three previous votes? 148 00:08:33,333 --> 00:08:35,203 Mr. Gibbs: Well, it's hard to answer that question without getting into 149 00:08:35,200 --> 00:08:37,900 why -- the individual reasons that they did. 150 00:08:37,900 --> 00:08:42,000 But, Jake, I don't think anybody -- 151 00:08:42,000 --> 00:08:46,200 if you have a sanctions regime that you can tighten, 152 00:08:46,200 --> 00:08:47,370 I don't think anybody would say, well, 153 00:08:47,367 --> 00:08:50,437 don't tighten that unless you get everybody to say we should 154 00:08:50,433 --> 00:08:51,363 tighten it. 155 00:08:51,367 --> 00:08:52,237 The Press: No, I'm not -- 156 00:08:52,233 --> 00:08:55,203 Mr. Gibbs: No, no, no, that's -- your question; my answer. 157 00:08:55,200 --> 00:09:02,900 Again, I think that regardless of 12 votes or more, 158 00:09:02,900 --> 00:09:07,530 we have in place now a stronger sanctions regime that's resulted 159 00:09:07,533 --> 00:09:10,703 in a country that's more isolated based on a broader 160 00:09:10,700 --> 00:09:12,500 international commitment than we've ever seen. 161 00:09:12,500 --> 00:09:14,600 The Press: That's my precise point -- it's not more isolated, 162 00:09:14,600 --> 00:09:15,770 it's less isolated. 163 00:09:15,767 --> 00:09:16,537 Mr. Gibbs: How so? 164 00:09:16,533 --> 00:09:18,933 The Press: Well, the three previous votes were unanimous and this 165 00:09:18,934 --> 00:09:19,964 one was not. 166 00:09:19,967 --> 00:09:25,097 Mr. Gibbs: Well, understand, Jake, the -- I don't know whether the -- 167 00:09:25,100 --> 00:09:27,170 are you saying the 15 members that voted on each of those 168 00:09:27,166 --> 00:09:28,696 times were the same? 169 00:09:28,700 --> 00:09:29,300 Because obviously there's -- 170 00:09:29,300 --> 00:09:29,600 The Press: No, they weren't -- 171 00:09:29,600 --> 00:09:30,330 Mr. Gibbs: Right -- 172 00:09:30,333 --> 00:09:30,863 The Press: -- they weren't, but -- 173 00:09:30,867 --> 00:09:31,537 Mr. Gibbs: -- there's 10 people that rotate from that -- 174 00:09:31,533 --> 00:09:33,603 The Press: Iran can look at the vote and say, 175 00:09:33,600 --> 00:09:36,330 we are less isolated now than we were last time they voted on sanctions. 176 00:09:36,333 --> 00:09:39,663 Mr. Gibbs: 16 months ago, when the President took office, 177 00:09:39,667 --> 00:09:43,597 the resolution that was passed today could not have passed the 178 00:09:43,600 --> 00:09:45,570 United Nations Security Council. 179 00:09:45,567 --> 00:09:47,297 We would not have gotten Russia. 180 00:09:47,300 --> 00:09:49,730 We would not have gotten China. 181 00:09:49,734 --> 00:09:54,564 So there is a broader international coalition that is 182 00:09:54,567 --> 00:09:57,697 aligned against the pursuit of a nuclear weapon by the Iranian 183 00:09:57,700 --> 00:10:04,800 government unlike we have seen since this President has been in office. 184 00:10:04,800 --> 00:10:09,530 Look, people can debate 12 votes, 15 votes, whatever. 185 00:10:09,533 --> 00:10:12,503 The bottom line is there is a greater sanctions regime on the 186 00:10:12,500 --> 00:10:15,670 government of Iran today than there was yesterday, 187 00:10:15,667 --> 00:10:18,497 than there has been at any other point. 188 00:10:18,500 --> 00:10:20,000 And that's what's seemingly important. 189 00:10:20,000 --> 00:10:22,100 The Press: Can I just have one quick question about Vice President 190 00:10:22,100 --> 00:10:23,570 Biden and Sudan? 191 00:10:23,567 --> 00:10:26,467 Could you just -- he's taking an increased role in the peace 192 00:10:26,467 --> 00:10:28,097 process there and I was just wondering if you could just 193 00:10:28,100 --> 00:10:28,870 elaborate a little bit. 194 00:10:28,867 --> 00:10:29,937 Mr. Gibbs: Let me get something from them. 195 00:10:29,934 --> 00:10:32,734 I just -- I have not -- let me get something from them today. 196 00:10:32,734 --> 00:10:33,464 The Press: Thanks, Robert. 197 00:10:33,467 --> 00:10:35,897 I just want to go back to BP in terms of the claims process. 198 00:10:35,900 --> 00:10:40,000 When the President told NBC that he has still not talked directly 199 00:10:40,000 --> 00:10:43,600 to Tony Hayward, the CEO -- in order to move that and many of 200 00:10:43,600 --> 00:10:45,800 these other things along, why hasn't the President just picked 201 00:10:45,800 --> 00:10:47,900 up the phone and talked directly to the CEO? 202 00:10:47,900 --> 00:10:50,330 Mr. Gibbs: Well, again, I think what's important to understand is it's 203 00:10:50,333 --> 00:10:53,263 not entirely clear to anybody that -- 204 00:10:53,266 --> 00:10:57,196 look, the CEO is elected by the board. 205 00:10:57,200 --> 00:10:59,900 Anything that the CEO wants to do has to be approved by the board. 206 00:10:59,900 --> 00:11:05,330 I'm not entirely sure, based on the executive structure of 207 00:11:05,333 --> 00:11:07,803 corporate governance, that -- 208 00:11:07,800 --> 00:11:09,330 The Press: He's the public face of this. 209 00:11:09,333 --> 00:11:12,603 Mr. Gibbs: Well, and that's apropos of what? 210 00:11:12,600 --> 00:11:14,370 The Press: He's been out front from day one. 211 00:11:14,367 --> 00:11:16,397 He's the person who's making the decisions on the ground, 212 00:11:16,400 --> 00:11:18,470 not the board. 213 00:11:18,467 --> 00:11:21,897 Mr. Gibbs: Any decision that the CEO makes has to be approved by the board. 214 00:11:21,900 --> 00:11:27,300 So I don't -- again, we're in constant contact with -- 215 00:11:27,300 --> 00:11:28,130 The Press: He's the leader of the company. 216 00:11:28,133 --> 00:11:29,663 He's the guy who has been the -- he's in the ads, 217 00:11:29,667 --> 00:11:32,497 the $50 million ads the President has criticized. 218 00:11:32,500 --> 00:11:34,870 It's Tony Hayward saying, we're going to get this done, 219 00:11:34,867 --> 00:11:35,667 we're going to clean it up. 220 00:11:35,667 --> 00:11:37,367 Mr. Gibbs: No, I understand who's in the ads. 221 00:11:37,367 --> 00:11:40,237 I'm just -- I'm telling you based on the corporate 222 00:11:40,233 --> 00:11:44,863 governance structure, Ed, in order to implement what -- 223 00:11:44,867 --> 00:11:49,137 whatever you get from BP, the CEO has to get clearance from 224 00:11:49,133 --> 00:11:50,133 the board to do. 225 00:11:50,133 --> 00:11:55,063 That's the way the corporate governance structure is laid out. 226 00:11:55,066 --> 00:11:57,336 The Press: Okay, so -- but when the President said in the NBC 227 00:11:57,333 --> 00:12:00,263 interview that he talks to these experts so he knows who's 228 00:12:00,266 --> 00:12:04,236 "blank" to kick, presumably -- 229 00:12:04,233 --> 00:12:05,263 The Press: "Ass" was the word. 230 00:12:05,266 --> 00:12:09,466 The Press: Yes, I think -- presumably Tony Hayward is the biggest "blank" 231 00:12:09,467 --> 00:12:11,667 in this whole -- he's the leader, right? 232 00:12:11,667 --> 00:12:12,437 (laughter) 233 00:12:12,433 --> 00:12:15,303 Is that a hollow claim, that he's kicking butt here, 234 00:12:15,300 --> 00:12:18,400 or why not pick up the phone and tell the CEO, we've got to clean 235 00:12:18,400 --> 00:12:19,830 up this claims process? 236 00:12:19,834 --> 00:12:22,564 Mr. Gibbs: Well, that's happening today as a result of the meeting that's 237 00:12:22,567 --> 00:12:25,567 happening between Tony Hayward and the person in charge of 238 00:12:25,567 --> 00:12:27,637 claims for British Petroleum. 239 00:12:27,633 --> 00:12:32,033 The Press: Just whose butt is the President kicking? 240 00:12:32,033 --> 00:12:34,933 He said he's looking -- trying to determine whose butt to kick. 241 00:12:34,934 --> 00:12:36,864 Whose is he kicking and whose has he kicked? 242 00:12:36,867 --> 00:12:38,897 Mr. Gibbs: Us in government and those in BP. 243 00:12:38,900 --> 00:12:40,070 The Press: Who in BP? 244 00:12:40,066 --> 00:12:41,796 Mr. Gibbs: Well, we are, as I said a minute ago, 245 00:12:41,800 --> 00:12:46,130 meeting directly today with the person involved in claims. 246 00:12:46,133 --> 00:12:47,363 The Press: I mean the President himself. 247 00:12:47,367 --> 00:12:48,297 Mr. Gibbs: Right, the -- 248 00:12:48,300 --> 00:12:50,030 The Press: The President is not meeting with him. 249 00:12:50,033 --> 00:12:51,333 Mr. Gibbs: No, the President is not meeting with him. 250 00:12:51,333 --> 00:12:56,763 The President asked Thad Allen to meet with him as an offshoot 251 00:12:56,767 --> 00:12:58,737 of the meeting that the President was involved in. 252 00:12:58,734 --> 00:13:01,164 The Press: You'd think if the President says he's looking for butts to 253 00:13:01,166 --> 00:13:03,636 kick, he's going to do something other than just send Thad Allen 254 00:13:03,633 --> 00:13:04,563 to a meeting. 255 00:13:04,567 --> 00:13:06,897 Wouldn't he actually, as Ed said, pick up the phone? 256 00:13:06,900 --> 00:13:08,330 And if he's constrained by the board, 257 00:13:08,333 --> 00:13:09,963 then why not call the board members? 258 00:13:09,967 --> 00:13:11,067 Why not call them all -- 259 00:13:11,066 --> 00:13:17,236 Mr. Gibbs: Well, again, we're in constant contact with many in the 260 00:13:17,233 --> 00:13:22,403 corporate structure of BP about how and what they must do -- 261 00:13:22,400 --> 00:13:25,100 whether it's the claims process, whether it's a directive that 262 00:13:25,100 --> 00:13:28,530 was issued today by Thad Allen, the national incident commander, 263 00:13:28,533 --> 00:13:35,503 in order to ensure that there is a redundancy that allows for, 264 00:13:35,500 --> 00:13:44,830 as the cap can take more oil and as different things are added to 265 00:13:44,834 --> 00:13:49,104 the strategy of the top cap, that vessels are in place in 266 00:13:49,100 --> 00:13:51,670 order to be able to do that. 267 00:13:51,667 --> 00:13:55,797 The Press: You seemed to concede to Jake that BP is failing at both the 268 00:13:55,800 --> 00:13:58,170 claims and the cleanup process. 269 00:13:58,166 --> 00:14:01,196 Does the President -- is that how the President describes this -- 270 00:14:01,200 --> 00:14:05,130 Mr. Gibbs: Well, again, the meeting is an offshoot of complaints that we 271 00:14:05,133 --> 00:14:09,033 have all heard, particularly on the claims process, 272 00:14:09,033 --> 00:14:11,203 that has to be remedied, absolutely. 273 00:14:11,200 --> 00:14:14,700 The Press: How would you describe the President's level of confidence 274 00:14:14,700 --> 00:14:15,870 in BP now? 275 00:14:15,867 --> 00:14:17,437 Is he losing confidence? 276 00:14:17,433 --> 00:14:19,233 Does he have any confidence in them -- 277 00:14:19,233 --> 00:14:23,603 Mr. Gibbs: Well, our job is to make sure that the response is -- 278 00:14:23,600 --> 00:14:25,430 takes care of the needs of those in the Gulf. 279 00:14:25,433 --> 00:14:27,203 And if there are things that need to happen, 280 00:14:27,200 --> 00:14:33,700 like ensuring that the person in charge of claims at BP is 281 00:14:33,700 --> 00:14:40,400 providing information to our officials who are helping 282 00:14:40,400 --> 00:14:43,870 citizens with the claims process, that's what we'll do. 283 00:14:43,867 --> 00:14:46,367 The Press: Is it the President's view that he is just stuck with BP no 284 00:14:46,367 --> 00:14:48,067 matter how badly they fail? 285 00:14:48,066 --> 00:14:49,566 Mr. Gibbs: In what way? 286 00:14:49,567 --> 00:14:52,637 The Press: If they continue to fail with the cleanup process and the 287 00:14:52,633 --> 00:14:53,903 claims process, as the President -- 288 00:14:53,900 --> 00:14:57,970 Mr. Gibbs: No, if there are things that need to happen, 289 00:14:57,967 --> 00:15:00,337 we will continue to direct them to take those steps. 290 00:15:00,333 --> 00:15:02,963 The Press: Yes, but is he stuck with BP if they continue to fail? 291 00:15:02,967 --> 00:15:03,867 Mr. Gibbs: I don't -- 292 00:15:03,867 --> 00:15:05,397 The Press: Can you get BP out of the way? 293 00:15:05,400 --> 00:15:07,300 Has the President gotten to the point where he's discussing that? 294 00:15:07,300 --> 00:15:08,270 Mr. Gibbs: BP caused the accident, Chip. 295 00:15:08,266 --> 00:15:09,736 BP is the cause of -- 296 00:15:09,734 --> 00:15:10,834 The Press: They would have to pay for it eventually, 297 00:15:10,834 --> 00:15:12,204 but if they're not getting the job done -- 298 00:15:12,200 --> 00:15:15,670 Mr. Gibbs: Again, we will evaluate -- if the claims process is one that 299 00:15:15,667 --> 00:15:18,937 can't be remedied, then we'll look for solutions to ensure 300 00:15:18,934 --> 00:15:19,904 that it is. 301 00:15:19,900 --> 00:15:20,630 Chuck. 302 00:15:20,633 --> 00:15:25,263 The Press: Throughout the entire diplo-speak that we went through 303 00:15:25,266 --> 00:15:27,166 when we traveled the world on Iran, 304 00:15:27,166 --> 00:15:29,996 the President regularly would say United Nations sanctions 305 00:15:30,000 --> 00:15:32,870 were one part of an entire sanction. 306 00:15:32,867 --> 00:15:35,437 How soon do you expect something out of the EU? 307 00:15:35,433 --> 00:15:37,063 How soon do you expect sort of a coalition -- 308 00:15:37,066 --> 00:15:37,996 Mr. Gibbs: I'd put you to the EU on that. 309 00:15:38,000 --> 00:15:41,500 Look, the Treasury Department announced in February -- 310 00:15:41,500 --> 00:15:43,270 January or February, I forget which month -- 311 00:15:43,266 --> 00:15:46,436 additional unilateral sanctions. 312 00:15:46,433 --> 00:15:48,163 And certainly we evaluate those on -- 313 00:15:48,166 --> 00:15:49,036 The Press: The administration is still pursuing, 314 00:15:49,033 --> 00:15:50,663 they would like to get -- 315 00:15:50,667 --> 00:15:51,467 Mr. Gibbs: As is Congress. 316 00:15:51,467 --> 00:15:54,237 The Press: -- stronger sanctions -- no, I'm talking about other countries 317 00:15:54,233 --> 00:15:55,663 uniting to do even stronger sanctions. 318 00:15:55,667 --> 00:15:56,467 Is that -- 319 00:15:56,467 --> 00:15:58,997 Mr. Gibbs: That is certainly one course that we could take, yes. 320 00:15:59,000 --> 00:16:02,300 The Press: No, no, you said that's one course you could take. 321 00:16:02,300 --> 00:16:05,000 Is that a course that the administration is pursuing now? 322 00:16:05,000 --> 00:16:08,100 Mr. Gibbs: It is -- yes. 323 00:16:08,100 --> 00:16:10,400 The Press: During that famous debate with Hillary Clinton on the issue of 324 00:16:10,400 --> 00:16:13,900 engagement and direct talks related -- 325 00:16:13,900 --> 00:16:15,630 does the President have any regret that he never had any 326 00:16:15,633 --> 00:16:19,263 direct engagement with anybody on any level in Iran? 327 00:16:19,266 --> 00:16:23,396 Mr. Gibbs: Well, we sought to engage directly. 328 00:16:23,400 --> 00:16:28,570 I think it is very safe to say, Chuck, that without -- 329 00:16:28,567 --> 00:16:33,637 again, we could -- what passed today, at the beginning of this 330 00:16:33,633 --> 00:16:37,563 administration, we all know would not have passed -- right? 331 00:16:37,567 --> 00:16:41,637 Would not have gotten through the veto process in the Security 332 00:16:41,633 --> 00:16:43,233 Council, most likely. 333 00:16:43,233 --> 00:16:46,763 And we certainly -- I know, as we met with our Russian and 334 00:16:46,767 --> 00:16:48,867 Chinese counterparts, as you said, 335 00:16:48,867 --> 00:16:51,697 throughout the diplo-speak, everybody was looking at the 336 00:16:51,700 --> 00:16:54,530 diplo-speak to see if the Russians or the Chinese would 337 00:16:54,533 --> 00:16:57,233 veto those sanctions, right? 338 00:16:57,233 --> 00:17:00,233 Moving that process along through our willingness to 339 00:17:00,233 --> 00:17:04,233 engage is what broadened the coalition to the point where the 340 00:17:04,233 --> 00:17:07,633 toughest sanctions that have been applied to the country of 341 00:17:07,633 --> 00:17:09,203 Iran are in place. 342 00:17:09,200 --> 00:17:11,370 The Press: Do you believe these are -- you call them the toughest sanctions 343 00:17:11,367 --> 00:17:14,767 the U.N. has done, and I go back to this because it would seem to 344 00:17:14,767 --> 00:17:16,537 be an acknowledgement by the President, 345 00:17:16,533 --> 00:17:18,533 by the administration, a few months ago that what you were 346 00:17:18,533 --> 00:17:22,703 going to get through the United Nations was going to be adequate 347 00:17:22,700 --> 00:17:25,530 because you were going to get Russia and China onboard, 348 00:17:25,533 --> 00:17:27,203 but in order to really get stronger, 349 00:17:27,200 --> 00:17:28,430 you were going to have to go to other nations. 350 00:17:28,433 --> 00:17:29,603 Mr. Gibbs: You certainly may have to. 351 00:17:29,600 --> 00:17:34,930 But understand this, whether it's the number of votes or -- 352 00:17:34,934 --> 00:17:38,534 I don't think anybody in, to use your phrase, 353 00:17:38,533 --> 00:17:42,433 in the diplo-speak world would say, 354 00:17:42,433 --> 00:17:45,563 let's not tighten those sanctions, 355 00:17:45,567 --> 00:17:49,697 let's not put a sanction regime on the country of Iran that is 356 00:17:49,700 --> 00:17:52,570 greater than what they face today. 357 00:17:52,567 --> 00:17:53,867 That's what we did. 358 00:17:53,867 --> 00:17:55,097 Are they a magic bullet? 359 00:17:55,100 --> 00:17:57,000 No. 360 00:17:57,000 --> 00:18:01,270 Only as a result of a number of initiatives are we ultimately 361 00:18:01,266 --> 00:18:02,066 going to make -- 362 00:18:02,066 --> 00:18:04,796 The Press: I'm trying to buttonhole this a little bit and I apologize if it 363 00:18:04,800 --> 00:18:06,770 sounds like you may think I'm asking the same question, 364 00:18:06,767 --> 00:18:07,697 but how long -- 365 00:18:07,700 --> 00:18:08,800 Mr. Gibbs: That never happens. 366 00:18:08,800 --> 00:18:13,830 The Press: How long is this attempt to get other sanctions basically 367 00:18:13,834 --> 00:18:14,504 going to -- 368 00:18:14,500 --> 00:18:15,430 Mr. Gibbs: Let me get a -- 369 00:18:15,433 --> 00:18:16,463 The Press: How long of a process is -- 370 00:18:16,467 --> 00:18:17,867 Mr. Gibbs: Let me get a better understanding with NSC 371 00:18:17,867 --> 00:18:18,737 so that we -- 372 00:18:18,734 --> 00:18:19,604 The Press: Okay. 373 00:18:19,600 --> 00:18:24,030 And the incident on the border with the Border Patrol agent and 374 00:18:24,033 --> 00:18:26,103 the 14-year-old Mexican, the President -- 375 00:18:26,100 --> 00:18:28,270 was he briefed on this incident? 376 00:18:28,266 --> 00:18:28,896 Mr. Gibbs: Let me check on that. 377 00:18:28,900 --> 00:18:29,670 I don't know the answer. 378 00:18:29,667 --> 00:18:30,897 The Press: You don't know if he's been briefed on it? 379 00:18:30,900 --> 00:18:37,970 Mr. Gibbs: I don't know the answer to that. 380 00:18:37,967 --> 00:18:40,197 I'm sorry, go ahead. 381 00:18:40,200 --> 00:18:41,300 The Press: Thank you. 382 00:18:41,300 --> 00:18:44,230 Does the administration intend to try to force BP to pay the 383 00:18:44,233 --> 00:18:48,133 salaries of workers who are being -- 384 00:18:48,133 --> 00:18:51,263 oil workers who are not being paid right now because of the moratorium? 385 00:18:51,266 --> 00:18:56,296 Mr. Gibbs: Yes, let me get from the -- I think both through legislation 386 00:18:56,300 --> 00:19:00,700 in terms of unemployment compensation but also 387 00:19:00,700 --> 00:19:05,930 economically through -- look, I think it is -- 388 00:19:05,934 --> 00:19:10,204 the moratorium is a result of the accident that BP caused. 389 00:19:10,200 --> 00:19:13,770 It is an economic loss for those workers. 390 00:19:13,767 --> 00:19:16,937 And it is -- those are claims that BP should pay. 391 00:19:16,934 --> 00:19:18,864 The Press: So the White House's view is that -- 392 00:19:18,867 --> 00:19:19,437 Mr. Gibbs: Yes. 393 00:19:19,433 --> 00:19:20,463 The Press: -- BP should pay the full salaries, 394 00:19:20,467 --> 00:19:21,697 because unemployment of course is a fraction of the -- 395 00:19:21,700 --> 00:19:22,600 Mr. Gibbs: Is a portion of, right. 396 00:19:22,600 --> 00:19:24,070 The Press: So they should pay the full salaries? 397 00:19:24,066 --> 00:19:28,366 Mr. Gibbs: We believe it's an economic damage caused by this, 398 00:19:28,367 --> 00:19:31,137 not unlike losing business at your bait-and-tackle shop. 399 00:19:31,133 --> 00:19:33,063 The Press: And was there any progress during the meeting with 400 00:19:33,066 --> 00:19:36,336 President Abbas today toward somehow moving the parties 401 00:19:36,333 --> 00:19:38,833 closer toward direct negotiations? 402 00:19:38,834 --> 00:19:44,564 Mr. Gibbs: I don't want to get ahead of what you heard the President and 403 00:19:44,567 --> 00:19:47,967 Mr. Abbas discuss today. 404 00:19:47,967 --> 00:19:51,037 The Press: Robert, on another -- something you ate? 405 00:19:51,033 --> 00:19:52,233 (laughter) 406 00:19:52,233 --> 00:19:53,763 Mr. Gibbs: Let's hope that wasn't something he ate. 407 00:19:53,767 --> 00:19:56,137 (laughter) 408 00:19:56,133 --> 00:19:58,833 Let's hope that wasn't something he ate, yes. 409 00:19:58,834 --> 00:20:00,934 The Press: Another oil workers-related issue. 410 00:20:00,934 --> 00:20:04,634 When the families of the victims of the oil rig come here 411 00:20:04,633 --> 00:20:08,133 tomorrow, what's the President going to say to them about -- 412 00:20:08,133 --> 00:20:11,933 in their quest to change the law that limits the amount of money 413 00:20:11,934 --> 00:20:15,064 that people in their situation can recover? 414 00:20:15,066 --> 00:20:20,736 Mr. Gibbs: I'm sorry, in terms of -- are you talking about economic -- 415 00:20:20,734 --> 00:20:21,964 oh, you're talking about the -- 416 00:20:21,967 --> 00:20:23,497 The Press: The oil -- the people who died on the rig. 417 00:20:23,500 --> 00:20:25,530 Mr. Gibbs: Let me check with Legislative Affairs on -- 418 00:20:25,533 --> 00:20:29,163 I don't know whether that's in some of the legislation that's gone up. 419 00:20:29,166 --> 00:20:35,736 Obviously the President will express his heartfelt 420 00:20:35,734 --> 00:20:44,034 condolences for the families of the 11 that lost their lives the 421 00:20:44,033 --> 00:20:48,633 very first night of the explosion, 422 00:20:48,633 --> 00:20:59,403 and I think is eager to discuss with them what their family was 423 00:20:59,400 --> 00:21:07,030 telling them about safety conditions and what type of 424 00:21:07,033 --> 00:21:13,003 changes can and must be made in the regulatory framework to 425 00:21:13,000 --> 00:21:16,100 ensure that deepwater drilling that goes forward is done in a 426 00:21:16,100 --> 00:21:20,000 way that is safe and not life-threatening. 427 00:21:20,000 --> 00:21:22,670 The Press: Does he and the people -- do he and the people around him feel 428 00:21:22,667 --> 00:21:25,737 that they're sort of the forgotten victims of this whole 429 00:21:25,734 --> 00:21:27,134 thing after all that's happened -- 430 00:21:27,133 --> 00:21:28,033 Mr. Gibbs: Well, I don't think -- 431 00:21:28,033 --> 00:21:29,203 The Press: -- and that's why you're having them here? 432 00:21:29,200 --> 00:21:32,300 Mr. Gibbs: No, Pete, I don't think they're forgotten. 433 00:21:32,300 --> 00:21:37,600 I think they are -- they were the very first victims of what 434 00:21:37,600 --> 00:21:42,170 is a very long and sad tragedy. 435 00:21:42,166 --> 00:21:46,336 It has changed the lives of many. 436 00:21:46,333 --> 00:21:49,933 It changed first the lives of those 11 families. 437 00:21:49,934 --> 00:21:55,664 It will do untold economic and environmental damage. 438 00:21:55,667 --> 00:22:00,437 It's the largest economic disaster that this country 439 00:22:00,433 --> 00:22:02,133 has ever seen. 440 00:22:02,133 --> 00:22:06,133 They are not -- they're certainly not forgotten. 441 00:22:06,133 --> 00:22:09,403 The Press: 30 lawmakers wrote Hayward today on the dividend issue -- 442 00:22:09,400 --> 00:22:10,930 stop paying the dividend. 443 00:22:10,934 --> 00:22:13,564 And also they wanted to have them stop the advertising 444 00:22:13,567 --> 00:22:15,137 campaign that we're all seeing so much. 445 00:22:15,133 --> 00:22:16,933 What's your view on both of those issues? 446 00:22:16,934 --> 00:22:22,834 Mr. Gibbs: Well, look, I don't want to get into the legal obligations that 447 00:22:22,834 --> 00:22:23,734 -- I would simply reiterate -- 448 00:22:23,734 --> 00:22:25,764 The Press: You just weighed in on saying that they should be 449 00:22:25,767 --> 00:22:27,067 paying claims and -- 450 00:22:27,066 --> 00:22:30,396 Mr. Gibbs: Right, well, let me just -- I'm going to reiterate exactly what 451 00:22:30,400 --> 00:22:33,800 the President said on this topic on Friday. 452 00:22:33,800 --> 00:22:36,730 If you're able to do any of those things, 453 00:22:36,734 --> 00:22:41,464 then we better not hear about the nickel-and-diming of an 454 00:22:41,467 --> 00:22:46,037 economic claim for a convenience store owner, 455 00:22:46,033 --> 00:22:52,503 for a commercial fisherman, for an out-of-work driller. 456 00:22:52,500 --> 00:22:56,170 The company's responsibility is to make -- 457 00:22:56,166 --> 00:23:01,096 is to pay for the damages that this accident caused. 458 00:23:01,100 --> 00:23:03,670 The Press: So should the company at all be concerned about pension funds 459 00:23:03,667 --> 00:23:05,837 that may be relying on this dividend, 460 00:23:05,834 --> 00:23:08,564 or is that not part of their purview? 461 00:23:08,567 --> 00:23:11,367 Mr. Gibbs: I'm way over the tips of my skis on the economics of 462 00:23:11,367 --> 00:23:12,637 pension funds. 463 00:23:12,633 --> 00:23:14,563 Yes, sir. 464 00:23:14,567 --> 00:23:17,567 The Press: Do you expect this to be the last word from the United 465 00:23:17,567 --> 00:23:18,837 Nations Security Council on Iran, 466 00:23:18,834 --> 00:23:21,304 meaning these are the toughest sanctions you can get and 467 00:23:21,300 --> 00:23:23,930 they're the ones that are going to achieve the most -- 468 00:23:23,934 --> 00:23:26,434 Mr. Gibbs: I can talk to the NSC guys on that. 469 00:23:26,433 --> 00:23:32,263 I think this represents, again, a broad coalition that has 470 00:23:32,266 --> 00:23:37,996 placed the toughest series of sanctions ever on the country of Iran. 471 00:23:38,000 --> 00:23:41,770 The Press: To those who might wonder if in the process of obtaining yes 472 00:23:41,767 --> 00:23:43,637 votes from China and Russia you had to water them down, 473 00:23:43,633 --> 00:23:44,863 you would say what? 474 00:23:44,867 --> 00:23:47,097 Mr. Gibbs: Well, if you didn't have yes votes we wouldn't have 475 00:23:47,100 --> 00:23:48,170 any sanctions. 476 00:23:48,166 --> 00:23:51,236 It's a fairly moot argument. 477 00:23:51,233 --> 00:23:54,433 Again, I'd go back to where we were not just the first day of 478 00:23:54,433 --> 00:23:57,803 the administration -- I think certainly into the fall -- 479 00:23:57,800 --> 00:23:59,970 what's going to happen, where are these two countries going to 480 00:23:59,967 --> 00:24:03,037 come out on this resolution. 481 00:24:03,033 --> 00:24:06,263 Vetoing this resolution would mean no additional sanctions. 482 00:24:06,266 --> 00:24:10,466 Because of our willingness to engage, 483 00:24:10,467 --> 00:24:13,967 because of the President's personal willingness to get 484 00:24:13,967 --> 00:24:17,137 heavily involved in the diplomacy of this, 485 00:24:17,133 --> 00:24:20,433 and through the efforts of Secretary of State Clinton, 486 00:24:20,433 --> 00:24:24,003 Ambassador Rice, Deputy Secretary of State Burns, 487 00:24:24,000 --> 00:24:26,800 we broadened the coalition that allowed the toughest sanctions 488 00:24:26,800 --> 00:24:28,370 to be put in place. 489 00:24:28,367 --> 00:24:31,337 The Press: As for Congress, now that you've achieved this at the Security 490 00:24:31,333 --> 00:24:35,363 Council, do you still want Congress to hold off on its 491 00:24:35,367 --> 00:24:36,697 approach to sanctions, or are you now more -- 492 00:24:36,700 --> 00:24:38,770 Mr. Gibbs: Let me talk to -- I don't know the answer to that from 493 00:24:38,767 --> 00:24:39,697 Legislative Affairs. 494 00:24:39,700 --> 00:24:42,870 The Press: Quickly on BP, yesterday Interior Secretary Salazar said 495 00:24:42,867 --> 00:24:46,767 that not only would the Gulf be cleaned up, 496 00:24:46,767 --> 00:24:52,637 but it would be in a better condition than it was before the spill. 497 00:24:52,633 --> 00:24:53,333 Does the President believe that -- 498 00:24:53,333 --> 00:24:53,903 Mr. Gibbs: Yes. 499 00:24:53,900 --> 00:24:54,870 The Press: -- and is that the President's personal goal? 500 00:24:54,867 --> 00:24:55,397 Mr. Gibbs: Yes. 501 00:24:55,400 --> 00:24:56,770 The Press: How does he define "better?" 502 00:24:56,767 --> 00:25:03,367 Mr. Gibbs: Well, look, I don't -- I think there's no doubt that the 503 00:25:03,367 --> 00:25:07,767 environmental degradation that happened as a result of Katrina 504 00:25:07,767 --> 00:25:10,167 was significant. 505 00:25:10,166 --> 00:25:14,696 The discussion about building berms and barrier islands is 506 00:25:14,700 --> 00:25:22,100 because what was once there to stop storm surge from -- 507 00:25:22,100 --> 00:25:26,000 that would prevent oil from coming to different parts of the 508 00:25:26,000 --> 00:25:28,000 marsh are gone. 509 00:25:28,000 --> 00:25:32,300 You've seen wetlands -- I forget what percentage of wetlands 510 00:25:32,300 --> 00:25:36,500 we've seen that have been destroyed not as a result of 511 00:25:36,500 --> 00:25:41,830 this oil spill, but over years and years and years of degradation. 512 00:25:41,834 --> 00:25:43,364 The Press: Right, and some decisions made by the Army Corps 513 00:25:43,367 --> 00:25:44,137 of Engineers -- 514 00:25:44,133 --> 00:25:44,733 Mr. Gibbs: Right. 515 00:25:44,734 --> 00:25:49,704 We had a process in terms of -- as it related to Katrina and as 516 00:25:49,700 --> 00:25:54,000 it related to Gulf restoration that was ongoing before this to 517 00:25:54,000 --> 00:25:58,470 improve where we were, quite frankly, the day before all this happened. 518 00:25:58,467 --> 00:26:01,967 So, yes, the President believes that the ecosystem involved -- 519 00:26:01,967 --> 00:26:04,737 The Press: -- just clean up the coastline, but to rework it -- 520 00:26:04,734 --> 00:26:08,564 Mr. Gibbs: Yes, this is -- it's a little bit -- 521 00:26:08,567 --> 00:26:11,397 if you go camping, you leave the area that you camped in a little 522 00:26:11,400 --> 00:26:13,330 bit better than you found it. 523 00:26:13,333 --> 00:26:14,863 I think that's the goal that the President has. 524 00:26:14,867 --> 00:26:17,097 The Press: To pick up on the President's colorful metaphor, 525 00:26:17,100 --> 00:26:21,070 you said kicking the government and BP -- 526 00:26:21,066 --> 00:26:23,366 can you give us a practical example of when that's happened 527 00:26:23,367 --> 00:26:24,797 and how that came about? 528 00:26:24,800 --> 00:26:27,970 Mr. Gibbs: Well, I'll give you just the most recent two examples, 529 00:26:27,967 --> 00:26:31,267 which are claims and vessels directives in order to ensure 530 00:26:31,266 --> 00:26:38,496 that we have in claims a transparent process that works 531 00:26:38,500 --> 00:26:42,170 for those in the states of the Gulf that have seen their 532 00:26:42,166 --> 00:26:46,736 economic livelihoods damaged as a result of this accident; 533 00:26:46,734 --> 00:26:51,534 the directive that was also given to them today. 534 00:26:51,533 --> 00:26:56,763 As we have a -- the top cap, obviously, 535 00:26:56,767 --> 00:27:00,937 is taking some amount of oil in. 536 00:27:00,934 --> 00:27:09,064 There are other things that can be added and will become online 537 00:27:09,066 --> 00:27:11,966 that will allow us to get more of that oil. 538 00:27:11,967 --> 00:27:14,437 We have to have a system on the surface, 539 00:27:14,433 --> 00:27:18,403 as we add the things that Secretary Chu and others in the 540 00:27:18,400 --> 00:27:23,130 scientific community from the national labs have pushed BP to 541 00:27:23,133 --> 00:27:27,663 do, namely -- one example being the choke and kill lines, 542 00:27:27,667 --> 00:27:31,397 which on a normal riser pipe would run parallel to -- 543 00:27:31,400 --> 00:27:34,530 it's what forces mud into a blowout preventer that's 544 00:27:34,533 --> 00:27:37,963 ultimately capped with cement. 545 00:27:37,967 --> 00:27:41,137 Obviously, those are not normally used as production for 546 00:27:41,133 --> 00:27:42,163 additional oil. 547 00:27:42,166 --> 00:27:45,966 We believe and we have believed that that is a possibility and 548 00:27:45,967 --> 00:27:47,737 should be used. 549 00:27:47,734 --> 00:27:53,364 The directive for ships on the surface is to when we are ready 550 00:27:53,367 --> 00:27:56,237 to do that, we have the capability, 551 00:27:56,233 --> 00:28:00,203 as well as adding the Q4000 and increasing its capability to 552 00:28:00,200 --> 00:28:03,800 burn off oil and gas that's coming up through the top cap mechanism. 553 00:28:03,800 --> 00:28:06,030 The Press: And these examples would represent, at least in part, 554 00:28:06,033 --> 00:28:08,763 an angry President picking up a phone and -- 555 00:28:08,767 --> 00:28:12,337 Mr. Gibbs: These would represent the continued response of the 556 00:28:12,333 --> 00:28:17,363 government to ensure that BP does all that it can to cap the 557 00:28:17,367 --> 00:28:20,597 leak, to deal with the economic and environmental devastation 558 00:28:20,600 --> 00:28:23,730 that's been caused by the accident on April 20th. 559 00:28:23,734 --> 00:28:24,804 Yes. 560 00:28:24,800 --> 00:28:27,870 The Press: On Abbas, Robert, is it fair to characterize or accurate to 561 00:28:27,867 --> 00:28:30,897 characterize the meeting as mostly on Gaza and not mostly 562 00:28:30,900 --> 00:28:32,800 on proximity talks? 563 00:28:32,800 --> 00:28:35,230 Mr. Gibbs: I did not talk directly with those that were in the meeting. 564 00:28:35,233 --> 00:28:37,003 I can get a readout on that. 565 00:28:37,000 --> 00:28:41,170 My sense is that both of those topics were covered -- 566 00:28:41,166 --> 00:28:44,166 based on what the President said -- extensively. 567 00:28:44,166 --> 00:28:49,196 The Press: And then on BP, it looks like there are eight members of the 568 00:28:49,200 --> 00:28:53,130 board of directors, not including the six who are also 569 00:28:53,133 --> 00:28:56,303 executives of the company and serve on the board, as well. 570 00:28:56,300 --> 00:28:58,500 Does the President plan -- does the President -- 571 00:28:58,500 --> 00:29:00,470 do you think or does the President think that it would 572 00:29:00,467 --> 00:29:02,437 make any difference if the President actually called 573 00:29:02,433 --> 00:29:05,063 one of these people? 574 00:29:05,066 --> 00:29:08,136 Mr. Gibbs: Again, we are -- 575 00:29:08,133 --> 00:29:09,333 The Press: I've got the names right here. 576 00:29:09,333 --> 00:29:12,163 Mr. Gibbs: The iPad is a wonderful invention, Michael. 577 00:29:12,166 --> 00:29:15,436 (laughter) 578 00:29:15,433 --> 00:29:21,663 Again, our government -- Thad Allen, Secretary Chu, 579 00:29:21,667 --> 00:29:26,037 Secretary Salazar, Tracy Wareing is meeting with BP today as part 580 00:29:26,033 --> 00:29:30,433 of the meeting with Thad Allen, that are in constant 581 00:29:30,433 --> 00:29:34,363 communication with and pushing BP to do what is necessary. 582 00:29:34,367 --> 00:29:37,037 The Press: Robert, a couple more BP questions. 583 00:29:37,033 --> 00:29:40,063 You said the President is eager to talk with the families of the 584 00:29:40,066 --> 00:29:42,866 victims about the safety conditions. 585 00:29:42,867 --> 00:29:46,167 What kinds of questions does he want answered? 586 00:29:46,166 --> 00:29:48,836 And does this kind of put him in the role of factfinder, 587 00:29:48,834 --> 00:29:51,534 in a way, when there's a criminal investigation going on? 588 00:29:51,533 --> 00:29:56,303 Mr. Gibbs: Well, there obviously is -- he's not an investigator on behalf of 589 00:29:56,300 --> 00:30:01,700 the Department of Justice, if that was the second part of your question. 590 00:30:01,700 --> 00:30:05,330 Obviously, it's the President's job to ensure that, 591 00:30:05,333 --> 00:30:09,233 coming out of this disaster, there's a structure in place 592 00:30:09,233 --> 00:30:15,603 that -- through regulation, that ensures that these type of 593 00:30:15,600 --> 00:30:22,200 accidents don't happen, and that the safety of that equipment is 594 00:30:22,200 --> 00:30:25,170 monitored, and that the actions that are taken don't jeopardize 595 00:30:25,166 --> 00:30:30,496 those on those rigs doing the work and jeopardize their safety. 596 00:30:30,500 --> 00:30:39,370 He will -- look, we've all read and seen interviews with many of 597 00:30:39,367 --> 00:30:46,497 these families, with survivors, that talk about not only what 598 00:30:46,500 --> 00:30:50,170 happened that night, but we've obviously heard examples of what 599 00:30:50,166 --> 00:30:53,966 happened -- what has happened leading up to the accident. 600 00:30:53,967 --> 00:30:55,767 The Press: And then can you talk to us a little bit about his 601 00:30:55,767 --> 00:30:57,067 trip next week? 602 00:30:57,066 --> 00:30:58,866 What does he intend to do while he's there? 603 00:30:58,867 --> 00:31:02,437 What can he learn on this trip and why does he think he needs 604 00:31:02,433 --> 00:31:03,433 to go back? 605 00:31:03,433 --> 00:31:05,133 And what can he learn that he doesn't already know? 606 00:31:05,133 --> 00:31:12,003 Mr. Gibbs: Well, this trip will take us to the three additional Gulf states 607 00:31:12,000 --> 00:31:17,100 that have now been affected by oil hitting their land. 608 00:31:17,100 --> 00:31:20,300 Likely stop in Gulfport, Mississippi -- 609 00:31:20,300 --> 00:31:24,430 there's a Coast Guard facility there; in Theodore, Alabama, 610 00:31:24,433 --> 00:31:30,063 which is just south of Mobile and inside of Mobile Bay, 611 00:31:30,066 --> 00:31:38,836 which is a large staging area for many aspects of the surface 612 00:31:38,834 --> 00:31:44,664 response, including storage for and cleaning of boom. 613 00:31:44,667 --> 00:31:46,667 Obviously when oil comes into contact with boom, 614 00:31:46,667 --> 00:31:48,937 it becomes a hazardous material. 615 00:31:48,934 --> 00:31:51,834 Part of the function of this facility, among many, 616 00:31:51,834 --> 00:31:58,664 is to clean and ultimately stage back on ships for repositioning that boom. 617 00:31:58,667 --> 00:32:00,297 I think we talked about a stop -- 618 00:32:00,300 --> 00:32:01,800 I don't know if it's been confirmed -- 619 00:32:01,800 --> 00:32:05,000 in Orange Beach, Alabama, another place that has been 620 00:32:05,000 --> 00:32:08,300 impacted by oil onshore. 621 00:32:08,300 --> 00:32:11,900 As well as a stop likely in Pensacola, Florida, 622 00:32:11,900 --> 00:32:16,770 Escambia County, the westernmost Panhandle county that is 623 00:32:16,767 --> 00:32:21,597 beginning to also see oil wash ashore. 624 00:32:21,600 --> 00:32:24,100 I think in each one of these, he's going to meet with -- 625 00:32:24,100 --> 00:32:27,370 he will see Coast Guard officials about the -- 626 00:32:27,367 --> 00:32:30,037 and response officials about the steps that are being taken to 627 00:32:30,033 --> 00:32:37,803 respond to, as you've heard Admiral Allen say, 628 00:32:37,800 --> 00:32:43,630 oil that has broken up and gone in many directions and provides 629 00:32:43,633 --> 00:32:47,933 unique challenges to the environment in each of these places. 630 00:32:47,934 --> 00:32:53,334 Obviously along parts of the Panhandle, you've got -- 631 00:32:53,333 --> 00:32:57,203 in Florida, you've got beaches; in places like Mobile Bay, 632 00:32:57,200 --> 00:33:00,830 you have some of the richest estuaries in the country -- 633 00:33:00,834 --> 00:33:05,704 efforts that are being taken environmentally to stop the flow 634 00:33:05,700 --> 00:33:11,570 of oil into and onto those areas; meet with locals, 635 00:33:11,567 --> 00:33:14,567 meet with elected officials that are on the ground about the 636 00:33:14,567 --> 00:33:23,967 cleanup and, again, hear from those impacted economically by 637 00:33:23,967 --> 00:33:24,937 this disaster. 638 00:33:24,934 --> 00:33:29,904 Obviously if you think about the pictures that we're all seeing 639 00:33:29,900 --> 00:33:34,870 on the television, obviously you've got oil going into 640 00:33:34,867 --> 00:33:37,337 marshland in Louisiana. 641 00:33:37,333 --> 00:33:42,163 You've got -- along Mississippi and Alabama, 642 00:33:42,166 --> 00:33:45,896 you've got a couple of different types of environmental aspects 643 00:33:45,900 --> 00:33:48,000 that you're dealing with -- again, like I said, 644 00:33:48,000 --> 00:33:52,000 estuaries in some place, recreational beaches in others. 645 00:33:52,000 --> 00:33:54,130 And then along the Panhandle of Florida, you've got more -- 646 00:33:54,133 --> 00:33:57,433 what everyone thinks of as places where you go in the late 647 00:33:57,433 --> 00:33:59,603 spring and summer. 648 00:33:59,600 --> 00:34:03,830 The challenges across those vary based on the type of place, 649 00:34:03,834 --> 00:34:07,704 and the economic damages incurred by those are different 650 00:34:07,700 --> 00:34:10,930 based on whether you own a hotel or whether you're a commercial 651 00:34:10,934 --> 00:34:18,304 fisherman, as well as those that are evaluating and seeing what 652 00:34:18,300 --> 00:34:20,830 possible environmental impact something like this could have. 653 00:34:20,834 --> 00:34:22,264 The Press: Will he be making more trips? 654 00:34:22,266 --> 00:34:24,036 Are we going to -- I know you don't like the Katrina 655 00:34:24,033 --> 00:34:27,403 comparison, but his predecessor made eight trips to the region 656 00:34:27,400 --> 00:34:29,700 after Katrina. 657 00:34:29,700 --> 00:34:34,100 Mr. Gibbs: You now have the full -- you now have from me the full course of 658 00:34:34,100 --> 00:34:38,870 planning as I know of right now. 659 00:34:38,867 --> 00:34:41,537 The Press: About the time the President was meeting with President Abbas, 660 00:34:41,533 --> 00:34:44,163 Israel announced it's lifting some of the restrictions on what 661 00:34:44,166 --> 00:34:47,336 goes into Gaza, including, according to the wire write-up, 662 00:34:47,333 --> 00:34:51,803 potato chips, spices and sodas, but no concrete, no steel. 663 00:34:51,800 --> 00:34:54,830 When the President talks about trying to improve infrastructure 664 00:34:54,834 --> 00:34:57,464 and repair shelters and build schools, 665 00:34:57,467 --> 00:35:00,637 how are they going to do that without the material they need? 666 00:35:00,633 --> 00:35:05,333 Mr. Gibbs: Look, obviously we are, as you heard the President announce, 667 00:35:05,333 --> 00:35:10,333 increasing our aid as the largest aid contributor to Gaza, 668 00:35:10,333 --> 00:35:13,803 and the announcement included both Gaza and the West Bank. 669 00:35:13,800 --> 00:35:18,470 And we continue to work with Israel and others in the region 670 00:35:18,467 --> 00:35:22,697 to improve the humanitarian conditions in Gaza. 671 00:35:22,700 --> 00:35:26,070 As the President said -- as we said last week and as the 672 00:35:26,066 --> 00:35:28,736 President said today, that those are humanitarian conditions that 673 00:35:28,734 --> 00:35:30,804 are simply unsustainable. 674 00:35:30,800 --> 00:35:33,730 The Press: But potato chips when they need concrete? 675 00:35:33,734 --> 00:35:38,104 Mr. Gibbs: Well, again, part of what we're doing is adding some of those 676 00:35:38,100 --> 00:35:43,300 infrastructure needs as we work with the Israelis on a 677 00:35:43,300 --> 00:35:44,430 longer-term solution. 678 00:35:44,433 --> 00:35:46,403 The Press: Are you allowed to bring in some of that material, then? 679 00:35:46,400 --> 00:35:48,230 Mr. Gibbs: Let me double-check on exactly what -- 680 00:35:48,233 --> 00:35:49,933 The Press: Can I follow up on that, Robert, and just ask -- 681 00:35:49,934 --> 00:35:51,004 Mr. Gibbs: I'm coming your way. 682 00:35:51,000 --> 00:35:54,270 The Press: Yesterday Congressman Ed Markey said that because BP initially 683 00:35:54,266 --> 00:35:56,996 underreported the amount of oil coming from the well, 684 00:35:57,000 --> 00:35:59,600 it had huge consequences in the amount of boom that was made 685 00:35:59,600 --> 00:36:03,070 available, the amount of protection given to the workers, 686 00:36:03,066 --> 00:36:05,366 the amount of chemicals shot into the ocean. 687 00:36:05,367 --> 00:36:07,537 This is a quote: "There were huge ramifications of BP 688 00:36:07,533 --> 00:36:10,263 deliberately lowballing the size of the oil spill." 689 00:36:10,266 --> 00:36:13,096 You've always said the response was in no way tied to the measurement. 690 00:36:13,100 --> 00:36:15,170 So would you dispute his characterization? 691 00:36:15,166 --> 00:36:20,596 Mr. Gibbs: Look, I don't know what he's basing each of these 692 00:36:20,600 --> 00:36:22,700 things off of. 693 00:36:22,700 --> 00:36:30,200 Booming is set forth by an ACP, which is a state plan for 694 00:36:30,200 --> 00:36:31,930 dealing with a disaster. 695 00:36:31,934 --> 00:36:36,164 So, in other words, what has to be protected along the coastline 696 00:36:36,166 --> 00:36:38,666 of Alabama, what has to be protected along the coastline of 697 00:36:38,667 --> 00:36:42,837 Louisiana, is determined by a process instituted by the 698 00:36:42,834 --> 00:36:44,934 governor in each of those states. 699 00:36:44,934 --> 00:36:50,264 And we have data sheets about how much their ACP included in 700 00:36:50,266 --> 00:36:52,696 terms of feet of boom and how much is in place. 701 00:36:52,700 --> 00:36:58,470 In each of those cases -- in those cases right now -- 702 00:36:58,467 --> 00:37:02,167 I know in Alabama we're in excess of what the state plan calls for. 703 00:37:02,166 --> 00:37:06,866 So, again, I don't know what facts and figures Congressman 704 00:37:06,867 --> 00:37:09,697 Markey is using. 705 00:37:09,700 --> 00:37:15,230 We used both subsea and surface dispersants to break up oil, 706 00:37:15,233 --> 00:37:18,103 again, at different depths. 707 00:37:18,100 --> 00:37:22,770 That was -- the amount of subsea dispersant is not determined by 708 00:37:22,767 --> 00:37:25,197 the rate of flow. 709 00:37:25,200 --> 00:37:32,200 Look, I think it is very safe to say that as we have gone on, 710 00:37:32,200 --> 00:37:39,970 we have better data and better technological advances that 711 00:37:39,967 --> 00:37:43,637 allow us to see 5,000 feet below the ocean. 712 00:37:43,633 --> 00:37:47,303 Again, the work that's been done at the sight of the blowout 713 00:37:47,300 --> 00:37:50,600 preventer and the riser has all been done remotely by remotely 714 00:37:50,600 --> 00:37:52,630 operated vehicles. 715 00:37:52,633 --> 00:37:55,503 Nobody can walk up to the blowout preventer as you could 716 00:37:55,500 --> 00:37:57,530 in a shallow-water well because the blowout preventer is on the 717 00:37:57,533 --> 00:37:59,633 surface of the water. 718 00:37:59,633 --> 00:38:04,663 We have seen -- and many of you all have seen -- 719 00:38:04,667 --> 00:38:09,337 enhanced video that we have used, 720 00:38:09,333 --> 00:38:14,703 working with video technicians to enhance the view that we now 721 00:38:14,700 --> 00:38:16,570 see down there. 722 00:38:16,567 --> 00:38:22,397 So -- and the flow -- the amount of discharged pollution will 723 00:38:22,400 --> 00:38:27,170 ultimately be used to determine the set of fines that is imposed 724 00:38:27,166 --> 00:38:31,536 on BP as a result of the cause of this accident. 725 00:38:31,533 --> 00:38:34,363 Those numbers -- the flow rate technical group and the 726 00:38:34,367 --> 00:38:37,267 different teams in the flow rate technical group continue their 727 00:38:37,266 --> 00:38:45,566 work even as we speak to come up with additional pre-riser cut numbers. 728 00:38:45,567 --> 00:38:48,637 We'll also likely see over the several days and next several 729 00:38:48,633 --> 00:38:53,433 weeks, post-riser-cut numbers. 730 00:38:53,433 --> 00:38:56,463 The Department of Energy and Interior have also been doing 731 00:38:56,467 --> 00:39:00,467 calculations using pressure readings that were taken 732 00:39:00,467 --> 00:39:03,967 throughout the process of the top kill effort, 733 00:39:03,967 --> 00:39:07,997 and as the top cap was ongoing that allow us to make 734 00:39:08,000 --> 00:39:11,930 estimations -- very good estimations about the increased 735 00:39:11,934 --> 00:39:16,204 flow as a result of the riser cut based on those pressure readings. 736 00:39:16,200 --> 00:39:22,070 So we are -- we will continually be adding to -- 737 00:39:22,066 --> 00:39:25,996 based on the new information and more enhanced information that 738 00:39:26,000 --> 00:39:29,370 we get, revising flow estimates. 739 00:39:29,367 --> 00:39:35,297 But that has not curtailed the response. 740 00:39:35,300 --> 00:39:39,170 The Press: Robert, Congress is nearly two months past the deadline for 741 00:39:39,166 --> 00:39:40,966 getting a budget done. 742 00:39:40,967 --> 00:39:42,697 Does the President think Congress should pass a budget? 743 00:39:42,700 --> 00:39:44,830 And is he making any calls or doing anything to try and -- 744 00:39:44,834 --> 00:39:47,534 Mr. Gibbs: Not that I'm aware of, and I haven't talked to him about it. 745 00:39:47,533 --> 00:39:50,103 The Press: So the President -- spending is such a big issue. 746 00:39:50,100 --> 00:39:52,400 He's not concerned, he doesn't care -- 747 00:39:52,400 --> 00:39:54,430 Mr. Gibbs: Well, again, there's a budget and there's an appropriations 748 00:39:54,433 --> 00:39:58,263 process that has to take place. 749 00:39:58,266 --> 00:40:00,066 The appropriations process in order for the government to 750 00:40:00,066 --> 00:40:03,466 spend money has to take place by the end of the fiscal year. 751 00:40:03,467 --> 00:40:05,567 We have to pass a continuing resolution that allows the 752 00:40:05,567 --> 00:40:06,997 government to function. 753 00:40:07,000 --> 00:40:08,930 That's an ongoing process. 754 00:40:08,934 --> 00:40:09,704 Yes, ma'am. 755 00:40:09,700 --> 00:40:12,470 The Press: Just back on the relaxation of restrictions on the border 756 00:40:12,467 --> 00:40:13,697 into Gaza. 757 00:40:13,700 --> 00:40:16,630 Have you guys had a chance to look at those? 758 00:40:16,633 --> 00:40:18,433 Are they significant? 759 00:40:18,433 --> 00:40:19,803 Mr. Gibbs: On the Israelis' part? 760 00:40:19,800 --> 00:40:24,630 I will have somebody from NSC -- I have not, 761 00:40:24,633 --> 00:40:26,563 but I will have somebody -- if they have better information on that. 762 00:40:26,567 --> 00:40:30,997 Yes, April. 763 00:40:31,000 --> 00:40:33,830 The Press: On hurricane season in the Gulf Coast, 764 00:40:33,834 --> 00:40:36,804 what specifically is in place? 765 00:40:36,800 --> 00:40:39,430 Because we're now in hurricane season and there is concern that 766 00:40:39,433 --> 00:40:43,263 if a hurricane does come to the area that it will spread more so 767 00:40:43,266 --> 00:40:45,436 the oil that's still gushing. 768 00:40:45,433 --> 00:40:46,433 What's in place? 769 00:40:46,433 --> 00:40:50,533 Mr. Gibbs: Well, they have -- part of what the vessel directive and the 770 00:40:50,533 --> 00:40:54,003 redundancy will take into account, 771 00:40:54,000 --> 00:40:57,430 and part of what is going to be ultimately a longer-term 772 00:40:57,433 --> 00:41:00,833 solution until the relief well is drilled, 773 00:41:00,834 --> 00:41:08,834 is a different platform apparatus that allows intake of 774 00:41:08,834 --> 00:41:13,204 oil to take place in different category -- 775 00:41:13,200 --> 00:41:15,100 or different intensity storms. 776 00:41:15,100 --> 00:41:18,530 Obviously one of the main concerns that we have as we 777 00:41:18,533 --> 00:41:24,603 drill the relief well is -- right now the situation is, 778 00:41:24,600 --> 00:41:26,170 as you've heard Admiral Allen and other say, 779 00:41:26,166 --> 00:41:30,966 precarious because right now the ships that are out there and 780 00:41:30,967 --> 00:41:33,737 mechanism that is taking oil from the top -- 781 00:41:33,734 --> 00:41:39,104 up through the top cap would have to be disconnected in the 782 00:41:39,100 --> 00:41:40,930 event of a hurricane. 783 00:41:40,934 --> 00:41:43,934 The Press: So it's long term, not a short-term fix right now? 784 00:41:43,934 --> 00:41:45,464 Mr. Gibbs: Well, there are several different -- 785 00:41:45,467 --> 00:41:48,967 the long-term fix obviously is the drilling of the relief well. 786 00:41:48,967 --> 00:41:53,297 There are different apparatus -- I don't know if apparatus -- 787 00:41:53,300 --> 00:41:54,730 I don't know if the plural -- apparati -- 788 00:41:54,734 --> 00:42:00,734 I should go back to pensions and stuff. 789 00:42:00,734 --> 00:42:02,764 There are a whole series of mechanisms, let's say that, 790 00:42:02,767 --> 00:42:06,837 that have to be -- that are being looked into as to how to 791 00:42:06,834 --> 00:42:09,234 deal with production as the weather might turn. 792 00:42:09,233 --> 00:42:12,003 The Press: And on this phone call situation, did the -- 793 00:42:12,000 --> 00:42:13,070 Mr. Gibbs: As the what -- the what situation? 794 00:42:13,066 --> 00:42:15,296 The Press: The phone call, this phone call, this potential, 795 00:42:15,300 --> 00:42:17,130 possible phone call with Hayward and the President. 796 00:42:17,133 --> 00:42:18,263 Mr. Gibbs: Oh, oh, oh. 797 00:42:18,266 --> 00:42:20,296 The Press: Did the White House inquire about this, 798 00:42:20,300 --> 00:42:22,900 or did BP inquire about a phone call? 799 00:42:22,900 --> 00:42:23,670 And how do you -- 800 00:42:23,667 --> 00:42:24,667 Mr. Gibbs: Not that I'm aware of. 801 00:42:24,667 --> 00:42:27,897 The Press: Well, why would -- well, how did it come up that there's a board 802 00:42:27,900 --> 00:42:30,570 that he would have to consult with before he would talk to the President? 803 00:42:30,567 --> 00:42:34,497 Mr. Gibbs: That's just, as you understand the corporate governance 804 00:42:34,500 --> 00:42:39,200 structure, again, the CEO plays a role but the way their board 805 00:42:39,200 --> 00:42:42,900 is devised, the chairman of the board and the board okay what 806 00:42:42,900 --> 00:42:44,200 happens by the CEO. 807 00:42:44,200 --> 00:42:46,600 The Press: Was this an assumption on the White House part or was this -- 808 00:42:46,600 --> 00:42:48,330 did you already look into it and see -- 809 00:42:48,333 --> 00:42:50,963 Mr. Gibbs: I mean, that's just looking at the corporate structure. 810 00:42:50,967 --> 00:42:51,737 Savannah. 811 00:42:51,734 --> 00:42:53,964 The Press: Would the President want to meet with Tony Hayward when he's here 812 00:42:53,967 --> 00:42:55,937 next week testifying before Congress? 813 00:42:55,934 --> 00:42:58,664 Mr. Gibbs: If I've got any scheduling updates, I'll let you know. 814 00:42:58,667 --> 00:43:00,837 The Press: Do you see any kind of value in such a face-to-face meeting? 815 00:43:00,834 --> 00:43:05,834 Mr. Gibbs: Well, again, we're in contact with BP about what they 816 00:43:05,834 --> 00:43:06,864 need to do. 817 00:43:06,867 --> 00:43:08,337 The Press: Not to belabor the point, but just -- 818 00:43:08,333 --> 00:43:11,433 I mean there is some value, isn't there, 819 00:43:11,433 --> 00:43:13,903 to have the President speak personally to Tony Hayward, 820 00:43:13,900 --> 00:43:14,930 whether in person or on the phone, 821 00:43:14,934 --> 00:43:16,904 because he might leave an impression, 822 00:43:16,900 --> 00:43:18,870 some of these frustrations you have. 823 00:43:18,867 --> 00:43:19,467 I mean -- 824 00:43:19,467 --> 00:43:22,567 Mr. Gibbs: I think he's -- I don't know if he watches NBC, Savannah. 825 00:43:22,567 --> 00:43:25,137 I don't know if that's what you're getting at. 826 00:43:25,133 --> 00:43:34,833 I think he -- I think he knows that the frustration that many 827 00:43:34,834 --> 00:43:39,504 people have throughout the Gulf. 828 00:43:39,500 --> 00:43:40,270 Yes, ma'am. 829 00:43:40,266 --> 00:43:42,966 The Press: Did the President make any phone calls after last night's 830 00:43:42,967 --> 00:43:44,297 election results? 831 00:43:44,300 --> 00:43:44,970 Mr. Gibbs: No that I'm aware of yet. 832 00:43:44,967 --> 00:43:48,067 I believe he's supposed to talk with Senator Lincoln later this 833 00:43:48,066 --> 00:43:51,036 afternoon, and we'll try and get a readout from that. 834 00:43:51,033 --> 00:43:51,763 George. 835 00:43:51,767 --> 00:43:54,737 The Press: It was striking earlier in this briefing that the reporters 836 00:43:54,734 --> 00:43:58,664 here, always known for their decorum, 837 00:43:58,667 --> 00:44:02,337 were not comfortable using the same word the President used. 838 00:44:02,333 --> 00:44:05,363 Any second thoughts on his choice of language? 839 00:44:05,367 --> 00:44:07,337 And is that appropriate language for a President? 840 00:44:07,333 --> 00:44:11,033 Mr. Gibbs: I just want the transcript to reflect that Ed was a little 841 00:44:11,033 --> 00:44:12,363 nervous about this. 842 00:44:12,367 --> 00:44:14,197 Jake, not so much. 843 00:44:14,200 --> 00:44:15,170 (laughter) 844 00:44:15,166 --> 00:44:24,166 Just so that the -- no, I've not heard any regrets about the language. 845 00:44:24,166 --> 00:44:26,766 The Press: Any complaints on the complaint line? 846 00:44:26,767 --> 00:44:28,837 Mr. Gibbs: I missed my hour, so I don't -- 847 00:44:28,834 --> 00:44:30,604 (laughter) 848 00:44:30,600 --> 00:44:32,300 I thought that's what was I doing here. 849 00:44:32,300 --> 00:44:32,930 (laughter) 850 00:44:32,934 --> 00:44:33,764 Yes, sir. 851 00:44:33,767 --> 00:44:37,297 The Press: Congressman Issa has called for the Office of Special Counsel to 852 00:44:37,300 --> 00:44:42,630 investigate the conversations about possible employment that 853 00:44:42,633 --> 00:44:45,263 were made to Senate candidates alleging that there may have 854 00:44:45,266 --> 00:44:47,566 been a violation of the Hatch Act. 855 00:44:47,567 --> 00:44:50,767 Can you respond to that, and also his claim that your defense 856 00:44:50,767 --> 00:44:54,137 of those actions was essentially saying that you were simply 857 00:44:54,133 --> 00:44:55,833 doing business as usual? 858 00:44:55,834 --> 00:44:59,734 Mr. Gibbs: Well, I think the latter question we've talked about. 859 00:44:59,734 --> 00:45:06,734 On the first question, the Counsel's Office has looked into 860 00:45:06,734 --> 00:45:12,734 each of these circumstances and determined that nothing 861 00:45:12,734 --> 00:45:16,234 inappropriate happened, and that's what we believe. 862 00:45:16,233 --> 00:45:16,903 Bill. 863 00:45:16,900 --> 00:45:20,930 The Press: Robert, back to Arkansas for just a second. 864 00:45:20,934 --> 00:45:23,404 A senior White House official called reporters last night and 865 00:45:23,400 --> 00:45:26,000 said after the results were known, 866 00:45:26,000 --> 00:45:29,400 "Organized labor just flushed $10 million of their members' 867 00:45:29,400 --> 00:45:33,070 money down the toilet in a pointless exercise." 868 00:45:33,066 --> 00:45:36,236 Is it the official word from the White House on the results of 869 00:45:36,233 --> 00:45:37,763 the Arkansas primary? 870 00:45:37,767 --> 00:45:42,197 Mr. Gibbs: I don't think that the President would necessarily agree with 871 00:45:42,200 --> 00:45:47,170 that characterization made by somebody here. 872 00:45:47,166 --> 00:45:55,766 I think we would certainly agree that we are likely to have very 873 00:45:55,767 --> 00:46:01,337 close elections in very many places throughout the country in November. 874 00:46:01,333 --> 00:46:04,863 And while the President might not have agreed with the exact 875 00:46:04,867 --> 00:46:11,267 characterization, I think that whether or not that money might 876 00:46:11,266 --> 00:46:16,736 have been better spent in the fall on closer elections between 877 00:46:16,734 --> 00:46:21,404 somebody -- between people who cared about an agenda that 878 00:46:21,400 --> 00:46:24,170 benefited working families and those that didn't, 879 00:46:24,166 --> 00:46:26,966 that money might come in more handy then. 880 00:46:26,967 --> 00:46:29,937 The Press: I assume the President now would want to reach out to those who 881 00:46:29,934 --> 00:46:31,364 were supporting Bill Halter and say, 882 00:46:31,367 --> 00:46:33,037 please get behind Blanche Lincoln, 883 00:46:33,033 --> 00:46:34,603 she's going to be our nominee. 884 00:46:34,600 --> 00:46:36,830 Is that the way to reach out to Halter's supporters, 885 00:46:36,834 --> 00:46:39,034 by accusing them of flushing money down the toilet? 886 00:46:39,033 --> 00:46:44,263 Mr. Gibbs: Well, I think that everybody that supported one of the 887 00:46:44,266 --> 00:46:48,636 Democrats will have an obligation to now, 888 00:46:48,633 --> 00:46:53,663 as the President would, and has, in races that the nominee he has 889 00:46:53,667 --> 00:46:59,267 supported hasn't won, now support the Democratic nominee. 890 00:46:59,266 --> 00:46:59,896 Thanks, guys.