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1 00:00:00,667 --> 00:00:01,900 Mr. Carney: Thank you all for being here. 2 00:00:01,900 --> 00:00:06,467 It's wonderful to be back in the White House briefing room. 3 00:00:06,467 --> 00:00:09,466 I have a couple of brief announcements I wanted to 4 00:00:09,467 --> 00:00:12,667 make, if you will bear with me. 5 00:00:12,667 --> 00:00:16,033 First, earlier this morning, John Brennan, 6 00:00:16,033 --> 00:00:18,133 Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and 7 00:00:18,133 --> 00:00:22,599 Counterterrorism, hosted an Olympic security deputy's 8 00:00:22,600 --> 00:00:24,300 meeting with the full counterterrorism and law 9 00:00:24,300 --> 00:00:26,767 enforcement community to take stock of our efforts working 10 00:00:26,767 --> 00:00:29,700 with the United Kingdom to prepare for the London 2012 11 00:00:29,700 --> 00:00:30,700 Olympic Games. 12 00:00:30,700 --> 00:00:33,400 Following that meeting, Mr. Brennan provided the 13 00:00:33,400 --> 00:00:36,199 President with an update on the Olympics as well as the 14 00:00:36,200 --> 00:00:39,767 United States government's support to the United Kingdom 15 00:00:39,767 --> 00:00:41,400 prior to and during the games. 16 00:00:41,400 --> 00:00:45,333 The President directed that we continue to ensure that we are 17 00:00:45,333 --> 00:00:48,333 doing everything possible to keep the American people safe 18 00:00:48,333 --> 00:00:50,266 and to continue close cooperation with our 19 00:00:50,266 --> 00:00:51,266 British counterparts. 20 00:00:51,266 --> 00:00:53,699 In keeping with our special relationship, 21 00:00:53,700 --> 00:00:56,266 the President also made it clear that he has the utmost 22 00:00:56,266 --> 00:01:00,065 confidence in our close friend and ally, the United Kingdom, 23 00:01:00,066 --> 00:01:05,433 as they finalize preparations to host the London Olympics. 24 00:01:05,433 --> 00:01:09,934 Next, changing subjects, I just wanted to note that, 25 00:01:09,934 --> 00:01:13,600 as you saw last night, the Senate took action and passed 26 00:01:13,600 --> 00:01:15,734 a bill to extend the middle-class tax cuts 27 00:01:15,734 --> 00:01:19,300 for 114 million middle-class families. 28 00:01:19,300 --> 00:01:23,333 The House should follow suit and pass this bill right away. 29 00:01:23,333 --> 00:01:25,333 The House Republicans are now the only people left in 30 00:01:25,333 --> 00:01:28,300 Washington holding hostage the middle-class tax cuts for 98 31 00:01:28,300 --> 00:01:31,899 percent of Americans and 97 percent of small businesses. 32 00:01:31,900 --> 00:01:34,367 The fact is the typical middle-class family cannot 33 00:01:34,367 --> 00:01:38,367 afford a $2,200 tax hike at the beginning of next year. 34 00:01:38,367 --> 00:01:40,066 It's time for House Republicans to drop their 35 00:01:40,066 --> 00:01:43,500 demand for another $1 trillion giveaway to the wealthiest 36 00:01:43,500 --> 00:01:45,567 Americans and give our families and small businesses 37 00:01:45,567 --> 00:01:49,265 the financial security and certainty that they need. 38 00:01:49,266 --> 00:01:50,700 As the President said last night, 39 00:01:50,700 --> 00:01:53,033 we need tax cuts for working Americans, 40 00:01:53,033 --> 00:01:55,934 not for folks who don't need them and weren't even asking 41 00:01:55,934 --> 00:01:57,734 for them. 42 00:01:57,734 --> 00:01:59,300 And with that, I will take your questions. 43 00:01:59,300 --> 00:02:02,467 Mr. Feller -- oh, wait, before I do, I think 44 00:02:02,467 --> 00:02:04,967 congratulations are in order. 45 00:02:04,967 --> 00:02:06,333 I should have said that when I called on you, 46 00:02:06,333 --> 00:02:07,567 but I'll do it again. 47 00:02:07,567 --> 00:02:09,400 Ben. 48 00:02:09,400 --> 00:02:10,100 The Press: Thanks, Jay. 49 00:02:10,100 --> 00:02:13,333 I wanted to try to get some clarity about gun control and 50 00:02:13,333 --> 00:02:14,834 the President's positions. 51 00:02:14,834 --> 00:02:18,967 Since the Colorado tragedy, you've been telling us that 52 00:02:18,967 --> 00:02:20,834 the President wants to keep guns out of the hands of the 53 00:02:20,834 --> 00:02:24,000 wrong people under existing laws. 54 00:02:24,000 --> 00:02:25,800 And then, last night, to the Urban League, 55 00:02:25,800 --> 00:02:28,800 he said there have been actions taken, 56 00:02:28,800 --> 00:02:30,767 but they do not go far enough. 57 00:02:30,767 --> 00:02:34,667 He talked about AK-47s being kept off the city streets. 58 00:02:34,667 --> 00:02:35,767 And so I'm just trying to get clear -- 59 00:02:35,767 --> 00:02:41,767 does he or does he not think that any new gun legislation -- 60 00:02:41,767 --> 00:02:44,767 Mr. Carney: Well, let me back up a little bit and say that President 61 00:02:44,767 --> 00:02:48,233 Obama has called for common-sense measures that 62 00:02:48,233 --> 00:02:51,533 protect the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens 63 00:02:51,533 --> 00:02:55,200 and improve public safety by keeping guns out of the hands 64 00:02:55,200 --> 00:02:58,333 of those who should not have them under existing law. 65 00:02:58,333 --> 00:03:00,900 And, as I think you know, thanks to the administration's 66 00:03:00,900 --> 00:03:03,600 efforts, background checks conducted on those looking to 67 00:03:03,600 --> 00:03:06,767 purchase firearms are now more thorough and more complete. 68 00:03:06,767 --> 00:03:11,667 The Department of Justice can provide more details on that. 69 00:03:11,667 --> 00:03:13,800 I would also say that, or note, 70 00:03:13,800 --> 00:03:17,000 that the President made a broader point last night, 71 00:03:17,000 --> 00:03:19,834 which is that tackling the problem of violence is not 72 00:03:19,834 --> 00:03:21,100 just about gun laws. 73 00:03:21,100 --> 00:03:22,433 In communities across the country, 74 00:03:22,433 --> 00:03:25,333 the administration is partnering with local law 75 00:03:25,333 --> 00:03:28,100 enforcement and government officials to reduce crime, 76 00:03:28,100 --> 00:03:29,700 to connect young people with summer jobs, 77 00:03:29,700 --> 00:03:31,733 so they spend less time on the street, 78 00:03:31,734 --> 00:03:33,934 and to set up programs that steer children away from a 79 00:03:33,934 --> 00:03:36,934 life of gang violence and toward the safety and promise 80 00:03:36,934 --> 00:03:39,633 of a classroom. 81 00:03:39,633 --> 00:03:41,934 We also must recognize that it is not enough to debate 82 00:03:41,934 --> 00:03:44,066 the role of government in reducing violence. 83 00:03:44,066 --> 00:03:46,900 It is up to parents, teachers, neighbors, 84 00:03:46,900 --> 00:03:49,367 and communities to make a difference in the lives of 85 00:03:49,367 --> 00:03:50,466 our young people as well. 86 00:03:50,467 --> 00:03:55,100 I think that the point the President was making in the 87 00:03:55,100 --> 00:04:00,132 speech that he delivered last night was that we have to 88 00:04:00,133 --> 00:04:04,166 remember that in the wake of an awful event like the one in 89 00:04:04,166 --> 00:04:09,000 Aurora, Colorado, that violence is not an isolated 90 00:04:09,000 --> 00:04:15,200 incident in America, and that we need to take a broader look 91 00:04:15,200 --> 00:04:18,300 at it and try to tackle it from a number of different 92 00:04:18,300 --> 00:04:21,667 directions, which this President has been doing 93 00:04:21,666 --> 00:04:22,967 through his administration. 94 00:04:22,967 --> 00:04:25,166 The Press: I get that broader point that he was speaking about more 95 00:04:25,166 --> 00:04:27,166 than the role of government and that was sort of part 96 00:04:27,166 --> 00:04:28,000 of the coverage. 97 00:04:28,000 --> 00:04:30,133 But I'm still not clear about the answer to my 98 00:04:30,133 --> 00:04:31,166 specific question. 99 00:04:31,166 --> 00:04:34,332 Does he think any new specific gun legislation is needed, 100 00:04:34,333 --> 00:04:35,133 or is existing -- 101 00:04:35,133 --> 00:04:38,567 enforce existing laws is needed? 102 00:04:38,567 --> 00:04:43,467 Mr. Carney: Well, he believes that we can enhance the enforcement of 103 00:04:43,467 --> 00:04:48,032 existing laws by making it more difficult for those who 104 00:04:48,033 --> 00:04:50,900 should not have weapons under existing laws, 105 00:04:50,900 --> 00:04:53,633 make it more difficult for them to obtain weapons. 106 00:04:53,633 --> 00:04:55,532 And that's what his Department of Justice 107 00:04:55,533 --> 00:04:57,900 have been working on. 108 00:04:57,900 --> 00:05:00,834 I think you're aware of the fact that there is a stalemate 109 00:05:00,834 --> 00:05:03,000 in Congress on a broad range of issues, 110 00:05:03,000 --> 00:05:04,133 and this would include this one. 111 00:05:04,133 --> 00:05:07,900 The assault weapons ban is an issue that the President has 112 00:05:07,900 --> 00:05:14,700 supported the reinstatement of since its expiration in 2004. 113 00:05:14,700 --> 00:05:16,900 But, given the stalemate in Congress, 114 00:05:16,900 --> 00:05:20,200 our focus is on the steps that we can take to make sure 115 00:05:20,200 --> 00:05:23,633 criminals and others who should not have those guns, 116 00:05:23,633 --> 00:05:25,967 make sure that they cannot obtain them. 117 00:05:25,967 --> 00:05:27,433 The Press: So just two quick points. 118 00:05:27,433 --> 00:05:29,734 So does he plan to do anything, 119 00:05:29,734 --> 00:05:32,133 when he talked last night about working with Congress -- 120 00:05:32,133 --> 00:05:33,000 no stone unturned -- 121 00:05:33,000 --> 00:05:35,867 does he plan to do anything this year to make another case 122 00:05:35,867 --> 00:05:37,800 for that assault weapons ban? 123 00:05:37,800 --> 00:05:43,233 Mr. Carney: Well, I'm not going to make scheduling announcements in 124 00:05:43,233 --> 00:05:44,867 terms of what the President may or 125 00:05:44,867 --> 00:05:45,867 may not say in the future. 126 00:05:45,867 --> 00:05:47,600 What I can tell you is that the President's point last 127 00:05:47,600 --> 00:05:48,800 night was broader. 128 00:05:48,800 --> 00:05:50,400 I think there is an issue about the stalemate in 129 00:05:50,400 --> 00:05:53,166 Congress, and there are things that we can do short 130 00:05:53,166 --> 00:05:57,600 of legislation and short of gun laws, as the President said, 131 00:05:57,600 --> 00:06:02,934 that can reduce violence in our society and, 132 00:06:02,934 --> 00:06:06,100 as he mentioned last night, in our urban centers. 133 00:06:06,100 --> 00:06:10,600 So I think he -- 134 00:06:10,600 --> 00:06:12,367 I know he will continue to press the Department of 135 00:06:12,367 --> 00:06:18,734 Justice to try to enhance the enforcement of existing laws, 136 00:06:18,734 --> 00:06:22,366 try to further develop our background check system so 137 00:06:22,367 --> 00:06:26,967 that it prevents criminals and those who should not have 138 00:06:26,967 --> 00:06:29,532 weapons from getting them under existing law. 139 00:06:29,533 --> 00:06:32,600 And he'll continue to make sure that his administration 140 00:06:32,600 --> 00:06:35,400 is partnering with local law enforcement officials and 141 00:06:35,400 --> 00:06:39,066 government officials to try to do the things that I talked 142 00:06:39,066 --> 00:06:42,799 about at the top that can help reduce violence. 143 00:06:42,800 --> 00:06:43,233 The Press: Last one. 144 00:06:43,233 --> 00:06:46,033 You focus a lot on background checks. 145 00:06:46,033 --> 00:06:48,867 Our reporting shows that the suspect in Aurora passed all 146 00:06:48,867 --> 00:06:50,033 of his background checks. 147 00:06:50,033 --> 00:06:52,900 Can you explain how even an enhanced background check 148 00:06:52,900 --> 00:06:54,767 system would stop something like this? 149 00:06:54,767 --> 00:06:58,500 Mr. Carney: Well, I don't think the President ever suggested that 150 00:06:58,500 --> 00:07:02,433 the background check can stop every crime from occurring in 151 00:07:02,433 --> 00:07:04,967 America, even one as heinous as this. 152 00:07:04,967 --> 00:07:09,567 I'm not going to get into the specifics of what happened in 153 00:07:09,567 --> 00:07:10,800 Aurora because there's obviously 154 00:07:10,800 --> 00:07:13,767 an ongoing investigation. 155 00:07:13,767 --> 00:07:17,667 But we do need to take a broader look at what we 156 00:07:17,667 --> 00:07:20,133 can do to reduce violence in America. 157 00:07:20,133 --> 00:07:24,532 And it requires a multi-faceted approach 158 00:07:24,533 --> 00:07:28,600 that looks at this problem from a variety of angles, 159 00:07:28,600 --> 00:07:30,433 and that's not just legislative and it's 160 00:07:30,433 --> 00:07:32,533 not just about gun laws. 161 00:07:32,533 --> 00:07:36,000 The Press: Turning to a foreign subject -- is there any -- 162 00:07:36,000 --> 00:07:36,600 Mr. Carney: Margaret, correct? 163 00:07:36,600 --> 00:07:37,066 The Press: Margaret. 164 00:07:37,066 --> 00:07:37,599 Mr. Carney: Welcome. 165 00:07:37,600 --> 00:07:38,266 The Press: Thank you. 166 00:07:38,266 --> 00:07:40,867 Is there any reaction from the White House on the indictment 167 00:07:40,867 --> 00:07:43,233 of Bo Xilai's wife at this time? 168 00:07:43,233 --> 00:07:44,567 Mr. Carney: I'll have to take that question. 169 00:07:44,567 --> 00:07:46,667 I was not aware of that. 170 00:07:46,667 --> 00:07:49,500 Maybe the State Department has a reaction. 171 00:07:49,500 --> 00:07:50,200 Yes. 172 00:07:50,200 --> 00:07:52,533 Jake, then -- well, let's go to -- go ahead. 173 00:07:52,533 --> 00:07:54,133 Welcome. 174 00:07:54,133 --> 00:07:54,734 The Press: Thank you. 175 00:07:54,734 --> 00:07:55,467 Just two topics. 176 00:07:55,467 --> 00:07:56,400 On Syria quickly -- 177 00:07:56,400 --> 00:07:59,700 you know that this crisis is deepening, is escalating, 178 00:07:59,700 --> 00:08:01,633 the ongoing assault in Aleppo. 179 00:08:01,633 --> 00:08:04,834 I just want to make sure I'm clear on what is it that the 180 00:08:04,834 --> 00:08:05,867 U.S. is doing right now. 181 00:08:05,867 --> 00:08:08,734 What can they do besides wait and see if there's some 182 00:08:08,734 --> 00:08:10,467 consensus reached in the U.N.? Is there -- 183 00:08:10,467 --> 00:08:13,265 Mr. Carney: Well, we're continuing to work with other nations and the 184 00:08:13,266 --> 00:08:15,467 "Friends of Syria," as well as other international partners, 185 00:08:15,467 --> 00:08:19,433 to provide humanitarian assistance to the Syrian 186 00:08:19,433 --> 00:08:25,099 people, provide assistance to the opposition as it tries to 187 00:08:25,100 --> 00:08:28,233 form itself and unify -- 188 00:08:28,233 --> 00:08:32,900 nonlethal assistance to the opposition as well as 189 00:08:32,900 --> 00:08:34,667 administrative assistance, if you will, 190 00:08:34,667 --> 00:08:38,500 that the "Friends of Syria" is providing as the opposition 191 00:08:38,500 --> 00:08:40,232 comes together. 192 00:08:40,232 --> 00:08:44,199 But it is a point that you made that is worth noting that 193 00:08:44,200 --> 00:08:47,800 there is an ongoing assault happening in Syria that 194 00:08:47,800 --> 00:08:52,867 demonstrates once again the depravity of President Assad 195 00:08:52,867 --> 00:08:54,467 and his regime. 196 00:08:54,467 --> 00:08:58,000 The fact is they're using artillery and 197 00:08:58,000 --> 00:09:00,467 fixed-wing aircraft -- there were reports of that -- 198 00:09:00,467 --> 00:09:03,967 as well as helicopters against a civilian population center. 199 00:09:03,967 --> 00:09:09,467 And it once again points to the need for international 200 00:09:09,467 --> 00:09:16,967 consensus around the idea that Syria's future cannot include 201 00:09:16,967 --> 00:09:18,766 President Assad because of the actions that he's taken 202 00:09:18,767 --> 00:09:20,066 against his people. 203 00:09:20,066 --> 00:09:27,567 And we need to move quickly to look at what Syria can and 204 00:09:27,567 --> 00:09:30,734 should be in a post-Assad world, work with our partners, 205 00:09:30,734 --> 00:09:33,934 work with the opposition to help create that transition, 206 00:09:33,934 --> 00:09:36,800 because Assad's days are surely numbered. 207 00:09:36,800 --> 00:09:40,632 As we've seen, it's clear that he's losing control of Syria. 208 00:09:40,633 --> 00:09:43,333 The momentum against the Assad regime continues with 209 00:09:43,333 --> 00:09:45,967 defections throughout the government. 210 00:09:45,967 --> 00:09:49,300 As we've seen in recent days, increasing numbers of formerly 211 00:09:49,300 --> 00:09:52,367 pro-regime Syrians, officials in the government, 212 00:09:52,367 --> 00:09:54,500 ambassadors to foreign countries, 213 00:09:54,500 --> 00:09:55,600 military personnel -- 214 00:09:55,600 --> 00:09:58,100 high-ranking military personnel -- 215 00:09:58,100 --> 00:10:01,600 are recognizing that to stand in solidarity with Assad is to 216 00:10:01,600 --> 00:10:05,567 stand against the Syrian people. 217 00:10:05,567 --> 00:10:07,133 That's why it's time for the Syrian people and the 218 00:10:07,133 --> 00:10:09,266 international community to focus on what comes next, 219 00:10:09,266 --> 00:10:10,367 as I said. 220 00:10:10,367 --> 00:10:13,099 The Press: And then one more on the guns issue. 221 00:10:13,100 --> 00:10:16,400 These are some of the President's strongest 222 00:10:16,400 --> 00:10:17,967 words yet on this issue. 223 00:10:17,967 --> 00:10:23,033 Does he feel like he has shown leadership publicly on the 224 00:10:23,033 --> 00:10:26,300 issues of guns during his term? 225 00:10:26,300 --> 00:10:29,599 Mr. Carney: Well, the President's feelings about this issue I think were 226 00:10:29,600 --> 00:10:36,967 reflected in what he said, and those comments and remarks 227 00:10:36,967 --> 00:10:40,033 echo what the President has said in the past. 228 00:10:40,033 --> 00:10:46,967 And I think he does take a broad view about the problem 229 00:10:46,967 --> 00:10:49,867 of violence and how we need to address it. 230 00:10:49,867 --> 00:10:51,867 He is very mindful of the need, 231 00:10:51,867 --> 00:10:56,165 when it comes to legislation, that we ensure that we protect 232 00:10:56,166 --> 00:11:00,734 the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding American citizens. 233 00:11:00,734 --> 00:11:01,734 That is very important to him. 234 00:11:01,734 --> 00:11:04,100 And he believes that we can take measures that improve 235 00:11:04,100 --> 00:11:07,467 public safety by preventing weapons from getting into the 236 00:11:07,467 --> 00:11:11,233 hands of those who should not have them, under existing law. 237 00:11:11,233 --> 00:11:15,599 But there are broader aspects to this problem, 238 00:11:15,600 --> 00:11:16,600 as I talked about. 239 00:11:16,600 --> 00:11:22,433 And that's why we need to not look at it through one single 240 00:11:22,433 --> 00:11:26,967 prism, but to examine ways that we can help address the 241 00:11:26,967 --> 00:11:29,699 problem through assisting local law enforcement 242 00:11:29,700 --> 00:11:32,934 officials or through the education system, 243 00:11:32,934 --> 00:11:38,632 the school system, help keep kids off the street and out 244 00:11:38,633 --> 00:11:41,433 of gangs, for example. 245 00:11:41,433 --> 00:11:45,165 And the President noted, and as I just did as well, 246 00:11:45,166 --> 00:11:49,600 that it's not just a governmental problem. 247 00:11:49,600 --> 00:11:51,300 It's something that teachers, parents, 248 00:11:51,300 --> 00:11:56,699 neighborhoods and communities need to talk about and take 249 00:11:56,700 --> 00:12:01,133 action on to make a difference in the lives of those who 250 00:12:01,133 --> 00:12:04,934 might otherwise fall into violence. 251 00:12:04,934 --> 00:12:06,333 Jake. 252 00:12:06,333 --> 00:12:09,600 The Press: You used the word "giveaway", and President Obama, 253 00:12:09,600 --> 00:12:11,700 in his statement yesterday, used the word "giveaway," 254 00:12:11,700 --> 00:12:15,433 referring to the extension of the lower Bush tax cut 255 00:12:15,433 --> 00:12:19,633 rates for I guess the top 1 or 2 percent of the country -- 256 00:12:19,633 --> 00:12:22,333 people making over $200,000 a year, 257 00:12:22,333 --> 00:12:24,433 or couples making $250,000. 258 00:12:24,433 --> 00:12:27,400 What do you say to a small business owner who says, 259 00:12:27,400 --> 00:12:29,766 that's not a giveaway, that's my money, and by the way, 260 00:12:29,767 --> 00:12:31,967 I'm going to need some of that money in order to help pay the 261 00:12:31,967 --> 00:12:34,734 health care of individuals that I'm now mandated to do? 262 00:12:34,734 --> 00:12:36,867 It's not giving anything away, it's allowing me to 263 00:12:36,867 --> 00:12:37,834 keep my money. 264 00:12:37,834 --> 00:12:39,266 Mr. Carney: Well, the phrasing of the question leaves out a few 265 00:12:39,266 --> 00:12:44,867 things, which is, one, this tax cut that the Senate passed 266 00:12:44,867 --> 00:12:47,900 and that the President supports would go to 267 00:12:47,900 --> 00:12:51,699 97 percent of small businesses in America -- 268 00:12:51,700 --> 00:12:53,166 97 percent. 269 00:12:53,166 --> 00:12:58,400 Further, this President has cut the taxes of small 270 00:12:58,400 --> 00:13:02,934 businesses in America 18 times, independent of this. 271 00:13:02,934 --> 00:13:06,132 So his focus on assisting small businesses, 272 00:13:06,133 --> 00:13:08,166 which he considers the engine of economic growth in this 273 00:13:08,166 --> 00:13:10,633 country, the engine of job creation in this country, 274 00:13:10,633 --> 00:13:13,934 has been intense and will continue to be. 275 00:13:13,934 --> 00:13:15,065 The Press: It's true that I'm not bringing up people I 276 00:13:15,066 --> 00:13:16,066 was not asking about. 277 00:13:16,066 --> 00:13:16,600 That is true. 278 00:13:16,600 --> 00:13:17,367 Mr. Carney: Well, no -- but, I mean -- 279 00:13:17,367 --> 00:13:19,867 but your question framed it around the -- 280 00:13:19,867 --> 00:13:21,233 so you're talking about the 3 percent here. 281 00:13:21,233 --> 00:13:24,266 And as we've noted, under the definition of small businesses 282 00:13:24,266 --> 00:13:28,300 that Republicans trot out when they're insisting on these tax 283 00:13:28,300 --> 00:13:32,333 cuts for millionaires and billionaires, means that -- 284 00:13:32,333 --> 00:13:33,733 The Press: I wasn't talking about millionaires and billionaires. 285 00:13:33,734 --> 00:13:35,967 I was talking about somebody making over $200,000 a year. 286 00:13:35,967 --> 00:13:39,266 Mr. Carney: Sure, but again, that's 97 percent of people who file -- 287 00:13:39,266 --> 00:13:42,567 small businesses that file taxes under the individual 288 00:13:42,567 --> 00:13:46,600 tax code will receive this tax cut. 289 00:13:48,800 --> 00:13:53,532 Many of the remaining self-described small 290 00:13:53,533 --> 00:13:54,734 businesses that we're talking about -- 291 00:13:54,734 --> 00:13:57,033 we're talking about hedge fund managers, often, 292 00:13:57,033 --> 00:13:58,834 and law firm partners -- 293 00:13:58,834 --> 00:14:04,032 and addressing those small businesses that fall in the 294 00:14:04,033 --> 00:14:07,867 remaining category, this tax cut goes to everybody. 295 00:14:07,867 --> 00:14:11,567 This is an often misunderstood fact in reporting and I think 296 00:14:11,567 --> 00:14:15,300 just in general, that giving this tax cut -- 297 00:14:15,300 --> 00:14:18,733 extending this tax cut to 98 percent of Americans, 298 00:14:18,734 --> 00:14:22,333 those who make up to $250,000, means that everyone gets it, 299 00:14:22,333 --> 00:14:24,033 even those who make millions and billions, 300 00:14:24,033 --> 00:14:27,233 up to the first $250,000 of income. 301 00:14:27,233 --> 00:14:29,632 So that -- for a family, that includes everyone, okay? 302 00:14:29,633 --> 00:14:35,367 And including small businesses that file in this manner. 303 00:14:35,367 --> 00:14:41,099 Secondly, the President believes that small businesses 304 00:14:41,100 --> 00:14:44,500 are so important that he has dedicated a lot of energy and 305 00:14:44,500 --> 00:14:48,000 focus on providing tax credits and tax incentives and tax 306 00:14:48,000 --> 00:14:50,533 cuts to small businesses throughout his three and 307 00:14:50,533 --> 00:14:51,834 a half years in office. 308 00:14:51,834 --> 00:14:55,367 Beyond that, he believes that extending the high-end Bush 309 00:14:55,367 --> 00:15:00,567 tax cuts again is something we simply cannot afford. 310 00:15:02,800 --> 00:15:06,934 We're talking about a trillion dollars over a decade. 311 00:15:06,934 --> 00:15:09,967 We've seen what happened when these tax cuts, 312 00:15:09,967 --> 00:15:12,800 which you may recall, you and I were covering it, 313 00:15:12,800 --> 00:15:15,433 were sold initially as a pay-back from the budget 314 00:15:15,433 --> 00:15:18,667 surpluses that were achieved under the Clinton 315 00:15:18,667 --> 00:15:23,000 administration, and then when the economy ran into trouble 316 00:15:23,000 --> 00:15:28,567 and those surpluses were beginning to erode, 317 00:15:28,567 --> 00:15:31,533 it was sold as an economic stimulus measure. 318 00:15:31,533 --> 00:15:34,500 And what we got was middle-class incomes 319 00:15:34,500 --> 00:15:41,400 stagnating, the slowest expansion in 50 years, 320 00:15:41,400 --> 00:15:44,033 and an economic crisis the likes of which we haven't 321 00:15:44,033 --> 00:15:47,166 seen in more than 70 years. 322 00:15:47,166 --> 00:15:49,066 The Press: The question is this -- why is it a giveaway? 323 00:15:49,066 --> 00:15:51,567 Why are you guys using -- you and President Obama -- 324 00:15:51,567 --> 00:15:56,600 using the term "giveaway" when even if you support the Senate 325 00:15:56,600 --> 00:16:00,066 Democrats' bill, it's not technically a giveaway, 326 00:16:00,066 --> 00:16:03,166 it is allowing people to keep the tax cut that they got in 327 00:16:03,166 --> 00:16:04,533 2001 and 2002? 328 00:16:04,533 --> 00:16:05,166 Mr. Carney: Right. 329 00:16:05,166 --> 00:16:10,533 But these are tax cuts that we cannot afford, that do not -- 330 00:16:10,533 --> 00:16:15,033 by the estimates of credible, independent economists do not 331 00:16:15,033 --> 00:16:17,667 measurably help the economy and do not, 332 00:16:17,667 --> 00:16:20,367 in the way that tax cuts to working and middle-class 333 00:16:20,367 --> 00:16:25,065 Americans, help the economy, and we have to make choices. 334 00:16:25,066 --> 00:16:30,133 And it is a tax cut for the wealthiest Americans that we 335 00:16:30,133 --> 00:16:31,133 simply can't afford. 336 00:16:31,133 --> 00:16:35,300 And those who say that, oh, it's terrible for the economy 337 00:16:35,300 --> 00:16:37,400 -- remember, again, you and I were there and covered it. 338 00:16:37,400 --> 00:16:40,632 There were proclamations of gloom and doom, 339 00:16:40,633 --> 00:16:44,066 of economic crisis, and stagnation and recession that 340 00:16:44,066 --> 00:16:49,266 were promised by Republicans when President Clinton 341 00:16:49,266 --> 00:16:51,632 instituted the tax rates that existed throughout the '90s. 342 00:16:51,633 --> 00:16:54,200 And instead of everything that Republicans predicted, 343 00:16:54,200 --> 00:16:56,667 we got the longest peacetime expansion -- 344 00:16:56,667 --> 00:16:58,333 economic expansion in our history. 345 00:16:58,333 --> 00:17:02,699 We got 24 million jobs created, and plenty -- 346 00:17:02,700 --> 00:17:04,133 as the President says, plenty of millionaires and 347 00:17:04,133 --> 00:17:06,133 billionaires created as well. 348 00:17:06,133 --> 00:17:07,500 So it's a matter of -- 349 00:17:07,500 --> 00:17:08,633 The Press: I appreciate you running on President Clinton's record, 350 00:17:08,633 --> 00:17:09,500 but that's -- 351 00:17:09,500 --> 00:17:11,400 Mr. Carney: It's a matter of choices. 352 00:17:11,400 --> 00:17:13,700 I mean, that's what I think the President makes clear. 353 00:17:13,700 --> 00:17:18,533 We can't afford this tax cut for the wealthiest Americans. 354 00:17:18,532 --> 00:17:20,567 It is a giveaway that we cannot afford. 355 00:17:20,567 --> 00:17:25,165 Middle-class Americans need that tax cut. 356 00:17:25,165 --> 00:17:28,165 Our economy needs it for 98 percent of the country. 357 00:17:28,165 --> 00:17:29,100 The Press: I'm told to change the subject. 358 00:17:29,100 --> 00:17:32,100 When Vice President Biden issued a rather strong 359 00:17:32,100 --> 00:17:38,300 statement yesterday about an unattributed quote or 360 00:17:38,300 --> 00:17:41,265 unattributed quotes from unnamed Romney advisors in a 361 00:17:41,266 --> 00:17:46,300 British newspaper, the Romney campaign's response was that 362 00:17:46,300 --> 00:17:51,567 unattributed quotes should not merit a response from the Vice 363 00:17:51,567 --> 00:17:53,033 President of the United States. 364 00:17:53,033 --> 00:17:54,766 And I wondered if you had any response to that. 365 00:17:54,767 --> 00:17:57,433 Mr. Carney: Well, I'll leave specific campaign questions for the 366 00:17:57,433 --> 00:17:58,934 campaign to answer. 367 00:17:58,934 --> 00:18:06,500 I find it a little ironic given some of the attention 368 00:18:06,500 --> 00:18:09,367 paid to quotes from unnamed -- 369 00:18:09,367 --> 00:18:13,600 alleged unnamed Obama campaign advisors that have been the 370 00:18:13,600 --> 00:18:17,000 focus of attention of the Romney campaign. 371 00:18:17,000 --> 00:18:23,000 What I can say is that the record here is what matters. 372 00:18:23,000 --> 00:18:24,166 When this President came into office, 373 00:18:24,166 --> 00:18:29,633 our alliances were under strain and frayed. 374 00:18:29,633 --> 00:18:32,500 Our standing in the world had been diminished. 375 00:18:32,500 --> 00:18:34,467 In the three and a half years that President Obama has been 376 00:18:34,467 --> 00:18:36,734 in office, he has strengthened our alliances around the 377 00:18:36,734 --> 00:18:39,332 world, including and in particular with NATO 378 00:18:39,333 --> 00:18:42,233 countries, and including and in particular with the United 379 00:18:42,233 --> 00:18:46,700 Kingdom, with whom we have a remarkably strong bond, 380 00:18:46,700 --> 00:18:48,700 a special relationship that has never been stronger. 381 00:18:50,700 --> 00:18:54,033 And I'll leave the back-and-forth to the 382 00:18:54,033 --> 00:19:00,632 campaign, but let's talk about policy and fact here. 383 00:19:00,633 --> 00:19:05,266 And I would note that in that article in question, again, 384 00:19:05,266 --> 00:19:07,367 as a matter of policy, the only difference that I could 385 00:19:07,367 --> 00:19:10,300 tell, aside from the quote that's gotten a lot of 386 00:19:10,300 --> 00:19:12,734 attention that was focused on, was the need to -- 387 00:19:12,734 --> 00:19:15,934 that the only difference in policy proposals that seemed 388 00:19:15,934 --> 00:19:19,633 apparent were that we should move a bust from one room to 389 00:19:19,633 --> 00:19:21,133 another in the White House. 390 00:19:21,133 --> 00:19:24,100 And that was a principal policy difference, 391 00:19:24,100 --> 00:19:26,766 which is pretty preposterous. 392 00:19:26,767 --> 00:19:29,333 This President has strengthened our alliances. 393 00:19:29,333 --> 00:19:35,266 He has built up American credibility around the globe. 394 00:19:35,266 --> 00:19:39,834 He has kept his commitments to end the war in Iraq, 395 00:19:39,834 --> 00:19:47,700 to take the fight to al Qaeda, to wind down our war in 396 00:19:47,700 --> 00:19:52,567 Afghanistan, to rebalance our focus towards Asia, 397 00:19:52,567 --> 00:19:55,433 which was neglected in the eight years prior to President 398 00:19:55,433 --> 00:19:57,300 Obama coming into office. 399 00:19:57,300 --> 00:20:01,133 And he is meeting all those commitments. 400 00:20:01,133 --> 00:20:02,867 Norah. Congratulations. 401 00:20:02,867 --> 00:20:03,966 The Press: Thank you very much. 402 00:20:03,967 --> 00:20:05,033 I'll miss all of you. 403 00:20:05,033 --> 00:20:06,500 Mr. Carney: Liar. 404 00:20:06,500 --> 00:20:08,133 (laughter) 405 00:20:08,133 --> 00:20:09,133 The Press: I will. 406 00:20:09,133 --> 00:20:10,467 (laughter) 407 00:20:10,467 --> 00:20:13,700 On Syria, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton talked about 408 00:20:13,700 --> 00:20:16,433 the opposition taking more and more territory that will 409 00:20:16,433 --> 00:20:20,200 eventually result in a safe haven inside of Syria. 410 00:20:20,200 --> 00:20:22,333 What is the Obama administration weighing 411 00:20:22,333 --> 00:20:24,200 in terms of additional support? 412 00:20:24,200 --> 00:20:26,934 Are there discussions ongoing about different -- 413 00:20:26,934 --> 00:20:29,100 providing different sort of support to the opposition? 414 00:20:29,100 --> 00:20:32,132 Mr. Carney: Well, we're in conversations and discussions all the time 415 00:20:32,133 --> 00:20:36,500 about Syria, both internally and with our partners and 416 00:20:36,500 --> 00:20:39,734 allies around the world -- 417 00:20:39,734 --> 00:20:41,500 at the United Nations, at the "Friends of Syria" 418 00:20:41,500 --> 00:20:42,266 and elsewhere. 419 00:20:42,266 --> 00:20:43,467 I don't have anything specific for you. 420 00:20:43,467 --> 00:20:50,433 Our overall policy approach is what it has been. 421 00:20:50,433 --> 00:20:54,333 Our focus is on continuing to pressure the Assad regime, 422 00:20:54,333 --> 00:20:58,900 continuing to draw attention to the need for a peaceful 423 00:20:58,900 --> 00:21:05,667 transition, the fact that the longer Assad is in power, 424 00:21:05,667 --> 00:21:07,899 even as his grip on power diminishes, 425 00:21:07,900 --> 00:21:11,767 the more violent and chaotic the situation 426 00:21:11,767 --> 00:21:13,400 in Syria becomes. 427 00:21:13,400 --> 00:21:16,734 And we'll continue to work with our partners to provide 428 00:21:16,734 --> 00:21:18,966 the assistance that we have been providing -- 429 00:21:18,967 --> 00:21:21,300 humanitarian assistance, non-lethal assistance to 430 00:21:21,300 --> 00:21:26,133 the opposition, consultation with the opposition as it 431 00:21:26,133 --> 00:21:27,633 forms itself. 432 00:21:27,633 --> 00:21:34,400 And this is all towards the goal of a transition that 433 00:21:34,400 --> 00:21:38,033 guarantees fundamental rights in Syria, of all Syrians, 434 00:21:38,033 --> 00:21:39,033 including minorities. 435 00:21:39,033 --> 00:21:43,766 And that is a critical element of any transition 436 00:21:43,767 --> 00:21:46,266 in a situation like this, and it is a priority of 437 00:21:46,266 --> 00:21:47,867 the United States. 438 00:21:47,867 --> 00:21:50,033 The Press: There are many differences between Libya and Syria, 439 00:21:50,033 --> 00:21:52,233 which we've talked about, but one of the things Libya had 440 00:21:52,233 --> 00:21:54,734 was safe havens for the opposition, 441 00:21:54,734 --> 00:21:59,632 and the opposition held control of areas of Libya. 442 00:21:59,633 --> 00:22:02,333 When that becomes more clear -- 443 00:22:02,333 --> 00:22:04,133 I mean, what the Secretary seemed to be hinting at is 444 00:22:04,133 --> 00:22:06,300 that the U.S. would then get further involved. 445 00:22:06,300 --> 00:22:08,200 Is that true? 446 00:22:08,200 --> 00:22:09,767 Mr. Carney: Well, I'm not sure what you mean by "further involved." 447 00:22:09,767 --> 00:22:15,567 We have not changed our position in terms of providing 448 00:22:15,567 --> 00:22:19,400 arms to or engaging militarily in Syria. 449 00:22:20,734 --> 00:22:23,567 We are pursuing the policy that we have been pursuing: 450 00:22:23,567 --> 00:22:25,233 to pressure and isolate the Assad regime; 451 00:22:25,233 --> 00:22:27,500 to work with our allies and partners and the "Friends of 452 00:22:27,500 --> 00:22:34,333 Syria;" to continue to try to build consensus 453 00:22:34,333 --> 00:22:36,633 internationally with the effort that we've undertaken 454 00:22:36,633 --> 00:22:39,233 at the United Nations; and continue to point out to the 455 00:22:39,233 --> 00:22:42,700 Russians and others about the need to accept that 456 00:22:42,700 --> 00:22:46,734 Assad cannot remain in power in Syria, 457 00:22:46,734 --> 00:22:53,632 and that it is a mistake to provide support to that regime 458 00:22:53,633 --> 00:23:01,300 because, in the end, the Syrian people will remember 459 00:23:01,300 --> 00:23:05,966 whose side each country was on in this brutal conflict. 460 00:23:05,967 --> 00:23:07,867 So these are the steps that we're taking. 461 00:23:07,867 --> 00:23:10,066 So I would not read anything beyond that. 462 00:23:10,066 --> 00:23:12,500 I think she was noting the fact that the opposition has 463 00:23:12,500 --> 00:23:15,900 made gains and that Assad's grip on his 464 00:23:15,900 --> 00:23:19,467 country is diminishing. 465 00:23:19,467 --> 00:23:20,000 Ed. 466 00:23:20,000 --> 00:23:20,500 The Press: Hey, Jay. 467 00:23:20,500 --> 00:23:21,066 Two subjects -- 468 00:23:21,066 --> 00:23:22,767 one being the national security leaks. 469 00:23:22,767 --> 00:23:26,333 Can you say flatly that nobody inside the White House was 470 00:23:26,333 --> 00:23:28,333 involved in the national security leaks that are 471 00:23:28,333 --> 00:23:29,600 being investigated? 472 00:23:29,600 --> 00:23:32,065 Mr. Carney: Well, Ed, as you know, this is a matter under investigation 473 00:23:32,066 --> 00:23:34,133 by two experienced federal prosecutors, 474 00:23:34,133 --> 00:23:35,967 so I'm not going to speak specifically about it. 475 00:23:35,967 --> 00:23:40,467 I can point you to the statements of the President, 476 00:23:40,467 --> 00:23:43,667 statements I've made in the past about this, 477 00:23:43,667 --> 00:23:47,000 about the seriousness with which he takes this issue, 478 00:23:47,000 --> 00:23:54,500 and make the point that no one relies on the kind of 479 00:23:54,500 --> 00:23:57,867 information that is provided -- 480 00:23:57,867 --> 00:24:01,000 classified information that is provided to help him make 481 00:24:01,000 --> 00:24:03,100 incredibly difficult decisions than the President of the 482 00:24:03,100 --> 00:24:03,734 United States. 483 00:24:03,734 --> 00:24:08,233 And so he has no tolerance for the leaks, 484 00:24:08,233 --> 00:24:10,633 and that's why he has spoken to this issue in the way that 485 00:24:10,633 --> 00:24:11,266 he has. 486 00:24:11,266 --> 00:24:13,266 If you're asking me to make a comment on 487 00:24:13,266 --> 00:24:14,867 an ongoing investigation -- 488 00:24:14,867 --> 00:24:16,466 The Press: Right, but you referenced past statements. 489 00:24:16,467 --> 00:24:18,100 One of your past statements was June 11th, 490 00:24:18,100 --> 00:24:21,233 and you said it was absurd when Senator McCain suggested 491 00:24:21,233 --> 00:24:23,200 that people inside the White House had leaked this 492 00:24:23,200 --> 00:24:24,600 information for political gain. 493 00:24:24,600 --> 00:24:28,433 In June, David Axelrod flatly said on ABC that nobody inside 494 00:24:28,433 --> 00:24:29,633 the White House was involved. 495 00:24:29,633 --> 00:24:31,266 And yesterday, David Axelrod was -- hang on -- 496 00:24:31,266 --> 00:24:31,867 Mr. Carney: Sure. 497 00:24:31,867 --> 00:24:33,934 The Press: -- David Axelrod was on MSNBC yesterday and said 498 00:24:33,934 --> 00:24:35,800 the President did not leak anything, 499 00:24:35,800 --> 00:24:38,265 and then he followed up by saying the President did not 500 00:24:38,266 --> 00:24:39,667 authorize any leaks. 501 00:24:39,667 --> 00:24:40,699 That's different -- 502 00:24:40,700 --> 00:24:44,433 that leaves open the door that there were unauthorized leaks 503 00:24:44,433 --> 00:24:45,400 by White House people. 504 00:24:45,400 --> 00:24:47,867 So have you moved the goal post? 505 00:24:47,867 --> 00:24:48,399 Mr. Carney: No, Ed. 506 00:24:48,400 --> 00:24:50,633 I think you're conflating a lot of things. 507 00:24:50,633 --> 00:24:52,233 All those statements are completely true. 508 00:24:52,233 --> 00:24:55,200 I stand by what I've said and what Mr. Axelrod and 509 00:24:55,200 --> 00:24:56,367 the President said. 510 00:24:56,367 --> 00:24:58,734 What I can tell you is that there are investigations 511 00:24:58,734 --> 00:25:01,033 ongoing and I'm not going to comment on the specifics of 512 00:25:01,033 --> 00:25:02,033 the investigations. 513 00:25:02,033 --> 00:25:03,166 I can point you to what the President -- 514 00:25:03,166 --> 00:25:03,734 The Press: Right. 515 00:25:03,734 --> 00:25:04,734 But you flatly said nobody in the White House was involved. 516 00:25:04,734 --> 00:25:07,433 Can you today say nobody in the White House was involved? 517 00:25:07,433 --> 00:25:09,667 Mr. Carney: Involved in -- which particular case are 518 00:25:09,667 --> 00:25:10,300 you talking about? 519 00:25:10,300 --> 00:25:11,500 The Press: The national security leaks. 520 00:25:11,500 --> 00:25:12,934 Mr. Carney: I can tell you that the President takes this 521 00:25:12,934 --> 00:25:13,734 very seriously. 522 00:25:13,734 --> 00:25:15,233 We all take this very seriously. 523 00:25:15,233 --> 00:25:19,966 It is, again, an insult and preposterous to suggest that 524 00:25:19,967 --> 00:25:22,300 this White House would leak information for political gain -- 525 00:25:22,300 --> 00:25:24,000 classified information for political gain. 526 00:25:24,000 --> 00:25:27,800 That did not happen and would not happen under 527 00:25:27,800 --> 00:25:29,033 this President. 528 00:25:29,033 --> 00:25:36,567 And a lot of this began as a focus on the operation that 529 00:25:36,567 --> 00:25:41,233 successfully removed Osama bin Laden from the battlefield. 530 00:25:41,233 --> 00:25:45,066 And the fact of the matter is the President spoke to 531 00:25:45,066 --> 00:25:47,233 100 million people about that operation. 532 00:25:47,233 --> 00:25:50,734 Its existence is well known. 533 00:25:50,734 --> 00:26:00,667 And this President, as that operation demonstrates, 534 00:26:00,667 --> 00:26:08,100 finds the use of the kinds of information that is protected 535 00:26:08,100 --> 00:26:11,766 in our national security environment highly important. 536 00:26:11,767 --> 00:26:15,100 He has to make life-and-death decisions based on that 537 00:26:15,100 --> 00:26:17,632 information all the time, and he thinks it is extremely 538 00:26:17,633 --> 00:26:20,367 important that that information be safeguarded. 539 00:26:20,367 --> 00:26:22,332 The Press: One of Governor Romney's advisors yesterday, 540 00:26:22,333 --> 00:26:24,934 Richard Williamson, flat out accused the National Security 541 00:26:24,934 --> 00:26:27,700 Advisor, Tom Donilon, of leaking information that David 542 00:26:27,700 --> 00:26:28,934 Sanger has written a book -- 543 00:26:28,934 --> 00:26:29,867 Mr. Carney: Right. And he accused him -- 544 00:26:29,867 --> 00:26:32,100 he made that accusation based on rumors he said he'd heard 545 00:26:32,100 --> 00:26:33,199 in the journalistic community. 546 00:26:33,200 --> 00:26:36,133 That same person called Russia the Soviet Union 547 00:26:36,133 --> 00:26:37,000 on multiple occasions. 548 00:26:37,000 --> 00:26:38,567 He called Governor Romney, Governor Reagan, 549 00:26:38,567 --> 00:26:41,800 on several occasions, and could not, in my -- 550 00:26:41,800 --> 00:26:46,500 that I could tell, accurately or intelligently or coherently 551 00:26:46,500 --> 00:26:48,834 state a foreign policy difference between this 552 00:26:48,834 --> 00:26:52,066 President and the Governor. 553 00:26:52,066 --> 00:26:55,633 So I would let the investigations take place. 554 00:26:55,633 --> 00:26:56,333 The Press: So you disagree with him. 555 00:26:56,333 --> 00:26:57,233 (laughter) 556 00:26:57,233 --> 00:26:57,834 Mr. Carney: I do. 557 00:26:57,834 --> 00:26:59,500 The Press: Last topic -- veterans affairs. 558 00:26:59,500 --> 00:27:02,200 The President, to the VFW on Monday, flatly said, 559 00:27:02,200 --> 00:27:04,333 your veterans' benefits will not be affected by 560 00:27:04,333 --> 00:27:05,700 the sequester. 561 00:27:05,700 --> 00:27:08,367 General Shinseki, who is meeting with the President 562 00:27:08,367 --> 00:27:11,834 today, testified on Capitol Hill yesterday, I believe, 563 00:27:11,834 --> 00:27:17,233 and said that administrative costs would be affected by the 564 00:27:17,233 --> 00:27:20,867 sequester, not veterans' benefits. 565 00:27:20,867 --> 00:27:23,466 The question is, if -- 566 00:27:23,467 --> 00:27:26,133 when you have the Veterans Secretary saying that there 567 00:27:26,133 --> 00:27:28,767 will be some cuts to the Veterans Affairs Department 568 00:27:28,767 --> 00:27:31,333 because of the sequester, the President flatly saying your 569 00:27:31,333 --> 00:27:33,066 veterans' benefits won't be affected, 570 00:27:33,066 --> 00:27:35,800 how do you know that for sure when their budget is going to 571 00:27:35,800 --> 00:27:37,399 take a hit? 572 00:27:37,400 --> 00:27:44,333 Mr. Carney: Well, I would refer you to the Secretary's comments that, 573 00:27:44,333 --> 00:27:50,133 if the sequester were to come about and take effect, 574 00:27:50,133 --> 00:27:50,967 that it would -- 575 00:27:50,967 --> 00:27:53,700 again, I'm just citing what Secretary Shinseki said -- 576 00:27:53,700 --> 00:27:57,767 that the impact would be on administrative costs 577 00:27:57,767 --> 00:27:58,767 in his agency. 578 00:27:58,767 --> 00:28:00,633 But let's just back up and be clear. 579 00:28:00,633 --> 00:28:07,433 The whole point of the sequester was to create 580 00:28:07,433 --> 00:28:10,300 a forcing mechanism to get Congress to act. 581 00:28:10,300 --> 00:28:12,734 And the sequester itself was filled with cuts to 582 00:28:12,734 --> 00:28:15,332 both defense and non-defense spending that were so onerous 583 00:28:15,333 --> 00:28:16,500 that nobody would support them. 584 00:28:16,500 --> 00:28:18,033 The President doesn't support them. 585 00:28:18,033 --> 00:28:20,300 Republicans and Democrats in Congress don't support them. 586 00:28:20,300 --> 00:28:27,033 And bipartisan majorities of both Republicans and Democrats 587 00:28:27,033 --> 00:28:29,734 voted for this measure because they thought it was necessary 588 00:28:29,734 --> 00:28:32,100 to hold themselves accountable to do the right thing, 589 00:28:32,100 --> 00:28:38,132 which is to pass a balanced deficit reduction plan. 590 00:28:38,133 --> 00:28:41,633 And as you know, Ed, that the only opposition to a balanced 591 00:28:41,633 --> 00:28:44,000 deficit reduction plan has come from Republicans who 592 00:28:44,000 --> 00:28:53,166 refuse to accept the very mainstream principle that we 593 00:28:53,166 --> 00:28:58,166 should not ask only the middle class and seniors to bear the 594 00:28:58,166 --> 00:29:01,734 burden of getting our fiscal house in order. 595 00:29:01,734 --> 00:29:04,265 We have a situation where defense cuts that the 596 00:29:04,266 --> 00:29:06,667 President believes are much too deep, 597 00:29:06,667 --> 00:29:09,199 that Republicans and Democrats believe are much too deep, 598 00:29:09,200 --> 00:29:12,333 as well as non-defense cuts -- 599 00:29:12,333 --> 00:29:14,133 Republicans would allow those to go into place, 600 00:29:14,133 --> 00:29:16,567 rather than ask millionaires and billionaires to pay a 601 00:29:16,567 --> 00:29:18,300 little bit more. 602 00:29:18,300 --> 00:29:20,966 That's unacceptable as far as this President is concerned. 603 00:29:20,967 --> 00:29:23,367 And every bipartisan commission that's looked at 604 00:29:23,367 --> 00:29:26,500 this issue has said that we need to take a balanced 605 00:29:26,500 --> 00:29:29,266 approach that includes spending cuts, 606 00:29:29,266 --> 00:29:31,266 entitlement reforms, and revenues. 607 00:29:33,867 --> 00:29:37,867 Some gatherings of senators, the Gang of Six, 608 00:29:37,867 --> 00:29:40,700 and others have also adopted that principle. 609 00:29:40,700 --> 00:29:44,000 That's the principle that underlies the President's 610 00:29:44,000 --> 00:29:45,834 budget proposals. 611 00:29:45,834 --> 00:29:49,333 It's the principle behind what the President submitted to the 612 00:29:49,333 --> 00:29:51,600 super committee last fall. 613 00:29:51,600 --> 00:29:52,867 That's the approach we have to take -- 614 00:29:52,867 --> 00:29:54,466 it's a principle supported by a majority of the 615 00:29:54,467 --> 00:29:55,900 American people. 616 00:29:55,900 --> 00:30:02,333 Unfortunately, there is this obstacle in Congress that has 617 00:30:02,333 --> 00:30:04,367 prevented us from moving thus far. 618 00:30:04,367 --> 00:30:10,567 Hopefully, that will not be the case as the year moves on. 619 00:30:10,567 --> 00:30:13,800 The Press: You were talking about the security briefing the 620 00:30:13,800 --> 00:30:15,800 President got today about the Olympics. 621 00:30:15,800 --> 00:30:18,100 Does he often get security briefings about -- 622 00:30:18,100 --> 00:30:19,632 I mean, does the United States have a role in the 623 00:30:19,633 --> 00:30:20,734 Olympic security? 624 00:30:20,734 --> 00:30:21,699 Mr. Carney: Well, we are -- 625 00:30:21,700 --> 00:30:22,133 The Press: What is our role? 626 00:30:22,133 --> 00:30:26,867 Mr. Carney: Well, we have a very close relationship with the British, 627 00:30:26,867 --> 00:30:27,867 obviously, on security issues. 628 00:30:27,867 --> 00:30:28,500 The Press: Are there assets that we're loaning? 629 00:30:28,500 --> 00:30:30,567 Mr. Carney: This is a major international event where many, 630 00:30:30,567 --> 00:30:31,800 many Americans will be present, 631 00:30:31,800 --> 00:30:33,734 as well as people from around the world, 632 00:30:33,734 --> 00:30:37,934 and we assist our allies with security operations 633 00:30:37,934 --> 00:30:38,966 all the time. 634 00:30:38,967 --> 00:30:42,800 So, in that sense, obviously, this is a British -- 635 00:30:42,800 --> 00:30:49,433 an event hosted in London, and the British are running this 636 00:30:49,433 --> 00:30:52,100 security operation, but we are absolutely 637 00:30:52,100 --> 00:30:54,100 providing assistance. 638 00:30:54,100 --> 00:30:55,766 The Press: When you say we're providing assistance, 639 00:30:55,767 --> 00:30:56,834 what does that mean? 640 00:30:56,834 --> 00:30:58,900 Mr. Carney: Well, I mean, beyond -- 641 00:30:58,900 --> 00:30:59,433 The Press: Is it physical? 642 00:30:59,433 --> 00:31:00,233 Is it intelligence? 643 00:31:00,233 --> 00:31:03,399 Is it actual boots on the ground? 644 00:31:03,400 --> 00:31:03,934 What is it? 645 00:31:03,934 --> 00:31:07,567 Mr. Carney: We're providing advice, consultation, cooperation. 646 00:31:07,567 --> 00:31:09,734 I don't have specifics for you beyond that. 647 00:31:09,734 --> 00:31:12,600 The Press: Did the readout on this have anything to do today with what 648 00:31:12,600 --> 00:31:14,632 Mitt Romney told Brian Williams last night 649 00:31:14,633 --> 00:31:16,700 about security? 650 00:31:16,700 --> 00:31:18,667 Mr. Carney: The President had this briefing today, so, no. 651 00:31:18,667 --> 00:31:19,466 The answer is no. 652 00:31:19,467 --> 00:31:20,400 He did -- it did not. 653 00:31:20,400 --> 00:31:22,400 The Press: But the decision to read it out to us publicly? 654 00:31:22,400 --> 00:31:23,934 Mr. Carney: I'm just trying to fill you in on the President's day. 655 00:31:23,934 --> 00:31:25,667 (laughter) 656 00:31:25,667 --> 00:31:29,166 The Press: On guns. 657 00:31:29,166 --> 00:31:30,633 I'm just asking. 658 00:31:30,633 --> 00:31:31,767 No one answered. 659 00:31:31,767 --> 00:31:36,767 You made a claim that he said that he has had a record on 660 00:31:36,767 --> 00:31:37,934 gun control. 661 00:31:37,934 --> 00:31:39,399 What is that? 662 00:31:39,400 --> 00:31:42,066 You were saying in the answer to Ben's question, 663 00:31:42,066 --> 00:31:45,467 about the things he has done during this administration 664 00:31:45,467 --> 00:31:47,734 on the issue of guns. 665 00:31:47,734 --> 00:31:48,699 What has he done? 666 00:31:48,700 --> 00:31:52,567 I know he signed a law expanding gun rights in 667 00:31:52,567 --> 00:31:55,300 national parks and stuff, so that people can carry 668 00:31:55,300 --> 00:31:57,200 concealed guns in the national park. 669 00:31:57,200 --> 00:31:58,300 What else has he done? 670 00:31:58,300 --> 00:31:59,367 Mr. Carney: Well, I pointed to the measures that have been taken 671 00:31:59,367 --> 00:32:03,767 at his direction by the Department of Justice to 672 00:32:03,767 --> 00:32:09,900 enhance the quality of our background checks system that 673 00:32:09,900 --> 00:32:13,800 reduces the likelihood that weapons fall into the hands 674 00:32:13,800 --> 00:32:15,767 of criminals and others who should not have them under 675 00:32:15,767 --> 00:32:16,867 existing law. 676 00:32:16,867 --> 00:32:20,200 And those are actions that DOJ has -- 677 00:32:20,200 --> 00:32:22,367 The Press: -- can you explain it a little bit? 678 00:32:22,367 --> 00:32:24,433 Mr. Carney: Well, I don't have the paper on them, but we -- 679 00:32:24,433 --> 00:32:28,000 when this came up earlier in the week, 680 00:32:28,000 --> 00:32:30,700 or rather late last week, I think we had something that we 681 00:32:30,700 --> 00:32:33,166 passed out to you, and the Department of Justice has it. 682 00:32:33,166 --> 00:32:37,033 But they've taken a number of measures to increase the sort 683 00:32:37,033 --> 00:32:38,399 of quality -- 684 00:32:38,400 --> 00:32:40,967 both the quantity of information and the depth of 685 00:32:40,967 --> 00:32:45,300 information that goes into the background check system. 686 00:32:45,300 --> 00:32:48,066 And that has a -- 687 00:32:48,066 --> 00:32:48,700 that's progress. 688 00:32:48,700 --> 00:32:49,333 That's positive -- 689 00:32:49,333 --> 00:32:53,567 it has a positive impact on the goal of preventing weapons 690 00:32:53,567 --> 00:32:56,233 that should not get into the hands of criminals under 691 00:32:56,233 --> 00:32:59,567 existing law from getting to those criminals. 692 00:32:59,567 --> 00:33:02,166 The Press: Does he want Congress to vote on an assault weapons ban? 693 00:33:02,166 --> 00:33:07,066 Mr. Carney: He supports -- and has from the beginning -- 694 00:33:07,066 --> 00:33:10,066 the reinstatement of the assault weapons bans. 695 00:33:10,066 --> 00:33:14,734 I think you know very well that there's a stalemate in 696 00:33:14,734 --> 00:33:18,066 Congress on that issue, as there is on so many issues. 697 00:33:18,066 --> 00:33:18,567 The Press: You put -- 698 00:33:18,567 --> 00:33:20,867 on the stalemate on taxes, you guys put your shoulder in on 699 00:33:20,867 --> 00:33:22,867 that, though, and you said, no, we want a vote. 700 00:33:22,867 --> 00:33:23,834 We insist on a vote. 701 00:33:23,834 --> 00:33:24,800 We demand a vote. 702 00:33:24,800 --> 00:33:26,399 You brought leaders down. 703 00:33:26,400 --> 00:33:30,100 Fair to say not the same level of concern on this issue? 704 00:33:30,100 --> 00:33:36,766 Mr. Carney: Well, I would say that the President supports it. 705 00:33:36,767 --> 00:33:41,233 He recognizes there is a stalemate in Congress. 706 00:33:41,233 --> 00:33:45,734 He believes that anything Congress were to do must cross 707 00:33:45,734 --> 00:33:49,500 the threshold of protecting the Second Amendment rights 708 00:33:49,500 --> 00:33:53,066 of Americans citizens, law-abiding American citizens. 709 00:33:53,066 --> 00:33:56,867 And that while there is that stalemate in Congress, 710 00:33:56,867 --> 00:33:59,066 there are other things that we can do and we should do. 711 00:33:59,066 --> 00:34:03,200 An action that he's taken and an action that we don't often 712 00:34:03,200 --> 00:34:08,633 talk about here, but those who cover federal law enforcement 713 00:34:08,632 --> 00:34:12,632 as well as education know about the programs that are in 714 00:34:12,632 --> 00:34:16,632 place to help local officials deal with violence in their 715 00:34:16,632 --> 00:34:22,533 communities, to help connect teenagers with summer jobs, 716 00:34:22,533 --> 00:34:25,833 to help keep teenagers off the streets and out of gangs -- 717 00:34:25,833 --> 00:34:30,766 that's all part of a broader effort to reduce violence. 718 00:34:30,766 --> 00:34:31,699 Yes, Jared. 719 00:34:31,699 --> 00:34:33,165 Then I'll move it around. 720 00:34:33,166 --> 00:34:33,633 The Press: Thank you. 721 00:34:33,632 --> 00:34:34,966 Just one on taxes. 722 00:34:34,967 --> 00:34:36,333 You have said and the President -- 723 00:34:36,333 --> 00:34:37,667 Mr. Carney: Summer cut there, didn't you? 724 00:34:37,667 --> 00:34:38,567 The Press: Yes, thank you very much. 725 00:34:38,567 --> 00:34:39,800 (laughter) 726 00:34:39,800 --> 00:34:41,767 Glad you noticed. 727 00:34:41,766 --> 00:34:45,100 The President has said and you have said the wealthy don't 728 00:34:45,100 --> 00:34:48,866 need a tax cut right now, but then why still allow them to 729 00:34:48,867 --> 00:34:51,900 have a tax cut on the first $200,000-$250,000 730 00:34:51,900 --> 00:34:53,266 of their income? 731 00:34:53,266 --> 00:34:56,066 Mr. Carney: Well, the principle is that everyone -- 732 00:34:56,065 --> 00:34:57,799 that we should reduce taxes -- 733 00:34:57,800 --> 00:35:02,734 or extend the tax cuts for everyone earning -- 734 00:35:02,734 --> 00:35:07,500 every family earning $250,000 or less. 735 00:35:07,500 --> 00:35:09,533 I mean, you know how our tax code is written. 736 00:35:09,533 --> 00:35:12,799 That means that everybody making up to that point 737 00:35:12,800 --> 00:35:15,400 enjoys that tax cut. 738 00:35:15,400 --> 00:35:20,533 What the President does not believe is that we can afford 739 00:35:20,533 --> 00:35:22,866 extending the Bush high-income tax cuts. 740 00:35:22,867 --> 00:35:23,967 They're too expensive. 741 00:35:23,967 --> 00:35:27,266 They're not helpful to the economy. 742 00:35:27,266 --> 00:35:37,100 And what we know from past experience is that the upper 743 00:35:37,100 --> 00:35:41,333 marginal rate that was in place under the Clinton 744 00:35:41,333 --> 00:35:45,500 administration, did not in any way impede economic growth. 745 00:35:45,500 --> 00:35:49,433 In fact, the tax rates that existed in the 1990s weren't 746 00:35:49,433 --> 00:35:51,500 -- that were decried by Republicans at the time, 747 00:35:51,500 --> 00:35:55,633 were in place and were law when we had the longest 748 00:35:55,633 --> 00:35:59,767 peacetime economic expansion in our history and when the 749 00:35:59,767 --> 00:36:03,366 economy created 24 million jobs. 750 00:36:03,367 --> 00:36:04,867 So that's why. 751 00:36:04,867 --> 00:36:06,300 The Press: And then I guess just to back up, 752 00:36:06,300 --> 00:36:08,734 also you've said many times how ruinous the Bush tax 753 00:36:08,734 --> 00:36:09,667 cuts were. 754 00:36:09,667 --> 00:36:12,866 Then why still extend 98 percent -- 755 00:36:12,867 --> 00:36:16,900 Mr. Carney: Well, the President believes that the middle class needs 756 00:36:16,900 --> 00:36:21,333 and deserves the assistance that this tax cut would 757 00:36:21,333 --> 00:36:25,500 provide, that we cannot raise taxes on the middle class by 758 00:36:25,500 --> 00:36:28,533 an average of $2,200 next year. 759 00:36:28,533 --> 00:36:31,200 That is good for individual families and it's going for 760 00:36:31,200 --> 00:36:32,200 the economy. 761 00:36:32,200 --> 00:36:35,133 As economists, you know well -- 762 00:36:35,133 --> 00:36:36,533 because of the nature of your coverage -- 763 00:36:36,533 --> 00:36:43,500 that independent economists broadly agree that the 764 00:36:43,500 --> 00:36:48,967 economic benefit of tax cuts is disproportionately felt 765 00:36:48,967 --> 00:36:52,133 when those tax cuts are given to lower and middle-income 766 00:36:52,133 --> 00:36:55,000 Americans; that higher income Americans and millionaires and 767 00:36:55,000 --> 00:36:57,367 billionaires are much less likely to inject that money 768 00:36:57,367 --> 00:36:59,700 directly back into the economy. 769 00:36:59,700 --> 00:37:03,834 And, therefore, even its economic benefit -- 770 00:37:03,834 --> 00:37:05,200 setting aside the fairness argument, 771 00:37:05,200 --> 00:37:11,399 even the economic benefit is minimal and outweighed 772 00:37:11,400 --> 00:37:12,400 by the cost. 773 00:37:12,400 --> 00:37:14,834 Again, we're talking about a trillion dollars 774 00:37:14,834 --> 00:37:15,834 over 10 years. 775 00:37:15,834 --> 00:37:17,332 And when you talk about -- 776 00:37:17,333 --> 00:37:20,367 you mentioned the ruinous effects of the Bush tax cuts 777 00:37:20,367 --> 00:37:24,800 -- those high-end tax cuts contributed mightily to the 778 00:37:24,800 --> 00:37:28,867 record trillion-dollar-plus deficit that President Obama 779 00:37:28,867 --> 00:37:30,467 inherited when he came into office. 780 00:37:33,300 --> 00:37:34,200 Mark, yes. 781 00:37:34,200 --> 00:37:35,133 Then I'll move to the back. 782 00:37:35,133 --> 00:37:38,899 The Press: Jay, on Olympic security, was there some new or recent 783 00:37:38,900 --> 00:37:42,867 request from the British government for assistance? 784 00:37:42,867 --> 00:37:43,900 Mr. Carney: Not that I'm aware of. 785 00:37:43,900 --> 00:37:49,800 This is the kind of partnership that we have 786 00:37:49,800 --> 00:37:50,834 as a matter of course. 787 00:37:50,834 --> 00:37:53,899 We have a longstanding, close cooperation -- 788 00:37:53,900 --> 00:37:56,100 cooperation relationship with the UK officials on security 789 00:37:56,100 --> 00:37:58,165 and intelligence matters. 790 00:37:58,166 --> 00:38:01,800 U.S. personnel in London for the games are building on the 791 00:38:01,800 --> 00:38:03,166 well- established law enforcement 792 00:38:03,166 --> 00:38:06,200 intelligence-sharing relationships that already 793 00:38:06,200 --> 00:38:08,433 exist between our two countries. 794 00:38:08,433 --> 00:38:11,000 The State Department's Bureau of Diplomatic Security has the 795 00:38:11,000 --> 00:38:13,900 U.S. security lead for Olympic Games in foreign countries, 796 00:38:13,900 --> 00:38:18,266 and for more specifics, I could refer you to them. 797 00:38:18,266 --> 00:38:18,800 The Press: And one more. 798 00:38:18,800 --> 00:38:23,100 On the tax cut, doesn't it take two to have a stalemate? 799 00:38:23,100 --> 00:38:26,734 Isn't President Obama as dug in on his position as 800 00:38:26,734 --> 00:38:28,232 Republicans are on theirs? 801 00:38:28,233 --> 00:38:29,233 Mr. Carney: No, but that's where -- 802 00:38:29,233 --> 00:38:31,266 I'm so glad you asked that question because no. 803 00:38:31,266 --> 00:38:32,066 (laughter) 804 00:38:32,066 --> 00:38:32,866 No. 805 00:38:32,867 --> 00:38:36,734 Everyone -- and this is the miracle of miracles -- 806 00:38:36,734 --> 00:38:42,232 everyone in Washington, Republican and Democrat alike, 807 00:38:42,233 --> 00:38:45,467 on Capitol Hill, in Congress, supports extension of the 808 00:38:45,467 --> 00:38:47,200 middle-class tax cuts. 809 00:38:47,200 --> 00:38:48,332 So let's do it. 810 00:38:48,333 --> 00:38:51,233 Let's pass that and sign it into law and give that 811 00:38:51,233 --> 00:38:54,400 security to 98 percent of taxpaying Americans, 812 00:38:54,400 --> 00:38:58,166 give that help to the economy that that certainty will 813 00:38:58,166 --> 00:39:03,233 create, and then we can debate the merits of tax cuts for the 814 00:39:03,233 --> 00:39:06,133 top 2 percent, because that's where the disagreement is. 815 00:39:06,133 --> 00:39:09,165 Everyone agrees on tax cuts for 98 percent -- 816 00:39:09,166 --> 00:39:10,834 why don't we get that done? 817 00:39:10,834 --> 00:39:12,200 Tax cuts for the 2 percent -- 818 00:39:12,200 --> 00:39:15,966 we can debate and have a healthy debate about it. 819 00:39:15,967 --> 00:39:18,233 And obviously, there are strong feelings on both 820 00:39:18,233 --> 00:39:20,166 sides of the issue. 821 00:39:20,166 --> 00:39:23,767 But we all agree that Americans earning up to 822 00:39:23,767 --> 00:39:27,433 $250,000 -- that's 98 percent of us -- 823 00:39:27,433 --> 00:39:29,400 should get that tax cut extended. 824 00:39:29,400 --> 00:39:31,934 So let's do that. 825 00:39:31,934 --> 00:39:33,133 God, they could do a voice vote. 826 00:39:33,133 --> 00:39:35,299 They could pass it unanimously and send it down here, 827 00:39:35,300 --> 00:39:36,767 and the President would sign it into a law. 828 00:39:36,767 --> 00:39:39,332 The Press: So it's a one-sided stalemate? 829 00:39:39,333 --> 00:39:40,367 Mr. Carney: In this case, yes. 830 00:39:40,367 --> 00:39:44,700 I mean, look, there are real differences between 831 00:39:44,700 --> 00:39:46,700 the parties. 832 00:39:46,700 --> 00:39:50,100 There are real differences obviously between the two 833 00:39:50,100 --> 00:39:53,667 contenders for the presidency. 834 00:39:53,667 --> 00:39:54,866 And, as the President has made clear, 835 00:39:54,867 --> 00:39:58,500 here is an area where there is broad agreement, 836 00:39:58,500 --> 00:40:00,033 so let's act on it. 837 00:40:00,033 --> 00:40:04,133 We will continue to debate whether or not we should take 838 00:40:04,133 --> 00:40:07,633 a balanced approach to our fiscal challenges. 839 00:40:07,633 --> 00:40:11,933 We can continue to debate whether we need to give tax 840 00:40:11,934 --> 00:40:15,967 cuts to the top 2 percent of income earners in America. 841 00:40:15,967 --> 00:40:18,567 And we will debate a number of other issues, 842 00:40:18,567 --> 00:40:20,533 the merits of extending -- 843 00:40:20,533 --> 00:40:25,600 of health care reform and Wall Street reform, for example. 844 00:40:25,600 --> 00:40:28,667 But here is something that we all agree on, 845 00:40:28,667 --> 00:40:31,433 and if we all agree on it, let's pass it. 846 00:40:31,433 --> 00:40:34,467 The President will sign it, and then we can debate the 847 00:40:34,467 --> 00:40:37,667 issues that continue to divide us. 848 00:40:37,667 --> 00:40:39,033 You had a follow-up, Jon-Christopher? 849 00:40:41,200 --> 00:40:43,466 The Press: We now know that -- 850 00:40:43,467 --> 00:40:46,266 it's pretty obvious that the Governor and Mrs. Romney are 851 00:40:46,266 --> 00:40:47,367 attending the Olympics. 852 00:40:47,367 --> 00:40:49,033 They are there in London today. 853 00:40:49,033 --> 00:40:50,900 The question is -- 854 00:40:50,900 --> 00:40:53,400 we also know that First Lady Michelle Obama is leading the 855 00:40:53,400 --> 00:40:56,333 presidential delegation at the opening ceremonies. 856 00:40:56,333 --> 00:40:58,900 Does this mean there is a temporary bipartisan truce 857 00:40:58,900 --> 00:41:01,066 when it comes to supporting the USA teams? 858 00:41:01,066 --> 00:41:05,799 Mr. Carney: I think every American supports our athletes, 859 00:41:05,800 --> 00:41:08,400 whether they're Republican, Democrat, 860 00:41:08,400 --> 00:41:10,467 independent or otherwise. 861 00:41:10,467 --> 00:41:11,467 The Press: A follow-up? 862 00:41:11,467 --> 00:41:15,033 Has the President sent a special message along with 863 00:41:15,033 --> 00:41:17,299 the First Lady to the U.S. athletes? 864 00:41:17,300 --> 00:41:22,600 Mr. Carney: I believe there is a message that the President and the 865 00:41:22,600 --> 00:41:24,200 First Lady deliver to -- 866 00:41:24,200 --> 00:41:25,799 the First Lady will deliver, but a message from both the 867 00:41:25,800 --> 00:41:26,767 President and the First Lady. 868 00:41:26,767 --> 00:41:28,265 I don't have details on that for you now, 869 00:41:28,266 --> 00:41:32,300 but there -- we'll all be watching. 870 00:41:32,300 --> 00:41:34,934 Very exciting. 871 00:41:34,934 --> 00:41:37,000 Cheryl and then April. 872 00:41:37,000 --> 00:41:38,600 The Press: Speaking of overwhelming, the House and Senate 873 00:41:38,600 --> 00:41:42,033 overwhelmingly passed a bill to require the White House to 874 00:41:42,033 --> 00:41:45,165 reveal the details of the sequester cuts. 875 00:41:45,166 --> 00:41:46,734 Will the President sign that bill? 876 00:41:46,734 --> 00:41:49,100 And do you have that information all ready -- 877 00:41:49,100 --> 00:41:51,299 the Sequester Transparency Act? 878 00:41:51,300 --> 00:41:52,533 Mr. Carney: Well, the President will sign the bill. 879 00:41:52,533 --> 00:41:56,400 Up to this point, OMB staff has been conducting the 880 00:41:56,400 --> 00:41:57,967 analysis needed to move. 881 00:41:57,967 --> 00:42:00,100 And should it get to the point where it appears that Congress 882 00:42:00,100 --> 00:42:03,500 will not do its job and the sequester may take effect, 883 00:42:03,500 --> 00:42:06,066 OMB, DOD, and the entire administration 884 00:42:06,066 --> 00:42:07,000 will be prepared. 885 00:42:07,000 --> 00:42:09,200 But let me be clear. 886 00:42:09,200 --> 00:42:11,567 There is no amount of planning or reporting that will turn 887 00:42:11,567 --> 00:42:14,233 the sequester into anything other than the devastating 888 00:42:14,233 --> 00:42:16,467 cut in defense and domestic investments that it was 889 00:42:16,467 --> 00:42:17,467 meant to be. 890 00:42:17,467 --> 00:42:21,033 The sequester was passed by both Republicans and Democrats 891 00:42:21,033 --> 00:42:23,633 not as a policy we want to see enacted, 892 00:42:23,633 --> 00:42:25,966 but as a forcing mechanism to get Congress to act in a 893 00:42:25,967 --> 00:42:28,533 serious, balanced way on deficit reduction. 894 00:42:28,533 --> 00:42:30,900 As the President himself has said, 895 00:42:30,900 --> 00:42:33,066 there's no reason why these cuts should happen, 896 00:42:33,066 --> 00:42:35,433 and Congress ought to be able to come together and agree on 897 00:42:35,433 --> 00:42:37,567 a balanced approach that reduces the deficit and 898 00:42:37,567 --> 00:42:39,333 keeps our military strong. 899 00:42:39,333 --> 00:42:42,633 Right now, as I noted earlier in answer to Ed, 900 00:42:42,633 --> 00:42:45,399 congressional Republicans are trying to get out of what they 901 00:42:45,400 --> 00:42:47,567 agreed to because they'd rather protect tax cuts for 902 00:42:47,567 --> 00:42:50,633 some of the wealthiest Americans than make tough 903 00:42:50,633 --> 00:42:52,966 choices needed to reduce the deficit, 904 00:42:52,967 --> 00:42:55,133 even if it risks big cuts in our military. 905 00:42:55,133 --> 00:42:58,734 The President disagrees and will continue to urge Congress 906 00:42:58,734 --> 00:43:02,266 to act to avoid these devastating cuts. 907 00:43:02,266 --> 00:43:03,834 I think the answer is he will sign the bill. 908 00:43:03,834 --> 00:43:04,899 April. 909 00:43:04,900 --> 00:43:07,000 The Press: Jay, two questions. 910 00:43:07,000 --> 00:43:09,600 On the President's White House Initiative for Educational 911 00:43:09,600 --> 00:43:11,366 Excellence for African Americans, 912 00:43:11,367 --> 00:43:13,700 what is the budget for that? 913 00:43:13,700 --> 00:43:16,299 I understand that Arne Duncan is holding the purse strings. 914 00:43:16,300 --> 00:43:22,734 And I ask that because there's such inequity in educational 915 00:43:22,734 --> 00:43:28,467 excellence or scoring between blacks and mainstream 916 00:43:28,467 --> 00:43:31,133 students, and to bridge that gap, 917 00:43:31,133 --> 00:43:33,734 it's going to take a lot of money from what many in the 918 00:43:33,734 --> 00:43:35,299 education fields have said. 919 00:43:35,300 --> 00:43:37,533 So how much money is this White House putting 920 00:43:37,533 --> 00:43:39,467 out for that? 921 00:43:39,467 --> 00:43:42,133 Mr. Carney: Well, again, I think you'd noted at the top that this 922 00:43:42,133 --> 00:43:45,100 is something that will be overseen by the Department 923 00:43:45,100 --> 00:43:47,667 of Education, so in terms of how it is funded, 924 00:43:47,667 --> 00:43:50,165 I would refer you to them. 925 00:43:50,166 --> 00:43:57,467 The executive order reflects the fact that the President 926 00:43:57,467 --> 00:43:59,533 has made providing a complete and a competitive education 927 00:43:59,533 --> 00:44:02,266 for all Americans from cradle to career a top priority. 928 00:44:02,266 --> 00:44:05,166 And the White House Initiative on Educational Excellent for 929 00:44:05,166 --> 00:44:08,100 African Americans will work across federal agencies and 930 00:44:08,100 --> 00:44:11,100 with partners and communities nationwide to produce a more 931 00:44:11,100 --> 00:44:13,066 effective continuum of education programs for 932 00:44:13,066 --> 00:44:14,700 African American students. 933 00:44:14,700 --> 00:44:16,966 The initiative aims to ensure that all African American 934 00:44:16,967 --> 00:44:19,100 students receive an education that fully prepares them for 935 00:44:19,100 --> 00:44:21,600 high school graduation, college completion and 936 00:44:21,600 --> 00:44:22,799 productive careers. 937 00:44:22,800 --> 00:44:25,467 I would note, when you talk about funding, 938 00:44:25,467 --> 00:44:27,100 that this is obviously not -- 939 00:44:27,100 --> 00:44:32,633 this is a part of a broader effort that this President 940 00:44:32,633 --> 00:44:35,466 and his administration have embarked on to improve 941 00:44:35,467 --> 00:44:36,867 education in America. 942 00:44:36,867 --> 00:44:40,934 And when it comes to teachers in the classroom, 943 00:44:40,934 --> 00:44:42,367 this is an issue that the President cares very 944 00:44:42,367 --> 00:44:43,533 deeply about. 945 00:44:43,533 --> 00:44:45,866 And that is why, in the American Jobs Act, 946 00:44:45,867 --> 00:44:48,834 he called on Congress to provide funding to put 947 00:44:48,834 --> 00:44:50,866 teachers back in the classroom, 948 00:44:50,867 --> 00:44:54,233 to prevent their layoffs around the country that have 949 00:44:54,233 --> 00:44:55,934 occurred at state and local governmental levels, 950 00:44:55,934 --> 00:45:00,066 that have affected teachers and policemen and firefighters 951 00:45:00,066 --> 00:45:01,466 disproportionately -- 952 00:45:01,467 --> 00:45:03,333 and especially in the education field. 953 00:45:03,333 --> 00:45:04,533 Congress has -- 954 00:45:04,533 --> 00:45:07,000 Republicans in Congress have refused to pass that. 955 00:45:07,000 --> 00:45:11,266 But if Congress would act on that, 956 00:45:11,266 --> 00:45:13,100 on those elements of the American Jobs Act that they 957 00:45:13,100 --> 00:45:17,866 have yet to pass, not only would we benefit from what 958 00:45:17,867 --> 00:45:21,567 economists say would be another million jobs for our 959 00:45:21,567 --> 00:45:27,400 economy, but every child in America who is in a public 960 00:45:27,400 --> 00:45:31,000 school could potentially benefit from having those 961 00:45:31,000 --> 00:45:33,633 teachers go back to work. 962 00:45:33,633 --> 00:45:37,567 And we call on Congress to act on that immediately. 963 00:45:37,567 --> 00:45:39,200 The Press: And my last question, please. 964 00:45:39,200 --> 00:45:42,366 On gun control, what does this administration and you 965 00:45:42,367 --> 00:45:46,100 particularly say to Democrats, like Congressman Ed Towns of 966 00:45:46,100 --> 00:45:50,967 New York, who say there needs to be a serious discussion 967 00:45:50,967 --> 00:45:53,066 with both sides across the aisle on the issue 968 00:45:53,066 --> 00:45:54,066 of gun control? 969 00:45:54,066 --> 00:45:58,899 He says that, historically, we've seen Presidents killed 970 00:45:58,900 --> 00:45:59,734 by guns. 971 00:45:59,734 --> 00:46:03,200 We've seen urban areas, people killed by guns. 972 00:46:03,200 --> 00:46:05,633 We've seen civil rights leaders killed by guns. 973 00:46:05,633 --> 00:46:07,966 We saw Gabrielle Giffords shot. 974 00:46:07,967 --> 00:46:09,533 We've seen Columbine. 975 00:46:09,533 --> 00:46:12,834 We've seen Virginia Tech, and we just saw what happened at 976 00:46:12,834 --> 00:46:14,600 the midnight massacre. 977 00:46:14,600 --> 00:46:17,165 What say you when Democrats are calling for this, 978 00:46:17,166 --> 00:46:18,100 and they're even -- 979 00:46:18,100 --> 00:46:21,767 Congressman John Lewis, right after Aurora, 980 00:46:21,767 --> 00:46:26,866 even invoked Robert Kennedy, talking about are we 981 00:46:26,867 --> 00:46:29,600 tolerating violence and letting common humanity go. 982 00:46:29,600 --> 00:46:31,033 So what say you about that? 983 00:46:31,033 --> 00:46:35,133 Mr. Carney: Well, I would say what I have been saying earlier in this 984 00:46:35,133 --> 00:46:39,100 briefing, which is that the President is focused on steps 985 00:46:39,100 --> 00:46:41,834 that we can take to keep guns out of the hands of people who 986 00:46:41,834 --> 00:46:44,366 shouldn't have them under existing law. 987 00:46:44,367 --> 00:46:47,600 And because of those efforts, background checks are now more 988 00:46:47,600 --> 00:46:50,400 thorough and complete. 989 00:46:50,400 --> 00:46:54,500 There is a broader issue that your question raises about 990 00:46:54,500 --> 00:46:58,633 violence in the country and in different areas of the country 991 00:46:58,633 --> 00:47:01,667 that needs to be addressed not just through legislation, 992 00:47:01,667 --> 00:47:04,900 and certainly not narrowly just through laws affecting 993 00:47:04,900 --> 00:47:09,033 guns, but that has to do with education and 994 00:47:09,033 --> 00:47:11,866 economic opportunity. 995 00:47:11,867 --> 00:47:16,100 It has to do with assistance to local law enforcement and 996 00:47:16,100 --> 00:47:20,200 government officials and their efforts in their communities. 997 00:47:20,200 --> 00:47:23,033 It has to do with teachers and parents and neighborhoods 998 00:47:23,600 --> 00:47:26,433 coming together to address this problem. 999 00:47:26,433 --> 00:47:28,166 It's not -- as the President said last night, 1000 00:47:28,166 --> 00:47:31,200 you have shocking events like the one that occurred 1001 00:47:31,200 --> 00:47:38,700 in Aurora or at Virginia Tech, but the fact is there are far 1002 00:47:38,700 --> 00:47:41,933 too high levels of violence occurring every day in the 1003 00:47:41,934 --> 00:47:45,767 United States, and we need to take a comprehensive approach 1004 00:47:45,767 --> 00:47:46,799 to that. 1005 00:47:46,800 --> 00:47:48,266 And that's what the President is trying to do -- 1006 00:47:48,266 --> 00:47:54,600 recognizing that, in terms of legislation, 1007 00:47:54,600 --> 00:47:56,400 there are obstacles in Congress, 1008 00:47:56,400 --> 00:47:59,867 and the President believes that we need to take measures 1009 00:47:59,867 --> 00:48:02,633 that protect Americans' Second Amendment rights 1010 00:48:02,633 --> 00:48:06,399 while ensuring that those who should not have weapons 1011 00:48:06,400 --> 00:48:07,433 do not get them. 1012 00:48:07,433 --> 00:48:10,433 The Press: So understanding this broad base about violence, 1013 00:48:10,433 --> 00:48:12,400 but still with the incorporation of guns 1014 00:48:12,400 --> 00:48:16,200 within this broad violent scope, if reelected, 1015 00:48:16,200 --> 00:48:18,799 will this President push -- 1016 00:48:18,800 --> 00:48:20,934 actively push for the reinstatement of the 1017 00:48:20,934 --> 00:48:22,533 assault weapons ban? 1018 00:48:22,533 --> 00:48:25,000 Mr. Carney: I've stated the President's position on that; 1019 00:48:25,000 --> 00:48:26,900 it has not changed. 1020 00:48:26,900 --> 00:48:28,967 What I can tell you is the President will continue to 1021 00:48:28,967 --> 00:48:37,066 push for common-sense measures that make it harder for those 1022 00:48:37,066 --> 00:48:40,933 who should not have guns under existing law from getting them 1023 00:48:40,934 --> 00:48:42,900 while protecting the Second Amendment rights 1024 00:48:42,900 --> 00:48:44,200 of American citizens. 1025 00:48:44,200 --> 00:48:49,165 The Press: Do you think it's appropriate for Governor Romney to attend 1026 00:48:49,166 --> 00:48:52,066 this fundraiser in London tonight being co-hosted by a 1027 00:48:52,066 --> 00:48:55,399 lobbyist from Barclays, seeing as Barclays is at the center 1028 00:48:55,400 --> 00:48:57,200 of this Libor scandal? 1029 00:48:57,200 --> 00:49:00,299 The Barclay CEO pulled out of this fundraiser, 1030 00:49:00,300 --> 00:49:03,500 but still there is going to be a presence there from Barclays 1031 00:49:03,500 --> 00:49:04,967 at this fundraiser tonight. 1032 00:49:04,967 --> 00:49:07,633 Mr. Carney: I think that is definitely a question that I would refer to 1033 00:49:07,633 --> 00:49:08,799 the campaign. 1034 00:49:08,800 --> 00:49:10,500 The Press: Well, what about the amount of money that's being spent 1035 00:49:10,500 --> 00:49:12,600 abroad and raised abroad? 1036 00:49:12,600 --> 00:49:15,066 I mean, the President has raised over $600,000 1037 00:49:15,066 --> 00:49:17,000 at fundraisers in other countries. 1038 00:49:17,000 --> 00:49:20,367 I mean, to most Americans, many would be surprised to 1039 00:49:20,367 --> 00:49:21,734 hear that. 1040 00:49:21,734 --> 00:49:25,165 Mr. Carney: But this is money raised from Americans. 1041 00:49:25,166 --> 00:49:28,133 The Press: From Americans in Shanghai and London and Europe -- 1042 00:49:28,133 --> 00:49:32,533 Mr. Carney: I would refer you to probably both campaigns. 1043 00:49:32,533 --> 00:49:40,933 But in terms of that, I know that we follow the rules in 1044 00:49:40,934 --> 00:49:43,266 terms of fundraising. 1045 00:49:43,266 --> 00:49:45,133 And on the other issue that you began with, 1046 00:49:45,133 --> 00:49:47,734 I would refer you to the reelection campaign. 1047 00:49:47,734 --> 00:49:48,700 The Press: Jay, may I? 1048 00:49:48,700 --> 00:49:50,433 Mr. Carney: Yes, Connie. 1049 00:49:50,433 --> 00:49:53,667 The Press: What city does this administration consider 1050 00:49:53,667 --> 00:49:55,165 to be the capital of Israel -- 1051 00:49:55,166 --> 00:49:57,467 Jerusalem or Tel Aviv? 1052 00:49:57,467 --> 00:50:02,300 Mr. Carney: I haven't had that question in a while. 1053 00:50:02,300 --> 00:50:04,066 Our position has not changed, Connie. 1054 00:50:04,066 --> 00:50:04,834 The Press: What is the position? 1055 00:50:04,834 --> 00:50:07,600 What's the capital? 1056 00:50:07,600 --> 00:50:08,333 Mr. Carney: You know our position. 1057 00:50:08,333 --> 00:50:09,133 The Press: I don't. 1058 00:50:09,133 --> 00:50:10,633 The Press: No, no, she doesn't know. 1059 00:50:10,633 --> 00:50:11,633 She doesn't know. 1060 00:50:11,633 --> 00:50:13,232 That's why she asked. 1061 00:50:13,233 --> 00:50:14,367 Mr. Carney: She does know -- 1062 00:50:14,367 --> 00:50:15,166 The Press: I don't. 1063 00:50:15,166 --> 00:50:16,700 The Press: She does not know. 1064 00:50:16,700 --> 00:50:18,600 She just said she doesn't know. 1065 00:50:18,600 --> 00:50:19,533 I don't know. 1066 00:50:19,533 --> 00:50:20,232 Mr. Carney: We have long -- 1067 00:50:20,233 --> 00:50:21,166 Les, I call on Christi. 1068 00:50:21,166 --> 00:50:22,000 Go ahead. 1069 00:50:22,000 --> 00:50:23,767 The Press: Back on the question of gun violence. 1070 00:50:23,767 --> 00:50:25,299 Why did the President wait? 1071 00:50:25,300 --> 00:50:27,500 What's the reason for the venue and the timing of 1072 00:50:27,500 --> 00:50:28,934 those remarks? 1073 00:50:28,934 --> 00:50:29,767 Mr. Carney: The remarks last night? 1074 00:50:29,767 --> 00:50:30,933 Well, it was a very appropriate venue -- 1075 00:50:30,934 --> 00:50:32,200 it was the Urban League Conference. 1076 00:50:32,200 --> 00:50:34,366 He talked about a number of issues, 1077 00:50:34,367 --> 00:50:40,633 especially the economy, as well as the problem of 1078 00:50:40,633 --> 00:50:42,834 violence in urban communities. 1079 00:50:42,834 --> 00:50:45,433 The Press: But those were his most extensive and impassioned 1080 00:50:45,433 --> 00:50:47,934 remarks, and I just wondered if he's planning to do that 1081 00:50:47,934 --> 00:50:52,633 in a more noticeable venue at a more noticeable time. 1082 00:50:52,633 --> 00:50:56,366 Mr. Carney: You mean a speech in front of a vast audience with 1083 00:50:56,367 --> 00:50:59,700 television cameras is not more noticeable? 1084 00:50:59,700 --> 00:51:01,299 The Press: Late at night, it was five days later -- 1085 00:51:01,300 --> 00:51:02,667 Mr. Carney: Well, we didn't schedule -- 1086 00:51:02,667 --> 00:51:05,299 we didn't organize the conference. 1087 00:51:05,300 --> 00:51:06,467 It was a very appropriate place 1088 00:51:06,467 --> 00:51:10,633 to have that conversation. 1089 00:51:12,100 --> 00:51:13,933 The Press: Tel Aviv or Jerusalem? 1090 00:51:13,934 --> 00:51:16,233 Mr. Carney: You know the answer. Yes. 1091 00:51:16,233 --> 00:51:17,033 The Press: No, I don't know the answer. 1092 00:51:17,033 --> 00:51:17,900 We don't know the answer. 1093 00:51:17,900 --> 00:51:20,000 Could you just give us an answer? 1094 00:51:20,000 --> 00:51:21,834 What do you recognize -- 1095 00:51:21,834 --> 00:51:23,799 what does -- 1096 00:51:23,800 --> 00:51:25,266 Mr. Carney: Our position hasn't changed, Lester. 1097 00:51:25,266 --> 00:51:26,600 Goyal. 1098 00:51:26,600 --> 00:51:28,333 The Press: Thank you. Two questions, Jay. 1099 00:51:28,333 --> 00:51:31,266 One, India has now a new President -- 1100 00:51:31,266 --> 00:51:33,100 if President has spoken to him? 1101 00:51:33,100 --> 00:51:34,467 And second -- 1102 00:51:34,467 --> 00:51:36,900 Mr. Carney: I don't have any readouts of foreign leader calls. 1103 00:51:36,900 --> 00:51:40,633 The Press: And recently Time Magazine has come up -- 1104 00:51:40,633 --> 00:51:45,500 the Prime Minister of India, that he is an underachiever 1105 00:51:45,500 --> 00:51:49,066 and also shadow prime minister. 1106 00:51:49,066 --> 00:51:51,866 What President think of India's Prime Minister and 1107 00:51:51,867 --> 00:51:55,200 his relationship with him? 1108 00:51:55,200 --> 00:51:56,633 Mr. Carney: I'll have to -- 1109 00:51:56,633 --> 00:51:58,265 I haven't had that conversation with him. 1110 00:51:58,266 --> 00:52:00,300 We have a very important relationship with India, 1111 00:52:00,300 --> 00:52:02,433 Goyal, as you know, but I haven't had that conversation 1112 00:52:02,433 --> 00:52:02,934 with him. 1113 00:52:02,934 --> 00:52:04,767 The Press: And finally, as far as the AIDS -- 1114 00:52:04,767 --> 00:52:07,533 International AIDS conference going on in Washington and 1115 00:52:07,533 --> 00:52:10,667 thousands of people around the globe are here. 1116 00:52:10,667 --> 00:52:13,767 And what message you think the President has as far as 1117 00:52:13,767 --> 00:52:15,332 spreading AIDS around the globe, 1118 00:52:15,333 --> 00:52:17,867 but AIDS has gone down here in this country but spreading in 1119 00:52:17,867 --> 00:52:19,633 other countries? 1120 00:52:19,633 --> 00:52:21,667 Mr. Carney: Well, the President's commitment to fighting AIDS 1121 00:52:21,667 --> 00:52:24,133 both globally and domestically I think has been demonstrated. 1122 00:52:24,133 --> 00:52:28,533 We gave out a lot of information in advance 1123 00:52:28,533 --> 00:52:31,232 of this conference, had some senior officials speaking at 1124 00:52:31,233 --> 00:52:34,767 the conference, so the commitment is broad-based. 1125 00:52:34,767 --> 00:52:35,299 The Press: Thank you, Jay. 1126 00:52:35,300 --> 00:52:35,867 Mr. Carney: Thanks, Ben.