English subtitles for clip: File:7-26-12- White House Press Briefing.webm

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Mr. Carney:
Thank you all for being here.

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It's wonderful to be back in
the White House briefing room.

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I have a couple of brief
announcements I wanted to

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make, if you will
bear with me.

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First, earlier this
morning, John Brennan,

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Assistant to the President
for Homeland Security and

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Counterterrorism, hosted an
Olympic security deputy's

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meeting with the full
counterterrorism and law

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enforcement community to take
stock of our efforts working

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with the United Kingdom to
prepare for the London 2012

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Olympic Games.

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Following that meeting,
Mr. Brennan provided the

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President with an update on
the Olympics as well as the

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United States government's
support to the United Kingdom

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prior to and during the games.

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The President directed that we
continue to ensure that we are

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doing everything possible to
keep the American people safe

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and to continue close
cooperation with our

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British counterparts.

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In keeping with our
special relationship,

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the President also made it
clear that he has the utmost

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confidence in our close friend
and ally, the United Kingdom,

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as they finalize preparations
to host the London Olympics.

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Next, changing subjects, I
just wanted to note that,

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as you saw last night, the
Senate took action and passed

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a bill to extend the
middle-class tax cuts

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for 114 million
middle-class families.

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The House should follow suit
and pass this bill right away.

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The House Republicans are
now the only people left in

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Washington holding hostage the
middle-class tax cuts for 98

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percent of Americans and 97
percent of small businesses.

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The fact is the typical
middle-class family cannot

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afford a $2,200 tax hike at
the beginning of next year.

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It's time for House
Republicans to drop their

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demand for another $1 trillion
giveaway to the wealthiest

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Americans and give our
families and small businesses

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the financial security and
certainty that they need.

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As the President
said last night,

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we need tax cuts for
working Americans,

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not for folks who don't need
them and weren't even asking

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for them.

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And with that, I will
take your questions.

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Mr. Feller -- oh, wait,
before I do, I think

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congratulations are in order.

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I should have said that
when I called on you,

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but I'll do it again.

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Ben.

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The Press:
Thanks, Jay.

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I wanted to try to get some
clarity about gun control and

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the President's positions.

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Since the Colorado tragedy,
you've been telling us that

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the President wants to keep
guns out of the hands of the

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wrong people under
existing laws.

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And then, last night,
to the Urban League,

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he said there have
been actions taken,

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but they do not go far enough.

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He talked about AK-47s being
kept off the city streets.

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And so I'm just
trying to get clear --

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does he or does he not think
that any new gun legislation --

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Mr. Carney:
Well, let me back up a little
bit and say that President

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Obama has called for
common-sense measures that

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protect the Second Amendment
rights of law-abiding citizens

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and improve public safety by
keeping guns out of the hands

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of those who should not have
them under existing law.

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And, as I think you know,
thanks to the administration's

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efforts, background checks
conducted on those looking to

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purchase firearms are now more
thorough and more complete.

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The Department of Justice can
provide more details on that.

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I would also say
that, or note,

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that the President made a
broader point last night,

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which is that tackling the
problem of violence is not

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just about gun laws.

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In communities
across the country,

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the administration is
partnering with local law

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enforcement and government
officials to reduce crime,

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to connect young people
with summer jobs,

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so they spend less
time on the street,

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and to set up programs that
steer children away from a

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life of gang violence and
toward the safety and promise

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of a classroom.

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We also must recognize that
it is not enough to debate

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the role of government
in reducing violence.

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It is up to parents,
teachers, neighbors,

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and communities to make a
difference in the lives of

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our young people as well.

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I think that the point the
President was making in the

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speech that he delivered last
night was that we have to

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remember that in the wake of
an awful event like the one in

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Aurora, Colorado, that
violence is not an isolated

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incident in America, and that
we need to take a broader look

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at it and try to tackle it
from a number of different

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directions, which this
President has been doing

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through his administration.

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The Press:
I get that broader point that
he was speaking about more

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than the role of government
and that was sort of part

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of the coverage.

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But I'm still not clear
about the answer to my

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specific question.

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Does he think any new specific
gun legislation is needed,

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or is existing --

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enforce existing
laws is needed?

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Mr. Carney:
Well, he believes that we can
enhance the enforcement of

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existing laws by making it
more difficult for those who

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should not have weapons
under existing laws,

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make it more difficult for
them to obtain weapons.

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And that's what his
Department of Justice

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have been working on.

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I think you're aware of the
fact that there is a stalemate

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in Congress on a
broad range of issues,

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and this would
include this one.

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The assault weapons ban is an
issue that the President has

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supported the reinstatement of
since its expiration in 2004.

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But, given the
stalemate in Congress,

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our focus is on the steps
that we can take to make sure

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criminals and others who
should not have those guns,

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make sure that they
cannot obtain them.

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The Press:
So just two quick points.

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So does he plan
to do anything,

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when he talked last night
about working with Congress --

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no stone unturned --

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does he plan to do anything
this year to make another case

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for that assault weapons ban?

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Mr. Carney:
Well, I'm not going to make
scheduling announcements in

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terms of what the
President may or

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may not say in the future.

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What I can tell you is that
the President's point last

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night was broader.

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I think there is an issue
about the stalemate in

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Congress, and there are
things that we can do short

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of legislation and short of gun
laws, as the President said,

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that can reduce violence
in our society and,

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as he mentioned last night,
in our urban centers.

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So I think he --

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I know he will continue
to press the Department of

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Justice to try to enhance the
enforcement of existing laws,

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try to further develop our
background check system so

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that it prevents criminals
and those who should not have

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weapons from getting
them under existing law.

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And he'll continue to make
sure that his administration

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is partnering with local law
enforcement officials and

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government officials to try
to do the things that I talked

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about at the top that
can help reduce violence.

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The Press:
Last one.

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You focus a lot on
background checks.

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Our reporting shows that the
suspect in Aurora passed all

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of his background checks.

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Can you explain how even an
enhanced background check

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system would stop
something like this?

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Mr. Carney:
Well, I don't think the
President ever suggested that

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the background check can stop
every crime from occurring in

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America, even one
as heinous as this.

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I'm not going to get into the
specifics of what happened in

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Aurora because
there's obviously

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an ongoing investigation.

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But we do need to take a
broader look at what we

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can do to reduce
violence in America.

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And it requires a
multi-faceted approach

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that looks at this problem
from a variety of angles,

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and that's not just
legislative and it's

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not just about gun laws.

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The Press:
Turning to a foreign
subject -- is there any --

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Mr. Carney:
Margaret, correct?

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The Press:
Margaret.

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Mr. Carney:
Welcome.

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The Press:
Thank you.

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Is there any reaction from the
White House on the indictment

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of Bo Xilai's
wife at this time?

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Mr. Carney:
I'll have to take
that question.

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I was not aware of that.

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Maybe the State
Department has a reaction.

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Yes.

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Jake, then -- well,
let's go to -- go ahead.

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Welcome.

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The Press:
Thank you.

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Just two topics.

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On Syria quickly --

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you know that this crisis
is deepening, is escalating,

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the ongoing assault in Aleppo.

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I just want to make sure I'm
clear on what is it that the

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U.S. is doing right now.

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What can they do besides
wait and see if there's some

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consensus reached in
the U.N.? Is there --

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Mr. Carney:
Well, we're continuing to work
with other nations and the

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"Friends of Syria," as well as
other international partners,

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to provide humanitarian
assistance to the Syrian

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people, provide assistance to
the opposition as it tries to

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form itself and unify --

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nonlethal assistance to
the opposition as well as

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administrative
assistance, if you will,

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that the "Friends of Syria"
is providing as the opposition

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comes together.

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But it is a point that you
made that is worth noting that

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there is an ongoing assault
happening in Syria that

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demonstrates once again the
depravity of President Assad

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and his regime.

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The fact is they're
using artillery and

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fixed-wing aircraft -- there
were reports of that --

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as well as helicopters against
a civilian population center.

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And it once again points to
the need for international

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consensus around the idea that
Syria's future cannot include

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President Assad because of
the actions that he's taken

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against his people.

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And we need to move quickly
to look at what Syria can and

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should be in a post-Assad
world, work with our partners,

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work with the opposition to
help create that transition,

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because Assad's days
are surely numbered.

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As we've seen, it's clear that
he's losing control of Syria.

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The momentum against the
Assad regime continues with

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defections throughout
the government.

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As we've seen in recent days,
increasing numbers of formerly

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pro-regime Syrians,
officials in the government,

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ambassadors to
foreign countries,

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military personnel --

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high-ranking
military personnel --

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are recognizing that to stand
in solidarity with Assad is to

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stand against the
Syrian people.

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That's why it's time for
the Syrian people and the

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international community to
focus on what comes next,

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as I said.

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The Press:
And then one more
on the guns issue.

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These are some of the
President's strongest

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words yet on this issue.

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Does he feel like he has shown
leadership publicly on the

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issues of guns
during his term?

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Mr. Carney:
Well, the President's feelings
about this issue I think were

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reflected in what he said,
and those comments and remarks

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echo what the President
has said in the past.

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And I think he does take a
broad view about the problem

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of violence and how
we need to address it.

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He is very mindful
of the need,

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when it comes to legislation,
that we ensure that we protect

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the Second Amendment rights of
law-abiding American citizens.

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That is very important to him.

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And he believes that we can
take measures that improve

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public safety by preventing
weapons from getting into the

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hands of those who should not
have them, under existing law.

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But there are broader
aspects to this problem,

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as I talked about.

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And that's why we need to not
look at it through one single

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prism, but to examine ways
that we can help address the

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problem through assisting
local law enforcement

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officials or through
the education system,

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the school system, help keep
kids off the street and out

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00:11:38,633 --> 00:11:41,433
of gangs, for example.

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00:11:41,433 --> 00:11:45,165
And the President noted,
and as I just did as well,

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00:11:45,166 --> 00:11:49,600
that it's not just a
governmental problem.

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00:11:49,600 --> 00:11:51,300
It's something that
teachers, parents,

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00:11:51,300 --> 00:11:56,699
neighborhoods and communities
need to talk about and take

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00:11:56,700 --> 00:12:01,133
action on to make a difference
in the lives of those who

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00:12:01,133 --> 00:12:04,934
might otherwise
fall into violence.

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00:12:04,934 --> 00:12:06,333
Jake.

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00:12:06,333 --> 00:12:09,600
The Press:
You used the word "giveaway",
and President Obama,

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00:12:09,600 --> 00:12:11,700
in his statement yesterday,
used the word "giveaway,"

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00:12:11,700 --> 00:12:15,433
referring to the extension
of the lower Bush tax cut

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00:12:15,433 --> 00:12:19,633
rates for I guess the top 1
or 2 percent of the country --

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00:12:19,633 --> 00:12:22,333
people making over
$200,000 a year,

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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,

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00:12:27,400 --> 00:12:29,766
that's not a giveaway, that's
my money, and by the way,

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00:12:29,767 --> 00:12:31,967
I'm going to need some of that
money in order to help pay the

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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

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00:12:36,867 --> 00:12:37,834
keep my money.

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00:12:37,834 --> 00:12:39,266
Mr. Carney:
Well, the phrasing of the
question leaves out a few

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00:12:39,266 --> 00:12:44,867
things, which is, one, this
tax cut that the Senate passed

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00:12:44,867 --> 00:12:47,900
and that the President
supports would go to

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00:12:47,900 --> 00:12:51,699
97 percent of small
businesses in America --

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00:12:51,700 --> 00:12:53,166
97 percent.

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00:12:53,166 --> 00:12:58,400
Further, this President
has cut the taxes of small

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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,

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00:13:06,133 --> 00:13:08,166
which he considers the engine
of economic growth in this

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00:13:08,166 --> 00:13:10,633
country, the engine of job
creation in this country,

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00:13:10,633 --> 00:13:13,934
has been intense and
will continue to be.

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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.

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00:13:16,066 --> 00:13:16,600
That is true.

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00:13:16,600 --> 00:13:17,367
Mr. Carney:
Well, no -- but, I mean --

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00:13:17,367 --> 00:13:19,867
but your question
framed it around the --

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00:13:19,867 --> 00:13:21,233
so you're talking about
the 3 percent here.

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00:13:21,233 --> 00:13:24,266
And as we've noted, under the
definition of small businesses

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00:13:24,266 --> 00:13:28,300
that Republicans trot out when
they're insisting on these tax

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00:13:28,300 --> 00:13:32,333
cuts for millionaires and
billionaires, means that --

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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.

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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

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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

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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,

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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.

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00:15:31,533 --> 00:15:34,500
And what we got was
middle-class incomes

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00:15:34,500 --> 00:15:41,400
stagnating, the slowest
expansion in 50 years,

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00:15:41,400 --> 00:15:44,033
and an economic crisis the
likes of which we haven't

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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?

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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,

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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.

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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.