English subtitles for clip: File:6-29-10- White House Press Briefing.webm
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1 00:00:01,066 --> 00:00:04,336 Mr. Gibbs: Good afternoon. Take us away. 2 00:00:04,333 --> 00:00:07,463 The Press: What was the President's reaction to the arrest yesterday 3 00:00:07,467 --> 00:00:10,167 of the suspected Russian spies? 4 00:00:10,166 --> 00:00:12,366 Mr. Gibbs: I'm just going to leave this at -- I mean, 5 00:00:12,367 --> 00:00:15,597 obviously the President was fully and 6 00:00:15,600 --> 00:00:17,900 appropriately informed. 7 00:00:17,900 --> 00:00:20,100 This was a law enforcement action, 8 00:00:20,100 --> 00:00:24,130 and law enforcement acted appropriately. 9 00:00:24,133 --> 00:00:27,463 And he did not have a personal reaction that I know of. 10 00:00:27,467 --> 00:00:29,897 The Press: Was he aware of the possibility of these arrests 11 00:00:29,900 --> 00:00:32,200 before yesterday, or was yesterday the first time that -- 12 00:00:32,200 --> 00:00:35,830 Mr. Gibbs: No, he was -- he's been briefed on this a number of times. 13 00:00:35,834 --> 00:00:38,364 The Press: Going back how far? 14 00:00:38,367 --> 00:00:40,397 Mr. Gibbs: Not something I'm going to get specific on. 15 00:00:40,400 --> 00:00:43,070 The Press: And this comes, obviously, less than a week after the 16 00:00:43,066 --> 00:00:44,766 meetings here with Medvedev. 17 00:00:44,767 --> 00:00:47,997 Is there any concern that this hurts the chances of resetting 18 00:00:48,000 --> 00:00:50,470 this relationship, given that there are allegations that the 19 00:00:50,467 --> 00:00:52,067 Russians were spying against us? 20 00:00:52,066 --> 00:00:57,936 Mr. Gibbs: No, look, I think that if you -- I do not believe 21 00:00:57,934 --> 00:01:02,734 that this will affect the reset of our relationship with Russia. 22 00:01:02,734 --> 00:01:09,304 We have made great progress in the past year and a half, 23 00:01:09,300 --> 00:01:14,170 working on issues of mutual concern from a New START treaty 24 00:01:14,166 --> 00:01:25,266 to working together on things like in the United Nations 25 00:01:25,266 --> 00:01:28,136 dealing with North Korea and Iran. 26 00:01:28,133 --> 00:01:30,403 So I do not think that this will affect those relations. 27 00:01:30,400 --> 00:01:32,200 The Press: And if I could just ask about McChrystal quickly, 28 00:01:32,200 --> 00:01:34,070 has there been any decision made on whether he is going to be 29 00:01:34,066 --> 00:01:36,166 allowed to retire as a four-star? 30 00:01:36,166 --> 00:01:37,836 Mr. Gibbs: Well, as you know, General McChrystal, I think, 31 00:01:37,834 --> 00:01:42,104 alerted the Pentagon yesterday that he would 32 00:01:42,100 --> 00:01:45,770 be leaving active duty. 33 00:01:45,767 --> 00:01:49,397 As you also know, he has not been in the position, 34 00:01:49,400 --> 00:01:53,930 a four-star position long enough to retire as a four-star. 35 00:01:53,934 --> 00:01:58,104 The President believes -- and has talked with Secretary Gates 36 00:01:58,100 --> 00:02:04,870 about this -- and we will do whatever is necessary to ensure 37 00:02:04,867 --> 00:02:10,697 that he, somebody who has served the country as ably as he has, 38 00:02:10,700 --> 00:02:12,600 can retire at a four-star level. 39 00:02:12,600 --> 00:02:15,130 The Press: So you will try to allow him to retire as a four-star? 40 00:02:15,133 --> 00:02:16,203 Mr. Gibbs: Yes, absolutely. 41 00:02:16,200 --> 00:02:18,000 The Press: Thank you. 42 00:02:18,000 --> 00:02:21,070 The Press: Robert, does the White House support removing the bank tax 43 00:02:21,066 --> 00:02:24,736 from the financial regulation bill in order to gain 60 votes? 44 00:02:24,734 --> 00:02:29,564 Mr. Gibbs: Jeff, obviously we are working with the conferees 45 00:02:29,567 --> 00:02:35,167 on removing any hurdles to passage of strong financial 46 00:02:35,166 --> 00:02:38,766 reform legislation, which we're on the cusp of doing. 47 00:02:38,767 --> 00:02:42,567 So I would leave it at we're working with them to ensure that 48 00:02:42,567 --> 00:02:44,937 we have 60 votes to move this legislation forward. 49 00:02:44,934 --> 00:02:46,434 The Press: Do you see that tax as one of the hurdles that 50 00:02:46,433 --> 00:02:47,903 could be removed? 51 00:02:47,900 --> 00:02:50,870 Mr. Gibbs: Well, obviously that's certainly a discussion 52 00:02:50,867 --> 00:02:53,667 that is going on amongst those on Capitol Hill. 53 00:02:53,667 --> 00:02:55,597 The Press: And if those on Capitol Hill went that way, 54 00:02:55,600 --> 00:02:57,030 is that something that you would support? 55 00:02:57,033 --> 00:03:01,833 Mr. Gibbs: Well, again, we're working with them to look for any 56 00:03:01,834 --> 00:03:03,304 solution that might be needed. 57 00:03:03,300 --> 00:03:06,030 The Press: And on climate change today, after the meeting the statement 58 00:03:06,033 --> 00:03:09,333 said that the President was open to other approaches aside from 59 00:03:09,333 --> 00:03:12,703 putting a price on carbon to get several different 60 00:03:12,700 --> 00:03:16,330 goals like reducing U.S. dependence on foreign oil. 61 00:03:16,333 --> 00:03:18,833 What other approaches would he be open to specifically? 62 00:03:18,834 --> 00:03:23,934 Mr. Gibbs: Well, look, I don't want to narrow or open up our 63 00:03:23,934 --> 00:03:25,904 legislative bidding from up here. 64 00:03:25,900 --> 00:03:31,570 The President reiterated his position that putting a price 65 00:03:31,567 --> 00:03:35,497 on carbon, he believes, is the right policy. 66 00:03:35,500 --> 00:03:38,900 I think science has shown why that's important. 67 00:03:38,900 --> 00:03:47,200 I do think that you had a bipartisan group of legislators 68 00:03:47,200 --> 00:03:53,030 here who understand the need to move this legislation forward 69 00:03:53,033 --> 00:03:54,463 and get something done this year. 70 00:03:54,467 --> 00:03:57,797 And I think the President was hopeful after that meeting that 71 00:03:57,800 --> 00:04:00,470 we can find common ground on a lot of different subjects. 72 00:04:00,467 --> 00:04:02,697 The Press: And does he think that the legislation can be 73 00:04:02,700 --> 00:04:03,800 passed this year? 74 00:04:03,800 --> 00:04:06,030 Mr. Gibbs: Yes. Yes, Ann. 75 00:04:06,033 --> 00:04:10,103 The Press: Tom Balanoff is a local labor leader in Chicago 76 00:04:10,100 --> 00:04:13,470 and in testimony today at the Blagojevich trial he talks about 77 00:04:13,467 --> 00:04:17,197 a phone call that he got from Barack Obama on Monday evening 78 00:04:17,200 --> 00:04:21,200 before the Tuesday election, at which he quotes Mr. Obama as 79 00:04:21,200 --> 00:04:25,970 saying that he thinks Valerie Jarrett should be a United 80 00:04:25,967 --> 00:04:29,067 States senator, that she fits the criteria; 81 00:04:29,066 --> 00:04:32,396 "I would prefer that she remain working for President Obama, 82 00:04:32,400 --> 00:04:34,230 but she does want to be Senator." 83 00:04:34,233 --> 00:04:38,303 And Balanoff said he told the soon-to-be President, "I said, 84 00:04:38,300 --> 00:04:40,100 'Thank you, I'm going to reach out to Governor 85 00:04:40,100 --> 00:04:41,670 Blagojevich with that.'" 86 00:04:41,667 --> 00:04:43,267 Did the President make that phone call? 87 00:04:43,266 --> 00:04:45,366 Mr. Gibbs: You're telling me about this testimony. 88 00:04:45,367 --> 00:04:48,597 I'm not going to get into commenting on obviously 89 00:04:48,600 --> 00:04:53,070 an ongoing trial. 90 00:04:53,066 --> 00:04:55,466 And I have had not had an opportunity to see that. 91 00:04:55,467 --> 00:04:58,697 The Press: But you've said before that the President did not get 92 00:04:58,700 --> 00:05:02,370 involved with the suggestions or the 93 00:05:02,367 --> 00:05:03,867 conversations with Blagojevich. 94 00:05:03,867 --> 00:05:05,437 Mr. Gibbs: Ann, I'm just not going to get into commenting 95 00:05:05,433 --> 00:05:06,703 on an ongoing trial. Dan. 96 00:05:06,700 --> 00:05:09,700 The Press: Yes, Robert, when the President met with President 97 00:05:09,700 --> 00:05:14,430 Medvedev, did they discuss at all the Russian spy ring? 98 00:05:14,433 --> 00:05:16,433 Mr. Gibbs: No. 99 00:05:16,433 --> 00:05:18,633 The Press: And can you tell us anything more about the President's 100 00:05:18,633 --> 00:05:20,703 speech on Thursday on immigration? 101 00:05:20,700 --> 00:05:24,570 What will be the main message and who will it be aimed at? 102 00:05:24,567 --> 00:05:27,197 Mr. Gibbs: Well, look, as you know, 103 00:05:27,200 --> 00:05:32,630 the President met with groups that believe, as he does, 104 00:05:32,633 --> 00:05:38,133 yesterday that a comprehensive solution to immigration has to 105 00:05:38,133 --> 00:05:40,133 be sought and passed. 106 00:05:40,133 --> 00:05:43,863 Obviously the President has worked on that for many years. 107 00:05:43,867 --> 00:05:47,467 He has additional meetings on that topic today, 108 00:05:47,467 --> 00:05:51,997 and will reiterate again his desire to move forward on that 109 00:05:52,000 --> 00:05:56,770 comprehensive reform, that we can't have -- as we have seen, 110 00:05:56,767 --> 00:06:03,467 we cannot have immigration reform passed individually 111 00:06:03,467 --> 00:06:08,267 by each state through a patchwork of laws. 112 00:06:08,266 --> 00:06:11,636 So he will reiterate that, and, Dan, 113 00:06:11,633 --> 00:06:13,463 will certainly take the opportunity to reiterate 114 00:06:13,467 --> 00:06:20,167 that what in the past has been something that members of both 115 00:06:20,166 --> 00:06:23,166 parties have worked on, that one party alone cannot 116 00:06:23,166 --> 00:06:25,266 solve this problem. 117 00:06:25,266 --> 00:06:29,496 Only with Republican support can -- and that Republican support 118 00:06:29,500 --> 00:06:33,200 has certainly been there in the past -- only with 119 00:06:33,200 --> 00:06:37,630 Republican support can we move forward on immigration. 120 00:06:37,633 --> 00:06:38,503 Yes, sir. 121 00:06:38,500 --> 00:06:39,200 The Press: Thank you. 122 00:06:39,200 --> 00:06:42,130 On financial reform, how confident is the President that 123 00:06:42,133 --> 00:06:43,603 he is going to get the 60 votes? 124 00:06:43,600 --> 00:06:47,230 And does he think he could have it on his desk by July 4th, 125 00:06:47,233 --> 00:06:48,933 as they had originally hoped? 126 00:06:48,934 --> 00:06:51,604 Mr. Gibbs: Look, we -- Chip, our hope is to get this done 127 00:06:51,600 --> 00:06:52,730 as quickly as possible. 128 00:06:52,734 --> 00:06:57,734 I do think, whether or not it is done by the end of this week, 129 00:06:57,734 --> 00:07:02,604 obviously there are some logistical hurdles that 130 00:07:02,600 --> 00:07:04,970 are going to have to be met in order to do that. 131 00:07:04,967 --> 00:07:12,197 I will say that if you go back to January or even many of the 132 00:07:12,200 --> 00:07:17,330 months between January and now, there was always a question as 133 00:07:17,333 --> 00:07:19,703 to whether this was going to get done. 134 00:07:19,700 --> 00:07:21,730 I don't think there is a question now whether 135 00:07:21,734 --> 00:07:23,034 it will get done. 136 00:07:23,033 --> 00:07:27,633 It will either get done more likely the week -- the next 137 00:07:27,633 --> 00:07:30,303 week that they're back than this week, 138 00:07:30,300 --> 00:07:34,570 but the President will very shortly sign comprehensive 139 00:07:34,567 --> 00:07:39,037 financial reform legislation that puts in place rules that 140 00:07:39,033 --> 00:07:46,533 prevent the type of activity and the type of effect that happened 141 00:07:46,533 --> 00:07:48,833 in September of 2008 from ever happening again. 142 00:07:48,834 --> 00:07:50,704 The Press: And has the President had -- reached out to or had any 143 00:07:50,700 --> 00:07:53,830 conversations with any of the Republicans who they hope to -- 144 00:07:53,834 --> 00:07:57,464 Mr. Gibbs: Let me check and see the last time he made -- has made calls. 145 00:07:57,467 --> 00:07:59,137 The Press: And if I could ask a quick question on -- there's confusion 146 00:07:59,133 --> 00:08:02,663 over the $100 million fund in the Gulf right now. 147 00:08:02,667 --> 00:08:07,097 Ken Feinberg said yesterday that the White House and BP had 148 00:08:07,100 --> 00:08:10,770 agreed to give him jurisdiction over claims from individuals and 149 00:08:10,767 --> 00:08:13,997 businesses harmed by the six-month moratorium. 150 00:08:14,000 --> 00:08:16,500 In fact, he said he was just finding out that 151 00:08:16,500 --> 00:08:17,770 that was the case. 152 00:08:17,767 --> 00:08:20,497 Then we contacted him today about that and he put out a 153 00:08:20,500 --> 00:08:24,070 statement saying until it is determined who will hold the 154 00:08:24,066 --> 00:08:28,196 $100 million, it is unclear who will oversee and process the 155 00:08:28,200 --> 00:08:30,230 individual moratorium claims. 156 00:08:30,233 --> 00:08:31,233 Can you clarify this? 157 00:08:31,233 --> 00:08:38,603 Mr. Gibbs: Let me -- I was -- my understanding was that 158 00:08:38,600 --> 00:08:43,830 the first statement that he -- that was money that was to be 159 00:08:43,834 --> 00:08:46,034 dispersed by him was not the way I understood it. 160 00:08:46,033 --> 00:08:50,363 But given the fact that there is confusion on that level, 161 00:08:50,367 --> 00:08:52,667 let me take that question and I will get an answer 162 00:08:52,667 --> 00:08:53,267 around in our transcript. 163 00:08:53,266 --> 00:08:54,636 The Press: And is there any confusion on the $20 billion? 164 00:08:54,633 --> 00:08:58,733 Is it still the case that the $20 billion is not for people 165 00:08:58,734 --> 00:08:59,864 affected by the moratorium? 166 00:08:59,867 --> 00:09:00,567 Mr. Gibbs: That's my understanding, right. 167 00:09:00,567 --> 00:09:02,997 That's my understanding. Chuck. 168 00:09:03,000 --> 00:09:05,300 The Press: A few follow-ups -- one, did the President know about this 169 00:09:05,300 --> 00:09:08,830 Russian spy deal before he met with Medvedev? 170 00:09:08,834 --> 00:09:09,864 Mr. Gibbs: Yes. 171 00:09:09,867 --> 00:09:11,437 The Press: Okay, that wasn't -- that wasn't the hard one. 172 00:09:11,433 --> 00:09:12,833 So he did know about it. 173 00:09:12,834 --> 00:09:18,034 Second, on fin reg, if you don't get the bank fee, 174 00:09:18,033 --> 00:09:19,863 is this something you will continue to pursue further 175 00:09:19,867 --> 00:09:22,137 if it does not -- it's not a part of -- 176 00:09:22,133 --> 00:09:29,333 Mr. Gibbs: Yes, the President outlined in his State of the Union address 177 00:09:29,333 --> 00:09:35,963 earlier in the year the need to repay the taxpayers fully 178 00:09:35,967 --> 00:09:39,297 for the Troubled Asset Relief Program. 179 00:09:39,300 --> 00:09:43,870 So this does not close the door on that. 180 00:09:43,867 --> 00:09:45,797 The Press: So if it's not in here, you could -- 181 00:09:45,800 --> 00:09:50,400 Mr. Gibbs: It doesn't close the door on doing that at a later date. 182 00:09:50,400 --> 00:09:54,830 The Press: On energy, can you make an argument that you can price 183 00:09:54,834 --> 00:09:59,264 carbon without it looking like -- without it being a tax? 184 00:09:59,266 --> 00:10:01,496 Mr. Gibbs: Yes. 185 00:10:01,500 --> 00:10:03,730 I mean, obviously there are a number of different ways that 186 00:10:03,734 --> 00:10:08,534 you can -- and I'm not an expert on all of the different 187 00:10:08,533 --> 00:10:12,403 proposals that are in front of the Senate right now in terms of 188 00:10:12,400 --> 00:10:18,600 how -- of how one -- each of the proposals and how they do it. 189 00:10:18,600 --> 00:10:22,800 I will say this, Chuck, we understand that -- and the 190 00:10:22,800 --> 00:10:27,100 President has met with a countless number of CEOs over 191 00:10:27,100 --> 00:10:33,530 the past many months that discussed the need for greater 192 00:10:33,533 --> 00:10:39,603 certainty in how they do business that have advocated 193 00:10:39,600 --> 00:10:42,530 this type of approach. 194 00:10:42,533 --> 00:10:46,903 So obviously there are a number of different ways to do it. 195 00:10:46,900 --> 00:10:50,030 I think the President felt encouraged by the meeting in 196 00:10:50,033 --> 00:10:52,433 trying to move all of these proposals forward. 197 00:10:52,433 --> 00:10:55,533 The Press: Can you say definitively -- now on the oil spill -- can you 198 00:10:55,533 --> 00:10:58,663 say definitively that you guys are fulfilling every skimmer 199 00:10:58,667 --> 00:11:01,497 request that's been made by all four states that 200 00:11:01,500 --> 00:11:02,430 are affected right now? 201 00:11:02,433 --> 00:11:09,033 Mr. Gibbs: Yes, we are -- look, there's -- there are -- one of the things 202 00:11:09,033 --> 00:11:11,533 that's happened most recently, 203 00:11:11,533 --> 00:11:16,233 there are for clean water -- for sites that are governed by the 204 00:11:16,233 --> 00:11:19,403 Clean Water Act, there are certain federal and state 205 00:11:19,400 --> 00:11:24,570 requirements to have response capabilities on hand in the 206 00:11:24,567 --> 00:11:27,767 event that something happens at a facility. 207 00:11:27,767 --> 00:11:31,667 We have asked on an emergency basis that some of these rules 208 00:11:31,667 --> 00:11:33,367 be waived. 209 00:11:33,367 --> 00:11:34,637 The Press: And have they been? 210 00:11:34,633 --> 00:11:35,663 Mr. Gibbs: Yes. 211 00:11:35,667 --> 00:11:37,837 The Press: We're not waiting on a rule to be waived right now? 212 00:11:37,834 --> 00:11:39,634 Mr. Gibbs: No, we're -- look, obviously 213 00:11:39,633 --> 00:11:43,303 some of these are governed by individual rules at facilities. 214 00:11:43,300 --> 00:11:50,130 We have begun to -- we've waived at a number of those places, 215 00:11:50,133 --> 00:11:53,403 and I can try to find the specific numbers in order to 216 00:11:53,400 --> 00:11:56,900 move greater skimming capability down to the Gulf, 217 00:11:56,900 --> 00:12:04,500 understanding that, Chuck, this is not -- these are vessels that 218 00:12:04,500 --> 00:12:10,200 are at a facility based on the requirements in the law that we 219 00:12:10,200 --> 00:12:13,300 have the capability at a facility to deal with any 220 00:12:13,300 --> 00:12:17,070 type of emergency. 221 00:12:17,066 --> 00:12:21,436 So we understand right now it is more imperative that they be in 222 00:12:21,433 --> 00:12:27,563 the Gulf, understanding that we are assuming some amount of risk 223 00:12:27,567 --> 00:12:28,837 in doing that now. 224 00:12:28,834 --> 00:12:31,034 The Press: So what you're saying is there are some boats that could be 225 00:12:31,033 --> 00:12:32,833 skimming that you're not sending over because you need to keep a 226 00:12:32,834 --> 00:12:33,864 minimum amount on hand? 227 00:12:33,867 --> 00:12:34,737 Mr. Gibbs: No, no, no. 228 00:12:34,734 --> 00:12:36,534 What I'm saying is we are waiving those rules to move 229 00:12:36,533 --> 00:12:40,303 additional skimming capability to the Gulf, understanding that -- 230 00:12:40,300 --> 00:12:42,100 The Press: But you've fulfilled every request for skimmers that every 231 00:12:42,100 --> 00:12:44,070 state has asked for? 232 00:12:44,066 --> 00:12:47,636 Mr. Gibbs: I can check on what the exact numbers are. 233 00:12:47,633 --> 00:12:54,133 Also understand, too, Chuck, that as the -- very early on, 234 00:12:54,133 --> 00:12:56,903 we were asked sort of how does the -- this looks 235 00:12:56,900 --> 00:13:00,430 different or there's different characteristics than sort of 236 00:13:00,433 --> 00:13:03,833 something that happened in Alaska for the Valdez. 237 00:13:03,834 --> 00:13:07,564 Because right now, and I think you can see this in news 238 00:13:07,567 --> 00:13:09,737 coverage, and I'm sure your reporters on the ground will 239 00:13:09,734 --> 00:13:13,064 tell you -- you guys probably saw this when we were down there 240 00:13:13,066 --> 00:13:16,696 -- there is not -- there isn't just one slick, right? 241 00:13:16,700 --> 00:13:23,330 There are smaller slicks of oil identified by planes, 242 00:13:23,333 --> 00:13:28,003 radioed to boats, skimmers sent to intercept those 243 00:13:28,000 --> 00:13:30,500 pockets of oil. 244 00:13:30,500 --> 00:13:36,070 And we're at a point in which obviously different capabilities 245 00:13:36,066 --> 00:13:39,566 are called on based on the characteristics of the spill 246 00:13:39,567 --> 00:13:41,197 having changed some as well. 247 00:13:41,200 --> 00:13:45,800 It's not one mass of oil; it's many, many -- 248 00:13:45,800 --> 00:13:47,300 The Press: Why are we hearing from local leaders that there 249 00:13:47,300 --> 00:13:48,930 are not enough skimmers, there are not enough skimmers? 250 00:13:48,934 --> 00:13:50,464 Where do you think that's coming from? 251 00:13:50,467 --> 00:13:52,597 Mr. Gibbs: Well, I think that's coming from the fact that this 252 00:13:52,600 --> 00:13:56,530 is an unprecedented emergency. 253 00:13:56,533 --> 00:14:00,503 We have -- we worked early on to -- and many states -- I will 254 00:14:00,500 --> 00:14:05,000 say, many states updated their response plans after this 255 00:14:05,000 --> 00:14:10,870 happened, because -- for instance, the boom requirements. 256 00:14:10,867 --> 00:14:15,297 Those are plans that are put in place by the states to what they 257 00:14:15,300 --> 00:14:17,200 think they need. 258 00:14:17,200 --> 00:14:20,930 I don't know whether skimmers are in those ACPs or not. 259 00:14:20,934 --> 00:14:27,634 But obviously as the depth of the response -- I should say the 260 00:14:27,633 --> 00:14:29,803 length of the response has gone on, 261 00:14:29,800 --> 00:14:33,170 those plans have been augmented and we will continue to move as 262 00:14:33,166 --> 00:14:36,636 much -- as many additional skimming capabilities as we can 263 00:14:36,633 --> 00:14:38,633 down to that region. 264 00:14:38,633 --> 00:14:39,603 Yes, ma'am. 265 00:14:39,600 --> 00:14:42,300 The Press: Ahead of the energy meeting today, the White House said 266 00:14:42,300 --> 00:14:44,830 that the goal was to find -- figure out where the common 267 00:14:44,834 --> 00:14:47,034 ground was on energy legislation. 268 00:14:47,033 --> 00:14:50,063 Afterwards Senators Lieberman and Kerry said that there was 269 00:14:50,066 --> 00:14:52,596 consensus to do a price on carbon, 270 00:14:52,600 --> 00:14:56,100 though perhaps not economy-wide, but modified in some version. 271 00:14:56,100 --> 00:14:58,730 Is that also the White House view of where the consensus was, 272 00:14:58,734 --> 00:15:01,404 and is that where you think this is headed now? 273 00:15:01,400 --> 00:15:05,400 Mr. Gibbs: I don't -- look, obviously Senator Reid is going to figure 274 00:15:05,400 --> 00:15:10,100 out the vehicle that moves in the Senate. 275 00:15:10,100 --> 00:15:13,030 I wouldn't disagree, obviously, with what Senators Kerry and 276 00:15:13,033 --> 00:15:21,063 Lieberman said as some of their takeaway from that meeting. 277 00:15:21,066 --> 00:15:24,096 The Press: So, I mean, was that the takeaway from the White House's 278 00:15:24,100 --> 00:15:27,200 point of view that this is where the consensus is? 279 00:15:27,200 --> 00:15:30,430 Mr. Gibbs: Again, I think that's -- look, 280 00:15:30,433 --> 00:15:33,103 I think many people can take many different things away. 281 00:15:33,100 --> 00:15:37,170 I think one of the things the President took away was the 282 00:15:37,166 --> 00:15:41,036 encouraging notion that we can move forward and get something 283 00:15:41,033 --> 00:15:43,663 done this year. 284 00:15:43,667 --> 00:15:47,397 The Press: Robert, can you say how often Ben Bernanke briefs the 285 00:15:47,400 --> 00:15:51,400 President on a -- at an economic daily briefing? 286 00:15:51,400 --> 00:15:55,100 Mr. Gibbs: I don't have all of that in front of me, Mark. 287 00:15:55,100 --> 00:15:57,900 He has been over here on occasion. 288 00:15:57,900 --> 00:16:03,170 He was over here today to speak about where we're headed in 289 00:16:03,166 --> 00:16:09,196 financial reform and where we are in the 290 00:16:09,200 --> 00:16:11,270 arc of our economic recovery. 291 00:16:11,266 --> 00:16:13,866 The Press: Is it infrequent rather than frequent? 292 00:16:13,867 --> 00:16:17,297 Mr. Gibbs: Again, I don't have the stats in front of me to the 293 00:16:17,300 --> 00:16:19,370 degree to which -- how many times the President has talked 294 00:16:19,367 --> 00:16:21,137 to him or not. 295 00:16:21,133 --> 00:16:24,203 The Press: Can you tell us about the town meeting tomorrow? 296 00:16:24,200 --> 00:16:25,900 Mr. Gibbs: We'll have more information a bit later today. 297 00:16:25,900 --> 00:16:29,230 The focus of the President's remarks before the town hall 298 00:16:29,233 --> 00:16:31,363 meeting will be on the economy. 299 00:16:31,367 --> 00:16:37,397 The Press: And on the Gulf, is the President and Vice President 300 00:16:37,400 --> 00:16:39,670 going to alternate visits to the Gulf? 301 00:16:39,667 --> 00:16:41,037 Is that what today was about? 302 00:16:41,033 --> 00:16:44,263 Mr. Gibbs: No, look, obviously the Vice President is in 303 00:16:44,266 --> 00:16:52,766 Louisiana and will go to Pensacola later in the day. 304 00:16:52,767 --> 00:16:55,037 Obviously many in the Cabinet have been down 305 00:16:55,033 --> 00:16:59,003 there quite a bit. 306 00:16:59,000 --> 00:17:02,200 I don't know when the President's next trip would be, 307 00:17:02,200 --> 00:17:09,370 but, look, the Vice President felt it important to go down and 308 00:17:09,367 --> 00:17:15,267 both see and hear firsthand from state and local officials as 309 00:17:15,266 --> 00:17:19,636 well as Admiral Allen and those on the ground responding to this 310 00:17:19,633 --> 00:17:22,133 disaster to see where we are. 311 00:17:22,133 --> 00:17:24,763 Obviously Secretary Napolitano and Carol Browner were in the 312 00:17:24,767 --> 00:17:31,067 region yesterday as -- wrapping up some meetings 313 00:17:31,066 --> 00:17:33,196 that staff were down there for throughout the weekend. 314 00:17:33,200 --> 00:17:35,570 The Press: Worried about the storm? 315 00:17:35,567 --> 00:17:36,367 Mr. Gibbs: Absolutely. 316 00:17:36,367 --> 00:17:38,697 I mean, obviously the -- I know Secretary Napolitano spoke with 317 00:17:38,700 --> 00:17:46,000 the governor of Texas today about upcoming preparations 318 00:17:46,000 --> 00:17:49,370 for the storm. 319 00:17:49,367 --> 00:17:53,497 I think many of you all have talked to folks here and in the 320 00:17:53,500 --> 00:17:58,830 Gulf about preparations that have to be taken in the event 321 00:17:58,834 --> 00:18:05,564 that a storm more closely comes into the area. 322 00:18:05,567 --> 00:18:11,567 And in preparation for the possibility of this a few days 323 00:18:11,567 --> 00:18:15,537 ago, obviously equipment was taken off of the Enterprise, 324 00:18:15,533 --> 00:18:20,303 which I think Thad Allen said yesterday would delay the next 325 00:18:20,300 --> 00:18:27,700 step in the containment, which is a helix device that will 326 00:18:27,700 --> 00:18:34,070 increase our capability off of the second line coming up from 327 00:18:34,066 --> 00:18:38,196 -- in addition to the top hat. 328 00:18:38,200 --> 00:18:41,500 So obviously preparations are being made. 329 00:18:41,500 --> 00:18:48,670 A plan is in place in the event that vessels have to be moved, 330 00:18:48,667 --> 00:18:51,367 people have to be evacuated. 331 00:18:51,367 --> 00:18:57,697 And obviously we continue on the long-term steps through the 332 00:18:57,700 --> 00:19:01,230 drilling of the two relief wells to ultimately get this well 333 00:19:01,233 --> 00:19:05,733 capped, which would be a permanent solution that we 334 00:19:05,734 --> 00:19:10,064 would not be dependent on Mother Nature -- or I should say Mother 335 00:19:10,066 --> 00:19:13,836 Nature wouldn't dictate what our capabilities are 336 00:19:13,834 --> 00:19:15,564 on the surface. Hans. 337 00:19:15,567 --> 00:19:17,297 The Press: Robert, you just said you didn't know how frequently 338 00:19:17,300 --> 00:19:20,030 Bernanke is there for the morning eco briefing, 339 00:19:20,033 --> 00:19:22,663 but it's pretty infrequent when the President makes a statement 340 00:19:22,667 --> 00:19:24,497 with Bernanke by his side. 341 00:19:24,500 --> 00:19:25,730 Talk to us about the optics of that. 342 00:19:25,734 --> 00:19:27,434 What was the message there? 343 00:19:27,433 --> 00:19:33,233 Mr. Gibbs: Well, look, again, Chairman Bernanke was here to talk 344 00:19:33,233 --> 00:19:34,533 of several things. 345 00:19:34,533 --> 00:19:37,363 Obviously the President concluded some important 346 00:19:37,367 --> 00:19:44,337 meetings over the weekend on the international response to 347 00:19:44,333 --> 00:19:48,403 the economic crisis that we've all dealt with. 348 00:19:48,400 --> 00:19:54,000 We're on the cusp of real and genuine financial reform. 349 00:19:54,000 --> 00:19:58,830 And we are continuing to move forward on steps like a small 350 00:19:58,834 --> 00:20:01,664 business lending facility that action was taken in the Senate 351 00:20:01,667 --> 00:20:03,567 today to move that proposal forward, 352 00:20:03,567 --> 00:20:07,467 on how we can continue to make progress in our economy. 353 00:20:07,467 --> 00:20:11,997 We'll see -- it's jobs week -- we'll see numbers at the 354 00:20:12,000 --> 00:20:14,170 end of the week. 355 00:20:14,166 --> 00:20:16,696 The Press: But why do a statement with Bernanke by his side? 356 00:20:16,700 --> 00:20:18,670 He rarely, if never, does that. 357 00:20:18,667 --> 00:20:21,397 What's -- I mean, does he want the gravitas of Ben Bernanke? 358 00:20:21,400 --> 00:20:23,630 Does he want to calm markets? 359 00:20:23,633 --> 00:20:28,303 Mr. Gibbs: I think you heard him talk about -- where we are on 360 00:20:28,300 --> 00:20:31,770 our economic recovery is something that the President 361 00:20:31,767 --> 00:20:35,137 talks about quite frequently, and having Chairman Bernanke 362 00:20:35,133 --> 00:20:38,463 here to discuss those other topics seemed appropriate. 363 00:20:38,467 --> 00:20:41,037 The Press: So it was just random that Bernanke was there next to him? 364 00:20:41,033 --> 00:20:42,233 Mr. Gibbs: Well, it wasn't random that he was there. 365 00:20:42,233 --> 00:20:44,163 I mean, he was obviously here to talk about the things that I 366 00:20:44,166 --> 00:20:44,996 just talked about. 367 00:20:45,000 --> 00:20:46,630 The Press: But I still don't understand why he was there for the public 368 00:20:46,633 --> 00:20:48,433 statement that the President gave to us. 369 00:20:48,433 --> 00:20:49,463 Because if he's here frequently or infrequently -- 370 00:20:49,467 --> 00:20:51,597 Mr. Gibbs: So that Bloomberg could have exclusive access to 371 00:20:51,600 --> 00:20:52,230 the Chairman of -- 372 00:20:52,233 --> 00:20:53,533 The Press: No, I mean, it's a serious question, you guys -- 373 00:20:53,533 --> 00:20:54,333 Mr. Gibbs: No, no, I understand. 374 00:20:54,333 --> 00:20:55,663 The Press: Right, I mean, you -- I'm trying to -- 375 00:20:55,667 --> 00:20:57,237 Mr. Gibbs: I've tried to give you a serious answer three times. 376 00:20:57,233 --> 00:20:59,333 The Press: Well, I'm trying to understand why the President felt that he 377 00:20:59,333 --> 00:21:01,063 needed to give a statement on the economy, 378 00:21:01,066 --> 00:21:02,966 which he does nearly every week, with Bernanke by his side -- 379 00:21:02,967 --> 00:21:05,097 what we should read into that. 380 00:21:05,100 --> 00:21:06,770 Mr. Gibbs: I don't know that you should read anything into it, 381 00:21:06,767 --> 00:21:10,197 despite my best efforts to describe otherwise. 382 00:21:10,200 --> 00:21:14,630 Again, Chairman Bernanke obviously, as you know, 383 00:21:14,633 --> 00:21:20,503 plays an incredibly important role; 384 00:21:20,500 --> 00:21:28,100 has worked for the past 17 months to stabilize our 385 00:21:28,100 --> 00:21:33,100 financial system, to speed our recovery; 386 00:21:33,100 --> 00:21:37,400 was here to meet with the President and the economic team. 387 00:21:37,400 --> 00:21:39,300 And I want the record to reflect this is the first time you guys 388 00:21:39,300 --> 00:21:42,300 have -- that Hans has complained about too much access. 389 00:21:42,300 --> 00:21:43,200 The Press: We're not complaining. 390 00:21:43,200 --> 00:21:47,470 Mr. Gibbs: Okay, I'll -- 30 seconds to -- no, I'm kidding. 391 00:21:47,467 --> 00:21:48,567 Go ahead. 392 00:21:48,567 --> 00:21:51,367 The Press: Arizona Governor Jan Brewer describes yesterday's meeting 393 00:21:51,367 --> 00:21:54,267 with federal officials about National Guard troops going to 394 00:21:54,266 --> 00:21:57,296 the border as "very, very disappointing." 395 00:21:57,300 --> 00:22:00,470 She says they're only getting a fraction of the number they 396 00:22:00,467 --> 00:22:01,697 really need. 397 00:22:01,700 --> 00:22:04,730 Are the people of Arizona being let down in this situation? 398 00:22:04,734 --> 00:22:10,634 Mr. Gibbs: No, look, the President has made a decision to 399 00:22:10,633 --> 00:22:16,563 move 1,200 National Guardsmen to the border, 400 00:22:16,567 --> 00:22:21,767 524 of which will be deployed in Arizona. 401 00:22:21,767 --> 00:22:27,597 There obviously is and continues to be extraordinary efforts that 402 00:22:27,600 --> 00:22:34,630 we're taking to secure our border as part of the beginnings 403 00:22:34,633 --> 00:22:37,363 of comprehensive immigration reform. 404 00:22:37,367 --> 00:22:41,397 The Press: She said she needs at least 3,000 troops. 405 00:22:41,400 --> 00:22:46,630 Mr. Gibbs: Well, again, the President has made a big 406 00:22:46,633 --> 00:22:51,763 commitment to securing the border and to Arizona. 407 00:22:51,767 --> 00:22:55,667 The Press: Arizona Senator Jon Kyl continues to insist, 408 00:22:55,667 --> 00:23:00,367 despite the White House's assurances it did not happen, 409 00:23:00,367 --> 00:23:04,397 that the President told him, if we secure the border, 410 00:23:04,400 --> 00:23:07,600 you people -- being -- meaning Republicans -- will not vote 411 00:23:07,600 --> 00:23:09,200 for comprehensive immigration reform. 412 00:23:09,200 --> 00:23:11,070 Mr. Gibbs: Well, Wendell, to be fair, 413 00:23:11,066 --> 00:23:13,136 this appears now to be an argument that the senator is 414 00:23:13,133 --> 00:23:15,833 having with himself, right? 415 00:23:15,834 --> 00:23:21,104 A couple weeks ago he made a statement that we said 416 00:23:21,100 --> 00:23:22,700 wasn't the case. 417 00:23:22,700 --> 00:23:26,570 Then I believe on Friday, the senator said that 418 00:23:26,567 --> 00:23:28,037 wasn't the case. 419 00:23:28,033 --> 00:23:31,803 Now I think he has made a statement saying what he 420 00:23:31,800 --> 00:23:35,200 said about it not being the case may not now be the case. 421 00:23:35,200 --> 00:23:39,670 So I refer you, Wendell, to his spokesperson saying at the 422 00:23:39,667 --> 00:23:41,897 beginning of this process that there were two people involved 423 00:23:41,900 --> 00:23:43,570 in this conversation. 424 00:23:43,567 --> 00:23:45,197 It appears as if the problem is one of them 425 00:23:45,200 --> 00:23:46,970 has three recollections. 426 00:23:46,967 --> 00:23:52,467 So I'm happy to, when Senator Kyl decides which of the three 427 00:23:52,467 --> 00:23:55,467 stories he thinks happened in that meeting, 428 00:23:55,467 --> 00:24:00,137 I'm happy when he comes to some white smoke and concludes what 429 00:24:00,133 --> 00:24:01,233 his answer is on that. 430 00:24:01,233 --> 00:24:03,233 The Press: Were you prepared for that question? 431 00:24:03,233 --> 00:24:04,263 Mr. Gibbs: No. 432 00:24:04,266 --> 00:24:05,896 (laughter) 433 00:24:05,900 --> 00:24:07,100 The Press: Will you announce the new OMB Director with white 434 00:24:07,100 --> 00:24:08,900 smoke or black smoke? 435 00:24:08,900 --> 00:24:11,100 The Press: Once more, can we ask you for a little bit more about 436 00:24:11,100 --> 00:24:14,600 tomorrow's town hall, other than -- 437 00:24:14,600 --> 00:24:16,730 Mr. Gibbs: We'll have more on that a little bit later today. 438 00:24:16,734 --> 00:24:19,164 The Press: You can't even say who's going to be there tomorrow? 439 00:24:19,166 --> 00:24:20,496 Is it going to be a friendly audience? 440 00:24:20,500 --> 00:24:23,130 Have you guys chosen who's going to be there? 441 00:24:23,133 --> 00:24:25,103 Mr. Gibbs: We've never chosen any of the questioners at our 442 00:24:25,100 --> 00:24:28,370 town halls that I think, Anne, you've been coming 443 00:24:28,367 --> 00:24:32,037 to for three years. 444 00:24:32,033 --> 00:24:35,503 The Press: Can you talk a little about Thursday, and why now? 445 00:24:35,500 --> 00:24:37,130 Why is he giving -- we've heard him talk 446 00:24:37,133 --> 00:24:38,203 about immigration repeatedly. 447 00:24:38,200 --> 00:24:39,670 Is there going to be anything new? 448 00:24:39,667 --> 00:24:41,237 And any news out of the Justice Department? 449 00:24:41,233 --> 00:24:43,163 Mr. Gibbs: Well, for news out of the Justice Department I would 450 00:24:43,166 --> 00:24:44,836 direct you to them. 451 00:24:44,834 --> 00:24:51,364 In terms of -- I think, look, this continues to be a very 452 00:24:51,367 --> 00:24:58,697 important national issue, and will reiterate, again, 453 00:24:58,700 --> 00:25:03,430 his support for doing this in a comprehensive way, 454 00:25:03,433 --> 00:25:06,663 but also in reiterating what he said to the Republicans when he 455 00:25:06,667 --> 00:25:08,037 visited the Senate caucus. 456 00:25:08,033 --> 00:25:11,803 He cannot do this alone. 457 00:25:11,800 --> 00:25:17,200 He worked in 2005 and in 2006 with senators from across the 458 00:25:17,200 --> 00:25:21,700 aisle in making comprehensive -- in trying to make comprehensive 459 00:25:21,700 --> 00:25:23,770 immigration reform the law of the land. 460 00:25:23,767 --> 00:25:27,667 The only way we're going to do that now is to do that working 461 00:25:27,667 --> 00:25:28,897 with the other side of the aisle. 462 00:25:28,900 --> 00:25:30,330 The Press: So this will be a reiteration, largely. 463 00:25:30,333 --> 00:25:31,603 Mr. Gibbs: Largely, yes. 464 00:25:31,600 --> 00:25:36,070 The Press: Robert, in the past when Russian spies have been caught 465 00:25:36,066 --> 00:25:38,366 in the United States, the United States has registered its 466 00:25:38,367 --> 00:25:41,067 displeasure with this in some diplomatic form or another. 467 00:25:41,066 --> 00:25:43,066 When Robert Hanssen was arrested, 468 00:25:43,066 --> 00:25:46,736 the United States government kicked out 50 Russian diplomats. 469 00:25:46,734 --> 00:25:48,234 Are you all contemplating anything like that? 470 00:25:48,233 --> 00:25:51,203 Mr. Gibbs: Well, obviously I'd point you to the Department of 471 00:25:51,200 --> 00:25:54,030 State about the conversations that have taken place and 472 00:25:54,033 --> 00:26:00,663 continue to take place between State Department officials and 473 00:26:00,667 --> 00:26:02,297 Russian officials. 474 00:26:02,300 --> 00:26:06,070 The Press: Do you find this to be something that is offensive, 475 00:26:06,066 --> 00:26:08,266 or simply business as usual? 476 00:26:08,266 --> 00:26:15,066 Mr. Gibbs: Look, obviously this is something that was -- 477 00:26:15,066 --> 00:26:19,466 that is important and was treated as such yesterday. 478 00:26:19,467 --> 00:26:22,667 The Press: Can you -- I'm sorry, can you elaborate a little bit, though? 479 00:26:22,667 --> 00:26:25,737 I mean, the President did just invite the President of Russia 480 00:26:25,734 --> 00:26:29,464 here to visit with him -- brought him for burgers 481 00:26:29,467 --> 00:26:30,397 and the whole bit. 482 00:26:30,400 --> 00:26:33,130 There's no -- 483 00:26:33,133 --> 00:26:36,963 Mr. Gibbs: Peter, I really do not want to get into 484 00:26:36,967 --> 00:26:39,497 talking about active law enforcement investigations 485 00:26:39,500 --> 00:26:41,470 or intelligence matters. 486 00:26:41,467 --> 00:26:43,437 The Press: Well, but it's also about the relationship between two 487 00:26:43,433 --> 00:26:45,903 countries, and you don't find it offensive that this other 488 00:26:45,900 --> 00:26:48,300 country you're trying to build a new relationship with is still 489 00:26:48,300 --> 00:26:49,230 spying on you? 490 00:26:49,233 --> 00:26:54,803 Mr. Gibbs: I said that -- I said earlier that I did not think 491 00:26:54,800 --> 00:26:59,370 that this would affect our moves to reset the relationship, 492 00:26:59,367 --> 00:27:02,667 and we believe that. 493 00:27:02,667 --> 00:27:04,967 The Press: Do they have license to do whatever they want 494 00:27:04,967 --> 00:27:06,397 without any consequences? 495 00:27:06,400 --> 00:27:07,330 Mr. Gibbs: Obviously that's not the case, 496 00:27:07,333 --> 00:27:12,733 because there were multiple arrests that were made. 497 00:27:12,734 --> 00:27:15,634 The Press: Robert, thank you. 498 00:27:15,633 --> 00:27:16,903 The Press: Stay on the same subject. 499 00:27:16,900 --> 00:27:18,370 The Press: All right. 500 00:27:18,367 --> 00:27:20,867 The Press: About -- about, yes, about -- 501 00:27:20,867 --> 00:27:23,337 Mr. Gibbs: He had a feeling you might not ask about the economy. 502 00:27:23,333 --> 00:27:26,133 The Press: Well, I'll ask about the economy, 503 00:27:26,133 --> 00:27:28,333 but next time if you give me the question. 504 00:27:28,333 --> 00:27:30,233 (laughter) 505 00:27:30,233 --> 00:27:31,403 Mr. Gibbs: You should take it up with Mark later, 506 00:27:31,400 --> 00:27:33,730 because he might seek to reclaim his time. 507 00:27:33,734 --> 00:27:37,434 The Press: All right, this one, this one, I want to 508 00:27:37,433 --> 00:27:39,103 stick with this subject. 509 00:27:39,100 --> 00:27:40,770 The timing -- the timing. 510 00:27:40,767 --> 00:27:44,567 Was the President completely satisfied by whoever organized 511 00:27:44,567 --> 00:27:49,367 the operation this week that this was the time that it needed 512 00:27:49,367 --> 00:27:51,197 to be done, right after the summit? 513 00:27:51,200 --> 00:27:53,630 Mr. Gibbs: Well, look, again, I'm not going to get into the 514 00:27:53,633 --> 00:27:57,803 specifics of discussing the law enforcement or the intelligence 515 00:27:57,800 --> 00:27:59,030 portions of this. 516 00:27:59,033 --> 00:28:00,103 The Press: I'm just saying, the President -- 517 00:28:00,100 --> 00:28:01,100 Mr. Gibbs: No, no, I understand. 518 00:28:01,100 --> 00:28:01,770 Let me finish my answer. 519 00:28:01,767 --> 00:28:05,167 This was an action that was taken by law enforcement, 520 00:28:05,166 --> 00:28:11,266 handled that way, handled appropriately, 521 00:28:11,266 --> 00:28:14,496 and done in a timely manner. So -- 522 00:28:14,500 --> 00:28:15,930 The Press: The Russians -- 523 00:28:15,934 --> 00:28:17,264 Mr Gibbs: Good luck trying to get -- 524 00:28:17,266 --> 00:28:18,496 (laughter) 525 00:28:18,500 --> 00:28:22,900 The Press: I feel obliged, since I'm the only Russian here, 526 00:28:22,900 --> 00:28:24,100 to raise the point -- 527 00:28:24,100 --> 00:28:31,630 (laughter) 528 00:28:31,633 --> 00:28:33,303 Mr. Gibbs: Now I'm like the straight man for a bunch of people 529 00:28:33,300 --> 00:28:37,070 standing on the side. 530 00:28:37,066 --> 00:28:39,566 The Press: But I am the only official Russian here. 531 00:28:39,567 --> 00:28:40,897 (laughter) 532 00:28:40,900 --> 00:28:45,870 And as such, I want to raise the point that is being raised 533 00:28:45,867 --> 00:28:49,837 by my government officials who say this is a deliberate 534 00:28:49,834 --> 00:28:54,164 attempt to undermine, frankly, the President's policies, 535 00:28:54,166 --> 00:28:56,466 and some people even say the President himself. 536 00:28:56,467 --> 00:28:57,467 What's your response? 537 00:28:57,467 --> 00:28:59,297 Mr. Gibbs: The President of Russia, I assume you're talking about. 538 00:28:59,300 --> 00:29:02,730 The Press: The President of the United States and his policy of reset. 539 00:29:02,734 --> 00:29:03,664 Mr. Gibbs: Oh, well, I see. 540 00:29:03,667 --> 00:29:05,467 The Press: You say it will not affect the policy of reset. 541 00:29:05,467 --> 00:29:07,037 Mr. Gibbs: This will not. 542 00:29:07,033 --> 00:29:09,333 The Press: But what about an attempt to do that? 543 00:29:09,333 --> 00:29:12,503 Mr. Gibbs: I can't speak to that. 544 00:29:12,500 --> 00:29:17,630 There are -- again, I described this, I think accurately, 545 00:29:17,633 --> 00:29:23,303 as a law enforcement activity. 546 00:29:23,300 --> 00:29:25,870 It was handled as such. 547 00:29:25,867 --> 00:29:28,567 It was done correctly. 548 00:29:28,567 --> 00:29:35,097 I do not -- again, I do not believe that this will have a 549 00:29:35,100 --> 00:29:36,870 great effect on our efforts to reset our 550 00:29:36,867 --> 00:29:38,497 relationship with Russia. 551 00:29:38,500 --> 00:29:40,600 The Press: Just to follow up, the President had absolutely no 552 00:29:40,600 --> 00:29:44,570 influence over the timing of the arrests, one way or the other? 553 00:29:44,567 --> 00:29:48,137 Mr. Gibbs: This is -- again, this is dictated by law enforcement. 554 00:29:48,133 --> 00:29:51,433 The Press: Was that a yes or -- that was a no, he did not? 555 00:29:51,433 --> 00:29:52,763 I want to be clear about it. 556 00:29:52,767 --> 00:29:54,137 Mr. Gibbs: I was. 557 00:29:54,133 --> 00:29:58,663 The timing of this was dictated by law enforcement. 558 00:29:58,667 --> 00:29:59,867 The Press: Thank you, Robert, just two questions. 559 00:29:59,867 --> 00:30:01,767 The Press: No, Lester -- Lester, Lester. 560 00:30:01,767 --> 00:30:03,437 Mr. Gibbs: I'm going to go to Mara and then we'll -- go ahead. 561 00:30:03,433 --> 00:30:06,003 The Press: On the Saudi visit, I'm wondering if the President 562 00:30:06,000 --> 00:30:11,130 plans to ask the Saudis again for more gestures to Israel. 563 00:30:11,133 --> 00:30:12,733 He's done that in the past -- hasn't gotten a whole lot 564 00:30:12,734 --> 00:30:13,764 of results for it. 565 00:30:13,767 --> 00:30:16,737 Mr. Gibbs: I was not in -- Mara, I was not in the statements that 566 00:30:16,734 --> 00:30:22,934 were just made. 567 00:30:22,934 --> 00:30:26,204 Obviously, the topic of Middle East peace, 568 00:30:26,200 --> 00:30:31,870 the topic of the Saudi support of the Arab Peace Initiative -- 569 00:30:31,867 --> 00:30:35,137 all of those topics -- again, I was not in there, 570 00:30:35,133 --> 00:30:37,963 but I know those did come up. 571 00:30:37,967 --> 00:30:45,067 And I know that the President reiterated his desire to push 572 00:30:45,066 --> 00:30:48,296 for this comprehensive peace. 573 00:30:48,300 --> 00:30:53,400 And obviously we've got Prime Minister Netanyahu coming soon 574 00:30:53,400 --> 00:30:56,530 as well to continue to make progress. 575 00:30:56,533 --> 00:30:59,763 The Press: But should we assume that he still wants the Saudis to make 576 00:30:59,767 --> 00:31:02,497 the same -- the gestures he asked them to earlier 577 00:31:02,500 --> 00:31:03,630 in the administration? 578 00:31:03,633 --> 00:31:05,003 Mr. Gibbs: And, again, I was not in there. 579 00:31:05,000 --> 00:31:08,500 But the readout I got was that the Saudis reiterated their 580 00:31:08,500 --> 00:31:10,370 support for the Arab Peace Initiative, 581 00:31:10,367 --> 00:31:14,737 which is an important aspect of it. Yes, sir. 582 00:31:14,734 --> 00:31:17,864 The Press: Robert, does the President hold open the possibility for 583 00:31:17,867 --> 00:31:19,997 passage of immigration reform this year, 584 00:31:20,000 --> 00:31:22,630 given that we don't have a single Republican co-sponsor 585 00:31:22,633 --> 00:31:24,633 and no legislative language in the Senate? 586 00:31:24,633 --> 00:31:29,363 Mr. Gibbs: Obviously there are proposals that are being worked on. 587 00:31:29,367 --> 00:31:36,067 Peter, that's a better question for Republicans that have 588 00:31:36,066 --> 00:31:42,366 believed this was an important issue when they were in power. 589 00:31:42,367 --> 00:31:46,197 It is no less an important issue now that there is a Democrat in 590 00:31:46,200 --> 00:31:47,670 the White House. 591 00:31:47,667 --> 00:31:50,997 And the President will continue to work with 592 00:31:51,000 --> 00:31:55,070 anybody that desires to work with he and others 593 00:31:55,066 --> 00:31:56,636 on a comprehensive solution. 594 00:31:56,633 --> 00:31:59,363 The Press: Is he actively making calls to Republicans to 595 00:31:59,367 --> 00:32:01,197 try to round up support? 596 00:32:01,200 --> 00:32:06,030 Mr. Gibbs: He made calls -- I don't remember the exact timing 597 00:32:06,033 --> 00:32:11,763 of this -- obviously reached out to I think half a dozen folks 598 00:32:11,767 --> 00:32:15,937 not too long ago on this topic. 599 00:32:15,934 --> 00:32:16,764 Margaret. 600 00:32:16,767 --> 00:32:17,937 The Press: Thanks. 601 00:32:17,934 --> 00:32:20,864 When the senators came out of the energy meeting today, 602 00:32:20,867 --> 00:32:22,537 I believe it was Senator Lieberman who talked about 603 00:32:22,533 --> 00:32:26,863 the President's belief that this legislation should be the 604 00:32:26,867 --> 00:32:30,237 legislative vehicle for all of the -- for some of the BP stuff 605 00:32:30,233 --> 00:32:31,333 or all of the BP stuff. 606 00:32:31,333 --> 00:32:35,263 Can you just clarify what oil -- what BP-related stuff would be 607 00:32:35,266 --> 00:32:37,266 on the energy bill and what you're willing to separate? 608 00:32:37,266 --> 00:32:41,736 Mr. Gibbs: Let me -- I did not hear that portion of Senator 609 00:32:41,734 --> 00:32:46,964 Lieberman's thing, but let me find out. 610 00:32:46,967 --> 00:32:49,467 The Press: It's hard to ask follow-up questions in the atmosphere. 611 00:32:49,467 --> 00:32:51,837 The Press: Can you at least tell us what the President said in that 612 00:32:51,834 --> 00:32:52,964 meeting about BP? 613 00:32:52,967 --> 00:32:54,737 Mr. Gibbs: I was not in the meeting, but, again, 614 00:32:54,734 --> 00:33:01,764 I will clarify what part of -- whether energy legislation that 615 00:33:01,767 --> 00:33:03,697 will move through the Senate, I think you're asking me is the 616 00:33:03,700 --> 00:33:06,730 vehicle for some of the changes that we have sent up and some 617 00:33:06,734 --> 00:33:09,704 changes obviously proposed by others in dealing with -- 618 00:33:09,700 --> 00:33:12,000 The Press: Is the effort to link it so that people feel obliged to vote for 619 00:33:12,000 --> 00:33:13,730 it, or are there some things you're willing to separate 620 00:33:13,734 --> 00:33:15,164 because they need to be passed -- 621 00:33:15,166 --> 00:33:21,136 Mr. Gibbs: Well, look, on a number of occasions there have been -- 622 00:33:21,133 --> 00:33:24,103 Senator Menendez has on a number of occasions brought up lifting 623 00:33:24,100 --> 00:33:28,470 the liability cap, which obviously we're -- we've 624 00:33:28,467 --> 00:33:34,067 made significant progress on with the BP escrow account. 625 00:33:34,066 --> 00:33:43,166 But there certainly have been attempts at doing this in a 626 00:33:43,166 --> 00:33:48,466 standalone way or doing this as an amendment to a piece of 627 00:33:48,467 --> 00:33:49,837 legislation that's being considered. 628 00:33:49,834 --> 00:33:51,604 The Press: It sounded like he was talking about -- like he knew something. 629 00:33:51,600 --> 00:33:52,570 I just wasn't clear what -- 630 00:33:52,567 --> 00:33:55,337 Mr. Gibbs: Let me check with those guys. 631 00:33:55,333 --> 00:33:56,133 April. 632 00:33:56,133 --> 00:33:58,603 The Press: Robert, on Elena Kagan, could you give us a little tick-tock 633 00:33:58,600 --> 00:34:00,370 about the President watching her? 634 00:34:00,367 --> 00:34:01,637 We didn't have a briefing yesterday. 635 00:34:01,633 --> 00:34:03,933 I suppose he was probably watching some of the statements. 636 00:34:03,934 --> 00:34:06,534 And today, was he watching? 637 00:34:06,533 --> 00:34:09,903 Mr. Gibbs: I have not heard him talk about watching. 638 00:34:09,900 --> 00:34:15,900 I know he met with her briefly before going up to the Senate, 639 00:34:15,900 --> 00:34:20,330 wishing her luck in the hearings, 640 00:34:20,333 --> 00:34:32,703 and continues to believe that she is -- will be a very capable 641 00:34:32,700 --> 00:34:37,400 Supreme Court justice, believes that she will have the support 642 00:34:37,400 --> 00:34:40,270 that's necessary to be confirmed. 643 00:34:40,266 --> 00:34:45,496 And I think if you look at -- I think -- I have not talked to 644 00:34:45,500 --> 00:34:48,200 him about this, but I think certainly my view of the 645 00:34:48,200 --> 00:34:52,900 hearings is that she is providing full, 646 00:34:52,900 --> 00:34:59,500 open and forthcoming testimony about issues in the law. 647 00:34:59,500 --> 00:35:11,200 And I think, despite efforts by others to create a pattern of 648 00:35:11,200 --> 00:35:17,470 fact that doesn't exist on military recruiting at Harvard, 649 00:35:17,467 --> 00:35:24,637 she has explained why news accounts, 650 00:35:24,633 --> 00:35:27,233 why documents that were released by the Pentagon, 651 00:35:27,233 --> 00:35:30,803 and why students that were at Harvard and are now serving this 652 00:35:30,800 --> 00:35:37,500 country overseas continue to believe, as she has said, 653 00:35:37,500 --> 00:35:41,100 that the military had full access to the campus at Harvard. 654 00:35:41,100 --> 00:35:42,530 The Press: But do you believe that those are legitimate 655 00:35:42,533 --> 00:35:44,003 concerns to be raised? 656 00:35:44,000 --> 00:35:45,200 I mean, you're saying -- 657 00:35:45,200 --> 00:35:46,330 Mr. Gibbs: I think they've been raised. 658 00:35:46,333 --> 00:35:47,703 I think they've been answered. 659 00:35:47,700 --> 00:35:52,430 I think there are -- look, these are Supreme Court hearings. 660 00:35:52,433 --> 00:35:58,863 There are no shortage of games that are being played. 661 00:35:58,867 --> 00:36:01,667 The Press: And also, on another topic that I continue to ask -- 662 00:36:01,667 --> 00:36:03,097 the Black Farmers. 663 00:36:03,100 --> 00:36:06,730 Today is June 29th, and the 30th -- 664 00:36:06,734 --> 00:36:08,634 Mr. Gibbs: The 29th. 665 00:36:08,633 --> 00:36:10,563 The Press: Yes, okay, good, I'm right. 666 00:36:10,567 --> 00:36:11,937 All right, June 29th, tomorrow is the 30th. 667 00:36:11,934 --> 00:36:13,764 The deadline, again, comes -- 668 00:36:13,767 --> 00:36:18,697 Mr. Gibbs: Well, again, this is part of legislation that continues to 669 00:36:18,700 --> 00:36:21,700 be blocked in the Senate. 670 00:36:21,700 --> 00:36:22,900 The Press: Lieberman said it was Republicans, 671 00:36:22,900 --> 00:36:25,730 how are you going to get Republicans to come in? 672 00:36:25,734 --> 00:36:27,764 Mr. Gibbs: Well, we're continuing to work with them. 673 00:36:27,767 --> 00:36:36,867 We're continuing to make attempts to -- look, 674 00:36:36,867 --> 00:36:39,237 we were talking about the economy earlier. 675 00:36:39,233 --> 00:36:43,503 Contained in the tax extenders bill are tax cuts for small 676 00:36:43,500 --> 00:36:48,070 businesses, tax cuts for research and development, 677 00:36:48,066 --> 00:36:53,196 unemployment benefits for those who as a result of 678 00:36:53,200 --> 00:36:56,630 this recession find themselves as part 679 00:36:56,633 --> 00:36:58,803 of the long-term unemployed. 680 00:36:58,800 --> 00:37:02,330 I think the President has on every one of those occasions 681 00:37:02,333 --> 00:37:05,133 weighed in for the importance of that legislation passing. 682 00:37:05,133 --> 00:37:07,203 The Press: Is it the right economic climate for this to happen? 683 00:37:07,200 --> 00:37:08,430 Mr. Gibbs: Which part? 684 00:37:08,433 --> 00:37:11,333 The Press: The Black Farmers, the $1.25 billion. 685 00:37:11,333 --> 00:37:14,903 Mr. Gibbs: Again, this does not depend on the economic climate, 686 00:37:14,900 --> 00:37:16,670 this is dependent upon a settlement 687 00:37:16,667 --> 00:37:18,297 that has been reached. 688 00:37:18,300 --> 00:37:19,230 Savannah. 689 00:37:19,233 --> 00:37:21,863 The Press: Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian 690 00:37:21,867 --> 00:37:24,637 Affairs Phil Gordon said today that President Obama said in 691 00:37:24,633 --> 00:37:28,133 this reset of the relationship with Russia there would be areas 692 00:37:28,133 --> 00:37:31,063 of agreement and disagreement and we should see this spying 693 00:37:31,066 --> 00:37:33,366 issue in that context. 694 00:37:33,367 --> 00:37:36,097 Does the administration agree with that assessment? 695 00:37:36,100 --> 00:37:40,600 Mr. Gibbs: Savannah, I'd want to look at Phil's full remarks before 696 00:37:40,600 --> 00:37:41,200 I comment on it. 697 00:37:41,200 --> 00:37:42,900 The Press: Is the administration considering any diplomatic 698 00:37:42,900 --> 00:37:43,930 consequence to Russia's spying? 699 00:37:43,934 --> 00:37:45,564 Mr. Gibbs: Well, again, as I said, 700 00:37:45,567 --> 00:37:50,397 there are -- I will let the State Department read out the 701 00:37:50,400 --> 00:37:52,200 conversations that have been had on this issue. 702 00:37:52,200 --> 00:37:54,100 The Press: Well, is it being considered? 703 00:37:54,100 --> 00:37:55,600 Mr. Gibbs: The State Department can give you that answer. 704 00:37:55,600 --> 00:37:57,700 The Press: Robert, just two questions, Robert. 705 00:37:57,700 --> 00:38:00,200 The Press: Robert, House Minority Leader John Boehner today 706 00:38:00,200 --> 00:38:03,430 likened your approach to financial regulatory reform 707 00:38:03,433 --> 00:38:06,463 to "killing an ant with a nuclear weapon." 708 00:38:06,467 --> 00:38:08,167 Mr. Gibbs: If I understand the analogy correctly, 709 00:38:08,166 --> 00:38:10,796 I think it's important, Glenn, that we understand that he 710 00:38:10,800 --> 00:38:19,430 apparently believes that the financial crisis -- I think 711 00:38:19,433 --> 00:38:23,233 the ant in that is the financial crisis. 712 00:38:23,233 --> 00:38:27,603 Now, I don't know whether opening one's mouth and removing 713 00:38:27,600 --> 00:38:29,700 most of the doubt that you're completely out of touch with 714 00:38:29,700 --> 00:38:34,170 America in thinking that a financial crisis that caused 8.5 715 00:38:34,166 --> 00:38:39,966 million jobs to be lost, the savings of tens of millions 716 00:38:39,967 --> 00:38:44,497 of Americans wiped out in a financial crisis, 717 00:38:44,500 --> 00:38:49,670 to have lives altered forever, to make that type of analogy I 718 00:38:49,667 --> 00:38:54,267 think demonstrates -- well, I will say it demonstrates how out 719 00:38:54,266 --> 00:38:57,396 of touch you are currently and it demonstrates exactly the type 720 00:38:57,400 --> 00:39:02,070 of mindset that he would bring to leading 721 00:39:02,066 --> 00:39:03,736 the House of Representatives. 722 00:39:03,734 --> 00:39:08,664 It's led him to oppose an economic recovery plan that 723 00:39:08,667 --> 00:39:13,497 has grown our economy and brought us back from the 724 00:39:13,500 --> 00:39:16,730 brink of a Great Depression. 725 00:39:16,734 --> 00:39:25,904 It has -- he has voted against strengthening the rules that 726 00:39:25,900 --> 00:39:27,170 govern Wall Street. 727 00:39:27,166 --> 00:39:29,996 Maybe he thinks that the rules that we had in place that caused 728 00:39:30,000 --> 00:39:35,670 what happened in September of 2008 are just the type of 729 00:39:35,667 --> 00:39:37,697 regulation Wall Street needs. 730 00:39:37,700 --> 00:39:39,170 The President doesn't believe that, 731 00:39:39,166 --> 00:39:41,196 and I think the majority of Americans don't think that. 732 00:39:41,200 --> 00:39:44,000 The Press: One quick -- Bill Clinton has apparently endorsed 733 00:39:44,000 --> 00:39:48,130 Andrew Romanoff in the Colorado Democratic primary. 734 00:39:48,133 --> 00:39:49,233 How do you respond to it? 735 00:39:49,233 --> 00:39:51,663 Are you amused, dismayed, infuriated? 736 00:39:51,667 --> 00:39:53,097 (laughter) 737 00:39:53,100 --> 00:39:54,100 The Press: Those are your choices. 738 00:39:54,100 --> 00:39:55,130 (laughter) 739 00:39:55,133 --> 00:39:55,863 Mr. Gibbs: D, none of the above. 740 00:39:55,867 --> 00:39:57,337 (laughter) 741 00:39:57,333 --> 00:39:58,303 The Press: And one last thing on that? 742 00:39:58,300 --> 00:39:59,100 Did you guys get a heads up? 743 00:39:59,100 --> 00:40:01,030 Did you know President Clinton was doing that, the White House? 744 00:40:01,033 --> 00:40:02,363 Mr. Gibbs: I will check with the political department. 745 00:40:02,367 --> 00:40:03,297 I don't know the answer. 746 00:40:03,300 --> 00:40:03,900 The Press: You did not know this? 747 00:40:03,900 --> 00:40:06,100 Mr. Gibbs: But that's not to say -- 748 00:40:06,100 --> 00:40:07,400 The Press: Somebody in the White House might have gotten -- 749 00:40:07,400 --> 00:40:08,300 Mr. Gibbs: I will check. 750 00:40:08,300 --> 00:40:10,470 The Press: Will it affect the reset with Bill Clinton? 751 00:40:10,467 --> 00:40:14,267 (laughter) 752 00:40:14,266 --> 00:40:17,336 Mr. Gibbs: I'm going to -- I want to -- I want to, Mark, I promise. 753 00:40:17,333 --> 00:40:18,163 The Press: Come on, come on. 754 00:40:18,166 --> 00:40:19,736 Mr. Gibbs: But I'm not going to. Go ahead, George. 755 00:40:19,734 --> 00:40:20,534 The Press: Speaking of infuriated, 756 00:40:20,533 --> 00:40:23,603 I wanted to return to your remarks on Senator Kyl. 757 00:40:23,600 --> 00:40:27,770 Is it fair to say that the White House was angry at the way he 758 00:40:27,767 --> 00:40:29,337 reacted after that meeting? 759 00:40:29,333 --> 00:40:31,933 And is it also fair to say he's not about to be invited back for 760 00:40:31,934 --> 00:40:32,804 any meetings soon? 761 00:40:32,800 --> 00:40:34,700 Mr. Gibbs: Well, look, he's a member of the leadership of the Senate. 762 00:40:34,700 --> 00:40:37,230 We'll deal with him as a member of the leadership of the Senate. 763 00:40:37,233 --> 00:40:39,133 I don't know if it was anger. 764 00:40:39,133 --> 00:40:42,933 It was just that what he said wasn't true. 765 00:40:42,934 --> 00:40:45,634 And then, if you -- don't take my word for it, 766 00:40:45,633 --> 00:40:48,333 take Friday's Jon Kyl word for it. 767 00:40:48,333 --> 00:40:50,063 Now, I can't speak to what's happened now -- 768 00:40:50,066 --> 00:40:51,466 between now and Friday. 769 00:40:51,467 --> 00:40:56,237 But even in Toronto, I think -- I was in Toronto; 770 00:40:56,233 --> 00:40:57,303 I think many of you were in Toronto. 771 00:40:57,300 --> 00:41:05,270 We read the story that he told an outlet that that wasn't 772 00:41:05,266 --> 00:41:06,596 exactly what he said. 773 00:41:06,600 --> 00:41:12,730 So, again, I'm happy to return to this topic if and when the 774 00:41:12,734 --> 00:41:17,564 senator from Arizona gets his story straight. 775 00:41:17,567 --> 00:41:20,637 The Press: Robert, just two questions, Robert. 776 00:41:20,633 --> 00:41:22,663 The Press: I want to repeat a question that was asked earlier, 777 00:41:22,667 --> 00:41:24,537 because I'm not sure I heard the answer. 778 00:41:24,533 --> 00:41:27,133 Did the President or White House staff give any guidance as to 779 00:41:27,133 --> 00:41:28,633 the timing of these arrests? 780 00:41:28,633 --> 00:41:30,163 Mr. Gibbs: None that I'm aware of, no. 781 00:41:30,166 --> 00:41:31,466 The Press: They weren't -- you weren't given any guidance? 782 00:41:31,467 --> 00:41:32,197 You didn't know about it? 783 00:41:32,200 --> 00:41:32,970 Mr. Gibbs: No, no, no. 784 00:41:32,967 --> 00:41:33,837 The Press: Did you give any guidance -- 785 00:41:33,834 --> 00:41:35,104 The Press: Oh, oh, oh. 786 00:41:35,100 --> 00:41:36,400 Mr. Gibbs: No, no -- obviously, yes. 787 00:41:36,400 --> 00:41:38,230 Let me -- now that the -- obviously we were aware of -- 788 00:41:38,233 --> 00:41:39,303 The Press: Then you'll come back? 789 00:41:39,300 --> 00:41:45,000 Mr. Gibbs: Obviously we did not -- I am not aware of any 790 00:41:45,000 --> 00:41:46,770 guidance that was given to change that. 791 00:41:46,767 --> 00:41:48,937 The Press: So you were aware -- hang on a minute. 792 00:41:48,934 --> 00:41:51,964 You were aware that these arrests were going to be made, 793 00:41:51,967 --> 00:41:54,197 you just didn't know about the timing? 794 00:41:54,200 --> 00:41:56,670 Mr. Gibbs: We were aware of the timing. 795 00:41:56,667 --> 00:41:57,737 The Press: Thank you, Robert. 796 00:41:57,734 --> 00:42:04,204 Since eight members of the U.S. Senate -- just two questions -- 797 00:42:04,200 --> 00:42:07,430 since eight members of the U.S. Senate wrote the President 798 00:42:07,433 --> 00:42:10,063 strongly opposing the possibility of his using 799 00:42:10,066 --> 00:42:14,336 executive power to grant amnesty to more than 10 million illegal 800 00:42:14,333 --> 00:42:18,003 aliens in the U.S., is the President still planning to 801 00:42:18,000 --> 00:42:20,800 extend any such amnesty? 802 00:42:20,800 --> 00:42:23,270 Mr. Gibbs: Through what means in that letter? 803 00:42:23,266 --> 00:42:25,396 The Press: Well, he could pardon -- he could pardon them, 804 00:42:25,400 --> 00:42:26,300 couldn't he? 805 00:42:26,300 --> 00:42:28,070 Mr. Gibbs: But there are no pending 10 million pardon 806 00:42:28,066 --> 00:42:28,936 requests, Lester. 807 00:42:28,934 --> 00:42:29,834 I can clear that up. 808 00:42:29,834 --> 00:42:31,634 The Press: Okay. What is the President's reaction -- 809 00:42:31,633 --> 00:42:32,703 Mr. Gibbs: It would be a heck of a fine. 810 00:42:32,700 --> 00:42:36,330 The Press: -- to the unanimous jury decision in the U.S. 811 00:42:36,333 --> 00:42:39,803 District Court for eastern Pennsylvania in support of 812 00:42:39,800 --> 00:42:43,070 the Boy Scouts and against the Philadelphia City Council who 813 00:42:43,066 --> 00:42:47,466 tried to bar them from their long-time headquarters? 814 00:42:47,467 --> 00:42:48,837 Mr. Gibbs: You're going to find this surprising, 815 00:42:48,834 --> 00:42:51,364 but I'm not aware of the details of the case. 816 00:42:51,367 --> 00:42:54,867 The Press: It was widely reported. 817 00:42:54,867 --> 00:42:56,437 Mr. Gibbs: It missed my desk. It missed my desk. 818 00:42:56,433 --> 00:43:00,663 The Press: You don't read very much. 819 00:43:00,667 --> 00:43:01,537 Mr. Gibbs: I think it's safe to say, Lester, 820 00:43:01,533 --> 00:43:03,303 you and I probably don't read the same things, yes. 821 00:43:03,300 --> 00:43:04,300 Go ahead. 822 00:43:04,300 --> 00:43:05,100 (laughter) 823 00:43:05,100 --> 00:43:08,500 The Press: Was General McChrystal fired partly because of a very 824 00:43:08,500 --> 00:43:13,230 pessimistic briefing that he gave to NATO a few days before 825 00:43:13,233 --> 00:43:15,203 the Rolling Stone article? 826 00:43:15,200 --> 00:43:20,030 Mr. Gibbs: No. First of all, obviously the President accepted General 827 00:43:20,033 --> 00:43:25,203 McChrystal's resignation last week. 828 00:43:25,200 --> 00:43:30,500 I think General McChrystal has always provided in the Situation 829 00:43:30,500 --> 00:43:37,200 Room the best information that he has available to him about 830 00:43:37,200 --> 00:43:41,870 developments in Afghanistan. 831 00:43:41,867 --> 00:43:46,337 That obviously played -- whatever was said in that 832 00:43:46,333 --> 00:43:52,363 briefing played no role in the actions that General McChrystal 833 00:43:52,367 --> 00:43:55,467 came in and provided his resignation to the President on. 834 00:43:55,467 --> 00:43:58,937 The Press: So this very negative briefing that he gave to NATO 835 00:43:58,934 --> 00:44:00,904 did not play into it at all? 836 00:44:00,900 --> 00:44:05,600 Mr. Gibbs: Again, it did not play into it at all. 837 00:44:05,600 --> 00:44:10,630 I think it is safe that the President has heard both 838 00:44:10,633 --> 00:44:14,833 encouraging and discouraging news and hears that each and 839 00:44:14,834 --> 00:44:16,364 every day about Afghanistan. 840 00:44:16,367 --> 00:44:21,867 We have always said that this was going to be quite difficult. 841 00:44:21,867 --> 00:44:29,537 So that obviously has played no role in anything that's happened 842 00:44:29,533 --> 00:44:32,103 here, and again, I would say to you, 843 00:44:32,100 --> 00:44:36,070 going back to the premise of your question, 844 00:44:36,066 --> 00:44:39,236 I think the events of last week played out I think quite clearly 845 00:44:39,233 --> 00:44:45,333 for the world to see -- General McChrystal came in and offered 846 00:44:45,333 --> 00:44:48,433 to the President, and the President accepted, 847 00:44:48,433 --> 00:44:52,833 his resignation as our commander in Afghanistan 848 00:44:52,834 --> 00:44:56,264 and ISAF's commander in Afghanistan. 849 00:44:56,266 --> 00:45:03,236 We sent General Petreaus -- we sent his name up. 850 00:45:03,233 --> 00:45:06,763 His hearings are ongoing, and I believe he will be confirmed as 851 00:45:06,767 --> 00:45:10,137 both our -- the commander of our forces and ISAF forces, 852 00:45:10,133 --> 00:45:12,403 and will soon head to that region. 853 00:45:12,400 --> 00:45:17,270 The Press: Are you concerned if General Petreaus wants to free up the 854 00:45:17,266 --> 00:45:21,736 troops to be able to use more force more liberally in 855 00:45:21,734 --> 00:45:28,834 Afghanistan that the ensuing possibility of civilian 856 00:45:28,834 --> 00:45:32,504 casualties might turn the Afghans against us? 857 00:45:32,500 --> 00:45:36,600 Mr. Gibbs: Again, I think that I'd let General Petreaus's 858 00:45:36,600 --> 00:45:39,330 comments on the rules of engagement -- I'd refer 859 00:45:39,333 --> 00:45:41,463 you to what he said on that. 860 00:45:41,467 --> 00:45:44,267 Obviously anybody that is commanding troops is going to 861 00:45:44,266 --> 00:45:54,796 take into their thought process a lot of different aspects 862 00:45:54,800 --> 00:45:56,430 involving rules of engagement. 863 00:45:56,433 --> 00:45:59,133 The Press: Thank you, Robert. 864 00:45:59,133 --> 00:46:02,503 During the joint press session with President Medvedev on 865 00:46:02,500 --> 00:46:06,330 Thursday, the President made reference to the fact President 866 00:46:06,333 --> 00:46:09,163 Medvedev had opened a Twitter account, 867 00:46:09,166 --> 00:46:12,336 and as the President himself has one, 868 00:46:12,333 --> 00:46:15,803 that some day they would be tweeting and possibly replace 869 00:46:15,800 --> 00:46:18,000 the red phones that they're using. 870 00:46:18,000 --> 00:46:20,870 Have they been in touch at all since the events that happened 871 00:46:20,867 --> 00:46:23,097 on Saturday either by Twitter or the phone? 872 00:46:23,100 --> 00:46:24,230 Mr. Gibbs: That was quite the lead, wasn't it? 873 00:46:24,233 --> 00:46:26,063 (laughter) 874 00:46:26,066 --> 00:46:28,266 I'm not entirely sure where the whole beginning 875 00:46:28,266 --> 00:46:30,996 of that was going. 876 00:46:31,000 --> 00:46:35,770 I do not know the nature of how many times they might have 877 00:46:35,767 --> 00:46:37,867 spoken Sunday in Toronto. 878 00:46:37,867 --> 00:46:41,737 They have not been in touch, that I'm aware of, 879 00:46:41,734 --> 00:46:43,404 yesterday or today. 880 00:46:43,400 --> 00:46:45,270 The Press: Are there any red phones in the White House? 881 00:46:45,266 --> 00:46:46,536 (laughter) 882 00:46:46,533 --> 00:46:47,633 Mr. Gibbs: None that I have found. 883 00:46:47,633 --> 00:46:49,333 The Press: Were you aware of the timing -- I don't mean to 884 00:46:49,333 --> 00:46:51,133 -- just to close up one loop. 885 00:46:51,133 --> 00:46:52,903 Were you aware of the timing of this arrest 886 00:46:52,900 --> 00:46:55,630 before the Medvedev visit? 887 00:46:55,633 --> 00:46:58,863 Mr. Gibbs: I don't know the answer to that. 888 00:46:58,867 --> 00:46:59,837 I will consult everyone's -- 889 00:46:59,834 --> 00:47:01,764 The Press: So you don't know if you were aware of the timing of 890 00:47:01,767 --> 00:47:03,467 the arrests before Medvedev's visit? 891 00:47:03,467 --> 00:47:04,867 Mr. Gibbs: I don't know the answer to that. 892 00:47:04,867 --> 00:47:06,897 I will check his Twitter account. 893 00:47:06,900 --> 00:47:07,530 Thanks, guys.