English subtitles for clip: File:9-30-09- White House Press Briefing.webm
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
1 00:00:00,166 --> 00:00:01,966 Mr. Gibbs: Mr. Elliott, take us away. 2 00:00:01,967 --> 00:00:02,697 The Press: Thanks, Robert. 3 00:00:02,700 --> 00:00:04,970 Can you tell us about the format of today's meeting? 4 00:00:04,967 --> 00:00:06,937 Presumably, the President already knows where a lot of 5 00:00:06,934 --> 00:00:08,904 these folks stand, so is this going to be a debate, 6 00:00:08,900 --> 00:00:11,070 a discussion, a briefing? 7 00:00:11,066 --> 00:00:12,896 And are there going to be recommendations? 8 00:00:12,900 --> 00:00:15,070 Mr. Gibbs: Well, look, as we've talked about, Phil, 9 00:00:15,066 --> 00:00:18,766 this will be the first of I think several meetings that the 10 00:00:18,767 --> 00:00:28,497 President will have with a range of advisors representing a 11 00:00:28,500 --> 00:00:30,770 military perspective, representing a diplomatic 12 00:00:30,767 --> 00:00:40,237 perspective -- I think today we'll hear from a number of 13 00:00:40,233 --> 00:00:46,233 different perspectives and hear the beginnings of going through 14 00:00:46,233 --> 00:00:49,063 the assessment that General McChrystal has sent to the 15 00:00:49,066 --> 00:00:55,296 Pentagon and to here about what our goals are in Afghanistan and 16 00:00:55,300 --> 00:01:01,630 Pakistan, and how -- what best strategy to implement to achieve those goals. 17 00:01:01,633 --> 00:01:02,803 The Press: So is it going to be a discussion, 18 00:01:02,800 --> 00:01:05,970 or is he just going to go around the table and ask everyone for their -- 19 00:01:05,967 --> 00:01:11,867 Mr. Gibbs: No, there will be a several-hour-long discussion. 20 00:01:11,867 --> 00:01:15,867 Again, we'll hear from several different people. 21 00:01:15,867 --> 00:01:23,367 I think you guys have the list of attendees at today's meeting. 22 00:01:23,367 --> 00:01:25,937 The Press: Secondly, Republicans have been critical of the President and 23 00:01:25,934 --> 00:01:27,534 this review and its pace. 24 00:01:27,533 --> 00:01:30,803 Eric Cantor said the review is jeopardizing U.S. troops and the 25 00:01:30,800 --> 00:01:33,830 President should just take General McChrystal's report. 26 00:01:33,834 --> 00:01:35,904 Senator McCain was equally as critical this morning on a 27 00:01:35,900 --> 00:01:37,030 morning program. 28 00:01:37,033 --> 00:01:39,063 So I'm curious how much the political climate is affecting 29 00:01:39,066 --> 00:01:40,966 what's happening in that room. 30 00:01:40,967 --> 00:01:42,667 Mr. Gibbs: Well, I think the political climate seems to be affecting 31 00:01:42,667 --> 00:01:46,567 what people say on cable television. 32 00:01:46,567 --> 00:01:54,567 I don't recall Congressman Cantor saying that when General 33 00:01:54,567 --> 00:01:58,067 David McKiernan's request for 30,000 additional troops sat on 34 00:01:58,066 --> 00:02:01,196 the desk of the previous Commander-in-Chief, 35 00:02:01,200 --> 00:02:04,070 I don't remember him going to a newspaper or on television 36 00:02:04,066 --> 00:02:06,896 saying that that Commander-in-Chief was endangering the lives 37 00:02:06,900 --> 00:02:09,800 of men and women in Afghanistan. 38 00:02:09,800 --> 00:02:14,430 And I think if he didn't say that under a somewhat similar 39 00:02:14,433 --> 00:02:20,533 circumstance, then it's a bunch of game-playing. 40 00:02:20,533 --> 00:02:22,363 And I would say this to Congressman Cantor, 41 00:02:22,367 --> 00:02:27,967 and everybody else: The American people deserve an assessment 42 00:02:27,967 --> 00:02:29,967 that's beyond game-playing. 43 00:02:29,967 --> 00:02:32,737 The men and women in Afghanistan that we've sent to serve and 44 00:02:32,734 --> 00:02:34,404 protect our freedom deserve that. 45 00:02:34,400 --> 00:02:37,770 The men and women that might be sent to Afghanistan to serve and 46 00:02:37,767 --> 00:02:40,197 protect our freedom deserve that -- 47 00:02:40,200 --> 00:02:43,370 as do their families and every other American. 48 00:02:43,367 --> 00:02:45,637 We'd expect nothing less. 49 00:02:45,633 --> 00:02:50,063 And I look forward to his response on what he said to 50 00:02:50,066 --> 00:02:53,236 the previous administration when that request was 51 00:02:53,233 --> 00:02:56,563 sitting on the desk. 52 00:02:56,567 --> 00:02:57,297 Yes, sir. 53 00:02:57,300 --> 00:02:59,470 The Press: Two questions, Robert, the first one also on Afghanistan. 54 00:02:59,467 --> 00:03:01,897 Does the President still view the war there as 55 00:03:01,900 --> 00:03:04,500 a war of necessity? 56 00:03:04,500 --> 00:03:12,870 Mr. Gibbs: I think the President believes strongly that the goals that he 57 00:03:12,867 --> 00:03:20,367 outlined are still very key to our national security -- 58 00:03:20,367 --> 00:03:24,797 that we have to disrupt, dismantle and destroy al Qaeda 59 00:03:24,800 --> 00:03:34,670 and its extremist allies; that we have to prevent terrorist 60 00:03:34,667 --> 00:03:37,997 organizations from setting up safe havens -- 61 00:03:38,000 --> 00:03:41,300 having safe havens to set up terrorist camps to plot attacks 62 00:03:41,300 --> 00:03:42,330 on this country. 63 00:03:42,333 --> 00:03:44,733 There's no question about that. 64 00:03:44,734 --> 00:03:47,064 The President will, again, meet with advisors today to figure 65 00:03:47,066 --> 00:03:49,936 out the best way forward in doing that. 66 00:03:49,934 --> 00:03:52,034 The Press: Is that the same as saying it's a war of necessity? 67 00:03:52,033 --> 00:03:53,033 Mr. Gibbs: I believe so. 68 00:03:53,033 --> 00:03:54,003 The Press: All right. 69 00:03:54,000 --> 00:03:57,030 And on a second topic -- we saw the reaction that the President 70 00:03:57,033 --> 00:04:00,103 gave to the Kerry-Boxer bill on climate change. 71 00:04:00,100 --> 00:04:02,900 Has he had a chance to look at the details of the bill, 72 00:04:02,900 --> 00:04:08,830 and how does he feel about the specific -- (inaudible) 73 00:04:08,834 --> 00:04:11,304 -- and what's his overall reaction to the bill? 74 00:04:11,300 --> 00:04:14,930 Mr. Gibbs: Look, he has not had a chance to look 75 00:04:14,934 --> 00:04:17,534 extensively at the legislation. 76 00:04:17,533 --> 00:04:20,763 Obviously throughout the campaign and throughout our time 77 00:04:20,767 --> 00:04:26,867 here, the President has been a big proponent of a system that 78 00:04:26,867 --> 00:04:31,067 incentivizes clean energy job growth, 79 00:04:31,066 --> 00:04:35,996 reduces our carbon emissions. 80 00:04:36,000 --> 00:04:40,530 The House took strong action to deal with that, and now the -- 81 00:04:40,533 --> 00:04:42,833 with the introduction of this bill the Senate will begin that 82 00:04:42,834 --> 00:04:43,834 process as well. 83 00:04:43,834 --> 00:04:46,234 And we look forward to making progress on that 84 00:04:46,233 --> 00:04:48,233 throughout this year. 85 00:04:48,233 --> 00:04:50,263 The Press: When would he like to have this bill passed? 86 00:04:50,266 --> 00:04:52,796 Mr. Gibbs: As soon as it can get passed. 87 00:04:52,800 --> 00:04:53,830 The Press: That not very specific. 88 00:04:53,834 --> 00:04:55,204 Mr. Gibbs: It's not. Yes, sir. 89 00:04:55,200 --> 00:05:00,100 The Press: Would the White House be comfortable with parts of 90 00:05:00,100 --> 00:05:05,200 Afghanistan controlled by the Taliban as long as they were not 91 00:05:05,200 --> 00:05:08,030 hosting -- providing safe haven for al Qaeda? 92 00:05:08,033 --> 00:05:14,003 Mr. Gibbs: Well, I hesitate to get into hypotheticals -- 93 00:05:14,000 --> 00:05:15,570 what if, what if. 94 00:05:15,567 --> 00:05:21,137 The President is going to have a top-to-bottom assessment to 95 00:05:21,133 --> 00:05:23,903 ensure that we have a strategy that meets our goal, 96 00:05:23,900 --> 00:05:27,500 the goal that the President has outlined many times. 97 00:05:27,500 --> 00:05:31,570 The Press: Does the Taliban pose a threat to the United States? 98 00:05:31,567 --> 00:05:39,967 Mr. Gibbs: I think there's no doubt that many believe that them 99 00:05:39,967 --> 00:05:42,937 controlling a large amount of area in a place like 100 00:05:42,934 --> 00:05:47,604 Afghanistan, as they did, provides safe haven for those 101 00:05:47,600 --> 00:05:51,900 that can reach in directly into this country and do damage. 102 00:05:51,900 --> 00:05:53,970 That's obviously part of what the President will 103 00:05:53,967 --> 00:05:55,767 discuss with advisors today. 104 00:05:55,767 --> 00:05:59,537 The Press: And the book, Lessons in Disaster, 105 00:05:59,533 --> 00:06:02,263 is being passed around and read by a lot of White House 106 00:06:02,266 --> 00:06:03,196 officials right now. 107 00:06:03,200 --> 00:06:05,000 What lessons are you guys getting out 108 00:06:05,000 --> 00:06:06,470 of Lessons in Disaster? 109 00:06:06,467 --> 00:06:12,367 Mr. Gibbs: Well, I think a number of people have read the book here. 110 00:06:12,367 --> 00:06:17,497 Again, I think this goes to a larger perspective of the way 111 00:06:17,500 --> 00:06:21,330 the administration is viewing this assessment and this 112 00:06:21,333 --> 00:06:27,003 discussion, and that is: Let's get a firm strategy; 113 00:06:27,000 --> 00:06:32,330 let's discuss that; let's poke and prod it and ensure that 114 00:06:32,333 --> 00:06:38,063 we've done it the right way; then implement tactics to 115 00:06:38,066 --> 00:06:40,466 achieve that strategy. 116 00:06:40,467 --> 00:06:42,997 And part of those tactics are deciding resources. 117 00:06:43,000 --> 00:06:47,530 I think we've seen what happens when thousands or tens of 118 00:06:47,533 --> 00:06:50,633 thousands of troops are moved into an area and then you come 119 00:06:50,633 --> 00:06:53,263 up with a strategy; or after that happens, 120 00:06:53,266 --> 00:06:58,736 then you come up with definable goals that you know when they're 121 00:06:58,734 --> 00:07:01,264 achieved and when it's time to go home. 122 00:07:01,266 --> 00:07:06,536 So I think the administration wants to go through and ensure 123 00:07:06,533 --> 00:07:09,363 for the American people that we're making the very best 124 00:07:09,367 --> 00:07:11,737 decisions to protect our national security. 125 00:07:11,734 --> 00:07:12,764 Yes, sir. 126 00:07:12,767 --> 00:07:14,867 The Press: Afghanistan is getting a lot of the focus today, 127 00:07:14,867 --> 00:07:18,467 but what role does the administration see for Pakistan 128 00:07:18,467 --> 00:07:20,337 in this new strategy? 129 00:07:20,333 --> 00:07:26,763 Mr. Gibbs: Well, look, I think in many ways, 130 00:07:26,767 --> 00:07:33,097 I think Pakistan will play a big role in the discussions both 131 00:07:33,100 --> 00:07:35,770 today and moving forward. 132 00:07:35,767 --> 00:07:40,167 Obviously extremist elements that were in Afghanistan have 133 00:07:40,166 --> 00:07:49,636 now been pushed into the mountains and into Pakistan. 134 00:07:49,633 --> 00:07:56,663 We have continued to take the fight, 135 00:07:56,667 --> 00:07:59,037 and we think we've gotten greater cooperation from the 136 00:07:59,033 --> 00:08:05,263 Pakistanis in taking that fight to extremists in their country. 137 00:08:05,266 --> 00:08:08,666 That's something we'll continue to evaluate I think, 138 00:08:08,667 --> 00:08:14,467 though two separate areas, both extremely important to America's 139 00:08:14,467 --> 00:08:15,867 national security. 140 00:08:15,867 --> 00:08:18,667 The Press: Another question on Chicago, the President and the First Lady 141 00:08:18,667 --> 00:08:20,967 obviously selling Chicago for the Olympics. 142 00:08:20,967 --> 00:08:23,967 But I'm wondering if the President plans at all to speak 143 00:08:23,967 --> 00:08:27,597 out about the ongoing violence that's been happening in Chicago 144 00:08:27,600 --> 00:08:29,300 -- something that really hasn't gotten a lot of attention, 145 00:08:29,300 --> 00:08:31,030 at least from the White House publicly. 146 00:08:31,033 --> 00:08:37,563 Mr. Gibbs: Well, this is something that the President has discussed with 147 00:08:37,567 --> 00:08:43,037 advisors as recently as this morning in a meeting 148 00:08:43,033 --> 00:08:45,903 in the Oval Office. 149 00:08:45,900 --> 00:08:47,530 And we'll have some announcements 150 00:08:47,533 --> 00:08:48,603 about that upcoming. 151 00:08:48,600 --> 00:08:50,900 The Press: Can you tell us anything about what's in that discussion? 152 00:08:50,900 --> 00:08:58,300 Mr. Gibbs: I can tell you obviously that the reports of and the video 153 00:08:58,300 --> 00:09:04,400 that we have seen on television is among the most shocking that 154 00:09:04,400 --> 00:09:08,070 you can ever see. 155 00:09:08,066 --> 00:09:11,936 The killing of an honor student by others, 156 00:09:11,934 --> 00:09:20,104 who was beaten to death is chilling, chilling video. 157 00:09:20,100 --> 00:09:29,730 And I think this is something that the administration 158 00:09:29,734 --> 00:09:30,964 has been working on. 159 00:09:30,967 --> 00:09:32,567 This is not just a Chicago-specific 160 00:09:32,567 --> 00:09:34,197 problem, obviously. 161 00:09:34,200 --> 00:09:38,000 Youth crime and gang violence are something that this 162 00:09:38,000 --> 00:09:40,070 administration takes seriously and we'll have 163 00:09:40,066 --> 00:09:41,396 more on that soon. 164 00:09:41,400 --> 00:09:42,500 The Press: Can I follow, please, Robert -- 165 00:09:42,500 --> 00:09:44,230 The Press: What does "on that soon" mean? 166 00:09:44,233 --> 00:09:46,003 I'm sorry -- today? 167 00:09:46,000 --> 00:09:48,000 Mr. Gibbs: It means I'll have -- I don't think that soon. 168 00:09:48,000 --> 00:09:49,030 Yes. 169 00:09:49,033 --> 00:09:53,633 The Press: Robert, when you say this is not just indicative just of Chicago, 170 00:09:53,633 --> 00:09:56,663 but throughout the country -- the President has talked about 171 00:09:56,667 --> 00:10:03,497 fatherhood and not being present in some young men's lives, 172 00:10:03,500 --> 00:10:04,870 particularly gang members. 173 00:10:04,867 --> 00:10:08,037 Does this have anything to do, in this White House's opinion, 174 00:10:08,033 --> 00:10:12,203 of the fact that there is lack of fathers, 175 00:10:12,200 --> 00:10:14,770 broken kind of family structure, as to why these 176 00:10:14,767 --> 00:10:15,767 things are happening? 177 00:10:15,767 --> 00:10:18,337 Because that has come into play with many people making 178 00:10:18,333 --> 00:10:23,433 explanations of what happened to include the fact that, again, 179 00:10:23,433 --> 00:10:26,103 this happened to someone who had nothing to do with it. 180 00:10:26,100 --> 00:10:33,270 Mr. Gibbs: Well, I don't know the individual circumstances of 181 00:10:33,266 --> 00:10:39,466 those accused of taking part in the heinous crime. 182 00:10:39,467 --> 00:10:49,667 I think in many ways a lot of these crimes are 183 00:10:49,667 --> 00:10:51,097 amazingly hard to explain. 184 00:10:51,100 --> 00:10:55,770 I can't imagine why anybody would do what you see being done 185 00:10:55,767 --> 00:10:59,567 on that video. 186 00:10:59,567 --> 00:11:05,437 Obviously there are certain factors that we know have a 187 00:11:05,433 --> 00:11:12,603 tendency to contribute to dropping out of school, 188 00:11:12,600 --> 00:11:16,630 not being able to find work -- all those sorts of things. 189 00:11:16,633 --> 00:11:19,103 Obviously parental responsibility is a big part of 190 00:11:19,100 --> 00:11:21,770 that; fatherhood is a big part of that. 191 00:11:21,767 --> 00:11:27,037 It's not just about being able to father a child, 192 00:11:27,033 --> 00:11:28,763 it's about being able to raise a child. 193 00:11:28,767 --> 00:11:34,297 And not being present is certainly -- 194 00:11:34,300 --> 00:11:35,500 can tend to be part of that. 195 00:11:35,500 --> 00:11:38,200 I don't, again, April, presume to know the individual 196 00:11:38,200 --> 00:11:40,270 circumstances here, so I hate to generalize. 197 00:11:40,266 --> 00:11:42,396 The Press: A lot of this is policy, but a lot of it is heart. 198 00:11:42,400 --> 00:11:45,470 How are you going to regulate the heart issue? 199 00:11:45,467 --> 00:11:47,167 Mr. Gibbs: You can't regulate the heart issue. 200 00:11:47,166 --> 00:11:53,196 And this is not a problem that government alone, 201 00:11:53,200 --> 00:11:56,330 as the President often says, at any level is going to 202 00:11:56,333 --> 00:11:57,533 be able to solve. 203 00:11:57,533 --> 00:11:59,963 This is going to take community involvement. 204 00:11:59,967 --> 00:12:01,697 It's going to take parental involvement. 205 00:12:01,700 --> 00:12:07,200 It's going to take the involvement of everyone to 206 00:12:07,200 --> 00:12:11,170 address what is obviously a sad and shocking problem. 207 00:12:11,166 --> 00:12:17,136 The Press: Will the President pardon Polanski? 208 00:12:17,133 --> 00:12:18,433 Will he, or not? 209 00:12:18,433 --> 00:12:21,563 Mr. Gibbs: I don't know of any pending pardon request, Lester. 210 00:12:21,567 --> 00:12:27,737 The Press: Does he believe pedophiles should not be prosecuted? 211 00:12:27,734 --> 00:12:30,734 Mr. Gibbs: The President believes pedophiles should be 212 00:12:30,734 --> 00:12:32,364 prosecuted, Lester. 213 00:12:32,367 --> 00:12:33,937 The Press: Thank you. 214 00:12:33,934 --> 00:12:35,904 The Press: I have a point of observation and inquiry. 215 00:12:35,900 --> 00:12:37,230 Mr. Gibbs: We shouldn't have that. 216 00:12:37,233 --> 00:12:39,033 (laughter) 217 00:12:39,033 --> 00:12:41,533 The Press: The observation is, it's very clear that the President has 218 00:12:41,533 --> 00:12:44,633 made up his mind to stay in Afghanistan and boost the 219 00:12:44,633 --> 00:12:48,463 troops, by your rationale today -- 220 00:12:48,467 --> 00:12:53,067 Mr. Gibbs: Well, I don't -- if you'll give me a minute, 221 00:12:53,066 --> 00:12:55,396 I need to go free up a little time on the President's schedule 222 00:12:55,400 --> 00:12:56,530 apparently today. 223 00:12:56,533 --> 00:12:58,833 Helen, I think the President wishes to hear from a number of 224 00:12:58,834 --> 00:13:03,734 people, again, in the military and in our diplomatic efforts in 225 00:13:03,734 --> 00:13:06,834 Afghanistan and Pakistan and assess our strategy. 226 00:13:06,834 --> 00:13:09,804 I don't think any decisions have been made one way or the other. 227 00:13:09,800 --> 00:13:14,030 The Press: And my inquiry is, do we allow international inspections of our 228 00:13:14,033 --> 00:13:15,863 nuclear arsenal? 229 00:13:15,867 --> 00:13:20,997 And do we insist that there be inspections of all countries 230 00:13:21,000 --> 00:13:25,370 that have nuclear weapons or possible -- 231 00:13:25,367 --> 00:13:29,867 Mr. Gibbs: I'm going to let individual countries speak for themselves. 232 00:13:29,867 --> 00:13:35,167 Obviously we are a signatory to, and live up to, 233 00:13:35,166 --> 00:13:36,736 our international obligations. 234 00:13:36,734 --> 00:13:38,934 And what we're asking the Iranians is to do the same. 235 00:13:38,934 --> 00:13:42,564 I think you've seen today, in stories both today and 236 00:13:42,567 --> 00:13:48,837 overnight, it is without a doubt that in dealing with the 237 00:13:48,834 --> 00:13:55,104 facility at Qom, the Iranians did not live up to any of their 238 00:13:55,100 --> 00:13:58,100 international obligations, either U.N. Security Council -- 239 00:13:58,100 --> 00:13:59,170 The Press: Have we? 240 00:13:59,166 --> 00:14:00,096 I'm asking you -- 241 00:14:00,100 --> 00:14:01,300 Mr. Gibbs: Absolutely, we live up to ours. 242 00:14:01,300 --> 00:14:04,130 The Press: And so we allow international inspections? 243 00:14:04,133 --> 00:14:06,303 Mr. Gibbs: That whether it's a U.N. Security Council resolution 244 00:14:06,300 --> 00:14:10,270 dealing with Iran, or whether it's their obligations under the 245 00:14:10,266 --> 00:14:14,666 Non-Proliferation Treaty, and with the IAEA. 246 00:14:14,667 --> 00:14:20,967 We look at the meeting that will take place tomorrow in Geneva as 247 00:14:20,967 --> 00:14:24,097 the opportunity and responsibility of the Iranians 248 00:14:24,100 --> 00:14:30,800 to show the world the intention of their nuclear program, 249 00:14:30,800 --> 00:14:31,730 to provide transparency -- 250 00:14:31,734 --> 00:14:33,034 The Press: So you state unequivocally that we allow 251 00:14:33,033 --> 00:14:34,733 international inspections? 252 00:14:34,734 --> 00:14:41,104 Mr. Gibbs: I will check on whether we have international inspections, 253 00:14:41,100 --> 00:14:44,230 but I know we live up to all of our international obligations. 254 00:14:44,233 --> 00:14:49,533 And in all of this, nobody has suggested anything 255 00:14:49,533 --> 00:14:50,633 other than that. 256 00:14:50,633 --> 00:14:55,103 I think it's important now for the Iranians to take this 257 00:14:55,100 --> 00:15:00,770 opportunity, sitting across the table from the P5-plus-1 258 00:15:00,767 --> 00:15:04,197 partners, and demonstrate for the world what 259 00:15:04,200 --> 00:15:05,970 their intentions are. 260 00:15:05,967 --> 00:15:09,667 And the beginning of that is full and unfettered access to 261 00:15:09,667 --> 00:15:14,267 this facility, but there are a lot of other steps I think 262 00:15:14,266 --> 00:15:17,636 they'll get an opportunity to take and we'll see what they 263 00:15:17,633 --> 00:15:18,663 have to offer. 264 00:15:18,667 --> 00:15:22,797 The Press: Do we demand it of all countries involved in nuclear -- 265 00:15:22,800 --> 00:15:26,600 Mr. Gibbs: I would let, again, individual countries speak for themselves. 266 00:15:26,600 --> 00:15:32,300 The Press: On the Afghanistan meetings, do you anticipate these going on 267 00:15:32,300 --> 00:15:37,670 and on indefinitely with no time frame whatsoever? 268 00:15:37,667 --> 00:15:41,537 Is there any -- is it completely open-ended time-wise? 269 00:15:41,533 --> 00:15:44,103 Mr. Gibbs: We're going to take the time that's necessary to get the 270 00:15:44,100 --> 00:15:45,300 policy right. 271 00:15:45,300 --> 00:15:46,700 The Press: Could that be into next year? 272 00:15:46,700 --> 00:15:47,870 Mr. Gibbs: I doubt it, no. 273 00:15:47,867 --> 00:15:52,397 I think I've said earlier, a number of weeks. 274 00:15:52,400 --> 00:15:53,400 The Press: Could it be a number of months? 275 00:15:53,400 --> 00:15:54,300 Could it be two months? 276 00:15:54,300 --> 00:15:56,000 Can you give any kind of clarity on that? 277 00:15:56,000 --> 00:15:56,900 Mr. Gibbs: No. 278 00:15:56,900 --> 00:15:58,000 The Press: When you say several meetings, how many 279 00:15:58,000 --> 00:15:59,830 meetings do you anticipate? 280 00:15:59,834 --> 00:16:02,164 Mr. Gibbs: I know the President has already had one fairly long meeting in 281 00:16:02,166 --> 00:16:05,066 the Situation Room a few weeks ago. 282 00:16:05,066 --> 00:16:09,796 I think at least three more are already on the working schedule, 283 00:16:09,800 --> 00:16:11,500 and I assume there will be more after that. 284 00:16:11,500 --> 00:16:14,030 The Press: And when you said some are diplomatic perspective, 285 00:16:14,033 --> 00:16:18,563 some are military perspective -- will some be outside of the 286 00:16:18,567 --> 00:16:22,397 White House, or will it all be Situation Room? 287 00:16:22,400 --> 00:16:23,900 State Department? Pentagon? 288 00:16:23,900 --> 00:16:26,170 Larger groups, military? 289 00:16:26,166 --> 00:16:28,596 Mr. Gibbs: I have not seen an agenda for the next meeting. 290 00:16:28,600 --> 00:16:33,900 I know that this meeting is comprised entirely of people in 291 00:16:33,900 --> 00:16:35,030 the administration. 292 00:16:35,033 --> 00:16:40,563 Again, whether they're -- the Secretary of Defense, 293 00:16:40,567 --> 00:16:43,767 the Secretary of State, the Chair of the Joint Chiefs, 294 00:16:43,767 --> 00:16:46,767 the head of Central Command, General McChrystal, 295 00:16:46,767 --> 00:16:52,997 or General Jones, Leon Panetta, Denny Blair -- 296 00:16:53,000 --> 00:16:54,670 The Press: So further meetings will be basically the same people 297 00:16:54,667 --> 00:16:56,197 as today's? 298 00:16:56,200 --> 00:16:58,130 Mr. Gibbs: I honestly don't know the answer to that. 299 00:16:58,133 --> 00:17:03,303 I don't have an agenda for meeting three in front of me. 300 00:17:03,300 --> 00:17:05,330 The Press: Do you think there's a possibility of an on-the-ground 301 00:17:05,333 --> 00:17:10,133 inspection that will be part of this -- 302 00:17:10,133 --> 00:17:11,703 Mr. Gibbs: Not that I know of, no. 303 00:17:11,700 --> 00:17:14,400 The Press: But you can't rule it out, though? 304 00:17:14,400 --> 00:17:17,030 Mr. Gibbs: If I could rule it in or out I wouldn't discuss it. 305 00:17:17,033 --> 00:17:18,263 The Press: One other thing. 306 00:17:18,266 --> 00:17:20,396 There's a kind of conventional wisdom out there now I think 307 00:17:20,400 --> 00:17:23,270 that -- probably created by us, but still it's -- 308 00:17:23,266 --> 00:17:25,436 (laughter) 309 00:17:25,433 --> 00:17:26,903 -- that on one side you've got -- 310 00:17:26,900 --> 00:17:29,800 Mr. Gibbs: I will lean toward more the conventional part of the wisdom, 311 00:17:29,800 --> 00:17:30,500 but go ahead. 312 00:17:30,500 --> 00:17:31,730 (laughter) 313 00:17:31,734 --> 00:17:34,064 The Press: On one side you've got the Vice President and some supporters 314 00:17:34,066 --> 00:17:36,796 saying that we can do this through counterterrorism without more troops. 315 00:17:36,800 --> 00:17:39,200 And on the other side you've got the generals saying it's got to 316 00:17:39,200 --> 00:17:43,500 be a counterinsurgency and it's got to have some number of tens 317 00:17:43,500 --> 00:17:45,430 of thousands of more troops. 318 00:17:45,433 --> 00:17:46,533 Could you comment on that? 319 00:17:46,533 --> 00:17:48,633 Is that what is going on in that room? 320 00:17:48,633 --> 00:17:53,263 Mr. Gibbs: Well, I'll have a better sense of that around 6:00 tonight. 321 00:17:53,266 --> 00:18:01,496 But, look, I think these decisions tend to be a whole lot 322 00:18:01,500 --> 00:18:04,230 more complicated than that. 323 00:18:04,233 --> 00:18:08,763 I think obviously there are a number of factors even from the 324 00:18:08,767 --> 00:18:16,937 last few months that enter into this decision-making process. 325 00:18:16,934 --> 00:18:20,134 So I hate to get into characterizing that there's a 326 00:18:20,133 --> 00:18:22,233 line down the middle of the room and you're either on 327 00:18:22,233 --> 00:18:23,963 one side or the other. 328 00:18:23,967 --> 00:18:26,167 That just tends not to normally be the case. 329 00:18:26,166 --> 00:18:27,136 The Press: One last one. 330 00:18:27,133 --> 00:18:28,563 Do you know when the next meeting is? 331 00:18:28,567 --> 00:18:32,897 Mr. Gibbs: Let's see -- I don't, but I'll try to find that out. 332 00:18:32,900 --> 00:18:33,770 The Press: Next week? 333 00:18:33,767 --> 00:18:35,197 Mr. Gibbs: I assume so, yes. 334 00:18:35,200 --> 00:18:36,730 The Press: So five meetings? 335 00:18:36,734 --> 00:18:39,364 Mr. Gibbs: That's currently what we're looking at. 336 00:18:39,367 --> 00:18:40,797 The Press: And it's meeting two? 337 00:18:40,800 --> 00:18:43,530 Mr. Gibbs: This would be meeting two, yes. 338 00:18:43,533 --> 00:18:47,363 The Press: Robert, considering what the President said during the 339 00:18:47,367 --> 00:18:49,897 campaign about open-ended commitments when it came to no 340 00:18:49,900 --> 00:18:53,370 exit strategy in Iraq -- is it fair to assume that whatever the 341 00:18:53,367 --> 00:18:55,637 new strategy is that's rolled out, 342 00:18:55,633 --> 00:18:58,303 it will be clear to the American people that there is an exit 343 00:18:58,300 --> 00:19:00,200 strategy, that there is an end date, without -- 344 00:19:00,200 --> 00:19:02,370 even if it's not a specific date of withdrawal? 345 00:19:02,367 --> 00:19:05,337 Mr. Gibbs: I think that, Chuck, what is crucial in this situation is 346 00:19:05,333 --> 00:19:09,103 that we get a strategy, that we get benchmarks to measure that 347 00:19:09,100 --> 00:19:12,970 strategy, to always and constantly reassess where we are 348 00:19:12,967 --> 00:19:16,567 in the progress we're making, and clearly define that 349 00:19:16,567 --> 00:19:18,797 for the American people. 350 00:19:18,800 --> 00:19:23,670 I think that is a hallmark of successful operations. 351 00:19:23,667 --> 00:19:27,197 I think the American people want it and will demand it, 352 00:19:27,200 --> 00:19:31,100 and I think, as will the President, to understand -- 353 00:19:31,100 --> 00:19:35,630 and for all of those involved -- to understand why we're there, 354 00:19:35,633 --> 00:19:41,203 what we're doing, benchmarks for measuring that progress, 355 00:19:41,200 --> 00:19:42,470 and moving forward. 356 00:19:42,467 --> 00:19:45,467 The Press: Now, but is benchmarks for measuring the -- 357 00:19:45,467 --> 00:19:48,697 I mean, you obviously don't want to say "exit strategy," 358 00:19:48,700 --> 00:19:52,030 but is it fair for folks to interpret that it should be easy 359 00:19:52,033 --> 00:19:53,763 to understand what the exit strategy is 360 00:19:53,767 --> 00:19:54,667 based on the benchmarks? 361 00:19:54,667 --> 00:19:56,497 Mr. Gibbs: I think that it's -- will be important for people to 362 00:19:56,500 --> 00:20:03,600 understand what we believe needs to be accomplished so that we 363 00:20:03,600 --> 00:20:06,630 can measure when that is done, yes. 364 00:20:06,633 --> 00:20:09,633 The Press: Health care -- yesterday the Senate Finance Committee voted 365 00:20:09,633 --> 00:20:12,163 down two different versions of the public option, 366 00:20:12,166 --> 00:20:14,236 and I don't believe we've heard from the White House officially 367 00:20:14,233 --> 00:20:20,603 on how -- is this -- is the President disappointed that the 368 00:20:20,600 --> 00:20:23,300 Senate -- that no public option has made it through Senate 369 00:20:23,300 --> 00:20:25,270 Finance Committee, since this is something that he's -- 370 00:20:25,266 --> 00:20:28,636 Mr. Gibbs: I would say -- I would reiterate what the President said in front 371 00:20:28,633 --> 00:20:31,563 of the joint session of Congress -- 372 00:20:31,567 --> 00:20:42,837 it's a proposal he favors in getting choice and competition. 373 00:20:42,834 --> 00:20:47,204 We're working with all in Congress to figure out how best 374 00:20:47,200 --> 00:20:49,700 to provide that choice and competition. 375 00:20:49,700 --> 00:20:52,000 You've got one bill right now that doesn't include a public 376 00:20:52,000 --> 00:20:54,500 option; you have four bills that do. 377 00:20:54,500 --> 00:20:57,000 This is part of the legislative process in reconciling 378 00:20:57,000 --> 00:20:58,330 all these ideas. 379 00:20:58,333 --> 00:21:01,533 The Press: So why doesn't he fight for it? 380 00:21:01,533 --> 00:21:04,133 Mr. Gibbs: We're fighting for choice and competition and -- 381 00:21:04,133 --> 00:21:05,363 The Press: But not the public option. 382 00:21:05,367 --> 00:21:08,037 Mr. Gibbs: -- and trying to get -- go ahead. 383 00:21:08,033 --> 00:21:10,233 The Press: Max Baucus said his reason for voting against it is that he 384 00:21:10,233 --> 00:21:12,703 could count votes -- sort of implying -- 385 00:21:12,700 --> 00:21:15,130 I guess he was trying to imply that he's supportive of the 386 00:21:15,133 --> 00:21:19,403 idea, but because it didn't have the votes he didn't want to vote 387 00:21:19,400 --> 00:21:22,970 for it in committee. 388 00:21:22,967 --> 00:21:26,137 Does the President share that sort of same mind-set as Senator 389 00:21:26,133 --> 00:21:28,863 Baucus, that you can be -- you're not going to get 390 00:21:28,867 --> 00:21:32,137 everything you want, so -- he supports it, 391 00:21:32,133 --> 00:21:33,503 but if the votes aren't there, the votes aren't there? 392 00:21:33,500 --> 00:21:35,800 Mr. Gibbs: Again, the most important thing -- 393 00:21:35,800 --> 00:21:36,770 and you've heard the President say this -- 394 00:21:36,767 --> 00:21:39,737 the most important thing is choice in competition; 395 00:21:39,734 --> 00:21:43,804 that in the individual and small business insurance market, 396 00:21:43,800 --> 00:21:48,170 if you have a geographic region that's dominated by only one 397 00:21:48,166 --> 00:21:53,766 entity, you tend not to have -- you certainly don't have choice 398 00:21:53,767 --> 00:21:56,837 and it tends not to breed competition. 399 00:21:56,834 --> 00:22:03,004 We will work with Congress to find the best option for how to do that. 400 00:22:03,000 --> 00:22:04,770 The Press: But you're not going to sign a bill that doesn't have something 401 00:22:04,767 --> 00:22:09,467 that in your mind -- take your state of Alabama example -- 402 00:22:09,467 --> 00:22:12,767 if Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama has still got 90% of the 403 00:22:12,767 --> 00:22:15,237 market, then you're not signing that bill? 404 00:22:15,233 --> 00:22:20,563 Mr. Gibbs: The President I think has made it extremely clear that without 405 00:22:20,567 --> 00:22:25,897 choice and competition you won't have health reform. 406 00:22:25,900 --> 00:22:30,300 We will ensure that whatever is passed in health reform meets 407 00:22:30,300 --> 00:22:31,400 that obligation. 408 00:22:31,400 --> 00:22:32,330 The Press: May I follow up? 409 00:22:32,333 --> 00:22:33,303 Mr. Gibbs: Yes. 410 00:22:33,300 --> 00:22:35,130 The Press: Among those options is the White House drafting its 411 00:22:35,133 --> 00:22:36,463 own legislation? 412 00:22:36,467 --> 00:22:41,167 Because it's been reported that you are secretly drafting something. 413 00:22:41,166 --> 00:22:42,896 Mr. Gibbs: I'd say if it was a secret then you wouldn't be asking me 414 00:22:42,900 --> 00:22:44,970 about it. 415 00:22:44,967 --> 00:22:45,937 The Press: Wasn't a good secret. 416 00:22:45,934 --> 00:22:48,304 (laughter) 417 00:22:48,300 --> 00:22:53,470 Mr. Gibbs: Neither was it, in my opinion, a very good story. 418 00:22:53,467 --> 00:22:54,497 The Press: It's not mine. 419 00:22:54,500 --> 00:22:56,430 (laughter) 420 00:22:56,433 --> 00:22:58,233 Mr. Gibbs: I appreciate that. 421 00:22:58,233 --> 00:23:05,033 We have looked at for months, and helped work on legislative language. 422 00:23:05,033 --> 00:23:10,533 But nothing has changed about us drafting or introducing a bill. 423 00:23:10,533 --> 00:23:13,233 The Press: But the President is really being criticized for not coming 424 00:23:13,233 --> 00:23:16,733 up with anything more specific than his own principles. 425 00:23:16,734 --> 00:23:20,434 And even in August he said he's be willing to have Congress come 426 00:23:20,433 --> 00:23:22,203 in here and look line-for-line -- 427 00:23:22,200 --> 00:23:25,300 you know, line-by-line at a bill. 428 00:23:25,300 --> 00:23:28,170 So does that mean one possibility -- 429 00:23:28,166 --> 00:23:30,036 Mr. Gibbs: Well, keep in mind there's five of them. 430 00:23:30,033 --> 00:23:34,733 So we can choose between A, B, C, D, or E to go line-by line. 431 00:23:34,734 --> 00:23:36,064 The Press: Well, what is your own? 432 00:23:36,066 --> 00:23:37,996 The Press: What's the difference between coming up with legislative 433 00:23:38,000 --> 00:23:39,070 language and not having -- 434 00:23:39,066 --> 00:23:42,936 Mr. Gibbs: Probably about 1,200 written pages. 435 00:23:42,934 --> 00:23:45,304 The Press: So you're writing pieces of a bill? 436 00:23:45,300 --> 00:23:45,930 Mr. Gibbs: No. 437 00:23:45,934 --> 00:23:49,104 I mean, again, we have been asked to look at and work with 438 00:23:49,100 --> 00:23:52,570 different committees on different pieces of legislation 439 00:23:52,567 --> 00:23:53,897 and aspects of them. 440 00:23:53,900 --> 00:23:56,100 Chuck, that's what happens all the time. 441 00:23:56,100 --> 00:23:57,070 Jonathan. 442 00:23:57,066 --> 00:24:00,566 The Press: On Monday, Senator Lugar -- somebody the President has 443 00:24:00,567 --> 00:24:04,237 worked with and has complimented as a bipartisan voice -- 444 00:24:04,233 --> 00:24:05,763 was speaking to the Atlantic Council, 445 00:24:05,767 --> 00:24:09,767 and he was critical of the speed that the President has been 446 00:24:09,767 --> 00:24:12,367 moving on in Afghanistan. 447 00:24:12,367 --> 00:24:15,167 And he said, "It's a very, very unfortunate set of circumstances 448 00:24:15,166 --> 00:24:18,036 because much of the President's current enthusiasm is with 449 00:24:18,033 --> 00:24:22,263 regard to the health care debate we're having day in, day out, 450 00:24:22,266 --> 00:24:26,166 hour after hour, in the Senate, which shows no sign of going away." 451 00:24:26,166 --> 00:24:31,866 First, do you think that the President is somehow being 452 00:24:31,867 --> 00:24:35,937 diverted from the national security issues by domestic issues? 453 00:24:35,934 --> 00:24:38,504 Mr. Gibbs: I'll remind you that just yesterday I was asked why we 454 00:24:38,500 --> 00:24:40,230 were being diverted so much by foreign issues and why we 455 00:24:40,233 --> 00:24:42,203 weren't talking about health care. 456 00:24:42,200 --> 00:24:43,100 The Press: That was my next question. 457 00:24:43,100 --> 00:24:44,230 (laughter) 458 00:24:44,233 --> 00:24:47,633 Mr. Gibbs: I get asked about being overexposed and the next 459 00:24:47,633 --> 00:24:50,463 question, a week ago, is, how come he's not doing more to 460 00:24:50,467 --> 00:24:51,797 speak about this? 461 00:24:51,800 --> 00:24:53,430 The Press: Could you just answer -- 462 00:24:53,433 --> 00:24:57,163 Mr. Gibbs: Well, I'd be happy to respond to Senator Lugar. 463 00:24:57,166 --> 00:25:00,536 But let me first say I would appreciate -- 464 00:25:00,533 --> 00:25:04,033 maybe you guys should huddle, maybe come up with one premise 465 00:25:04,033 --> 00:25:05,663 that we'll at least test for one day, 466 00:25:05,667 --> 00:25:10,467 rather than contradicting in a certain day multiple premises. 467 00:25:10,467 --> 00:25:13,967 Look, in terms of Senator Lugar, obviously the President 468 00:25:13,967 --> 00:25:19,237 continues to have deep affection and respect for Senator Lugar. 469 00:25:19,233 --> 00:25:23,603 We disagree with what he said relating to missile defense. 470 00:25:23,600 --> 00:25:27,170 And I would point out what the NATO Secretary General said 471 00:25:27,166 --> 00:25:33,296 yesterday in the Oval Office, that the plan that the President 472 00:25:33,300 --> 00:25:37,430 and the Joint Chiefs outlined for missile defense actually 473 00:25:37,433 --> 00:25:41,333 involves a greater portion of NATO and protects a greater 474 00:25:41,333 --> 00:25:44,303 portion of our allies. 475 00:25:44,300 --> 00:25:46,970 Again -- I'll go back to this on Monday -- 476 00:25:46,967 --> 00:25:50,397 not to mention if you watch what the Iranians are intent on 477 00:25:50,400 --> 00:25:59,130 testing and understand what our missile defense system is geared 478 00:25:59,133 --> 00:26:04,163 toward and what the previous one was geared toward, 479 00:26:04,166 --> 00:26:09,396 we are matching the threat that most threatens our allies, 480 00:26:09,400 --> 00:26:14,500 our forces, and our country right now with the flexibility 481 00:26:14,500 --> 00:26:18,270 to address it if there are technological advances by the Iranians. 482 00:26:18,266 --> 00:26:28,366 So, again, I think General Cartwright, who, again, 483 00:26:28,367 --> 00:26:31,197 developed this for both this administration and the previous 484 00:26:31,200 --> 00:26:34,100 administration, is somebody who can, and has, 485 00:26:34,100 --> 00:26:37,330 spoken with authority on why the decision was the right one. 486 00:26:37,333 --> 00:26:39,933 The Press: Well, more broadly, I mean, you must see that there's been a 487 00:26:39,934 --> 00:26:43,304 remarkable confluence of events kind of coming upon this White 488 00:26:43,300 --> 00:26:44,970 House just in the last week. 489 00:26:44,967 --> 00:26:46,767 I mean, we have Iran, we have -- 490 00:26:46,767 --> 00:26:49,097 Mr. Gibbs: Jonathan, I've been here for eight months and I've noticed 491 00:26:49,100 --> 00:26:52,230 that each and every week I've woken up and come to work here. 492 00:26:52,233 --> 00:26:54,333 The Press: So you think that this week that the Iran talks, 493 00:26:54,333 --> 00:26:57,303 the Afghanistan talks, the Mitchell talks, 494 00:26:57,300 --> 00:27:00,500 the health care debate, the Mitchell -- 495 00:27:00,500 --> 00:27:04,930 and the new Boxer bill -- this is not an extraordinary week? 496 00:27:04,934 --> 00:27:05,934 Mr. Gibbs: No. 497 00:27:05,934 --> 00:27:09,804 I think this has been an extraordinary eight months. 498 00:27:09,800 --> 00:27:13,170 What did we wake up to on the 21st of January? 499 00:27:13,166 --> 00:27:16,866 An economy that was sliding off the cliff; 500 00:27:16,867 --> 00:27:20,737 a banking system that your paper had written about that could 501 00:27:20,734 --> 00:27:26,464 fail; any number of international challenges. 502 00:27:26,467 --> 00:27:29,967 We were dealing with the Middle East peace process that first day. 503 00:27:29,967 --> 00:27:31,867 We were dealing with North Korea. 504 00:27:31,867 --> 00:27:40,067 We had Somali pirates that had taken U.S. service -- 505 00:27:40,066 --> 00:27:43,866 had taken Americans hostage. 506 00:27:43,867 --> 00:27:46,567 Let me tell you, I told the President last week I hoped to 507 00:27:46,567 --> 00:27:50,197 wake up one day for a boring day in his administration -- 508 00:27:50,200 --> 00:27:51,970 it just hasn't happened yet. 509 00:27:51,967 --> 00:27:54,597 That's nothing new this week. 510 00:27:54,600 --> 00:27:57,730 You can throw a dartboard at an eight-and-a-half month calendar 511 00:27:57,734 --> 00:28:01,934 and my sense is, life is busy. 512 00:28:01,934 --> 00:28:02,804 Yes, sir. 513 00:28:02,800 --> 00:28:05,000 The Press: You're not really waiting for a boring day, are you? 514 00:28:05,000 --> 00:28:06,370 Mr. Gibbs: I am. 515 00:28:06,367 --> 00:28:08,067 (laughter) 516 00:28:08,066 --> 00:28:09,796 Indeed. 517 00:28:09,800 --> 00:28:14,670 I don't see one -- the truth is I don't see one in the future; 518 00:28:14,667 --> 00:28:16,097 I haven't seen one in the past. 519 00:28:16,100 --> 00:28:18,070 The Press: They don't exist. 520 00:28:18,066 --> 00:28:20,666 There's always something. 521 00:28:20,667 --> 00:28:21,637 Mr. Gibbs: It's good to know. 522 00:28:21,633 --> 00:28:22,933 The Press: Define a "boring" day. 523 00:28:22,934 --> 00:28:25,004 Mr. Gibbs: Let me think about that. 524 00:28:25,000 --> 00:28:27,030 The Press: Robert, when the President says, as he did yesterday, 525 00:28:27,033 --> 00:28:29,333 that his objective is to disrupt, 526 00:28:29,333 --> 00:28:32,103 dismantle and destroy the al Qaeda network, 527 00:28:32,100 --> 00:28:34,730 is that a "whatever it takes" kind of objective, 528 00:28:34,734 --> 00:28:37,334 "however long it takes" objective? 529 00:28:37,333 --> 00:28:40,833 Mr. Gibbs: Well, again, going back to what I said to Chuck, 530 00:28:40,834 --> 00:28:46,164 I think the President -- many and most in the administration 531 00:28:46,166 --> 00:28:48,436 believe we have to have discernable benchmarks to 532 00:28:48,433 --> 00:28:49,903 measure that progress. 533 00:28:49,900 --> 00:28:53,700 And as I've said here before, this is not -- 534 00:28:53,700 --> 00:28:58,530 we all know this is not something that we can stay there forever. 535 00:28:58,533 --> 00:29:04,163 We don't have the manpower, we don't have the budget to do that. 536 00:29:04,166 --> 00:29:08,296 That's one of the reasons why you have seen and talked about 537 00:29:08,300 --> 00:29:13,370 proposals that strengthen Afghan security and police forces. 538 00:29:13,367 --> 00:29:15,837 We will not be able to do this alone. 539 00:29:15,834 --> 00:29:24,834 That's why NATO is involved with a hefty number of troops that 540 00:29:24,834 --> 00:29:30,264 complement the number we have and have about 100,000 in the country. 541 00:29:30,266 --> 00:29:35,536 The Press: Does the President believe it is an achievable objective? 542 00:29:35,533 --> 00:29:39,903 Mr. Gibbs: The President does, but believes we have to get it right. 543 00:29:39,900 --> 00:29:42,800 The Press: Can you talk about what State Department talks with Cuba this 544 00:29:42,800 --> 00:29:45,800 month mean for the U.S.-Cuba relationship? 545 00:29:45,800 --> 00:29:55,100 Mr. Gibbs: Well, just that we have long stated that we would have talks 546 00:29:55,100 --> 00:29:58,800 that were in mutual interests to each side, 547 00:29:58,800 --> 00:30:00,630 and that's what these are. 548 00:30:00,633 --> 00:30:09,763 I think talks specifically about postal delivery is something 549 00:30:09,767 --> 00:30:15,167 that brings communication and information to an island that 550 00:30:15,166 --> 00:30:20,036 for a long time hasn't gotten -- hasn't been able, 551 00:30:20,033 --> 00:30:21,733 through freedom of the press and freedom of speech, 552 00:30:21,734 --> 00:30:24,034 to get that type of communication and information. 553 00:30:24,033 --> 00:30:25,603 The Press: And what's on the agenda Friday? 554 00:30:25,600 --> 00:30:28,600 Are the President and First Lady presenting together? 555 00:30:28,600 --> 00:30:33,730 And who's going to be going over there that's not already there? 556 00:30:33,734 --> 00:30:36,234 Mr. Gibbs: I don't know who else is on Air Force One from 557 00:30:36,233 --> 00:30:39,833 the administration. 558 00:30:39,834 --> 00:30:43,604 I believe there are separate parts of the presentation, 559 00:30:43,600 --> 00:30:51,170 but I know the President will participate in the American bid 560 00:30:51,166 --> 00:30:52,636 on that day. 561 00:30:52,633 --> 00:30:54,733 The Press: Is that in the morning, the two of them together, or -- 562 00:30:54,734 --> 00:30:58,804 Mr. Gibbs: I truthfully have not looked at the schedule that far. 563 00:30:58,800 --> 00:31:01,700 The Press: Is it like a campaign speech? 564 00:31:01,700 --> 00:31:04,400 Mr. Gibbs: I haven't seen a draft of the speech. 565 00:31:04,400 --> 00:31:06,630 I don't know if "fired up, ready to go" is how we end it or not. 566 00:31:06,633 --> 00:31:12,333 (laughter) 567 00:31:12,333 --> 00:31:15,463 The Press: Robert, at the top of the briefing you talked about the 568 00:31:15,467 --> 00:31:18,767 White House going through General McChrystal's assessment, 569 00:31:18,767 --> 00:31:21,697 that it's gone up and gone over at the Pentagon and here. 570 00:31:21,700 --> 00:31:24,530 I just want to clarify, Defense Secretary Gates on Sunday said 571 00:31:24,533 --> 00:31:28,603 the troop portion of that request had not been sent to the White House. 572 00:31:28,600 --> 00:31:30,900 Is that still true, or does the President now have General 573 00:31:30,900 --> 00:31:34,200 McChrystal's request for additional forces as well? 574 00:31:34,200 --> 00:31:36,900 Mr. Gibbs: The assessment that I'm discussing and the assessments 575 00:31:36,900 --> 00:31:39,600 that will be discussed today, because the President has been 576 00:31:39,600 --> 00:31:42,600 very clear, as has Secretary Gates, 577 00:31:42,600 --> 00:31:45,430 that we're going to discuss a strategy before we get into 578 00:31:45,433 --> 00:31:47,463 tactics to implement the strategy. 579 00:31:47,467 --> 00:31:51,597 The assessment was what Secretary Gates delivered prior 580 00:31:51,600 --> 00:31:54,200 to the President going to Massachusetts. 581 00:31:54,200 --> 00:31:55,000 The Press: Martha's Vineyard, right? 582 00:31:55,000 --> 00:31:55,870 I just wanted to clarify that. 583 00:31:55,867 --> 00:31:56,537 Okay. 584 00:31:56,533 --> 00:31:57,363 Mr. Gibbs: Yes. 585 00:31:57,367 --> 00:31:58,867 The Press: You mentioned Secretary General Rasmussen. 586 00:31:58,867 --> 00:32:00,267 I had an interview with him yesterday. 587 00:32:00,266 --> 00:32:01,636 He said a couple things I want to ask you about. 588 00:32:01,633 --> 00:32:05,833 One is, he believes the best way to define success in Iraq is 589 00:32:05,834 --> 00:32:09,004 transitioning to a position where the Afghans are in charge of -- 590 00:32:09,000 --> 00:32:09,700 Mr. Gibbs: Iraq? 591 00:32:09,700 --> 00:32:12,870 The Press: Afghanistan -- where Afghans are in charge of and implementing 592 00:32:12,867 --> 00:32:15,437 security with their army and the police. 593 00:32:15,433 --> 00:32:17,363 That implies that the Taliban could still be there, 594 00:32:17,367 --> 00:32:21,237 but the Afghans are in the lead and handling that themselves. 595 00:32:21,233 --> 00:32:23,163 I want to know if that's something the administration 596 00:32:23,166 --> 00:32:25,596 believes would be part of a way to define success in 597 00:32:25,600 --> 00:32:29,070 Afghanistan, or does the Taliban have to be defeated before the 598 00:32:29,066 --> 00:32:30,966 Afghans can take that kind of lead? 599 00:32:30,967 --> 00:32:33,937 Mr. Gibbs: Let me not get into a series of hypotheticals, except to say -- 600 00:32:33,934 --> 00:32:39,664 to reiterate that I think there is not a sustainable solution 601 00:32:39,667 --> 00:32:45,037 that doesn't include Afghans providing security for the 602 00:32:45,033 --> 00:32:49,163 Afghan people through an army and a police force. 603 00:32:49,166 --> 00:32:53,366 The Press: He also said that after the election is resolved one way or 604 00:32:53,367 --> 00:32:56,697 the other, he would be in favor of an international conference 605 00:32:56,700 --> 00:32:58,700 that takes up not only the issue of future donations, 606 00:32:58,700 --> 00:33:01,730 but creates what he called a new contract with whatever Afghan 607 00:33:01,734 --> 00:33:07,364 government is in place that binds them to direct measures to 608 00:33:07,367 --> 00:33:09,567 reduce corruption and improve governance and increase the 609 00:33:09,567 --> 00:33:12,797 overall transparency and visibility of what happens to 610 00:33:12,800 --> 00:33:14,800 money in Afghanistan. 611 00:33:14,800 --> 00:33:17,230 He told me he didn't really think there would be a way to 612 00:33:17,233 --> 00:33:21,303 have a worthwhile donors conference absent that. 613 00:33:21,300 --> 00:33:22,500 Would the administration support that? 614 00:33:22,500 --> 00:33:24,670 Would it be something the administration would agree with? 615 00:33:24,667 --> 00:33:28,237 Mr. Gibbs: I've not seen the specific proposal that he 616 00:33:28,233 --> 00:33:29,233 discussed with you. 617 00:33:29,233 --> 00:33:35,033 But I think the administration shares strongly the notion that 618 00:33:35,033 --> 00:33:41,463 for whatever tactics you choose, whatever resources you put in, 619 00:33:41,467 --> 00:33:45,167 there is no doubt without the accompaniment of a willing 620 00:33:45,166 --> 00:33:53,666 partner that is able to provide some of that security, 621 00:33:53,667 --> 00:33:59,297 that is able to conduct a basic level of governance, 622 00:33:59,300 --> 00:34:01,830 without that -- without corruption and with 623 00:34:01,834 --> 00:34:08,164 transparency, is something that is going to have to be had. 624 00:34:08,166 --> 00:34:10,866 That's what I mean when I say we can't be there forever. 625 00:34:10,867 --> 00:34:12,297 We won't be there forever. 626 00:34:12,300 --> 00:34:17,270 And at some point, it is going to be incumbent upon the Afghans 627 00:34:17,266 --> 00:34:22,866 to be able to administer, again, that base level of government 628 00:34:22,867 --> 00:34:25,837 without corruption, with transparency, 629 00:34:25,834 --> 00:34:30,234 and do so in a way that provides the security that their people need. 630 00:34:30,233 --> 00:34:32,163 The Press: Quickly on the P5-plus-1 tomorrow, 631 00:34:32,166 --> 00:34:34,036 P.J. Crowley at the State Department yesterday went into 632 00:34:34,033 --> 00:34:36,933 great length in talking about the need to create a process by 633 00:34:36,934 --> 00:34:39,504 which to work through these disputes. 634 00:34:39,500 --> 00:34:42,900 And what I want to ask you is, is process the goal of 635 00:34:42,900 --> 00:34:46,330 tomorrow's meeting, or is it more in line with a deadline and 636 00:34:46,333 --> 00:34:49,903 a final evaluation or a near-final evaluation of Iran's 637 00:34:49,900 --> 00:34:53,430 willingness to provide access and make changes? 638 00:34:53,433 --> 00:34:58,603 Mr. Gibbs: Well, look, I think in many ways this is somewhat dependent on 639 00:34:58,600 --> 00:35:01,730 what we hear tomorrow from the Iranians, 640 00:35:01,734 --> 00:35:05,234 whether or not they're willing to start to live up to those 641 00:35:05,233 --> 00:35:09,733 obligations and discuss how they meet those obligations. 642 00:35:09,734 --> 00:35:15,734 I don't doubt that there could be additional meetings, 643 00:35:15,734 --> 00:35:18,604 but I think you've heard the President and other leaders 644 00:35:18,600 --> 00:35:23,470 around the world say this is not talk for talk sake; 645 00:35:23,467 --> 00:35:28,097 there's a specific agenda and specific problems that need to 646 00:35:28,100 --> 00:35:31,270 be dealt with, and if they're not dealt with responsibly by 647 00:35:31,266 --> 00:35:36,236 the Iranians that stronger measures will be developed and 648 00:35:36,233 --> 00:35:38,503 implemented to ensure that they do. 649 00:35:38,500 --> 00:35:42,000 The Press: So an appeal for a process by which to negotiate this from the 650 00:35:42,000 --> 00:35:43,730 Iranians would fall on largely deaf ears? 651 00:35:43,734 --> 00:35:45,264 Mr. Gibbs: Well, look, again, I think there's a -- 652 00:35:45,266 --> 00:35:49,336 I don't want to get into what the definition of "process" would be. 653 00:35:49,333 --> 00:35:54,063 I think tomorrow starts an important time for the Iranians, 654 00:35:54,066 --> 00:35:56,896 as I said earlier in the week, to live up to those 655 00:35:56,900 --> 00:36:02,100 responsibilities and to show that their interest in 656 00:36:02,100 --> 00:36:04,500 discussing this is genuine. 657 00:36:04,500 --> 00:36:06,500 The reason that we've gotten, in some ways, 658 00:36:06,500 --> 00:36:10,900 to this point was the President's willingness in many 659 00:36:10,900 --> 00:36:14,770 ways to give the responsibility to the Iranians to convince the 660 00:36:14,767 --> 00:36:17,237 world and be transparent. 661 00:36:17,233 --> 00:36:20,603 The world will know the beginnings of which tomorrow 662 00:36:20,600 --> 00:36:24,730 whether the Iranians are willing to step up to that or whether 663 00:36:24,734 --> 00:36:28,334 they're going to continue to do the types of things and hide 664 00:36:28,333 --> 00:36:30,903 parts of their program like they have done, 665 00:36:30,900 --> 00:36:34,370 and then I think that will show the world what the intention is. 666 00:36:34,367 --> 00:36:39,097 Again, the responsibility and the onus tomorrow in virtually 667 00:36:39,100 --> 00:36:40,770 every way is on the Iranians. 668 00:36:40,767 --> 00:36:42,197 Yes, sir. 669 00:36:42,200 --> 00:36:44,070 The Press: Hey, Robert, can you talk a little bit about the advice the 670 00:36:44,066 --> 00:36:46,866 President is receiving as he prepares to go to Copenhagen? 671 00:36:46,867 --> 00:36:49,567 I mean, how does one go about lobbying a hundred-plus member 672 00:36:49,567 --> 00:36:53,667 group that includes everybody from bankers to some handball 673 00:36:53,667 --> 00:36:56,237 champion from 1962? 674 00:36:56,233 --> 00:37:01,863 Mr. Gibbs: Well, look, I think in many ways the President will approach this 675 00:37:01,867 --> 00:37:06,697 in selling the American bid as he's tried to sell America 676 00:37:06,700 --> 00:37:14,230 around the world, and that is obviously Chicago has an 677 00:37:14,233 --> 00:37:16,663 extremely strong bid. 678 00:37:16,667 --> 00:37:19,837 The U.S. Olympic Committee determined that in making it its 679 00:37:19,834 --> 00:37:22,864 American representative for these games. 680 00:37:22,867 --> 00:37:26,497 I think the President will continue to mention this in 681 00:37:26,500 --> 00:37:28,800 meetings and has and will continue to make phone calls 682 00:37:28,800 --> 00:37:34,570 leading up to the departure for Copenhagen tomorrow. 683 00:37:34,567 --> 00:37:39,497 So it's some time on the phone, some time in meetings, 684 00:37:39,500 --> 00:37:44,130 and obviously we probably have already deployed our best weapon 685 00:37:44,133 --> 00:37:49,103 in Michelle Obama to talk also directly with IOC members. 686 00:37:49,100 --> 00:37:52,200 The Press: Has he talked to Tony Blair? 687 00:37:52,200 --> 00:37:53,300 Mr. Gibbs: I don't know if he has. 688 00:37:53,300 --> 00:37:58,330 I know Valerie met with Tony Blair in New York last week. 689 00:37:58,333 --> 00:38:02,233 The Press: Do you have any reaction to the firing of Peter Galbraith, 690 00:38:02,233 --> 00:38:05,163 the highest-ranking American in the U.N. mission in Afghanistan? 691 00:38:05,166 --> 00:38:08,096 Apparently he was pushing the Afghans on the corruption in the 692 00:38:08,100 --> 00:38:09,730 elections and -- 693 00:38:09,734 --> 00:38:11,634 Mr. Gibbs: Let me get some information. 694 00:38:11,633 --> 00:38:12,763 I have not seen that but I can -- 695 00:38:12,767 --> 00:38:14,297 I will try to find something right after this. 696 00:38:14,300 --> 00:38:16,930 The Press: And then do you have any reaction to the EU report today 697 00:38:16,934 --> 00:38:20,334 which found that Georgia effectively started last year's 698 00:38:20,333 --> 00:38:22,433 war by firing on -- 699 00:38:22,433 --> 00:38:24,003 Mr. Gibbs: Let me get guidance on that. 700 00:38:24,000 --> 00:38:26,130 I don't have anything on that report. 701 00:38:26,133 --> 00:38:27,663 The Press: Thank you, Robert. 702 00:38:27,667 --> 00:38:29,897 I appreciate you answered my questions. 703 00:38:29,900 --> 00:38:30,730 Mr. Gibbs: Absolutely. 704 00:38:30,734 --> 00:38:31,864 Yes, sir. 705 00:38:31,867 --> 00:38:36,837 The Press: Robert, just going back, you told Chuck on health care that 706 00:38:36,834 --> 00:38:38,804 you were working with all in Congress. 707 00:38:38,800 --> 00:38:40,870 Republican leaders in the House say that they haven't heard 708 00:38:40,867 --> 00:38:43,067 directly from the White House since mid-May. 709 00:38:43,066 --> 00:38:47,466 Is that right, or is there some effort being made still to work 710 00:38:47,467 --> 00:38:50,367 with Republican leaders in the House? 711 00:38:50,367 --> 00:38:54,597 Mr. Gibbs: Well, in some ways I would ask that of Republican leaders 712 00:38:54,600 --> 00:38:55,830 in the House. 713 00:38:55,834 --> 00:38:59,734 I mean, I think I saw one of the more popular Republican 714 00:38:59,734 --> 00:39:06,834 governors, Bobby Jindal, say today that it was time for 715 00:39:06,834 --> 00:39:10,104 Republicans to offer what they're for, 716 00:39:10,100 --> 00:39:12,000 not just talk about what they're against. 717 00:39:12,000 --> 00:39:18,230 So, look, the President is happy to and will meet with Republicans. 718 00:39:18,233 --> 00:39:21,463 We talk to Republicans every day about health care. 719 00:39:21,467 --> 00:39:31,067 And we hope that members of the House Republican leadership will 720 00:39:31,066 --> 00:39:38,896 listen to the person that they put forward to talk about -- 721 00:39:38,900 --> 00:39:42,900 to represent their agenda just a few months ago in taking up the 722 00:39:42,900 --> 00:39:45,500 mantle of actually being for something, 723 00:39:45,500 --> 00:39:47,670 not just being against something. 724 00:39:47,667 --> 00:39:49,937 The Press: It's right, though, that there's been no dialogue or 725 00:39:49,934 --> 00:39:53,104 conversation, even telephone calls, between -- 726 00:39:53,100 --> 00:39:53,730 Mr. Gibbs: With the President? 727 00:39:53,734 --> 00:39:55,734 I don't know who staff has met with. 728 00:39:55,734 --> 00:39:57,804 But again, this is -- let me tell you, 729 00:39:57,800 --> 00:40:02,030 there are a series of two-way streets between here and Capitol Hill. 730 00:40:02,033 --> 00:40:08,163 There are plenty of ways to be constructive. 731 00:40:08,166 --> 00:40:11,636 We'd be happy to evaluate their comprehensive proposal to 732 00:40:11,633 --> 00:40:16,203 provide health care reform to the American people. 733 00:40:16,200 --> 00:40:19,200 If you want to get it from them, I'll be happy to take it over to 734 00:40:19,200 --> 00:40:20,370 Leg Affairs. 735 00:40:20,367 --> 00:40:23,997 The Press: Robert, how important is it for the Senate to pass some climate 736 00:40:24,000 --> 00:40:26,200 bill before the Copenhagen talks? 737 00:40:26,200 --> 00:40:31,800 Mr. Gibbs: Well, I think obviously the United States is on record with 738 00:40:31,800 --> 00:40:36,670 the vote in the House on a strong plan to deal with 739 00:40:36,667 --> 00:40:39,967 greenhouse gas emissions. 740 00:40:39,967 --> 00:40:44,197 We're going to continue to make progress to get the Senate to do the same. 741 00:40:44,200 --> 00:40:47,570 But I've discussed this before -- 742 00:40:47,567 --> 00:40:52,667 the climate change summit that will be had in Copenhagen is not 743 00:40:52,667 --> 00:40:57,197 just an American -- is not just a problem for America to be 744 00:40:57,200 --> 00:40:59,930 involved in and America to solve, right? 745 00:40:59,934 --> 00:41:03,104 We're going to need the Chinese, the Indians, the Brazilians, 746 00:41:03,100 --> 00:41:06,430 and many others to show a willingness to also take the 747 00:41:06,433 --> 00:41:10,503 same steps that the House of Representatives is on record as 748 00:41:10,500 --> 00:41:12,630 taking to address this situation. 749 00:41:12,633 --> 00:41:21,663 This is not just -- there's not just one entity that stands 750 00:41:21,667 --> 00:41:28,637 between us and an agreement that would take real, discernible, 751 00:41:28,633 --> 00:41:32,963 measureable international steps to deal with global climate change. 752 00:41:32,967 --> 00:41:35,937 The Press: But wouldn't it be significantly easier to bring those countries 753 00:41:35,934 --> 00:41:38,204 along if in fact the Senate had actually acted -- 754 00:41:38,200 --> 00:41:42,870 Mr. Gibbs: Well, look, I think obviously we hope the Senate takes action on 755 00:41:42,867 --> 00:41:47,467 energy legislation, but I think you can understand that through 756 00:41:47,467 --> 00:41:52,637 the vote in the House, they're firmly on record as taking very strong steps. 757 00:41:52,633 --> 00:41:55,933 I think it's time also to see steps, equally strong steps, 758 00:41:55,934 --> 00:41:58,834 and a willingness by other countries to do the same. 759 00:41:58,834 --> 00:42:02,004 The Press: But the House's being on record doesn't make it a law. 760 00:42:02,000 --> 00:42:03,200 Mr. Gibbs: No, it doesn't. 761 00:42:03,200 --> 00:42:06,030 The Press: Or even the U.S. being on the record. 762 00:42:06,033 --> 00:42:07,003 It's just the House -- 763 00:42:07,000 --> 00:42:08,400 Mr. Gibbs: Well, the U.S. is on record. 764 00:42:08,400 --> 00:42:10,370 The U.S. House of Representatives is on record as 765 00:42:10,367 --> 00:42:12,137 passing a very strong climate change bill. 766 00:42:12,133 --> 00:42:13,333 The Press: That's just one part. 767 00:42:13,333 --> 00:42:14,703 Mr. Gibbs: And one of two. 768 00:42:14,700 --> 00:42:15,570 You can't -- 769 00:42:15,567 --> 00:42:17,337 The Press: That should suffice for the folks in Copenhagen? 770 00:42:17,333 --> 00:42:20,933 Mr. Gibbs: No, no, no, no -- I never said that it would suffice. 771 00:42:20,934 --> 00:42:22,204 We don't have a law. 772 00:42:22,200 --> 00:42:24,270 We're taking steps to get a law. 773 00:42:24,266 --> 00:42:28,036 But what I'm saying is that this isn't just our deal, right? 774 00:42:28,033 --> 00:42:31,963 We're not -- again, we're not an American solution away from 775 00:42:31,967 --> 00:42:34,697 having total agreement in Copenhagen, right? 776 00:42:34,700 --> 00:42:38,630 We need the Chinese to come to this with some serious proposals. 777 00:42:38,633 --> 00:42:39,403 We need the Indians to come. 778 00:42:39,400 --> 00:42:41,000 The Press: The Chinese came out with a proposal last week. 779 00:42:41,000 --> 00:42:42,330 Mr. Gibbs: Is it a law? 780 00:42:42,333 --> 00:42:43,703 Are they in? 781 00:42:43,700 --> 00:42:46,530 The Press: It's a proposal to reduce their carbon intensity. 782 00:42:46,533 --> 00:42:48,333 Mr. Gibbs: I appreciate the analogous -- 783 00:42:48,333 --> 00:42:51,563 The Press: Well, you just said the House speaks for the United States. 784 00:42:51,567 --> 00:42:54,537 Mr. Gibbs: Then I guess the question is, yes -- 785 00:42:54,533 --> 00:42:55,763 the answer to the question is, yes. 786 00:42:55,767 --> 00:42:57,137 Right? 787 00:42:57,133 --> 00:42:59,833 Again, you guys get together, figure out if that's -- 788 00:42:59,834 --> 00:43:02,564 The Press: You said when the House votes, they've spoken for the 789 00:43:02,567 --> 00:43:03,567 United States. 790 00:43:03,567 --> 00:43:05,137 Mr. Gibbs: No, no, no, no, I said I think that puts the record -- 791 00:43:05,133 --> 00:43:07,103 the United States on strong record that they're going to 792 00:43:07,100 --> 00:43:09,970 take steps to curb our carbon emissions. 793 00:43:09,967 --> 00:43:11,497 The Press: It's a new definition for putting the United States 794 00:43:11,500 --> 00:43:12,370 on record -- 795 00:43:12,367 --> 00:43:13,267 Mr. Gibbs: Really? 796 00:43:13,266 --> 00:43:14,536 The Press: -- when the House takes a vote. 797 00:43:14,533 --> 00:43:17,933 The Press: The House votes on a lot of stuff. 798 00:43:17,934 --> 00:43:18,934 Mr. Gibbs: They do. 799 00:43:18,934 --> 00:43:19,804 They do. 800 00:43:19,800 --> 00:43:21,330 The Press: So everything they vote on from now on is a U.S. position -- 801 00:43:21,333 --> 00:43:22,663 Mr. Gibbs: Let me ask you a question, Chip. 802 00:43:22,667 --> 00:43:25,497 How do you get a law in the United States without the House 803 00:43:25,500 --> 00:43:26,270 voting on it? 804 00:43:26,266 --> 00:43:27,866 The Press: That's one step. 805 00:43:27,867 --> 00:43:28,697 Mr. Gibbs: And that's what I said. 806 00:43:28,700 --> 00:43:29,600 It was one step. 807 00:43:29,600 --> 00:43:32,270 The Press: No, you said the United States is on record because on 808 00:43:32,266 --> 00:43:32,966 the House vote. 809 00:43:32,967 --> 00:43:34,537 Mr. Gibbs: Yes. Yes, they are. 810 00:43:34,533 --> 00:43:37,403 The United States is on record because of the House vote? 811 00:43:37,400 --> 00:43:38,130 The United States is on record, yes. 812 00:43:38,133 --> 00:43:39,263 The Press: About its intentions? 813 00:43:39,266 --> 00:43:40,196 Mr. Gibbs: Yes. 814 00:43:40,200 --> 00:43:42,100 To pass a law. 815 00:43:42,100 --> 00:43:43,600 Again, guys, I appreciate this. 816 00:43:43,600 --> 00:43:46,470 Like you can't get there -- if you guys can tell me a way you 817 00:43:46,467 --> 00:43:50,237 can get a law signed by the President that has to go through 818 00:43:50,233 --> 00:43:53,563 both houses that isn't voted on by the House, I'll be happy to 819 00:43:53,567 --> 00:43:55,737 add to how a bill becomes a law. 820 00:43:55,734 --> 00:43:56,764 Yes. 821 00:43:56,767 --> 00:43:59,197 The Press: On health care, the administration has often talked 822 00:43:59,200 --> 00:44:03,100 about the 80% notion of accord. 823 00:44:03,100 --> 00:44:06,470 And President Obama said, during the joint session, 824 00:44:06,467 --> 00:44:08,767 "There's agreement in this chamber on about 80% of what 825 00:44:08,767 --> 00:44:11,097 needs to be done, putting us closer to the goal of reform 826 00:44:11,100 --> 00:44:12,770 than we have ever been." 827 00:44:12,767 --> 00:44:15,097 In light of yesterday's public option vote, 828 00:44:15,100 --> 00:44:16,730 do you want to downwardly revise that, 829 00:44:16,734 --> 00:44:18,564 or do you still think it's 80%? 830 00:44:18,567 --> 00:44:22,597 And could you clarify, do you -- 831 00:44:22,600 --> 00:44:25,730 Mr. Gibbs: Keeping in mind that it's only one committee and one body -- 832 00:44:25,734 --> 00:44:27,304 The Press: -- in the chamber, right. 833 00:44:27,300 --> 00:44:29,330 But also -- 834 00:44:29,333 --> 00:44:30,503 Mr. Gibbs: I'm still going to go with 80. 835 00:44:30,500 --> 00:44:34,570 The Press: But also, just to revisit that, is the 80% meant as a rhetorical 836 00:44:34,567 --> 00:44:37,137 statement, or is it really the notion that there's sort of 837 00:44:37,133 --> 00:44:38,033 four-fifths agreement? 838 00:44:38,033 --> 00:44:39,503 What does the 80% represent? 839 00:44:39,500 --> 00:44:40,700 What does it mean? 840 00:44:40,700 --> 00:44:46,300 Mr. Gibbs: I think it represents a confluence by many involved in 841 00:44:46,300 --> 00:44:51,400 the health care reform debate on agreement as to how we get 842 00:44:51,400 --> 00:44:54,570 affordable, accessible insurance for 30 million Americans that 843 00:44:54,567 --> 00:44:58,397 don't have it; how we get important insurance reforms; 844 00:44:58,400 --> 00:45:01,370 and how we cut costs for millions of Americans that are 845 00:45:01,367 --> 00:45:02,797 fortunate to have health insurance. 846 00:45:02,800 --> 00:45:04,900 The Press: Does it mean that when you look at the various bits of 847 00:45:04,900 --> 00:45:09,170 legislation, roughly 80% of it is comparable or the same? 848 00:45:09,166 --> 00:45:10,096 Or does it mean in terms -- 849 00:45:10,100 --> 00:45:12,970 Mr. Gibbs: I certainly think there's a lot of overlap in any of 850 00:45:12,967 --> 00:45:13,767 the legislation. 851 00:45:13,767 --> 00:45:15,837 And I think we're about, as the President said, 852 00:45:15,834 --> 00:45:20,304 about 80% in terms of getting an agreement toward a full bill. 853 00:45:20,300 --> 00:45:23,770 The Press: But not an 80% vote in the sense that if there was a full House 854 00:45:23,767 --> 00:45:26,467 vote or a full Senate vote, you wouldn't get an 80% majority in 855 00:45:26,467 --> 00:45:27,637 either chamber? 856 00:45:27,633 --> 00:45:30,833 Mr. Gibbs: I don't think the President was making a vote prediction. 857 00:45:30,834 --> 00:45:35,634 I don't -- the 80 number wasn't to be used in any scenario. 858 00:45:35,633 --> 00:45:39,903 It was to be talked about in -- the President has never said 80% 859 00:45:39,900 --> 00:45:42,070 of the Senate or the House is going to -- 860 00:45:42,066 --> 00:45:44,336 The Press: So 80% represent -- it is sort of rhetorical in the 861 00:45:44,333 --> 00:45:45,103 sense that it's -- 862 00:45:45,100 --> 00:45:48,330 Mr. Gibbs: No, I think it represents the amount of agreement that the 863 00:45:48,333 --> 00:45:55,463 President, and the team see, and members on Capitol Hill see that 864 00:45:55,467 --> 00:45:58,437 all agree on that has to be involved in, 865 00:45:58,433 --> 00:46:00,803 and the details of providing health care reform. 866 00:46:00,800 --> 00:46:01,400 David. 867 00:46:01,400 --> 00:46:02,730 The Press: Thanks, Robert. 868 00:46:02,734 --> 00:46:06,104 Does the President have any specific plans to meet with 869 00:46:06,100 --> 00:46:09,730 senators or House members who have already said that they 870 00:46:09,734 --> 00:46:12,204 don't want to see more troops go to Afghanistan, 871 00:46:12,200 --> 00:46:14,000 someone like Senator Russ Feingold or others? 872 00:46:14,000 --> 00:46:16,970 There are already people out there on record making a case 873 00:46:16,967 --> 00:46:17,997 against that. 874 00:46:18,000 --> 00:46:24,530 Mr. Gibbs: We will -- as part of any evaluation of and assessment of 875 00:46:24,533 --> 00:46:31,063 our strategy, we'll include consultation with Congress. 876 00:46:31,066 --> 00:46:36,066 The President -- without having a list in front of me of people 877 00:46:36,066 --> 00:46:39,296 that have or have not said where they are on additional troops -- 878 00:46:39,300 --> 00:46:42,730 I can assure that before any decision is made, 879 00:46:42,734 --> 00:46:46,764 that those senators will have an opportunity, 880 00:46:46,767 --> 00:46:49,537 or members of the House will have an opportunity to weigh in 881 00:46:49,533 --> 00:46:53,163 for or against additional forces. 882 00:46:53,166 --> 00:46:53,966 Thanks, guys.