English subtitles for clip: File:10-11-13- White House Press Briefing.webm
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1 00:00:01,000 --> 00:00:01,930 Mr. Carney: Good afternoon, everyone. 2 00:00:01,934 --> 00:00:03,604 Thank you for being here. 3 00:00:03,600 --> 00:00:04,900 Thank you for your patience. 4 00:00:04,900 --> 00:00:11,800 It's obviously been a long afternoon. 5 00:00:11,800 --> 00:00:15,930 And I just wanted to make sure that before I came out to you 6 00:00:15,934 --> 00:00:20,334 I could provide you with as much updated information as possible. 7 00:00:20,333 --> 00:00:23,003 I don't have an opening statement to make, 8 00:00:23,000 --> 00:00:25,400 and in the interests of moving this along 9 00:00:25,400 --> 00:00:26,770 I'll go straight to questions. 10 00:00:26,767 --> 00:00:27,537 The Press: [inaudible] 11 00:00:27,533 --> 00:00:28,903 [laughter] 12 00:00:28,900 --> 00:00:30,400 Mr. Carney: Well, I can anticipate some of your questions, 13 00:00:30,400 --> 00:00:35,170 so it was the kind of information that I hope 14 00:00:35,166 --> 00:00:37,366 will be responsive to your questions, at least in part, 15 00:00:37,367 --> 00:00:39,437 that I sought and found. 16 00:00:39,433 --> 00:00:40,533 Julie. 17 00:00:40,533 --> 00:00:41,733 The Press: Thanks, Jay. 18 00:00:41,734 --> 00:00:44,664 Can you tell us what the President and Speaker Boehner 19 00:00:44,667 --> 00:00:47,537 discussed in their phone call? 20 00:00:47,533 --> 00:00:48,863 Mr. Carney: Yes, I can. 21 00:00:48,867 --> 00:00:52,337 The President did call and speak with the Speaker of the House 22 00:00:52,333 --> 00:00:56,303 this afternoon, not long ago, had a good conversation, 23 00:00:56,300 --> 00:00:59,970 and the two of them agreed that all sides need to keep talking 24 00:00:59,967 --> 00:01:03,837 on the issues here that are confronting us that have led to 25 00:01:03,834 --> 00:01:10,704 a shutdown of the government and to the situation that has put us 26 00:01:10,700 --> 00:01:15,500 on the precipice of potential default, 27 00:01:15,500 --> 00:01:17,830 or at least reaching that line beyond which the United States 28 00:01:17,834 --> 00:01:19,834 government does not have borrowing authority. 29 00:01:19,834 --> 00:01:24,834 So the President believes that in his meetings yesterday with 30 00:01:24,834 --> 00:01:27,634 House Republican leaders, and today with Senate Republicans 31 00:01:27,633 --> 00:01:31,663 as well as, of course, with House and Senate Democrats, 32 00:01:31,667 --> 00:01:33,867 that there have been constructive talks. 33 00:01:33,867 --> 00:01:36,337 And when it comes to the House Republicans, in particular, 34 00:01:36,333 --> 00:01:43,763 there is an indication, anyway, of a recognition that we need 35 00:01:43,767 --> 00:01:50,497 to remove default as a weapon in budget negotiations, 36 00:01:50,500 --> 00:01:54,970 that the threat of default should not be used, 37 00:01:54,967 --> 00:02:00,597 and certainly default itself is never an option. 38 00:02:00,600 --> 00:02:03,670 And the President appreciates the constructive nature 39 00:02:03,667 --> 00:02:07,297 of the conversation and of the proposal 40 00:02:07,300 --> 00:02:10,730 that House Republicans put forward. 41 00:02:10,734 --> 00:02:13,364 He has some concerns with it, and I'll simply say that, 42 00:02:13,367 --> 00:02:15,237 without reading -- I'm not going to read out details 43 00:02:15,233 --> 00:02:19,403 of conversations or the phone calls, but that our position, 44 00:02:19,400 --> 00:02:23,800 the President's position that the United States should not, 45 00:02:23,800 --> 00:02:26,630 and the American people cannot, pay a ransom in exchange 46 00:02:26,633 --> 00:02:30,363 for Congress doing its job remains as true today 47 00:02:30,367 --> 00:02:32,767 as it has been throughout this period. 48 00:02:32,767 --> 00:02:34,837 The Press: When you talk about a House Republican proposal, 49 00:02:34,834 --> 00:02:37,204 are you talking about the proposal that they presented 50 00:02:37,200 --> 00:02:39,270 in the meeting yesterday, or are you talking 51 00:02:39,266 --> 00:02:41,636 about this new proposal from them that would increase 52 00:02:41,633 --> 00:02:42,933 the debt ceiling short term, 53 00:02:42,934 --> 00:02:44,504 also reopen the government, and then, 54 00:02:44,500 --> 00:02:47,230 in exchange, increasing cuts in benefit programs? 55 00:02:47,233 --> 00:02:48,233 Mr. Carney: Well, again, I don't think -- 56 00:02:48,233 --> 00:02:49,603 I'm not aware of multiple proposals. 57 00:02:49,600 --> 00:02:51,800 I think that there has been a general discussion -- 58 00:02:51,800 --> 00:02:54,230 and I'm not going to get into details. 59 00:02:54,233 --> 00:02:58,663 I will simply say that the President has long believed 60 00:02:58,667 --> 00:03:01,697 and has insisted that we cannot allow a situation 61 00:03:01,700 --> 00:03:05,730 where one party in one house uses the threat of default 62 00:03:05,734 --> 00:03:09,934 to try to extract concessions through budget negotiations. 63 00:03:09,934 --> 00:03:13,334 And it is his position that the right thing to do 64 00:03:13,333 --> 00:03:16,563 is to remove that gun from the table, 65 00:03:16,567 --> 00:03:21,437 extend the debt ceiling in a way that ensures that there is 66 00:03:21,433 --> 00:03:27,663 no suggestion or hint that default is an option, 67 00:03:27,667 --> 00:03:32,367 because our economy can't endure that kind of approach 68 00:03:32,367 --> 00:03:34,397 to resolving our budget differences. 69 00:03:34,400 --> 00:03:39,970 And a proposal that puts a debt ceiling increase 70 00:03:39,967 --> 00:03:44,967 at only six weeks tied to budget negotiations would put us 71 00:03:44,967 --> 00:03:50,137 right back where we are today in just six weeks, 72 00:03:50,133 --> 00:03:55,903 on the verge of Thanksgiving and the obviously important 73 00:03:55,900 --> 00:03:58,230 shopping season leading up to the holidays, 74 00:03:58,233 --> 00:04:02,163 and that would create enormous uncertainty for our economy. 75 00:04:02,166 --> 00:04:07,236 The President, speaking with small business owners, 76 00:04:07,233 --> 00:04:11,333 heard from them that the continued threat of default 77 00:04:11,333 --> 00:04:14,163 into that season would be very damaging to them. 78 00:04:14,166 --> 00:04:17,766 And we don't think that's the right way to go. 79 00:04:17,767 --> 00:04:18,897 The Press: You said yesterday, though, 80 00:04:18,900 --> 00:04:21,130 that the President would likely sign a short-term 81 00:04:21,133 --> 00:04:22,133 debt ceiling increase. 82 00:04:22,133 --> 00:04:24,563 That still stands, is that correct? 83 00:04:24,567 --> 00:04:25,567 Mr. Carney: Yes. 84 00:04:25,567 --> 00:04:27,667 But let's be clear about what his position 85 00:04:27,667 --> 00:04:29,437 has been and what I've said. 86 00:04:29,433 --> 00:04:33,103 It is the very least that Congress could do 87 00:04:33,100 --> 00:04:36,400 to pass the legislation that would raise the debt ceiling 88 00:04:36,400 --> 00:04:40,230 for a short term and pass legislation that would fund 89 00:04:40,233 --> 00:04:42,533 the government for a short term, 90 00:04:42,533 --> 00:04:44,803 as the Senate has already passed. 91 00:04:44,800 --> 00:04:47,630 And the President has believed that -- 92 00:04:47,633 --> 00:04:49,633 as I think I've stated many times -- 93 00:04:49,633 --> 00:04:51,633 we should raise the debt ceiling for longer than that, 94 00:04:51,633 --> 00:04:55,663 as the Senate has proposed and will vote on soon, 95 00:04:55,667 --> 00:05:00,597 because we should not link the threat of default 96 00:05:00,600 --> 00:05:03,530 to budget negotiations. 97 00:05:03,533 --> 00:05:06,003 He's very eager to engage in budget negotiations. 98 00:05:06,000 --> 00:05:08,600 That's been something he's amply demonstrated all year long 99 00:05:08,600 --> 00:05:10,170 and is reflected in the budget proposal 100 00:05:10,166 --> 00:05:11,996 he made earlier this year. 101 00:05:12,000 --> 00:05:14,770 But we should not have a situation -- 102 00:05:14,767 --> 00:05:17,337 a dynamic that has led to where we are now, 103 00:05:17,333 --> 00:05:19,863 that led to what we saw in the summer of 2011, 104 00:05:19,867 --> 00:05:21,837 and that would be recreated in six weeks 105 00:05:21,834 --> 00:05:25,704 if we had to once again go through a process 106 00:05:25,700 --> 00:05:28,070 where one party was trying to extract concessions 107 00:05:28,066 --> 00:05:29,236 and budget negotiations 108 00:05:29,233 --> 00:05:31,033 in return for lifting the debt ceiling. 109 00:05:31,033 --> 00:05:32,163 The Press: I just want to try one more time. 110 00:05:32,166 --> 00:05:35,436 There was a proposal that the House Republicans came 111 00:05:35,433 --> 00:05:37,933 to the White House with yesterday for their meeting. 112 00:05:37,934 --> 00:05:41,734 And then, House Republicans say there was a new proposal 113 00:05:41,734 --> 00:05:44,664 that they presented to White House staff last night 114 00:05:44,667 --> 00:05:46,937 that also included reopening the government. 115 00:05:46,934 --> 00:05:49,364 The White House has received that proposal, right? 116 00:05:49,367 --> 00:05:51,237 Mr. Carney: I'm not disputing that. 117 00:05:51,233 --> 00:05:53,263 But what I'm saying is -- 118 00:05:53,266 --> 00:05:54,996 The Press: Can you just tell us what the White House's position -- 119 00:05:55,000 --> 00:05:56,230 it sounds like you're not accepting that proposal. 120 00:05:56,233 --> 00:05:58,263 I just want to make sure we can clarify that. 121 00:05:58,266 --> 00:05:59,596 Mr. Carney: What the President and the Speaker agreed 122 00:05:59,600 --> 00:06:01,930 on in their phone conversation is that everybody 123 00:06:01,934 --> 00:06:03,164 should keep talking. 124 00:06:03,166 --> 00:06:05,196 And the President appreciates the constructive approach 125 00:06:05,200 --> 00:06:08,930 that we've been seeing, and that is certainly a change, 126 00:06:08,934 --> 00:06:10,464 and a welcome change, 127 00:06:10,467 --> 00:06:13,367 and he hopes that an agreement can be reached. 128 00:06:13,367 --> 00:06:17,997 In relation to the proposal that has been discussed in the press, 129 00:06:18,000 --> 00:06:23,130 it's our view that we cannot have a situation where the debt 130 00:06:23,133 --> 00:06:27,503 ceiling is extended as part of a budget negotiation process 131 00:06:27,500 --> 00:06:29,500 for only six weeks, which would put us right back 132 00:06:29,500 --> 00:06:31,100 in the same position that we're in now. 133 00:06:31,100 --> 00:06:32,170 And I know that this is not uncomplicated, 134 00:06:32,166 --> 00:06:38,796 but a clean debt ceiling increase for six weeks 135 00:06:38,800 --> 00:06:40,400 with no conditions attached to it 136 00:06:40,400 --> 00:06:43,730 is distinct from one that links it to a budget negotiation, 137 00:06:43,734 --> 00:06:46,434 and the continued threat of default 138 00:06:46,433 --> 00:06:49,363 as a point of leverage in a budget negotiation, 139 00:06:49,367 --> 00:06:50,437 which is just, again, 140 00:06:50,433 --> 00:06:54,203 continually putting the American economy at risk 141 00:06:54,200 --> 00:06:57,070 in an effort to achieve some partisan advantage, 142 00:06:57,066 --> 00:06:58,296 which we can't do. 143 00:06:58,300 --> 00:07:00,730 And, furthermore, when it comes to various proposals 144 00:07:00,734 --> 00:07:02,464 that have been discussed, it's certainly our view, 145 00:07:02,467 --> 00:07:03,937 as it has always been, 146 00:07:03,934 --> 00:07:08,334 that there is no reason to keep the government shut down. 147 00:07:08,333 --> 00:07:10,463 The President wants to engage 148 00:07:10,467 --> 00:07:12,367 in constructive budget negotiations. 149 00:07:12,367 --> 00:07:15,367 He has seen indications from Republicans in both the Senate 150 00:07:15,367 --> 00:07:18,297 and the House in the last 24 hours that they, too, 151 00:07:18,300 --> 00:07:21,200 are interested in engaging in serious budget negotiations 152 00:07:21,200 --> 00:07:25,930 where we can achieve some of the goals that he put forward 153 00:07:25,934 --> 00:07:30,664 in his budget proposal -- buying down the sequester; 154 00:07:30,667 --> 00:07:33,967 investing in areas of our economy that will help it grow 155 00:07:33,967 --> 00:07:38,237 and protect the middle class; continuing the work of reducing 156 00:07:38,233 --> 00:07:40,233 our deficit and addressing our long-term debt. 157 00:07:40,233 --> 00:07:43,663 And he very much looks forward to that. 158 00:07:43,667 --> 00:07:47,997 But there's no reason to not open the government right away, 159 00:07:48,000 --> 00:07:49,400 in his view. 160 00:07:49,400 --> 00:07:51,970 The Press: Jay, do you feel like you're close to an agreement? 161 00:07:51,967 --> 00:07:55,097 Are you getting anywhere at all in these talks? 162 00:07:55,100 --> 00:07:57,730 Mr. Carney: I think that the talks have been constructive 163 00:07:57,734 --> 00:07:59,134 and that there's a recognition, 164 00:07:59,133 --> 00:08:03,763 at least among some Republicans and Republican leaders, 165 00:08:03,767 --> 00:08:06,937 that shutdown is not good for the American people 166 00:08:06,934 --> 00:08:09,134 and it's not good for the American economy; 167 00:08:09,133 --> 00:08:14,533 that the threat of default is damaging to the economy, 168 00:08:14,533 --> 00:08:19,003 and default itself would be catastrophically damaging 169 00:08:19,000 --> 00:08:20,770 to the economy and the American people; 170 00:08:20,767 --> 00:08:24,967 and that that acknowledgement and those realizations 171 00:08:24,967 --> 00:08:26,867 have helped created an environment 172 00:08:26,867 --> 00:08:31,067 where it at least looks like there's the possibility 173 00:08:31,066 --> 00:08:32,296 of making some progress here. 174 00:08:32,300 --> 00:08:36,770 The President's view is that we have to, again, 175 00:08:36,767 --> 00:08:43,437 remove these sort of demands for leverage, 176 00:08:43,433 --> 00:08:47,903 using essentially the American people and the economy in order 177 00:08:47,900 --> 00:08:52,770 to achieve what one side is seeking through negotiations, 178 00:08:52,767 --> 00:08:54,937 and simply engage in the negotiations. 179 00:08:54,934 --> 00:08:59,234 Don't punish the American people because we here in Washington 180 00:08:59,233 --> 00:09:02,533 have different points of view about how we should invest 181 00:09:02,533 --> 00:09:07,563 moving forward and what mechanisms we can employ 182 00:09:07,567 --> 00:09:09,767 to further reduce our deficits. 183 00:09:09,767 --> 00:09:13,137 So, again, the talks have been -- 184 00:09:13,133 --> 00:09:14,703 and I think this is important, 185 00:09:14,700 --> 00:09:15,900 because it is a marked difference 186 00:09:15,900 --> 00:09:17,370 from where we had been -- 187 00:09:17,367 --> 00:09:18,737 the talks have been constructive, 188 00:09:18,734 --> 00:09:22,904 and the President appreciates the approach 189 00:09:22,900 --> 00:09:24,900 that the Speaker and others have taken. 190 00:09:24,900 --> 00:09:26,000 The Press: And is the biggest -- 191 00:09:26,000 --> 00:09:27,230 you mentioned this a couple of times. 192 00:09:27,233 --> 00:09:29,263 Is the biggest hang-up now that length 193 00:09:29,266 --> 00:09:32,536 of the debt ceiling extension? 194 00:09:32,533 --> 00:09:37,133 Mr. Carney: Again, the President has a number of concerns 195 00:09:37,133 --> 00:09:38,503 with the proposal, although there are other parts 196 00:09:38,500 --> 00:09:44,100 of the proposal that he thinks reflects areas that we can find 197 00:09:47,233 --> 00:09:48,533 constructive agreement in. 198 00:09:48,533 --> 00:09:51,233 And by "we" I mean not just the President and the Speaker, 199 00:09:51,233 --> 00:09:53,863 but any kind of budget deal would have to pass through both 200 00:09:53,867 --> 00:09:57,537 houses of Congress and that means agreement among both 201 00:09:57,533 --> 00:10:00,663 Democrats and Republicans in both houses. 202 00:10:00,667 --> 00:10:04,097 The one issue that I mentioned just now is that tying the 203 00:10:04,100 --> 00:10:07,970 extension of the debt ceiling for only six weeks to budget 204 00:10:07,967 --> 00:10:12,737 negotiations creates a dynamic that is very similar to the one 205 00:10:12,734 --> 00:10:14,904 we're experiencing now and very similar to the one that the 206 00:10:14,900 --> 00:10:17,570 country experienced back in 2011. 207 00:10:17,567 --> 00:10:18,997 And it has been the President's position, 208 00:10:19,000 --> 00:10:21,270 and it is one that he holds to this day, 209 00:10:21,266 --> 00:10:23,996 that that's not the appropriate way to go, 210 00:10:24,000 --> 00:10:27,530 and that we ought to remove -- Congress, 211 00:10:27,533 --> 00:10:34,103 Republicans ought to remove the threat of default as a point of 212 00:10:34,100 --> 00:10:36,970 leverage in budget negotiations because they're only doing harm 213 00:10:36,967 --> 00:10:38,637 to the American economy, they're only doing harm 214 00:10:38,633 --> 00:10:39,763 to the American people. 215 00:10:39,767 --> 00:10:46,467 And the President cannot, as he said so many times, 216 00:10:46,467 --> 00:10:48,367 pay ransom in exchange for Congress 217 00:10:48,367 --> 00:10:50,097 doing its fundamental -- 218 00:10:50,100 --> 00:10:51,770 fulfilling its fundamental responsibility, 219 00:10:51,767 --> 00:10:53,797 which is to ensure that the United States doesn't default 220 00:10:53,800 --> 00:10:55,330 and that it pays its bills. 221 00:10:55,333 --> 00:10:57,833 The Press: And lastly, what did he tell Senate Republicans this morning? 222 00:10:57,834 --> 00:10:59,634 We saw that Senator Cornyn said 223 00:10:59,633 --> 00:11:02,203 that it was a predictable lecture. 224 00:11:02,200 --> 00:11:05,170 Mr. Carney: Well, I think I saw some other senators -- 225 00:11:05,166 --> 00:11:07,836 Republican senators speak positively about the meeting, 226 00:11:07,834 --> 00:11:11,504 and the President felt that that was also a constructive meeting. 227 00:11:11,500 --> 00:11:17,730 I'm not sure about Senator Cornyn's comments except to say 228 00:11:17,734 --> 00:11:20,504 that certainly the Senator should have expected the 229 00:11:20,500 --> 00:11:23,700 President to express his views on how we ought to move forward. 230 00:11:23,700 --> 00:11:27,200 I don't think Republican senators held back or Republican 231 00:11:27,200 --> 00:11:29,730 house members have held back when expressing how they think 232 00:11:29,734 --> 00:11:31,064 we ought to move forward. 233 00:11:31,066 --> 00:11:34,666 The whole point is, we need to have constructive negotiations 234 00:11:34,667 --> 00:11:39,267 about our budget choices not under a cloud that threatens 235 00:11:39,266 --> 00:11:42,366 default or continued government shutdown. 236 00:11:42,367 --> 00:11:45,567 Jim, and then Jon. 237 00:11:45,567 --> 00:11:47,337 The Press: You've mentioned the administration's concerns 238 00:11:47,333 --> 00:11:49,733 with the Republican proposal. 239 00:11:49,734 --> 00:11:52,664 What is the White House putting on the table? 240 00:11:52,667 --> 00:11:55,967 What do you see as the most realistic proposal in terms of 241 00:11:55,967 --> 00:11:57,967 getting something done here? 242 00:11:57,967 --> 00:12:04,137 Mr. Carney: It is our position that there is no acceptable reason 243 00:12:04,133 --> 00:12:06,063 to keep the government shutdown. 244 00:12:06,066 --> 00:12:09,866 All it does is harm Americans who are out there 245 00:12:09,867 --> 00:12:12,697 trying to make ends meet, harm the economy, 246 00:12:12,700 --> 00:12:16,070 and the government ought to be reopened. 247 00:12:16,066 --> 00:12:17,366 So our position hasn't changed there. 248 00:12:17,367 --> 00:12:19,597 And our position on the debt ceiling hasn't changed, 249 00:12:19,600 --> 00:12:24,370 which is that it ought to be removed by Congress as a tool or 250 00:12:24,367 --> 00:12:30,467 a cudgel in budget negotiations, because in the precedent created 251 00:12:30,467 --> 00:12:34,967 in 2011, Republicans have, now for the second time, 252 00:12:34,967 --> 00:12:40,537 used the threat of default in an attempt to extract concessions 253 00:12:40,533 --> 00:12:43,803 that they could not extract through normal legislative means 254 00:12:43,800 --> 00:12:46,400 or through the election process. 255 00:12:46,400 --> 00:12:50,570 So that's unacceptable. 256 00:12:50,567 --> 00:12:51,937 And it's not personal. 257 00:12:51,934 --> 00:12:53,204 It's not about this President. 258 00:12:53,200 --> 00:12:56,730 It's unacceptable as a governing mechanism for this country 259 00:12:56,734 --> 00:12:58,904 moving forward, because it would create a scenario 260 00:12:58,900 --> 00:13:03,500 where quarter after quarter, or biannually, or yearly, 261 00:13:03,500 --> 00:13:06,470 we would have these manufactured crises. 262 00:13:06,467 --> 00:13:09,937 And the crises alone, whether there was default or not, 263 00:13:09,934 --> 00:13:11,734 do harm to our economy -- 264 00:13:11,734 --> 00:13:14,404 slow growth, reduce job creation, 265 00:13:14,400 --> 00:13:17,700 squeeze the middle class, squeeze small businesses. 266 00:13:17,700 --> 00:13:19,000 And it's just not the way to do business. 267 00:13:19,000 --> 00:13:23,800 And I think you're seeing among a number of lawmakers 268 00:13:23,800 --> 00:13:25,900 both in the Senate and the House who are Republicans 269 00:13:25,900 --> 00:13:30,000 a recognition that this is not the right approach to take 270 00:13:30,000 --> 00:13:34,800 when we have sincerely held opinions about the kinds 271 00:13:34,800 --> 00:13:38,570 of decisions we need to make to move forward with our budget 272 00:13:38,567 --> 00:13:39,937 and our deficit reduction. 273 00:13:39,934 --> 00:13:42,034 The Press: You said the position hasn't changed on the shutdown, 274 00:13:42,033 --> 00:13:43,733 the position hasn't changed on the debt ceiling. 275 00:13:43,734 --> 00:13:46,764 How is that negotiating? 276 00:13:46,767 --> 00:13:49,767 Mr. Carney: Jim, look, the President has had constructive conversations 277 00:13:49,767 --> 00:13:51,537 with House and Senate Republicans. 278 00:13:51,533 --> 00:13:54,163 He's also had very good conversations with House 279 00:13:54,166 --> 00:13:55,396 and Senate Democrats. 280 00:13:55,400 --> 00:14:00,670 His position that it's unacceptable to demand a ransom 281 00:14:00,667 --> 00:14:04,367 from the American people in return for not defaulting, 282 00:14:04,367 --> 00:14:05,397 it's not going to change. 283 00:14:05,400 --> 00:14:06,770 And it's not going to change now, 284 00:14:06,767 --> 00:14:08,137 and it's not going to change in six weeks, 285 00:14:08,133 --> 00:14:12,003 and it's not going to change at any point during his presidency. 286 00:14:12,000 --> 00:14:14,300 Nor does he expect that any of his successors 287 00:14:14,300 --> 00:14:18,170 will take a different position. 288 00:14:18,166 --> 00:14:22,766 What has always been true is that this President is willing 289 00:14:22,767 --> 00:14:27,597 to sit down, roll up his sleeves and work out a common-sense 290 00:14:29,667 --> 00:14:35,097 budget agreement with Republicans that embodies both 291 00:14:35,100 --> 00:14:38,830 his objectives and Republican objectives in a compromise -- 292 00:14:38,834 --> 00:14:43,104 a compromise that achieves not everything he wants 293 00:14:43,100 --> 00:14:45,400 and achieves not everything that Republicans want, 294 00:14:45,400 --> 00:14:48,730 but through a compromise achieves what the American 295 00:14:48,734 --> 00:14:52,364 people and the American economy deserve, which is -- 296 00:14:52,367 --> 00:14:53,567 The Press: You're waiting for the white flag? 297 00:14:53,567 --> 00:14:55,367 You're waiting for total capitulation? 298 00:14:55,367 --> 00:14:56,437 Mr. Carney: No. 299 00:14:56,433 --> 00:14:58,733 Jim, look, you guys want to turn this into a game 300 00:14:58,734 --> 00:15:00,134 of winners and losers. 301 00:15:00,133 --> 00:15:04,363 And the President made clear the other day that in a situation 302 00:15:04,367 --> 00:15:10,497 where the government is shut down and one party in Congress 303 00:15:10,500 --> 00:15:13,670 is threatening default, and some of their loudest voices 304 00:15:13,667 --> 00:15:17,137 are encouraging default, nobody wins. 305 00:15:17,133 --> 00:15:18,403 Nobody wins. 306 00:15:18,400 --> 00:15:23,530 He wants a situation where we can discuss and debate our 307 00:15:23,533 --> 00:15:28,963 differences, and reach an agreement that reflects 308 00:15:28,967 --> 00:15:33,697 a willingness by both sides to compromise on behalf 309 00:15:33,700 --> 00:15:35,330 of the American people and the American economy. 310 00:15:35,333 --> 00:15:36,563 And he believes it is possible. 311 00:15:36,567 --> 00:15:39,337 And he believes that, although we're not there yet 312 00:15:39,333 --> 00:15:43,663 and there's not an agreement, that there are indications 313 00:15:43,667 --> 00:15:47,437 in these last 24 hours from Republicans 314 00:15:47,433 --> 00:15:50,433 of a new willingness to explore that possibility. 315 00:15:50,433 --> 00:15:52,263 Jon. 316 00:15:52,266 --> 00:15:54,036 The Press: First, on a totally different subject -- 317 00:15:54,033 --> 00:15:57,803 as a Nobel Laureate, does the President think 318 00:15:57,800 --> 00:16:01,330 the Nobel committee blew it by not giving the Nobel Peace Prize 319 00:16:01,333 --> 00:16:03,503 to Malala Yousafzai? 320 00:16:03,500 --> 00:16:06,500 Mr. Carney: Let me say first that we'll be putting out a statement, 321 00:16:06,500 --> 00:16:08,630 but I wanted to say that President Obama 322 00:16:08,633 --> 00:16:10,663 congratulates the Organization 323 00:16:10,667 --> 00:16:12,397 for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons -- 324 00:16:12,400 --> 00:16:16,570 the OPCW -- on being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, 325 00:16:16,567 --> 00:16:18,637 which reinforces the international community's 326 00:16:18,633 --> 00:16:21,033 commitment to the international prohibition 327 00:16:21,033 --> 00:16:23,833 against the use of chemical weapons. 328 00:16:23,834 --> 00:16:26,534 One of the President's highest priorities is to prevent 329 00:16:26,533 --> 00:16:29,433 the proliferation or use of weapons of mass destruction. 330 00:16:29,433 --> 00:16:33,663 And this award honors those who make it their life's work 331 00:16:33,667 --> 00:16:35,837 to advance this vital goal. 332 00:16:35,834 --> 00:16:37,864 Since its establishment 16 years ago, 333 00:16:37,867 --> 00:16:40,667 the OPCW has stood at the forefront of the international 334 00:16:40,667 --> 00:16:44,097 community's efforts to verifiably eliminate some 335 00:16:44,100 --> 00:16:46,070 of the world's most dangerous weapons. 336 00:16:46,066 --> 00:16:48,736 Today's award recognizes that commitment and reinforces 337 00:16:48,734 --> 00:16:53,634 the trust and confidence the world has placed in the OPCW, 338 00:16:53,633 --> 00:16:58,563 in its Director General, and the courageous OPCW experts 339 00:16:58,567 --> 00:17:02,197 and inspectors taking on the unprecedented challenge 340 00:17:02,200 --> 00:17:05,270 right now of eliminating Syria's chemical weapons program. 341 00:17:05,266 --> 00:17:07,436 The U.S. strongly supports the OPCW, 342 00:17:07,433 --> 00:17:10,403 including its joint work with the United Nations 343 00:17:10,400 --> 00:17:12,900 to ensure that Syria's chemical weapons stockpile 344 00:17:12,900 --> 00:17:14,630 are placed under international control 345 00:17:14,633 --> 00:17:16,203 and ultimately destroyed. 346 00:17:16,200 --> 00:17:18,630 Today, we again call on all nations to work 347 00:17:18,633 --> 00:17:21,663 to bring to an end the conflict that has cost the lives 348 00:17:21,667 --> 00:17:23,137 of more than 100,000 Syrians 349 00:17:23,133 --> 00:17:26,563 and to support the OPCW's efforts in the hope 350 00:17:26,567 --> 00:17:30,397 that future generations can live in a world free from the horrors 351 00:17:30,400 --> 00:17:32,800 of chemical weapons. 352 00:17:32,800 --> 00:17:37,900 In answer to your question, that young woman's courage 353 00:17:37,900 --> 00:17:40,970 and efforts are remarkable, 354 00:17:40,967 --> 00:17:43,697 and the President absolutely honors them, 355 00:17:43,700 --> 00:17:45,500 as so many people around the world do. 356 00:17:45,500 --> 00:17:48,200 The Press: So he doesn't think the Nobel Committee blew it? 357 00:17:48,200 --> 00:17:50,300 Mr. Carney: Look, I don't think the President -- 358 00:17:50,300 --> 00:17:52,770 The Press: Some people say she is like the most -- 359 00:17:52,767 --> 00:17:54,837 Mr. Carney: I think the President -- as I just noted -- 360 00:17:54,834 --> 00:17:59,034 congratulates the winner of the Noble Peace Prize and obviously 361 00:17:59,033 --> 00:18:01,963 thinks that there's an enormous amount of good work 362 00:18:01,967 --> 00:18:05,567 being done around the world on behalf of peace 363 00:18:05,567 --> 00:18:09,597 and all of it should be recognized. 364 00:18:09,600 --> 00:18:13,570 The Press: So the Republicans started this all off by demanding 365 00:18:13,567 --> 00:18:17,497 full defunding of the Affordable Care Act 366 00:18:17,500 --> 00:18:20,700 in exchange for funding the government for six weeks, 367 00:18:20,700 --> 00:18:24,570 a whole laundry list of Republican priorities 368 00:18:24,567 --> 00:18:26,967 in exchange for raising the debt ceiling. 369 00:18:26,967 --> 00:18:28,697 Is it your sense, given where we are now, 370 00:18:28,700 --> 00:18:30,930 that Republicans have backed down? 371 00:18:33,800 --> 00:18:36,200 Mr. Carney: Jon, I would just say, as I mentioned before, 372 00:18:36,200 --> 00:18:41,030 that it's not really how it should be viewed, 373 00:18:41,033 --> 00:18:48,733 that it's a win/lose/zero-sum competition, 374 00:18:48,734 --> 00:18:52,434 because there are losers regardless 375 00:18:52,433 --> 00:18:56,503 in a process like this where government is shut down 376 00:18:56,500 --> 00:18:59,030 and default is threatened. 377 00:18:59,033 --> 00:19:02,603 And the President wants that dynamic to change. 378 00:19:02,600 --> 00:19:06,500 He has made so very clear his willingness to negotiate 379 00:19:06,500 --> 00:19:09,170 and reach a compromise with Republicans 380 00:19:09,166 --> 00:19:12,666 on a longer-term budget deal. 381 00:19:12,667 --> 00:19:18,197 But he doesn't think that it's appropriate to exact a price 382 00:19:18,200 --> 00:19:21,730 from the American people or to punish the American economy 383 00:19:21,734 --> 00:19:23,364 in an effort to try to tip the balance of those discussions 384 00:19:23,367 --> 00:19:29,797 and negotiations by Republicans. 385 00:19:29,800 --> 00:19:31,200 And he's been pretty firm about that. 386 00:19:31,200 --> 00:19:36,670 He's encouraged by some of the developments that we've seen 387 00:19:36,667 --> 00:19:38,637 and he agrees with the Speaker 388 00:19:38,633 --> 00:19:40,303 that we need to continue talking, 389 00:19:40,300 --> 00:19:45,130 and hopes that we can reach a resolution here that removes the 390 00:19:45,133 --> 00:19:50,663 threat of default from the table for a considerable duration -- 391 00:19:50,667 --> 00:19:54,397 that's certainly the President's view -- allows the government 392 00:19:54,400 --> 00:19:57,170 to reopen as soon as possible, put people back to work 393 00:19:57,166 --> 00:19:58,966 and end this situation 394 00:19:58,967 --> 00:20:01,967 where there are terrible consequences occurring 395 00:20:01,967 --> 00:20:05,937 every day that we all hear about and you report on. 396 00:20:05,934 --> 00:20:08,864 And then we can get about the business of hammering out 397 00:20:08,867 --> 00:20:16,337 a compromise that, if achieved, will give each side something 398 00:20:16,333 --> 00:20:19,333 to be proud of, something to point to and say, 399 00:20:19,333 --> 00:20:22,963 we got that because we thought it was so important and we were 400 00:20:22,967 --> 00:20:26,067 willing to work with the President and the Democrats -- 401 00:20:26,066 --> 00:20:28,596 this is the Republicans speaking -- 402 00:20:28,600 --> 00:20:30,830 on what they insisted was important 403 00:20:30,834 --> 00:20:32,234 and we reached a compromise. 404 00:20:32,233 --> 00:20:36,003 And if we can do that, on a longer term -- 405 00:20:36,000 --> 00:20:37,170 how long, obviously depends 406 00:20:37,166 --> 00:20:38,566 on what those negotiations look like -- 407 00:20:38,567 --> 00:20:39,837 it would be good for the American people 408 00:20:39,834 --> 00:20:41,334 and good for the economy. 409 00:20:41,333 --> 00:20:43,003 The Press: But virtually none of those original Republican demands 410 00:20:43,000 --> 00:20:45,000 are on the table still, are they? 411 00:20:45,000 --> 00:20:48,070 Mr. Carney: Again, when it comes to threatening 412 00:20:48,066 --> 00:20:49,796 the full faith and credit of the United States, 413 00:20:49,800 --> 00:20:52,700 no demand, no matter how small, is acceptable. 414 00:20:52,700 --> 00:20:57,630 You have to accept the basic premise that using that 415 00:20:57,633 --> 00:21:02,363 as leverage is highly damaging to the economy 416 00:21:02,367 --> 00:21:03,697 and to the American middle class. 417 00:21:03,700 --> 00:21:06,600 And I think that we've, again, seen 418 00:21:06,600 --> 00:21:10,070 over the course of the last several days and weeks 419 00:21:10,066 --> 00:21:13,396 a developing recognition that going down this path 420 00:21:13,400 --> 00:21:17,670 was not the right way to go for all the reasons 421 00:21:17,667 --> 00:21:21,537 and lessons that we learned back in 2011. 422 00:21:21,533 --> 00:21:22,703 The Press: And then one last thing. 423 00:21:22,700 --> 00:21:26,370 With apologies to Josh, can you explain to me 424 00:21:26,367 --> 00:21:29,637 how it is that West Wing Week is still being produced? 425 00:21:29,633 --> 00:21:32,033 I mean, is that really a central government service 426 00:21:32,033 --> 00:21:35,833 that is not shut down as part of the shutdown? 427 00:21:35,834 --> 00:21:37,564 Mr. Carney: I would refer you to the Office of Management 428 00:21:37,567 --> 00:21:38,867 and Budget in terms of what -- 429 00:21:38,867 --> 00:21:43,867 The Press: They don't mention the weekly video webcast. 430 00:21:43,867 --> 00:21:44,967 Mr. Carney: Call the OMB. 431 00:21:44,967 --> 00:21:47,497 But the communications office obviously 432 00:21:47,500 --> 00:21:52,570 is significantly slimmed down, as are so many offices here, 433 00:21:52,567 --> 00:21:55,237 but communications are a part 434 00:21:55,233 --> 00:21:58,463 of what we need to do at the White House. 435 00:21:58,467 --> 00:22:01,697 The Press: Jay, is it fair to say that the conversation now 436 00:22:01,700 --> 00:22:05,770 is about not whether to avoid default, but the duration? 437 00:22:05,767 --> 00:22:09,937 That is what is being passed back and forth 438 00:22:09,934 --> 00:22:11,064 in these conversations? 439 00:22:11,066 --> 00:22:14,096 I'm not going to put terminology on it that everyone 440 00:22:14,100 --> 00:22:15,730 is very sensitive to -- 441 00:22:15,734 --> 00:22:17,834 negotiations, whatever it is -- there's an agreement 442 00:22:17,834 --> 00:22:21,604 to avoid default and the central issue is for how long? 443 00:22:23,900 --> 00:22:28,700 Mr. Carney: Well, without getting into depth about conversations 444 00:22:28,700 --> 00:22:29,830 that I don't want to read out, 445 00:22:29,834 --> 00:22:32,064 I would simply say that, based on what you've heard 446 00:22:32,066 --> 00:22:34,936 from Republican leaders in both houses, 447 00:22:34,934 --> 00:22:38,234 there is a recognition that default is not 448 00:22:38,233 --> 00:22:42,003 an acceptable outcome and not an option. 449 00:22:42,000 --> 00:22:48,000 And it is true that we don't think there's -- 450 00:22:51,433 --> 00:22:53,733 we have great concerns about any proposition 451 00:22:53,734 --> 00:22:58,104 that would tie the next extension of the debt ceiling 452 00:22:58,100 --> 00:23:00,630 directly to budget negotiations in six weeks, 453 00:23:00,633 --> 00:23:04,963 right before we have the most important retails season -- 454 00:23:04,967 --> 00:23:06,337 The Press: So the conversations were about something longer than that? 455 00:23:06,333 --> 00:23:10,433 Mr. Carney: It is absolutely our view that we should remove 456 00:23:10,433 --> 00:23:14,133 renewal of the debt ceiling or extension of the debt ceiling 457 00:23:14,133 --> 00:23:18,133 from this conversation, that the threat of default should not 458 00:23:18,133 --> 00:23:20,433 be part of negotiations. 459 00:23:20,433 --> 00:23:22,703 That's been our position all along. 460 00:23:22,700 --> 00:23:23,700 The Press: Right. 461 00:23:23,700 --> 00:23:25,470 Has in the last 24 hours, 462 00:23:25,467 --> 00:23:30,097 a discussion about reopening the government for a period of time, 463 00:23:30,100 --> 00:23:31,900 longer than had been previously discussed, 464 00:23:31,900 --> 00:23:34,100 which is either two months or three months -- 465 00:23:34,100 --> 00:23:37,100 is that also now comingled with this conversation 466 00:23:37,100 --> 00:23:39,330 about extending the debt limit -- 467 00:23:39,333 --> 00:23:41,703 meaning, for a longer period that we're really talking about 468 00:23:41,700 --> 00:23:44,870 now is not whether but duration? 469 00:23:44,867 --> 00:23:47,697 Mr. Carney: No, I mean, I think there's more to it than duration. 470 00:23:47,700 --> 00:23:50,630 Our view is the government ought to be reopened right away. 471 00:23:50,633 --> 00:23:51,833 It should have been reopened yesterday. 472 00:23:51,834 --> 00:23:54,004 It should never have been shut down. 473 00:23:54,000 --> 00:23:57,730 It is our view that the debt ceiling, 474 00:23:57,734 --> 00:24:00,764 the commitment by the Congress to pay our bills, 475 00:24:00,767 --> 00:24:02,737 should be renewed right way. 476 00:24:02,734 --> 00:24:04,034 The Press: Right. 477 00:24:04,033 --> 00:24:05,703 But all of us are trying to figure out what is the central 478 00:24:05,700 --> 00:24:09,900 element of these conversations and what is the goal 479 00:24:09,900 --> 00:24:11,200 that both sides are bringing. 480 00:24:11,200 --> 00:24:13,500 And so it seems to me fair to ask you -- we're not really 481 00:24:13,500 --> 00:24:16,830 talking about whether to do these things, but for how long, 482 00:24:16,834 --> 00:24:19,134 and then what's the framework of negotiations 483 00:24:19,133 --> 00:24:21,503 that attach to that -- 484 00:24:21,500 --> 00:24:24,930 Mr. Carney: Well, I think, broadly speaking, that's -- 485 00:24:24,934 --> 00:24:27,664 The Press: Is that a fair characterization? 486 00:24:27,667 --> 00:24:29,037 Mr. Carney: That's fair, but obviously 487 00:24:29,033 --> 00:24:31,763 there's a lot more to it than that. 488 00:24:31,767 --> 00:24:37,237 What we think is not the right way to go is to try again, 489 00:24:37,233 --> 00:24:38,763 after we've just been through this 490 00:24:38,767 --> 00:24:40,297 and after we went through it two years -- 491 00:24:40,300 --> 00:24:46,570 to link extension of the debt ceiling to budget negotiations, 492 00:24:46,567 --> 00:24:50,297 and therefore link the possibility of default 493 00:24:50,300 --> 00:24:52,570 to whether or not one side gets what it wants 494 00:24:52,567 --> 00:24:54,197 in those budget negotiations, because -- 495 00:24:54,200 --> 00:24:56,430 The Press: So there has to be a clear delineation of that, 496 00:24:56,433 --> 00:24:57,603 or whatever you -- 497 00:24:57,600 --> 00:24:58,830 Mr. Carney: We believe, the President supports 498 00:24:58,834 --> 00:25:00,204 a position that's reflected -- 499 00:25:00,200 --> 00:25:05,200 The Press: And Republicans are moving in that direction, 500 00:25:05,200 --> 00:25:06,370 would you say? 501 00:25:06,367 --> 00:25:09,197 Mr. Carney: Well, I'm not going to speak for the 502 00:25:09,200 --> 00:25:12,430 Republicans except to say that we think the talks have been 503 00:25:12,433 --> 00:25:15,063 constructive and we think that Republican leaders are looking 504 00:25:15,066 --> 00:25:17,436 for a way to extend the debt ceiling 505 00:25:17,433 --> 00:25:18,903 and to fund the government. 506 00:25:18,900 --> 00:25:21,230 We just need to -- they need to continue talking. 507 00:25:21,233 --> 00:25:23,633 There needs to be continued discussions on Capitol Hill, 508 00:25:23,633 --> 00:25:25,003 and we'll see where we get. 509 00:25:25,000 --> 00:25:27,670 Our view is that -- the President's view 510 00:25:27,667 --> 00:25:29,267 is that we ought to -- 511 00:25:29,266 --> 00:25:31,236 there is no reason, there is no actual reason 512 00:25:31,233 --> 00:25:34,403 I have even seen logically articulated by Republicans 513 00:25:34,400 --> 00:25:38,330 for why they insist on, or would insist on continuing 514 00:25:38,333 --> 00:25:44,403 to shut the government down -- because there's only -- I mean, 515 00:25:44,400 --> 00:25:46,070 average folks out there are paying the price 516 00:25:46,066 --> 00:25:47,536 and the economy is paying the price. 517 00:25:47,533 --> 00:25:49,703 And that ought to be -- 518 00:25:49,700 --> 00:25:52,470 The Press: And so these talks are now about resolving both? 519 00:25:52,467 --> 00:25:54,937 Mr. Carney: Well, again, I'm not going to characterize conversations 520 00:25:54,934 --> 00:25:57,434 that are taking place on Capitol Hill or here 521 00:25:57,433 --> 00:25:58,933 in any great detail, 522 00:25:58,934 --> 00:26:02,534 except to reiterate what our firm position has been. 523 00:26:02,533 --> 00:26:04,363 The Press: Tomorrow could be a very interesting 524 00:26:04,367 --> 00:26:05,467 and possibly important day, 525 00:26:05,467 --> 00:26:07,097 because House Republicans have said they're 526 00:26:07,100 --> 00:26:10,530 going to have a vote on the debt limit extension 527 00:26:10,533 --> 00:26:11,833 one way or the other. 528 00:26:11,834 --> 00:26:13,604 It would either be the original thing 529 00:26:13,600 --> 00:26:15,630 they brought here yesterday, which is November 22nd, 530 00:26:15,633 --> 00:26:18,133 or something that would reflect what is now, I believe, 531 00:26:18,133 --> 00:26:21,103 being jointly discussed, something that's longer and more 532 00:26:21,100 --> 00:26:25,970 comprehensive and possibly that could be described as a deal. 533 00:26:25,967 --> 00:26:30,797 Does that comport with your understanding that the timeline 534 00:26:30,800 --> 00:26:35,070 would be something by tomorrow, and that -- 535 00:26:35,066 --> 00:26:38,666 Mr. Carney: I really can honestly say that I don't know 536 00:26:38,667 --> 00:26:40,197 if and when the House is going to act 537 00:26:40,200 --> 00:26:41,830 on any proposed legislation. 538 00:26:41,834 --> 00:26:43,834 What I can tell you -- 539 00:26:43,834 --> 00:26:45,164 The Press: Is there a sense of urgency 540 00:26:45,166 --> 00:26:46,936 about getting things done tonight? 541 00:26:46,934 --> 00:26:48,564 Mr. Carney: The President just spoke with the Speaker. 542 00:26:48,567 --> 00:26:52,897 The President obviously met with Senate Republicans 543 00:26:52,900 --> 00:26:57,800 and has now met with members of both parties of both houses, 544 00:26:57,800 --> 00:26:59,830 and will continue -- 545 00:26:59,834 --> 00:27:02,804 broadly, will continue to have conversations. 546 00:27:02,800 --> 00:27:06,870 And what's important here is that everyone recognize 547 00:27:06,867 --> 00:27:08,767 that default is not an option and that -- 548 00:27:08,767 --> 00:27:10,097 The Press: How about -- 549 00:27:10,100 --> 00:27:13,900 Mr. Carney: Well, we're obviously in a better place than 550 00:27:13,900 --> 00:27:17,770 we were a few days ago in terms of the constructive approach 551 00:27:17,767 --> 00:27:22,437 that we've seen of late, but there's not an agreement. 552 00:27:22,433 --> 00:27:26,163 And it's our view, the President's view, 553 00:27:26,166 --> 00:27:28,736 that we ought to just -- that the Congress ought to 554 00:27:28,734 --> 00:27:30,864 and the House ought to allow the government to reopen, 555 00:27:30,867 --> 00:27:35,337 and to pass a bill that raises the debt ceiling, 556 00:27:35,333 --> 00:27:40,363 so that it's clear to everyone that we can't use that -- that 557 00:27:40,367 --> 00:27:45,767 no party should use the threat of default as leverage to try to 558 00:27:45,767 --> 00:27:47,937 achieve something through budget negotiations. 559 00:27:47,934 --> 00:27:52,004 I mean, look, we're a country where the two dominant parties 560 00:27:52,000 --> 00:27:55,070 -- and each is substantially represented here in Washington, 561 00:27:55,066 --> 00:27:59,836 and budget negotiations and a compromise will, by definition, 562 00:27:59,834 --> 00:28:06,134 if one is reached, reflect some of what each side wants. 563 00:28:06,133 --> 00:28:08,703 So that is highly achievable. 564 00:28:08,700 --> 00:28:12,330 And it's not necessary to pursue and engage in budget 565 00:28:12,333 --> 00:28:16,363 negotiations under threat of default or continued shutdown. 566 00:28:16,367 --> 00:28:17,637 The Press: Before I let you go, 567 00:28:17,633 --> 00:28:19,163 obviously everyone is going to be in town this weekend. 568 00:28:19,166 --> 00:28:21,736 The international markets will be weighing and monitoring what 569 00:28:21,734 --> 00:28:23,434 happens this weekend very carefully. 570 00:28:23,433 --> 00:28:26,633 It will be the last time before we start really getting closer 571 00:28:26,633 --> 00:28:28,633 to this October 17th deadline. 572 00:28:28,633 --> 00:28:32,433 Do you not agree that there is something very important about 573 00:28:32,433 --> 00:28:34,863 what does or does not happen, either here or on the floor of 574 00:28:34,867 --> 00:28:37,397 the House and Senate, this weekend on this question? 575 00:28:37,400 --> 00:28:39,670 Mr. Carney: Well, I certainly agree that we're long past -- 576 00:28:39,667 --> 00:28:41,137 The Press: That's not that much of a sense of urgency 577 00:28:41,133 --> 00:28:42,363 to these conversations. 578 00:28:42,367 --> 00:28:43,637 Mr. Carney: -- the time when people ought to be able 579 00:28:43,633 --> 00:28:45,403 to go back to -- should have been able to go back to work 580 00:28:45,400 --> 00:28:46,800 and the government should have been reopened. 581 00:28:46,800 --> 00:28:50,270 And we're obviously coming very close to a deadline 582 00:28:50,266 --> 00:28:52,396 that would put us beyond where we've ever been before, 583 00:28:52,400 --> 00:28:55,530 where the United States of America would not have 584 00:28:55,533 --> 00:28:59,633 the capacity to borrow and would only be able to use cash on hand 585 00:28:59,633 --> 00:29:00,933 to pay its bills. 586 00:29:00,934 --> 00:29:05,704 And that would be, by any serious economist's reckoning, 587 00:29:05,700 --> 00:29:10,730 a very dangerous place for the United States. 588 00:29:10,734 --> 00:29:12,734 And we should not get there. 589 00:29:12,734 --> 00:29:16,234 And the President certainly hopes that Congress acts 590 00:29:16,233 --> 00:29:21,363 to remove that threat as soon as possible. 591 00:29:21,367 --> 00:29:23,367 Carrie. 592 00:29:28,533 --> 00:29:34,533 The Press: Is the source of disagreement right now with the 593 00:29:40,300 --> 00:29:42,300 House GOP proposal that there's a -- putting entitlement reforms 594 00:29:42,300 --> 00:29:43,870 on the table, Medicare means-testing, but not revenue, 595 00:29:43,867 --> 00:29:46,267 a promise of looking at revenue as well in budget negotiations 596 00:29:46,266 --> 00:29:49,036 -- is that one issue that the White House has with this? 597 00:29:49,033 --> 00:29:50,363 Mr. Carney: What I'll say, Carrie, is, A, 598 00:29:50,367 --> 00:29:53,137 that I'm not going to get into specifics about conversations 599 00:29:53,133 --> 00:29:56,363 and proposals that are being discussed. 600 00:29:56,367 --> 00:30:02,537 I will say broadly that the President believes that tough 601 00:30:02,533 --> 00:30:05,103 choices have to be made and can be made as part of a compromise 602 00:30:05,100 --> 00:30:07,570 budget agreement that moves our country forward 603 00:30:07,567 --> 00:30:09,367 and reduces the deficit. 604 00:30:09,367 --> 00:30:12,167 He has a proposal on the table that would deal with this 605 00:30:12,166 --> 00:30:17,866 over a 10-year period and would reduce our deficit beyond -- 606 00:30:17,867 --> 00:30:20,537 would buy back the sequester and then reduce the deficit 607 00:30:20,533 --> 00:30:23,533 beyond what is achieved through sequester. 608 00:30:23,533 --> 00:30:28,233 And that would include, in a balanced way, 609 00:30:28,233 --> 00:30:30,033 some of the kinds of reforms 610 00:30:30,033 --> 00:30:32,103 that we're seeing discussed today. 611 00:30:32,100 --> 00:30:34,770 But remember, that was part of a broad package 612 00:30:34,767 --> 00:30:37,797 and a balanced package. 613 00:30:37,800 --> 00:30:41,730 The fact that there's interest by both parties, in both houses, 614 00:30:41,734 --> 00:30:47,404 in buying back the sequester is a good thing in our view. 615 00:30:47,400 --> 00:30:51,700 And we're certainly interested in budget negotiations that try 616 00:30:51,700 --> 00:30:54,730 to tackle that challenge and that shared goal and in budget 617 00:30:54,734 --> 00:30:57,164 negotiations that would look at a variety 618 00:30:57,166 --> 00:31:00,196 of means of achieving that. 619 00:31:00,200 --> 00:31:04,730 So, having said that, I'll restate that we need to continue 620 00:31:04,734 --> 00:31:08,234 to have conversations, and the House and the Senate 621 00:31:08,233 --> 00:31:10,163 and Democrats and Republicans need to continue 622 00:31:10,166 --> 00:31:11,596 to have conversations. 623 00:31:11,600 --> 00:31:14,870 It is our view that it's very important to remove the threat 624 00:31:14,867 --> 00:31:21,397 of default from this process and to open the government 625 00:31:21,400 --> 00:31:22,930 as soon as possible. 626 00:31:22,934 --> 00:31:25,734 The Press: But if the entitlements are put on the table specifically, 627 00:31:25,734 --> 00:31:28,764 which they seem to -- the GOP seems to have done, 628 00:31:28,767 --> 00:31:30,997 does the President need revenues to be specified 629 00:31:31,000 --> 00:31:34,600 as well, that that is also going to be -- 630 00:31:34,600 --> 00:31:36,870 Mr. Carney: Again, I'm not going to -- we're talking about 631 00:31:36,867 --> 00:31:38,037 a very fluid situation. 632 00:31:38,033 --> 00:31:39,863 The President's position is reflected in his budget, 633 00:31:39,867 --> 00:31:41,897 when you talk about comprehensive, broad, 634 00:31:41,900 --> 00:31:43,900 long-term budget negotiations that try to achieve a 635 00:31:43,900 --> 00:31:49,330 comprehensive, long-term deal. 636 00:31:49,333 --> 00:31:52,703 And the President's position has always been that we need to, 637 00:31:52,700 --> 00:31:54,800 when it comes to deficit reduction, 638 00:31:54,800 --> 00:31:56,130 tackle that in a balanced way. 639 00:31:56,133 --> 00:32:00,363 And that's reflected in his budget through both savings from 640 00:32:00,367 --> 00:32:05,397 entitlement reforms and savings through tax reform. 641 00:32:05,400 --> 00:32:08,230 We're not at the point of negotiations like that. 642 00:32:08,233 --> 00:32:11,363 The President has been eager to have those negotiations all year 643 00:32:11,367 --> 00:32:14,597 long, and has met repeatedly with Republicans over the course 644 00:32:14,600 --> 00:32:18,800 of the year in an effort to try to find that common ground 645 00:32:18,800 --> 00:32:20,370 on these very issues. 646 00:32:20,367 --> 00:32:21,967 And he looks forward to doing so again. 647 00:32:21,967 --> 00:32:26,697 But we need to continue to explore the possibility of 648 00:32:26,700 --> 00:32:31,270 resolving this imminent -- this real and current conflict that 649 00:32:31,266 --> 00:32:38,566 has led them to shut down the government and threaten default, 650 00:32:38,567 --> 00:32:42,867 and then we can move on to broader negotiations over how we 651 00:32:42,867 --> 00:32:44,497 achieve our budget priorities. 652 00:32:44,500 --> 00:32:46,500 Is that satisfactory? 653 00:32:46,500 --> 00:32:47,830 Chuck. 654 00:32:47,834 --> 00:32:54,004 The Press: On the issue of -- can you just sort of clarify, 655 00:32:54,000 --> 00:32:55,930 are you negotiating something, or not? 656 00:32:55,934 --> 00:32:58,604 Because the stance has been no negotiation. 657 00:32:58,600 --> 00:33:01,330 But there's clearly -- 658 00:33:01,333 --> 00:33:03,333 Mr. Carney: Absolutely true. 659 00:33:03,333 --> 00:33:05,403 The Press: It seems clear that if the Republicans 660 00:33:05,400 --> 00:33:07,630 open up the government that you guys have agreed 661 00:33:07,633 --> 00:33:10,833 to give them something in return. 662 00:33:10,834 --> 00:33:13,704 Is that -- or else you wouldn't be in the midst 663 00:33:13,700 --> 00:33:15,000 of trading proposals. 664 00:33:15,000 --> 00:33:18,030 Not to get pedantic here, but it does seem as if you have moved 665 00:33:18,033 --> 00:33:20,333 off the position of, we're not negotiating. 666 00:33:20,333 --> 00:33:23,233 Mr. Carney: Well, I think you need to remember what our position 667 00:33:23,233 --> 00:33:25,463 is specifically -- and I understand the question. 668 00:33:25,467 --> 00:33:29,797 The President is absolutely committed to the proposition 669 00:33:29,800 --> 00:33:34,500 that the American people should not and cannot pay ransom in 670 00:33:34,500 --> 00:33:38,600 exchange for Congress doing its job when it comes to its 671 00:33:38,600 --> 00:33:40,970 fundamental responsibilities of ensuring that the government 672 00:33:40,967 --> 00:33:43,467 stays open, or, even more importantly, 673 00:33:43,467 --> 00:33:47,397 ensuring that the United States pays its bills. 674 00:33:47,400 --> 00:33:48,700 When it comes to the debt ceiling, 675 00:33:48,700 --> 00:33:51,530 which will be breached for the first time in our history in 676 00:33:51,533 --> 00:33:53,803 just a few days if Congress doesn't take the necessary 677 00:33:53,800 --> 00:33:59,800 action, it is absolutely his view that demands for ransom of 678 00:34:02,000 --> 00:34:08,470 any kind, any kind of extraction of a concession from him or from 679 00:34:08,467 --> 00:34:11,897 the American people through him are unacceptable in exchange for 680 00:34:11,900 --> 00:34:14,200 ensuring that we do not default. 681 00:34:14,200 --> 00:34:15,230 When it comes to -- 682 00:34:15,233 --> 00:34:16,433 The Press: So what is he offering then? 683 00:34:16,433 --> 00:34:18,203 He must be offering something or -- put it this way -- 684 00:34:18,200 --> 00:34:19,330 there are a lot of people on Capitol Hill, 685 00:34:19,333 --> 00:34:21,063 there are a lot of House Republicans 686 00:34:21,066 --> 00:34:22,296 and a lot of Senate Republicans 687 00:34:22,300 --> 00:34:25,100 who have come away from this meeting believing, okay, 688 00:34:25,100 --> 00:34:28,600 the President is now going to at least give us something. 689 00:34:28,600 --> 00:34:30,700 Mr. Carney: Well, I think that the conversations, 690 00:34:30,700 --> 00:34:33,770 at the very least, when it comes to what Republicans have heard 691 00:34:33,767 --> 00:34:38,967 from the President, have reinforced what the President 692 00:34:38,967 --> 00:34:41,737 has tried to convey through his proposals and through what he 693 00:34:41,734 --> 00:34:46,634 said publicly and privately, that he is serious about finding 694 00:34:46,633 --> 00:34:52,063 compromise when it comes to our budget challenges and that he 695 00:34:52,066 --> 00:34:55,036 wants to get to work resolving them, 696 00:34:55,033 --> 00:35:00,833 and believes that there are in both houses potential partners 697 00:35:00,834 --> 00:35:02,604 with both Democrats and Republicans 698 00:35:02,600 --> 00:35:03,700 to achieve that compromise. 699 00:35:03,700 --> 00:35:05,000 But he won't -- 700 00:35:05,000 --> 00:35:07,000 The Press: So it's fair to say that if there is something 701 00:35:07,000 --> 00:35:11,030 they come up with from what would be future budget talks 702 00:35:11,033 --> 00:35:14,803 to open up the government right now and John Boehner needs it 703 00:35:14,800 --> 00:35:16,330 to get the votes, you guys are, like, fine. 704 00:35:16,333 --> 00:35:19,133 Is that what we're looking at there? 705 00:35:19,133 --> 00:35:21,233 Basically you're saying, fine, it's something we would have 706 00:35:21,233 --> 00:35:22,763 given you in the budget negotiations; 707 00:35:22,767 --> 00:35:24,567 if you need it earlier to get the votes to reopen 708 00:35:24,567 --> 00:35:28,237 the government, we're not going to draw a line in the sand? 709 00:35:28,233 --> 00:35:30,433 Mr. Carney: I don't think it's possible to achieve a comprehensive 710 00:35:30,433 --> 00:35:32,133 budget agreement of the kind that's reflected 711 00:35:32,133 --> 00:35:35,163 in the President's 10-year proposal in a matter of days -- 712 00:35:35,166 --> 00:35:38,766 unless there's a sudden willingness by Republicans to -- 713 00:35:38,767 --> 00:35:42,997 The Press: But there's one piece of it they'd take that they like? 714 00:35:43,000 --> 00:35:45,270 Mr. Carney: Well, I think therein lies the rub, right? 715 00:35:45,266 --> 00:35:50,836 So we believe that precisely because budget negotiations 716 00:35:50,834 --> 00:35:56,504 are a complicated business and each side has principled views, 717 00:35:56,500 --> 00:36:01,330 that they should not be conducted under the cloud of 718 00:36:01,333 --> 00:36:04,963 continued shutdown and certainly not conducted 719 00:36:04,967 --> 00:36:06,867 under the threat of default. 720 00:36:06,867 --> 00:36:08,067 That's been our position all along. 721 00:36:08,066 --> 00:36:13,666 I mean, it's probably made for less interesting copy, 722 00:36:13,667 --> 00:36:16,737 but there's been enormous consistency in our statement 723 00:36:16,734 --> 00:36:18,164 of that position from the beginning here. 724 00:36:18,166 --> 00:36:22,796 And it's fair to say that that position reflects 725 00:36:22,800 --> 00:36:25,870 some lessons learned from what happened in 2011. 726 00:36:25,867 --> 00:36:31,497 And what we can't do is recreate the 2011 experience 727 00:36:31,500 --> 00:36:33,070 for the American people, 728 00:36:33,066 --> 00:36:36,466 because they paid a significant price just for the flirtation 729 00:36:36,467 --> 00:36:39,897 with default that Republicans engaged in two years ago. 730 00:36:39,900 --> 00:36:42,230 The Press: Can you give the President's or the White House version 731 00:36:42,233 --> 00:36:44,763 of events of the Ted Cruz back-and-forth? 732 00:36:44,767 --> 00:36:45,767 Mr. Carney: No. 733 00:36:45,767 --> 00:36:46,767 [laughter] 734 00:36:46,767 --> 00:36:48,397 The Press: You're not going to say? 735 00:36:48,400 --> 00:36:51,170 Mr. Carney: I'm not going to read out beyond what I've said 736 00:36:51,166 --> 00:36:53,136 of the meeting itself. 737 00:36:53,133 --> 00:36:54,803 The Press: My understanding is the Senator gave 738 00:36:54,800 --> 00:36:57,300 a pretty impassioned question about the health care law 739 00:36:57,300 --> 00:36:59,800 and that the President gave a pretty somewhat dismissive 740 00:36:59,800 --> 00:37:02,100 answer to Senator Cruz's question. 741 00:37:02,100 --> 00:37:04,530 Mr. Carney: Again, I don't have any further readout 742 00:37:04,533 --> 00:37:07,103 on what the President thought was a constructive meeting. 743 00:37:07,100 --> 00:37:08,100 Carol. 744 00:37:08,100 --> 00:37:09,200 The Press: Thanks. 745 00:37:09,200 --> 00:37:11,130 Just to clarify, did the President convey in his 746 00:37:11,133 --> 00:37:15,403 conversation with the Speaker that he wants a longer-term debt 747 00:37:15,400 --> 00:37:21,030 limit increase and that -- can you just clarify that? 748 00:37:21,033 --> 00:37:23,663 Mr. Carney: Well, I don't have anything more specific 749 00:37:23,667 --> 00:37:25,697 to read out from the conversation itself. 750 00:37:25,700 --> 00:37:29,170 I can say our position is -- and our position in public 751 00:37:29,166 --> 00:37:30,596 is the same as it is in private -- 752 00:37:30,600 --> 00:37:33,700 that it is the right thing to do 753 00:37:33,700 --> 00:37:35,800 to remove that gun from the table, 754 00:37:35,800 --> 00:37:37,170 the negotiating table, 755 00:37:37,166 --> 00:37:38,836 ensure that the debt ceiling is raised 756 00:37:38,834 --> 00:37:42,064 for as long a duration as possible 757 00:37:42,066 --> 00:37:45,366 so that it is not -- no one is tempted -- 758 00:37:45,367 --> 00:37:48,767 in this case, only Republicans have been tempted -- 759 00:37:48,767 --> 00:37:52,167 but no one is tempted to use the threat of default 760 00:37:52,166 --> 00:37:57,236 as a means of extracting political concessions. 761 00:37:57,233 --> 00:37:59,963 The Press: Some of the Senate Republicans came away from their meeting 762 00:37:59,967 --> 00:38:01,667 with the President with the impression 763 00:38:01,667 --> 00:38:03,567 that he's backing away from his support 764 00:38:03,567 --> 00:38:04,837 for something short term. 765 00:38:04,834 --> 00:38:07,134 Is that from your guys' perspective an accurate picture 766 00:38:07,133 --> 00:38:08,763 of what happened? 767 00:38:08,767 --> 00:38:11,637 Mr. Carney: Well, what I would say is that it has never been 768 00:38:11,633 --> 00:38:15,463 our desired outcome that Congress 769 00:38:15,467 --> 00:38:17,697 only reopen the government for a short term, 770 00:38:17,700 --> 00:38:21,130 or Congress only lift the debt ceiling for a short term. 771 00:38:21,133 --> 00:38:25,633 That is -- and I think I've said this verbatim in the past -- 772 00:38:25,633 --> 00:38:27,903 the least they could do. 773 00:38:27,900 --> 00:38:32,300 So is it still acceptable as the bare minimum? 774 00:38:32,300 --> 00:38:33,530 Sure. 775 00:38:33,533 --> 00:38:37,533 I mean, it's absolutely -- if the Congress were to pass 776 00:38:37,533 --> 00:38:41,333 a clean debt ceiling of short duration to avoid default, 777 00:38:41,333 --> 00:38:42,503 the President would sign that. 778 00:38:42,500 --> 00:38:45,030 But as I've said in the past, whether the Congress 779 00:38:45,033 --> 00:38:47,503 extends the debt ceiling for a short term 780 00:38:47,500 --> 00:38:48,800 or a medium term or long term, 781 00:38:48,800 --> 00:38:53,430 the President's position on refusing to pay ransom 782 00:38:53,433 --> 00:38:55,903 in exchange for Congress fulfilling their responsibility 783 00:38:55,900 --> 00:38:58,930 to pay the bills of the United States will not change. 784 00:38:58,934 --> 00:39:02,304 The Press: And then, lastly, does the White House see promise 785 00:39:02,300 --> 00:39:03,900 in Senator Collins's proposal, 786 00:39:03,900 --> 00:39:06,300 given your desire for something longer? 787 00:39:06,300 --> 00:39:12,000 Is that an avenue that you think might be more fruitful? 788 00:39:12,000 --> 00:39:15,630 Mr. Carney: I would say that a number of lawmakers in the Senate 789 00:39:15,633 --> 00:39:20,203 as well as the House have expressed views that are 790 00:39:20,200 --> 00:39:22,430 constructive, in our estimation. 791 00:39:22,433 --> 00:39:23,763 Senator Collins is one of them. 792 00:39:23,767 --> 00:39:27,567 But I'm not going to evaluate from here a specific proposal 793 00:39:27,567 --> 00:39:30,937 beyond what I've said thus far. 794 00:39:30,934 --> 00:39:33,164 Mark. 795 00:39:33,166 --> 00:39:35,536 The Press: Jay, did you answer Chuck by saying that, 796 00:39:35,533 --> 00:39:38,733 yes, these talks and meetings and phone calls 797 00:39:38,734 --> 00:39:41,934 and conversations amount to negotiating? 798 00:39:41,934 --> 00:39:43,904 Or are you still avoiding that word? 799 00:39:45,867 --> 00:39:47,897 Mr. Carney: What I would say is that our position hasn't 800 00:39:47,900 --> 00:39:51,330 changed, our position that there's no ransom 801 00:39:51,333 --> 00:39:52,833 that can be paid. 802 00:39:52,834 --> 00:39:56,904 And when you say "negotiation," if you mean it in the terms of 803 00:39:56,900 --> 00:39:59,670 like you extract from one side what you want in return for 804 00:39:59,667 --> 00:40:01,667 something else -- when it comes to raising the debt ceiling, 805 00:40:01,667 --> 00:40:06,097 the President firmly believes it is not good for the American 806 00:40:06,100 --> 00:40:09,830 people or the American economy or the global economy for any 807 00:40:09,834 --> 00:40:13,334 President of either party, or any party in the future, 808 00:40:13,333 --> 00:40:19,003 to pay the opposition party a political price in exchange 809 00:40:19,000 --> 00:40:21,100 for it fulfilling that fundamental responsibility, 810 00:40:21,100 --> 00:40:23,130 because you get into a situation -- 811 00:40:23,133 --> 00:40:26,503 which we're now experiencing and which we experienced in 2011 -- 812 00:40:26,500 --> 00:40:30,300 whereby one faction of one party manufactures a crisis 813 00:40:30,300 --> 00:40:34,430 that does harm to the economy and harm to the American people. 814 00:40:34,433 --> 00:40:35,563 And we ought not do that. 815 00:40:35,567 --> 00:40:38,067 Because it's a complicated piece of business 816 00:40:38,066 --> 00:40:41,136 with an unfortunate term attached to it, 817 00:40:41,133 --> 00:40:42,463 the debt ceiling, 818 00:40:42,467 --> 00:40:44,797 but it is really simply about authorizing the United States 819 00:40:44,800 --> 00:40:48,330 government to pay the bills that Congress has incurred. 820 00:40:48,333 --> 00:40:54,263 So not paying those bills would make us a deadbeat nation. 821 00:40:54,266 --> 00:40:55,666 And that is something that I don't think 822 00:40:55,667 --> 00:40:59,337 any American reasonably would find acceptable. 823 00:40:59,333 --> 00:41:00,503 The Press: I understand that. 824 00:41:00,500 --> 00:41:03,070 But you said earlier the President has a number of 825 00:41:03,066 --> 00:41:06,136 concerns with the proposal from the House Republicans. 826 00:41:06,133 --> 00:41:07,233 That sounds like negotiating. 827 00:41:07,233 --> 00:41:11,933 Can we use that word, or you would object to it? 828 00:41:11,934 --> 00:41:15,334 Mr. Carney: You can use any word you want to describe it. 829 00:41:15,333 --> 00:41:18,733 That's the beauty of the free press. 830 00:41:18,734 --> 00:41:22,464 The Press: But does it come with a Jay Carney phone call after? 831 00:41:22,467 --> 00:41:23,837 [laughter] 832 00:41:23,834 --> 00:41:26,204 Mr. Carney: Well, maybe an email or a Tweet. 833 00:41:26,200 --> 00:41:29,330 But saying that we believe that conversations have been 834 00:41:29,333 --> 00:41:32,803 constructive and that the proposal that Republicans 835 00:41:32,800 --> 00:41:39,830 from the House have put forward represents in part progress, 836 00:41:39,834 --> 00:41:42,804 I think reflects where we are in this. 837 00:41:42,800 --> 00:41:45,270 The Press: You don't want to use that word. 838 00:41:45,266 --> 00:41:46,266 Mr. Carney: Again, we're not -- 839 00:41:46,266 --> 00:41:47,566 when it comes to raising the debt ceiling -- 840 00:41:47,567 --> 00:41:49,337 The Press: I understand all of that. 841 00:41:49,333 --> 00:41:50,833 I'm just saying, this back- and-forth, 842 00:41:50,834 --> 00:41:52,704 that's negotiating, right? 843 00:41:52,700 --> 00:41:54,830 Mr. Carney: Well, we're listening and we're talking. 844 00:41:54,834 --> 00:41:56,464 The Press: All right, one last question. 845 00:41:56,467 --> 00:41:59,767 Last evening, the President signed the mini funding bill 846 00:41:59,767 --> 00:42:03,637 to restore funding to military death benefits. 847 00:42:03,633 --> 00:42:05,933 A day earlier you had said it wasn't necessary, 848 00:42:05,934 --> 00:42:07,404 you didn't need it; he wasn't going to sign it. 849 00:42:07,400 --> 00:42:09,130 What changed his mind? 850 00:42:09,133 --> 00:42:10,133 Mr. Carney: Well, at the time, 851 00:42:10,133 --> 00:42:12,163 the legislation had not reached his desk. 852 00:42:12,166 --> 00:42:16,936 And he had asked his Chief of Staff to find a creative 853 00:42:16,934 --> 00:42:20,334 solution to this problem as soon as possible. 854 00:42:20,333 --> 00:42:26,133 And thanks to the generosity of the Fisher House and its 855 00:42:26,133 --> 00:42:32,163 willingness to help us deliver these benefits to families, 856 00:42:32,166 --> 00:42:34,436 an agreement was reached between the Department of Defense 857 00:42:34,433 --> 00:42:38,403 and the Fisher House that was a temporary solution 858 00:42:38,400 --> 00:42:39,770 to this problem. 859 00:42:39,767 --> 00:42:44,197 Now, the legislation obviously, once passed and signed into law, 860 00:42:44,200 --> 00:42:45,830 obviates the need for that. 861 00:42:45,834 --> 00:42:51,834 So my point all along was that the way to resolve that problem 862 00:42:54,567 --> 00:42:59,467 and all these problems instantly is to reopen the government 863 00:42:59,467 --> 00:43:04,667 and to restore funding at levels that Republicans themselves felt 864 00:43:04,667 --> 00:43:07,667 were appropriate for the previous fiscal year, 865 00:43:07,667 --> 00:43:10,137 so that when the legislation was passed and the President was 866 00:43:10,133 --> 00:43:15,303 able to sign it, he did because he felt it was very important 867 00:43:15,300 --> 00:43:17,370 that these benefits be guaranteed. 868 00:43:17,367 --> 00:43:20,197 He is enormously appreciative of the generosity 869 00:43:20,200 --> 00:43:24,270 of the Fisher House and of the work done by folks 870 00:43:24,266 --> 00:43:30,466 at OMB and DOD to come up with a solution 871 00:43:30,467 --> 00:43:32,597 that appeared to be needed, 872 00:43:32,600 --> 00:43:35,900 because it is essential that these benefits be provided. 873 00:43:35,900 --> 00:43:38,470 The Press: Then is it no longer a matter of principle 874 00:43:38,467 --> 00:43:42,237 that President Obama will not sign any other 875 00:43:42,233 --> 00:43:43,533 of these many funding bills? 876 00:43:43,533 --> 00:43:44,903 Mr. Carney: Well, Mark, as you know, 877 00:43:44,900 --> 00:43:50,130 he signed the Pay Our Military Act because of the enormous and 878 00:43:50,133 --> 00:43:54,763 unique sacrifice that our military families provide. 879 00:43:54,767 --> 00:43:59,297 It is absolutely our position that attempts to solve 880 00:43:59,300 --> 00:44:03,570 a political problem by their decision to shut down the 881 00:44:03,567 --> 00:44:05,737 government through piecemeal legislation are not -- are 882 00:44:05,734 --> 00:44:08,734 gimmicks, broadly speaking, and that the way to resolve this 883 00:44:08,734 --> 00:44:12,564 political problem for the Republicans and the way 884 00:44:12,567 --> 00:44:18,167 to resolve this real problem and this real pain 885 00:44:18,166 --> 00:44:22,236 that their decision to shut down the government has caused 886 00:44:22,233 --> 00:44:25,363 the American people is to reopen the government. 887 00:44:25,367 --> 00:44:28,697 Again, the proposition that we've always put forward 888 00:44:28,700 --> 00:44:32,470 that Leader Reid and Leader Pelosi agreed with 889 00:44:32,467 --> 00:44:35,867 was that we should -- that Congress should pass a bill 890 00:44:35,867 --> 00:44:39,597 that would extend government funding levels at -- 891 00:44:39,600 --> 00:44:42,670 extend government funding at the levels that were set 892 00:44:42,667 --> 00:44:47,497 for the previous fiscal year for a relatively short duration 893 00:44:47,500 --> 00:44:50,370 to allow for substantive budget negotiations. 894 00:44:50,367 --> 00:44:54,697 From the light of -- the very little light of today, 895 00:44:54,700 --> 00:44:58,530 I think it's pretty clear that that's an entirely reasonable 896 00:44:58,533 --> 00:45:04,863 position and hardly represents a demand or a concession 897 00:45:04,867 --> 00:45:07,697 to the President or the Democrats 898 00:45:07,700 --> 00:45:08,700 to go along with that. 899 00:45:08,700 --> 00:45:10,400 So that's why we've taken that position. 900 00:45:10,400 --> 00:45:13,670 And all of this hardship that the American people 901 00:45:13,667 --> 00:45:15,497 have experienced thus far and the confusion, 902 00:45:15,500 --> 00:45:19,900 and the real suffering as well as the inconvenience could have 903 00:45:19,900 --> 00:45:25,370 been avoided and can be avoided in the future if the Congress, 904 00:45:25,367 --> 00:45:28,137 the House would simply reopen the government. 905 00:45:28,133 --> 00:45:29,533 Christi. 906 00:45:29,533 --> 00:45:30,863 The Press: Thank you, Jay. 907 00:45:30,867 --> 00:45:34,167 Some senators left here today thinking the President is open 908 00:45:34,166 --> 00:45:38,766 to some tweaks to the Affordable Care Act -- that don't gut it, 909 00:45:38,767 --> 00:45:40,197 but just tweak it. 910 00:45:40,200 --> 00:45:42,330 Is that accurate? 911 00:45:42,333 --> 00:45:45,503 Mr. Carney: The President has said I think publicly many times 912 00:45:45,500 --> 00:45:49,670 that he is open to suggestions from any quarter about how to 913 00:45:49,667 --> 00:45:56,467 improve the Affordable Care Act, make the benefits 914 00:45:56,467 --> 00:45:59,567 that it provides the American people better 915 00:45:59,567 --> 00:46:00,967 and more efficiently delivered. 916 00:46:00,967 --> 00:46:06,637 And he understands that with any kind of program like this and 917 00:46:06,633 --> 00:46:09,533 legislation like this, as was the case with Social Security 918 00:46:09,533 --> 00:46:11,163 and Medicare and Medicare Part D, 919 00:46:11,166 --> 00:46:15,536 and the Children's Health Insurance Program, 920 00:46:15,533 --> 00:46:17,703 there are ways to improve it -- he doesn't doubt it. 921 00:46:17,700 --> 00:46:24,570 What he of course won't accept is improvements -- 922 00:46:24,567 --> 00:46:28,237 or actually efforts to do away with the Affordable Care Act 923 00:46:28,233 --> 00:46:31,903 that come in the guise of improvements or delays 924 00:46:31,900 --> 00:46:33,870 or modest defunding. 925 00:46:33,867 --> 00:46:37,937 I mean, I think we've talked about it here that some 926 00:46:37,934 --> 00:46:41,534 of the ideas that have obviously been pretty firmly rejected 927 00:46:41,533 --> 00:46:43,203 by a majority of the American people 928 00:46:43,200 --> 00:46:44,500 that have been put forward by 929 00:46:44,500 --> 00:46:48,330 Republicans as part of this debate and gussied up as mere 930 00:46:48,333 --> 00:46:53,433 adjustments or delays of the Affordable Care Act 931 00:46:53,433 --> 00:46:57,103 were sincere efforts to try to eliminate it indirectly. 932 00:46:57,100 --> 00:47:03,800 And the President firmly believes that it's important 933 00:47:03,800 --> 00:47:06,300 to provide access to affordable health insurance to millions 934 00:47:06,300 --> 00:47:09,430 of Americans, and that's what the Affordable Care Act 935 00:47:09,433 --> 00:47:10,803 does and will do. 936 00:47:10,800 --> 00:47:14,570 And as is the case now, since the marketplaces 937 00:47:14,567 --> 00:47:17,697 have been opening, individuals across the country 938 00:47:17,700 --> 00:47:21,000 are finding out that they have a variety of options 939 00:47:21,000 --> 00:47:24,600 available to them at affordable prices 940 00:47:24,600 --> 00:47:26,700 to get quality health insurance that they never 941 00:47:26,700 --> 00:47:28,000 could have gotten before. 942 00:47:28,000 --> 00:47:30,230 The Press: So the delay of the medical device tax is one 943 00:47:30,233 --> 00:47:32,603 that is coming up again and again now, 944 00:47:32,600 --> 00:47:35,070 but does that fall under the category of delays 945 00:47:35,066 --> 00:47:37,666 that he would find damaging to the rule itself? 946 00:47:37,667 --> 00:47:39,267 Mr. Carney: Look, I think that -- again, 947 00:47:39,266 --> 00:47:45,366 the President is open, without threats of continued shutdown 948 00:47:45,367 --> 00:47:48,837 or threats of default, to having serious conversations 949 00:47:48,834 --> 00:47:53,104 about budget priorities, budget proposals, 950 00:47:53,100 --> 00:47:55,930 as well as any ideas that any lawmaker might have 951 00:47:55,934 --> 00:47:59,964 about ways to improve the Affordable Care Act. 952 00:47:59,967 --> 00:48:02,567 He's willing to look at any proposal. 953 00:48:02,567 --> 00:48:03,937 When it comes to the one you mention, 954 00:48:03,934 --> 00:48:06,864 I think it's important to note that eliminating that provision 955 00:48:06,867 --> 00:48:09,897 would substantially increase the deficit. 956 00:48:09,900 --> 00:48:13,970 So that is something that would greatly concern him. 957 00:48:13,967 --> 00:48:16,837 Any proposal that anyone put forward would have to take into 958 00:48:16,834 --> 00:48:20,764 account the much unremarked-upon fact by Republicans 959 00:48:20,767 --> 00:48:26,267 that the Affordable Care Act reduces the deficit. 960 00:48:26,266 --> 00:48:30,696 Again, as scored by the CBO and independent economists, 961 00:48:30,700 --> 00:48:33,530 the Affordable Care Act is a deficit reducer. 962 00:48:33,533 --> 00:48:37,363 It's paid for, and then some, in the medium and long term. 963 00:48:37,367 --> 00:48:40,267 So it would be very important to the President to ensure that 964 00:48:40,266 --> 00:48:43,636 that principle is maintained regardless of the proposals 965 00:48:43,633 --> 00:48:45,763 that are put forward. 966 00:48:45,767 --> 00:48:47,167 Ari. 967 00:48:47,166 --> 00:48:48,796 The Press: A couple days ago the White House was very unhappy 968 00:48:48,800 --> 00:48:50,930 about Boehner's decision to show up at the White House 969 00:48:50,934 --> 00:48:52,704 with just 18 or 20 Republicans 970 00:48:52,700 --> 00:48:54,430 instead of the entire conference, 971 00:48:54,433 --> 00:48:57,103 but it seems like it was actually one of the most 972 00:48:57,100 --> 00:48:59,800 productive meetings that have happened since the shutdown. 973 00:48:59,800 --> 00:49:03,070 Do you regret the position the White House took? 974 00:49:03,066 --> 00:49:05,196 Mr. Carney: We certainly don't regret inviting 975 00:49:05,200 --> 00:49:07,170 every member of Congress to the White House. 976 00:49:07,166 --> 00:49:08,596 So I don't -- 977 00:49:08,600 --> 00:49:10,670 The Press: The position in saying that it would be less productive 978 00:49:10,667 --> 00:49:12,597 for Boehner to show up with the smaller group that he brought. 979 00:49:12,600 --> 00:49:15,200 Mr. Carney: No, our position was that we regretted that all members 980 00:49:15,200 --> 00:49:17,430 of the House weren't able to come -- 981 00:49:17,433 --> 00:49:18,903 all members of the Republican conference, 982 00:49:18,900 --> 00:49:20,600 simply because it is a -- 983 00:49:20,600 --> 00:49:23,870 as the Speaker of the House himself has often noted -- 984 00:49:23,867 --> 00:49:29,067 a diverse bunch with sometimes conflicting opinions 985 00:49:29,066 --> 00:49:31,036 about policy and the President, 986 00:49:31,033 --> 00:49:34,803 and that it would have been useful I think for everyone 987 00:49:34,800 --> 00:49:38,530 to have a face-to-face conversation. 988 00:49:38,533 --> 00:49:41,303 Having said that, we still have that view, Ari, 989 00:49:41,300 --> 00:49:44,330 but it is the case that yesterday's conversation 990 00:49:44,333 --> 00:49:47,303 with that subset, that leadership subset 991 00:49:47,300 --> 00:49:50,800 of the House Republican conference was constructive, 992 00:49:50,800 --> 00:49:54,930 and we believe it is the right thing to do 993 00:49:54,934 --> 00:49:56,564 to continue to have talks. 994 00:49:56,567 --> 00:49:58,697 The Press: The other thing I wanted to ask was you said 995 00:49:58,700 --> 00:50:00,170 Republicans suddenly seem to have come around 996 00:50:00,166 --> 00:50:02,236 to the view that the threat of default is not good. 997 00:50:02,233 --> 00:50:03,233 Mr. Carney: Some of them have. 998 00:50:03,233 --> 00:50:04,363 The Press: Some of them have. 999 00:50:04,367 --> 00:50:06,937 Do you think the timing of that view 1000 00:50:06,934 --> 00:50:10,564 coinciding with the Wall Street Journal/NBC poll 1001 00:50:10,567 --> 00:50:15,837 showing terrible numbers for Republicans was coincidental? 1002 00:50:15,834 --> 00:50:18,364 Mr. Carney: Were I still a reporter covering Congress 1003 00:50:18,367 --> 00:50:22,097 and Republicans in Congress as I once did, 1004 00:50:22,100 --> 00:50:24,730 it's possible I could reach that conclusion. 1005 00:50:24,734 --> 00:50:30,334 I would encourage my former colleagues and those who are 1006 00:50:30,333 --> 00:50:32,563 doing what I used to do to dig a little deeper 1007 00:50:32,567 --> 00:50:33,697 into the bigger issues, 1008 00:50:33,700 --> 00:50:36,470 which I think reflects what I was saying earlier. 1009 00:50:36,467 --> 00:50:39,297 It's not -- whatever the motivation is, 1010 00:50:39,300 --> 00:50:44,800 it's always been our position that if you're taking action 1011 00:50:44,800 --> 00:50:47,570 in Washington that hurts the American people and hurts the 1012 00:50:47,567 --> 00:50:50,097 American economy, it's probably not going to be very popular -- 1013 00:50:50,100 --> 00:50:53,470 at least broadly across the nation. 1014 00:50:53,467 --> 00:50:58,497 So I think that may be what is reflected in some of this data. 1015 00:50:58,500 --> 00:51:04,670 But the fact of the matter is, nobody wins when Washington is 1016 00:51:04,667 --> 00:51:07,637 dysfunctional and one party holds the whole process hostage 1017 00:51:07,633 --> 00:51:09,033 to demands that are unreasonable. 1018 00:51:09,033 --> 00:51:12,303 So hopefully there's a recognition that we need to move 1019 00:51:12,300 --> 00:51:16,700 away from that dynamic and instead open the government, 1020 00:51:16,700 --> 00:51:21,070 remove the threat of default, and engage 1021 00:51:21,066 --> 00:51:26,666 in a serious-minded negotiation where I can promise -- 1022 00:51:26,667 --> 00:51:28,037 (laughter) 1023 00:51:28,033 --> 00:51:29,663 -- we've always said that -- 1024 00:51:29,667 --> 00:51:30,937 open the government, 1025 00:51:30,934 --> 00:51:33,764 remove the threat of default, and let's negotiate 1026 00:51:33,767 --> 00:51:35,797 about our budget priorities. 1027 00:51:35,800 --> 00:51:38,300 And I promise you that that negotiation will result -- 1028 00:51:38,300 --> 00:51:43,770 that if there is a conclusion to that negotiation 1029 00:51:43,767 --> 00:51:44,767 that is a compromise, 1030 00:51:44,767 --> 00:51:46,137 that would mean that each side 1031 00:51:46,133 --> 00:51:48,033 got some of what it wanted but neither side got 1032 00:51:48,033 --> 00:51:49,033 all of what it wanted. 1033 00:51:49,033 --> 00:51:53,233 And that is how it should be. 1034 00:51:53,233 --> 00:51:58,003 And that is the spirit in which the President has always 1035 00:51:58,000 --> 00:52:02,470 approached this process -- recognizing that we have 1036 00:52:02,467 --> 00:52:05,837 a system of government with two strong parties 1037 00:52:05,834 --> 00:52:10,964 that are represented in different proportions 1038 00:52:10,967 --> 00:52:13,667 in each House in Congress as well as here at the White House, 1039 00:52:13,667 --> 00:52:17,697 and that no one gets everything he or she wants 1040 00:52:17,700 --> 00:52:20,870 when it comes to these kinds of negotiations. 1041 00:52:20,867 --> 00:52:22,467 These things are hard enough that it's not 1042 00:52:22,467 --> 00:52:23,467 the right approach to take, 1043 00:52:23,467 --> 00:52:30,497 then, to somehow achieve what you want 1044 00:52:30,500 --> 00:52:33,300 by threatening default or threatening to shut down 1045 00:52:33,300 --> 00:52:35,930 the government and keep people out of work 1046 00:52:35,934 --> 00:52:37,464 for a sustained period of time. 1047 00:52:37,467 --> 00:52:38,737 That's always been our position. 1048 00:52:38,734 --> 00:52:42,034 It hasn't been a position that then don't do these things 1049 00:52:42,033 --> 00:52:43,533 and therefore we get everything we want; 1050 00:52:43,533 --> 00:52:45,733 the President knows full well 1051 00:52:45,734 --> 00:52:47,534 that he's not going to get everything he wants. 1052 00:52:47,533 --> 00:52:52,533 His budget proposal recognizes that from the outset. 1053 00:52:52,533 --> 00:52:55,003 Steve Dennis, and then Cheryl. 1054 00:52:59,934 --> 00:53:06,434 The Press: So it seems like you've moved and Democrats have moved -- 1055 00:53:06,433 --> 00:53:09,763 Mr. Carney: I probably shouldn't have called on him, right? 1056 00:53:09,767 --> 00:53:10,767 [laughter] 1057 00:53:10,767 --> 00:53:11,837 A little too plugged-in. 1058 00:53:11,834 --> 00:53:15,604 Never mind, he can't think of what to say. 1059 00:53:15,600 --> 00:53:16,600 Cheryl. 1060 00:53:16,600 --> 00:53:17,830 [laughter] 1061 00:53:17,834 --> 00:53:19,534 The Press: I want to be careful with this, 1062 00:53:19,533 --> 00:53:21,703 because you've been dancing around the negotiation question. 1063 00:53:21,700 --> 00:53:27,400 For weeks now, you guys have wanted a clean CR. 1064 00:53:27,400 --> 00:53:31,130 And now it seems you're willing to negotiate a mini-deal 1065 00:53:31,133 --> 00:53:34,103 that would get attached to a clean CR -- 1066 00:53:34,100 --> 00:53:37,070 things with give-and-take, things that you want, 1067 00:53:37,066 --> 00:53:42,166 things that the Republicans want attached to a clean CR. 1068 00:53:42,166 --> 00:53:47,036 So you'd have a policy sidecar, not just a process sidecar. 1069 00:53:47,033 --> 00:53:48,933 That's new. 1070 00:53:48,934 --> 00:53:50,034 Mr. Carney: No. 1071 00:53:50,033 --> 00:53:52,703 I understand the question and it's a smart one. 1072 00:53:52,700 --> 00:53:54,300 But here's -- let me be clear. 1073 00:53:54,300 --> 00:53:57,370 Our position has always been that at the very least 1074 00:53:59,400 --> 00:54:02,130 Congress ought not to allow the government to shut down, 1075 00:54:02,133 --> 00:54:04,333 that Republicans should not shut down the government and that 1076 00:54:04,333 --> 00:54:06,403 the House of Representatives should do what the Senate did, 1077 00:54:06,400 --> 00:54:11,000 which is pass a clean CR funding the government at levels set 1078 00:54:11,000 --> 00:54:14,530 in the previous fiscal year by largely Republicans. 1079 00:54:14,533 --> 00:54:17,663 So it has also been our position that we envision a bigger and 1080 00:54:17,667 --> 00:54:23,537 broader and more substantive budget compromise that achieved 1081 00:54:23,533 --> 00:54:26,133 some of the goals that the President has been talking about 1082 00:54:26,133 --> 00:54:27,333 for a long time. 1083 00:54:27,333 --> 00:54:28,603 And those goals include continued deficit reduction, 1084 00:54:28,600 --> 00:54:32,500 they include dealing with the problem with the sequester, 1085 00:54:32,500 --> 00:54:36,500 and they include key investments in areas of our economy and our 1086 00:54:36,500 --> 00:54:39,130 middle class that will help us grow stronger in the future 1087 00:54:39,133 --> 00:54:40,103 and create more jobs. 1088 00:54:40,100 --> 00:54:41,700 So, both are true. 1089 00:54:41,700 --> 00:54:45,370 At the very least, our position has been that the Republicans 1090 00:54:45,367 --> 00:54:47,067 should not have shut down the government, 1091 00:54:47,066 --> 00:54:49,566 that when it became clear they weren't going to get what 1092 00:54:49,567 --> 00:54:55,197 they wanted in return for when the fiscal year ended, 1093 00:54:55,200 --> 00:54:58,630 that they should have done the very least, 1094 00:54:58,633 --> 00:55:01,363 which is what the Senate did, and that is pass an extension 1095 00:55:01,367 --> 00:55:03,067 of spending at current levels short term, 1096 00:55:03,066 --> 00:55:04,766 to allow for further budget negotiations. 1097 00:55:04,767 --> 00:55:06,767 Instead, they chose to shut the government down 1098 00:55:06,767 --> 00:55:10,367 to try to use pain and suffering of the American people 1099 00:55:10,367 --> 00:55:11,597 and the harm to the American economy 1100 00:55:11,600 --> 00:55:14,170 as leverage to get what they wanted. 1101 00:55:14,166 --> 00:55:17,096 I think it's fair to say that hasn't worked for them. 1102 00:55:17,100 --> 00:55:21,570 We are encouraged by the constructive approach that 1103 00:55:21,567 --> 00:55:25,067 Republicans have taken in conversations 1104 00:55:25,066 --> 00:55:29,996 with the President and others in recent hours and days. 1105 00:55:30,000 --> 00:55:32,100 But we don't have an agreement yet. 1106 00:55:32,100 --> 00:55:34,200 The Press: So is it fair to say that you're willing 1107 00:55:34,200 --> 00:55:36,630 to negotiate and are trying to negotiate a mini deal 1108 00:55:36,633 --> 00:55:39,533 that gives both sides something that they want 1109 00:55:39,533 --> 00:55:43,103 that would not be considered a ransom, which is still -- 1110 00:55:43,100 --> 00:55:45,170 there won't be a ransom? 1111 00:55:45,166 --> 00:55:46,466 Mr. Carney: I don't think -- I mean, no, 1112 00:55:46,467 --> 00:55:50,367 I don't think I can characterize the conversations that way. 1113 00:55:50,367 --> 00:55:55,237 What we are looking for is a way to see if the Congress -- 1114 00:55:55,233 --> 00:55:57,663 and in particular, Republicans in the Congress, 1115 00:55:57,667 --> 00:56:01,137 in agreement with Democrats -- can reopen the government, 1116 00:56:01,133 --> 00:56:04,833 which is something we've asked them to do from day one, 1117 00:56:04,834 --> 00:56:10,134 and then remove the threat of default from this whole process. 1118 00:56:10,133 --> 00:56:11,833 That's our position and our view, 1119 00:56:11,834 --> 00:56:13,404 and it's one that we've expressed. 1120 00:56:13,400 --> 00:56:16,530 We have seen constructive signs and appreciate them, 1121 00:56:16,533 --> 00:56:19,533 coming from the Republican side, and believe, 1122 00:56:19,533 --> 00:56:22,633 as the Speaker said or his spokesman said in their readout 1123 00:56:22,633 --> 00:56:23,863 of the phone call with the President, 1124 00:56:23,867 --> 00:56:26,767 that it's important to continue to talk, 1125 00:56:26,767 --> 00:56:28,037 that all sides continue to talk. 1126 00:56:28,033 --> 00:56:29,963 Cheryl, last one. 1127 00:56:29,967 --> 00:56:31,467 The Press: Really concretely -- 1128 00:56:31,467 --> 00:56:32,467 Mr. Carney: No. 1129 00:56:32,467 --> 00:56:33,437 [laughter] 1130 00:56:33,433 --> 00:56:34,933 The Press: -- what is the next step? 1131 00:56:34,934 --> 00:56:36,664 Mr. Carney: Well, I don't know. 1132 00:56:36,667 --> 00:56:38,667 The Press: Are you waiting for Boehner to come back 1133 00:56:38,667 --> 00:56:39,937 with a new proposal tonight? 1134 00:56:39,934 --> 00:56:42,404 Does he need to talk with McConnell? 1135 00:56:42,400 --> 00:56:45,730 Mr. Carney: I think it's fair to say that when it comes to specifics 1136 00:56:45,734 --> 00:56:50,534 about talks and conversations that I'm not going to have 1137 00:56:50,533 --> 00:56:54,203 a lot to offer you today, it's pretty evident, right? 1138 00:56:54,200 --> 00:56:55,600 [laughter] 1139 00:56:55,600 --> 00:56:57,670 The Press: The President talked to Speaker Boehner. 1140 00:56:57,667 --> 00:57:01,997 Is he waiting for now a new proposal -- 1141 00:57:02,000 --> 00:57:03,470 Mr. Carney: I would refer you to the Speaker. 1142 00:57:03,467 --> 00:57:06,567 What I can say is what the Speaker's spokesman said, 1143 00:57:06,567 --> 00:57:09,497 which is that the President and he agreed to continue talking 1144 00:57:09,500 --> 00:57:11,170 and that all sides should continue talking, 1145 00:57:11,166 --> 00:57:15,396 and that we think what we've seen thus far represents a 1146 00:57:15,400 --> 00:57:16,730 constructive approach. 1147 00:57:16,734 --> 00:57:21,604 And hopefully, Congress will reach an agreement of some kind 1148 00:57:21,600 --> 00:57:24,530 that will allow them to open the government -- 1149 00:57:24,533 --> 00:57:28,033 reopen the government and remove the threat of default 1150 00:57:28,033 --> 00:57:29,163 from this whole process, 1151 00:57:29,166 --> 00:57:32,796 because it's enormously damaging to the economy 1152 00:57:32,800 --> 00:57:34,270 and to the American people. 1153 00:57:34,266 --> 00:57:37,236 The Press: Over the weekend, Jay -- updates over the weekend on this? 1154 00:57:37,233 --> 00:57:38,563 Mr. Carney: I don't have any scheduling updates. 1155 00:57:38,567 --> 00:57:40,967 I mean, obviously, we'll keep you updated 1156 00:57:40,967 --> 00:57:44,337 as we have more information about things happening here. 1157 00:57:44,333 --> 00:57:47,903 But I have nothing on tomorrow's schedule or Sunday 1158 00:57:47,900 --> 00:57:48,930 or Monday's at this -- 1159 00:57:48,934 --> 00:57:50,834 The Press: Week ahead? 1160 00:57:50,834 --> 00:57:52,664 [laughter] 1161 00:57:52,667 --> 00:57:55,297 Mr. Carney: Don't have one. 1162 00:57:55,300 --> 00:57:58,330 It's a fairly fluid situation. 1163 00:57:58,333 --> 00:58:00,733 The Press: Right, I understand -- just not anticipate seeing the President. 1164 00:58:00,734 --> 00:58:04,334 Mr. Carney: I certainly have no scheduling announcements 1165 00:58:04,333 --> 00:58:06,033 of that kind to make. 1166 00:58:06,033 --> 00:58:07,563 I don't expect to make them. 1167 00:58:07,567 --> 00:58:11,997 I don't expect that, but I would never -- 1168 00:58:12,000 --> 00:58:13,830 the normal process we follow of giving a lid 1169 00:58:13,834 --> 00:58:15,934 and things like that will be followed in this case. 1170 00:58:15,934 --> 00:58:17,304 Thanks, all. 1171 00:58:17,300 --> 00:58:19,270 The Press: Jay, if President Obama had done the Asia trip, 1172 00:58:19,266 --> 00:58:22,136 would he have gone to Afghanistan today?