English subtitles for clip: File:11-9-09- White House Press Briefing.webm
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1 00:00:01,133 --> 00:00:02,433 Mr. Gibbs: Good afternoon. 2 00:00:02,433 --> 00:00:06,963 Before we get going on questions I just want to reiterate again 3 00:00:06,967 --> 00:00:10,297 that -- I think most of you know that we'll be doing a briefing 4 00:00:10,300 --> 00:00:14,400 call on Asia, on the Asia trip. 5 00:00:14,400 --> 00:00:18,600 I think as most of you all know, based on the events of last week 6 00:00:18,600 --> 00:00:22,600 and the changes to the President's schedule this week, 7 00:00:22,600 --> 00:00:32,070 our departure to Japan will be delayed by a day. 8 00:00:32,066 --> 00:00:37,166 We head to Japan, spend the same amount of time there, 9 00:00:37,166 --> 00:00:42,366 one fewer days in Singapore, and then pick up as previously scheduled. 10 00:00:42,367 --> 00:00:45,567 In terms of why, obviously the President had a fairly full 11 00:00:45,567 --> 00:00:51,297 schedule tomorrow, which, as you all know, 12 00:00:51,300 --> 00:00:57,430 has been changed to go to Fort Hood for the memorial service, 13 00:00:57,433 --> 00:01:02,563 where the President will speak and see victims' families. 14 00:01:02,567 --> 00:01:07,237 So as I said, late last week before we tried to do a week 15 00:01:07,233 --> 00:01:09,763 ahead that the schedule was in some flux, 16 00:01:09,767 --> 00:01:13,737 and that is largely how it has come out now. 17 00:01:13,734 --> 00:01:16,504 The Press: Can you go through the week ahead now? 18 00:01:16,500 --> 00:01:18,700 The Press: Yes, what was on the schedule tomorrow that he's doing Wednesday? 19 00:01:18,700 --> 00:01:20,830 Mr. Gibbs: I don't know exactly what got moved around. 20 00:01:20,834 --> 00:01:24,764 I know that obviously you've seen today, 21 00:01:24,767 --> 00:01:32,137 tomorrow almost exclusively is the trip down to Fort Hood. 22 00:01:32,133 --> 00:01:35,763 I think the highlight Wednesday -- two highlights obviously -- 23 00:01:35,767 --> 00:01:39,567 participating in Veterans Day activities first at the 24 00:01:39,567 --> 00:01:46,137 White House and then at Arlington National Cemetery. 25 00:01:46,133 --> 00:01:51,003 And then later in the day, there will be a meeting to discuss 26 00:01:51,000 --> 00:01:53,530 Afghanistan and Pakistan. 27 00:01:53,533 --> 00:01:56,403 And I honestly do not know when we depart on Thursday, 28 00:01:56,400 --> 00:02:02,000 but I should figure that out because I've got to pack. 29 00:02:02,000 --> 00:02:03,600 Other than that, take us away. 30 00:02:03,600 --> 00:02:05,230 The Press: Robert, is that the Sit Room meeting on Wednesday? 31 00:02:05,233 --> 00:02:06,303 Mr. Gibbs: Yes, sir. 32 00:02:06,300 --> 00:02:10,470 The Press: And what number is that? 33 00:02:10,467 --> 00:02:11,897 Mr. Gibbs: Is it eight? 34 00:02:11,900 --> 00:02:13,170 Sounds like eight? 35 00:02:13,166 --> 00:02:18,366 I don't honestly -- it seems to have sort of -- runs around. 36 00:02:18,367 --> 00:02:19,137 Yes, ma'am. 37 00:02:19,133 --> 00:02:20,963 The Press: What does the White House -- well, one thing first, 38 00:02:20,967 --> 00:02:23,737 on the meeting with the Israeli Prime Minister tonight. 39 00:02:23,734 --> 00:02:28,964 Why is that closed, no press avail, the statements? 40 00:02:28,967 --> 00:02:30,497 What is the thinking there? 41 00:02:30,500 --> 00:02:37,130 Mr. Gibbs: Well, the President obviously is -- will meet later today with 42 00:02:37,133 --> 00:02:42,833 Prime Minister Netanyahu to discuss a full range of issues -- 43 00:02:42,834 --> 00:02:45,164 The Press: -- want to meet with him? This meeting was -- 44 00:02:45,166 --> 00:02:46,596 Mr. Gibbs: Well, again, as you know, 45 00:02:46,600 --> 00:02:51,330 our schedule since late last week has been up in the air. 46 00:02:51,333 --> 00:02:57,403 The President was supposed to speak on Tuesday to the same 47 00:02:57,400 --> 00:03:01,400 group that Prime Minister Netanyahu is speaking to. 48 00:03:01,400 --> 00:03:04,370 He obviously looks forward to sitting down with the 49 00:03:04,367 --> 00:03:09,997 Prime Minister tonight -- and continue to work together to address 50 00:03:10,000 --> 00:03:13,870 issues like Middle East peace and the threat that's posed by Iran. 51 00:03:13,867 --> 00:03:17,267 The Press: And then separately, what does the White House know about 52 00:03:17,266 --> 00:03:23,296 any contacts by the Fort Hood shooter or ties to al Qaeda? 53 00:03:23,300 --> 00:03:28,470 Mr. Gibbs: Obviously, Jennifer, this is a continuing investigation 54 00:03:28,467 --> 00:03:32,437 that's being led jointly by DOD and FBI. 55 00:03:32,433 --> 00:03:41,133 The President has been very clear with everyone that no 56 00:03:41,133 --> 00:03:46,303 stone should be left unturned to figure out how and why this 57 00:03:46,300 --> 00:03:51,800 happened, and to ensure that it never happens again. 58 00:03:51,800 --> 00:03:54,530 I think the FBI will have updates on their investigation 59 00:03:54,533 --> 00:03:58,663 later on this afternoon and I think that's the best place to 60 00:03:58,667 --> 00:04:00,567 go for that information. 61 00:04:00,567 --> 00:04:03,137 The Press: Has there been adetermination about whether it was terrorist 62 00:04:03,133 --> 00:04:04,733 -- an act of terrorism? 63 00:04:04,734 --> 00:04:08,604 Mr. Gibbs: I think the FBI is the best place to address that. 64 00:04:08,600 --> 00:04:14,870 I do not know that they have a lot more on motive, 65 00:04:14,867 --> 00:04:17,167 but they'll have updates this afternoon. 66 00:04:17,166 --> 00:04:17,896 Yes, sir. 67 00:04:17,900 --> 00:04:21,530 The Press: Iran has charged three U.S. citizens with espionage. 68 00:04:21,533 --> 00:04:24,763 Does this expose the limits of the administration's efforts to 69 00:04:24,767 --> 00:04:29,437 reach out to Tehran, and could it undermine efforts to get a nuclear deal? 70 00:04:29,433 --> 00:04:34,763 Mr. Gibbs: Well, let me start by saying that these three hikers 71 00:04:34,767 --> 00:04:40,397 -- Shane Bauer, Josh Fattal and Sarah Shourd -- are innocent 72 00:04:40,400 --> 00:04:44,200 young people who should be released by the Iranian 73 00:04:44,200 --> 00:04:48,730 government and their release should be expedited. 74 00:04:48,734 --> 00:04:59,364 We have not heard confirmation through our Swiss counterparts about charges. 75 00:04:59,367 --> 00:05:04,937 As it relates to Iran, I guess I would have two different -- 76 00:05:04,934 --> 00:05:06,464 make two different points. 77 00:05:06,467 --> 00:05:12,597 One, this is an important -- the events of the next few days and 78 00:05:12,600 --> 00:05:18,830 the past few days are important for Iran to contemplate as they 79 00:05:18,834 --> 00:05:22,204 make decisions, moving forward. 80 00:05:22,200 --> 00:05:30,030 They have to essentially agree to their previous agreement on 81 00:05:30,033 --> 00:05:35,263 the research reactor, and I think the world is watching and 82 00:05:35,266 --> 00:05:41,596 waiting for their conclusive decisions on that. 83 00:05:41,600 --> 00:05:46,430 With how Iran is dealt with, when that decision is made, 84 00:05:46,433 --> 00:05:50,433 I would point you to what President Medvedev said, 85 00:05:50,433 --> 00:05:57,633 which was -- over the weekend -- which was if Iran fails to take 86 00:05:57,633 --> 00:06:04,363 steps in its control to demonstrate its responsibility 87 00:06:04,367 --> 00:06:07,237 to the world, then sanctions may be necessary. 88 00:06:07,233 --> 00:06:09,733 The Press: So you definitely link the charging of the three 89 00:06:09,734 --> 00:06:12,934 citizens with espionage with why the -- 90 00:06:12,934 --> 00:06:14,464 Mr. Gibbs: No, no, I was giving a broader answer. 91 00:06:14,467 --> 00:06:18,397 I think, again, not with standing whether or not they've 92 00:06:18,400 --> 00:06:22,070 been charged, they should be released as they're innocent. 93 00:06:22,066 --> 00:06:23,166 Jake. 94 00:06:23,166 --> 00:06:28,636 The Press: If President Obama is having the Sit Room meeting tomorrow on Af-Pak, should -- 95 00:06:28,633 --> 00:06:30,033 Mr. Gibbs: Wednesday -- 96 00:06:30,033 --> 00:06:33,803 The Press: I'm sorry, Wednesday -- should we then expect that 97 00:06:33,800 --> 00:06:37,170 his announcement will come after the Asia trip? 98 00:06:37,166 --> 00:06:41,366 Mr. Gibbs: I've not been told when it's going to be, but I think 99 00:06:41,367 --> 00:06:44,067 it is doubtful that it will happen prior to Thursday. 100 00:06:44,066 --> 00:06:46,736 The Press: And would it -- is it conceivable that it would happen 101 00:06:46,734 --> 00:06:48,904 during his trip to Asia? 102 00:06:48,900 --> 00:06:52,000 Mr. Gibbs: Not likely, I wouldn't think. 103 00:06:52,000 --> 00:06:53,370 The Press: The White House reached out specifically to 104 00:06:53,367 --> 00:06:58,167 Congressman Cao during the health care negotiations before 105 00:06:58,166 --> 00:07:00,266 the vote and right before the vote. 106 00:07:00,266 --> 00:07:02,996 What did the White House tell the congressman? 107 00:07:03,000 --> 00:07:06,830 Mr. Gibbs: Well, this wasn't -- those conversations didn't 108 00:07:06,834 --> 00:07:10,104 happen just this weekend. 109 00:07:10,100 --> 00:07:15,600 Nancy-Ann had met with him many weeks ago. 110 00:07:15,600 --> 00:07:20,700 He obviously is somebody who was interested in talking about what 111 00:07:20,700 --> 00:07:24,300 was in the President's health reform proposal and obviously 112 00:07:24,300 --> 00:07:28,670 made a decision that it was in the best interest of his constituents. 113 00:07:28,667 --> 00:07:32,167 The Press: Is there anything that -- in terms of stimulus 114 00:07:32,166 --> 00:07:35,436 money going to New Orleans, or is there anything beyond the 115 00:07:35,433 --> 00:07:37,703 health care reform bill that -- 116 00:07:37,700 --> 00:07:39,100 Mr. Gibbs: Not that I know of. 117 00:07:39,100 --> 00:07:39,830 The Press: Not that you know? 118 00:07:39,834 --> 00:07:42,264 And in terms of -- just one other thing on the meeting. 119 00:07:42,266 --> 00:07:44,036 Originally I know you guys have been -- 120 00:07:44,033 --> 00:07:45,603 Mr. Gibbs: Which meeting? 121 00:07:45,600 --> 00:07:47,570 The Press: I'm sorry, the announcement about the Afghanistan -- 122 00:07:47,567 --> 00:07:48,167 Mr. Gibbs: Oh, okay. 123 00:07:48,166 --> 00:07:50,166 The Press: Originally you guys have been shooting for before 124 00:07:50,166 --> 00:07:52,896 the strategy, and certainly that was not an official deadline, 125 00:07:52,900 --> 00:07:55,400 but you guys have been shooting for that. 126 00:07:55,400 --> 00:07:58,970 What's the reason for taking a little bit more time? 127 00:07:58,967 --> 00:08:00,837 Mr. Gibbs: Well, I mean, I think, Jake, 128 00:08:00,834 --> 00:08:02,664 the President wants to make sure that, 129 00:08:02,667 --> 00:08:05,537 as I've said on numerous occasions, 130 00:08:05,533 --> 00:08:09,533 take the time necessary to get the decision right. 131 00:08:09,533 --> 00:08:14,763 We're at a pivotal moment and I think the President wants to 132 00:08:14,767 --> 00:08:18,297 ensure that he has all that he needs and has heard from all 133 00:08:18,300 --> 00:08:23,230 that have equities in this in order to make a decision of moving forward. 134 00:08:23,233 --> 00:08:26,563 The Press: But what has -- what could he not have gotten already? 135 00:08:26,567 --> 00:08:28,167 I mean, what did he not have already -- 136 00:08:28,166 --> 00:08:30,396 Mr. Gibbs: Well, suffice to say, if he had gotten everything he 137 00:08:30,400 --> 00:08:33,300 needed, we probably wouldn't be meeting on Wednesday. 138 00:08:33,300 --> 00:08:34,470 The Press: Can you give us just an idea, though, 139 00:08:34,467 --> 00:08:36,037 of the kind of thing you're talking about? 140 00:08:36,033 --> 00:08:37,503 Mr. Gibbs: No. 141 00:08:37,500 --> 00:08:38,900 The Press: Are the Chiefs coming back? 142 00:08:38,900 --> 00:08:39,570 Mr. Gibbs: Say again? 143 00:08:39,567 --> 00:08:41,367 I don't think this is specifically with Joint Chiefs. 144 00:08:41,367 --> 00:08:46,367 I think this is more what has been done -- let me check exactly on the manifest. 145 00:08:46,367 --> 00:08:50,797 I think it is more in line with the groups that we had seen in here earlier. 146 00:08:50,800 --> 00:08:52,400 The Press: But you said -- I'm sorry to butt in but -- 147 00:08:52,400 --> 00:08:56,100 Mr. Gibbs: -- the Joint Chiefs later on -- I don't obviously -- 148 00:08:56,100 --> 00:08:57,400 The Press: -- another one? 149 00:08:57,400 --> 00:09:00,500 Mr. Gibbs: -- close the door on the fact that there could be more. 150 00:09:00,500 --> 00:09:02,500 The Press: On health care, Robert, the President, 151 00:09:02,500 --> 00:09:04,530 in his written statement late Saturday, I believe, 152 00:09:04,533 --> 00:09:06,933 said again that he wants this done by the end of the year -- 153 00:09:06,934 --> 00:09:08,234 he wants the Senate to move by the end of the year, 154 00:09:08,233 --> 00:09:10,363 but I don't think I heard that in the Rose Garden yesterday. 155 00:09:10,367 --> 00:09:13,667 Was that just a little -- like he just didn't mention the 156 00:09:13,667 --> 00:09:17,497 deadline, or how firm is the deadline in terms of by the end 157 00:09:17,500 --> 00:09:18,130 of this year? 158 00:09:18,133 --> 00:09:19,863 Mr. Gibbs: It didn't change overnight. 159 00:09:19,867 --> 00:09:22,597 I mean, it didn't change from Saturday night after the vote to Sunday. 160 00:09:22,600 --> 00:09:28,130 So, I mean, the President still wants to get this done by the 161 00:09:28,133 --> 00:09:29,463 end of the year. 162 00:09:29,467 --> 00:09:32,197 The Press: And on the meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu, 163 00:09:32,200 --> 00:09:33,130 I just wanted to follow up. 164 00:09:33,133 --> 00:09:35,303 I understand the schedule has been in flux, 165 00:09:35,300 --> 00:09:37,000 but why no television cameras? 166 00:09:37,000 --> 00:09:39,100 Is it because you don't want to highlight the fact that there's 167 00:09:39,100 --> 00:09:41,300 not a lot of progress in these talks so far? 168 00:09:41,300 --> 00:09:47,130 Mr. Gibbs: No, the President wanted to have a meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu. 169 00:09:47,133 --> 00:09:48,863 That's what we're doing. 170 00:09:48,867 --> 00:09:54,497 I'm sure, Ed, that the contents of the meeting generally seem to 171 00:09:54,500 --> 00:09:58,830 be well read out and I trust that this time will be no different. 172 00:09:58,834 --> 00:10:00,364 The Press: But typically the President will go on camera if 173 00:10:00,367 --> 00:10:02,437 he wants to highlight what is a key initiative for him, 174 00:10:02,433 --> 00:10:04,963 and if Mideast peace is that important you would think that 175 00:10:04,967 --> 00:10:06,797 he would want to do that. 176 00:10:06,800 --> 00:10:09,700 The Press: Well, like the date didn't change from Saturday night 177 00:10:09,700 --> 00:10:12,830 to Sunday, I think it's pretty safe to assume that the 178 00:10:12,834 --> 00:10:17,334 President thinks no less of the importance of the Middle East 179 00:10:17,333 --> 00:10:24,263 peace process on simply by subtracting one television camera. 180 00:10:24,266 --> 00:10:25,666 The Press: And the last thing, on settlements. 181 00:10:25,667 --> 00:10:27,937 Last week, Secretary Clinton was in Israel, 182 00:10:27,934 --> 00:10:31,204 and suggested -- she wanted to praise the Israelis for some 183 00:10:31,200 --> 00:10:32,330 progress on settlements. 184 00:10:32,333 --> 00:10:35,303 And the Palestinians were upset because the U.S. policy 185 00:10:35,300 --> 00:10:37,730 has been a complete freeze on settlements. 186 00:10:37,734 --> 00:10:41,564 Mr. Gibbs: Policy dating back several decades, yes. 187 00:10:41,567 --> 00:10:43,297 The Press: Right, but specifically it was emphasized 188 00:10:43,300 --> 00:10:45,100 in the early days of this administration. 189 00:10:45,100 --> 00:10:47,000 And the Palestinians felt like maybe there were some 190 00:10:47,000 --> 00:10:47,670 back-peddling. 191 00:10:47,667 --> 00:10:51,737 Can you just clear up -- there was a sense that she seemed to 192 00:10:51,734 --> 00:10:53,204 be shifting last week. 193 00:10:53,200 --> 00:10:57,530 Mr. Gibbs: No, no, again, I judge from your question -- 194 00:10:57,533 --> 00:11:02,603 the policy of the United States government for many decades has 195 00:11:02,600 --> 00:11:07,470 been no more settlements. 196 00:11:07,467 --> 00:11:11,397 That's not something that is new to this administration. 197 00:11:11,400 --> 00:11:15,300 It's something that I think has gotten disproportionate media 198 00:11:15,300 --> 00:11:19,470 coverage, but it's not a policy difference in this 199 00:11:19,467 --> 00:11:21,997 administration and previous administrations. 200 00:11:22,000 --> 00:11:22,600 Yes, sir. 201 00:11:22,600 --> 00:11:23,700 The Press: Thank you. 202 00:11:23,700 --> 00:11:27,030 On the health care bill, does -- the President supports, 203 00:11:27,033 --> 00:11:29,363 endorses, whatever you want to call it, the House bill. 204 00:11:29,367 --> 00:11:30,337 He's made that very clear. 205 00:11:30,333 --> 00:11:34,263 Does he support the abortion funding restrictions in the House bill? 206 00:11:34,266 --> 00:11:35,996 Mr. Gibbs: The President, Chip, as you know, 207 00:11:36,000 --> 00:11:41,000 went to Capitol Hill to rally support for the bill. 208 00:11:41,000 --> 00:11:42,400 That bill is now through the House, 209 00:11:42,400 --> 00:11:45,100 which we're quite pleased about. 210 00:11:45,100 --> 00:11:49,270 The Senate, once we get budget numbers from CBO, 211 00:11:49,266 --> 00:11:54,066 will become -- that will move to the Senate floor. 212 00:11:54,066 --> 00:11:57,096 I don't doubt that you'll have a somewhat different bill. 213 00:11:57,100 --> 00:11:59,400 That's the way this process works, 214 00:11:59,400 --> 00:12:02,770 and we'll iron out differences as they come. 215 00:12:02,767 --> 00:12:04,997 The Press: What's his position on abortion funding restrictions? 216 00:12:05,000 --> 00:12:09,230 Mr. Gibbs: I think you heard the President in front of Congress 217 00:12:09,233 --> 00:12:12,333 several months ago, and we'll continue to make progress. 218 00:12:12,333 --> 00:12:13,963 The Press: So then he wouldn't support anything like the 219 00:12:13,967 --> 00:12:15,597 provision that's in the House bill? 220 00:12:15,600 --> 00:12:18,530 Mr. Gibbs: I'm not going to become a negotiator from Capitol 221 00:12:18,533 --> 00:12:21,063 Hill -- on Capitol Hill from the podium. 222 00:12:21,066 --> 00:12:23,196 The Press: Would he accept something that goes beyond 223 00:12:23,200 --> 00:12:24,230 what the Hyde amendment does? 224 00:12:24,233 --> 00:12:28,933 Mr. Gibbs: We will wait to see what health care reform brings. 225 00:12:28,934 --> 00:12:30,804 The Press: So there could be something then in the end that 226 00:12:30,800 --> 00:12:34,730 goes beyond current law in restricting abortion funding? 227 00:12:34,734 --> 00:12:36,364 Mr. Gibbs: Chip, I wish we were having this conversation as the 228 00:12:36,367 --> 00:12:39,797 last part of this process, but as your network and others have 229 00:12:39,800 --> 00:12:42,770 pointed out, there are miles to go before we sleep. 230 00:12:42,767 --> 00:12:46,797 The Press: Can I follow up on the Fort Hood -- the President 231 00:12:46,800 --> 00:12:52,300 is getting briefed how frequently on that and by whom? 232 00:12:52,300 --> 00:12:56,900 Mr. Gibbs: Certainly as developments warrant, and again, 233 00:12:56,900 --> 00:13:01,730 the President's daily briefing this morning in the Oval began 234 00:13:01,734 --> 00:13:06,504 with an update on the situation in Fort Hood. 235 00:13:06,500 --> 00:13:08,170 The Press: Is there any concern with going down there -- I know 236 00:13:08,166 --> 00:13:11,496 often when Presidents go places, hurricane zones and things like 237 00:13:11,500 --> 00:13:14,330 that -- was there any concern that by going he could interfere 238 00:13:14,333 --> 00:13:15,903 with all of his entourage and security, 239 00:13:15,900 --> 00:13:17,470 could interfere in this investigation? 240 00:13:17,467 --> 00:13:18,497 Mr. Gibbs: No. 241 00:13:18,500 --> 00:13:24,530 And as we talked about late last week, I think Friday, 242 00:13:24,533 --> 00:13:29,033 this was -- obviously the President wanted to go, 243 00:13:29,033 --> 00:13:33,503 but wanted to do it at a time that was most convenient 244 00:13:33,500 --> 00:13:36,970 for the families of the victims. 245 00:13:36,967 --> 00:13:40,197 As I said, families are coming in from all over the country, 246 00:13:40,200 --> 00:13:47,430 and we wanted to make sure that our schedule was worked around their schedule. 247 00:13:47,433 --> 00:13:52,233 But I have heard nothing to suggest that there were any 248 00:13:52,233 --> 00:13:58,603 concerns with his presence on the way down there tomorrow. 249 00:13:58,600 --> 00:14:00,870 The Press: Robert, one quick question on Afghanistan. 250 00:14:00,867 --> 00:14:04,497 There have been reports that he's waiting for another set of 251 00:14:04,500 --> 00:14:07,230 recommendations, or a set of recommendations, 252 00:14:07,233 --> 00:14:08,233 from the Pentagon. 253 00:14:08,233 --> 00:14:09,563 Do you know -- is that true? 254 00:14:09,567 --> 00:14:11,167 And has he received that set of recommendations, 255 00:14:11,166 --> 00:14:12,566 an additional -- 256 00:14:12,567 --> 00:14:17,597 Mr. Gibbs: I think -- I don't know what additional recommendations he's gotten. 257 00:14:17,600 --> 00:14:20,370 I know the Pentagon was working on additional recommendations. 258 00:14:20,367 --> 00:14:21,997 The Press: You don't know if he's received those yet? 259 00:14:22,000 --> 00:14:22,800 Mr. Gibbs: I don't know. 260 00:14:22,800 --> 00:14:23,570 The Press: So it could be a ways off, 261 00:14:23,567 --> 00:14:25,697 if he hasn't even received this next round of recommendations. 262 00:14:25,700 --> 00:14:28,270 Mr. Gibbs: Other than to characterize it as in the coming weeks, 263 00:14:28,266 --> 00:14:29,896 I don't have any further guidance. 264 00:14:29,900 --> 00:14:32,200 The Press: Will he keep working on it while he's in Asia? 265 00:14:32,200 --> 00:14:35,430 Mr. Gibbs: Well, I think there's no doubt that this is a topic 266 00:14:35,433 --> 00:14:40,863 that will be addressed in some of the meetings that he has 267 00:14:40,867 --> 00:14:42,097 throughout the trip. 268 00:14:42,100 --> 00:14:47,470 I think, along with things like Iran and non-proliferation and 269 00:14:47,467 --> 00:14:56,767 North Korea, I think in meeting with people throughout the trip, 270 00:14:56,767 --> 00:14:58,937 this will certainly be a topic. 271 00:14:58,934 --> 00:15:00,464 I mean, obviously -- I mean, for one, 272 00:15:00,467 --> 00:15:08,767 the Japanese obviously have been -- have given generously in 273 00:15:08,767 --> 00:15:13,567 finances for the training of an Afghan national security force. 274 00:15:13,567 --> 00:15:14,697 So this will -- 275 00:15:14,700 --> 00:15:16,070 The Press: -- you think he'll actually work on his decision on -- 276 00:15:16,066 --> 00:15:17,396 Mr. Gibbs: Oh, absolutely. 277 00:15:17,400 --> 00:15:20,170 The President spends time on this each and every day, 278 00:15:20,166 --> 00:15:23,736 regardless of where he is. 279 00:15:23,734 --> 00:15:25,764 The Press: On the Fort Hood investigation, 280 00:15:25,767 --> 00:15:29,237 does the White House believe that at some point they will 281 00:15:29,233 --> 00:15:31,633 have to be the final arbiter on who takes the lead in the 282 00:15:31,633 --> 00:15:36,003 investigation or who prosecutes -- who takes the lead on the 283 00:15:36,000 --> 00:15:39,130 prosecution, Justice or the military? 284 00:15:39,133 --> 00:15:41,633 Mr. Gibbs: I have not heard a discussion about that. 285 00:15:41,633 --> 00:15:43,463 The Press: Right now it's still a joint investigation. 286 00:15:43,467 --> 00:15:45,837 When you say it's the FBI and the military working together, 287 00:15:45,834 --> 00:15:47,304 it's a joint investigation. 288 00:15:47,300 --> 00:15:51,430 This has to do with the death penalty and the various -- 289 00:15:51,433 --> 00:15:52,463 Mr. Gibbs: Truthfully, Chuck, 290 00:15:52,467 --> 00:15:57,067 I don't -- discussion about that part of it. 291 00:15:57,066 --> 00:16:02,366 The notion of obviously a joint investigation -- during the 292 00:16:02,367 --> 00:16:08,967 initial incident, the Department of Defense called the FBI, 293 00:16:08,967 --> 00:16:16,937 and the investigation at that juncture was run jointly by the 294 00:16:16,934 --> 00:16:18,264 FBI and the DOD. 295 00:16:18,266 --> 00:16:26,066 I have not, though, heard discussions of who brings 296 00:16:26,066 --> 00:16:28,436 charges and where. 297 00:16:28,433 --> 00:16:30,833 The Press: So we could be days away from that, weeks away from that? 298 00:16:30,834 --> 00:16:31,834 There's just no -- 299 00:16:31,834 --> 00:16:32,764 Mr. Gibbs: Weeks away from -- 300 00:16:32,767 --> 00:16:33,937 The Press: From charges being -- 301 00:16:33,934 --> 00:16:36,634 Mr. Gibbs: I mean, obviously -- yes, 302 00:16:36,633 --> 00:16:39,163 I would point you to either one of those institutions. 303 00:16:39,166 --> 00:16:41,136 The Press: Neither one -- the Justice Department or the 304 00:16:41,133 --> 00:16:43,963 Department of Defense -- hasn't asked the White House to make a 305 00:16:43,967 --> 00:16:44,867 jurisdictional decision? 306 00:16:44,867 --> 00:16:45,997 Mr. Gibbs: No. 307 00:16:46,000 --> 00:16:47,500 Certainly not that I'm aware of, no. 308 00:16:47,500 --> 00:16:50,500 The Press: On health care, what is the Christmas deadline? 309 00:16:50,500 --> 00:16:54,070 Is the Christmas deadline to get a bill on the President's desk 310 00:16:54,066 --> 00:16:56,196 to sign, or is the Christmas deadline to get a bill out of 311 00:16:56,200 --> 00:16:57,670 the Senate and out of the House? 312 00:16:57,667 --> 00:16:59,397 Mr. Gibbs: Well, I can assure you if we get a bill out of the 313 00:16:59,400 --> 00:17:01,400 Senate and the House somewhere around Christmas, 314 00:17:01,400 --> 00:17:03,630 the President won't take a lot of time in trying to sign it. 315 00:17:03,633 --> 00:17:05,103 The Press: No, I understand that, but the separate bill. 316 00:17:05,100 --> 00:17:07,670 I'm talking about the separate Senate -- if this deadline -- 317 00:17:07,667 --> 00:17:09,937 Mr. Gibbs: Well, we want to get health care done by the end of the year. 318 00:17:09,934 --> 00:17:11,034 The Press: You mean signed? 319 00:17:11,033 --> 00:17:13,433 Mr. Gibbs: Well, again, if it gets to his desk, 320 00:17:13,433 --> 00:17:16,203 I can assure you there's not a huge amount of gap between when 321 00:17:16,200 --> 00:17:17,000 it gets here -- 322 00:17:17,000 --> 00:17:18,000 The Press: -- 323 00:17:18,000 --> 00:17:19,430 Mr. Gibbs: No, no, I understand, I understand. 324 00:17:19,433 --> 00:17:20,963 Understand if I say he's going to sign it, 325 00:17:20,967 --> 00:17:23,067 let's assume conference has happened, right? 326 00:17:23,066 --> 00:17:26,096 Let's assume we've got a bill that is ready for the President to -- 327 00:17:26,100 --> 00:17:27,570 The Press: Is that a realistic -- 328 00:17:27,567 --> 00:17:28,567 Mr. Gibbs: I'm just a bill. 329 00:17:28,567 --> 00:17:30,397 The Press: Is that a realistic deadline or are you guys ramping 330 00:17:30,400 --> 00:17:35,070 up pressure on Senator Reid to make this deadline? 331 00:17:35,066 --> 00:17:38,596 Mr. Gibbs: No, no, we've been doing this for how many months? 332 00:17:38,600 --> 00:17:40,030 The Press: And we've had different deadlines -- 333 00:17:40,033 --> 00:17:43,333 Mr. Gibbs: And when we say the end of the year, 334 00:17:43,333 --> 00:17:46,103 we've got a pretty firm end-of-the-year deadline. 335 00:17:46,100 --> 00:17:47,530 The Press: And this is to sign a bill end of the year, 336 00:17:47,533 --> 00:17:48,963 but to get a bill -- 337 00:17:48,967 --> 00:17:53,367 Mr. Gibbs: How much clearer could I be? 338 00:17:53,367 --> 00:17:55,697 Seriously, how much clearer could I be? 339 00:17:55,700 --> 00:17:58,970 Do you think it's ambiguous? 340 00:17:58,967 --> 00:18:00,897 The Press: Have the deadlines gotten moved? 341 00:18:00,900 --> 00:18:04,570 Mr. Gibbs: I've just answered this question three times, right? 342 00:18:04,567 --> 00:18:06,937 The Press: The deadline is the end of the year to sign? 343 00:18:06,934 --> 00:18:11,464 Mr. Gibbs: Please send a transcript to [MR. TODD'S EMAIL REDACTED]. 344 00:18:11,467 --> 00:18:13,597 The Press: Whoa! 345 00:18:13,600 --> 00:18:14,600 The Press: All right, all right. 346 00:18:14,600 --> 00:18:16,030 So that means -- I mean, I just -- 347 00:18:16,033 --> 00:18:18,433 Mr. Gibbs: I just answered this three times, Chuck. 348 00:18:18,433 --> 00:18:20,203 Three times. 349 00:18:20,200 --> 00:18:23,270 The President -- let me do this just so I'm clear, all right. 350 00:18:23,266 --> 00:18:25,396 I don't know if you want to alert the networks to break in. 351 00:18:25,400 --> 00:18:31,000 The President wants to sign health care before the end of the year. 352 00:18:31,000 --> 00:18:32,170 Anybody have a follow-up? 353 00:18:32,166 --> 00:18:32,796 The Press: I do. 354 00:18:32,800 --> 00:18:33,730 The Press: I just have one question. 355 00:18:33,734 --> 00:18:34,634 The Press: Jonathan? 356 00:18:34,633 --> 00:18:37,333 (laughter) 357 00:18:37,333 --> 00:18:41,663 The Press: On the trip schedule, the President had intended to 358 00:18:41,667 --> 00:18:43,837 leave initially on Wednesday. 359 00:18:43,834 --> 00:18:46,534 That was always going to be Veterans Day, 360 00:18:46,533 --> 00:18:50,463 and I'm confused why he's not leaving on Wednesday now. 361 00:18:50,467 --> 00:18:54,337 Mr. Gibbs: Because all of what he was going to do Tuesday, 362 00:18:54,333 --> 00:18:58,633 while he travels to Texas is now going to take place either 363 00:18:58,633 --> 00:19:04,233 crammed into later today or crammed into the latter half of 364 00:19:04,233 --> 00:19:08,403 Wednesday past what had previously been scheduled as a 365 00:19:08,400 --> 00:19:11,230 breakfast here and a trip to Arlington National Cemetery. 366 00:19:11,233 --> 00:19:13,633 The Press: It's not because he's -- he wants to stay in -- he was 367 00:19:13,633 --> 00:19:16,503 going to do those Veterans Day events before he left anyway? 368 00:19:16,500 --> 00:19:17,470 Mr. Gibbs: Absolutely. 369 00:19:17,467 --> 00:19:23,467 No, the two events that were always on his schedule prior to 370 00:19:23,467 --> 00:19:26,397 leaving at that point on Wednesday would have been -- I 371 00:19:26,400 --> 00:19:30,770 think it's a closed-press breakfast here before traveling 372 00:19:30,767 --> 00:19:32,897 to Arlington late morning. 373 00:19:32,900 --> 00:19:33,600 The Press: Okay. 374 00:19:33,600 --> 00:19:36,400 And back on the abortion question. 375 00:19:36,400 --> 00:19:41,170 Candidate Obama campaigned as a pro-choice Democrat. 376 00:19:41,166 --> 00:19:45,036 This was a big debate between he and Hillary Clinton, 377 00:19:45,033 --> 00:19:48,103 who was more pro-choice. 378 00:19:48,100 --> 00:19:51,430 Mr. Gibbs: I don't completely remember that debate, but go ahead. 379 00:19:51,433 --> 00:19:55,603 The Press: But anyway, he was a pro-choice Democrat and now he's 380 00:19:55,600 --> 00:19:59,730 -- the House has passed some of the strictest legislation 381 00:19:59,734 --> 00:20:03,804 restricting abortion that we've seen in a very long time. 382 00:20:03,800 --> 00:20:09,570 I mean, can Barack Obama, who campaigned as a pro-choice 383 00:20:09,567 --> 00:20:12,937 Democrat, sign legislation with this language? 384 00:20:12,934 --> 00:20:16,464 Mr. Gibbs: Well, Jonathan, we'll -- ask me that right before Christmas 385 00:20:16,467 --> 00:20:17,937 and the end of the New Year. 386 00:20:17,934 --> 00:20:18,434 Mark. 387 00:20:18,433 --> 00:20:22,663 The Press: Robert, did the FBI director brief the President today on Fort Hood? 388 00:20:22,667 --> 00:20:24,237 Mr. Gibbs: I don't know if the -- I don't know if 389 00:20:24,233 --> 00:20:30,063 Director Mueller was here today in the PDB. 390 00:20:30,066 --> 00:20:34,936 He was -- I want to make sure I got my dates right -- he was here -- 391 00:20:34,934 --> 00:20:35,834 The Press: Friday. 392 00:20:35,834 --> 00:20:38,204 Mr. Gibbs: Thursday night was the first meeting. 393 00:20:38,200 --> 00:20:40,670 It was about 6:20 p.m. that evening. 394 00:20:40,667 --> 00:20:44,097 Director Mueller was in that meeting with Secretary Gates and 395 00:20:44,100 --> 00:20:50,630 Admiral Mullen the day of the shooting and was part of the 396 00:20:50,633 --> 00:20:53,863 PDB, the extended PDB, on Friday morning. 397 00:20:53,867 --> 00:20:57,297 I don't know if -- I don't believe he was over here this 398 00:20:57,300 --> 00:20:59,130 morning, but let me double-check. 399 00:20:59,133 --> 00:21:03,003 The Press: On health care, does the President believe that a 400 00:21:03,000 --> 00:21:08,630 single Republican vote makes the House passed bill bipartisan? 401 00:21:08,633 --> 00:21:11,433 Mr. Gibbs: By definition. 402 00:21:11,433 --> 00:21:14,663 The Press: No, really. 403 00:21:14,667 --> 00:21:20,997 Mr. Gibbs: Mark, I don't doubt that the President hopes, 404 00:21:21,000 --> 00:21:28,530 or wished that more Republicans would recognize that there are 405 00:21:28,533 --> 00:21:31,163 people in their districts that they represent, 406 00:21:31,166 --> 00:21:35,666 as we've talked about, that are suffering from the skyrocketing 407 00:21:35,667 --> 00:21:40,397 cost of health care; who own small businesses that have to 408 00:21:40,400 --> 00:21:43,870 either let workers go or drop the insurance coverage that they 409 00:21:43,867 --> 00:21:50,867 want to provide; or that represent many that are 410 00:21:50,867 --> 00:21:54,037 discriminated against by the practices of insurance companies. 411 00:21:54,033 --> 00:21:59,933 Look, the President would love for this to be -- to pass unanimously. 412 00:21:59,934 --> 00:22:05,734 He understands that for whatever reason, 413 00:22:05,734 --> 00:22:13,004 some in the party have decided to make a political statement about this. 414 00:22:13,000 --> 00:22:19,330 The Press: I noticed that both John Boehner and Mitch McConnell 415 00:22:19,333 --> 00:22:23,263 used the word "monstrosity" to believe the bill passed on 416 00:22:23,266 --> 00:22:24,496 Saturday night. 417 00:22:24,500 --> 00:22:27,300 How do you bridge a gap like that, 418 00:22:27,300 --> 00:22:29,130 when they're using a word of that -- 419 00:22:29,133 --> 00:22:30,163 Mr. Gibbs: Who was it? 420 00:22:30,166 --> 00:22:31,696 The Press: Both McConnell and Boehner. 421 00:22:31,700 --> 00:22:33,330 Mr. Gibbs: Well, remember, Boehner announced his opposition 422 00:22:33,333 --> 00:22:34,903 to this three months ago. 423 00:22:34,900 --> 00:22:38,000 So the notion that he thinks that -- 424 00:22:38,000 --> 00:22:39,330 The Press: Well, you can be against something without 425 00:22:39,333 --> 00:22:42,963 regarding it as a "monstrosity." 426 00:22:42,967 --> 00:22:48,337 Mr. Gibbs: Yes, but again, he -- when in the process three months 427 00:22:48,333 --> 00:22:51,103 ago you've decided you're against the bill, 428 00:22:51,100 --> 00:22:53,630 I'm not sure that there's anything the President can say 429 00:22:53,633 --> 00:22:57,933 or do that's ever going to convince somebody like that, 430 00:22:57,934 --> 00:23:01,704 that -- despite the fact that on the House and the Senate side, 431 00:23:01,700 --> 00:23:04,530 Republican ideas have become part of the bill; 432 00:23:04,533 --> 00:23:10,203 despite the fact that even when Republican members came back 433 00:23:10,200 --> 00:23:15,200 from recess in early September after spending most of August at 434 00:23:15,200 --> 00:23:19,130 home, you heard statements like the American people understand 435 00:23:19,133 --> 00:23:23,863 we have to address the issue of health care reform; 436 00:23:23,867 --> 00:23:28,837 or you see poll after poll done by many of you guys that show 437 00:23:28,834 --> 00:23:32,804 the American people want to see something done this year. 438 00:23:32,800 --> 00:23:34,630 I don't know how many more different data points of 439 00:23:34,633 --> 00:23:40,433 evidence you need to understand that this is a continual problem 440 00:23:40,433 --> 00:23:41,903 that the American people have faced, 441 00:23:41,900 --> 00:23:43,570 and it has to be addressed. 442 00:23:43,567 --> 00:23:45,867 The Press: May I ask a follow-up on the bill signing question? 443 00:23:45,867 --> 00:23:46,837 Mr. Gibbs: Sure. 444 00:23:46,834 --> 00:23:48,434 The Press: Thank you. 445 00:23:48,433 --> 00:23:52,103 One other option, although nobody wants it, 446 00:23:52,100 --> 00:23:57,770 is for Congress to attach a health care bill to an omnibus 447 00:23:57,767 --> 00:24:01,397 budget reconciliation bill just like they did with COBRA. 448 00:24:01,400 --> 00:24:03,400 If that's the only way it could get to the President's desk, 449 00:24:03,400 --> 00:24:04,800 would he sign that as well? 450 00:24:04,800 --> 00:24:12,370 Mr. Gibbs: Well, obviously the President wants the process to move forward, 451 00:24:12,367 --> 00:24:13,637 as it's doing. 452 00:24:13,633 --> 00:24:15,933 And as continue to make progress, 453 00:24:15,934 --> 00:24:18,564 we don't see any need to change the process. 454 00:24:18,567 --> 00:24:19,997 The Press: But what if you don't make progress? 455 00:24:20,000 --> 00:24:22,230 Mr. Gibbs: Then we'll look at alternatives. 456 00:24:22,233 --> 00:24:24,133 The Press: Is the President going to have remarks at 457 00:24:24,133 --> 00:24:28,233 Arlington on Wednesday after the wreath laying? 458 00:24:28,233 --> 00:24:30,803 Mr. Gibbs: That I don't honestly know, but I will double-check. 459 00:24:30,800 --> 00:24:37,070 The Press: And will there be a readout after the Netanyahu meeting tonight? 460 00:24:37,066 --> 00:24:38,896 Mr. Gibbs: Yes, we can get you a readout. 461 00:24:38,900 --> 00:24:39,700 The Press: To everybody? 462 00:24:39,700 --> 00:24:41,500 Mr. Gibbs: Yes. 463 00:24:41,500 --> 00:24:44,900 Yes, sir. 464 00:24:44,900 --> 00:24:48,330 The Press: To revisit Iowa briefly and the pro-choice 465 00:24:48,333 --> 00:24:50,803 debate that went on there, there were those in the Hillary 466 00:24:50,800 --> 00:24:54,070 Clinton camp who said because then-state senator Obama voted 467 00:24:54,066 --> 00:24:57,196 "present" on some votes, he was insuffiently pro-choice, 468 00:24:57,200 --> 00:24:58,400 and that was sort of fought out a little bit -- 469 00:24:58,400 --> 00:24:59,870 Mr. Gibbs: Oh, that's what you're talking about. 470 00:24:59,867 --> 00:25:01,167 I mean, I think that was -- 471 00:25:01,166 --> 00:25:02,666 The Press: I'm just saying it came up. 472 00:25:02,667 --> 00:25:04,037 Mr. Gibbs: I think that was handled by people that the 473 00:25:04,033 --> 00:25:05,733 President had worked with, representing those groups, 474 00:25:05,734 --> 00:25:09,004 which largely dismissed that argument. 475 00:25:09,000 --> 00:25:10,830 The Press: Which leads me to the question now -- some of those 476 00:25:10,834 --> 00:25:13,634 groups -- NARAL and Planned Parenthood -- have condemned the 477 00:25:13,633 --> 00:25:17,903 language in the House bill and want it repealed. 478 00:25:17,900 --> 00:25:20,930 Does the White House agree or disagree with NARAL and Planned 479 00:25:20,934 --> 00:25:23,364 Parenthood's interpretation of the bill currently? 480 00:25:23,367 --> 00:25:25,637 Mr. Gibbs: I'm not going to get deeply into this, 481 00:25:25,633 --> 00:25:31,833 except to say that we will work on this and continue to seek 482 00:25:31,834 --> 00:25:35,434 consensus and common ground. 483 00:25:35,433 --> 00:25:37,363 The Press: In pursuit of what -- just passing the bill? 484 00:25:37,367 --> 00:25:38,467 Mr. Gibbs: Health care reform. 485 00:25:38,467 --> 00:25:39,197 The Press: Okay. 486 00:25:39,200 --> 00:25:41,430 But not resolving abortion to the satisfaction of NARAL or 487 00:25:41,433 --> 00:25:42,403 Planned Parenthood? 488 00:25:42,400 --> 00:25:44,870 Mr. Gibbs: I think this obviously is something that will 489 00:25:44,867 --> 00:25:50,737 have to be addressed in order to get to that point. 490 00:25:50,734 --> 00:25:54,534 The Press: Does the President agree with Army Chief of Staff Casey 491 00:25:54,533 --> 00:25:57,163 who said yesterday, "As horrific as this tragedy was, 492 00:25:57,166 --> 00:26:01,796 if our diversity becomes a casualty, I think that's worse"? 493 00:26:01,800 --> 00:26:04,970 Mr. Gibbs: Well, look, I think the President agrees with 494 00:26:04,967 --> 00:26:12,237 General Casey that -- look, having sat through the meeting 495 00:26:12,233 --> 00:26:17,063 with the Joint Chiefs, there is tremendous pride for an 496 00:26:17,066 --> 00:26:20,896 all-volunteer armed forces in this country. 497 00:26:20,900 --> 00:26:24,830 That's I think a pride shared by the Joint Chiefs as well as the 498 00:26:24,834 --> 00:26:26,864 Commander-in-Chief. 499 00:26:26,867 --> 00:26:31,537 And there are people of many different ethnicities and many 500 00:26:31,533 --> 00:26:35,563 different religions that serve with great honor and distinction 501 00:26:35,567 --> 00:26:39,797 in our military today, and the President certainly hopes that that continues. 502 00:26:39,800 --> 00:26:43,530 The Press: To the families who might wonder if that diversity 503 00:26:43,533 --> 00:26:47,703 is so important that it's -- losing it would be worse than 504 00:26:47,700 --> 00:26:50,100 losing their own family member, do you understand how some might 505 00:26:50,100 --> 00:26:53,430 think that is elevating diversity over human life or -- 506 00:26:53,433 --> 00:26:58,403 Mr. Gibbs: I do not believe that in any way, shape, 507 00:26:58,400 --> 00:27:01,230 or form that's what General Casey was saying. 508 00:27:01,233 --> 00:27:04,033 The Press: And you would not want anyone to jump to that conclusion -- 509 00:27:04,033 --> 00:27:06,163 Mr. Gibbs: I wouldn't, no. 510 00:27:06,166 --> 00:27:06,896 The Press: Okay. 511 00:27:06,900 --> 00:27:10,700 On climate change, the heavy negotiations for the United 512 00:27:10,700 --> 00:27:13,500 Nations and the EU have now become somewhat more publicly 513 00:27:13,500 --> 00:27:18,230 vocal in their criticism of the administration in their 514 00:27:18,233 --> 00:27:21,563 interpretation it's not working hard enough to bring climate 515 00:27:21,567 --> 00:27:23,897 change legislation and an agreement to Copenhagen, 516 00:27:23,900 --> 00:27:26,230 to have something that's substantive that can be a part 517 00:27:26,233 --> 00:27:29,463 of the overall negotiations. 518 00:27:29,467 --> 00:27:30,537 A, how do you react to that? 519 00:27:30,533 --> 00:27:34,033 And B, does the President need, does the administration need 520 00:27:34,033 --> 00:27:39,333 Senate passage of a climate change bill to seek a deal 521 00:27:39,333 --> 00:27:42,233 within the confines of the U.N. climate change talks? 522 00:27:42,233 --> 00:27:49,803 Mr. Gibbs: I don't give those comments a whole lot of credence. 523 00:27:49,800 --> 00:27:56,430 We are closer to an energy and climate bill becoming law than 524 00:27:56,433 --> 00:27:59,933 has ever -- we've ever gotten with the passage of it through 525 00:27:59,934 --> 00:28:02,164 the House of Representatives. 526 00:28:02,166 --> 00:28:09,296 And the notion that one country stands in the way of addressing 527 00:28:09,300 --> 00:28:12,670 climate change would be to forget countries like China, 528 00:28:12,667 --> 00:28:21,537 India, Brazil, and others that have to also be brought along in this process. 529 00:28:21,533 --> 00:28:28,933 So with all due respect, I don't give those comments a whole lot of credence. 530 00:28:28,934 --> 00:28:29,664 Yes, ma'am. 531 00:28:29,667 --> 00:28:30,837 The Press: The Af-Pak meeting that's on Wednesday, 532 00:28:30,834 --> 00:28:32,334 was that originally scheduled for Tuesday? 533 00:28:32,333 --> 00:28:36,603 Mr. Gibbs: I believe it was, but the schedule obviously -- we 534 00:28:36,600 --> 00:28:40,970 knew fairly -- we knew on Thursday the schedule for Friday 535 00:28:40,967 --> 00:28:44,767 and the remainder of the days before the trip would change. 536 00:28:44,767 --> 00:28:47,867 I don't know if it originally was today or whether it was 537 00:28:47,867 --> 00:28:49,237 going to be on Tuesday. 538 00:28:49,233 --> 00:28:50,603 The Press: And can you talk a little bit about what he's going 539 00:28:50,600 --> 00:28:51,830 to do down in Fort Hood? 540 00:28:51,834 --> 00:28:54,004 Is there time set aside to meet families? 541 00:28:54,000 --> 00:28:57,270 Mr. Gibbs: There -- and this is preliminary and we're working on 542 00:28:57,266 --> 00:29:01,866 getting more as the schedule itself changes -- the President 543 00:29:01,867 --> 00:29:11,237 will meet with families of those that lost a loved one last week, 544 00:29:11,233 --> 00:29:16,633 as well as speak to the larger memorial that will take place at 545 00:29:16,633 --> 00:29:24,033 the base and address a community obviously saddened and stricken 546 00:29:24,033 --> 00:29:25,733 by the events of last week. 547 00:29:25,734 --> 00:29:28,334 The Press: Is the First Lady going to do anything separate from him? 548 00:29:28,333 --> 00:29:30,103 Mr. Gibbs: I don't know the answer to that. 549 00:29:30,100 --> 00:29:31,800 I know she's with him. 550 00:29:31,800 --> 00:29:35,630 My sense is she will be with him when he sees the families. 551 00:29:35,633 --> 00:29:37,433 The Press: And in terms of the investigation itself, 552 00:29:37,433 --> 00:29:40,763 leaving the details to the FBI and military investigators, 553 00:29:40,767 --> 00:29:44,597 does the White House view the suspect as a terrorism suspect 554 00:29:44,600 --> 00:29:45,530 at this point? 555 00:29:45,533 --> 00:29:47,233 Or is this somebody who is a lone figure? 556 00:29:47,233 --> 00:29:54,703 Mr. Gibbs: That should be addressed by the FBI. 557 00:29:54,700 --> 00:29:56,900 That's who has equities in all of that. 558 00:29:56,900 --> 00:29:59,430 The Press: Robert, may I ask a follow-up on the Fort Hood questions? 559 00:29:59,433 --> 00:30:01,133 Mr. Gibbs: Sure. 560 00:30:01,133 --> 00:30:04,203 The Press: It has been reported today that the suspect in the 561 00:30:04,200 --> 00:30:07,730 Fort Hood shooting is now conscious as of this afternoon. 562 00:30:07,734 --> 00:30:10,734 Do you know if law enforcement has begun to ask questions of 563 00:30:10,734 --> 00:30:14,664 him regarding causes or motives, or any of the circumstances 564 00:30:14,667 --> 00:30:15,697 regarding these acts? 565 00:30:15,700 --> 00:30:17,370 Mr. Gibbs: I don't know if interviews have begun. 566 00:30:17,367 --> 00:30:24,667 Obviously, to say the least, law enforcement are eager to talk. 567 00:30:24,667 --> 00:30:27,467 And I think that's obviously part of the reason why this is a 568 00:30:27,467 --> 00:30:32,967 continuing investigation where we still need information to 569 00:30:32,967 --> 00:30:36,037 draw firm conclusions. 570 00:30:36,033 --> 00:30:36,803 Yes, sir. 571 00:30:36,800 --> 00:30:39,630 The Press: Robert, I know we've got a conference call this afternoon, 572 00:30:39,633 --> 00:30:41,903 but I just need to ask you very briefly about the trip. 573 00:30:41,900 --> 00:30:44,030 In general terms, it's been asserted that the President is 574 00:30:44,033 --> 00:30:46,763 going to a region where countries are increasingly 575 00:30:46,767 --> 00:30:51,797 assertive and not so reflexively -- I don't want to say 576 00:30:51,800 --> 00:30:55,730 submissive, but they don't -- they don't reflexively agree to 577 00:30:55,734 --> 00:30:57,734 America's view, especially a place like Japan 578 00:30:57,734 --> 00:30:59,704 with a new government; China, which of course, 579 00:30:59,700 --> 00:31:03,070 has been increasing economic -- does the President subscribe to that view? 580 00:31:03,066 --> 00:31:05,196 Does he worry about that? 581 00:31:05,200 --> 00:31:14,930 Mr. Gibbs: Well, look, I think that is -- I guess I'll leave it at this. 582 00:31:14,934 --> 00:31:19,334 I think the President believes obviously that many of the 583 00:31:19,333 --> 00:31:22,203 places he's going to and the leaders that he'll see -- I 584 00:31:22,200 --> 00:31:27,800 mean, keep in mind we'll meet with President Medvedev as part of this. 585 00:31:27,800 --> 00:31:30,400 So he'll meet with leaders in places that we're not 586 00:31:30,400 --> 00:31:36,370 necessarily stopping on -- that he believes that the United States 587 00:31:36,367 --> 00:31:40,137 and these countries have a series of mutual interests, 588 00:31:40,133 --> 00:31:45,163 and that by working together, we can make progress on those mutual interests. 589 00:31:45,166 --> 00:31:48,696 As it relates to what you said a minute ago, 590 00:31:48,700 --> 00:31:55,670 I think if you look back at where people predicted different 591 00:31:55,667 --> 00:31:58,767 efforts would be, remember, right after the North Koreans 592 00:31:58,767 --> 00:32:04,737 test-fired their long-range -- test-fired a long-range missile, 593 00:32:04,734 --> 00:32:08,804 it was widely presumed that there was nothing that could be 594 00:32:08,800 --> 00:32:14,100 done to address those actions, largely because the U.N. 595 00:32:14,100 --> 00:32:18,900 Security Council wouldn't address the geopolitics of 596 00:32:18,900 --> 00:32:21,000 certain countries. 597 00:32:21,000 --> 00:32:24,930 It took a couple of weeks of tough diplomacy, 598 00:32:24,934 --> 00:32:28,534 but Susan Rice and the United Nations worked out a unanimous 599 00:32:28,533 --> 00:32:33,003 Security Council resolution to address what happened in North Korea. 600 00:32:33,000 --> 00:32:36,100 I think if you look at where we are with Iran, 601 00:32:36,100 --> 00:32:40,030 we've never been at a point that we are now, 602 00:32:40,033 --> 00:32:43,133 unified with the P5-plus-1. 603 00:32:43,133 --> 00:32:46,633 So I think the President understands that each country 604 00:32:46,633 --> 00:32:50,503 has interests, and where we have mutual interests we can work 605 00:32:50,500 --> 00:32:51,900 together to make progress. 606 00:32:51,900 --> 00:32:53,200 The Press: Robert, a follow-up. 607 00:32:53,200 --> 00:32:56,600 What's on the agenda for the meeting with Medvedev? 608 00:32:56,600 --> 00:32:59,870 Mr. Gibbs: Obviously we'll continue to talk through issues 609 00:32:59,867 --> 00:33:02,597 that they've spent time working on, 610 00:33:02,600 --> 00:33:08,300 most notably the START Treaty that expires I believe the 611 00:33:08,300 --> 00:33:16,700 5th of December, and continue discussions about North Korea and Iran. 612 00:33:16,700 --> 00:33:18,430 Yes, Mara. 613 00:33:18,433 --> 00:33:20,663 The Press: Robert, I have a question on Fort Hood and also abortion. 614 00:33:20,667 --> 00:33:23,497 I understand you're leaving the determination of whether this 615 00:33:23,500 --> 00:33:25,530 was an act of terrorism up to the FBI. 616 00:33:25,533 --> 00:33:28,703 But what is the White House's definition of an act of terrorism? 617 00:33:28,700 --> 00:33:31,330 Mr. Gibbs: I'm not a law enforcement official, Mara. 618 00:33:31,333 --> 00:33:35,963 This obviously is a continuing investigation, 619 00:33:35,967 --> 00:33:38,767 and if you've got questions about where that investigation 620 00:33:38,767 --> 00:33:40,767 is, I think the FBI is going to -- 621 00:33:40,767 --> 00:33:43,137 The Press: -- I just want to know if there is a definition of 622 00:33:43,133 --> 00:33:44,633 an act of terrorism that you -- 623 00:33:44,633 --> 00:33:47,033 Mr. Gibbs: I'm not going to get into the back-and-forth of this. 624 00:33:47,033 --> 00:33:47,603 The Press: All right. 625 00:33:47,600 --> 00:33:50,570 One other question about the House vote. 626 00:33:50,567 --> 00:33:53,167 The President has been pretty clear all along that in terms of 627 00:33:53,166 --> 00:33:57,196 abortion he thought the status quo should be left untouched; 628 00:33:57,200 --> 00:33:58,830 in other words, the Hyde amendment should stand. 629 00:33:58,834 --> 00:34:04,234 Does he believe that the Stupak amendment enshrines Hyde, 630 00:34:04,233 --> 00:34:06,933 in terms of the health care exchanges, or goes beyond it? 631 00:34:06,934 --> 00:34:09,964 Mr. Gibbs: Well, I'm going to leave the answer -- 632 00:34:09,967 --> 00:34:10,997 The Press: I'm not asking if you're for or against. 633 00:34:11,000 --> 00:34:11,800 Mr. Gibbs: No, I understand -- 634 00:34:11,800 --> 00:34:13,070 The Press: I just want to know what you think it does. 635 00:34:13,066 --> 00:34:14,666 Mr. Gibbs: I understand. 636 00:34:14,667 --> 00:34:15,767 I'm going to leave it at the earlier answer that we're going 637 00:34:15,767 --> 00:34:17,567 to continue to work through and make progress on these issues. 638 00:34:17,567 --> 00:34:19,037 The Press: Robert, as far as you know, 639 00:34:19,033 --> 00:34:22,333 has the President decided on number of troops, 640 00:34:22,333 --> 00:34:23,833 additional troops he'd like to send to Afghanistan? 641 00:34:23,834 --> 00:34:24,964 Mr. Gibbs: No, no. 642 00:34:24,967 --> 00:34:31,467 Despite the many chances to read otherwise throughout the weekend. 643 00:34:31,467 --> 00:34:33,837 Safe to say if he'd made a decision, 644 00:34:33,834 --> 00:34:36,504 I think we could free up at least part of his Wednesday. 645 00:34:36,500 --> 00:34:39,230 The Press: What about a proportional breakdown between trainers, 646 00:34:39,233 --> 00:34:41,133 for example, and combat troops, anything like that -- 647 00:34:41,133 --> 00:34:42,903 Mr. Gibbs: No, no. 648 00:34:42,900 --> 00:34:44,630 The Press: -- or any thought to where they might come from? 649 00:34:44,633 --> 00:34:48,603 Mr. Gibbs: Well, thought from where they might come from? 650 00:34:48,600 --> 00:34:50,800 The Press: Fort Campbell comes to mind. 651 00:34:50,800 --> 00:34:57,700 Mr. Gibbs: Oh, I mean, look, I think -- I mean, obviously there's -- 652 00:34:57,700 --> 00:35:01,370 we know where very specialized troops are, 653 00:35:01,367 --> 00:35:05,367 but I don't think that the President has -- I doubt we've 654 00:35:05,367 --> 00:35:08,597 have gotten to identifying what fort they're at without getting to a number. 655 00:35:08,600 --> 00:35:10,900 The Press: Also, just to circle back to something you said earlier, 656 00:35:10,900 --> 00:35:14,230 is the President consulting outside groups or 657 00:35:14,233 --> 00:35:18,203 particular people outside the Situation Room to talk about the 658 00:35:18,200 --> 00:35:20,630 Afghanistan review strategy? 659 00:35:20,633 --> 00:35:23,463 Mr. Gibbs: Well, let me make sure I understand. 660 00:35:23,467 --> 00:35:25,967 Is he having discussions outside of the meetings, 661 00:35:25,967 --> 00:35:30,697 or is he talking to participants throughout the process that are 662 00:35:30,700 --> 00:35:33,400 different than just those in the meeting itself? 663 00:35:33,400 --> 00:35:34,530 The Press: Yes. 664 00:35:34,533 --> 00:35:35,603 (laughter) 665 00:35:35,600 --> 00:35:37,870 Mr. Gibbs: Wait a minute, that's my answer. 666 00:35:37,867 --> 00:35:44,337 I know that the President has had occasion to talk about the 667 00:35:44,333 --> 00:35:48,263 issue of Afghanistan outside of that -- outside of those 668 00:35:48,266 --> 00:35:52,196 meetings and outside of just those participants, yes. 669 00:35:52,200 --> 00:35:53,400 The Press: Robert, outside government -- 670 00:35:53,400 --> 00:35:54,730 The Press: -- 671 00:35:54,734 --> 00:35:57,234 Mr. Gibbs: Yes. Outside -- yes. 672 00:35:57,233 --> 00:35:59,803 The Press: -- different countries? 673 00:35:59,800 --> 00:36:03,200 Mr. Gibbs: At some point obviously there will be very 674 00:36:03,200 --> 00:36:06,000 fulsome discussions with our NATO partners. 675 00:36:06,000 --> 00:36:08,570 I don't know if we're at that point in the process. 676 00:36:08,567 --> 00:36:09,537 The Press: Is India among them? 677 00:36:09,533 --> 00:36:12,533 Mr. Gibbs: I wouldn't get into listing details. 678 00:36:12,533 --> 00:36:15,933 The Press: Robert, a question on circulation? 679 00:36:15,934 --> 00:36:17,634 On circulation? 680 00:36:17,633 --> 00:36:20,263 Mr. Gibbs: That's a seemingly -- hold on, Lester, 681 00:36:20,266 --> 00:36:24,566 before I take the premise of your -- we could go into health 682 00:36:24,567 --> 00:36:27,367 care, we could go into newspapers, we could go into -- 683 00:36:27,367 --> 00:36:28,297 The Press: Yes, yes. 684 00:36:28,300 --> 00:36:29,100 Mr. Gibbs: Yes. 685 00:36:29,100 --> 00:36:30,300 (laughter) 686 00:36:30,300 --> 00:36:31,970 The Press: What is the President's -- the first -- 687 00:36:31,967 --> 00:36:33,167 what is the President's reaction -- 688 00:36:33,166 --> 00:36:35,036 Mr. Gibbs: I didn't agree to two, but I'm happy to try with one. 689 00:36:35,033 --> 00:36:36,303 The Press: Thank you. 690 00:36:36,300 --> 00:36:37,530 Mr. Gibbs: We'll circulate an answer. 691 00:36:37,533 --> 00:36:39,433 The Press: We had 10 up here. 692 00:36:39,433 --> 00:36:42,533 But what is the President's reaction to the Audit Bureau of 693 00:36:42,533 --> 00:36:46,733 Circulation's report that in the six months ending on September 694 00:36:46,734 --> 00:36:49,264 the 30th, American daily newspapers, 695 00:36:49,266 --> 00:36:53,736 most of which are liberal and pro-Obama -- (laughter) -- fell 696 00:36:53,734 --> 00:36:54,704 10 points -- 697 00:36:54,700 --> 00:36:56,130 Mr. Gibbs: Have you read The Washington Post today? 698 00:36:56,133 --> 00:36:57,463 Have you read The Washington Post any day? 699 00:36:57,467 --> 00:36:58,537 The Press: I do, every day. 700 00:36:58,533 --> 00:37:00,203 I always keep an eye on the enemy. 701 00:37:00,200 --> 00:37:02,800 Mr. Gibbs: What did you say? 702 00:37:02,800 --> 00:37:04,470 The Press: I always keep an eye on the enemy. 703 00:37:04,467 --> 00:37:09,297 Mr. Gibbs: Well, I'll give them an equal amount of time and a 704 00:37:09,300 --> 00:37:12,000 microphone of sufficient size to respond. 705 00:37:12,000 --> 00:37:14,500 (laughter) 706 00:37:14,500 --> 00:37:20,200 Look, obviously the President is a voracious consumer of news, 707 00:37:20,200 --> 00:37:22,770 likes to read newspapers every day. 708 00:37:22,767 --> 00:37:27,237 I would -- I think if you pick up many of the newspapers with 709 00:37:27,233 --> 00:37:31,903 which you discussed -- I notice that there was an article in The 710 00:37:31,900 --> 00:37:34,930 New York Times today about the circulation drop in the New York 711 00:37:34,934 --> 00:37:38,534 Post, and I'm not sure I would categorize that as a liberal 712 00:37:38,533 --> 00:37:40,603 pro-Obama newspaper. 713 00:37:40,600 --> 00:37:44,230 And please, would you just -- if you can cc your question to 714 00:37:44,233 --> 00:37:47,833 Fred Hiatt I'm happy to have a conversation about the liberalism -- 715 00:37:47,834 --> 00:37:48,964 The Press: One follow-up, because they had 10. 716 00:37:48,967 --> 00:37:50,567 They had 10. 717 00:37:50,567 --> 00:37:51,867 Mr. Gibbs: Was that one? 718 00:37:51,867 --> 00:37:52,937 Does that count as one? 719 00:37:52,934 --> 00:37:55,434 The Press: What was the President's reaction to the more 720 00:37:55,433 --> 00:38:00,903 than 2,000-page health care bill which so few congressmen read 721 00:38:00,900 --> 00:38:04,970 being passed by only five votes and costing more than a trillion 722 00:38:04,967 --> 00:38:09,767 dollars, on which 39 Democrats voted no? 723 00:38:09,767 --> 00:38:11,467 Mr. Gibbs: He could not be more pleased. 724 00:38:11,467 --> 00:38:12,497 (laughter) 725 00:38:12,500 --> 00:38:15,970 April. 726 00:38:15,967 --> 00:38:22,437 The Press: What is your circulation? 727 00:38:22,433 --> 00:38:23,463 Mr. Gibbs: Spotty at best. 728 00:38:23,467 --> 00:38:24,597 (laughter) 729 00:38:24,600 --> 00:38:26,330 The Press: On health care reform -- 730 00:38:26,333 --> 00:38:27,433 Mr. Gibbs: Yes, ma'am. 731 00:38:27,433 --> 00:38:30,233 The Press: -- does consensus and common ground negate the 732 00:38:30,233 --> 00:38:32,463 original mandate to cover all Americans? 733 00:38:32,467 --> 00:38:33,637 Mr. Gibbs: I'm sorry, say that one more time. 734 00:38:33,633 --> 00:38:35,603 The Press: Does consensus and common ground negate the 735 00:38:35,600 --> 00:38:38,870 original mandate to cover all Americans? 736 00:38:38,867 --> 00:38:42,567 Mr. Gibbs: Well, I think the President believes that and in 737 00:38:42,567 --> 00:38:46,667 order to get certainly many of the important insurance reforms 738 00:38:46,667 --> 00:38:49,167 that the President has discussed, 739 00:38:49,166 --> 00:38:52,136 covering all Americans is a must. 740 00:38:52,133 --> 00:38:55,663 The Press: Now, also on Fort Hood, the suspect, 741 00:38:55,667 --> 00:38:59,697 has he -- has this White House gotten information from federal 742 00:38:59,700 --> 00:39:05,300 agents or the Army that he was considered a conscientious 743 00:39:05,300 --> 00:39:07,430 objector by any chance? 744 00:39:07,433 --> 00:39:09,933 Mr. Gibbs: Again, I would point you to the FBI with specific 745 00:39:09,934 --> 00:39:12,004 questions about the investigation. 746 00:39:12,000 --> 00:39:14,570 The Press: And then back on the issue of terror -- not 747 00:39:14,567 --> 00:39:17,067 terrorizing, terrorism, just terror -- the definition of 748 00:39:17,066 --> 00:39:19,996 terror: "one that instills intense fear; 749 00:39:20,000 --> 00:39:23,700 also the unlawful use or threatened use of force or 750 00:39:23,700 --> 00:39:27,670 violence by a person or an organized group" - also, 751 00:39:27,667 --> 00:39:32,397 one more - "panic, an overwhelming feeling of fear and anxiety." 752 00:39:32,400 --> 00:39:36,370 These people at Fort Hood went through those feelings. 753 00:39:36,367 --> 00:39:37,867 We clearly saw it. 754 00:39:37,867 --> 00:39:40,067 Would you classify, from the definitions that I gave -- 755 00:39:40,066 --> 00:39:44,596 Mr. Gibbs: Again, I'm not a law enforcement official, April. 756 00:39:44,600 --> 00:39:46,870 I will say this. 757 00:39:46,867 --> 00:39:52,537 I think the entire country from -- certainly from the very first 758 00:39:52,533 --> 00:39:56,833 reports that we got about this, and my communications about that 759 00:39:56,834 --> 00:40:03,764 with the President, we have -- I think everybody has been shocked 760 00:40:03,767 --> 00:40:08,597 and dismayed at what happened, and pass our thoughts, 761 00:40:08,600 --> 00:40:15,870 our prayers, and our condolences on to those who suffered loss 762 00:40:15,867 --> 00:40:17,567 for loved ones in this incident. 763 00:40:17,567 --> 00:40:19,067 The Press: Do you believe there was terror there at least? 764 00:40:19,066 --> 00:40:20,636 Could you at least say terror? 765 00:40:20,633 --> 00:40:25,663 Mr. Gibbs: I've now had three opportunities to be a law enforcement officer. 766 00:40:25,667 --> 00:40:27,637 The Press: -- but I'm serious, from the definitions. 767 00:40:27,633 --> 00:40:31,533 Mr. Gibbs: No, no, I'm not -- if you have investigation 768 00:40:31,533 --> 00:40:33,163 questions, the FBI is the place. 769 00:40:33,166 --> 00:40:34,536 Yes, sir. 770 00:40:34,533 --> 00:40:36,703 The Press: Thanks, Robert. 771 00:40:36,700 --> 00:40:37,900 First, two questions. 772 00:40:37,900 --> 00:40:39,170 One, on health care. 773 00:40:39,166 --> 00:40:42,696 Could you say to what degree the White House will get involved in 774 00:40:42,700 --> 00:40:46,270 negotiations in the Senate regarding the provisions, 775 00:40:46,266 --> 00:40:49,896 whether it's going to be the abortion provision or the public option? 776 00:40:49,900 --> 00:40:53,900 Mr. Gibbs: Well, look, I think the White House obviously has 777 00:40:53,900 --> 00:40:59,530 spent a lot of time -- staff work every day with Capitol Hill, 778 00:40:59,533 --> 00:41:04,133 and I'm sure when Senator Reid and others want our opinion 779 00:41:04,133 --> 00:41:08,063 on different ideas, they'll ask for them. 780 00:41:08,066 --> 00:41:13,166 The Press: And another question, this is regarding actually -- a 781 00:41:13,166 --> 00:41:17,996 Tony Blankley column from a week or so back, made a comparison -- 782 00:41:18,000 --> 00:41:18,700 Mr. Gibbs: Tony -- 783 00:41:18,700 --> 00:41:20,030 The Press: Tony Blankley. 784 00:41:20,033 --> 00:41:22,263 Mr. Gibbs: Oh, okay, I thought you said Tony Blinken -- I was 785 00:41:22,266 --> 00:41:23,696 going to say, I didn't know the Vice President's National 786 00:41:23,700 --> 00:41:26,070 Security Advisor was writing columns. 787 00:41:26,066 --> 00:41:27,936 Go ahead, I'm sorry. 788 00:41:27,934 --> 00:41:30,564 I was getting a flashback for a moment -- speaking of 789 00:41:30,567 --> 00:41:31,437 circulation. 790 00:41:31,433 --> 00:41:32,833 (laughter) Go ahead. 791 00:41:32,834 --> 00:41:35,434 The Press: It does pertain to national security, actually. 792 00:41:35,433 --> 00:41:40,403 He made a comparison with the long investigation into the CIA 793 00:41:40,400 --> 00:41:44,430 leak in the previous administration and that similar 794 00:41:44,433 --> 00:41:49,363 legal issues could apply in the CIA leak from "political 795 00:41:49,367 --> 00:41:54,567 officials" in a news story about Karzai's brother working for the CIA. 796 00:41:54,567 --> 00:41:59,897 My question is, is the Justice Department going to look into this matter? 797 00:41:59,900 --> 00:42:03,130 And would there possibly be a special prosecutor in this case, as well? 798 00:42:03,133 --> 00:42:04,933 Mr. Gibbs: I have heard nothing about that, 799 00:42:04,934 --> 00:42:08,804 but if you have a question about that I'd ask the Department of Justice. 800 00:42:08,800 --> 00:42:10,070 The Press: Thank you, Robert. 801 00:42:10,066 --> 00:42:12,196 The Press: Something on climate change -- Reuters just is 802 00:42:12,200 --> 00:42:13,970 reporting that the EPA has sent over its final proposal on 803 00:42:13,967 --> 00:42:16,667 carbon dioxide, whether it should be regulated as a 804 00:42:16,667 --> 00:42:18,167 dangerous -- sent it to the White House. 805 00:42:18,166 --> 00:42:19,236 A, can you confirm that? 806 00:42:19,233 --> 00:42:21,503 And B, how would that fit within the conversation we were having 807 00:42:21,500 --> 00:42:23,700 earlier about administration steps on climate change? 808 00:42:23,700 --> 00:42:24,830 Mr. Gibbs: Well, certainly we can check. 809 00:42:24,834 --> 00:42:28,734 I think there was a -- look, there's a court order, 810 00:42:28,734 --> 00:42:33,434 right -- there's a Supreme Court order that this is an issue that 811 00:42:33,433 --> 00:42:34,503 has to be dealt with. 812 00:42:34,500 --> 00:42:37,100 The President has said throughout this process that the 813 00:42:37,100 --> 00:42:39,500 way to deal with this is through legislation. 814 00:42:39,500 --> 00:42:45,230 I would point out that many people in the newspaper this 815 00:42:45,233 --> 00:42:52,463 morning that work for or CEOs of power companies that said, 816 00:42:52,467 --> 00:42:54,997 this also ought to be addressed through legislation. 817 00:42:55,000 --> 00:42:57,470 That's what we're trying to do and that's what we hope to do. 818 00:42:57,467 --> 00:42:58,467 Thanks, guys.