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1 00:00:00,467 --> 00:00:01,667 Mr. Carney: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. 2 00:00:01,667 --> 00:00:02,737 Thank you for being here. 3 00:00:02,734 --> 00:00:06,404 Before I start, I wanted to let you know that at approximately 4 00:00:06,400 --> 00:00:09,870 10:30 this morning, in the Oval Office, the President 5 00:00:09,867 --> 00:00:13,067 was notified by his Homeland Security Advisor, John Brennan, 6 00:00:13,066 --> 00:00:19,166 of the shooting in Newtown, Connecticut at a school. 7 00:00:19,166 --> 00:00:22,336 The President is receiving regular updates as more 8 00:00:22,333 --> 00:00:26,303 information becomes available about this incident. 9 00:00:26,300 --> 00:00:32,730 And as the day proceeds, if we get more information and as we 10 00:00:32,734 --> 00:00:34,834 get more information, we'll certainly provide it to you. 11 00:00:34,834 --> 00:00:40,804 I do not have anything to confirm for you at this point. 12 00:00:40,800 --> 00:00:46,530 The FBI is supporting state law enforcement, which has the lead, 13 00:00:46,533 --> 00:00:48,603 as well as local law enforcement, as they 14 00:00:48,600 --> 00:00:53,400 respond to and begin to investigate this incident. 15 00:00:53,400 --> 00:00:57,030 And as I said, the President will receive regular updates 16 00:00:57,033 --> 00:00:58,263 as the day progresses. 17 00:00:58,266 --> 00:00:59,896 I'll take your questions. 18 00:00:59,900 --> 00:01:02,300 The Press: Jay, one follow on that -- can you relay to us 19 00:01:02,300 --> 00:01:04,230 any of the President's reactions or thoughts? 20 00:01:04,233 --> 00:01:06,633 Obviously, these shootings are all -- all of them are tragic. 21 00:01:06,633 --> 00:01:10,033 We're hearing some particularly heinous numbers and the fact 22 00:01:10,033 --> 00:01:13,063 that children were involved. 23 00:01:13,066 --> 00:01:19,136 Mr. Carney: I would rather not relay reactions at this point because 24 00:01:19,133 --> 00:01:24,733 I don't have any confirmation to give to you about what exactly 25 00:01:24,734 --> 00:01:27,504 has happened there or potential victims. 26 00:01:27,500 --> 00:01:31,200 So at this point I'd rather just inform you that the President 27 00:01:31,200 --> 00:01:36,630 has been informed about the shooting, was informed at 10:30, 28 00:01:36,633 --> 00:01:38,933 and is being given regular updates as more information 29 00:01:38,934 --> 00:01:40,064 becomes available. 30 00:01:40,066 --> 00:01:43,366 The Press: Any thoughts on whether we'll hear from him today? 31 00:01:43,367 --> 00:01:47,597 Mr. Carney: We'll just have to keep you updated as more information 32 00:01:47,600 --> 00:01:49,600 becomes available. 33 00:01:49,600 --> 00:01:50,570 The Press: Two other topics. 34 00:01:50,567 --> 00:01:55,797 In the ABC News interview, the President was asked about the 35 00:01:55,800 --> 00:01:58,570 legalization of marijuana in a couple of states where voters 36 00:01:58,567 --> 00:02:03,437 have sounded off on that and essentially said that it's not 37 00:02:03,433 --> 00:02:07,203 a high priority for him -- no pun intended -- I guess to go 38 00:02:07,200 --> 00:02:09,270 after recreational users. 39 00:02:09,266 --> 00:02:12,896 But obviously, this is a serious issue -- states' 40 00:02:12,900 --> 00:02:15,100 rights versus federal rights. 41 00:02:15,100 --> 00:02:18,130 And I'm wondering if there's any concern that the President's 42 00:02:18,133 --> 00:02:22,363 comments could signal that to states -- it's okay to go ahead 43 00:02:22,367 --> 00:02:24,897 and pursue your own policies on marijuana; we're not going to 44 00:02:24,900 --> 00:02:27,070 enforce it at the federal level. 45 00:02:27,066 --> 00:02:29,336 Mr. Carney: Well, that wasn't what the President said. 46 00:02:29,333 --> 00:02:31,933 I think there is clearly a conflict here between federal 47 00:02:31,934 --> 00:02:37,504 law and state laws now in these states, and that is 48 00:02:37,500 --> 00:02:40,970 being reviewed, the ballot initiatives, by the Department 49 00:02:40,967 --> 00:02:41,967 of Justice. 50 00:02:41,967 --> 00:02:45,197 And I would direct you to them for updates on that review. 51 00:02:45,200 --> 00:02:49,870 What the President was saying I think is, much as he said about 52 00:02:49,867 --> 00:02:54,637 the use of medical marijuana, that in prioritizing our law 53 00:02:54,633 --> 00:03:01,463 enforcement objectives, that pursuing recreational users of 54 00:03:01,467 --> 00:03:05,467 marijuana in states where it has been, through a ballot 55 00:03:05,467 --> 00:03:09,797 initiative, declared legal, is not a top priority -- would not 56 00:03:09,800 --> 00:03:12,870 be a top priority given, as the President said, there are bigger 57 00:03:12,867 --> 00:03:18,567 fish to fry, more important law enforcement priorities. 58 00:03:18,567 --> 00:03:23,737 But the law is the law, and that is why he has directed the 59 00:03:23,734 --> 00:03:27,664 Department of Justice to review these ballot initiatives and to 60 00:03:27,667 --> 00:03:29,637 make some assessments about how to proceed. 61 00:03:29,633 --> 00:03:30,703 The Press: But is it his view? 62 00:03:30,700 --> 00:03:33,570 And has he directed the Department of Justice to 63 00:03:33,567 --> 00:03:35,997 continue to enforce federal law? 64 00:03:36,000 --> 00:03:39,330 Mr. Carney: It is certainly our responsibility and his 65 00:03:39,333 --> 00:03:41,763 responsibility and the executive branch's responsibility to 66 00:03:41,767 --> 00:03:43,867 enforce the law. 67 00:03:43,867 --> 00:03:48,837 It is also the responsibility of law enforcement agencies at the 68 00:03:48,834 --> 00:03:53,504 federal level to make -- to have priorities in the enforcement of 69 00:03:53,500 --> 00:03:54,770 the law. 70 00:03:54,767 --> 00:03:57,437 And that is certainly his position. 71 00:03:57,433 --> 00:03:58,263 The Press: Last topic. 72 00:03:58,266 --> 00:04:00,836 On the fiscal cliff, in one of the TV interviews the President 73 00:04:00,834 --> 00:04:05,204 had yesterday, he was asked about the political dynamic and 74 00:04:05,200 --> 00:04:08,130 he said -- referring to Speaker Boehner -- "I think Speaker 75 00:04:08,133 --> 00:04:11,033 Boehner has a contentious caucus and his caucus is tough on him 76 00:04:11,033 --> 00:04:12,133 sometimes. 77 00:04:12,133 --> 00:04:14,303 So he doesn't want to look like he's giving in to me somehow, 78 00:04:14,300 --> 00:04:16,370 because that might hurt him in his own caucus." 79 00:04:16,367 --> 00:04:21,037 I'm wondering how that kind of comment, obviously candid, but 80 00:04:21,033 --> 00:04:26,803 doesn't that hurt the trust, no-comment dynamic you guys 81 00:04:26,800 --> 00:04:30,130 have tried to foster when the President says he doesn't want 82 00:04:30,133 --> 00:04:32,663 to look like he's giving in to me, he's got problems with his 83 00:04:32,667 --> 00:04:33,337 own caucus? 84 00:04:33,333 --> 00:04:35,533 Doesn't that hurt the dynamic? 85 00:04:35,533 --> 00:04:42,033 Mr. Carney: What we have done is not comment on the internal discussions that 86 00:04:42,033 --> 00:04:45,803 he has had with the Speaker, and Secretary Geithner and 87 00:04:45,800 --> 00:04:50,700 Rob Nabors and others have had with leaders on the Hill 88 00:04:50,700 --> 00:04:51,700 and their staffs. 89 00:04:51,700 --> 00:04:56,700 I think what the President said is reflected in reams of 90 00:04:56,700 --> 00:04:59,570 reporting by I'm sure you and others, your organization and 91 00:04:59,567 --> 00:05:04,637 others, about the internal dynamics within the House 92 00:05:04,633 --> 00:05:05,763 Republican conference. 93 00:05:05,767 --> 00:05:11,897 I think that's a fairly standard observation that the President 94 00:05:11,900 --> 00:05:13,830 made yesterday. 95 00:05:13,834 --> 00:05:17,204 The Press: Jay, if I could ask about -- in connection with the shootings, 96 00:05:17,200 --> 00:05:21,770 yesterday and today, obviously tragic events. 97 00:05:21,767 --> 00:05:26,197 Do these raise limiting handgun violence or other gun violence 98 00:05:26,200 --> 00:05:32,270 on the President's list of priorities in any way? 99 00:05:32,266 --> 00:05:38,336 Mr. Carney: We're still waiting for more information about the incident 100 00:05:38,333 --> 00:05:41,403 in Connecticut. 101 00:05:41,400 --> 00:05:48,100 As we do, I think it's important on a day like today to view this 102 00:05:48,100 --> 00:05:52,700 as I know the President, as a father, does; and I, 103 00:05:52,700 --> 00:05:57,530 as a father, and others who are parents certainly do -- which is 104 00:05:57,533 --> 00:06:10,033 to feel enormous sympathy for families that were affected and 105 00:06:10,033 --> 00:06:15,063 to do everything we can to support state and local law 106 00:06:15,066 --> 00:06:22,766 enforcement and to support those who are enduring what appears to 107 00:06:22,767 --> 00:06:25,067 be a very tragic event. 108 00:06:25,066 --> 00:06:32,136 There is I'm sure -- will be, rather, a day for discussion 109 00:06:32,133 --> 00:06:35,103 of the usual Washington policy debates, but I don't think today 110 00:06:35,100 --> 00:06:37,100 is that day. 111 00:06:37,100 --> 00:06:41,570 The Press: Can I just turn then to fiscal cliff -- can you say more about 112 00:06:41,567 --> 00:06:43,667 how the meeting went with Speaker Boehner last night? 113 00:06:43,667 --> 00:06:45,897 Where do things stand now? 114 00:06:45,900 --> 00:06:48,130 Are there plans for further talks? 115 00:06:48,133 --> 00:06:49,533 Did you make progress? 116 00:06:49,533 --> 00:06:53,203 Is this a stalemate? 117 00:06:53,200 --> 00:06:59,130 Mr. Carney: The President's meeting with the Speaker of the House was frank. 118 00:06:59,133 --> 00:07:02,303 It lasted a little less than an hour. 119 00:07:02,300 --> 00:07:05,530 And the lines of communication remain open. 120 00:07:05,533 --> 00:07:09,703 I don't know why I see smiles in response to that 121 00:07:11,800 --> 00:07:16,670 very candid assessment. 122 00:07:16,667 --> 00:07:23,267 The President continues to believe that a deal is possible 123 00:07:23,266 --> 00:07:30,966 that not only confronts the deadlines associated with 124 00:07:30,967 --> 00:07:34,997 the so-called fiscal cliff, but allows us to achieve 125 00:07:35,000 --> 00:07:38,170 something far bigger, which is a broader compromise, 126 00:07:38,166 --> 00:07:42,196 a balanced compromise that significantly reduces our 127 00:07:42,200 --> 00:07:47,200 deficits and puts us on a fiscally sustainable path. 128 00:07:47,200 --> 00:07:50,300 That is the deal that the President seeks. 129 00:07:50,300 --> 00:07:57,370 And we hope that Republicans are willing to compromise in order 130 00:07:57,367 --> 00:08:01,167 to achieve that goal with him. 131 00:08:01,166 --> 00:08:09,796 It remains the case that on some of the fundamental issues that 132 00:08:09,800 --> 00:08:13,800 are matters of debate, we have yet to see any change 133 00:08:13,800 --> 00:08:17,030 in the position of the Republican leadership. 134 00:08:17,033 --> 00:08:21,633 It is still their position, as they tell you when you ask them, 135 00:08:21,633 --> 00:08:26,063 that they want extension of the high-end Bush tax cuts. 136 00:08:26,066 --> 00:08:27,166 That is not going to happen. 137 00:08:27,166 --> 00:08:31,836 The President will not sign such legislation. 138 00:08:31,834 --> 00:08:36,004 It is still a fact that in contrast to what the President 139 00:08:36,000 --> 00:08:40,400 has done, which is to put forward specific proposals 140 00:08:40,400 --> 00:08:46,800 for both spending cuts and revenue increases, 141 00:08:46,800 --> 00:08:50,500 the Republican leadership has yet to give us a single specific 142 00:08:50,500 --> 00:08:56,600 about what they want to cut, how they would do it, how they would 143 00:08:56,600 --> 00:08:58,330 raise revenue. 144 00:08:58,333 --> 00:09:01,533 All of that at this point remains lacking. 145 00:09:01,533 --> 00:09:04,703 But the President believes that the parameters of a deal are 146 00:09:04,700 --> 00:09:11,030 quite clear: A willingness by leadership that rates have to 147 00:09:11,033 --> 00:09:17,363 go up on the top 2 percent would potentially move us 148 00:09:17,367 --> 00:09:20,167 more quickly towards the achievement of a deal, 149 00:09:20,166 --> 00:09:21,736 but that has yet to happen. 150 00:09:21,734 --> 00:09:24,004 The Press: Jay, the Speaker is in Ohio this weekend. 151 00:09:24,000 --> 00:09:26,370 The President has plans himself to go on holiday 152 00:09:26,367 --> 00:09:27,497 a week from today. 153 00:09:27,500 --> 00:09:30,670 The deadline draws closer. 154 00:09:30,667 --> 00:09:35,267 Is it the White House's calculus that if the nation does in fact 155 00:09:35,266 --> 00:09:38,366 go off the fiscal cliff, the blame -- the burden of the blame 156 00:09:38,367 --> 00:09:41,097 will fall on the Republican side? 157 00:09:41,100 --> 00:09:44,730 Secretary Geithner said not that long ago that absolutely, that 158 00:09:44,734 --> 00:09:46,904 there would be willingness to go off the cliff if there was 159 00:09:46,900 --> 00:09:51,670 no acceptable deal. 160 00:09:51,667 --> 00:09:55,467 Mr. Carney: The President is not interested in apportioning blame. 161 00:09:55,467 --> 00:09:59,367 He's interested in reaching a deal. 162 00:09:59,367 --> 00:10:06,167 He is most concerned about middle-class families and the 163 00:10:06,166 --> 00:10:11,996 impact on them should taxes go up on everybody on January 1st 164 00:10:12,000 --> 00:10:14,970 -- which would be nonsensical given that everyone in 165 00:10:14,967 --> 00:10:18,867 Washington, Republican and Democrat alike, says they 166 00:10:18,867 --> 00:10:23,897 support extending tax cuts for the 98 percent -- everyone 167 00:10:23,900 --> 00:10:26,700 except for the top 2 percent of earners in the country. 168 00:10:26,700 --> 00:10:31,470 So his position has been and continues to be that one way to 169 00:10:31,467 --> 00:10:34,367 send an important signal to the American people, to the middle 170 00:10:34,367 --> 00:10:37,667 class that Washington is functioning and not punishing 171 00:10:37,667 --> 00:10:41,367 them would be to pass tax cuts that everyone says they support. 172 00:10:41,367 --> 00:10:44,997 He would sign that into law right away. 173 00:10:45,000 --> 00:10:51,770 I'm not going to speculate about what would unfold should 174 00:10:51,767 --> 00:10:57,367 Republicans continue to refuse to accept that rates have to go 175 00:10:57,367 --> 00:10:58,497 up on the top 2 percent. 176 00:10:58,500 --> 00:11:02,030 The President is still pursuing a deal. 177 00:11:02,033 --> 00:11:02,763 Yes. 178 00:11:02,767 --> 00:11:05,137 The Press: Stipulating that you probably have no personnel announcements 179 00:11:05,133 --> 00:11:08,663 to make, does the President think that it is -- would be 180 00:11:08,667 --> 00:11:12,797 appropriate for Senator Kerry to recuse himself from chairing the 181 00:11:12,800 --> 00:11:15,630 Senate hearings next week in the Benghazi incidents? 182 00:11:18,367 --> 00:11:23,167 Mr. Carney: I think the stipulation that you made should be applied broadly 183 00:11:23,166 --> 00:11:29,466 in reference to matters like that because it's all about 184 00:11:29,467 --> 00:11:30,667 issues of personnel. 185 00:11:30,667 --> 00:11:33,267 And I haven't asked that question, but I -- again, 186 00:11:33,266 --> 00:11:38,296 I'm not going to go down paths that lead 187 00:11:38,300 --> 00:11:40,930 to discussions about personnel. 188 00:11:40,934 --> 00:11:42,104 The Press: So this is something that the White House isn't going to weigh 189 00:11:42,100 --> 00:11:43,500 in on, one way or another, doesn't have an opinion on? 190 00:11:43,500 --> 00:11:46,800 Mr. Carney: I certainly am not weighing in on that today. 191 00:11:46,800 --> 00:11:49,470 The Press: Given that the President is not running for reelection 192 00:11:49,467 --> 00:11:51,397 and he previously -- 193 00:11:51,400 --> 00:11:52,700 Mr. Carney: Barring a change in the Constitution. 194 00:11:52,700 --> 00:11:53,400 (laughter) 195 00:11:53,400 --> 00:11:56,430 The Press: Right, and he previously made a campaign promise to oppose -- 196 00:11:56,433 --> 00:11:57,333 The Press: Do you have any announcements on that? 197 00:11:57,333 --> 00:11:59,263 (laughter) 198 00:11:59,266 --> 00:12:02,066 The Press: -- and previously made a campaign promise to work to 199 00:12:02,066 --> 00:12:04,996 renew the assault weapons ban, why won't you stand up here 200 00:12:05,000 --> 00:12:08,700 today and say that that remains a commitment of his? 201 00:12:08,700 --> 00:12:10,030 Mr. Carney: It does remain a commitment of his. 202 00:12:10,033 --> 00:12:17,203 What I said is that today is not the day to -- I believe, 203 00:12:17,200 --> 00:12:20,170 as a father, a day to engage in the usual 204 00:12:20,166 --> 00:12:22,066 Washington policies debates. 205 00:12:22,066 --> 00:12:26,636 I think that that day will come, but today is not that day, 206 00:12:26,633 --> 00:12:29,433 especially as we are awaiting more information about the 207 00:12:29,433 --> 00:12:34,103 situation in Connecticut. 208 00:12:34,100 --> 00:12:39,800 The Press: I hear what you're saying about the events today, but I'm going 209 00:12:39,800 --> 00:12:41,700 to ask a question about entitlements now, 210 00:12:41,700 --> 00:12:42,670 if that's okay. 211 00:12:42,667 --> 00:12:44,467 Mr. Carney: Well, sure. 212 00:12:44,467 --> 00:12:50,897 The Press: So does the President think that the entitlement spending 213 00:12:50,900 --> 00:12:54,000 or social welfare spending, whatever you want to call it, 214 00:12:54,000 --> 00:12:58,870 is on a sustainable path as it exists right now? 215 00:12:58,867 --> 00:13:02,897 Mr. Carney: The President believes that Medicare, in particular, and 216 00:13:02,900 --> 00:13:04,970 more broadly our health care entitlements -- Medicare and 217 00:13:04,967 --> 00:13:09,537 Medicaid -- need to be adjusted in ways that protect 218 00:13:09,533 --> 00:13:13,103 beneficiaries and protect the integrity of the programs, 219 00:13:13,100 --> 00:13:14,870 but bring about savings. 220 00:13:14,867 --> 00:13:18,167 He achieved that significantly in the Affordable Care Act, 221 00:13:18,166 --> 00:13:21,496 and seeks to achieve additional savings in a compromise deal 222 00:13:21,500 --> 00:13:25,270 with Congress that would reduce our deficits on the 223 00:13:25,266 --> 00:13:27,296 order of $4 trillion over 10 years. 224 00:13:27,300 --> 00:13:31,830 So absolutely, he recognizes that health care entitlements 225 00:13:31,834 --> 00:13:35,234 are significant drivers of our deficits. 226 00:13:35,233 --> 00:13:37,933 The Press: So the answer is no, he does not think they're on a sustainable 227 00:13:37,934 --> 00:13:40,164 path right now without any changes? 228 00:13:40,166 --> 00:13:42,336 Mr. Carney: Well, it depends on what you mean by sustainable, 229 00:13:42,333 --> 00:13:44,503 but certainly the numbers show that, 230 00:13:44,500 --> 00:13:46,700 for example, because of the President's action, 231 00:13:46,700 --> 00:13:51,770 Medicare's sustainability was advanced by a number of years. 232 00:13:51,767 --> 00:13:54,337 But more action needs to be taken, he absolutely agrees 233 00:13:54,333 --> 00:13:55,933 with that premise. 234 00:13:55,934 --> 00:14:02,604 The Press: Does he think that the changes he proposes in his budget make 235 00:14:02,600 --> 00:14:04,770 it sustainable? 236 00:14:04,767 --> 00:14:08,397 Is it enough what the President has suggested doing in his 237 00:14:08,400 --> 00:14:11,130 budget -- would that be enough to make Medicare 238 00:14:11,133 --> 00:14:13,333 and other health care programs sustainable? 239 00:14:13,333 --> 00:14:18,433 Mr. Carney: He believes that in combination with the health cost savings 240 00:14:18,433 --> 00:14:22,633 brought about by, according to the CBO, the Affordable Care 241 00:14:22,633 --> 00:14:24,863 Act and the deficit reduction brought about by the Affordable 242 00:14:24,867 --> 00:14:29,367 Care Act, that the reforms that he has proposed would 243 00:14:29,367 --> 00:14:33,297 significantly expand the sustainability of these 244 00:14:33,300 --> 00:14:35,770 programs, and that obviously down the road more work will 245 00:14:35,767 --> 00:14:36,767 be done. 246 00:14:36,767 --> 00:14:43,697 But there has been no proposal that solves for time immemorial 247 00:14:43,700 --> 00:14:48,470 the challenge faced by Social Security, Medicare, 248 00:14:48,467 --> 00:14:51,397 Medicaid in perpetuity. 249 00:14:51,400 --> 00:14:54,170 But the President believes we need to take significant action 250 00:14:54,166 --> 00:15:00,066 to rein in our deficits, bring down our deficits 251 00:15:00,066 --> 00:15:05,366 as a percentage of the economy to a level that is sustainable 252 00:15:05,367 --> 00:15:10,367 and that would give a boost to our economy, and through other 253 00:15:10,367 --> 00:15:12,397 measures that invest in the economy, help the economy grow 254 00:15:12,400 --> 00:15:15,070 and create jobs that would put us in an even better position 255 00:15:15,066 --> 00:15:19,466 as we move along to continue to address these challenges. 256 00:15:19,467 --> 00:15:24,737 So he is, again, the only member of this debate, a participant in 257 00:15:24,734 --> 00:15:30,304 this debate, who has put forward specific spending cuts of any 258 00:15:30,300 --> 00:15:33,870 kind, and specific spending cuts garnered from our health 259 00:15:33,867 --> 00:15:34,867 care entitlements. 260 00:15:34,867 --> 00:15:36,637 I mean, this is one of the -- I think people are beginning 261 00:15:36,633 --> 00:15:41,263 to notice this; I noticed in the press this morning that our 262 00:15:41,266 --> 00:15:46,336 counterparts here have yet to put or mention a single cut. 263 00:15:46,333 --> 00:15:48,703 I mean, they spend -- the Speaker says the spending 264 00:15:48,700 --> 00:15:54,000 is the problem, but I think none of you have been able to elicit 265 00:15:54,000 --> 00:15:57,200 from him or other Republican leaders exactly what it is they 266 00:15:57,200 --> 00:15:59,300 want to do, what it is they propose. 267 00:15:59,300 --> 00:16:00,800 The Press: Well, in their letter they talked about raising the 268 00:16:00,800 --> 00:16:02,600 eligibility age for Medicare. 269 00:16:02,600 --> 00:16:04,870 That would be a cut or an adjustment. 270 00:16:04,867 --> 00:16:06,167 Mr. Carney: I think you're referring to comments made by 271 00:16:06,166 --> 00:16:07,096 Senator McConnell. 272 00:16:07,100 --> 00:16:10,630 There has been no proposal of any specificity from Republicans 273 00:16:10,633 --> 00:16:14,233 to us about what they would do to -- 274 00:16:14,233 --> 00:16:16,033 The Press: In the letter from Boehner to Geithner, to the original 275 00:16:16,033 --> 00:16:18,003 Geithner proposal there was no -- 276 00:16:18,000 --> 00:16:18,830 Mr. Carney: I don't believe. 277 00:16:18,834 --> 00:16:21,034 The Press: -- mention of the eligibility age of Medicare 278 00:16:21,033 --> 00:16:24,503 from 55 to 57 and -- 279 00:16:24,500 --> 00:16:25,830 Mr. Carney: I can look at that again, but there is -- 280 00:16:25,834 --> 00:16:26,964 The Press: -- and the CPI? 281 00:16:26,967 --> 00:16:27,497 There wasn't -- 282 00:16:27,500 --> 00:16:29,700 Mr. Carney: There was no -- there has been no specific proposal 283 00:16:29,700 --> 00:16:31,970 from the Republicans. 284 00:16:31,967 --> 00:16:36,067 Ideas have been bandied about in the press. 285 00:16:36,066 --> 00:16:40,136 But again, we look for -- if the Republicans want to put forward 286 00:16:40,133 --> 00:16:44,233 specific proposals to us that either build on or replace the 287 00:16:44,233 --> 00:16:48,833 cuts the President has proposed, we would like to see them. 288 00:16:48,834 --> 00:16:54,104 But you haven't seen that, and I haven't seen the Speaker mention 289 00:16:54,100 --> 00:16:58,100 any in any of his press conferences or other 290 00:16:58,100 --> 00:17:00,070 public presentations. 291 00:17:00,066 --> 00:17:06,836 The Press: The last question is, is the President -- what reforms to 292 00:17:06,834 --> 00:17:09,764 entitlement programs, for want of a better term, 293 00:17:09,767 --> 00:17:12,797 is the President willing to make beyond the ones that he 294 00:17:12,800 --> 00:17:14,630 has proposed in his budget? 295 00:17:14,633 --> 00:17:18,763 Mr. Carney: Well, as enticing as -- 296 00:17:18,767 --> 00:17:20,637 The Press: Not for the sake of negotiation -- 297 00:17:20,633 --> 00:17:21,433 Mr. Carney: Sure, but as enticing as the -- 298 00:17:21,433 --> 00:17:24,003 The Press: -- but for the sake of the solvency of the programs. 299 00:17:24,000 --> 00:17:26,830 Mr. Carney: Well, sure, but that would be negotiating with ourselves and 300 00:17:26,834 --> 00:17:29,164 basically saying what we're willing to do when 301 00:17:29,166 --> 00:17:31,296 the Republicans haven't demonstrated a willingness 302 00:17:31,300 --> 00:17:35,570 to do anything when it comes to revenue or, 303 00:17:35,567 --> 00:17:37,367 for that matter, spending cuts. 304 00:17:37,367 --> 00:17:41,367 The President has put forward very specific spending cuts, 305 00:17:41,367 --> 00:17:45,067 including in entitlements, including some structural 306 00:17:45,066 --> 00:17:50,466 reforms to entitlements, and is willing to discuss and entertain 307 00:17:50,467 --> 00:17:58,297 other cuts that make sense and would work as part of a broader 308 00:17:58,300 --> 00:18:00,630 package for deficit reduction. 309 00:18:00,633 --> 00:18:08,603 But, thus far, the Republican position, which goes against 310 00:18:08,600 --> 00:18:10,900 vast public opinion, goes against what we learned in 311 00:18:10,900 --> 00:18:14,270 the election, goes against everything that was debated 312 00:18:14,266 --> 00:18:18,436 for the past 12 months, is that they demand permanent extension 313 00:18:18,433 --> 00:18:22,063 of the Bush high-end tax cuts for the wealthy. 314 00:18:22,066 --> 00:18:25,636 That's just not going to happen, and I think it's important that 315 00:18:25,633 --> 00:18:28,163 we reiterate that the President will not sign a bill that 316 00:18:28,166 --> 00:18:32,566 extends those tax rates for millionaires and 317 00:18:32,567 --> 00:18:35,167 billionaires and everyone making over $250,000. 318 00:18:35,166 --> 00:18:36,766 It's bad economic policy. 319 00:18:36,767 --> 00:18:40,797 And I had a little fun yesterday talking about -- we have a 320 00:18:40,800 --> 00:18:45,200 little recent history to compare which kinds of economic plans 321 00:18:45,200 --> 00:18:50,700 work and the impact of various tax rates on economic growth. 322 00:18:50,700 --> 00:18:54,530 And contrary to everything they say about the calamity that 323 00:18:54,533 --> 00:18:57,303 would befall America if the wealthy were asked to pay a 324 00:18:57,300 --> 00:19:02,830 little bit more, the evidence decisively proves otherwise. 325 00:19:02,834 --> 00:19:04,834 The Press: What's your reaction to folks on the left who say the President 326 00:19:04,834 --> 00:19:09,064 didn't aggressively defend Susan Rice? 327 00:19:09,066 --> 00:19:12,336 Mr. Carney: I think you, broadly speaking, were in the audience when the 328 00:19:12,333 --> 00:19:18,203 President made his views about the unfair attacks on Susan Rice 329 00:19:18,200 --> 00:19:21,830 -- very well-known and very clear. 330 00:19:21,834 --> 00:19:25,504 And I think you saw in the President's statement yesterday 331 00:19:25,500 --> 00:19:33,500 his belief that those attacks were misguided and unfair. 332 00:19:33,500 --> 00:19:34,500 The Press: But he still apparently -- 333 00:19:34,500 --> 00:19:35,500 Mr. Carney: And let me just say, if I may -- 334 00:19:35,500 --> 00:19:37,500 The Press: -- accepted the resignation, or withdrawal, 335 00:19:37,500 --> 00:19:40,000 without pushing back. 336 00:19:40,000 --> 00:19:45,530 Mr. Carney: Well, it should hardly be a negative that someone of Susan 337 00:19:45,533 --> 00:19:51,363 Rice's enormous character would be willing to, viewing the 338 00:19:51,367 --> 00:19:56,997 situation, put the country's interests above her own personal 339 00:19:57,000 --> 00:20:01,470 interests; and seeing the kind of political circus that had 340 00:20:01,467 --> 00:20:05,997 been created around the mere potential of her nomination, 341 00:20:06,000 --> 00:20:11,530 make the decision that it was not in the country's interests, 342 00:20:11,533 --> 00:20:15,003 given all of the major foreign policy issues that confront us, 343 00:20:15,000 --> 00:20:20,330 the President's interests, for her to be considered 344 00:20:20,333 --> 00:20:23,333 for Secretary of State. 345 00:20:23,333 --> 00:20:27,233 If I could just as a -- make a point here that the leading 346 00:20:27,233 --> 00:20:31,303 critics of Ambassador Rice, with their wildly unfounded 347 00:20:31,300 --> 00:20:39,330 assertions, have a spotty record at best when it comes to making 348 00:20:39,333 --> 00:20:44,303 judgments about who is qualified for high office in this country. 349 00:20:44,300 --> 00:20:46,770 Susan Rice is enormously qualified for the job that 350 00:20:46,767 --> 00:20:52,237 she has and for any potential job serving her country that 351 00:20:52,233 --> 00:20:54,803 she might have in the future. 352 00:20:54,800 --> 00:20:55,670 The Press: Who are you referring to? 353 00:20:55,667 --> 00:20:57,337 The spotty record by whom? 354 00:20:57,333 --> 00:20:59,133 Mr. Carney: Leading critics of -- 355 00:20:59,133 --> 00:21:00,833 The Press: No, I mean, what's their spotty record? 356 00:21:00,834 --> 00:21:02,834 You're just generically saying they have a spotty record? 357 00:21:02,834 --> 00:21:03,904 Mr. Carney: You have to deduce. 358 00:21:03,900 --> 00:21:05,970 (laughter) 359 00:21:05,967 --> 00:21:06,637 Yes, Major. 360 00:21:06,633 --> 00:21:08,633 The Press: Did the President, the Vice President, or the Chief of Staff 361 00:21:08,633 --> 00:21:12,903 recommend, advise, or suggest to Susan Rice that she withdraw? 362 00:21:12,900 --> 00:21:14,800 Mr. Carney: I would point you to what Ambassador Rice herself has 363 00:21:14,800 --> 00:21:19,430 said, and the answer is that she took this action herself. 364 00:21:19,433 --> 00:21:27,403 And the President has enormous regard for Ambassador Rice, is 365 00:21:27,400 --> 00:21:32,570 extremely appreciative of her service, and is grateful for the 366 00:21:32,567 --> 00:21:35,597 fact that she will continue at the United Nations. 367 00:21:35,600 --> 00:21:37,530 The Press: So a purely organic conclusion she came to? 368 00:21:37,533 --> 00:21:41,333 Mr. Carney: Again, I would point you to her assertions of just that. 369 00:21:41,333 --> 00:21:46,403 And again, I think it shows a great deal about her character 370 00:21:46,400 --> 00:21:48,000 and what her priorities -- 371 00:21:48,000 --> 00:21:49,830 The Press: Is she a casualty of something going on in this town, 372 00:21:49,834 --> 00:21:50,464 in your opinion? 373 00:21:50,467 --> 00:21:52,837 Mr. Carney: Oh, I think it's fair to say that this situation 374 00:21:52,834 --> 00:22:02,304 is the result of the kind of practices in Washington that 375 00:22:02,300 --> 00:22:04,530 are extremely regrettable. 376 00:22:04,533 --> 00:22:09,703 Because this all began because of her appearances on a series 377 00:22:09,700 --> 00:22:13,100 of Sunday shows in which she presented information given to 378 00:22:13,100 --> 00:22:15,270 her by the intelligence community, that was provided 379 00:22:15,266 --> 00:22:19,296 also to the Hill and everyone else, that were the best 380 00:22:19,300 --> 00:22:21,900 assessments that they had made about what had happened 381 00:22:21,900 --> 00:22:22,900 in Benghazi. 382 00:22:22,900 --> 00:22:24,930 It remains to this day that the U.S. 383 00:22:24,934 --> 00:22:27,604 Ambassador to the United Nations is not responsible 384 00:22:27,600 --> 00:22:31,970 for the collection or evaluation of intelligence or for security 385 00:22:31,967 --> 00:22:34,737 of diplomatic facilities around the world. 386 00:22:34,734 --> 00:22:39,864 And to somehow make judgments about her qualifications for a 387 00:22:39,867 --> 00:22:44,797 different office based on absurd allegations surrounding her 388 00:22:44,800 --> 00:22:48,530 performance on those Sunday shows is politics at its worst. 389 00:22:48,533 --> 00:22:50,333 The Press: Then why accept something that many regard as defeat 390 00:22:50,333 --> 00:22:51,603 for this administration? 391 00:22:51,600 --> 00:22:52,800 Mr. Carney: Well, I disagree. 392 00:22:52,800 --> 00:22:57,730 First of all, the President had not made a decision about 393 00:22:57,734 --> 00:23:01,604 his next Secretary of State. 394 00:23:01,600 --> 00:23:08,170 Secondly, it, again, says a lot about Susan Rice and what she 395 00:23:08,166 --> 00:23:12,836 believes are the nation's priorities that she decided 396 00:23:12,834 --> 00:23:17,764 not to pursue this because she thought it would be bad; 397 00:23:17,767 --> 00:23:22,797 the circus that would ensue in what would absolutely have led 398 00:23:22,800 --> 00:23:26,030 to her confirmation had the President made that choice 399 00:23:26,033 --> 00:23:29,163 was not worth it to her. 400 00:23:29,166 --> 00:23:31,066 The Press: You mentioned Mr. Brennan came in and talked to the President 401 00:23:31,066 --> 00:23:33,136 at 10:30 a.m. 402 00:23:33,133 --> 00:23:36,133 This is obviously a situation of enormous magnitude and tragedy. 403 00:23:36,133 --> 00:23:38,333 Does the President and Mr. Brennan at that time or 404 00:23:38,333 --> 00:23:42,503 since have any sense of what this is or isn't in regards to 405 00:23:42,500 --> 00:23:43,830 terrorism or anything like that? 406 00:23:43,834 --> 00:23:47,164 Mr. Carney: No, we just don't have anything right now to provide to you in 407 00:23:47,166 --> 00:23:52,436 terms of an incident that just happened a few hours ago and 408 00:23:52,433 --> 00:23:56,333 that is being responded to and investigated as we speak. 409 00:23:56,333 --> 00:24:02,833 And as we get more information about what happened and who is 410 00:24:02,834 --> 00:24:06,564 responsible, we'll obviously provide it to you and have 411 00:24:06,567 --> 00:24:07,797 judgments to provide to you. 412 00:24:07,800 --> 00:24:09,570 But I just don't have that at this time. 413 00:24:09,567 --> 00:24:13,367 The Press: I know this may elicit the same answer, but just for the record, 414 00:24:13,367 --> 00:24:15,367 it's customary at times like this for a President to make 415 00:24:15,367 --> 00:24:16,337 phone calls. 416 00:24:16,333 --> 00:24:19,103 Can you give us any idea if he's called the Governor or any of 417 00:24:19,100 --> 00:24:21,900 the other relevant officials or reached out in a direct 418 00:24:21,900 --> 00:24:23,500 way personally? 419 00:24:23,500 --> 00:24:26,130 Mr. Carney: I don't have any communications of the President to report out 420 00:24:26,133 --> 00:24:27,763 to you at this time. 421 00:24:27,767 --> 00:24:32,867 But again, as the day progresses, we will provide 422 00:24:32,867 --> 00:24:35,337 you with more information as it becomes available. 423 00:24:35,333 --> 00:24:38,333 The Press: With regard to Jake's question, my attentive ears perked up when 424 00:24:38,333 --> 00:24:39,903 you were saying there have been no proposals 425 00:24:39,900 --> 00:24:42,000 from Republicans on entitlements. 426 00:24:42,000 --> 00:24:44,500 I just want to clarify that you were referring to their public 427 00:24:44,500 --> 00:24:46,370 pronouncements not to the conversations that 428 00:24:46,367 --> 00:24:48,437 go on face to face? 429 00:24:48,433 --> 00:24:49,903 Because that sounded like a readout. 430 00:24:49,900 --> 00:24:51,630 Mr. Carney: Well, it's not a readout of any meetings. 431 00:24:51,633 --> 00:24:53,063 I'm just saying that -- 432 00:24:53,066 --> 00:24:56,366 The Press: Because that would be an important point to understand. 433 00:24:56,367 --> 00:24:58,767 If they're not saying anything in these private meetings 434 00:24:58,767 --> 00:25:00,237 different than what they're saying publicly that would 435 00:25:00,233 --> 00:25:01,763 be helpful for the public to understand. 436 00:25:01,767 --> 00:25:05,367 Mr. Carney: I think broadly speaking, again, and I guess it's commendable 437 00:25:05,367 --> 00:25:08,067 because their presentations in public are -- 438 00:25:08,066 --> 00:25:09,966 The Press: Utterly consistent, would you say? 439 00:25:09,967 --> 00:25:12,297 Mr. Carney: I think that would be fair to say. 440 00:25:12,300 --> 00:25:15,270 The Press: You are comfortable, quite obviously, with the Clinton-era 441 00:25:15,266 --> 00:25:17,436 tax rates for the reasons you have said, 442 00:25:17,433 --> 00:25:19,333 economically and otherwise. 443 00:25:19,333 --> 00:25:21,363 Are you similarly comfortable with the Clinton-era level of 444 00:25:21,367 --> 00:25:24,637 spending, even for an inflation adjustment as of '10? 445 00:25:24,633 --> 00:25:27,403 Mr. Carney: Well, I think you'd have to give me a little more specificity. 446 00:25:27,400 --> 00:25:30,630 If you're making the point that under Bill Clinton deficits were 447 00:25:30,633 --> 00:25:32,833 reduced and turned into surpluses, we obviously 448 00:25:32,834 --> 00:25:34,404 find that a commendable record. 449 00:25:34,400 --> 00:25:35,930 The Press: Right. But there was less discretionary spending. 450 00:25:35,934 --> 00:25:37,564 There was less entitlement spending. 451 00:25:37,567 --> 00:25:38,437 Things like that. 452 00:25:38,433 --> 00:25:40,863 Mr. Carney: But again, what's your question? 453 00:25:40,867 --> 00:25:42,637 The Press: Would that be a level of spending the President -- 454 00:25:42,633 --> 00:25:45,733 Mr. Carney: I think the level of spending from 20 years ago, no, I don't 455 00:25:45,734 --> 00:25:46,604 think that's -- 456 00:25:46,600 --> 00:25:47,770 The Press: But with an inflation adjustment, just for example. 457 00:25:47,767 --> 00:25:49,797 Mr. Carney: I'm not going to make policy from here based 458 00:25:49,800 --> 00:25:51,270 on top line numbers. 459 00:25:51,266 --> 00:25:53,566 I think that the President has demonstrated -- let's 460 00:25:53,567 --> 00:25:54,567 back up, too. 461 00:25:54,567 --> 00:25:57,467 When we talk about this deal, remember back in the summer of 462 00:25:57,467 --> 00:26:04,467 2011, after a grand bargain was not achieved, Republicans could 463 00:26:04,467 --> 00:26:08,437 not in the end go along with revenue being part of the 464 00:26:08,433 --> 00:26:14,903 package, the Budget Control Act was passed and signed into law, 465 00:26:14,900 --> 00:26:20,370 agreed to by the President as well as leaders in Congress and 466 00:26:20,367 --> 00:26:24,637 approved by significant percentages of each party 467 00:26:24,633 --> 00:26:26,833 in each house. 468 00:26:26,834 --> 00:26:29,734 Speaker of the House Boehner at that time declared that he had 469 00:26:29,734 --> 00:26:32,764 gotten, on behalf of House Republicans, 98 percent of 470 00:26:32,767 --> 00:26:35,567 what he sought. 471 00:26:35,567 --> 00:26:38,967 So let me remind you when we talk about what this President 472 00:26:38,967 --> 00:26:42,737 has been willing to do, that at the time when he signed into law 473 00:26:42,734 --> 00:26:47,264 $1.1 trillion in discretionary spending cuts, that was viewed 474 00:26:47,266 --> 00:26:54,796 by Speaker Boehner as a great victory for Republicans. 475 00:26:54,800 --> 00:26:59,070 Additionally, that bill created a super committee and set up a 476 00:26:59,066 --> 00:27:05,396 system where an additional $1.2 trillion in deficit reduction 477 00:27:05,400 --> 00:27:09,070 needed to be achieved or else the sequester would kick in, 478 00:27:09,066 --> 00:27:14,066 and that's why we face the fiscal cliff, or one half of it. 479 00:27:14,066 --> 00:27:17,736 But it is important to know when we talk about who's willing to 480 00:27:17,734 --> 00:27:21,434 move here, who's willing to compromise, who's willing to 481 00:27:21,433 --> 00:27:25,303 accept some of the other party's goals, that when the President 482 00:27:25,300 --> 00:27:28,500 of the United States signed into law the Budget Control Act in 483 00:27:28,500 --> 00:27:34,600 the summer of 2011 and signed into law $1.1 trillion in cuts, 484 00:27:34,600 --> 00:27:36,630 Speaker Boehner said it was a 98-percent victory 485 00:27:36,633 --> 00:27:37,633 for Republicans. 486 00:27:37,633 --> 00:27:38,363 Alexis. 487 00:27:38,367 --> 00:27:41,537 The Press: Jay, there's reports from our good friends at Bloomberg News 488 00:27:41,533 --> 00:27:45,103 that there's discussion among Senate Republicans of providing 489 00:27:45,100 --> 00:27:49,100 a fallback on the fiscal cliff, specifically on the middle class 490 00:27:49,100 --> 00:27:52,630 tax cuts, and creating a series of votes that would provide 491 00:27:52,633 --> 00:27:58,763 cover for House Republicans who may not vote one way or 492 00:27:58,767 --> 00:28:01,097 the other but would get to choose. 493 00:28:01,100 --> 00:28:04,600 What I'm asking is, did Speaker Boehner and the President 494 00:28:04,600 --> 00:28:09,700 discuss that kind of sequencing that might at least move that 495 00:28:09,700 --> 00:28:12,530 portion along before the end of the year? 496 00:28:12,533 --> 00:28:15,133 Mr. Carney: I don't have a readout for you on their conversation 497 00:28:15,133 --> 00:28:16,633 beyond what I've provided. 498 00:28:16,633 --> 00:28:20,403 I can say that it's -- there are a lot of ideas floated by 499 00:28:20,400 --> 00:28:26,300 anonymous folks up on the Hill in particular about different 500 00:28:26,300 --> 00:28:28,100 proposals that may or may not materialize. 501 00:28:28,100 --> 00:28:32,100 What we have yet to see is a proposal of any kind with any 502 00:28:32,100 --> 00:28:33,730 kind of specificity. 503 00:28:33,734 --> 00:28:37,504 So I can't really comment on random thought bubbles. 504 00:28:37,500 --> 00:28:39,100 The Press: So another quick follow-up. 505 00:28:39,100 --> 00:28:40,930 On Susan Rice -- 506 00:28:40,934 --> 00:28:43,004 Mr. Carney: With all due respect to Bloomberg. 507 00:28:43,000 --> 00:28:44,430 The Press: Bloomberg does better than a thought bubble. 508 00:28:44,433 --> 00:28:50,203 Susan Rice -- in the category of a tax that you described as 509 00:28:50,200 --> 00:28:53,230 misguided and unfair, would you put Senator Collins's 510 00:28:53,233 --> 00:28:57,333 reservations in that category? 511 00:28:57,333 --> 00:29:00,833 Mr. Carney: I do not recall specifically what she said, but I certainly, 512 00:29:00,834 --> 00:29:06,834 profoundly disagree with any negative assessment of 513 00:29:06,834 --> 00:29:11,834 Ambassador Rice's qualifications for a top foreign policy 514 00:29:11,834 --> 00:29:19,004 position based on what she said on those Sunday shows 515 00:29:19,000 --> 00:29:20,430 that weekend. 516 00:29:20,433 --> 00:29:23,503 It's just a spurious and ridiculous allegation. 517 00:29:23,500 --> 00:29:29,330 And so, yes -- I can't recall specifically what she claimed 518 00:29:29,333 --> 00:29:32,133 was the cause of her reservations, but if 519 00:29:32,133 --> 00:29:35,833 that was it, it's bogus. 520 00:29:35,834 --> 00:29:36,764 Reid. 521 00:29:36,767 --> 00:29:42,567 The Press: Jay, earlier this week, the 7th Circuit overturned Illinois's -- 522 00:29:42,567 --> 00:29:46,067 the President's home state's law of forbidding conceal and carry. 523 00:29:46,066 --> 00:29:47,596 Does the President agree with that decision? 524 00:29:47,600 --> 00:29:52,000 Does he think the court decided correctly? One. 525 00:29:52,000 --> 00:29:55,100 And two, earlier you suggested that today is not the correct 526 00:29:55,100 --> 00:29:58,870 day to debate gun control laws, but given that this is the 527 00:29:58,867 --> 00:30:01,937 second considerable incident this week, after the one in 528 00:30:01,934 --> 00:30:05,804 Oregon, when would be a good time to have that debate? 529 00:30:05,800 --> 00:30:09,300 Mr. Carney: I've stated repeatedly what the President's position is 530 00:30:09,300 --> 00:30:13,330 on legislation that Ms. Yellin mentioned. 531 00:30:13,333 --> 00:30:18,563 And, more broadly, my point is that as this incident is 532 00:30:18,567 --> 00:30:24,497 unfolding in Connecticut, our minds and our focus need to be 533 00:30:24,500 --> 00:30:29,970 on what's happening there and providing assistance where we 534 00:30:29,967 --> 00:30:33,367 can to those who need it in Connecticut. 535 00:30:33,367 --> 00:30:34,837 The Press: But does the President have a position on the 536 00:30:34,834 --> 00:30:35,934 law in his home state? 537 00:30:35,934 --> 00:30:37,404 Mr. Carney: I have not asked him. 538 00:30:37,400 --> 00:30:39,500 And I would refer you to the Justice Department for views 539 00:30:39,500 --> 00:30:43,470 on issues like that. 540 00:30:43,467 --> 00:30:44,297 Roger. 541 00:30:44,300 --> 00:30:48,500 The Press: I want to shift to a question of transparency, Jay. 542 00:30:48,500 --> 00:30:52,430 Mr. Carney: We are the most transparent administration in the history 543 00:30:52,433 --> 00:30:53,433 of this country. 544 00:30:53,433 --> 00:30:56,063 The Press: Okay, let me see what your answer is to this. 545 00:30:56,066 --> 00:30:58,966 (laughter) 546 00:30:58,967 --> 00:31:02,367 Bloomberg News filed a Freedom of Information Act request for 547 00:31:02,367 --> 00:31:05,237 government agencies for Fiscal '11, wanting to get their travel 548 00:31:05,233 --> 00:31:08,433 expenses from the top officials in his Cabinet. 549 00:31:08,433 --> 00:31:12,063 This was partly to test the President's pledge of being 550 00:31:12,066 --> 00:31:15,036 the most transparent in history. 551 00:31:15,033 --> 00:31:18,563 Now, six months later, most of the Cabinet is 552 00:31:18,567 --> 00:31:20,897 in defiance of the law. 553 00:31:20,900 --> 00:31:23,230 They haven't disclosed this information. 554 00:31:23,233 --> 00:31:26,233 This includes Hillary Clinton, Kathleen Sebelius, and Eric 555 00:31:26,233 --> 00:31:28,933 Holder, the official in charge of monitoring the executive 556 00:31:28,934 --> 00:31:31,404 performance on FOIAs. 557 00:31:31,400 --> 00:31:35,330 So are the President's Cabinet colleagues ignoring his 558 00:31:35,333 --> 00:31:37,203 instructions on openness? 559 00:31:37,200 --> 00:31:38,400 Mr. Carney: Roger, I appreciate the question. 560 00:31:38,400 --> 00:31:40,870 I'm not even aware of Bloomberg's FOIA request, 561 00:31:40,867 --> 00:31:42,667 so I think I'll have to take it. 562 00:31:42,667 --> 00:31:44,497 I'm not aware of the issue at all. 563 00:31:44,500 --> 00:31:47,470 I can't confirm anything you just said, so I can't 564 00:31:47,467 --> 00:31:48,467 comment on it. 565 00:31:48,467 --> 00:31:49,537 The Press: Jay, I'll try once more. 566 00:31:49,533 --> 00:31:51,833 FOIA requires a 20-day response. 567 00:31:51,834 --> 00:31:53,904 You know that as a former reporter. 568 00:31:53,900 --> 00:31:55,530 It's now six months. 569 00:31:55,533 --> 00:31:57,733 Mr. Carney: Again, I'm not aware -- you're asking me to comment 570 00:31:57,734 --> 00:31:59,804 on something that I'm not aware of. 571 00:31:59,800 --> 00:32:01,970 And I would hesitate in all cases to do that. 572 00:32:01,967 --> 00:32:04,337 My general rule is not to guess at answers. 573 00:32:04,333 --> 00:32:05,733 The Press: Would you take the question, though? 574 00:32:05,734 --> 00:32:08,834 Mr. Carney: I will certainly take the question. 575 00:32:08,834 --> 00:32:12,564 The Press: Now that Susan Rice is out of the running, the President's -- 576 00:32:12,567 --> 00:32:13,997 Mr. Carney: Do you want to know who is in the running? 577 00:32:14,000 --> 00:32:16,830 The Press: Well, yes, if you care to respond to that. 578 00:32:16,834 --> 00:32:19,504 But the President is losing someone who would have brought 579 00:32:19,500 --> 00:32:22,230 diversity to his Cabinet. 580 00:32:22,233 --> 00:32:25,563 So how important is it to the President now that his Cabinet 581 00:32:25,567 --> 00:32:28,467 with her out of the running reflects the sort of diversity 582 00:32:28,467 --> 00:32:30,567 that we see throughout the rest of the country? 583 00:32:30,567 --> 00:32:33,597 And is that going to affect his decision-making process? 584 00:32:33,600 --> 00:32:36,000 Mr. Carney: I think the President has always believed that in order 585 00:32:36,000 --> 00:32:40,130 to achieve the highest level of excellence in his Cabinet, 586 00:32:40,133 --> 00:32:41,963 and more broadly, in his administration, 587 00:32:41,967 --> 00:32:44,637 that diversity is important. 588 00:32:44,633 --> 00:32:49,933 I would note that Ambassador Rice remains in his Cabinet 589 00:32:49,934 --> 00:32:54,534 and remains a valued advisor on foreign policy matters, 590 00:32:54,533 --> 00:32:58,503 as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. 591 00:32:58,500 --> 00:33:02,530 But I think that the President's approach has always been to seek 592 00:33:02,533 --> 00:33:08,063 excellence, and as part of that believes that diversity 593 00:33:08,066 --> 00:33:12,296 in finding highly qualified candidates for senior positions 594 00:33:12,300 --> 00:33:15,600 enhances excellence. 595 00:33:15,600 --> 00:33:19,870 The Press: Can you shed any more light on the President's reaction to this 596 00:33:19,867 --> 00:33:21,397 news in Connecticut? 597 00:33:21,400 --> 00:33:23,870 From that 10:30 a.m. briefing with Brennan, 598 00:33:23,867 --> 00:33:25,237 has he been watching the news? 599 00:33:25,233 --> 00:33:28,103 Is he getting regular up-to-date -- updates from the ground? 600 00:33:28,100 --> 00:33:30,130 And how often are those occurring? 601 00:33:30,133 --> 00:33:33,733 Just these last two hours, or how has he been spending that 602 00:33:33,734 --> 00:33:35,634 time absorbing all of this? 603 00:33:35,633 --> 00:33:40,333 Mr. Carney: Well, I have been out here, so I haven't been with him. 604 00:33:40,333 --> 00:33:43,633 But I can tell you that he was initially informed by John 605 00:33:43,633 --> 00:33:46,563 Brennan and is being regularly updated. 606 00:33:46,567 --> 00:33:52,667 He obviously has other meetings that he is involved in. 607 00:33:52,667 --> 00:33:56,497 But I just don't know whether he has watched any of the TV 608 00:33:56,500 --> 00:33:58,500 reports on it. 609 00:33:58,500 --> 00:34:01,100 But he is being regularly updated by his team, 610 00:34:01,100 --> 00:34:02,530 led by John Brennan. 611 00:34:02,533 --> 00:34:07,503 The Press: -- by Brennan and not Tom Donilon? 612 00:34:07,500 --> 00:34:10,000 Mr. Carney: John Brennan is his Homeland Security Advisor. 613 00:34:10,000 --> 00:34:12,170 This is an event occurring in the homeland. 614 00:34:12,166 --> 00:34:14,166 The Press: Law enforcement authorities are telling multiple media 615 00:34:14,166 --> 00:34:18,966 outlets that more than a dozen schoolchildren have been killed 616 00:34:18,967 --> 00:34:22,637 in this incident, and more than 20 people I think killed. 617 00:34:22,633 --> 00:34:24,403 You seem shaken. 618 00:34:24,400 --> 00:34:26,900 A lot of us here feel shaken. 619 00:34:26,900 --> 00:34:28,930 Certainly there is something from the President's response to 620 00:34:28,934 --> 00:34:33,034 this news that doesn't confirm any details specifically, but 621 00:34:33,033 --> 00:34:37,463 just news reports that you could share with us that would allow 622 00:34:37,467 --> 00:34:39,567 us to understand his personal human reaction. 623 00:34:39,567 --> 00:34:42,197 Mr. Carney: Sure. I appreciate the question, and I would just say that those 624 00:34:42,200 --> 00:34:44,670 news reports have come since I've come out here. 625 00:34:44,667 --> 00:34:49,167 So I can't confirm victims, and therefore, not being able to 626 00:34:49,166 --> 00:34:51,836 confirm victims, it's hard for me to give you a reaction of 627 00:34:51,834 --> 00:34:57,404 the President to reports of victims, especially children. 628 00:34:57,400 --> 00:35:02,930 I can just tell you that as a father, incidents like these 629 00:35:02,934 --> 00:35:09,034 weigh heavily on him, and I think everyone who has children 630 00:35:09,033 --> 00:35:15,903 can imagine the enormous suffering that accompanies 631 00:35:15,900 --> 00:35:19,570 an event like this, if you what you say is true. 632 00:35:19,567 --> 00:35:24,897 But I prefer to provide you more information once I have it and 633 00:35:24,900 --> 00:35:30,770 once we have confirmed some of the reports that you mention. 634 00:35:30,767 --> 00:35:32,937 The Press: Should we expect the President to address it? 635 00:35:32,934 --> 00:35:37,264 Mr. Carney: I think it's certainly possible if not likely that the President 636 00:35:37,266 --> 00:35:38,736 will have something to say. 637 00:35:38,734 --> 00:35:44,104 I can't tell you whether or not it's -- depending on the reports 638 00:35:44,100 --> 00:35:47,670 that we're hearing, whether it's a statement, a written 639 00:35:47,667 --> 00:35:48,767 statement, or otherwise. 640 00:35:48,767 --> 00:35:50,867 We'll just have to wait and see. 641 00:35:50,867 --> 00:35:55,137 The Press: Governor Malloy's office in Connecticut has said that the 642 00:35:55,133 --> 00:35:56,703 President has talked with him. 643 00:35:56,700 --> 00:35:59,530 And I don't know if that happened while you were up here. 644 00:35:59,533 --> 00:36:02,263 If we could get some sort of a readout of what was said. 645 00:36:02,266 --> 00:36:05,336 Mr. Carney: Again, I'll have further information for you on the 646 00:36:05,333 --> 00:36:12,503 President's responses to this matter as it becomes available. 647 00:36:12,500 --> 00:36:13,300 Andrei. 648 00:36:13,300 --> 00:36:20,000 The Press: Thank you, Jay. Condolences. 649 00:36:20,000 --> 00:36:22,470 The President signed the bill today, the PNTR, 650 00:36:22,467 --> 00:36:24,667 the Magnitsky bill. 651 00:36:24,667 --> 00:36:29,697 Moscow keeps saying that it will hurt the relations. 652 00:36:29,700 --> 00:36:30,630 Do you agree with that? 653 00:36:30,633 --> 00:36:36,603 Is there anything you are looking at to limit the damage? 654 00:36:36,600 --> 00:36:41,500 Mr. Carney: Well, the President signed a bill that repealed the 655 00:36:41,500 --> 00:36:45,130 Jackson-Vanik legislation, which is something that both 656 00:36:45,133 --> 00:36:46,803 this President and Russia had sought. 657 00:36:46,800 --> 00:36:49,470 And as you saw from his statement, he commended the 658 00:36:49,467 --> 00:36:52,067 House and Senate for working on a bipartisan basis to pass 659 00:36:52,066 --> 00:36:55,166 legislation to end the application of the Jackson-Vanik 660 00:36:55,166 --> 00:36:58,996 amendment to Russia and Moldova, allowing him to extend Permanent 661 00:36:59,000 --> 00:37:01,470 Normal Trade Relations to both countries. 662 00:37:01,467 --> 00:37:03,297 And he looks forward to receiving and signing 663 00:37:03,300 --> 00:37:04,300 this legislation. 664 00:37:04,300 --> 00:37:05,800 He signed it today, as you know. 665 00:37:05,800 --> 00:37:09,870 The legislation ensures that American businesses and workers 666 00:37:09,867 --> 00:37:14,067 are able to take full advantage of WTO rules and market-access 667 00:37:14,066 --> 00:37:15,936 commitments that the United States worked 668 00:37:15,934 --> 00:37:17,264 so hard to negotiate. 669 00:37:17,266 --> 00:37:20,966 The United States is also one step closer to realizing 670 00:37:20,967 --> 00:37:24,137 job-creating opportunities and leveling the playing field for 671 00:37:24,133 --> 00:37:26,903 American workers, farmers, ranchers and service providers. 672 00:37:26,900 --> 00:37:30,230 The President's administration will continue to work with 673 00:37:30,233 --> 00:37:33,763 Congress and our partners to support those seeking a free 674 00:37:33,767 --> 00:37:37,237 and democratic future for Russia and promote the rule of law and 675 00:37:37,233 --> 00:37:39,133 respect for human rights around the world. 676 00:37:39,133 --> 00:37:39,803 The Press: Yes, Jay. 677 00:37:39,800 --> 00:37:44,770 But this last part that the Russians seem to think is 678 00:37:44,767 --> 00:37:48,397 unwarranted and object to. 679 00:37:48,400 --> 00:37:53,170 And this is why I'm asking you about this. 680 00:37:53,166 --> 00:37:57,496 Actually, President Putin, when he was asked about it yesterday 681 00:37:57,500 --> 00:38:03,670 or a few days ago, he said, it seems like it's an example of 682 00:38:03,667 --> 00:38:09,967 politicizing the issue -- of politics. 683 00:38:09,967 --> 00:38:12,867 As you said, politics as its worst. 684 00:38:12,867 --> 00:38:13,737 Mr. Carney: Well, I hardly think that. 685 00:38:13,734 --> 00:38:18,004 I think the legislation is important legislation, 686 00:38:18,000 --> 00:38:19,000 all of it. 687 00:38:19,000 --> 00:38:21,400 And the President was happy to sign it, and he believes it's 688 00:38:21,400 --> 00:38:24,400 an important step forward in our relationship with Russia. 689 00:38:24,400 --> 00:38:27,000 If I could, I'll just let you know that the President recently 690 00:38:27,000 --> 00:38:31,100 completed a phone call with FBI Director Mueller, as well as a 691 00:38:31,100 --> 00:38:34,330 call with the Governor of Connecticut, Dan Malloy, 692 00:38:34,333 --> 00:38:36,263 to receive the latest information on the situation 693 00:38:36,266 --> 00:38:39,396 there in Connecticut and to express his condolences and 694 00:38:39,400 --> 00:38:43,800 concern for those who have lost loved ones, as well as those who 695 00:38:43,800 --> 00:38:45,130 were injured. 696 00:38:45,133 --> 00:38:45,803 Yes, Dan. 697 00:38:45,800 --> 00:38:49,970 The Press: Can I just follow up on the shooting questions? 698 00:38:49,967 --> 00:38:54,297 In Aurora, Colorado, the President said, "We all reflect 699 00:38:54,300 --> 00:38:56,870 on how we can do something about some of the senseless violence 700 00:38:56,867 --> 00:39:00,737 that ends up marring this country." 701 00:39:00,734 --> 00:39:03,734 Let me give you the chance maybe to get into sort of 702 00:39:03,734 --> 00:39:04,934 these trends. 703 00:39:04,934 --> 00:39:07,064 I mean, has there been enough reflection since Aurora? 704 00:39:07,066 --> 00:39:13,566 Mr. Carney: Dan, I really encourage all of us to give a moment here 705 00:39:13,567 --> 00:39:19,837 to focus on what is an unfolding tragedy in Connecticut and not 706 00:39:19,834 --> 00:39:27,664 to engage in Washington policy battles of long running the day 707 00:39:27,667 --> 00:39:31,667 -- we do that often and it's appropriate, and I'm sure the 708 00:39:31,667 --> 00:39:33,697 day for this will come, but today is not that 709 00:39:33,700 --> 00:39:34,770 day in our mind. 710 00:39:34,767 --> 00:39:38,367 We're focused right now on what's happening in Connecticut. 711 00:39:38,367 --> 00:39:43,497 The Press: On a foreign policy question -- next month, Afghan President 712 00:39:43,500 --> 00:39:46,030 Karzai will be here on January 7. 713 00:39:46,033 --> 00:39:48,363 Will that be the President's last meeting with the foreign 714 00:39:48,367 --> 00:39:50,537 leader at the end of his first term? 715 00:39:50,533 --> 00:39:52,203 And secondly, what are the issues that the President wants 716 00:39:52,200 --> 00:39:55,600 to discuss with the Afghans? 717 00:39:55,600 --> 00:40:02,030 Mr. Carney: Well, I appreciate the question. 718 00:40:02,033 --> 00:40:05,203 We're expecting President Karzai during the week of January 7th. 719 00:40:05,200 --> 00:40:10,970 I don't think a specific date has been decided on, and I have 720 00:40:10,967 --> 00:40:14,767 no other foreign leader meetings to preview for you so I can't 721 00:40:14,767 --> 00:40:16,637 answer the question about whether that would be his 722 00:40:16,633 --> 00:40:20,733 last meeting with a foreign leader prior to his inauguration 723 00:40:20,734 --> 00:40:22,264 a few weeks later. 724 00:40:22,266 --> 00:40:27,366 The President and President Karzai look forward to 725 00:40:27,367 --> 00:40:31,397 discussing a shared vision of Afghanistan beyond 2014 726 00:40:31,400 --> 00:40:34,270 to include the post-2014 role of the United States 727 00:40:34,266 --> 00:40:35,996 in Afghanistan. 728 00:40:36,000 --> 00:40:38,870 Their meeting will be an important opportunity to discuss 729 00:40:38,867 --> 00:40:42,337 implementation of the strategic partnership the two Presidents 730 00:40:42,333 --> 00:40:45,203 signed in May, to include the progress we're making in 731 00:40:45,200 --> 00:40:49,230 negotiating the bilateral security agreement that would 732 00:40:49,233 --> 00:40:52,233 replace our current SOFA and lay out the rules of the road for 733 00:40:52,233 --> 00:40:54,763 potential U.S. military presence after 2014. 734 00:40:54,767 --> 00:40:58,267 The President also looks forward to discussing an Afghan-led 735 00:40:58,266 --> 00:41:02,666 peace process as well as the region, and the future of 736 00:41:02,667 --> 00:41:04,297 Afghanistan's security forces. 737 00:41:04,300 --> 00:41:06,770 So to your answer your question, those will be what we would 738 00:41:06,767 --> 00:41:09,737 expect to be the topics of conversation at that meeting. 739 00:41:09,734 --> 00:41:11,164 The Press: And is the President disappointed that the 740 00:41:11,166 --> 00:41:14,866 Taliban are not coming for peace negotiations? 741 00:41:14,867 --> 00:41:18,567 Mr. Carney: While we support an Afghan-led process of reconciliation, 742 00:41:18,567 --> 00:41:23,337 we believe that that's essential for the long-term prospects of 743 00:41:23,333 --> 00:41:26,503 peace in Afghanistan, I don't have any updates 744 00:41:26,500 --> 00:41:30,000 on that process from here. 745 00:41:30,000 --> 00:41:30,800 Victoria. 746 00:41:30,800 --> 00:41:35,170 The Press: Last week, Syrian troops were seen loading bombs with chemical 747 00:41:35,166 --> 00:41:40,066 weapons onto trucks, and the President warned Syria the use 748 00:41:40,066 --> 00:41:42,366 of chemical weapons is a red line. 749 00:41:42,367 --> 00:41:46,237 Isn't use of chemical weapons a bit late for the red line? 750 00:41:46,233 --> 00:41:50,463 Shouldn't the red line be movement of chemical weapons? 751 00:41:50,467 --> 00:41:53,967 I mean, once they've been used, damage is done. 752 00:41:53,967 --> 00:41:56,997 Mr. Carney: The President addressed this very clearly from this podium 753 00:41:57,000 --> 00:42:00,830 what his views are on that matter, and they regard both 754 00:42:00,834 --> 00:42:03,534 the use of chemical weapons, the potential for use of chemical 755 00:42:03,533 --> 00:42:06,333 weapons by the Assad regime, as well as movement in the 756 00:42:06,333 --> 00:42:10,033 sense of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction 757 00:42:10,033 --> 00:42:12,133 like chemical weapons. 758 00:42:12,133 --> 00:42:18,533 I think our warnings about any consideration of the use 759 00:42:18,533 --> 00:42:23,263 of these weapons were extremely clear and stark. 760 00:42:23,266 --> 00:42:27,666 Our promise of significant consequences should the Assad 761 00:42:27,667 --> 00:42:34,437 regime go down that road were very clear and stark, 762 00:42:34,433 --> 00:42:36,533 and they remain in place. 763 00:42:36,533 --> 00:42:42,203 And I think that we share concern about this with our 764 00:42:42,200 --> 00:42:45,070 international partners, and we'll continue to carry that 765 00:42:45,066 --> 00:42:46,466 message forward. 766 00:42:46,467 --> 00:42:49,067 The Press: What is the level of concern that -- it seems from the 767 00:42:49,066 --> 00:42:52,696 reporting on this that it isn't known whether the order that was 768 00:42:52,700 --> 00:42:57,470 given to get these chemical weapons going was given by 769 00:42:57,467 --> 00:43:02,067 senior leaders in the Assad regime, Assad himself, or by 770 00:43:02,066 --> 00:43:03,696 just some field commander. 771 00:43:03,700 --> 00:43:05,070 What is the level of concern that maybe Assad 772 00:43:05,066 --> 00:43:07,166 is not in control? 773 00:43:07,166 --> 00:43:08,136 Mr. Carney: Well, I think you're citing reports that are based on 774 00:43:08,133 --> 00:43:09,763 purported intelligence information, and I'm not 775 00:43:09,767 --> 00:43:16,197 going to discuss matters of intelligence except to say that 776 00:43:16,200 --> 00:43:18,470 we remain concerned about this issue. 777 00:43:18,467 --> 00:43:22,097 We have made our position extremely and starkly clear 778 00:43:22,100 --> 00:43:30,370 about the consequences should the Assad regime go down that 779 00:43:30,367 --> 00:43:33,497 road, and we reiterate those concerns today. 780 00:43:35,667 --> 00:43:37,197 All the way in the back. 781 00:43:37,200 --> 00:43:38,200 Yes. 782 00:43:38,200 --> 00:43:39,200 The Press: Thanks, Jay. 783 00:43:39,200 --> 00:43:40,600 I wanted to go back to your comment about transparency and 784 00:43:40,600 --> 00:43:44,000 ask, the year is coming to an end and Wikileaks founder Julian 785 00:43:44,000 --> 00:43:46,930 Assange is still in the Ecuadorean embassy. 786 00:43:46,934 --> 00:43:48,534 I wanted to get your response. 787 00:43:48,533 --> 00:43:50,733 One of the reasons he hasn't returned to Sweden for 788 00:43:50,734 --> 00:43:53,104 questioning on sexual allegations is because 789 00:43:53,100 --> 00:43:55,270 he fears he would be extradited to the U.S. 790 00:43:55,266 --> 00:43:57,736 Where is the Obama administration in 791 00:43:57,734 --> 00:44:00,734 the investigation of Assange and Wikileaks? 792 00:44:00,734 --> 00:44:04,964 And what is your response to those who say Julian Assange, 793 00:44:04,967 --> 00:44:07,767 Bradley Manning are examples of the President 794 00:44:07,767 --> 00:44:10,167 being anything but transparent? 795 00:44:10,166 --> 00:44:11,966 Mr. Carney: Well, I entirely disagree. 796 00:44:11,967 --> 00:44:15,197 And in terms of investigations of that nature I would refer you 797 00:44:15,200 --> 00:44:16,470 to the Department of Justice. 798 00:44:16,467 --> 00:44:17,037 The Press: Thanks, Jay. 799 00:44:17,033 --> 00:44:17,803 Mr. Carney: Thanks very much.