English subtitles for clip: File:9-18-12- White House Press Briefing.webm
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1 00:00:00,367 --> 00:00:02,433 Mr. Carney: Well, hello, ladies and gentlemen. 2 00:00:02,433 --> 00:00:06,100 Thanks for being here this morning -- still morning. 3 00:00:06,100 --> 00:00:11,166 I appreciate, as ever, you coming to the briefing. 4 00:00:11,166 --> 00:00:12,567 I don't have any announcements, 5 00:00:12,567 --> 00:00:14,000 so we'll go straight to questions. 6 00:00:14,000 --> 00:00:14,667 Ben. 7 00:00:14,667 --> 00:00:15,567 The Press: Thanks, Jay. 8 00:00:15,567 --> 00:00:20,600 Has the President seen the video that's caused a lot of people to 9 00:00:20,600 --> 00:00:23,934 be talking this morning -- the 47 percent video? 10 00:00:23,934 --> 00:00:27,767 And if so, what's his reaction to it? 11 00:00:27,767 --> 00:00:29,533 Mr. Carney: Let me say this. 12 00:00:29,533 --> 00:00:33,800 The campaign has put out a statement and I'm sure others 13 00:00:33,800 --> 00:00:37,766 from the campaign will be asked about and will address it. 14 00:00:39,900 --> 00:00:43,400 So I'll limit what I say in response to questions about it. 15 00:00:43,400 --> 00:00:46,867 What I'll say is this: When you're President of the United 16 00:00:46,867 --> 00:00:51,900 States you are President of all the people, not just the people 17 00:00:51,900 --> 00:00:54,533 who voted for you. 18 00:00:54,533 --> 00:00:59,500 You've heard the President say so many times because he deeply 19 00:00:59,500 --> 00:01:04,400 believes it that we're in this together, all of us. 20 00:01:04,400 --> 00:01:09,233 From the time he began his career in public service, from 21 00:01:09,233 --> 00:01:12,734 the time that those of us in this room first heard of him in 22 00:01:12,734 --> 00:01:19,333 2004, his message has been about the fact that what unites us as 23 00:01:19,333 --> 00:01:24,000 Americans is far greater than the things that divide us. 24 00:01:24,000 --> 00:01:28,934 And that's fundamental to who this President is, and it's 25 00:01:28,934 --> 00:01:33,100 fundamental to what guides him as he makes decisions. 26 00:01:35,233 --> 00:01:40,633 When he made the decision against the advice of many to 27 00:01:40,633 --> 00:01:43,366 take action to save the auto industry, the President did not 28 00:01:43,367 --> 00:01:48,200 ask whether the 1.1 million Americans whose jobs would be 29 00:01:48,200 --> 00:01:53,000 saved had voted for him or against him. 30 00:01:53,000 --> 00:01:58,500 When he pressed for 18 small business tax cuts he didn't ask 31 00:01:58,500 --> 00:02:05,333 if small businessmen and women were Democrat or Republican. 32 00:02:05,333 --> 00:02:09,800 When he fought to pass health care reform he didn't wonder 33 00:02:09,800 --> 00:02:13,200 whether the 129 million Americans with preexisting 34 00:02:13,200 --> 00:02:16,667 conditions who would be helped by this reform, who would be 35 00:02:16,667 --> 00:02:21,934 given security through the reform, were likely to be with 36 00:02:21,934 --> 00:02:24,133 him or against him in 2012. 37 00:02:24,133 --> 00:02:26,867 That's just not how he thinks. 38 00:02:26,867 --> 00:02:37,100 And I think the way you have to approach the job is with a keen 39 00:02:37,100 --> 00:02:39,166 understanding that you're out there fighting for 40 00:02:39,166 --> 00:02:41,166 every American. 41 00:02:41,166 --> 00:02:46,966 And this President's agenda has always been about building the 42 00:02:46,967 --> 00:02:49,900 middle class, strengthening the middle class, bringing people up 43 00:02:49,900 --> 00:02:52,433 into the middle class. 44 00:02:52,433 --> 00:02:55,566 And that's what it will be going forward. 45 00:02:55,567 --> 00:02:57,133 The Press: Has the President actually watched the video? 46 00:02:57,133 --> 00:02:59,867 Mr. Carney: I don't -- haven't asked him. 47 00:02:59,867 --> 00:03:01,566 The Press: One other follow on this. 48 00:03:01,567 --> 00:03:05,066 One of the comments from Governor Romney in the 49 00:03:05,066 --> 00:03:10,266 fundraiser was that 47 percent who support President Obama 50 00:03:10,266 --> 00:03:11,466 believe they are victims. 51 00:03:11,467 --> 00:03:15,233 Putting aside just the campaign politics if you need to, does 52 00:03:15,233 --> 00:03:20,066 the White House think that that kind of statement has policy 53 00:03:20,066 --> 00:03:23,734 implications that would affect how Governor Romney would run 54 00:03:23,734 --> 00:03:24,934 the country? 55 00:03:24,934 --> 00:03:31,200 Mr. Carney: Well, again, setting aside what Governor Romney thinks, 56 00:03:31,200 --> 00:03:34,833 I can tell you that the President certainly doesn't 57 00:03:34,834 --> 00:03:44,433 think that men and women on Social Security are irresponsible 58 00:03:44,433 --> 00:03:53,867 or victims; that students are irresponsible or victims. 59 00:03:55,100 --> 00:03:57,834 He certainly doesn't think that middle-class families are paying 60 00:03:57,834 --> 00:04:00,166 too little in taxes. 61 00:04:00,166 --> 00:04:03,867 But again, the broader point that you always hear him make 62 00:04:03,867 --> 00:04:06,632 is that we need to come together as a country. 63 00:04:06,633 --> 00:04:11,266 We need to work together for what's best for the country and 64 00:04:11,266 --> 00:04:16,132 best for especially the middle class, which is the backbone of 65 00:04:16,132 --> 00:04:18,599 this nation. 66 00:04:18,600 --> 00:04:19,500 Jeff. 67 00:04:19,500 --> 00:04:22,600 The Press: Jay, can you tell us a little bit more about how the President 68 00:04:22,600 --> 00:04:26,066 himself reacted to the video, whether or not he's seen it? 69 00:04:26,066 --> 00:04:30,265 Mr. Carney: Again, I don't know if he's seen it and I don't have any 70 00:04:30,266 --> 00:04:32,800 discussions with him about it to read out to you. 71 00:04:32,800 --> 00:04:35,367 The Press: Can you tell us if he talked about it with senior staff this 72 00:04:35,367 --> 00:04:36,233 morning or -- 73 00:04:36,233 --> 00:04:38,700 Mr. Carney: Again, I'm not going to read out any internal conversations about 74 00:04:38,700 --> 00:04:41,834 that or other issues. 75 00:04:41,834 --> 00:04:43,967 The Press: Let me switch to a policy question then. 76 00:04:43,967 --> 00:04:49,332 There's some volatility in the oil markets yesterday and today. 77 00:04:49,333 --> 00:04:52,867 Some of that some people are saying was due to speculation 78 00:04:52,867 --> 00:04:56,767 about an imminent SPR move. 79 00:04:56,767 --> 00:05:00,166 Number one, can you give us any update on your SPR thinking? 80 00:05:00,166 --> 00:05:04,433 And number two, can you tell us if there was any sort of intel 81 00:05:04,433 --> 00:05:07,367 that showed -- may have shown that yesterday's drop was a 82 00:05:07,367 --> 00:05:09,834 technical glitch? 83 00:05:09,834 --> 00:05:15,467 Mr. Carney: Let me refer questions about the market yesterday to the CFTC. 84 00:05:15,467 --> 00:05:23,200 That's the appropriate agency to refer those questions to. 85 00:05:23,200 --> 00:05:28,834 Our position on the SPR is what it has been, which is that we 86 00:05:28,834 --> 00:05:34,967 monitor the situation regularly and constantly together with our 87 00:05:34,967 --> 00:05:41,265 international partners and we continue to say that all options 88 00:05:41,266 --> 00:05:42,266 remain on the table. 89 00:05:42,266 --> 00:05:45,066 But I don't have any announcements to make today. 90 00:05:45,066 --> 00:05:48,366 The Press: Do you have -- has the President, has the White 91 00:05:48,367 --> 00:05:50,367 House been watching the oil markets in general? 92 00:05:50,367 --> 00:05:52,700 Even if you don't want to speak specifically to yesterday's 93 00:05:52,700 --> 00:05:55,834 move, any update in your thinking about 94 00:05:55,834 --> 00:05:57,800 just developments there? 95 00:05:57,800 --> 00:06:02,033 Mr. Carney: Well, look, I think you saw in May at the G8, and, more 96 00:06:02,033 --> 00:06:05,000 recently, finance ministers for the G7, this is something that 97 00:06:05,000 --> 00:06:12,367 is regularly monitored and discussed by the United States 98 00:06:12,367 --> 00:06:14,600 with its international partners. 99 00:06:14,600 --> 00:06:16,967 I can say that in terms of more recent developments, the 100 00:06:16,967 --> 00:06:20,332 administration welcomes the Saudi Arabian oil minister's 101 00:06:20,333 --> 00:06:23,767 recent remarks and share his concern about rising oil prices 102 00:06:23,767 --> 00:06:25,600 in the international oil market. 103 00:06:25,600 --> 00:06:29,367 We also welcome Saudi Arabia's continued commitment to take all 104 00:06:29,367 --> 00:06:33,033 necessary steps to ensure the market is well supplied and to 105 00:06:33,033 --> 00:06:36,533 help moderate prices. 106 00:06:36,533 --> 00:06:38,967 As we have also said for some time, the administration 107 00:06:38,967 --> 00:06:41,734 continues to take steps to expand domestic oil and gas 108 00:06:41,734 --> 00:06:45,000 production, which has increased each year the President has been 109 00:06:45,000 --> 00:06:46,367 in office. 110 00:06:46,367 --> 00:06:49,166 In fact, as you know, U.S. oil production is currently at an 111 00:06:49,166 --> 00:06:53,433 8-year high and domestic natural gas production is 112 00:06:53,433 --> 00:06:54,967 at an all-time high. 113 00:06:54,967 --> 00:06:57,366 The Press: But gas prices are going up in the U.S. right now. 114 00:06:57,367 --> 00:06:59,066 Is that something you're concerned about or looking 115 00:06:59,066 --> 00:07:01,299 at any additional measures to address? 116 00:07:01,300 --> 00:07:05,333 Mr. Carney: With regards to the international oil market 117 00:07:05,333 --> 00:07:07,934 and oil prices, we monitor them constantly with our 118 00:07:07,934 --> 00:07:09,100 international partners. 119 00:07:09,100 --> 00:07:14,433 It's something that we keep very close track of. 120 00:07:14,433 --> 00:07:22,300 And we retain the right to keep all options for dealing with 121 00:07:22,300 --> 00:07:24,934 those issues on the table, and that includes SPR. 122 00:07:24,934 --> 00:07:29,133 But I have no announcements of any action that may or 123 00:07:29,133 --> 00:07:31,200 may not be taken. 124 00:07:31,200 --> 00:07:32,800 Yes, Mary. 125 00:07:32,800 --> 00:07:35,333 The Press: The President also had his fair share of private moments that 126 00:07:35,333 --> 00:07:36,934 have later been made public. 127 00:07:36,934 --> 00:07:39,500 During the 2008 election, he said that rural voters "get 128 00:07:39,500 --> 00:07:42,133 bitter" and they cling to their guns or religion. 129 00:07:42,133 --> 00:07:44,667 Like Mr. Romney, this was also said privately to donors and 130 00:07:44,667 --> 00:07:47,265 then later made public after the fact. 131 00:07:47,266 --> 00:07:49,500 Rural voters certainly aren't 47 percent of the electorate, but 132 00:07:49,500 --> 00:07:50,700 they are a large demographic. 133 00:07:50,700 --> 00:07:52,800 How is Mr. Romney's comments any different from what the 134 00:07:52,800 --> 00:07:55,066 President said? 135 00:07:55,066 --> 00:07:59,933 Mr. Carney: Look, I think that happened four years ago and was discussed in 136 00:07:59,934 --> 00:08:02,900 abundance at the time. 137 00:08:02,900 --> 00:08:05,967 What the President said four years ago, what he said eight 138 00:08:05,967 --> 00:08:08,433 years ago, what he says today and what he said ever since he 139 00:08:08,433 --> 00:08:13,767 took office here is that he's fighting for every American, 140 00:08:13,767 --> 00:08:16,100 that he firmly believes that as a nation we're all in this 141 00:08:16,100 --> 00:08:20,233 together, that what unites us is far stronger and greater than 142 00:08:20,233 --> 00:08:23,734 what divides us, that we're not red America and blue America, 143 00:08:23,734 --> 00:08:26,500 we're the United States of America. 144 00:08:26,500 --> 00:08:30,367 And I think that that's a fundamental fact about 145 00:08:30,367 --> 00:08:31,367 Barack Obama. 146 00:08:31,367 --> 00:08:35,467 And it's been the guiding philosophy and principle behind 147 00:08:35,467 --> 00:08:36,799 the policy decisions he's made. 148 00:08:36,799 --> 00:08:42,433 I think, again, citing some of the examples from what he's done 149 00:08:42,433 --> 00:08:47,000 in office, when he took action to ensure that our financial 150 00:08:47,000 --> 00:08:51,400 markets, our financial sector did not collapse, he didn't 151 00:08:51,400 --> 00:08:55,733 check to see whether the people who would most directly benefit 152 00:08:55,734 --> 00:08:58,767 from that were supporters or not. 153 00:08:58,767 --> 00:09:02,433 He took a lot of grief for that, but he did it because he thought 154 00:09:02,433 --> 00:09:04,367 it was right for the American economy and right for all 155 00:09:04,367 --> 00:09:07,632 Americans that we do not experience the collapse of an 156 00:09:07,633 --> 00:09:09,100 important sector of our economy. 157 00:09:09,100 --> 00:09:12,400 The same thing with the auto industry -- he didn't ask if 158 00:09:12,400 --> 00:09:15,467 autoworkers were supporters, he didn't ask if auto executives 159 00:09:15,467 --> 00:09:16,467 were supporters. 160 00:09:16,467 --> 00:09:20,533 He did what he believed was right for the country. 161 00:09:20,533 --> 00:09:21,700 And that's been his guiding principle. 162 00:09:21,700 --> 00:09:27,867 And I think he talked about this in Charlotte, that the people 163 00:09:27,867 --> 00:09:30,333 who inspire him, the people who give him hope, he doesn't know 164 00:09:30,333 --> 00:09:33,165 whether they're voting for him. 165 00:09:33,166 --> 00:09:37,600 The soldier he first met at Walter Reed who lost a leg, he 166 00:09:37,600 --> 00:09:42,633 doesn't know; the gentleman who won the lottery and kept working 167 00:09:42,633 --> 00:09:44,800 and bought flags for his town. 168 00:09:47,667 --> 00:09:50,900 This is the sort of essence of the American story that inspires 169 00:09:50,900 --> 00:09:52,967 him every day. 170 00:09:52,967 --> 00:09:56,734 And it does not matter to him whether they're Republican or 171 00:09:56,734 --> 00:10:00,900 Democrat or independent, because we're all in this together. 172 00:10:00,900 --> 00:10:03,367 The Press: The campaign said, in their response to Mitt Romney's 173 00:10:03,367 --> 00:10:05,233 statements, that it's hard to serve as President for all 174 00:10:05,233 --> 00:10:06,834 Americans when you've disdainfully written off 175 00:10:06,834 --> 00:10:08,132 half the nation. 176 00:10:08,133 --> 00:10:10,433 And you've said repeatedly now that the President obviously 177 00:10:10,433 --> 00:10:12,266 does represent all Americans. 178 00:10:12,266 --> 00:10:14,099 Why is that any different from Mitt Romney when he makes a 179 00:10:14,100 --> 00:10:15,867 comment like this? 180 00:10:15,867 --> 00:10:19,699 Mr. Carney: What's the question again? 181 00:10:19,700 --> 00:10:22,400 The Press: The question being that if the President can make a comment 182 00:10:22,400 --> 00:10:26,033 like he did in 2008, where he sort of offended a large -- I 183 00:10:26,033 --> 00:10:28,200 don't want to say "offended," but where he made a remark in 184 00:10:28,200 --> 00:10:32,967 direct relation to a large portion of the electorate, and 185 00:10:32,967 --> 00:10:36,300 Mitt Romney makes a similar remarks also offending or -- 186 00:10:36,300 --> 00:10:39,666 Mr. Carney: Then-Senator Obama never said that he did not worry about or 187 00:10:39,667 --> 00:10:43,233 would not worry about 47 percent of the population. 188 00:10:43,233 --> 00:10:46,632 A lot of folks, when we travel around the country ask why the 189 00:10:46,633 --> 00:10:49,567 President is campaigning on a bus in towns and communities and 190 00:10:49,567 --> 00:10:53,600 counties that trend red or Republican. 191 00:10:53,600 --> 00:10:58,934 Why is he there if he's not likely to win the count? 192 00:10:58,934 --> 00:11:02,699 Because he's there to take his message about his economic 193 00:11:02,700 --> 00:11:05,533 vision and his agenda for the country to everybody, because he 194 00:11:05,533 --> 00:11:09,800 firmly believes that building this country up helps everybody. 195 00:11:09,800 --> 00:11:14,065 You've heard him talk about it, that if we do the right things 196 00:11:14,066 --> 00:11:17,333 for our economic policy, if we take a balanced approach 197 00:11:17,333 --> 00:11:23,266 to dealing with our fiscal challenges, if we reduce 198 00:11:23,266 --> 00:11:27,033 spending, reform our entitlements, ask millionaires 199 00:11:27,033 --> 00:11:29,133 and billionaires to pay a little bit more, that everybody will 200 00:11:29,133 --> 00:11:32,633 benefit, including millionaires and billionaires. 201 00:11:32,633 --> 00:11:36,700 That's the essence of his governing philosophy and it's 202 00:11:36,700 --> 00:11:39,533 at the core of who he is. 203 00:11:39,533 --> 00:11:42,233 The Press: Can I ask one more question, just on a different topic? 204 00:11:42,233 --> 00:11:45,333 It seems that the U.S. and Libya have sort of different accounts 205 00:11:45,333 --> 00:11:47,400 of the attack in Benghazi last week. 206 00:11:47,400 --> 00:11:49,567 There are reports that Libyan officials warned the U.S. of 207 00:11:49,567 --> 00:11:53,066 the growing extremist threat prior to the attacks, that they 208 00:11:53,066 --> 00:11:55,367 admitted they could not control some of these militias. 209 00:11:55,367 --> 00:11:57,300 That seems to run counter to what administration officials 210 00:11:57,300 --> 00:12:00,132 have been saying, that this was just a spontaneous reaction to 211 00:12:00,133 --> 00:12:02,500 this anti-Islam film. 212 00:12:02,500 --> 00:12:03,767 Can you kind of reconcile this? 213 00:12:03,767 --> 00:12:05,333 Mr. Carney: Well, what I can tell you is that we have provided 214 00:12:05,333 --> 00:12:10,467 information about what we believe was the precipitating 215 00:12:10,467 --> 00:12:14,667 cause of the protest and the violence, based on the 216 00:12:14,667 --> 00:12:17,934 information that we have had available. 217 00:12:17,934 --> 00:12:19,632 There is an ongoing investigation. 218 00:12:19,633 --> 00:12:22,867 The FBI is investigating. 219 00:12:22,867 --> 00:12:26,533 And that investigation will follow the facts 220 00:12:26,533 --> 00:12:27,367 wherever they lead. 221 00:12:30,633 --> 00:12:33,767 What we do know about Libya is that it's a country that emerged 222 00:12:33,767 --> 00:12:43,367 from war and revolution, and you have a new government trying to 223 00:12:43,367 --> 00:12:48,599 assert its authority as that country makes a transition to 224 00:12:48,600 --> 00:12:53,000 democracy and broader representation for all 225 00:12:53,000 --> 00:12:56,367 Libyans and broader rights for all Libyans. 226 00:12:56,934 --> 00:12:59,233 And in that environment there are certainly, in this postwar, 227 00:12:59,233 --> 00:13:03,032 post-revolution environment, there are vast numbers of 228 00:13:03,033 --> 00:13:07,066 weapons and certainly a number of violent groups 229 00:13:07,066 --> 00:13:08,066 in the country. 230 00:13:08,066 --> 00:13:14,000 What is important to note, however, is that the Libyan 231 00:13:14,000 --> 00:13:21,400 people do not understand -- or rather they do understand that 232 00:13:21,400 --> 00:13:28,632 the United States was with them in their efforts to achieve 233 00:13:28,633 --> 00:13:32,300 their aspirations, to rid them of the Qaddafi regime and the 234 00:13:32,300 --> 00:13:36,333 tyranny that Qaddafi inflicted upon them. 235 00:13:36,333 --> 00:13:38,000 But it is still a very volatile place, 236 00:13:38,000 --> 00:13:40,967 there's no question about it. 237 00:13:40,967 --> 00:13:41,600 Nancy. 238 00:13:41,600 --> 00:13:44,800 The Press: Jay, back to Mary's question for one moment -- did the President 239 00:13:44,800 --> 00:13:48,300 regret making those comments about guns and religion? 240 00:13:48,300 --> 00:13:50,967 Did he learn something from the fallout? 241 00:13:50,967 --> 00:13:53,834 Mr. Carney: Nancy, again, these are comments that happened four years ago. 242 00:13:53,834 --> 00:13:56,000 There has been plenty of ink spilled and plenty of things 243 00:13:56,000 --> 00:13:57,734 said about them four years ago. 244 00:13:57,734 --> 00:14:02,633 I know that fundamentally what the President was saying four 245 00:14:02,633 --> 00:14:06,367 years ago, what he was saying in 2004, and what he's saying today 246 00:14:06,367 --> 00:14:13,099 is entirely consistent, which is that as a country we are united 247 00:14:13,100 --> 00:14:18,066 by far stronger stuff than the things that divide us, that he 248 00:14:18,066 --> 00:14:21,000 is out there fighting for every American, regardless of whether 249 00:14:21,000 --> 00:14:25,066 or not they support him politically or support the 250 00:14:25,066 --> 00:14:26,667 Democratic Party. 251 00:14:26,667 --> 00:14:32,567 It is really the essence of who he is as a public official, that 252 00:14:32,567 --> 00:14:34,467 that's his guiding principle. 253 00:14:34,467 --> 00:14:36,667 And it's reflected by everything I've just talked about. 254 00:14:36,667 --> 00:14:40,700 The policies that he's pursued have sometimes earned him 255 00:14:40,700 --> 00:14:45,467 criticism from left or right or center, precisely because he's 256 00:14:45,467 --> 00:14:49,567 not evaluating when he makes those decisions whether the 257 00:14:49,567 --> 00:14:54,533 people who are helped by them are supporters, or people who 258 00:14:54,533 --> 00:14:56,300 voted against him or will vote against him. 259 00:14:56,300 --> 00:14:59,300 He is guided by what he thinks is best for the country. 260 00:14:59,300 --> 00:15:03,800 And he firmly believes that outside of the rancor in 261 00:15:03,800 --> 00:15:07,599 Washington, while people have very firmly held positions and 262 00:15:07,600 --> 00:15:12,367 opinions and it is a country that tends to be relatively 263 00:15:12,367 --> 00:15:15,165 divided between the two parties when we have national elections, 264 00:15:15,166 --> 00:15:20,400 that on the stuff that matters to Americans' day-to-day lives, 265 00:15:20,400 --> 00:15:24,600 we're a lot more united than we sometimes perceive here in 266 00:15:24,600 --> 00:15:27,900 Washington, and that the President believes that in his 267 00:15:27,900 --> 00:15:28,533 bones and it's what guides him. 268 00:15:28,533 --> 00:15:32,266 The Press: I want to ask you about something else that Governor 269 00:15:32,266 --> 00:15:35,233 Romney said and get your take from a policy perspective. 270 00:15:35,233 --> 00:15:38,000 On the Middle East peace process, he said the 271 00:15:38,000 --> 00:15:42,166 "Palestinians have no interest whatsoever in establishing peace 272 00:15:42,166 --> 00:15:44,133 and that the pathway to peace is almost 273 00:15:44,133 --> 00:15:46,700 unthinkable to accomplish." 274 00:15:46,700 --> 00:15:51,300 Does the President share this view about the Middle East? 275 00:15:51,300 --> 00:15:56,367 Mr. Carney: The President believes and is committed to working with -- 276 00:15:56,367 --> 00:15:58,699 the President believes and is committed to the principle that 277 00:15:58,700 --> 00:16:02,533 a two-state solution is the right solution 278 00:16:02,533 --> 00:16:04,600 for Middle East peace. 279 00:16:04,600 --> 00:16:11,533 That is a basic tenet that has been pursued by Democratic and 280 00:16:11,533 --> 00:16:14,667 Republican administrations prior to President Obama. 281 00:16:14,667 --> 00:16:18,533 And his two immediate predecessors worked on this 282 00:16:18,533 --> 00:16:23,967 issue under the firm belief that a two-state solution was the 283 00:16:23,967 --> 00:16:28,333 right solution, and it's what has guided this President. 284 00:16:28,333 --> 00:16:33,934 So I think his view is a little different from what 285 00:16:33,934 --> 00:16:35,300 was expressed. 286 00:16:35,300 --> 00:16:37,165 The Press: Governor Romney said that this is likely to remain 287 00:16:37,166 --> 00:16:38,700 an "unsolved problem." 288 00:16:38,700 --> 00:16:41,900 Given recent history in the Middle East, 289 00:16:41,900 --> 00:16:43,165 is he wrong about that? 290 00:16:43,166 --> 00:16:46,400 Mr. Carney: Well, that it's a difficult problem I think we can all 291 00:16:46,400 --> 00:16:48,834 agree on. 292 00:16:48,834 --> 00:16:52,132 That it is a challenge that previous Presidents of both 293 00:16:52,133 --> 00:16:55,834 parties have embraced because they believe it's right for the 294 00:16:55,834 --> 00:16:58,233 country, they believe it's right for American interests, for the 295 00:16:58,233 --> 00:17:00,233 interests of Israelis, the interests of Palestinians, 296 00:17:00,233 --> 00:17:01,733 is also true. 297 00:17:01,734 --> 00:17:06,934 And it is simply the wrong approach to say we can't do 298 00:17:06,934 --> 00:17:09,567 anything about it, so we'll just kick it down the field. 299 00:17:09,567 --> 00:17:10,967 That's not leadership. 300 00:17:10,967 --> 00:17:14,266 That's the opposite of leadership. 301 00:17:14,266 --> 00:17:19,133 And this President has been working on this issue since 302 00:17:19,133 --> 00:17:20,767 the day he took office. 303 00:17:20,767 --> 00:17:25,066 It is a tough issue, but ultimately peace between the 304 00:17:25,066 --> 00:17:31,166 Israelis and Palestinians, a negotiated peace that provides 305 00:17:31,166 --> 00:17:34,800 security for Israel and a state for the Palestinians, is in the 306 00:17:34,800 --> 00:17:40,100 interest of the Israelis and the Palestinians, and is in the 307 00:17:40,100 --> 00:17:42,399 interest of the United States of America, and this President will 308 00:17:42,400 --> 00:17:44,667 continue to pursue it. 309 00:17:44,667 --> 00:17:45,199 Ed. 310 00:17:45,200 --> 00:17:46,033 The Press: Jay, I want to go back to Libya. 311 00:17:46,033 --> 00:17:48,367 On September 10th, you put out a press release saying that the 312 00:17:48,367 --> 00:17:51,000 President had a meeting with senior officials to figure out 313 00:17:51,000 --> 00:17:53,633 the security posture around the 9/11 anniversary. 314 00:17:53,633 --> 00:17:56,433 And in that press release you said that "steps were taken to 315 00:17:56,433 --> 00:17:59,033 protect U.S. persons and facilities abroad. 316 00:17:59,033 --> 00:18:01,867 The President reiterated that departments and agencies must do 317 00:18:01,867 --> 00:18:05,033 everything possible to protect the American people both at home 318 00:18:05,033 --> 00:18:05,966 and abroad." 319 00:18:05,967 --> 00:18:09,500 So in retrospect, given the tragedy, did the administration 320 00:18:09,500 --> 00:18:12,200 drop the ball on what you promised on September 10th that 321 00:18:12,200 --> 00:18:14,333 you had improved security at these installations? 322 00:18:14,333 --> 00:18:21,500 Mr. Carney: They were numerous steps taken, as there have been every year 323 00:18:21,500 --> 00:18:25,967 on the anniversary of 9/11, and as there have been at different 324 00:18:25,967 --> 00:18:31,867 times on the calendar when it is judged by the experts that 325 00:18:31,867 --> 00:18:33,700 taking additional steps, security steps, is the 326 00:18:33,700 --> 00:18:35,433 right thing to do. 327 00:18:35,433 --> 00:18:38,867 As for specific measures taken at specific facilities, 328 00:18:38,867 --> 00:18:40,300 diplomatic facilities, I would refer you to 329 00:18:40,300 --> 00:18:41,265 the State Department. 330 00:18:41,266 --> 00:18:43,667 The Press: Separate from the FBI investigation you mentioned to 331 00:18:43,667 --> 00:18:47,166 Mary a few moments ago, is there any sort of inquiry going on 332 00:18:47,166 --> 00:18:49,133 here at the White House among the President's national 333 00:18:49,133 --> 00:18:51,400 security team to get to the bottom of -- you told the 334 00:18:51,400 --> 00:18:54,266 American people on September 10th, "We've taken steps to 335 00:18:54,266 --> 00:18:56,667 protect Americans here at home and abroad." 336 00:18:56,667 --> 00:18:59,899 Obviously, with four Americans tragically being killed, the 337 00:18:59,900 --> 00:19:01,166 steps were not good enough. 338 00:19:01,166 --> 00:19:04,667 So is there an inquiry going on here to figure out what 339 00:19:04,667 --> 00:19:05,300 went wrong? 340 00:19:05,300 --> 00:19:06,567 Mr. Carney: Well, I think that you're conveniently conflating two 341 00:19:06,567 --> 00:19:09,867 things, which is the anniversary of 9/11 and the incidents that 342 00:19:09,867 --> 00:19:11,667 took place, which are under investigation in 343 00:19:11,667 --> 00:19:12,300 terms of what -- 344 00:19:12,300 --> 00:19:13,533 The Press: Which happened on the anniversary. 345 00:19:13,533 --> 00:19:16,466 Mr. Carney: -- which are under investigation, and the cause and 346 00:19:16,467 --> 00:19:21,967 motivation behind them will be decided by that investigation. 347 00:19:21,967 --> 00:19:24,800 It is certainly -- I would point you to what Ambassador Rice said 348 00:19:24,800 --> 00:19:28,265 and others have said about what we know thus far about the video 349 00:19:28,266 --> 00:19:32,433 and its influence on the protests that occurred in Cairo, 350 00:19:32,433 --> 00:19:35,133 in Benghazi and elsewhere. 351 00:19:35,133 --> 00:19:42,066 And all I can tell you is that steps are taken, both seen and 352 00:19:42,066 --> 00:19:47,400 unseen, in advance of and in preparation for times like the 353 00:19:47,400 --> 00:19:50,400 anniversary of 9/11 when it is judged that there might be 354 00:19:50,400 --> 00:19:51,934 greater threats. 355 00:19:51,934 --> 00:19:55,233 And those steps are based on the threat assessments that we have 356 00:19:55,233 --> 00:19:56,265 at the time. 357 00:19:56,266 --> 00:19:58,233 But I would refer you in terms of specific security 358 00:19:58,233 --> 00:20:00,966 for specific facilities to the State Department. 359 00:20:00,967 --> 00:20:02,900 The Press: But you're not trying to say there was enough security in 360 00:20:02,900 --> 00:20:05,667 Benghazi are you? 361 00:20:05,667 --> 00:20:08,300 Mr. Carney: I am simply saying that this is a matter under investigation. 362 00:20:08,300 --> 00:20:14,200 It is an absolute tragedy that we lost four Americans 363 00:20:14,200 --> 00:20:17,500 in Benghazi, including our ambassador, including 364 00:20:17,500 --> 00:20:18,500 security personnel. 365 00:20:18,500 --> 00:20:25,000 And there's an active investigation underway into what 366 00:20:25,000 --> 00:20:29,000 happened and why, and what the motivations were, and driven by 367 00:20:29,000 --> 00:20:34,433 the absolute commitment that this President made to finding 368 00:20:34,433 --> 00:20:37,600 who was responsible and holding them accountable and bringing 369 00:20:37,600 --> 00:20:38,833 them to justice. 370 00:20:38,834 --> 00:20:40,033 And I think that's very important. 371 00:20:40,033 --> 00:20:42,699 The Press: I think Mary asked as well whether or not there was sort 372 00:20:42,700 --> 00:20:45,066 of any heads-up for the administration that there 373 00:20:45,066 --> 00:20:46,800 was violence coming in Libya. 374 00:20:46,800 --> 00:20:50,734 Reuters reported that the U.S. embassy in Cairo got a heads-up 375 00:20:50,734 --> 00:20:53,000 that there was a cable that went around suggesting that violence 376 00:20:53,000 --> 00:20:55,300 was increasing around the U.S. embassy there. 377 00:20:55,300 --> 00:20:58,867 There were other reports suggesting that the U.S. 378 00:20:58,867 --> 00:21:01,767 installation in Benghazi in Libya had up to three days' 379 00:21:01,767 --> 00:21:03,800 notice that violence was increasing. 380 00:21:03,800 --> 00:21:05,899 I didn't hear an answer to that, so I'm trying to understand -- 381 00:21:05,900 --> 00:21:07,133 to that question. 382 00:21:07,133 --> 00:21:11,166 Did the administration have any sort of heads-up that violence 383 00:21:11,166 --> 00:21:15,500 was increasing specifically in Libya before the attack? 384 00:21:15,500 --> 00:21:17,400 Mr. Carney: I'm not aware of any, Ed. 385 00:21:17,400 --> 00:21:20,100 This is a matter that's under investigation in terms of what 386 00:21:20,100 --> 00:21:22,699 precipitated the attacks, what the motivations of the attackers 387 00:21:22,700 --> 00:21:26,700 were, what role the video played in that. 388 00:21:26,700 --> 00:21:29,400 What we have seen is broad unrest across the region and 389 00:21:29,400 --> 00:21:33,266 elsewhere in response to this video, which we have made clear 390 00:21:33,266 --> 00:21:38,367 we view as reprehensible and disgusting, and a video that is 391 00:21:38,367 --> 00:21:41,600 in no way connected to the United States government and 392 00:21:41,600 --> 00:21:44,233 does not reflect the values that we hold as a people. 393 00:21:44,233 --> 00:21:45,600 The Press: Do you think the video led protesters to get 394 00:21:45,600 --> 00:21:48,265 rocket-propelled grenades -- 395 00:21:48,266 --> 00:21:51,967 Mr. Carney: What I know, Ed, and I know you know is that Libya, as I just 396 00:21:51,967 --> 00:21:55,133 said, is a very volatile place that has just gone through a 397 00:21:55,133 --> 00:21:59,333 revolution and a war, and where there is an abundance of 398 00:21:59,333 --> 00:22:01,100 weapons, including heaving weapons. 399 00:22:01,100 --> 00:22:04,466 And there are certainly groups that carry those weapons and 400 00:22:04,467 --> 00:22:07,633 look to take advantage of circumstances, as there are 401 00:22:07,633 --> 00:22:09,900 around the region and the world. 402 00:22:09,900 --> 00:22:16,567 We have seen circumstances in the past, in other parts of the 403 00:22:16,567 --> 00:22:22,433 region, where incidents that inflame opinion are taken 404 00:22:22,433 --> 00:22:29,133 advantage of and exploited by groups that have an interest in 405 00:22:29,133 --> 00:22:32,633 creating chaos and destabilizing either a local government or 406 00:22:32,633 --> 00:22:34,867 attacking the West or the United States. 407 00:22:34,867 --> 00:22:39,533 And that's something we've seen certainly for the past 408 00:22:39,533 --> 00:22:40,667 number of years. 409 00:22:40,667 --> 00:22:42,533 The Press: Jay, thanks. 410 00:22:42,533 --> 00:22:46,734 The U.S. is suspending training for new Afghan recruits. 411 00:22:46,734 --> 00:22:54,199 How big of a setback will this be for the withdrawal timeline? 412 00:22:54,200 --> 00:22:56,433 Mr. Carney: Well, the military continues to work to understand why there has 413 00:22:56,433 --> 00:22:58,900 been a spike in the kinds of attacks, the so-called 414 00:22:58,900 --> 00:23:02,200 green-on-blue attacks, in Afghanistan. 415 00:23:02,200 --> 00:23:04,066 And we're working with Afghanistan to take measures 416 00:23:04,066 --> 00:23:06,600 to better protect our troops. 417 00:23:06,600 --> 00:23:09,500 In that vein, General Allen has directed all of his operational 418 00:23:09,500 --> 00:23:12,433 commanders to review their force protection and tactical 419 00:23:12,433 --> 00:23:15,000 activities in light of the current circumstances. 420 00:23:15,000 --> 00:23:18,567 As a result of that directive, ISAF directed a change in the 421 00:23:18,567 --> 00:23:21,500 level at which advising and partnering takes place; most 422 00:23:21,500 --> 00:23:24,767 partnering and advising will now be at the battalion level 423 00:23:24,767 --> 00:23:25,834 and above. 424 00:23:25,834 --> 00:23:27,834 This does not mean that there will be no partnering 425 00:23:27,834 --> 00:23:28,967 below that level. 426 00:23:28,967 --> 00:23:30,233 The need for that will be evaluated 427 00:23:30,233 --> 00:23:32,500 on a case-by-case basis. 428 00:23:32,500 --> 00:23:39,033 More broadly, the President's policy of gradually turning over 429 00:23:39,033 --> 00:23:46,632 security lead to Afghan forces continues, and that is part of a 430 00:23:46,633 --> 00:23:49,700 broader strategy that has to -- that will result in more 431 00:23:49,700 --> 00:23:54,066 American troops coming home and Afghans taking more and greater 432 00:23:54,066 --> 00:23:56,967 responsibility for the security of their nation, and that 433 00:23:56,967 --> 00:23:58,000 process continues. 434 00:23:58,000 --> 00:24:01,467 The Press: But, Jay, handover of power is such a key part of the 435 00:24:01,467 --> 00:24:04,066 withdrawal process, so how can this not impact 436 00:24:04,066 --> 00:24:07,066 the overall timeline? 437 00:24:07,066 --> 00:24:08,867 Mr. Carney: It doesn't affect the timeline. 438 00:24:08,867 --> 00:24:11,600 I think the issue here is partnering with our Afghan 439 00:24:11,600 --> 00:24:12,466 security forces. 440 00:24:12,467 --> 00:24:13,700 That's what General Allen was addressing 441 00:24:13,700 --> 00:24:15,166 and ISAF was addressing. 442 00:24:15,166 --> 00:24:20,200 And part of this process obviously is training up Afghan 443 00:24:20,200 --> 00:24:23,467 security forces so that they are in a position to capably take 444 00:24:23,467 --> 00:24:26,000 over responsibility for their own security. 445 00:24:26,000 --> 00:24:29,834 That partnering continues with the changes in directives that 446 00:24:29,834 --> 00:24:30,834 I just talked about. 447 00:24:30,834 --> 00:24:36,367 But the transition that the President has laid out will 448 00:24:36,367 --> 00:24:37,966 absolutely continue. 449 00:24:37,967 --> 00:24:41,000 The Press: And it's been described as a temporary suspension. 450 00:24:41,000 --> 00:24:42,900 Can you characterize what temporary means? 451 00:24:42,900 --> 00:24:46,266 Mr. Carney: I think that's obviously something that's based on the 452 00:24:46,266 --> 00:24:50,700 judgments made by commanders in the field as well as officials 453 00:24:50,700 --> 00:24:52,000 at the Pentagon. 454 00:24:52,000 --> 00:24:54,734 The Press: And you point out you're suspending training of the new 455 00:24:54,734 --> 00:24:58,466 recruits, but the Afghan army, the national police trained by 456 00:24:58,467 --> 00:25:01,600 NATO are not going to be affected by this suspension. 457 00:25:01,600 --> 00:25:06,867 So how can you have confidence that they won't -- 458 00:25:06,867 --> 00:25:09,800 Mr. Carney: Well, I think that's a question best addressed to ISAF as well 459 00:25:09,800 --> 00:25:10,734 as to the Pentagon. 460 00:25:10,734 --> 00:25:16,399 Our commanders are keenly focused on security for our 461 00:25:16,400 --> 00:25:20,900 troops and are taking steps that they believe are necessary to 462 00:25:20,900 --> 00:25:24,600 enhance that security and to reduce the incidents of these 463 00:25:24,600 --> 00:25:27,399 so-called green-on-blue attacks. 464 00:25:27,400 --> 00:25:31,467 For their specific views on how these measures will achieve that 465 00:25:31,467 --> 00:25:32,967 I would refer you to them. 466 00:25:32,967 --> 00:25:33,834 The Press: And I just have one more, Jay. 467 00:25:33,834 --> 00:25:36,433 The Washington Post is reporting that due to the protests in 468 00:25:36,433 --> 00:25:40,567 Cairo and the Middle East, negotiations have stalled in 469 00:25:40,567 --> 00:25:42,767 terms of talking about increased aid to Egypt. 470 00:25:42,767 --> 00:25:45,233 Can you confirm this? 471 00:25:45,233 --> 00:25:47,433 Mr. Carney: The reports that we have cut off aid, which is the report that I 472 00:25:47,433 --> 00:25:50,200 saw, to Egypt are completely incorrect. 473 00:25:50,200 --> 00:25:53,033 We're continuing to work with the Hill on ways to support a 474 00:25:53,033 --> 00:25:56,265 stable, democratic transition in Egypt that is important for 475 00:25:56,266 --> 00:26:00,734 defeating extremism of the very kind that we just recently saw. 476 00:26:00,734 --> 00:26:03,399 We provide assistance to Egypt because it's in our interest to 477 00:26:03,400 --> 00:26:06,000 help them advance regional security and uphold their 478 00:26:06,000 --> 00:26:08,633 treaty with Israel and transition to democracy. 479 00:26:08,633 --> 00:26:12,000 And that process, as I said, continues, and we're working 480 00:26:12,000 --> 00:26:14,066 with the Hill to do that. 481 00:26:14,066 --> 00:26:16,900 The Press: Jay, I know you can't say whether the President watched 482 00:26:16,900 --> 00:26:18,600 the video, but do you know if he's aware of 483 00:26:18,600 --> 00:26:22,567 Governor Romney's remarks? 484 00:26:22,567 --> 00:26:27,000 Mr. Carney: I think I've said frequently that the President keeps abreast 485 00:26:27,000 --> 00:26:28,300 of the news. 486 00:26:28,300 --> 00:26:34,133 I expect that he is aware of that news. 487 00:26:34,133 --> 00:26:38,100 The Press: "Expect" -- pretty strong, right? 488 00:26:38,100 --> 00:26:38,734 (laughter) 489 00:26:38,734 --> 00:26:43,399 Mr. Carney: I'm sure he's aware of what -- (laughter) -- of news that 490 00:26:43,400 --> 00:26:45,533 reaches a level that it's the first thing I'm asked about at 491 00:26:45,533 --> 00:26:46,300 the briefing. 492 00:26:46,300 --> 00:26:48,399 (laughter) 493 00:26:48,400 --> 00:26:49,500 The Press: Back to Afghanistan. 494 00:26:49,500 --> 00:26:52,467 General Dempsey said yesterday that the green-on-blue attacks 495 00:26:52,467 --> 00:26:56,300 pose a very serious threat to the campaign in Afghanistan. 496 00:26:56,300 --> 00:26:59,100 Has that been communicated to the President and does he agree 497 00:26:59,100 --> 00:27:02,000 with that assessment? 498 00:27:02,000 --> 00:27:05,333 Mr. Carney: Well, I would have to look at the entirety of General 499 00:27:05,333 --> 00:27:06,333 Dempsey's comments. 500 00:27:06,333 --> 00:27:08,767 There's no question that the steps that are being taken by 501 00:27:08,767 --> 00:27:12,133 our commanders, by General Allen, by ISAF, in reaction 502 00:27:12,133 --> 00:27:17,100 to these reflect serious concern about the increase 503 00:27:17,100 --> 00:27:18,533 in these attacks. 504 00:27:18,533 --> 00:27:21,600 And it is their commitment and the President's commitment that 505 00:27:21,600 --> 00:27:25,632 we take the steps necessary to enhance security for our forces 506 00:27:25,633 --> 00:27:28,600 in Afghanistan even as we continue with the mission, 507 00:27:28,600 --> 00:27:33,332 which is a very important mission of partnering with 508 00:27:33,333 --> 00:27:36,266 and training Afghan security forces so that they can 509 00:27:36,266 --> 00:27:39,967 gradually, as they are now, take security responsibility 510 00:27:39,967 --> 00:27:40,967 for their own country. 511 00:27:40,967 --> 00:27:44,700 And as they do that American forces will 512 00:27:44,700 --> 00:27:46,133 continue to come home. 513 00:27:46,133 --> 00:27:52,633 The Press: If the timeline is more affected by (inaudible) the training, 514 00:27:52,633 --> 00:27:54,700 does that mean that the quality of the forces that are left 515 00:27:54,700 --> 00:27:59,266 behind with the Afghans will be less? 516 00:27:59,266 --> 00:28:01,834 And does that mean that the state of the country that NATO 517 00:28:01,834 --> 00:28:03,667 is going to leave behind is going to be a worse state than 518 00:28:03,667 --> 00:28:04,632 had hoped? 519 00:28:04,633 --> 00:28:06,934 Mr. Carney: I think it's important to point you to a couple of things. 520 00:28:06,934 --> 00:28:11,966 One, what I think Kristen mentioned, this is viewed as a 521 00:28:11,967 --> 00:28:17,266 temporary measure, a temporary change in directive, and it is 522 00:28:17,266 --> 00:28:20,400 also important to note that partnering will continue at the 523 00:28:20,400 --> 00:28:24,300 battalion level and up and at lower levels as judged on a 524 00:28:24,300 --> 00:28:25,332 case-by-case basis. 525 00:28:25,333 --> 00:28:28,133 So the partnering relationship continues. 526 00:28:28,133 --> 00:28:32,633 It is important to the process of transitioning security lead 527 00:28:32,633 --> 00:28:36,033 over to the Afghans so that our men and women can come home. 528 00:28:36,033 --> 00:28:38,867 And that process continues. 529 00:28:38,867 --> 00:28:40,000 Mark. 530 00:28:40,000 --> 00:28:45,000 The Press: Jay, is there a policy about donors bringing recording 531 00:28:45,000 --> 00:28:48,934 devices into presidential events that are closed to the press? 532 00:28:48,934 --> 00:28:50,700 Mr. Carney: I would refer you to the campaign. 533 00:28:50,700 --> 00:28:53,934 The Press: Well, you've been to many of them where there are closed 534 00:28:53,934 --> 00:28:58,966 press events where the President takes questions from donors and 535 00:28:58,967 --> 00:28:59,967 the like. 536 00:28:59,967 --> 00:29:01,700 Would you say he's more forthcoming when there's 537 00:29:01,700 --> 00:29:03,667 no press there? 538 00:29:03,667 --> 00:29:06,100 Mr. Carney: Well, first of all, I'd say at these events the President 539 00:29:06,100 --> 00:29:09,065 speaks and the press pool is there when he addresses -- 540 00:29:09,066 --> 00:29:10,433 The Press: Not for the Q&A part. 541 00:29:10,433 --> 00:29:12,333 Mr. Carney: No, I agree with that, and I would say that that President's 542 00:29:12,333 --> 00:29:22,100 message is consistent whether he's talking to donors or to 543 00:29:22,100 --> 00:29:27,632 grassroots supporters or to people at an official event 544 00:29:27,633 --> 00:29:29,333 on policy matter. 545 00:29:29,333 --> 00:29:33,600 And I think it's fair to say that when the President speaks 546 00:29:33,600 --> 00:29:39,000 to wealthier Americans who are supporters, he doesn't change 547 00:29:39,000 --> 00:29:41,133 the fact that he believes we need to take a balanced approach 548 00:29:41,133 --> 00:29:43,867 to our fiscal challenges, and that includes asking 549 00:29:43,867 --> 00:29:46,332 millionaires and billionaires -- including millionaires and 550 00:29:46,333 --> 00:29:49,867 billionaires who might be in the room -- to pay a little extra. 551 00:29:49,867 --> 00:29:54,300 And his supporters who fall into that category are aware of that 552 00:29:54,300 --> 00:29:58,133 and they've made the decision that for the good of the country 553 00:29:58,133 --> 00:30:01,967 that policy is the right policy moving forward. 554 00:30:01,967 --> 00:30:07,400 So the President's message is clear and he takes it to 555 00:30:07,400 --> 00:30:08,400 all Americans. 556 00:30:08,400 --> 00:30:10,900 And it goes to what I was talking about earlier, that he 557 00:30:10,900 --> 00:30:14,567 really doesn't believe that dividing us into categories and 558 00:30:14,567 --> 00:30:17,600 groups is the right way to move forward as a nation. 559 00:30:17,600 --> 00:30:20,833 And he doesn't spend a lot of time thinking about what 560 00:30:20,834 --> 00:30:25,300 policies he's pursuing -- about the policies he's pursuing and 561 00:30:25,300 --> 00:30:30,000 whether or not they benefit specific individuals who may or 562 00:30:30,000 --> 00:30:32,133 may not, or groups of individuals who may or may not 563 00:30:32,133 --> 00:30:35,834 have supported him in 2008 or will support him in 2012. 564 00:30:35,834 --> 00:30:39,567 He thinks that the best politics is the right policy, and the 565 00:30:39,567 --> 00:30:42,433 best policy are the policies that move the country forward, 566 00:30:42,433 --> 00:30:44,500 that makes sure that more Americans are getting educated, 567 00:30:44,500 --> 00:30:47,567 that more middle-class Americans have work, that they have 568 00:30:47,567 --> 00:30:52,033 security -- health care security and retirement security -- and 569 00:30:52,033 --> 00:30:55,332 that we're taking steps to develop alternative energy so 570 00:30:55,333 --> 00:30:59,367 that we can enhance our energy independence, and that we're 571 00:30:59,367 --> 00:31:02,466 investing in research and development and infrastructure 572 00:31:02,467 --> 00:31:04,834 so that our country has the economic foundation it needs to 573 00:31:04,834 --> 00:31:09,100 move forward so that everybody benefits, everybody from the 574 00:31:09,100 --> 00:31:10,567 factory floor to -- 575 00:31:10,567 --> 00:31:13,200 The Press: So if there's no change in tone or substance, 576 00:31:13,200 --> 00:31:14,533 why are they closed to the press? 577 00:31:14,533 --> 00:31:20,132 Mr. Carney: We have taken steps to have the press participate 578 00:31:20,133 --> 00:31:20,633 in these events. 579 00:31:20,633 --> 00:31:23,967 I spent a lot of time on driveways, in vans as a 580 00:31:23,967 --> 00:31:27,734 reporter for this President's predecessors, covering this 581 00:31:27,734 --> 00:31:29,632 President's predecessors, when the press pool was 582 00:31:29,633 --> 00:31:30,266 not allowed in. 583 00:31:30,266 --> 00:31:32,467 And as you -- 584 00:31:32,467 --> 00:31:34,033 The Press: You didn't like it, I'll bet. 585 00:31:34,033 --> 00:31:36,567 Mr. Carney: Well, it depended on whether or not there were beverages served. 586 00:31:36,567 --> 00:31:38,734 (laughter) 587 00:31:38,734 --> 00:31:42,100 The Press: Is now the time to bring up your April 14 column from 2008 when 588 00:31:42,100 --> 00:31:44,632 you said the President's words were poorly chosen on the guns 589 00:31:44,633 --> 00:31:46,200 and bitter? 590 00:31:46,200 --> 00:31:47,867 Mr. Carney: I don't remember that column. 591 00:31:47,867 --> 00:31:49,367 (laughter) 592 00:31:49,367 --> 00:31:50,367 I honestly don't. 593 00:31:50,367 --> 00:31:52,200 The Press: I can read the whole thing for you if you want. 594 00:31:52,200 --> 00:31:55,800 Mr. Carney: I think the President, then candidate, addressed this at the 595 00:31:55,800 --> 00:31:59,033 time -- this was four years ago -- and I think the broader point 596 00:31:59,033 --> 00:32:03,800 is that his message there and everywhere in 2008, and going 597 00:32:03,800 --> 00:32:07,667 back to 2004, and every day since, has been consistent, 598 00:32:07,667 --> 00:32:11,600 which is that we're in this together, all of us, and that 599 00:32:11,600 --> 00:32:15,166 his interest is in moving the entire country forward in ways 600 00:32:15,166 --> 00:32:22,399 that benefit senior citizens on Social Security, students who 601 00:32:22,400 --> 00:32:25,400 are getting student loans, combat veterans -- I mean, 602 00:32:25,400 --> 00:32:31,266 combat troops as well as veterans -- everybody in this 603 00:32:31,266 --> 00:32:35,033 country is I think working towards the same goal, 604 00:32:35,033 --> 00:32:36,867 which is advance moving the country forward. 605 00:32:36,867 --> 00:32:40,133 And the vast majority of people, this President believes, are 606 00:32:40,133 --> 00:32:43,333 hardworking, responsible, committed to their families 607 00:32:43,333 --> 00:32:44,834 and committed to their country. 608 00:32:44,834 --> 00:32:48,233 And that's the animating principle behind his politics 609 00:32:48,233 --> 00:32:49,767 and his policies. 610 00:32:49,767 --> 00:32:52,700 The Press: Will the President mention it in his fundraisers tonight, 611 00:32:52,700 --> 00:32:53,700 the Romney remarks? 612 00:32:53,700 --> 00:32:58,133 Mr. Carney: I don't have any previews for you on the President's remarks. 613 00:32:58,133 --> 00:33:01,734 The Press: I wanted to go back to the conflict between -- 614 00:33:01,734 --> 00:33:04,567 the conflicting reports I guess between the administration and 615 00:33:04,567 --> 00:33:06,533 Libyan officials over what happened. 616 00:33:06,533 --> 00:33:11,533 On Friday, you seemed to cite that the videos were definitely 617 00:33:11,533 --> 00:33:15,600 part of it, but I get the sense that you're backing away from 618 00:33:15,600 --> 00:33:16,433 that a little bit today. 619 00:33:16,433 --> 00:33:18,867 Is there something that you've learned since? 620 00:33:18,867 --> 00:33:20,033 Mr. Carney: No, no. 621 00:33:20,033 --> 00:33:22,600 I think what I am making clear and what Ambassador Rice made 622 00:33:22,600 --> 00:33:29,166 clear on Sunday is that reaction to the video was the 623 00:33:29,166 --> 00:33:33,433 precipitating factor in protests in violence across the region. 624 00:33:33,433 --> 00:33:38,266 And what I'm also saying is that we have -- we made that 625 00:33:38,266 --> 00:33:41,800 assessment based on the evidence that we have, and that includes 626 00:33:41,800 --> 00:33:45,800 all the evidence that we have at this time. 627 00:33:45,800 --> 00:33:49,533 I am not, unlike some others, going to prejudge the outcome 628 00:33:49,533 --> 00:33:53,300 of an investigation and categorically assert one way or 629 00:33:53,300 --> 00:33:56,233 the other what the motivations are or what happened exactly 630 00:33:56,233 --> 00:34:00,367 until that investigation is complete. 631 00:34:00,367 --> 00:34:03,466 And there are a lot suppositions based on the number of weapons 632 00:34:03,467 --> 00:34:06,166 and other things about what really happened in Benghazi 633 00:34:06,166 --> 00:34:09,033 and I'd rather wait, and the President would rather wait, 634 00:34:09,033 --> 00:34:12,033 for that investigation to be completed. 635 00:34:12,033 --> 00:34:13,632 The Press: So you're not ruling out that -- 636 00:34:13,632 --> 00:34:14,232 Mr. Carney: Of course not. 637 00:34:14,233 --> 00:34:17,734 I'm not ruling out -- if more information comes to light, that 638 00:34:17,734 --> 00:34:20,467 will obviously be a part of the investigation and we'll make it 639 00:34:20,467 --> 00:34:21,867 available when appropriate. 640 00:34:21,867 --> 00:34:27,800 But at this time, as Ambassador Rice said and as I said, our 641 00:34:27,800 --> 00:34:30,133 understanding and our belief based on the information we have 642 00:34:30,132 --> 00:34:34,866 is it was the video that caused the unrest in Cairo, and the 643 00:34:34,867 --> 00:34:38,867 video and the unrest in Cairo that helped -- that precipitated 644 00:34:38,867 --> 00:34:41,567 some of the unrest in Benghazi and elsewhere. 645 00:34:41,567 --> 00:34:46,766 What other factors were involved is a matter of investigation. 646 00:34:46,766 --> 00:34:49,600 The Press: Can you talk a little bit about is this going to prompt any -- 647 00:34:49,600 --> 00:34:51,065 Mr. Carney: I'd refer you to the FBI for that. 648 00:34:51,065 --> 00:34:53,433 I don't keep timelines, FBI timelines at the ready. 649 00:34:53,433 --> 00:34:57,834 The Press: You mentioned aid with Egypt and working with the Hill. 650 00:34:57,834 --> 00:35:02,033 Is this going to prompt any revisions or any review, I 651 00:35:02,033 --> 00:35:07,333 guess, of the President's policies toward the Arab Spring? 652 00:35:07,333 --> 00:35:10,033 Mr. Carney: Look, the President's policy towards the Arab Spring is that 653 00:35:10,033 --> 00:35:13,333 we support the democratic aspirations of the people 654 00:35:13,333 --> 00:35:14,100 of the region. 655 00:35:14,100 --> 00:35:17,567 And the upheavals that you've seen in the region over the past 656 00:35:17,567 --> 00:35:23,533 several years have been in reaction to oppressive 657 00:35:23,533 --> 00:35:27,033 governments that do not respect the basic rights 658 00:35:27,033 --> 00:35:28,433 of their citizens. 659 00:35:28,433 --> 00:35:31,900 In cases like in Tunisia and Libya and elsewhere, democratic 660 00:35:31,900 --> 00:35:33,433 transitions are underway. 661 00:35:33,433 --> 00:35:40,467 They are in early stages, and there is a lot of volatility in 662 00:35:40,467 --> 00:35:43,066 these countries -- Egypt as well, of course. 663 00:35:43,066 --> 00:35:47,734 And our policy is geared towards supporting that transition in a 664 00:35:47,734 --> 00:35:53,533 way that enhances the prospects of democracy in the region and 665 00:35:53,533 --> 00:35:55,633 enhances the prospects that the countries in the region will 666 00:35:55,633 --> 00:35:58,533 continue to be -- either will continue to be or will grow to 667 00:35:58,533 --> 00:36:03,165 be supportive of the United States and our interests in the 668 00:36:03,166 --> 00:36:05,200 region and around the world. 669 00:36:05,200 --> 00:36:08,767 And that policy hasn't changed. 670 00:36:08,767 --> 00:36:10,100 The Press: Jay, there's going to be a lot of attention on the Supreme 671 00:36:10,100 --> 00:36:12,799 Court next week because they'll consider taking up several 672 00:36:12,800 --> 00:36:15,100 pending marriage cases related to both the Defense of Marriage 673 00:36:15,100 --> 00:36:17,100 Act and California's Proposition 8. 674 00:36:17,100 --> 00:36:19,200 The Justice Department has already made its views known 675 00:36:19,200 --> 00:36:21,799 on the DOMA cases, but given the President's previously supported 676 00:36:21,800 --> 00:36:25,433 -- previously stated opposition to Prop 8 and support for 677 00:36:25,433 --> 00:36:27,700 marriage equality, does the administration want the Supreme 678 00:36:27,700 --> 00:36:30,767 Court to take up the Prop 8 case, making some national 679 00:36:30,767 --> 00:36:32,265 ruling on same-sex marriage? 680 00:36:32,266 --> 00:36:35,266 Or as claimants in the case have requested, would you prefer that 681 00:36:35,266 --> 00:36:37,934 the Court allow the lower court ruling to stand and striking 682 00:36:37,934 --> 00:36:40,000 down the marriage ban just in California? 683 00:36:40,000 --> 00:36:42,700 Mr. Carney: That's quite a question, and I will ask you to direct it to the 684 00:36:42,700 --> 00:36:43,466 Justice Department. 685 00:36:43,467 --> 00:36:45,100 I'm not going to make policy towards Supreme 686 00:36:45,100 --> 00:36:46,366 Court cases from here. 687 00:36:46,367 --> 00:36:50,133 The Press: Generally speaking, though, I mean, would this President 688 00:36:50,133 --> 00:36:52,332 welcome the Supreme Court taking up a case that will enable it 689 00:36:52,333 --> 00:36:55,767 making a court ruling in favor of same-sex marriage 690 00:36:55,767 --> 00:36:56,633 across the country? 691 00:36:56,633 --> 00:36:59,265 Mr. Carney: I don't have anything to say on that at this time. 692 00:36:59,266 --> 00:37:02,000 The Press: Back to Libya. 693 00:37:02,000 --> 00:37:06,533 Ambassador Rice says on Sunday that it was spontaneous, and 694 00:37:06,533 --> 00:37:07,834 then we hear from the State Department that there's not 695 00:37:07,834 --> 00:37:09,834 enough information to make the determination. 696 00:37:09,834 --> 00:37:13,033 But you're saying that there is no shift, right? 697 00:37:13,033 --> 00:37:15,066 Mr. Carney: No, I'm saying that based on information that we -- our 698 00:37:15,066 --> 00:37:20,200 initial information, and that includes all information -- we 699 00:37:20,200 --> 00:37:25,366 saw no evidence to back up claims by others that this was 700 00:37:25,367 --> 00:37:28,900 a preplanned or premeditated attack; that we saw evidence 701 00:37:28,900 --> 00:37:33,700 that it was sparked by the reaction to this video. 702 00:37:33,700 --> 00:37:37,033 And that is what we know thus far based on the evidence, 703 00:37:37,033 --> 00:37:38,967 concrete evidence -- not supposition -- concrete 704 00:37:38,967 --> 00:37:40,200 evidence that we have thus far. 705 00:37:40,200 --> 00:37:43,399 But there is a lot that is under investigation here, and as more 706 00:37:43,400 --> 00:37:47,467 facts come to light, if they change that assessment, we'll 707 00:37:47,467 --> 00:37:48,700 make that clear. 708 00:37:48,700 --> 00:37:51,799 But there's an active investigation for a reason -- so 709 00:37:51,800 --> 00:37:56,300 that we actually get the facts and don't base our policy 710 00:37:56,300 --> 00:37:59,967 prescriptions on suppositions about what we think we know 711 00:37:59,967 --> 00:38:02,934 happened as opposed to what actually happened. 712 00:38:02,934 --> 00:38:05,734 The Press: Would the administration still say that it was spontaneous? 713 00:38:05,734 --> 00:38:09,700 Mr. Carney: Based on the information that we have now, it was -- there was a 714 00:38:09,700 --> 00:38:15,834 reaction to the video -- there was protests in Cairo, then 715 00:38:15,834 --> 00:38:18,933 followed by protests elsewhere, including Benghazi, and that 716 00:38:18,934 --> 00:38:21,300 that was what led to the original unrest. 717 00:38:21,300 --> 00:38:24,934 The other factors here -- all factors -- but the other factors 718 00:38:24,934 --> 00:38:28,000 here, including participants in the unrest, participants in the 719 00:38:28,000 --> 00:38:30,867 violence, are under investigation. 720 00:38:30,867 --> 00:38:34,800 And the goal of that investigation is both to find 721 00:38:34,800 --> 00:38:39,200 out what happened and why, but also to track down and bring to 722 00:38:39,200 --> 00:38:42,799 justice those who killed four Americans. 723 00:38:42,800 --> 00:38:45,500 And we're working with our Libyan counterparts to ensure 724 00:38:45,500 --> 00:38:48,900 that that happens, as the President committed it would. 725 00:38:48,900 --> 00:38:51,166 The Press: Tomorrow, administration officials will be on the 726 00:38:51,166 --> 00:38:54,233 Hill briefing members. 727 00:38:54,233 --> 00:38:55,467 Can you tell us anything about that? 728 00:38:55,467 --> 00:38:56,233 Mr. Carney: On what subject? 729 00:38:56,233 --> 00:38:58,166 I think members of the administration brief members 730 00:38:58,166 --> 00:38:59,333 regularly on different -- 731 00:38:59,333 --> 00:39:00,100 The Press: On Libya? 732 00:39:00,100 --> 00:39:03,700 Mr. Carney: I assume that they'll be briefing them on all the 733 00:39:03,700 --> 00:39:06,834 information we have up to the moment before they brief. 734 00:39:06,834 --> 00:39:11,700 And that's what I'm reflecting at this time from here. 735 00:39:11,700 --> 00:39:13,899 Kevin, all the way the back, then Donna. 736 00:39:13,900 --> 00:39:15,367 The Press: Thank you, Jay. 737 00:39:15,367 --> 00:39:20,033 As far as next week, how much is the President realistically 738 00:39:20,033 --> 00:39:21,900 going to be able to accomplish at the U.N. 739 00:39:21,900 --> 00:39:24,967 General Assembly with partners and allies when he's only going 740 00:39:24,967 --> 00:39:27,400 to be there for such a short time, and he's spending a lot of 741 00:39:27,400 --> 00:39:29,900 that on two big speeches? 742 00:39:29,900 --> 00:39:32,767 Mr. Carney: Well, the President is attending UNGA, as Presidents before him 743 00:39:32,767 --> 00:39:38,500 have during their reelection years, and he intends it to be 744 00:39:38,500 --> 00:39:44,667 a productive time spent at the U.N. General Assembly, 745 00:39:44,667 --> 00:39:46,400 as it was last year, as it was the year before and 746 00:39:46,400 --> 00:39:47,567 the year prior to that. 747 00:39:47,567 --> 00:39:50,133 I don't have anything specific in terms of what he's going to 748 00:39:50,133 --> 00:39:56,100 say at UNGA or what issues he's going to press, but you can be 749 00:39:56,100 --> 00:40:01,165 sure that he expects it to be a productive visit. 750 00:40:01,166 --> 00:40:03,166 The Press: What's keeping him from extending the stay a little 751 00:40:03,166 --> 00:40:05,867 longer, like you would in other years, in order to have 752 00:40:05,867 --> 00:40:07,033 bilaterals and things like that? 753 00:40:07,033 --> 00:40:08,333 Mr. Carney: I think we're there for two days, which is the number of 754 00:40:08,333 --> 00:40:09,567 days we were there last year. 755 00:40:09,567 --> 00:40:13,000 We were there for an overnight last year. 756 00:40:13,000 --> 00:40:15,300 Kevin, I actually meant to call on you. 757 00:40:15,300 --> 00:40:16,700 I'm sorry, ou look exactly like -- 758 00:40:16,700 --> 00:40:19,232 Doesn't he look like Kevin from ABC? 759 00:40:19,233 --> 00:40:20,433 Do people tell you that? 760 00:40:20,433 --> 00:40:21,233 The Press: All the time. 761 00:40:21,233 --> 00:40:25,033 Aung San Suu Kyi is in town for a few days. 762 00:40:25,033 --> 00:40:27,567 I was wondering if the President will be meeting with her while 763 00:40:27,567 --> 00:40:29,000 she's here. 764 00:40:29,000 --> 00:40:31,367 Mr. Carney: I don't have any scheduling announcements for the President 765 00:40:31,367 --> 00:40:33,100 at this time. 766 00:40:33,100 --> 00:40:36,500 If there's a change in that I'll bring it to your attention. 767 00:40:36,500 --> 00:40:39,100 Mark. Donovan, after Mark. 768 00:40:39,100 --> 00:40:40,266 The Press: A question on China. 769 00:40:40,266 --> 00:40:41,200 Mr. Carney: Yes. 770 00:40:41,200 --> 00:40:44,000 The Press: Yesterday, in addition to the trade news, 771 00:40:44,000 --> 00:40:46,367 Leon Panetta was in Japan. 772 00:40:46,367 --> 00:40:49,734 The Japanese and the U.S. are cooperating on building 773 00:40:49,734 --> 00:40:54,467 this missile defense system, which prompted a lot of anxiety 774 00:40:54,467 --> 00:40:58,300 in China among analysts and some officials there who said 775 00:40:58,300 --> 00:41:02,900 they viewed it as being targeted or aimed at them. 776 00:41:02,900 --> 00:41:06,133 Given that you've had two major trade cases in the last few 777 00:41:06,133 --> 00:41:10,933 months and this, is there a concern that the message, the 778 00:41:10,934 --> 00:41:14,800 overall message the United States is giving to China is 779 00:41:14,800 --> 00:41:16,934 perhaps too tough? 780 00:41:16,934 --> 00:41:20,400 And given that in the past when China has become a big issue in 781 00:41:20,400 --> 00:41:25,066 campaigns -- in '92 and 1980 -- it's often led to very difficult 782 00:41:25,066 --> 00:41:27,399 period for whoever wins the election in actually 783 00:41:27,400 --> 00:41:28,567 dealing with China. 784 00:41:28,567 --> 00:41:30,900 Is the President at all concerned that that precedent 785 00:41:30,900 --> 00:41:33,367 is being repeated now? 786 00:41:33,367 --> 00:41:36,800 Mr. Carney: The President's policy, with regards to China -- 787 00:41:36,800 --> 00:41:41,433 his policies, because this is a broad and complex relationship 788 00:41:41,433 --> 00:41:44,533 -- are driven by what he believes are in the interests 789 00:41:44,533 --> 00:41:49,165 of the American people and the American economy as well as 790 00:41:49,166 --> 00:41:51,066 America's national security. 791 00:41:51,066 --> 00:41:53,567 And that is why we have such a multifaceted, complex 792 00:41:53,567 --> 00:41:57,734 relationship with China that includes cooperation in a wide 793 00:41:57,734 --> 00:42:02,400 variety of areas, because cooperation is beneficial both 794 00:42:02,400 --> 00:42:04,166 to the United States and to China. 795 00:42:04,166 --> 00:42:09,734 It is why when we see instances or the USTR sees instances of 796 00:42:09,734 --> 00:42:15,033 unfair trade practices that are harmful to American workers and 797 00:42:15,033 --> 00:42:17,900 American businesses, this administration will act as it 798 00:42:17,900 --> 00:42:24,133 has to take cases before the WTO at twice the pace of the 799 00:42:24,133 --> 00:42:27,033 previous administration. 800 00:42:27,033 --> 00:42:31,467 When the President and senior members of his administration 801 00:42:31,467 --> 00:42:34,900 sit with their Chinese counterparts, they discuss 802 00:42:34,900 --> 00:42:39,533 all of these issues -- areas of disagreement as well as areas of 803 00:42:39,533 --> 00:42:42,600 agreement where they can work forward together. 804 00:42:42,600 --> 00:42:47,734 And I have been in the room when the President has been with 805 00:42:47,734 --> 00:42:50,900 President Hu, and can testify to that fact that it is a very 806 00:42:50,900 --> 00:42:52,667 frank exchange about a variety of issues. 807 00:42:52,667 --> 00:42:54,467 And we have a broad and important relationship with 808 00:42:54,467 --> 00:43:01,667 the Chinese that we expect will continue with this President 809 00:43:01,667 --> 00:43:04,500 after he's reelected, if in fact he is. 810 00:43:04,500 --> 00:43:07,834 The Press: On the missile defense system, specifically, though -- what 811 00:43:07,834 --> 00:43:11,232 argument, what case would you make to Chinese analysts that 812 00:43:11,233 --> 00:43:15,133 are worried that somehow that represents (inaudible) China? 813 00:43:15,133 --> 00:43:16,265 Mr. Carney: I will have to take that question. 814 00:43:16,266 --> 00:43:21,100 I haven't looked into it to any degree so I'll have to take that 815 00:43:21,100 --> 00:43:23,066 and get back to you. 816 00:43:23,066 --> 00:43:24,899 Donovan, I owe you. 817 00:43:24,900 --> 00:43:28,066 The Press: Thanks. A brief follow on Libya. 818 00:43:28,066 --> 00:43:29,433 There's still a little bit of confusion. 819 00:43:29,433 --> 00:43:31,734 You guys have said that you're working closely with the Libyan 820 00:43:31,734 --> 00:43:35,165 government in the investigation and you're saying the 821 00:43:35,166 --> 00:43:39,600 information available to you guys so far has indicated that 822 00:43:39,600 --> 00:43:43,133 it's the film that prompted the violence. 823 00:43:43,133 --> 00:43:47,332 And is the information different that you guys have than the 824 00:43:47,333 --> 00:43:49,100 Libyan government has? 825 00:43:49,100 --> 00:43:51,066 Are you suggesting that the Libyan government is 826 00:43:51,066 --> 00:43:53,066 jumping to conclusions? 827 00:43:53,066 --> 00:43:57,966 Mr. Carney: I'm not making a judgment on statements by others. 828 00:43:57,967 --> 00:44:00,734 I'm simply saying that, based on the information -- what we 829 00:44:00,734 --> 00:44:06,366 initially had available and have available -- we do not have any 830 00:44:06,367 --> 00:44:08,667 indication at this point of premeditation 831 00:44:08,667 --> 00:44:09,734 or preplanned attacks. 832 00:44:09,734 --> 00:44:12,734 But it is under investigation and I don't -- and that 833 00:44:12,734 --> 00:44:16,000 investigation will follow the facts wherever they go 834 00:44:16,000 --> 00:44:17,533 and wherever they lead. 835 00:44:17,533 --> 00:44:22,100 So, again, I'm not -- we are working with the Libyans -- with 836 00:44:22,100 --> 00:44:26,633 the Libyan government in our pursuit of those who killed four 837 00:44:26,633 --> 00:44:31,533 Americans and our commitment to bringing them to justice, as 838 00:44:31,533 --> 00:44:34,033 well as to the broader -- within the broader investigation. 839 00:44:34,033 --> 00:44:37,133 But I'm not casting judgment on others' assertions. 840 00:44:37,133 --> 00:44:40,667 I'm simply saying what we know and what we are working 841 00:44:40,667 --> 00:44:42,000 to find out. 842 00:44:42,000 --> 00:44:44,800 The Press: So have you guys ruled out premeditation or -- 843 00:44:44,800 --> 00:44:47,133 Mr. Carney: No. No, I'm simply saying based on what we knew at 844 00:44:47,133 --> 00:44:50,799 the time, knew initially, what we know now, the facts that we 845 00:44:50,800 --> 00:44:54,266 have, the video was a precipitating cause to 846 00:44:54,266 --> 00:44:59,867 the unrest in the region and specifically in Libya. 847 00:44:59,867 --> 00:45:04,200 Other factors involved in the violence that ensued -- other 848 00:45:04,200 --> 00:45:06,734 factors that are involved in that are under investigation 849 00:45:06,734 --> 00:45:09,600 and, again, the facts will be followed wherever they lead. 850 00:45:11,900 --> 00:45:14,834 The point is that we're not making declarations ahead of 851 00:45:14,834 --> 00:45:16,100 the facts here. 852 00:45:16,100 --> 00:45:18,834 We're just telling you what we know based on the information we 853 00:45:18,834 --> 00:45:20,299 have at the time. 854 00:45:20,300 --> 00:45:21,100 Yes, Kathleen. 855 00:45:21,100 --> 00:45:24,467 The Press: Just one more bit on the Romney video. 856 00:45:24,467 --> 00:45:27,133 The other remark he made was that he might have a better 857 00:45:27,133 --> 00:45:30,066 chance in the election if his parents were Mexican-born. 858 00:45:30,066 --> 00:45:32,933 I'm wondering if the President has seen that and if you had 859 00:45:32,934 --> 00:45:34,266 any reaction. 860 00:45:34,266 --> 00:45:35,800 Mr. Carney: Did I have any reaction? 861 00:45:35,800 --> 00:45:37,000 The Press: Well -- 862 00:45:37,000 --> 00:45:41,934 Mr. Carney: Yes, I think I'll steer away from that, 863 00:45:41,934 --> 00:45:43,667 but thanks for the opportunity. 864 00:45:43,667 --> 00:45:45,866 The Press: Well, has the President seen that, do you know? 865 00:45:45,867 --> 00:45:47,266 Mr. Carney: Again, I haven't had a discussion with him about 866 00:45:47,266 --> 00:45:55,367 the video so -- but I can boldly say that I am confident 867 00:45:55,367 --> 00:45:57,100 that he's aware of it. 868 00:45:57,100 --> 00:45:57,799 Yes, ma'am. 869 00:45:57,800 --> 00:45:59,000 The Press: Thank you, Jay. 870 00:45:59,000 --> 00:46:05,633 On North Korea, I hear that President Obama has extended 871 00:46:05,633 --> 00:46:09,966 sanctions against North Korea for one more year. 872 00:46:09,967 --> 00:46:13,400 Is it related with the terrorist standards of 873 00:46:13,400 --> 00:46:17,633 the North Korean regime? 874 00:46:17,633 --> 00:46:21,899 Mr. Carney: Our position with regards to North Korea is unchanged. 875 00:46:22,834 --> 00:46:29,200 And we continue to work with our international partners to 876 00:46:29,200 --> 00:46:35,600 pressure North Korea to get right with the international 877 00:46:35,600 --> 00:46:40,933 community, to abide by its obligations and, in doing so, to 878 00:46:40,934 --> 00:46:43,633 end its isolation, its profound isolation from the world. 879 00:46:43,633 --> 00:46:48,133 But I don't have anything specific on that issue today. 880 00:46:48,133 --> 00:46:50,265 The Press: Thanks, Jay. 881 00:46:50,266 --> 00:46:52,133 Mr. Carney: Yes. I'm sorry -- go ahead. 882 00:46:52,133 --> 00:46:53,633 The Press: Back to Burma for a moment. 883 00:46:53,633 --> 00:46:56,700 Aung San Suu Kyi is in town. 884 00:46:56,700 --> 00:47:00,232 How does the administration assess the progress that's being 885 00:47:00,233 --> 00:47:03,767 made in Burma toward more openness, more reforms? 886 00:47:03,767 --> 00:47:06,899 And what's the next step for the U.S. 887 00:47:06,900 --> 00:47:10,033 if that process continues? 888 00:47:10,033 --> 00:47:14,767 Mr. Carney: Well, I think we've said all along that progress that is made 889 00:47:14,767 --> 00:47:20,633 towards openness and democracy and reform will be met with 890 00:47:20,633 --> 00:47:25,500 positive steps by this administration, this government 891 00:47:25,500 --> 00:47:26,567 in its dealings with Burma. 892 00:47:26,567 --> 00:47:29,000 And I think that is a step-by-step process. 893 00:47:29,000 --> 00:47:32,200 I don't have next steps to announce before they happen, 894 00:47:32,200 --> 00:47:40,366 but we're closely monitoring that progress and taking steps 895 00:47:40,367 --> 00:47:42,834 accordingly, as I think Secretary Clinton has been 896 00:47:42,834 --> 00:47:46,466 pretty explicit about in her recent comments. 897 00:47:46,467 --> 00:47:47,300 Thanks very much.