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Mr. Carney:
It's a good crowd.
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The Press:
Still looking forward
to this one?
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00:00:04,467 --> 00:00:08,966
Mr. Carney:
I am; I am, absolutely.
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Read any good books
lately, anybody?
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[laughter]
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I don't have an
announcement at the top,
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so I'll take your questions.
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The Press:
Have you?
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Mr. Carney:
No, actually.
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Nedra.
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The Press:
On that book, we got
your statement last night,
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00:00:21,700 --> 00:00:25,834
and clearly you disagree with
the former Defense Secretary's
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characterization of
Vice President Joe Biden.
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But he's someone who
was in this Cabinet,
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and I wonder what weight
Americans should give to his
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description of Joe Biden as
someone who has been wrong
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on nearly every
major foreign policy
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and national security matter?
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Mr. Carney:
I would reiterate
that the President
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and the rest of us
here simply just disagree
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with that assessment.
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As a senator and
as a Vice President,
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Joe Biden has been one of the
leading statesmen of his time,
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and he has been an excellent
counselor and advisor
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to the President for
the past five years.
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He's played a key role in every
major national security
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and foreign policy debate
and policy discussion
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in this administration,
in this White House.
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He played important roles
obviously in the policy
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discussions and carrying-out
of the policy decisions that
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the President made with regards
to Iraq and in the policy
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deliberations over Afghanistan.
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The President has said
many times that he greatly
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appreciates the advice and
counsel the Vice President
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gives him on matters both
domestic and foreign,
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and that is absolutely the case.
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The Press:
How do you respond
to Gates's charge
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that the White House
is too controlling
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on national security issues,
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and brings micro-managing
and meddling to a new level,
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in his words?
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He said he almost considered
resigning over it at one point.
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Mr. Carney:
Well, let's say a couple
of things first --
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that as we noted yesterday, the
President greatly appreciates
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Secretary Gates's service to
the President's administration
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and to the country.
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And Secretary Gates
was part of a team here
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that helped bring about
an end to the Iraq war;
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that helped decide
upon and implement
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a far superior and improved
policy in Afghanistan
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that was much more clear in
its objectives and that had,
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as part of that policy,
an end to a war,
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which was a clear policy
objective of the President's
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and which we are
implementing now.
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So when it comes to the
internal interagency process,
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the President expects it
to be robust and he expects
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to hear competing points
of view from every member
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of his national security team.
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A lot of you wrote about or
talked about at the time that
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the President picked a team of
rivals -- and when you pick
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a team of rivals, you do so
in part because you expect
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competing points of view
and competing opinions.
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And that's very much what the
President expects in foreign
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policy and domestic policy,
and that's what he gets
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and he's grateful for it.
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The Press:
Real quickly on the
NSA meetings over here
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in the next couple of days.
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What's the purpose of those?
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Is the President informing these
people who are coming to them
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what he's planning to do,
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or is he still collecting
information from them?
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Mr. Carney:
He is still in the process
of deliberating over
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the Review Group's report and
hearing from others on the
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issues that were raised in
the Review Group's report --
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because remember,
the President's overall review
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includes not just the Review
Group but the PCLOB and others
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involved in assessing
how we gather our intelligence
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and what reforms we
might make to the process.
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So he's at that stage still
where he's listening and
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discussing with a variety of
stakeholders these issues,
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and appreciates very much
the opinions and counsel
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he's getting on these matters.
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The Press:
Did the comments in the
book about Vice President Biden
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prompt the White House
decision to let photographers
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into the lunch today?
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Mr. Carney:
No. As you know, the President
and the Vice President
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have a standing weekly lunch.
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When the Vice President
is in town,
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he attends virtually
all meetings
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that the President holds,
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especially on national
security matters.
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And as you know, because we've
discussed this a lot at the end
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of last year, we have been
committed to looking for ways
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to provide greater access for
photographers to the White House
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and the President.
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And providing a photo
opportunity today was part
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of that commitment --
fulfilling that commitment.
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And again, I don't think anybody
who has covered us or knows
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the President and
the Vice President,
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knows how this
White House functions,
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has any doubt about
the President's faith
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in Vice President Biden
as an advisor and counselor.
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So we don't need to
reinforce that; it's a fact.
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The Press:
So the timing of the photo
is just coincidence then?
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Mr. Carney:
It is -- it was coincidence.
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He has a weekly lunch, so --
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The Press:
So he'll be back next week?
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The Press:
No, but it's not
normally on camera.
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Mr. Carney:
No, exactly.
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But we've had, as you could
ask our friends in the world
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of photography here,
debate and discussion with them
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about how we can better
improve access for them.
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This has been something
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that they've raised
with us in the past.
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So you guys can
decide for yourselves.
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The President greatly values the
counsel of the Vice President
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on matters foreign and domestic.
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The Press:
What would you think if
you were sitting here, Jay?
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00:06:06,433 --> 00:06:08,599
I mean, the timing
was a coincidence?
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00:06:08,600 --> 00:06:12,734
I mean, obviously you and I had
a back-and-forth about this.
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Mr. Carney:
Well, again, I can just
tell you what the facts are.
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I mean, you can
decide for yourselves
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what you want to believe.
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The Press:
While we're talking
about former advisors,
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00:06:21,266 --> 00:06:23,834
former National Security Advisor
Tom Donilon said yesterday
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00:06:23,834 --> 00:06:27,400
that he probably would back
the Keystone Pipeline if he were
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still advising the President.
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00:06:28,667 --> 00:06:30,933
And I'm wondering
if that endorsement --
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what weight that endorsement
would carry with the President
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00:06:33,834 --> 00:06:37,667
as he sort of considers
this issue going forward.
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Mr. Carney:
Well, I haven't discussed
that report with the President.
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The process,
as you know, is ongoing,
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housed at the State Department
in keeping with tradition
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of previous administrations
for many years.
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And I don't have
an update on that.
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That's it?
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The Press:
That's it.
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Mr. Carney: Jon.
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The Press:
Looking at the President's
schedule today,
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I think I counted no
fewer than four meetings
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on the public schedule
with Vice President Biden.
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Anything I should
read into that?
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Or --
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00:07:05,600 --> 00:07:07,533
Mr. Carney:
Again, I trust that you, Jon,
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00:07:07,533 --> 00:07:09,200
and others who have covered
this White House have looked
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00:07:09,200 --> 00:07:12,066
at schedules before
and know that every PDB
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when the
Vice President is in town,
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00:07:13,333 --> 00:07:15,066
every major national
security meeting
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00:07:15,066 --> 00:07:17,667
when the Vice President and
President are both in town,
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the Vice President attends.
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There's nothing new about that.
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The meetings today that have to
do with NSA matters are ones the
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Vice President would of course
attend if he's not traveling.
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That's how it works.
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The lunch that the President has
with the Vice President is one
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that he has had every week
when they've been in town
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since they took office.
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The Press:
And we should expect that
the photographers should be
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invited back in the next
time they have lunch?
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Mr. Carney:
We make decisions based
on requests
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and what we can make happen.
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We committed to provide --
to find ways to try to provide
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better access for photographers.
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We're going to keep working
with them and look at ways
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that we can do that.
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As I said back when we were
having this discussion,
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there is no question
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that whatever we do
will not be sufficient --
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00:08:02,567 --> 00:08:03,967
and I think this
is an example of that --
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but we will always
endeavor to provide
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better access where we can.
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The Press:
What kind of a heads-up
did Bob Gates give
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the White House about this book?
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Mr. Carney:
Well, we knew Secretary
Gates was writing a book,
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as everybody I think did,
or most people did.
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But we received
the book last night.
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The Press:
Last night?
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And any concern that, I mean,
here he is revealing
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blow-by-blow conversations,
confidential conversations
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he had with the President
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00:08:29,667 --> 00:08:33,799
and his other
top national security advisors?
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Mr. Carney:
Here's what I would say:
Anybody who has the privilege
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00:08:37,799 --> 00:08:41,733
of serving in an
administration at a high level
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00:08:41,734 --> 00:08:45,834
and who participates in policy
discussions and has confidential
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conversations with
principals and presidents
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00:08:50,100 --> 00:08:51,200
and then leaves office
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makes a decision about
how they're going to talk
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or write about that
experience and when.
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And that's everybody's decision
to make for himself or herself.
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00:09:00,667 --> 00:09:04,500
I would simply say that the
President asked Secretary Gates,
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00:09:04,500 --> 00:09:07,433
Robert Gates to stay on
as Secretary of Defense,
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00:09:07,433 --> 00:09:10,567
and he appreciates the
service that he gave
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00:09:10,567 --> 00:09:13,300
to this administration,
to this President,
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00:09:13,300 --> 00:09:16,800
and very much valued the role
he played in this administration
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00:09:16,800 --> 00:09:18,867
and the advice he gave.
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00:09:18,867 --> 00:09:23,165
For other issues, I'll leave
it to other folks to decide,
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00:09:23,166 --> 00:09:27,066
because everyone makes their own
decision in that circumstance.
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00:09:27,066 --> 00:09:28,066
Some people write books.
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Some people don't.
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00:09:29,500 --> 00:09:36,200
We're focused on all the things
that we need to work on in 2014,
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00:09:36,200 --> 00:09:40,433
both national security
matters, domestic matters,
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00:09:40,433 --> 00:09:46,567
economic matters, matters of
providing essential emergency
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00:09:46,567 --> 00:09:48,867
assistance to the uninsured --
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00:09:48,867 --> 00:09:49,867
I mean the unemployed.
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00:09:49,867 --> 00:09:55,433
And that's what
consumes our days.
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00:09:55,433 --> 00:09:58,133
The Press:
At his farewell, the President
said of Secretary Gates,
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00:09:58,133 --> 00:10:00,400
"Quite simply,
he is one of the nation's
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00:10:00,400 --> 00:10:02,199
finest public servants."
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00:10:02,200 --> 00:10:05,667
Is there anything in this deluge
of confidential information that
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00:10:05,667 --> 00:10:09,600
he's put out and judgments that
he's made about the President
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00:10:09,600 --> 00:10:12,100
and Vice President that
causes the President
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00:10:12,100 --> 00:10:14,233
to reconsider that?
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00:10:14,233 --> 00:10:16,433
Mr. Carney:
Look, I think I answered
part of that just now
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00:10:16,433 --> 00:10:20,100
in terms of how the decisions
folks make when they leave
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00:10:20,100 --> 00:10:22,567
administrations -- and that's
true of this or any other
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00:10:22,567 --> 00:10:23,633
previous administration.
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00:10:23,633 --> 00:10:29,667
What matters most to the
President is the service
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00:10:29,667 --> 00:10:33,800
that his top advisors give
him as President,
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00:10:33,800 --> 00:10:41,266
and Secretary Gates provided
service to this administration
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00:10:41,266 --> 00:10:44,099
and to previous administrations,
and the President is greatly
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00:10:44,100 --> 00:10:46,033
appreciative of that.
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00:10:46,033 --> 00:10:49,166
And I think it's
important to note,
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because you see headlines and
you see discrete excerpts
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00:10:57,367 --> 00:11:03,000
that tell a story, or one story,
or seem to say one thing,
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00:11:03,000 --> 00:11:06,967
but since a lot of what we're
talking about here has to do
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with the policy review over
Afghanistan and Pakistan,
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00:11:11,367 --> 00:11:13,065
I think it's important
to remember that in --
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00:11:13,066 --> 00:11:15,367
or not remember; maybe some
of you haven't seen this,
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00:11:15,367 --> 00:11:19,367
but it's been noted in some of
the press reports that regarding
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00:11:19,367 --> 00:11:23,099
that policy debate, in his
book, Secretary Gates said,
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00:11:23,100 --> 00:11:26,533
"Obama was much criticized
by conservatives and hawkish
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00:11:26,533 --> 00:11:30,467
commentators for announcing that
the troop surge in Afghanistan
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00:11:30,467 --> 00:11:34,300
would begin to be drawn down
in July 2011 and that all U.S.
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00:11:34,300 --> 00:11:37,532
combat troops would be withdrawn
and all responsibility for
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00:11:37,533 --> 00:11:41,967
security transferred to the
Afghans by the end of 2014.
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00:11:41,967 --> 00:11:44,967
Inside the military there was
also much grumbling about
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00:11:44,967 --> 00:11:48,266
the numerical limits he
placed on troops.
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00:11:48,266 --> 00:11:52,400
I believe Obama was right
in each of these decisions."
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00:11:52,400 --> 00:11:55,165
That's from the book.
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00:11:55,166 --> 00:11:57,967
That's Secretary Gates's
published opinion
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00:11:57,967 --> 00:11:59,467
on these matters.
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00:11:59,467 --> 00:12:06,033
Were these substantial,
rich discussions?
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00:12:06,033 --> 00:12:09,367
Absolutely, because the
policy was so important.
244
00:12:09,367 --> 00:12:11,599
And it was much reported on
at the time that there were
245
00:12:11,600 --> 00:12:16,633
differing views about
how we should move forward
246
00:12:16,633 --> 00:12:19,734
with our policy towards
Afghanistan and Pakistan.
247
00:12:19,734 --> 00:12:23,400
So some of those disagreements
or differing views,
248
00:12:23,400 --> 00:12:26,967
the reporting here is not
different from what we've seen
249
00:12:26,967 --> 00:12:28,300
in the past.
250
00:12:28,300 --> 00:12:30,065
The Press:
But, Jay, these are some
explosive statements that
251
00:12:30,066 --> 00:12:31,834
he has made about the President.
252
00:12:31,834 --> 00:12:34,733
This is not some outside
critic; this was one of his most
253
00:12:34,734 --> 00:12:38,800
important, if not most important
national security advisor,
254
00:12:38,800 --> 00:12:41,333
the guy he chose to keep
on to run the Pentagon.
255
00:12:41,333 --> 00:12:45,533
And he says that there was
a "suspicion and distrust of
256
00:12:45,533 --> 00:12:48,700
senior military officers by
senior White House officials,
257
00:12:48,700 --> 00:12:51,066
including the President
and the Vice President,"
258
00:12:51,066 --> 00:12:52,900
and that this became
a big problem for him.
259
00:12:52,900 --> 00:12:53,967
I mean, what do you say --
260
00:12:53,967 --> 00:12:55,467
Mr. Carney:
I think I just
read to you --
261
00:12:55,467 --> 00:12:57,467
again, you have to take
the full picture here, Jon.
262
00:12:57,467 --> 00:13:01,934
And I would say on that matter,
I think the American people
263
00:13:01,934 --> 00:13:04,266
expect that their
Commander-in-Chief listen
264
00:13:04,266 --> 00:13:08,500
to all of his advisors,
civilian and military,
265
00:13:08,500 --> 00:13:13,867
when it comes to discussions
and debates about matters
266
00:13:13,867 --> 00:13:18,934
of war and peace and decisions
that affect the lives
267
00:13:18,934 --> 00:13:20,567
of our men and women in uniform.
268
00:13:20,567 --> 00:13:21,567
And that's how it should be.
269
00:13:21,567 --> 00:13:23,900
The President,
the Vice President,
270
00:13:23,900 --> 00:13:26,300
everyone in this
building who has ever served
271
00:13:26,300 --> 00:13:30,266
and worked on these
matters has enormous respect
272
00:13:30,266 --> 00:13:33,165
for our men
and women in uniform,
273
00:13:33,166 --> 00:13:35,800
and that includes all
of the President's top
274
00:13:35,800 --> 00:13:38,333
senior military advisors.
275
00:13:38,333 --> 00:13:42,367
On policy issues,
the President absolutely
276
00:13:42,367 --> 00:13:46,500
wants tough questions asked.
277
00:13:46,500 --> 00:13:52,033
On matters of national
security, he wants,
278
00:13:52,033 --> 00:13:57,300
in these discussions
and debates,
279
00:13:57,300 --> 00:14:01,967
both his military and his
civilian advisors to be blunt
280
00:14:01,967 --> 00:14:07,000
and candid about their views and
to back up their assessments.
281
00:14:07,000 --> 00:14:11,533
That's what you, I think, would
expect and want in the kinds of
282
00:14:11,533 --> 00:14:16,133
discussions that are held and
have been held in previous
283
00:14:16,133 --> 00:14:19,633
administrations and previous
White Houses, hopefully,
284
00:14:19,633 --> 00:14:22,066
when these fateful
decisions have to be made.
285
00:14:22,066 --> 00:14:24,166
The Press:
Well, was Gates wrong when
he said that the President
286
00:14:24,166 --> 00:14:27,734
didn't believe in his
own Afghanistan policy?
287
00:14:27,734 --> 00:14:33,133
Mr. Carney:
I think it is
absolutely the case,
288
00:14:33,133 --> 00:14:35,867
as many have reported, that it
is well known that the President
289
00:14:35,867 --> 00:14:41,400
has been committed to achieving
the mission of disrupting,
290
00:14:41,400 --> 00:14:43,934
dismantling and defeating
al Qaeda while also ensuring
291
00:14:43,934 --> 00:14:47,199
that we have a clear path
for winding down the war,
292
00:14:47,200 --> 00:14:48,200
which will end this year.
293
00:14:48,200 --> 00:14:49,934
I mean, these are
not separate issues.
294
00:14:49,934 --> 00:14:53,900
The mission and the policy
included both ramping up
295
00:14:53,900 --> 00:14:59,900
and refocusing our mission on
al Qaeda as well as making sure
296
00:15:04,100 --> 00:15:09,266
we had a policy in place
that would wind down that war,
297
00:15:09,266 --> 00:15:15,033
because a war without end was
not what the President believed
298
00:15:15,033 --> 00:15:16,166
was the right policy.
299
00:15:16,166 --> 00:15:18,133
And there were
debates about this.
300
00:15:18,133 --> 00:15:23,333
So the President believes
thoroughly in the mission.
301
00:15:23,333 --> 00:15:27,000
He knows it's difficult, but he
believes that our men and women
302
00:15:27,000 --> 00:15:31,400
in uniform as well as those
civilians in Afghanistan,
303
00:15:31,400 --> 00:15:33,132
and others who are
working on this issue,
304
00:15:33,133 --> 00:15:39,900
have admirably and heroically
fulfilled that mission.
305
00:15:39,900 --> 00:15:40,934
And they do so today.
306
00:15:40,934 --> 00:15:42,367
Chuck.
307
00:15:42,367 --> 00:15:47,699
The Press:
Can you comment on the
inference that Secretary
308
00:15:47,700 --> 00:15:50,367
Gates has in the book
that both Secretary Clinton
309
00:15:50,367 --> 00:15:52,165
and President Obama
admitted their opposition
310
00:15:52,166 --> 00:15:53,367
to the Iraq surge,
311
00:15:53,367 --> 00:15:56,333
that politics played a
role in the Iraq mission --
312
00:15:56,333 --> 00:15:57,533
the Iraq surge?
313
00:15:57,533 --> 00:16:00,266
It was mostly directed --
there was an inference here
314
00:16:00,266 --> 00:16:03,867
that the President also
was engaging in this discussion.
315
00:16:03,867 --> 00:16:06,599
Mr. Carney:
What I don't understand
about that is anybody
316
00:16:06,600 --> 00:16:10,767
who has covered Barack Obama,
going all the way back to his
317
00:16:10,767 --> 00:16:15,500
race for the Senate, knows that
he was opposed to the Iraq war.
318
00:16:17,700 --> 00:16:19,033
That was his view
running for the Senate;
319
00:16:19,033 --> 00:16:21,000
it was his view as a senator;
it was his view as a candidate
320
00:16:21,000 --> 00:16:23,367
for the presidency.
321
00:16:23,367 --> 00:16:26,467
So it would be entirely
inconsistent for him not to hold
322
00:16:26,467 --> 00:16:29,000
the position that he held
with regards to the surge.
323
00:16:29,000 --> 00:16:31,834
So I don't know what
conversation that refers to,
324
00:16:31,834 --> 00:16:35,867
but it doesn't track based on
what I know and everybody here
325
00:16:35,867 --> 00:16:40,165
knows about the President's
positions through the years,
326
00:16:40,166 --> 00:16:43,133
going back to 2002,
on these matters.
327
00:16:43,133 --> 00:16:45,133
The Press:
You have a very real
deadline coming up
328
00:16:45,133 --> 00:16:47,500
with the Afghanistan
government having to do
329
00:16:47,500 --> 00:16:49,633
with the decision
to keep troops --
330
00:16:49,633 --> 00:16:53,533
what size of force,
if any, is there after 2014.
331
00:16:53,533 --> 00:16:56,900
Is there a concern by
the President that some
332
00:16:56,900 --> 00:17:00,333
of the revelations about the
President's personal views of
333
00:17:00,333 --> 00:17:06,133
Karzai, for instance, is going
to make this more difficult.
334
00:17:06,133 --> 00:17:07,433
Mr. Carney: No.
335
00:17:07,433 --> 00:17:10,599
Look, I think that the issues
on the table here have to do
336
00:17:10,599 --> 00:17:18,099
with the need for the Afghan
government to sign the bilateral
337
00:17:18,099 --> 00:17:22,532
security agreement, as was
envisioned by President Karzai
338
00:17:22,532 --> 00:17:23,733
and others, which is
a product of the BSA,
339
00:17:23,733 --> 00:17:25,032
a good-faith negotiation.
340
00:17:25,032 --> 00:17:30,734
And in order for the United
States and our allies to plan
341
00:17:37,133 --> 00:17:43,700
for a post-2014 mission that
would have a military component
342
00:17:43,700 --> 00:17:48,433
to it focused on
counterterrorism and support
343
00:17:48,433 --> 00:17:49,667
and training for Afghan troops,
344
00:17:49,667 --> 00:17:50,734
we need this agreement
signed promptly.
345
00:17:50,734 --> 00:17:53,833
And this is a matter,
as I said the other day,
346
00:17:53,834 --> 00:17:56,967
of weeks not months.
347
00:17:56,967 --> 00:18:01,066
The Press:
You're not concerned that
this book sort of breeds
348
00:18:01,066 --> 00:18:03,066
more tension with Karzai?
349
00:18:06,600 --> 00:18:09,632
Mr. Carney:
We have direct and regular
communications both from
350
00:18:09,633 --> 00:18:14,633
Washington and our embassy in
Kabul with President Karzai
351
00:18:14,633 --> 00:18:16,200
and his government.
352
00:18:16,200 --> 00:18:19,700
And I think these matters
are well far along the road,
353
00:18:19,700 --> 00:18:21,166
so I don't anticipate that.
354
00:18:21,166 --> 00:18:24,332
He and his government
understands our views
355
00:18:24,333 --> 00:18:29,000
and our position
and the reasoning behind it.
356
00:18:29,000 --> 00:18:34,200
And we simply urge prompt
action on signing the BSA.
357
00:18:34,200 --> 00:18:36,767
The Press:
Was Secretary Gates's
characterization
358
00:18:36,767 --> 00:18:39,567
of the President's views
of Karzai accurate?
359
00:18:39,567 --> 00:18:45,433
Mr. Carney:
I think President Obama
has addressed our policy
360
00:18:45,433 --> 00:18:46,500
towards Afghanistan,
361
00:18:46,500 --> 00:18:50,467
our relationship
with President Karzai.
362
00:18:50,467 --> 00:18:51,867
That government
and President Karzai,
363
00:18:51,867 --> 00:18:56,800
they obviously are in -- it's a
challenging situation every day
364
00:18:56,800 --> 00:19:03,033
for them, and we work with
them every day both through our
365
00:19:03,033 --> 00:19:08,533
military and our civilian force
there to help them prepare for
366
00:19:08,533 --> 00:19:14,533
this transition and to help them
in a military way prepare for
367
00:19:16,633 --> 00:19:19,834
the increased responsibility
for security that comes with it.
368
00:19:19,834 --> 00:19:25,166
That has been a clear focus of
the mission that the President
369
00:19:25,166 --> 00:19:28,233
established after the
review of our policy there.
370
00:19:28,233 --> 00:19:29,966
The Press:
But the description
was pretty personal:
371
00:19:29,967 --> 00:19:31,400
the President
can't stand Karzai.
372
00:19:31,400 --> 00:19:33,166
Is that --
373
00:19:33,166 --> 00:19:34,600
Mr. Carney:
I wouldn't necessarily agree --
374
00:19:34,600 --> 00:19:35,867
I wouldn't agree with that.
375
00:19:35,867 --> 00:19:38,200
And I think the issues here
are not about personalities,
376
00:19:38,200 --> 00:19:39,734
they're about policies.
377
00:19:39,734 --> 00:19:45,734
And the decisions the President
makes about sending and keeping
378
00:19:48,033 --> 00:19:50,734
military forces, American
men and women in uniform,
379
00:19:50,734 --> 00:19:52,332
in Afghanistan have
to do with U.S.
380
00:19:52,333 --> 00:19:55,834
national security interests,
not those kinds of issues.
381
00:19:55,834 --> 00:20:00,433
And that's why the signing of
the BSA is so important for us
382
00:20:00,433 --> 00:20:02,200
and our NATO allies
to move forward.
383
00:20:02,200 --> 00:20:04,700
The Press:
Going back to Biden, this
is the second book in three
384
00:20:04,700 --> 00:20:08,400
months where the President
is basically -- in some way you
385
00:20:08,400 --> 00:20:12,100
guys have come out and had
this sort of defend, buck up,
386
00:20:12,100 --> 00:20:13,166
whatever you want
to describe it,
387
00:20:13,166 --> 00:20:18,399
when it comes to
Joe Biden's place.
388
00:20:18,400 --> 00:20:22,000
Why do you think it is
that Biden has been derided
389
00:20:22,000 --> 00:20:25,700
negatively in a
couple of these books?
390
00:20:25,700 --> 00:20:29,367
Mr. Carney:
Well, I'm not sure I would
agree with that assessment.
391
00:20:29,367 --> 00:20:33,265
When asked, we and the President
and others simply reassert the
392
00:20:33,266 --> 00:20:35,567
fundamental fact here, which
is that Vice President Biden
393
00:20:35,567 --> 00:20:40,233
is a key advisor on
national security matters
394
00:20:40,233 --> 00:20:41,433
and domestic policy matters
395
00:20:41,433 --> 00:20:43,467
and other matters
for this President.
396
00:20:43,467 --> 00:20:47,200
And the President greatly
values the counsel he provides.
397
00:20:47,200 --> 00:20:48,800
That's just the fact.
398
00:20:48,800 --> 00:20:51,166
And it's a fact
known to everyone
399
00:20:51,166 --> 00:20:52,633
in this building every day --
400
00:20:52,633 --> 00:20:54,433
The Press:
Why do insiders seem to
portray him in these books --
401
00:20:54,433 --> 00:20:58,033
Mr. Carney:
Look, I think when it
comes to debates internally
402
00:20:58,033 --> 00:21:02,867
the Vice President was one
member and continues to be
403
00:21:02,867 --> 00:21:06,834
one member of
that team of rivals.
404
00:21:06,834 --> 00:21:12,967
This is not somebody who the
President chose to be someone
405
00:21:12,967 --> 00:21:16,867
who simply affirms what
others are thinking.
406
00:21:16,867 --> 00:21:20,033
The Vice President
has a lot of experience.
407
00:21:20,033 --> 00:21:25,132
The Vice President has done
a lot of work on a lot of very
408
00:21:25,133 --> 00:21:29,066
complex issues, including
Afghanistan and Iraq,
409
00:21:29,066 --> 00:21:31,567
including a number of
domestic policy issues.
410
00:21:31,567 --> 00:21:36,967
And he plays an important
role in the discussions here,
411
00:21:36,967 --> 00:21:41,367
and that role includes
expressing an opinion that isn't
412
00:21:41,367 --> 00:21:43,667
always agreed to by
everybody in the room.
413
00:21:43,667 --> 00:21:46,367
And if it were, it wouldn't
be what the President wanted.
414
00:21:46,367 --> 00:21:49,133
Let me move up and back.
415
00:21:49,133 --> 00:21:50,433
Cheryl.
416
00:21:50,433 --> 00:21:51,700
The Press:
Hi. Different
subject altogether.
417
00:21:51,700 --> 00:21:53,600
This morning,
at the U.S. Chamber,
418
00:21:53,600 --> 00:21:57,033
Tom Donohue was talking
about the state of business,
419
00:21:57,033 --> 00:22:00,166
and he said one of businesses
biggest concerns right now
420
00:22:00,166 --> 00:22:01,367
is overregulation.
421
00:22:01,367 --> 00:22:03,934
He accuses this administration
of regulatory overreach.
422
00:22:03,934 --> 00:22:06,867
Is the President
satisfied with the level
423
00:22:06,867 --> 00:22:09,800
of regulation on businesses?
424
00:22:09,800 --> 00:22:12,966
Mr. Carney:
Well, let me say a couple
of things about that.
425
00:22:12,967 --> 00:22:16,033
The President does not believe
that we have to choose between
426
00:22:16,033 --> 00:22:20,567
protecting the health, welfare,
and safety of Americans,
427
00:22:20,567 --> 00:22:24,000
and promoting economic growth,
job creation, competitiveness,
428
00:22:24,000 --> 00:22:25,000
and innovation.
429
00:22:25,000 --> 00:22:28,500
We can do both and
we are doing both.
430
00:22:28,500 --> 00:22:30,767
The net benefits
of rules finalized
431
00:22:30,767 --> 00:22:35,266
through the fourth fiscal year
of this administration
432
00:22:35,266 --> 00:22:37,000
were $159 billion;
433
00:22:37,000 --> 00:22:39,166
that's the net benefits.
434
00:22:39,166 --> 00:22:43,332
This is almost four times the
net benefits through the fourth
435
00:22:43,333 --> 00:22:46,700
fiscal year of the
previous administration.
436
00:22:46,700 --> 00:22:48,500
The Obama administration
has had a smart,
437
00:22:48,500 --> 00:22:51,533
pragmatic approach
to ensure we are reducing
438
00:22:51,533 --> 00:22:52,867
burdensome regulations.
439
00:22:52,867 --> 00:22:55,332
We continue to make significant
progress in the President's
440
00:22:55,333 --> 00:22:58,900
unprecedented regulatory
retrospective review,
441
00:22:58,900 --> 00:23:00,934
or regulatory
look-back initiative,
442
00:23:00,934 --> 00:23:04,800
where we are streamlining,
modifying or repealing
443
00:23:04,800 --> 00:23:07,966
regulations to reduce
unnecessary burdens and costs.
444
00:23:07,967 --> 00:23:10,433
Federal agencies have issued
look-back plans detailing
445
00:23:10,433 --> 00:23:13,333
over 500 initiatives
that will reduce costs,
446
00:23:13,333 --> 00:23:15,333
simplify the regulatory system,
447
00:23:15,333 --> 00:23:18,266
and eliminate redundancy
and inconsistency.
448
00:23:18,266 --> 00:23:21,033
And this effort is already
on track to save more
449
00:23:21,033 --> 00:23:24,533
than $10 billion in regulatory
costs in the near term,
450
00:23:24,533 --> 00:23:25,833
with more savings to come.
451
00:23:25,834 --> 00:23:30,100
On the broader issues, look,
when it comes to helping
452
00:23:30,100 --> 00:23:34,934
our businesses grow, helping
them create jobs,
453
00:23:34,934 --> 00:23:40,133
we are absolutely committed
to working with the Chamber
454
00:23:40,133 --> 00:23:41,767
and the businesses
the Chamber represents,
455
00:23:41,767 --> 00:23:43,834
and with members of Congress
in both parties on ways
456
00:23:43,834 --> 00:23:45,300
that we can do that.
457
00:23:45,300 --> 00:23:48,667
Further economic growth and the
kind of economic growth that
458
00:23:48,667 --> 00:23:54,734
creates jobs that middle-class
families can depend on
459
00:23:54,734 --> 00:24:01,100
and save money for retirement
and for college on,
460
00:24:01,100 --> 00:24:02,100
that's what we're about,
461
00:24:02,100 --> 00:24:04,667
and we want to work
with everyone on that.
462
00:24:04,667 --> 00:24:09,332
And we just simply don't agree
with assertions that you need
463
00:24:09,333 --> 00:24:13,033
to sacrifice the quality
of the water our kids drink,
464
00:24:13,033 --> 00:24:17,233
or the air they breathe,
in order to achieve that.
465
00:24:17,233 --> 00:24:18,233
We can do both.
466
00:24:18,233 --> 00:24:19,700
April.
467
00:24:19,700 --> 00:24:22,400
The Press:
Jay, I want to go back to
something that Jonathan asked.
468
00:24:22,400 --> 00:24:24,467
You said that
the President -- well, you said
469
00:24:24,467 --> 00:24:26,667
that the White House
received the book last night.
470
00:24:26,667 --> 00:24:27,667
Who received the book?
471
00:24:27,667 --> 00:24:30,367
And did the
President get a copy?
472
00:24:30,367 --> 00:24:32,966
Mr. Carney:
I don't know who
else has gotten a copy;
473
00:24:32,967 --> 00:24:35,100
I got a copy.
474
00:24:35,100 --> 00:24:36,199
The Press: Okay.
475
00:24:36,200 --> 00:24:38,433
And did you disperse that
amongst the White House?
476
00:24:38,433 --> 00:24:41,166
Who's reading it?
477
00:24:41,166 --> 00:24:42,166
Mr. Carney:
Others have looked at it.
478
00:24:42,166 --> 00:24:44,100
I haven't had the time
to look at it yet.
479
00:24:44,100 --> 00:24:45,466
The Press: Okay.
480
00:24:45,467 --> 00:24:47,667
And what message does it send
to the troops when in this book
481
00:24:47,667 --> 00:24:48,766
Gates is talking about how
the President was skeptical,
482
00:24:48,767 --> 00:24:50,266
if not convinced,
that his strategy
483
00:24:50,266 --> 00:24:51,266
in Afghanistan would fail?
484
00:24:51,266 --> 00:24:56,333
We've had so many people die,
485
00:24:56,333 --> 00:24:58,800
so many people wounded
in Afghanistan.
486
00:24:58,800 --> 00:25:01,166
I mean, what does this
send to the troops?
487
00:25:01,166 --> 00:25:04,800
This is your man of war,
your former man of war.
488
00:25:04,800 --> 00:25:06,200
Mr. Carney:
Well, April, as I was saying,
489
00:25:06,200 --> 00:25:09,734
it's well known that
the President is committed
490
00:25:09,734 --> 00:25:13,433
to the mission that
he has asked our men and women
491
00:25:13,433 --> 00:25:17,967
in the military to
perform in Afghanistan.
492
00:25:17,967 --> 00:25:25,633
And one of the principles
that underlies the policy
493
00:25:25,633 --> 00:25:28,734
decision-making process that
this President engages in
494
00:25:28,734 --> 00:25:32,066
when it comes to these kinds
of issues is that we need to --
495
00:25:32,066 --> 00:25:37,934
when we decide to send -- when
he decides to send our military
496
00:25:37,934 --> 00:25:40,033
into harm's way, we need
to have a clear mission.
497
00:25:40,033 --> 00:25:44,833
And as you know, and everybody
here who covered it knows,
498
00:25:44,834 --> 00:25:47,500
when President Obama
came into office,
499
00:25:47,500 --> 00:25:51,300
we inherited a policy in
Afghanistan that was in disarray
500
00:25:51,300 --> 00:25:57,433
by the judgment of many people
on the outside and inside,
501
00:25:57,433 --> 00:26:00,300
Republicans and Democrats alike.
502
00:26:00,300 --> 00:26:03,567
I think it was -- something said
at the time that when you went
503
00:26:03,567 --> 00:26:07,967
to Afghanistan and talked to our
civilian and military leaders at
504
00:26:07,967 --> 00:26:10,900
the end of 2008, early 2009 and
asked them what the mission was,
505
00:26:10,900 --> 00:26:12,567
and you talked to maybe five
or ten different people,
506
00:26:12,567 --> 00:26:15,200
you got five or ten
different answers.
507
00:26:15,200 --> 00:26:17,166
And this President,
as you know,
508
00:26:17,166 --> 00:26:19,133
when he campaigned
for President,
509
00:26:19,133 --> 00:26:24,667
made clear that he felt
that we needed to refocus
510
00:26:24,667 --> 00:26:28,867
as a nation on the
effort in Afghanistan;
511
00:26:28,867 --> 00:26:31,399
that the effort
in Iraq had been --
512
00:26:31,400 --> 00:26:32,633
which the President
had opposed --
513
00:26:32,633 --> 00:26:39,600
had resulted in the
United States taking its focus
514
00:26:39,600 --> 00:26:42,833
off of the wholly necessary
mission to disrupt,
515
00:26:42,834 --> 00:26:46,600
dismantle and ultimately defeat
al Qaeda core in Afghanistan
516
00:26:46,600 --> 00:26:47,800
in the Af-Pak region.
517
00:26:47,800 --> 00:26:51,000
So that was what that policy
review was all about --
518
00:26:51,000 --> 00:26:56,967
was producing clarity for our
troops and for every American
519
00:26:56,967 --> 00:27:03,000
who cared deeply about the fact
that we had tens of thousands
520
00:27:03,000 --> 00:27:06,166
of troops -- more than
100,000 troops combined
521
00:27:06,166 --> 00:27:08,466
in Afghanistan and Iraq.
522
00:27:08,467 --> 00:27:11,133
They deserved the clarity
that the President's policy,
523
00:27:11,133 --> 00:27:13,867
which he devised with Secretary
Gates and other members
524
00:27:13,867 --> 00:27:17,500
of his national security team --
525
00:27:17,500 --> 00:27:19,433
and that's why he
went about doing it.
526
00:27:19,433 --> 00:27:21,834
The Press:
If he had a chance to talk
to Secretary Gates right now --
527
00:27:21,834 --> 00:27:23,700
if the President had
a chance to talk to him,
528
00:27:23,700 --> 00:27:24,934
what would he say?
529
00:27:24,934 --> 00:27:26,934
I mean, these are some strong
accusations in this book.
530
00:27:26,934 --> 00:27:28,166
Mr. Carney:
Well, April, I think --
531
00:27:28,166 --> 00:27:33,533
I wouldn't speculate,
but I think our response
532
00:27:33,533 --> 00:27:35,567
about
the President's appreciation for
533
00:27:35,567 --> 00:27:38,867
Bob Gates's service reflects
what the President feels
534
00:27:38,867 --> 00:27:40,934
and what we all feel.
535
00:27:40,934 --> 00:27:43,100
On the fact that
there have been --
536
00:27:43,100 --> 00:27:46,766
that there were some debates
in the prolonged policy review
537
00:27:46,767 --> 00:27:52,433
over Afghanistan is hardly news.
538
00:27:52,433 --> 00:27:55,166
But that process
led to a stronger,
539
00:27:55,166 --> 00:27:58,033
better policy for our troops
and for our national security
540
00:27:58,033 --> 00:28:01,466
because it was focused on what
the original purpose of going to
541
00:28:01,467 --> 00:28:05,734
Afghanistan was about,
which was holding responsible
542
00:28:05,734 --> 00:28:07,934
those who attacked
the United States
543
00:28:07,934 --> 00:28:10,600
and killed Americans
on September 11th, 2001,
544
00:28:10,600 --> 00:28:11,600
and assisting the
new Afghan government
545
00:28:11,600 --> 00:28:17,966
and the Afghan security forces
546
00:28:17,967 --> 00:28:19,667
and helping build
them up so that they could
547
00:28:19,667 --> 00:28:22,300
eventually be responsible
for their own security.
548
00:28:22,300 --> 00:28:23,734
Because it was not
the President's view --
549
00:28:23,734 --> 00:28:31,533
in fact, it was his stated
commitment that he would not
550
00:28:31,533 --> 00:28:38,000
endorse a policy that foresaw
war in Afghanistan without end.
551
00:28:38,000 --> 00:28:40,000
He thought it was
very important to ensure
552
00:28:40,000 --> 00:28:42,333
that we had a withdrawal date;
553
00:28:42,333 --> 00:28:47,633
that even after we surged
our forces as part of refocusing
554
00:28:47,633 --> 00:28:51,533
the mission and bringing
pressure on al Qaeda central,
555
00:28:51,533 --> 00:28:55,166
that we would also
begin the drawdown --
556
00:28:55,166 --> 00:28:56,567
or after that,
begin the drawdown.
557
00:28:56,567 --> 00:28:58,500
And that is the
commitment he has made
558
00:28:58,500 --> 00:28:59,767
and it is the
commitment he's keeping.
559
00:28:59,767 --> 00:29:02,000
And it's what the American
people expected him to do,
560
00:29:02,000 --> 00:29:05,500
he said he would
do and he has done.
561
00:29:05,500 --> 00:29:06,767
And that applies
to Iraq, as well.
562
00:29:06,767 --> 00:29:08,066
Brianna.
563
00:29:08,066 --> 00:29:09,734
The Press:
Thanks, Jay.
564
00:29:09,734 --> 00:29:13,265
So when you say that the
President thoroughly believed
565
00:29:13,266 --> 00:29:15,033
in the mission in the
surge in Afghanistan,
566
00:29:15,033 --> 00:29:19,199
when Secretary Gates says
that Obama was "skeptical
567
00:29:19,200 --> 00:29:22,500
if not outright
convinced it would fail,"
568
00:29:22,500 --> 00:29:25,800
about sending
30,000 more troops in,
569
00:29:25,800 --> 00:29:27,399
are you saying
that he's wrong?
570
00:29:27,400 --> 00:29:31,400
Mr. Carney:
I'm saying that the
President devised the mission
571
00:29:31,400 --> 00:29:37,800
and has great faith in the
troops who carry out the mission
572
00:29:37,800 --> 00:29:40,367
and in the mission itself --
that it's the right mission
573
00:29:40,367 --> 00:29:42,934
to pursue in Afghanistan,
it has been.
574
00:29:42,934 --> 00:29:44,667
I think that's been borne out.
575
00:29:44,667 --> 00:29:47,367
That doesn't mean that
it's not a challenge.
576
00:29:47,367 --> 00:29:48,367
Of course, it is.
577
00:29:48,367 --> 00:29:50,934
That's why these
debates were so --
578
00:29:50,934 --> 00:29:53,734
The Press:
So Bob Gates is mistaken
in his assessment?
579
00:29:53,734 --> 00:29:56,399
Mr. Carney:
You guys can assess the lines
-- each line in the book.
580
00:29:56,400 --> 00:29:59,066
I'm simply telling you --
581
00:29:59,066 --> 00:30:01,367
The Press:
Well, but you're in a position
obviously to assess it
582
00:30:01,367 --> 00:30:03,100
better than we are.
583
00:30:03,100 --> 00:30:05,065
Mr. Carney:
Well, I'm telling you
what the President believes
584
00:30:05,066 --> 00:30:07,500
and I think what has been
demonstrated again and again
585
00:30:07,500 --> 00:30:09,967
by his policy decisions and his
statements on these issues.
586
00:30:09,967 --> 00:30:12,200
The President oversaw a
process to review our policy
587
00:30:12,200 --> 00:30:14,166
in Afghanistan and in the Af-Pak
region precisely
588
00:30:14,166 --> 00:30:17,966
because the circumstances
with regards to that policy
589
00:30:17,967 --> 00:30:23,300
when he took office
were in disarray.
590
00:30:23,300 --> 00:30:26,567
And I think that was
attested to by many people.
591
00:30:26,567 --> 00:30:32,000
There was a need to refocus our
strategy in Afghanistan to --
592
00:30:32,000 --> 00:30:33,400
I think Secretary Gates
says this --
593
00:30:33,400 --> 00:30:34,400
again, I haven't read the book
594
00:30:34,400 --> 00:30:35,800
but I've read some
accounts of it --
595
00:30:35,800 --> 00:30:38,966
says this somewhere that
it was a good thing to do --
596
00:30:38,967 --> 00:30:41,166
one of the right decisions
that Secretary Gates
597
00:30:41,166 --> 00:30:44,000
talks about the President
making on Afghanistan --
598
00:30:44,000 --> 00:30:47,500
to narrow the
mission, refocus it,
599
00:30:47,500 --> 00:30:49,900
make sure that it was clear
to our troops and our civilian
600
00:30:49,900 --> 00:30:53,467
leaders and our military
commanders what the mission was,
601
00:30:53,467 --> 00:30:55,266
because we owe that to them.
602
00:30:55,266 --> 00:30:57,734
The Press:
But it's obviously a very
serious charge to say that
603
00:30:57,734 --> 00:30:59,632
President Obama
was sending 30,000 troops
604
00:30:59,633 --> 00:31:02,500
into harm's way without
really believing in the mission.
605
00:31:02,500 --> 00:31:06,900
Why do you think that he
came to that conclusion then?
606
00:31:06,900 --> 00:31:09,834
Mr. Carney:
Again, I think you should
ask Secretary Gates or others
607
00:31:09,834 --> 00:31:12,100
about the meaning of
each sentence in his book.
608
00:31:12,100 --> 00:31:15,065
What I can tell you is that he
also wrote, as I noted earlier,
609
00:31:15,066 --> 00:31:17,367
about all the decisions
President Obama
610
00:31:17,367 --> 00:31:18,567
made on Afghanistan --
611
00:31:18,567 --> 00:31:21,033
"I believe Obama was right
in each of these decisions."
612
00:31:21,033 --> 00:31:24,166
He also says, "I believe the
President cared deeply about
613
00:31:24,166 --> 00:31:25,867
the troops and their families.
614
00:31:25,867 --> 00:31:28,332
I never doubted Obama's
support for the troops."
615
00:31:28,333 --> 00:31:30,834
And I think that's a sentiment
616
00:31:30,834 --> 00:31:32,600
that we all
recognize to be true.
617
00:31:32,600 --> 00:31:38,567
So the President,
as Commander-in-Chief,
618
00:31:41,166 --> 00:31:44,833
has to make
decisions about when
619
00:31:44,834 --> 00:31:47,767
and where we deploy
U.S. military forces,
620
00:31:47,767 --> 00:31:54,300
and he is extremely
conscious of the responsibility
621
00:31:54,300 --> 00:31:55,300
that that authority
bestows upon him
622
00:31:55,300 --> 00:32:00,265
and those who hold his office.
623
00:32:00,266 --> 00:32:02,867
And therefore,
he would not make decisions
624
00:32:02,867 --> 00:32:08,166
about surging U.S.
troops without a thorough debate
625
00:32:08,166 --> 00:32:12,567
of the policy objectives and
the options available to him
626
00:32:12,567 --> 00:32:14,133
to achieve those objectives,
627
00:32:14,133 --> 00:32:17,700
and a thorough debate
about what the proper focus
628
00:32:17,700 --> 00:32:18,934
of the mission ought to be.
629
00:32:18,934 --> 00:32:23,166
And I think that that process
produced a policy that,
630
00:32:23,166 --> 00:32:24,667
as Secretary Gates
and others have said --
631
00:32:24,667 --> 00:32:27,567
and Secretary Gates
was one of the co-authors,
632
00:32:27,567 --> 00:32:28,633
if you will, of the policy --
633
00:32:28,633 --> 00:32:31,867
that did just that:
refocused our mission;
634
00:32:31,867 --> 00:32:36,533
made it clear for our troops and
civilians in Afghanistan what
635
00:32:36,533 --> 00:32:41,934
the mission was about, why we
were in Afghanistan and why
636
00:32:41,934 --> 00:32:44,633
it was necessary to be clear
that we weren't staying
637
00:32:44,633 --> 00:32:47,734
in Afghanistan in a
combat mission forever.
638
00:32:47,734 --> 00:32:48,833
That was the
President's commitment
639
00:32:48,834 --> 00:32:49,834
to the American people,
640
00:32:49,834 --> 00:32:53,100
and he is upholding
that commitment.
641
00:32:58,400 --> 00:32:59,600
The Press:
On unemployment, Senator
Majority Leader Harry Reid
642
00:32:59,600 --> 00:33:00,766
yesterday indicating that
he wants the short-term bill
643
00:33:00,767 --> 00:33:03,400
as is and then is open
to talking about offsets,
644
00:33:03,400 --> 00:33:08,266
proposing the Republican plan
of taking it to his caucus for
645
00:33:08,266 --> 00:33:13,400
a longer-term extension of
long-term unemployment benefits.
646
00:33:13,400 --> 00:33:15,967
And as I understand it,
that's something that has come
647
00:33:15,967 --> 00:33:17,834
to in consultation
with the White House.
648
00:33:17,834 --> 00:33:20,800
There's a feeling that you
all are on the same page,
649
00:33:20,800 --> 00:33:22,934
so correct me if
I'm wrong on that.
650
00:33:22,934 --> 00:33:24,834
How open are you
to discussing offsets,
651
00:33:24,834 --> 00:33:27,767
and what type of offsets
are you thinking?
652
00:33:27,767 --> 00:33:29,400
Mr. Carney:
Well, as I said
yesterday, Brianna,
653
00:33:29,400 --> 00:33:32,066
we believe the House --
the Senate ought to continue
654
00:33:32,066 --> 00:33:35,000
its deliberation on this
matter and pass the three-month
655
00:33:35,000 --> 00:33:38,166
extension without offsets
of this emergency assistance.
656
00:33:38,166 --> 00:33:39,500
The House ought
to follow suit --
657
00:33:39,500 --> 00:33:43,300
it has been done before
by previous Congresses
658
00:33:43,300 --> 00:33:45,300
and previous administrations,
659
00:33:45,300 --> 00:33:46,800
Republican and Democratic --
660
00:33:46,800 --> 00:33:48,767
because it's the
right thing to do.
661
00:33:48,767 --> 00:33:50,533
And because this is not --
662
00:33:50,533 --> 00:33:54,466
the kinds of debates about
how you put a longer-term policy
663
00:33:54,467 --> 00:34:02,400
together and what that
looks like take time,
664
00:34:02,400 --> 00:34:05,033
for one thing,
and the families who had their
665
00:34:05,033 --> 00:34:09,333
assistance cut off last week
don't have the luxury of time.
666
00:34:09,333 --> 00:34:12,033
The Press:
But I'm asking about
the long-term --
667
00:34:12,033 --> 00:34:14,467
Mr. Carney:
Well, look, what I said
yesterday holds true today,
668
00:34:14,467 --> 00:34:17,533
which is that we firmly believe
that Congress ought to pass
669
00:34:17,533 --> 00:34:21,799
the bill that is currently
being considered in the Senate,
670
00:34:21,800 --> 00:34:26,734
a three-month extension,
and we are happy to discuss
671
00:34:26,734 --> 00:34:32,132
with Congress how to move
forward beyond the three months.
672
00:34:32,132 --> 00:34:34,766
But they have to take
care of these families.
673
00:34:34,766 --> 00:34:35,766
They used to.
674
00:34:35,766 --> 00:34:37,533
They did in the
past, Republicans,
675
00:34:37,533 --> 00:34:45,400
and they did so 14 out of
17 times without offsets.
676
00:34:45,400 --> 00:34:51,700
This kind of assistance is
obviously beneficial
677
00:34:51,699 --> 00:34:55,799
and a lifeline to
many millions of Americans --
678
00:34:55,800 --> 00:34:58,333
1.3 million in this
case with those who were cut off
679
00:34:58,333 --> 00:35:02,834
and their families -- but
it's also beneficial directly,
680
00:35:02,834 --> 00:35:05,933
economists have told us,
681
00:35:05,934 --> 00:35:08,800
to the economy, because this is
the kind of funding that goes
682
00:35:08,800 --> 00:35:14,100
directly back into the economy
and then it spurs economic
683
00:35:14,100 --> 00:35:15,933
growth and job creation.
684
00:35:15,934 --> 00:35:19,066
So we hope the House will --
685
00:35:19,066 --> 00:35:20,633
the Senate will complete
its work and the House
686
00:35:20,633 --> 00:35:22,366
will take similar action.
687
00:35:22,367 --> 00:35:25,433
And as we said yesterday
and Gene said the day before,
688
00:35:25,433 --> 00:35:28,200
we're of course willing
to have conversations
689
00:35:28,200 --> 00:35:29,834
about what further --
690
00:35:29,834 --> 00:35:33,200
The Press:
But you won't have those
until the short-term
691
00:35:33,200 --> 00:35:35,700
is passed and you won't
say what kind of offsets
692
00:35:35,700 --> 00:35:37,700
you might be amenable to?
693
00:35:37,700 --> 00:35:39,933
Mr. Carney:
We want to see Congress
act on the three-month,
694
00:35:39,934 --> 00:35:42,533
short-term extension
of emergency benefits.
695
00:35:42,533 --> 00:35:46,700
We are absolutely willing to
listen and have conversations
696
00:35:46,700 --> 00:35:50,165
about how we move forward
beyond the three months.
697
00:35:50,166 --> 00:35:52,133
But this is, again,
not an esoteric debate.
698
00:35:52,133 --> 00:35:54,633
There are families who are
without this assistance
699
00:35:54,633 --> 00:35:58,433
who fear they will not
see that assistance renewed,
700
00:35:58,433 --> 00:36:02,433
and in many cases rely on
that assistance to put food
701
00:36:02,433 --> 00:36:05,500
on the table and to pay
their gas and electric bills,
702
00:36:05,500 --> 00:36:10,166
which are challenging
in parts of the country now
703
00:36:10,166 --> 00:36:12,767
because of the severe cold.
704
00:36:12,767 --> 00:36:14,133
Tamara.
705
00:36:14,133 --> 00:36:17,399
The Press:
One of the senators that
was -- Republican senators
706
00:36:17,400 --> 00:36:19,767
who was critical to this
cloture happening yesterday,
707
00:36:19,767 --> 00:36:23,966
Rob Portman, was on
the floor recently and said
708
00:36:23,967 --> 00:36:26,834
that it was very important
to him that there be offsets,
709
00:36:26,834 --> 00:36:30,966
and he proposed two that would
cover the short-term extension,
710
00:36:30,967 --> 00:36:32,767
which he says were
things that were proposed
711
00:36:32,767 --> 00:36:34,399
in the President's budget:
712
00:36:34,400 --> 00:36:37,400
no double dipping on SSI
and unemployment benefits,
713
00:36:37,400 --> 00:36:40,066
and some reforms
to unemployment benefits
714
00:36:40,066 --> 00:36:42,299
that apparently the
President has proposed before.
715
00:36:42,300 --> 00:36:45,200
So are these
unreasonable proposals?
716
00:36:45,200 --> 00:36:47,734
Mr. Carney:
Again, when it comes to
the absolute necessity
717
00:36:47,734 --> 00:36:52,799
to pass a bill that would
extend emergency assistance
718
00:36:52,800 --> 00:36:55,667
to these 1.3 million Americans
and their families,
719
00:36:55,667 --> 00:36:59,467
our position is clear:
Congress ought to do it now;
720
00:36:59,467 --> 00:37:01,967
the bill that's in the Senate,
they should do it now.
721
00:37:01,967 --> 00:37:06,700
And looking in the
President's budget,
722
00:37:06,700 --> 00:37:14,066
which is a document that was
balanced and dealt with a number
723
00:37:14,066 --> 00:37:17,232
of issues and finding
items that you want
724
00:37:17,233 --> 00:37:20,233
to apply here or apply there --
725
00:37:20,233 --> 00:37:24,333
there's time for discussion
about how we pay for things.
726
00:37:24,333 --> 00:37:26,934
If you remember,
in the President's budget
727
00:37:26,934 --> 00:37:28,100
that's balanced,
728
00:37:28,100 --> 00:37:32,100
it was a balance between
revenues and savings.
729
00:37:32,100 --> 00:37:33,433
That's the approach
he's always taken.
730
00:37:33,433 --> 00:37:36,667
It's the approach he believes
that has helped lead us
731
00:37:36,667 --> 00:37:37,933
out of this recovery,
732
00:37:37,934 --> 00:37:40,500
helped create the sustained
economic growth we've seen,
733
00:37:40,500 --> 00:37:43,100
helped create the sustained
job creation we've seen,
734
00:37:43,100 --> 00:37:46,967
and helped bring about
the dramatic deficit
735
00:37:46,967 --> 00:37:47,967
reduction we've seen.
736
00:37:47,967 --> 00:37:49,900
But we need to do more
737
00:37:49,900 --> 00:37:51,600
and we need to be focused
on economic growth.
738
00:37:51,600 --> 00:37:53,299
We need to be focused
on middle-class families.
739
00:37:53,300 --> 00:37:56,734
We need to be focused on those
families and those Americans
740
00:37:56,734 --> 00:38:00,266
who are looking for work
and need this assistance.
741
00:38:00,266 --> 00:38:02,767
They're not any different
from the Americans who needed
742
00:38:02,767 --> 00:38:05,165
that assistance in the
previous administration,
743
00:38:05,166 --> 00:38:07,800
when President Bush
signed extensions
744
00:38:07,800 --> 00:38:12,700
of the assistance
without offsets.
745
00:38:12,700 --> 00:38:16,834
They're the same kinds
of people and they deserve
746
00:38:16,834 --> 00:38:20,734
the same kind of treatment
from Washington, from Congress,
747
00:38:20,734 --> 00:38:22,333
from both parties.
748
00:38:22,333 --> 00:38:24,934
The Press:
Were there any assurances
made to the Republican
749
00:38:24,934 --> 00:38:26,867
senators who the
President or others
750
00:38:26,867 --> 00:38:29,934
in the administration
spoke to about any changes
751
00:38:29,934 --> 00:38:34,567
to the unemployment program
or offsets in later discussions,
752
00:38:34,567 --> 00:38:37,266
or any assurances at all?
753
00:38:37,266 --> 00:38:39,834
Mr. Carney:
Well, as I said, I'm
not reading out individual
754
00:38:39,834 --> 00:38:44,165
conversations that the President
has had with lawmakers.
755
00:38:44,166 --> 00:38:46,133
But I can tell you that
in the conversations
756
00:38:46,133 --> 00:38:47,600
he and others have had,
757
00:38:47,600 --> 00:38:49,200
we've made clear
what our view is:
758
00:38:49,200 --> 00:38:50,366
We ought to pass this;
759
00:38:50,367 --> 00:38:53,133
we ought to take care of
these Americans; we ought to,
760
00:38:53,133 --> 00:38:58,232
in doing so, appreciate
the positive economic effect
761
00:38:58,233 --> 00:39:00,100
that extending these
benefits would have.
762
00:39:00,100 --> 00:39:02,600
And we are open
to then having discussions
763
00:39:02,600 --> 00:39:07,000
about how to move forward
for a full-year extension.
764
00:39:07,000 --> 00:39:10,433
But beyond that, I don't
have more to read out.
765
00:39:10,433 --> 00:39:12,533
Bill.
766
00:39:12,533 --> 00:39:15,100
The Press:
On the Afghan
surge, Gates writes,
767
00:39:15,100 --> 00:39:17,500
"The President doesn't
believe in his own strategy
768
00:39:17,500 --> 00:39:20,266
and doesn't consider
the war to be his.
769
00:39:20,266 --> 00:39:22,133
For him, it's all
about getting out".
770
00:39:22,133 --> 00:39:27,366
Given that there's a copy
of the book floating around,
771
00:39:27,367 --> 00:39:29,567
has the President been
made aware of that?
772
00:39:29,567 --> 00:39:32,100
Is there a reaction to it?
773
00:39:32,100 --> 00:39:34,667
Mr. Carney:
Well, I think there are numerous
press reports about the book.
774
00:39:34,667 --> 00:39:37,000
I don't know whether
the President read them.
775
00:39:37,000 --> 00:39:40,834
What I can tell you is that
the statement that we put out
776
00:39:40,834 --> 00:39:42,834
and the statements I've made
today about the President's
777
00:39:42,834 --> 00:39:45,500
appreciation for Secretary
Gates's service reflect
778
00:39:45,500 --> 00:39:47,266
the President's views.
779
00:39:47,266 --> 00:39:48,567
Generally, when I speak
for the President,
780
00:39:48,567 --> 00:39:49,867
I don't do it by osmosis.
781
00:39:49,867 --> 00:39:52,433
I do it because I know
what his views are.
782
00:39:55,300 --> 00:39:56,300
The Press:
Generally?
783
00:39:56,300 --> 00:39:58,300
[laughter]
784
00:40:00,133 --> 00:40:01,433
Mr. Carney:
Good catch.
785
00:40:01,433 --> 00:40:03,433
Must be the beard.
786
00:40:05,633 --> 00:40:09,866
Again, I can't analyze every
sentence of a book
787
00:40:09,867 --> 00:40:13,233
that I haven't read, but I've
read press reports of it.
788
00:40:13,233 --> 00:40:14,200
I know that --
789
00:40:14,200 --> 00:40:15,200
The Press:
Has the President read it?
790
00:40:15,200 --> 00:40:16,200
Mr. Carney:
No, he has not read it.
791
00:40:16,200 --> 00:40:17,567
The Press:
Will he read it?
792
00:40:17,567 --> 00:40:18,967
Mr. Carney:
I haven't asked him.
793
00:40:18,967 --> 00:40:19,967
The Press:
Did you give it to him?
794
00:40:19,967 --> 00:40:21,133
Is it on his desk?
795
00:40:21,133 --> 00:40:22,433
Mr. Carney:
He doesn't have my copy.
796
00:40:22,433 --> 00:40:23,500
[laughter]
797
00:40:23,500 --> 00:40:28,133
But what I can say --
again, I can't analyze
798
00:40:28,133 --> 00:40:30,899
or interpret for you
every sentence of this book,
799
00:40:30,900 --> 00:40:33,100
even if I had read it all.
800
00:40:33,100 --> 00:40:36,133
What I can tell you is that
the President believes we ought
801
00:40:36,133 --> 00:40:42,133
to wind down and end the war in
Afghanistan is not a revelation.
802
00:40:44,166 --> 00:40:48,166
It was his stated commitment
to the American people.
803
00:40:48,166 --> 00:40:51,266
So that is why, as part
of his policy review,
804
00:40:51,266 --> 00:40:58,600
he insisted that we both surge
troops and set a date for the
805
00:40:58,600 --> 00:41:01,266
beginning of a drawdown
and for the completion
806
00:41:01,266 --> 00:41:03,667
of that drawdown
at the end of 2014.
807
00:41:03,667 --> 00:41:07,433
That's the policy we are
continuing to implement.
808
00:41:07,433 --> 00:41:12,734
And it is fully in keeping with
the President's publicly stated
809
00:41:12,734 --> 00:41:14,567
views and commitments.
810
00:41:14,567 --> 00:41:17,467
The Press:
What's the purpose of
tomorrow's NSA discussion
811
00:41:17,467 --> 00:41:19,367
with leaders in Congress?
812
00:41:19,367 --> 00:41:24,867
He's not still seeking
information from them, is he?
813
00:41:24,867 --> 00:41:30,233
Mr. Carney:
I know he wants to hear
from them to discuss with them
814
00:41:30,233 --> 00:41:36,767
the status of his
review, which is ongoing.
815
00:41:36,767 --> 00:41:42,633
The Review Group's report was
publicly released, as you know,
816
00:41:42,633 --> 00:41:45,899
so everybody has had
a chance to digest that.
817
00:41:45,900 --> 00:41:48,934
The President certainly
has spent time with it,
818
00:41:48,934 --> 00:41:53,266
and as we've said, he believes,
with the exception of the one
819
00:41:53,266 --> 00:41:55,667
recommendation on which a
decision has already been made,
820
00:41:55,667 --> 00:42:01,633
a personnel issue, he wants
serious consideration of every
821
00:42:01,633 --> 00:42:03,033
recommendation from
the Review Group.
822
00:42:03,033 --> 00:42:05,633
But there are other pieces
of the overall review
823
00:42:05,633 --> 00:42:06,866
that are ongoing.
824
00:42:06,867 --> 00:42:10,367
And, as you know, when the
President has made decisions
825
00:42:10,367 --> 00:42:15,500
about what recommendations
he will call for implementing
826
00:42:15,500 --> 00:42:18,667
and what he will want
to further review,
827
00:42:18,667 --> 00:42:22,133
and what he may decide
we should not pursue,
828
00:42:22,133 --> 00:42:23,466
he's going to speak about.
829
00:42:23,467 --> 00:42:26,734
And that will happen before
the State of the Union address.
830
00:42:26,734 --> 00:42:28,866
The Press:
Jay, on your point about
the book a moment ago with Bill
831
00:42:28,867 --> 00:42:31,734
that you can't focus on every
line in here and analyze it,
832
00:42:31,734 --> 00:42:34,533
then why in the statement
last night did the White House
833
00:42:34,533 --> 00:42:36,366
not refute any of the
allegations against the
834
00:42:36,367 --> 00:42:39,333
President, but went out of your
way to defend the Vice President
835
00:42:39,333 --> 00:42:41,867
and analyze at least
that part of the book?
836
00:42:41,867 --> 00:42:44,266
And when you said to Chuck
their relationship is great,
837
00:42:44,266 --> 00:42:46,700
he relies on him --
we've heard that before.
838
00:42:46,700 --> 00:42:54,433
Why if it's such a strong
relationship do you have to go
839
00:42:54,433 --> 00:42:55,433
out of your way to defend him?
840
00:42:55,433 --> 00:42:57,133
Mr. Carney:
It might be because the press
841
00:42:57,133 --> 00:42:59,066
constantly asks
in response to --
842
00:42:59,066 --> 00:43:02,734
The Press:
Well, we also asked about
the allegations against
843
00:43:02,734 --> 00:43:07,767
the President and that statement
did not address it, is my point.
844
00:43:07,767 --> 00:43:09,567
Mr. Carney:
Again, this was in response
to a single sentence
845
00:43:09,567 --> 00:43:11,166
that made a categorical
statement of opinion by
846
00:43:11,166 --> 00:43:15,600
Secretary Gates about the Vice
President and his views that
847
00:43:15,600 --> 00:43:19,299
in that case we could
say clearly that the President
848
00:43:19,300 --> 00:43:20,934
disagrees with that.
849
00:43:20,934 --> 00:43:22,367
The Press:
On the lunch with
the Vice President,
850
00:43:22,367 --> 00:43:25,767
you let the photographers in and
that is a great positive step,
851
00:43:25,767 --> 00:43:27,767
but you did not let
any reporters in.
852
00:43:27,767 --> 00:43:30,299
And we see this more and more,
that you seem to think giving
853
00:43:30,300 --> 00:43:32,133
more access is letting
photographers in --
854
00:43:32,133 --> 00:43:33,399
which we support --
855
00:43:33,400 --> 00:43:35,033
but we can't have
anybody shout a question,
856
00:43:35,033 --> 00:43:36,366
we can't have --
if the President wants
857
00:43:36,367 --> 00:43:37,600
to defend the Vice President --
858
00:43:37,600 --> 00:43:38,667
Mr. Carney:
He doesn't.
859
00:43:38,667 --> 00:43:40,133
Ed, can I tell you,
we let photographers in
860
00:43:40,133 --> 00:43:41,700
because he knows
he doesn't need to.
861
00:43:41,700 --> 00:43:44,567
We let photographers in because
we've had an ongoing discussion
862
00:43:44,567 --> 00:43:46,934
about access for photographers.
863
00:43:46,934 --> 00:43:49,800
And I thought that
was a good thing.
864
00:43:49,800 --> 00:43:50,800
The Press:
And we have an
ongoing discussion
865
00:43:50,800 --> 00:43:52,066
with reporters as well, though.
866
00:43:52,066 --> 00:43:53,533
You're leaving out that we've
had an ongoing discussion.
867
00:43:53,533 --> 00:43:54,799
Mr. Carney:
And you're leaving
out that word for word,
868
00:43:54,800 --> 00:43:56,066
minute for minute,
question for question,
869
00:43:56,066 --> 00:43:57,232
this President has answered
more questions from the free
870
00:43:57,233 --> 00:43:58,533
and independent press,
or at least as many
871
00:43:58,533 --> 00:44:00,232
as his immediate predecessors,
which we've discussed.
872
00:44:00,233 --> 00:44:01,567
The Press:
So why not today?
873
00:44:01,567 --> 00:44:03,300
Mr. Carney:
Well, I don't know of
any President in history
874
00:44:03,300 --> 00:44:04,834
who's taken questions every day.
875
00:44:04,834 --> 00:44:05,834
The Press:
Not every day.
876
00:44:05,834 --> 00:44:06,966
He hasn't taken
a question since, what,
877
00:44:06,967 --> 00:44:08,367
was it December 20th,
the last press conference?
878
00:44:08,367 --> 00:44:10,333
Mr. Carney:
Well you and he were
away for quite some time.
879
00:44:10,333 --> 00:44:11,333
The Press:
Yes, absolutely.
880
00:44:11,333 --> 00:44:12,734
But it's been a long time.
881
00:44:12,734 --> 00:44:13,933
Mr. Carney:
I'm sure he'll be taking
questions, Ed, again soon.
882
00:44:13,934 --> 00:44:15,700
The Press:
We're looking forward to that.
883
00:44:15,700 --> 00:44:17,200
Okay, two other quick things.
884
00:44:17,200 --> 00:44:19,600
You've stressed the President's
commitment to the mission
885
00:44:19,600 --> 00:44:21,467
in Afghanistan, given the book.
886
00:44:21,467 --> 00:44:23,900
Senators Graham and McCain just
came back from Afghanistan.
887
00:44:23,900 --> 00:44:26,734
They spoke to President
Karzai and they claim
888
00:44:26,734 --> 00:44:29,500
that President Obama has
not spoken to President Karzai
889
00:44:29,500 --> 00:44:30,934
since June or July.
890
00:44:30,934 --> 00:44:32,800
How is it that
the two leaders --
891
00:44:32,800 --> 00:44:34,266
if he's committed
to the mission,
892
00:44:34,266 --> 00:44:35,467
how could the two leaders,
893
00:44:35,467 --> 00:44:38,233
as you're negotiating
a status of forces agreement,
894
00:44:38,233 --> 00:44:41,200
how could the two leaders
not talk in months?
895
00:44:41,200 --> 00:44:43,299
Mr. Carney:
When did we go to South Africa?
896
00:44:43,300 --> 00:44:44,834
Mr. Earnest:
December 15th [sic].
897
00:44:44,834 --> 00:44:47,966
Mr. Carney:
Well, I was physically
in the presence
898
00:44:47,967 --> 00:44:49,700
of both Presidents
when President Karzai
899
00:44:49,700 --> 00:44:51,899
and President Obama
exchanged greetings.
900
00:44:51,900 --> 00:44:54,033
The Press:
Great. But they had
a substantive discussion
901
00:44:54,033 --> 00:44:55,200
about the status of --
902
00:44:55,200 --> 00:44:56,366
Mr. Carney:
The President
and President Karzai
903
00:44:56,367 --> 00:44:58,734
have had discussions
in the past.
904
00:44:58,734 --> 00:45:03,000
There's not a lot of mystery
about our views on this document
905
00:45:03,000 --> 00:45:05,700
that was negotiated in good
faith and the need to sign it
906
00:45:05,700 --> 00:45:10,966
on the part of the
Afghan government.
907
00:45:10,967 --> 00:45:14,967
So we have robust and
constant communication
908
00:45:14,967 --> 00:45:16,066
with the Afghan government,
909
00:45:16,066 --> 00:45:20,033
both from Washington and
from our embassy in Kabul
910
00:45:20,033 --> 00:45:22,767
as well as through our
military commanders.
911
00:45:22,767 --> 00:45:29,633
The Press:
When was the last time
the President spoke to
912
00:45:29,633 --> 00:45:32,366
the lead U.S. commander
in Afghanistan?
913
00:45:32,367 --> 00:45:33,800
Mr. Carney:
I'll have to take the question.
914
00:45:33,800 --> 00:45:35,200
I don't --
915
00:45:35,200 --> 00:45:36,399
The Press:
We're in a war footing
right now and you don't know
916
00:45:36,400 --> 00:45:38,233
the last time he spoke
to the commanding general?
917
00:45:38,233 --> 00:45:39,767
Mr. Carney:
I'll have to take
the question, Ed.
918
00:45:39,767 --> 00:45:40,767
The Press: Okay.
919
00:45:40,767 --> 00:45:41,767
Mr. Carney:
Thank you.
920
00:45:41,767 --> 00:45:43,066
Yes, Jon.
921
00:45:43,066 --> 00:45:44,265
The Press:
Yesterday, the D.C.
public schools were open,
922
00:45:44,266 --> 00:45:45,166
as well as many other
inner-city schools were open,
923
00:45:45,166 --> 00:45:46,767
despite minus-20
degree wind chills.
924
00:45:46,767 --> 00:45:48,734
Some of the reasons that the
officials are giving
925
00:45:48,734 --> 00:45:51,933
is that this is the only
place young kids
926
00:45:51,934 --> 00:45:53,967
could actually
get two warm meals.
927
00:45:53,967 --> 00:46:00,433
On the 50th anniversary
of LBJ's War on Poverty,
928
00:46:00,433 --> 00:46:02,133
what does this
say about America,
929
00:46:02,133 --> 00:46:05,933
and how far do we
still need to come?
930
00:46:05,934 --> 00:46:07,867
Mr. Carney:
I think it says that
we've made progress --
931
00:46:07,867 --> 00:46:10,633
as those of you
who have read the report
932
00:46:10,633 --> 00:46:14,299
from the President's
Council of Economic Advisers
933
00:46:14,300 --> 00:46:16,266
know is our view and
the President's view;
934
00:46:16,266 --> 00:46:18,533
those of you who saw the
President's statement regarding
935
00:46:18,533 --> 00:46:21,567
the 50th anniversary of
President Johnson's
936
00:46:21,567 --> 00:46:27,066
War on Poverty know --
but that we have work to do.
937
00:46:27,066 --> 00:46:31,433
And the President is committed
to engaging in that work,
938
00:46:31,433 --> 00:46:37,433
because we need to provide
ladders of opportunity to
939
00:46:40,367 --> 00:46:45,600
Americans who are in poverty,
to those who are in the bottom
940
00:46:45,600 --> 00:46:50,165
rungs of the middle class,
who are struggling to pay their
941
00:46:50,166 --> 00:46:52,700
bills every day, every week.
942
00:46:52,700 --> 00:46:59,133
We need to provide the kind of
opportunity to our kids so that
943
00:46:59,133 --> 00:47:05,200
they can enjoy the
economic mobility
944
00:47:08,033 --> 00:47:13,100
that made this country
great and that made it
945
00:47:13,100 --> 00:47:16,533
an accepted fact about
the United States of America
946
00:47:16,533 --> 00:47:20,232
that no matter what
your circumstances,
947
00:47:20,233 --> 00:47:22,233
you could be anyone
and do anything.
948
00:47:24,066 --> 00:47:29,799
That is the heart of the
President's message
949
00:47:29,800 --> 00:47:35,400
that he delivered in
Anacostia in December.
950
00:47:35,400 --> 00:47:41,834
It is what animates
much of his deliberation
951
00:47:41,834 --> 00:47:46,366
about and policy decisions
about economic matters
952
00:47:46,367 --> 00:47:48,133
and strengthening
the middle class,
953
00:47:48,133 --> 00:47:50,000
creating opportunities
for those who strive
954
00:47:50,000 --> 00:47:51,300
for the middle class.
955
00:47:51,300 --> 00:47:52,433
And you will be
hearing the President
956
00:47:52,433 --> 00:47:55,367
talk about it again and again,
957
00:47:55,367 --> 00:48:02,266
as you have throughout
his history in public debate.
958
00:48:02,266 --> 00:48:04,133
The Press:
Jay, I'm wondering if you
could go beyond the written
959
00:48:04,133 --> 00:48:06,866
statement that you all put
out on the President's call
960
00:48:06,867 --> 00:48:08,200
to Chancellor Merkel.
961
00:48:08,200 --> 00:48:12,799
Did they discuss any further the
questions about eavesdropping
962
00:48:12,800 --> 00:48:14,734
on foreign leaders?
963
00:48:14,734 --> 00:48:16,967
Mr. Carney:
I don't have a further
readout on that.
964
00:48:16,967 --> 00:48:20,667
I believe the President made
the call because of her injury.
965
00:48:20,667 --> 00:48:24,866
The Press:
Do you know if he reached her on
a hard line or a mobile phone?
966
00:48:24,867 --> 00:48:25,867
[laughter]
967
00:48:25,867 --> 00:48:27,800
It's a serious question.
968
00:48:27,800 --> 00:48:30,767
Mr. Carney:
I believe the President
calls foreign leaders
969
00:48:30,767 --> 00:48:33,165
on a hard line.
970
00:48:33,166 --> 00:48:34,533
The Press: Thanks.
971
00:48:34,533 --> 00:48:36,266
Mr. Carney:
Yes, Connie.
972
00:48:36,266 --> 00:48:38,333
The Press:
There's still a lot of emphasis
973
00:48:38,333 --> 00:48:39,700
on
the Israeli-Palestinian issue.
974
00:48:39,700 --> 00:48:43,133
Does this administration believe
that all the other problems in
975
00:48:43,133 --> 00:48:47,966
the Middle East will be settled
if that issue is resolved?
976
00:48:47,967 --> 00:48:51,600
Mr. Carney:
I think that the need
to make progress on the
977
00:48:51,600 --> 00:48:57,033
Middle East peace process is
I think clear to the President,
978
00:48:57,033 --> 00:49:00,567
clear to his team, and it's why
Secretary Kerry and others
979
00:49:00,567 --> 00:49:05,900
at the President's direction
continue to work so hard on it.
980
00:49:05,900 --> 00:49:09,033
I don't think anybody would
agree with an assertion
981
00:49:09,033 --> 00:49:13,500
that resolving that conflict
resolves all conflicts,
982
00:49:13,500 --> 00:49:18,834
but it is certainly a very
important issue that merits the
983
00:49:18,834 --> 00:49:22,133
focus that Secretary Kerry and
the President and other members
984
00:49:22,133 --> 00:49:24,000
of his team are giving it.
985
00:49:24,000 --> 00:49:25,600
Steve.
986
00:49:25,600 --> 00:49:29,200
The Press:
Does the White House have
any concern that these
987
00:49:29,200 --> 00:49:33,265
growing al Qaeda enclaves
in Iraq and Syria could pose
988
00:49:33,266 --> 00:49:37,233
a direct threat to
U.S. security interests
989
00:49:37,233 --> 00:49:39,500
here or abroad
and could become
990
00:49:39,500 --> 00:49:43,100
a similar kind of thing
that we saw in Afghanistan
991
00:49:43,100 --> 00:49:45,366
before September 11th?
992
00:49:45,367 --> 00:49:50,066
Mr. Carney:
There is no question that
as the President's national
993
00:49:50,066 --> 00:49:52,232
security team and the
President make decisions about
994
00:49:52,233 --> 00:49:54,266
and assessments
about the threats
995
00:49:54,266 --> 00:49:55,600
against the United States,
996
00:49:55,600 --> 00:50:01,700
they are very focused on those
extremist groups and individuals
997
00:50:01,700 --> 00:50:05,834
and elements that have as
their objective doing harm
998
00:50:05,834 --> 00:50:08,200
to the United States and harm
to Americans and harm
999
00:50:08,200 --> 00:50:15,033
to our allies, and those who
are more local in their focus.
1000
00:50:15,033 --> 00:50:17,734
This is without -- I'm not
making a judgment about that,
1001
00:50:17,734 --> 00:50:19,866
but you can be sure that
in terms of the al Qaeda
1002
00:50:19,867 --> 00:50:26,834
presence in Iraq,
we are, as you know --
1003
00:50:26,834 --> 00:50:28,133
but that's how we
view these things.
1004
00:50:28,133 --> 00:50:33,799
And it is absolutely a higher
order of concern when we see
1005
00:50:33,800 --> 00:50:41,633
al Qaeda in a manifestation
that represents a threat
1006
00:50:41,633 --> 00:50:42,966
to the United States,
1007
00:50:42,967 --> 00:50:46,033
a threat to the American people
and a threat to our allies.
1008
00:50:46,033 --> 00:50:50,200
And I think that one thing that
all of us have observed
1009
00:50:50,200 --> 00:50:53,834
and learned over the years
since 9/11 and even prior to it
1010
00:50:53,834 --> 00:50:55,734
is that there has been --
1011
00:50:55,734 --> 00:50:59,165
there are evolutions and
developments in the nature
1012
00:50:59,166 --> 00:51:03,600
of these extremist
movements and their focus.
1013
00:51:03,600 --> 00:51:07,333
And it's important to be
knowledgeable and understanding
1014
00:51:07,333 --> 00:51:09,967
of the difference
between various groups
1015
00:51:09,967 --> 00:51:12,633
and their affiliations
and their objectives.
1016
00:51:12,633 --> 00:51:16,165
That's a broad statement,
not about Anbar province.
1017
00:51:16,166 --> 00:51:19,033
I think I've noted in the
past several days the military
1018
00:51:19,033 --> 00:51:23,933
assistance that we have been
working to provide the Iraq
1019
00:51:23,934 --> 00:51:28,233
government and the consultations
that we are undertaking with
1020
00:51:28,233 --> 00:51:31,100
Iraqi leaders, including
the Prime Minister and others,
1021
00:51:31,100 --> 00:51:35,400
on the essentially two-part
strategy that we believe
1022
00:51:35,400 --> 00:51:38,367
needs to be undertaken
and that we are seeing
1023
00:51:38,367 --> 00:51:39,800
the Iraqi government undertake,
1024
00:51:39,800 --> 00:51:44,266
which is one that is military
in nature and one that
1025
00:51:44,266 --> 00:51:50,266
is focused on reconciliation and
working with Sunni tribes and
1026
00:51:52,333 --> 00:51:57,633
others in the region to expel
al Qaeda from those cities
1027
00:51:57,633 --> 00:52:01,533
and territories because
the overwhelming majority
1028
00:52:01,533 --> 00:52:05,533
of the Iraqi people
do not support
1029
00:52:05,533 --> 00:52:09,667
and do not want
al Qaeda in their midst.
1030
00:52:09,667 --> 00:52:11,933
The Press:
The Vice President spoke again,
1031
00:52:11,934 --> 00:52:15,066
made some calls to
Iraq this morning.
1032
00:52:15,066 --> 00:52:18,265
Does the U.S. think that
Maliki could have done more
1033
00:52:18,266 --> 00:52:22,100
to forestall the rise of these
groups by reaching out more
1034
00:52:22,100 --> 00:52:25,232
to Sunnis in Iraq's
political process?
1035
00:52:25,233 --> 00:52:28,066
Mr. Carney:
This is a subject
that is an ongoing part
1036
00:52:28,066 --> 00:52:34,299
of the conversations
that we have with leaders
1037
00:52:34,300 --> 00:52:36,233
in the Iraqi government,
1038
00:52:36,233 --> 00:52:39,333
including Prime Minister Maliki.
1039
00:52:39,333 --> 00:52:42,433
In the call that he made
to the Prime Minister,
1040
00:52:42,433 --> 00:52:46,633
the Vice President encouraged
him to continue his outreach
1041
00:52:46,633 --> 00:52:49,033
to local, tribal,
and national leaders.
1042
00:52:49,033 --> 00:52:51,633
The Vice President also welcomed
the Council of Ministers'
1043
00:52:51,633 --> 00:52:55,033
decision to extend state
benefits to tribal forces killed
1044
00:52:55,033 --> 00:52:58,333
or injured in the fight against
the Islamic State of Iraq
1045
00:52:58,333 --> 00:52:59,967
and the Levant.
1046
00:52:59,967 --> 00:53:01,934
He also welcomed the
Prime Minister's statement
1047
00:53:01,934 --> 00:53:07,433
affirming that Iraqi elections
will occur as scheduled,
1048
00:53:07,433 --> 00:53:09,900
as well as the Prime Minister's
commitment to ensuring that
1049
00:53:09,900 --> 00:53:14,033
humanitarian aid is
reaching people in need.
1050
00:53:14,033 --> 00:53:16,866
The Vice President underscored
that America will support
1051
00:53:16,867 --> 00:53:20,900
and assist Iraq in its fight
against international terrorism.
1052
00:53:20,900 --> 00:53:22,734
Yes.
1053
00:53:22,734 --> 00:53:24,100
The Press:
Thanks, Jay.
1054
00:53:24,100 --> 00:53:28,866
Just to follow up, as for Syria,
the fighting we see and we hear
1055
00:53:28,867 --> 00:53:32,734
about between ISIL and the
moderate rebels, who remain,
1056
00:53:32,734 --> 00:53:38,467
many of them, Islamists -- does
the administration know not only
1057
00:53:38,467 --> 00:53:44,867
if the aid to the rebels in
Syria goes to these moderate
1058
00:53:44,867 --> 00:53:46,834
still Islamist rebels?
1059
00:53:46,834 --> 00:53:49,466
Do you know?
1060
00:53:49,467 --> 00:53:51,533
Mr. Carney:
You're asking do we know
if the assistance is going
1061
00:53:51,533 --> 00:53:53,967
where we want it to go?
1062
00:53:53,967 --> 00:53:55,266
The Press:
The one -- yes, exactly.
1063
00:53:55,266 --> 00:53:58,834
And the ones fighting ISIL.
1064
00:53:58,834 --> 00:54:01,100
Mr. Carney:
Well, I don't know specifically
the answer to that question.
1065
00:54:01,100 --> 00:54:05,467
I can tell you, as we've
discussed over the months,
1066
00:54:05,467 --> 00:54:09,533
that we carefully evaluate
in the provision of assistance
1067
00:54:09,533 --> 00:54:14,667
where it's going, and obviously
want our assistance --
1068
00:54:14,667 --> 00:54:17,500
the humanitarian assistance
to go to the people
1069
00:54:17,500 --> 00:54:18,900
who need humanitarian
assistance,
1070
00:54:18,900 --> 00:54:21,033
the Syrian people
who are suffering,
1071
00:54:21,033 --> 00:54:24,433
and the other forms of
assistance to go into the hands
1072
00:54:24,433 --> 00:54:32,400
of those who have the desires
and hopes of the Syrian people
1073
00:54:32,400 --> 00:54:36,467
as their objective in their
efforts and their desire
1074
00:54:36,467 --> 00:54:40,367
for more democracy and freedom.
1075
00:54:40,367 --> 00:54:42,700
So I don't think
that view has changed.
1076
00:54:42,700 --> 00:54:44,200
I can't say if we know --
1077
00:54:44,200 --> 00:54:47,433
if you're talking about
a particular shipment or --
1078
00:54:47,433 --> 00:54:50,367
I mean, these are --
1079
00:54:50,367 --> 00:54:53,567
this process is carefully
vetted for the reasons
1080
00:54:53,567 --> 00:54:55,567
that I think underlie
your question.
1081
00:54:55,567 --> 00:54:56,834
The Press:
How can it be monitored?
1082
00:54:56,834 --> 00:54:58,734
How is it monitored,
these things?
1083
00:54:58,734 --> 00:55:00,433
Mr. Carney:
I think that's a
question best directed
1084
00:55:00,433 --> 00:55:04,000
to State and Defense in terms
of the mechanics of that.
1085
00:55:04,000 --> 00:55:05,400
But it is a concern.
1086
00:55:05,400 --> 00:55:08,166
As you know,
with regards to some aid,
1087
00:55:08,166 --> 00:55:11,300
it was suspended
in a part of the country
1088
00:55:11,300 --> 00:55:14,300
because of the situation
with a warehouse,
1089
00:55:14,300 --> 00:55:15,834
and that goes to the
heart of your question.
1090
00:55:15,834 --> 00:55:17,500
But that is a reflection
of the seriousness
1091
00:55:17,500 --> 00:55:18,800
with which we take these matters
1092
00:55:18,800 --> 00:55:23,066
and the need to get aid into
the hands of those in Syria
1093
00:55:23,066 --> 00:55:25,433
for whom it was meant.
1094
00:55:25,433 --> 00:55:26,433
Last one, Dan.
1095
00:55:26,433 --> 00:55:27,800
The Press:
Can I just follow up on that?
1096
00:55:27,800 --> 00:55:29,667
What was the result
of that investigation
1097
00:55:29,667 --> 00:55:30,967
in terms of the warehouse and --
1098
00:55:30,967 --> 00:55:34,600
Mr. Carney:
I'll have to direct
you to Defense for that.
1099
00:55:34,600 --> 00:55:36,033
I don't know.
1100
00:55:36,033 --> 00:55:37,433
The Press:
Is it possible to get a
list of the kinds of weapons
1101
00:55:37,433 --> 00:55:39,633
or the monetary level
of flow that is now
1102
00:55:39,633 --> 00:55:41,366
going to the opposition?
1103
00:55:41,367 --> 00:55:44,300
Mr. Carney:
I think that's going to be
a question for State or Defense.
1104
00:55:44,300 --> 00:55:46,266
Sorry, I missed you, Jared.
1105
00:55:46,266 --> 00:55:47,266
The Press: Thanks.
1106
00:55:47,266 --> 00:55:48,600
Two questions,
both timing things.
1107
00:55:48,600 --> 00:55:50,866
Is the President going to wait
to give this surveillance speech
1108
00:55:50,867 --> 00:55:54,467
until he gets the -- I think
it's two reports from PCLOB,
1109
00:55:54,467 --> 00:55:57,467
the Privacy and Civil
Liberties Oversight Board?
1110
00:55:57,467 --> 00:55:58,967
Mr. Carney:
The President, as you know,
1111
00:55:58,967 --> 00:56:01,433
meets with and has had
discussions with members
1112
00:56:01,433 --> 00:56:03,834
of that board
and others on this issue.
1113
00:56:03,834 --> 00:56:06,533
I'm not sure about the
timing of their review,
1114
00:56:06,533 --> 00:56:08,299
but he's certainly
in conversations
1115
00:56:08,300 --> 00:56:09,600
with them about their views.
1116
00:56:09,600 --> 00:56:12,900
So what we've said is that the
President will be making his
1117
00:56:12,900 --> 00:56:16,567
decision and talking
about them in remarks prior
1118
00:56:16,567 --> 00:56:19,033
to the State of the Union
address on January 28th.
1119
00:56:19,033 --> 00:56:21,033
I'm not sure about the
timing for that report,
1120
00:56:21,033 --> 00:56:24,933
but what I can tell you is the
the President has been and will
1121
00:56:24,934 --> 00:56:26,667
be fully briefed on their views.
1122
00:56:26,667 --> 00:56:28,600
The Press:
Do you have a timing
yet for the budget?
1123
00:56:28,600 --> 00:56:30,834
I know last year was
delayed a couple of weeks.
1124
00:56:30,834 --> 00:56:31,767
Mr. Carney:
I don't.
1125
00:56:31,767 --> 00:56:32,567
I don't have anything on that.
1126
00:56:32,567 --> 00:56:33,500
Thanks.
1127
00:56:33,500 --> 00:56:35,066
The Press:
Preview of tomorrow's event?
1128
00:56:35,066 --> 00:56:36,232
Mr. Carney:
We'll get something
for you on that.
1129
00:56:36,233 --> 00:56:37,300
I don't have anything for you.
1130
00:56:37,300 --> 00:56:38,233
The Press:
Thanks, Jay.
