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Mr. Gibbs:
Since we didn't have a chance to
do this at the end of last week,
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let me do a brief week ahead
on a couple of scheduling items.
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I think some of you may know,
but tomorrow the President will
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visit the National
Counterterrorism Center in
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Washington, D.C., where
he will deliver remarks.
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In the afternoon the President
will brief the bipartisan,
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bicameral leaders of Congress
and committee chairs and ranking
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members on our Afghanistan
review, here at the White House.
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On Wednesday the President will
award the National Medal of
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Science and National Medal of
Technology and Innovation in a
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ceremony here at
the White House.
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Later in the day the President
will meet with his national
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00:00:41,934 --> 00:00:45,064
security team on
Afghanistan and Pakistan.
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And then in the evening the
President will host 150 middle
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school students and
their science teachers,
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as well as astronomers,
astronauts,
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00:00:53,834 --> 00:01:02,504
and NASA staff to discuss
-- exhibit math and science education.
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On Thursday the President will
attend meetings here at the White House.
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On Friday the President will
attend meetings here in the
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White House, including a meeting
with his national security team
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on Afghanistan and Pakistan.
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On Saturday night the President
will deliver remarks at the
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Human Rights Campaign
national dinner at the
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Washington Convention Center.
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And with that --
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The Press:
Robert, the Friday meeting,
is that the third, then?
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Mr. Gibbs:
That would be the fourth.
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The Press:
The fourth, okay.
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Mr. Gibbs:
There was a mid-August meeting,
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in addition to last week's
meeting -- the meeting
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Wednesday, so Friday
will be the fourth.
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The Press:
Is the review with Congress,
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does that mean he has a
decision made already?
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Mr. Gibbs:
I'm sorry?
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The Press:
His review on Afghanistan
with members of Congress.
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Mr. Gibbs:
It's to walk them through
where we are in the process
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and solicit their views.
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The President has discussed
wanting to hear from all of
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those that are involved in this,
and certainly Congress plays a
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big role in this.
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Yes, sir.
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The Press:
On the military -- I'm sorry,
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00:02:02,500 --> 00:02:05,100
the militant attack in
Afghanistan that cost eight
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00:02:05,100 --> 00:02:07,530
U.S. soldiers their
lives over the weekend,
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does an incident like that --
how does an incident like that
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play into the President's
thinking about the strategy,
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if at all?
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Mr. Gibbs:
Well, look, obviously the
President and the First Lady
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send their condolences and are
deeply saddened by the combat
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deaths that we heard about in
Afghanistan over the weekend.
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Look, I think obviously the
event -- any event that happens
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in Afghanistan is part of the
backdrop of this assessment.
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I think it's important,
though, to understand that the
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assessment that's being
discussed does not envision more
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troops in outposts or places
like the one that was attacked
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over the weekend.
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In fact, very much the opposite
-- a strategy that is much more
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focused on population centers.
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But, look, obviously the number
of casualties -- America's best
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and brightest, the men and
women that serve our nation and
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protect our freedom each day,
our condolences go out to them.
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And I think it's important that
we make sure going forward that
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we get this right.
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The Press:
I'm sorry, so you're saying
that the strategy the President
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is now considering already envisions that there will be
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a focus on population centers?
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Mr. Gibbs:
No, no, understand that
months ago -- I think --
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I'd refer you to the DOD
statement and some tactical
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decisions that are
made at the Pentagon.
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But the DOD statement from over
the weekend mentions I think
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that several months ago it was
decided that outposts like this
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would -- that resources and
troops from those outposts would
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be brought into
population centers.
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The Press:
I also want to ask you
quickly on health care.
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Does the President think he can
get 60 votes in the Senate for
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the public option?
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Mr. Gibbs:
The President is, as you know,
based on the statement that we
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put out, encouraged about
the progress that the
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Finance Committee is making.
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They'll continue
their work this week.
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And the President thinks we
can get a strong piece of
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legislation that ensures
choice and competition.
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The Press:
Is he still working for that,
though, that element of it?
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Mr. Gibbs:
We're still working to
make sure that we have choice
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and competition in this
legislation, absolutely.
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The Press:
Why don't you
answer his question?
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(laughter)
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Mr. Gibbs:
We did this last week, Helen,
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and we did this week before
and the week before that,
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and the three or four
weeks before that, and I --
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The Press:
Why don't you
answer the question?
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Mr. Gibbs:
I did. I've answered
it each time.
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I just -- for some reason
it doesn't satisfy --
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The Press:
Anybody.
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Mr. Gibbs:
-- you on any given week.
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Well, that's fine.
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Chip, I think the same thing
sometimes when I watch the news.
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(laughter)
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Go ahead. One
can play that game.
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(laughter)
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The Press:
Swapping to a different topic.
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The President said on Friday
that the administration is
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looking at all measures
to boost employment.
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What are some of those
measures that we don't
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already know about?
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Mr. Gibbs:
Well, I think what the
President -- some of the
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things the President is talking
about there -- obviously there
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are a number of ideas that have
been implemented that are coming
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to a legislative end, whether
it is -- that have helped the
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economy, whether it is extending
certain unemployment benefits,
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whether we're looking at
the notion of extending some
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of the COBRA benefits.
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There's tax credits like
first-time homebuyers that have
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helped the economy.
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All of those are -- certainly
we've been working on for --
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with Congress for
quite some time.
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The Press:
But are there new measures
that are being studied,
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are there tax cuts,
for example, that
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The New York Times mentions?
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00:05:55,500 --> 00:05:59,400
Mr. Gibbs:
The economic team is certainly looking at and working on any
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way that we can
create more jobs.
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I don't have any
news on that today.
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The Press:
Has the President's feeling
about a second stimulus plan
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changed from skepticism to a
little bit more willingness?
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Mr. Gibbs:
No, I think we've said
all along that there were
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no plans for that; that we're
focused on, I think as many are,
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as we meet about half of the
Recovery Act money being spent,
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and we're focused on the
implementation of a piece of
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legislation that has clearly
cushioned the blow in terms of
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people that are either jobs
created or jobs saved,
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as well as economic activity,
that has lessened the pothole
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that our economy fell into.
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The Press:
Thanks, Robert.
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You were talking about a series
of meetings the President seems
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to be going through
painstakingly to make sure that
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all views are heard, different
options are on the table in Afghanistan.
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Are you concerned then that
General McChrystal went out and
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gave this speech a few days ago
in London and appears to be
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campaigning for a specific plan?
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00:07:07,500 --> 00:07:12,870
Is that helpful to keeping
different options on the table?
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00:07:12,867 --> 00:07:17,537
Mr. Gibbs:
General McChrystal is --
had a chance to spend time
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with the President on Friday.
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The President thought it was
a very constructive meeting,
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that General McChrystal was
doing through this assessment
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exactly what the President had
asked him to do when he hired
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him to go to Afghanistan
and assess where we were.
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The Press:
So he hired him to
go to Afghanistan.
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Why was he in London and not in
the battlefield with the troops?
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He was giving a speech.
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Mr. Gibbs:
I'm not in charge of the
schedule for each and every
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member of the military.
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The Press:
Is the President okay, then,
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with General McChrystal,
specifically when he was talking
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about a plan that many people
believe Vice President Biden is
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pushing, about --
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00:07:52,633 --> 00:07:54,103
Mr. Gibbs:
Well, there's a lot of --
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The Press:
Okay, well, let me
-- specifically --
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Mr. Gibbs:
-- seemingly, you know,
10 different conjectures
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of each one of your --
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The Press:
No -- no conjecture.
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He was talking about using
more drones and less of the
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counterinsurgency, which has
been tied to Vice President
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Biden, and General McChrystal
called that "Chaos-istan."
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Does the President
think that's helpful,
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00:08:08,667 --> 00:08:10,737
to refer to it as "Chaos-istan?"
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00:08:10,734 --> 00:08:14,234
Mr. Gibbs:
I don't know that the
President saw that --
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The Press:
Well, now that you've heard it,
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do you think that's helpful
to the Vice President?
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Mr. Gibbs:
I think regardless of, again,
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the many caveats
in your question --
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The Press:
It's not a caveat --
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Mr. Gibbs:
Let me -- if I can attempt to
-- if I could attempt to --
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The Press:
Well, but you were
changing the question,
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and that's not -- I
didn't have a caveat.
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He gave a speech where he said
-- he called it "Chaos-istan."
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Is that helpful?
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Mr. Gibbs:
What I'm saying is regardless
of the many caveats in your
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question and the different rumors that you guys try
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00:08:41,700 --> 00:08:45,130
to pick up, the
President believes that --
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The Press:
It's not a rumor, though.
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You can't keep
changing the premise.
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It's not a rumor.
He gave a speech.
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Mr. Gibbs:
I'm not changing the premise.
I'm trying to answer your question.
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The Press:
Okay.
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Mr. Gibbs:
I was actually in
the meeting, Ed.
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00:08:52,367 --> 00:08:54,897
I spent three hours
in the Situation Room.
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00:08:54,900 --> 00:08:56,500
I actually listened
to what happened.
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What I'm trying to tell you is
I think there was a positive
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discussion among all those
involved about an assessment and
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00:09:04,200 --> 00:09:06,800
going forward in how to
get the strategy right.
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I get that the Washington game
is to do the back-and-forth.
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I get that.
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00:09:12,633 --> 00:09:15,303
I know you're squinting at me as
if the lighting changed in the room.
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00:09:15,300 --> 00:09:16,330
The Press:
It's not a Washington game.
If you really heard --
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00:09:16,333 --> 00:09:17,733
Mr. Gibbs:
It is, and it's being
played well here.
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00:09:17,734 --> 00:09:18,964
The Press:
-- how all these people
hearing your views out --
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because you say you
want to get it right --
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Mr. Gibbs:
Yes, the President --
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The Press:
-- so why is one person
campaigning for just one plan?
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00:09:24,967 --> 00:09:27,797
Mr. Gibbs:
Because the General
made an assessment,
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00:09:27,800 --> 00:09:30,670
and we're going through
a series of decisions,
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including that assessment.
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That's what these
meetings are about, Ed.
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That's the process that the
President is going through in
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00:09:39,433 --> 00:09:42,133
meetings three and
four this week,
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00:09:42,133 --> 00:09:46,963
to try to get this strategy
right and to do it not based on
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00:09:46,967 --> 00:09:50,167
the back-and-forth or
rumors about this or that,
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but on what he thinks is best --
in the best national security
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advice and posture of the
United States of America,
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and how it can best protect us.
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That's what the President
is charged to do.
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00:10:02,166 --> 00:10:04,466
The Press:
On a separate issue, you
mentioned the President is
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00:10:04,467 --> 00:10:06,167
going to be speaking to the
Human Rights Campaign event
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00:10:06,166 --> 00:10:07,536
later this week.
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00:10:07,533 --> 00:10:10,203
Recently we saw this White House
issue an executive order banning
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federal employees
from text messaging.
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Why doesn't the President do
something similar with the
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issue of domestic
partnership benefits,
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00:10:18,300 --> 00:10:21,400
especially health care
and pension benefits?
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00:10:21,400 --> 00:10:22,830
Why not require --
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00:10:22,834 --> 00:10:24,404
Mr. Gibbs:
Well, the President --
the President has been
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00:10:24,400 --> 00:10:30,130
working -- I don't have an
update on -- but we talked about
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00:10:30,133 --> 00:10:35,203
that a few months ago, in terms
of extending some benefits.
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00:10:35,200 --> 00:10:37,300
I'd have to go back
and see sort of where --
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The Press:
But here he is campaigning
around the country for health
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00:10:38,700 --> 00:10:40,630
care reform -- the federal
government should take a step
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00:10:40,633 --> 00:10:42,933
that would be great interest
to the gay and lesbian --
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00:10:42,934 --> 00:10:45,164
Mr. Gibbs:
I'd have to get an update from
those guys on where we are on that.
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I just don't -- I
just don't know.
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The Press:
Following up on Afghanistan,
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00:10:48,400 --> 00:10:52,700
I think the point Ed is trying
to get at is that on --
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everybody else who was involved
in these discussions is going
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00:10:54,934 --> 00:10:59,204
along with the basic plan, which
is to do it quietly behind the scenes.
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And you've got one guy out there
pushing his position in public.
235
00:11:03,166 --> 00:11:04,266
Have you heard anybody
back there complain?
236
00:11:04,266 --> 00:11:05,266
(laughter)
237
00:11:05,266 --> 00:11:06,436
Mr. Gibbs:
I don't know if
that's the case --
238
00:11:06,433 --> 00:11:08,433
-- since I've seen a lot of your
stories that seem to purport to
239
00:11:08,433 --> 00:11:11,133
speak for different people
in the meetings. Look --
240
00:11:11,133 --> 00:11:13,633
The Press:
But you have General McChrystal
very aggressively pushing his
241
00:11:13,633 --> 00:11:15,533
stance in a speech
and the others are not.
242
00:11:15,533 --> 00:11:18,303
It's a quiet Situation
Room discussion.
243
00:11:18,300 --> 00:11:20,400
Mr. Gibbs:
I'm not sure I agree
with that assessment --
244
00:11:20,400 --> 00:11:23,370
The Press:
Well, let me ask you, have
you heard anybody back
245
00:11:23,367 --> 00:11:27,397
there complain or voice any
concern that General McChrystal
246
00:11:27,400 --> 00:11:29,100
is out there pushing
his position publicly?
247
00:11:29,100 --> 00:11:31,030
Mr. Gibbs:
No. I think the President
believes strongly that we
248
00:11:31,033 --> 00:11:36,363
have a process that is working,
that we ought to take the time
249
00:11:36,367 --> 00:11:38,597
to get this right.
250
00:11:38,600 --> 00:11:41,500
As you heard Secretary Gates
say more than a week ago,
251
00:11:41,500 --> 00:11:44,370
it has been since -- sometime in
the mid-'80s since we actually
252
00:11:44,367 --> 00:11:47,797
had a strategy to deal with a
country called Afghanistan.
253
00:11:47,800 --> 00:11:50,100
We ought to take some
time to get that right.
254
00:11:50,100 --> 00:11:51,830
Everybody is involved
in that process.
255
00:11:51,834 --> 00:11:54,364
The Press:
So if General McChrystal continues to go out and
256
00:11:54,367 --> 00:11:58,137
give speeches, very forcefully giving his point of view on
257
00:11:58,133 --> 00:12:01,003
that, that's fine with the
administration and with the President?
258
00:12:01,000 --> 00:12:02,970
Mr. Gibbs:
The President is comfortable with where we're at in this
259
00:12:02,967 --> 00:12:06,437
process, and how we're going
about getting that strategy right.
260
00:12:06,433 --> 00:12:08,733
The Press:
And in his meeting on
Air Force One with General
261
00:12:08,734 --> 00:12:11,104
McChrystal, he did not
in any way suggest that he
262
00:12:11,100 --> 00:12:12,270
should stop doing that?
263
00:12:12,266 --> 00:12:14,066
Mr. Gibbs:
The President had a very
constructive meeting about
264
00:12:14,066 --> 00:12:18,496
what's going on in Afghanistan,
not what's going on in
265
00:12:18,500 --> 00:12:19,600
-- on cable television.
266
00:12:19,600 --> 00:12:20,930
The Press:
So he didn't mention the speech?
267
00:12:20,934 --> 00:12:23,264
Mr. Gibbs:
I didn't -- I did not get
a full download from him,
268
00:12:23,266 --> 00:12:25,166
but that was not what
the meeting was about.
269
00:12:25,166 --> 00:12:26,996
The Press:
Well, yesterday, General
Jones said that it would
270
00:12:27,000 --> 00:12:29,430
be better if it went up
through the chain of command.
271
00:12:29,433 --> 00:12:31,233
Mr. Gibbs:
And I think General Jones
said he hadn't talked to
272
00:12:31,233 --> 00:12:32,563
the President about that either.
273
00:12:32,567 --> 00:12:33,737
The Press:
But from General Jones,
274
00:12:33,734 --> 00:12:37,234
was that a mild rebuke of
what McChrystal had done?
275
00:12:37,233 --> 00:12:40,233
Mr. Gibbs:
Far be it for me to parse the
words of a four-star general.
276
00:12:40,233 --> 00:12:42,233
The Press:
Also on Afghanistan, does
the recent violence we've
277
00:12:42,233 --> 00:12:43,703
seen, the deaths
over the weekend,
278
00:12:43,700 --> 00:12:46,300
does it have any bearing on how
quickly the President and his
279
00:12:46,300 --> 00:12:48,570
national security team make
this strategic assessment?
280
00:12:48,567 --> 00:12:50,437
Will it be sped up
because of urgency?
281
00:12:50,433 --> 00:12:52,063
Mr. Gibbs:
Well, again, let me --
I want to reemphasize the
282
00:12:52,066 --> 00:12:58,966
notion that -- as I said to Ben,
the assessment that's going on
283
00:12:58,967 --> 00:13:03,337
and the decision that's going to
be made wouldn't be about adding
284
00:13:03,333 --> 00:13:06,263
troops in areas like
where we saw attack.
285
00:13:06,266 --> 00:13:09,636
In fact, much of the strategy
is predicated on quite the
286
00:13:09,633 --> 00:13:12,463
opposite, and that is, as
General McChrystal has talked
287
00:13:12,467 --> 00:13:15,997
about, moving those troops
out of an area like that.
288
00:13:16,000 --> 00:13:23,030
The President and the team are
focused on ensuring that we hear
289
00:13:23,033 --> 00:13:25,903
from all sides both in dealing
with Afghanistan and in
290
00:13:25,900 --> 00:13:28,900
Pakistan, understanding that
part of what we can do to
291
00:13:28,900 --> 00:13:32,930
improve the security situation
along the region in Afghanistan
292
00:13:32,934 --> 00:13:36,504
where an attack like that
happened was to deal with safe
293
00:13:36,500 --> 00:13:38,670
haven areas in Pakistan.
294
00:13:38,667 --> 00:13:43,437
Obviously this was an area
that's just along the border.
295
00:13:43,433 --> 00:13:46,033
If there isn't a safe
haven in Pakistan,
296
00:13:46,033 --> 00:13:49,833
it's harder for any
attacks to come.
297
00:13:49,834 --> 00:13:52,664
And I think that's certainly
part of the focus.
298
00:13:52,667 --> 00:13:58,067
There's going to be a discussion
extensively on -- separately on
299
00:13:58,066 --> 00:14:02,166
both Afghanistan and Pakistan,
and not just the military side
300
00:14:02,166 --> 00:14:06,366
but some of the political and
economic things that have to
301
00:14:06,367 --> 00:14:07,737
happen on both sides.
302
00:14:07,734 --> 00:14:08,904
The Press:
On the job creation front,
303
00:14:08,900 --> 00:14:11,900
how soon can we expect to
see measures to promote job creation?
304
00:14:11,900 --> 00:14:13,900
You mentioned extending
unemployment benefits or COBRA
305
00:14:13,900 --> 00:14:15,170
benefits, but those aren't
really job creators. Can you --
306
00:14:15,166 --> 00:14:17,836
Mr. Gibbs:
Well, I think obviously -- no,
307
00:14:17,834 --> 00:14:20,264
those are -- but those are --
for those that have lost their
308
00:14:20,266 --> 00:14:25,936
jobs in this economic downturn,
those are extremely important.
309
00:14:25,934 --> 00:14:30,834
They're in the process of --
we're bumping up against some of
310
00:14:30,834 --> 00:14:34,634
the expirations of that, and the
President and the team have been
311
00:14:34,633 --> 00:14:37,263
working with Congress
on that for a while.
312
00:14:37,266 --> 00:14:38,766
The Press:
And following, how many
Republicans did he talk to
313
00:14:38,767 --> 00:14:40,567
over the weekend
about health care?
314
00:14:40,567 --> 00:14:42,097
Did he talk to Snowe or --
315
00:14:42,100 --> 00:14:44,470
Mr. Gibbs:
I don't know what his call
list was over the weekend.
316
00:14:44,467 --> 00:14:47,967
The Press:
Is pulling out of Afghanistan
part of the assessment?
317
00:14:47,967 --> 00:14:53,567
Mr. Gibbs:
No. In fact, the President was
-- the President was exceedingly
318
00:14:53,567 --> 00:15:01,167
clear that no part of the
conversation on -- no part of
319
00:15:01,166 --> 00:15:05,096
the conversation involved
was leaving Afghanistan.
320
00:15:05,100 --> 00:15:07,170
That's not something that
has ever been entertained,
321
00:15:07,166 --> 00:15:10,096
despite the fact that people
still get asked what happens if
322
00:15:10,100 --> 00:15:11,870
we leave Afghanistan.
323
00:15:11,867 --> 00:15:15,937
That's not a decision
that's on the table to make.
324
00:15:15,934 --> 00:15:17,764
The Press:
What does he think will happen?
325
00:15:17,767 --> 00:15:19,037
Mr. Gibbs:
What does he think will happen?
326
00:15:19,033 --> 00:15:20,303
The Press:
If we leave?
327
00:15:20,300 --> 00:15:23,030
Mr. Gibbs:
I don't think we have
the option to leave.
328
00:15:23,033 --> 00:15:26,033
I think that's quite clear.
329
00:15:26,033 --> 00:15:27,333
Yes, ma'am.
330
00:15:27,333 --> 00:15:31,033
The Press:
This is on the Virginia
governors' race.
331
00:15:31,033 --> 00:15:35,033
Given the increasing Republican
spending and the tightening of
332
00:15:35,033 --> 00:15:38,963
the race, does the White House
have any change in strategy,
333
00:15:38,967 --> 00:15:42,197
or are you, as it
might seem recently,
334
00:15:42,200 --> 00:15:45,600
pulling back a little bit from
endorsements in that race?
335
00:15:45,600 --> 00:15:50,100
Mr. Gibbs:
No, I would -- the President is
strongly supportive of Creigh Deeds.
336
00:15:50,100 --> 00:15:51,900
And in terms of
spending decisions,
337
00:15:51,900 --> 00:15:56,370
I've -- those obviously
are made at the DNC.
338
00:15:56,367 --> 00:15:58,367
I would direct you
toward them. But --
339
00:15:58,367 --> 00:16:00,137
The Press:
Does the President have
any appearances on Deeds'
340
00:16:00,133 --> 00:16:01,433
behalf, coming up?
341
00:16:01,433 --> 00:16:03,803
Mr. Gibbs:
I don't have a schedule
for later on in the
342
00:16:03,800 --> 00:16:05,870
month in front of me. Yes, sir.
343
00:16:05,867 --> 00:16:07,467
The Press:
Looking ahead to
this meeting tomorrow,
344
00:16:07,467 --> 00:16:10,767
how much weight in
reality do members of
345
00:16:10,767 --> 00:16:13,267
Congress have in this process?
346
00:16:13,266 --> 00:16:18,336
Mr. Gibbs:
Well, look, there's no
doubt that --particularly on
347
00:16:18,333 --> 00:16:20,803
funding, it's not
going to happen unless
348
00:16:20,800 --> 00:16:22,470
or until Congress signs off.
349
00:16:22,467 --> 00:16:25,137
I think the President wants
to hear from Democrats and
350
00:16:25,133 --> 00:16:27,203
Republicans, from members
of the Senate and the House,
351
00:16:27,200 --> 00:16:30,300
on what their viewpoints
are as it relates to
352
00:16:30,300 --> 00:16:31,830
Afghanistan and Pakistan.
353
00:16:31,834 --> 00:16:35,434
Obviously there's -- they're
an important part of this,
354
00:16:35,433 --> 00:16:37,333
and the President wants
to hear from them.
355
00:16:37,333 --> 00:16:40,863
The Press:
On the McChrystal approach,
356
00:16:40,867 --> 00:16:43,437
how does this going
public, the way he has,
357
00:16:43,433 --> 00:16:46,903
which is very unusual, fit with
the President's definition and
358
00:16:46,900 --> 00:16:49,470
concept for respect for
the chain of command?
359
00:16:49,467 --> 00:16:51,637
Mr. Gibbs:
Well, again, the President's comfortable with where the
360
00:16:51,633 --> 00:16:53,963
process is and how
it's moving forward.
361
00:16:53,967 --> 00:16:55,597
The Press:
I'm not asking you
about the process.
362
00:16:55,600 --> 00:16:58,970
I'm asking you about
McChrystal's very public --
363
00:16:58,967 --> 00:17:01,337
Mr. Gibbs:
A part of that is what
the President considers to
364
00:17:01,333 --> 00:17:03,103
be the process, which
is moving forward.
365
00:17:03,100 --> 00:17:05,830
The Press:
So does it contribute to the
process in a positive way, then?
366
00:17:05,834 --> 00:17:08,204
Mr. Gibbs:
I don't think it
detracts from it.
367
00:17:08,200 --> 00:17:10,170
The Press:
On the additional measures
-- you know, the COBRA,
368
00:17:10,166 --> 00:17:12,736
the extending unemployment tax,
the home buyer -- which one do
369
00:17:12,734 --> 00:17:15,004
you think has been most
effective in terms of stimulus
370
00:17:15,000 --> 00:17:17,230
and creating jobs?
371
00:17:17,233 --> 00:17:19,703
Mr. Gibbs:
Hans, I'm not an economist.
372
00:17:19,700 --> 00:17:24,770
Obviously, I think in terms
of -- as I said to Athena,
373
00:17:24,767 --> 00:17:27,867
I think when you've
lost your job,
374
00:17:27,867 --> 00:17:31,337
making sure that you have health
care is tremendously important.
375
00:17:31,333 --> 00:17:35,403
I think if you've lost your job
having extended and enhanced
376
00:17:35,400 --> 00:17:39,000
unemployment benefits are
tremendously important.
377
00:17:39,000 --> 00:17:42,470
Obviously, there has been
quite a bit of success in the
378
00:17:42,467 --> 00:17:44,367
first-time homebuyer's
tax credit.
379
00:17:44,367 --> 00:17:49,337
And I think overall, the
recovery plan has had a great
380
00:17:49,333 --> 00:17:51,103
and positive impact
on our economy.
381
00:17:51,100 --> 00:17:52,070
The Press:
But extending these things,
382
00:17:52,066 --> 00:17:54,096
you don't consider
that a second stimulus?
383
00:17:54,100 --> 00:17:55,270
Mr. Gibbs:
No.
384
00:17:55,266 --> 00:17:57,196
The Press:
Why not, though, if they
were in the first stimulus
385
00:17:57,200 --> 00:17:59,370
package -- some of these things
were included and then and you
386
00:17:59,367 --> 00:18:02,337
extend them, why is that not
a stealth second stimulus?
387
00:18:02,333 --> 00:18:05,463
Mr. Gibbs:
I appreciate the connotation.
388
00:18:05,467 --> 00:18:09,067
These are programs that are
designed to help people that
389
00:18:09,066 --> 00:18:11,336
have lost their jobs.
390
00:18:11,333 --> 00:18:14,633
And I don't think we would
consider continuing a program
391
00:18:14,633 --> 00:18:22,033
for people that lost their jobs
to be something other than just
392
00:18:22,033 --> 00:18:23,733
extending the current program.
393
00:18:23,734 --> 00:18:26,834
The Press:
But the homebuyer tax credit
in the first stimulus package,
394
00:18:26,834 --> 00:18:29,204
you guys extending it outside
of the -- it wouldn't be
395
00:18:29,200 --> 00:18:30,300
a second stimulus?
396
00:18:30,300 --> 00:18:32,430
Mr. Gibbs:
Again, decisions on
this haven't been made.
397
00:18:32,433 --> 00:18:37,003
I just was simply talking about
what people had been discussing
398
00:18:37,000 --> 00:18:40,400
with Congress, and programs
that are soon going to meet
399
00:18:40,400 --> 00:18:41,670
legislative deadlines.
400
00:18:41,667 --> 00:18:45,337
The Press:
All those things, you would not
consider that a second stimulus?
401
00:18:45,333 --> 00:18:47,503
Mr. Gibbs:
Despite the -- I'm sure
you'd want to scurry off
402
00:18:47,500 --> 00:18:49,400
and write that we were
planning a second stimulus,
403
00:18:49,400 --> 00:18:51,470
but that would be wrong.
404
00:18:51,467 --> 00:18:52,437
(laughter)
405
00:18:52,433 --> 00:18:53,563
The Press:
What would you call it, Robert?
406
00:18:53,567 --> 00:18:54,767
Mr. Gibbs:
What would I call what?
407
00:18:54,767 --> 00:18:56,497
The Press:
These ideas, the extensions.
408
00:18:56,500 --> 00:18:59,030
Mr. Gibbs:
Extensions. I thought
your term was good.
409
00:18:59,033 --> 00:19:00,363
The Press:
For how long?
410
00:19:00,367 --> 00:19:01,837
Mr. Gibbs:
I don't have --
411
00:19:01,834 --> 00:19:04,734
The Press:
2010 seems to be the
idea that's most --
412
00:19:04,734 --> 00:19:07,134
Mr. Gibbs:
I think that's certainly part
that's being bandied around
413
00:19:07,133 --> 00:19:11,263
in Congress, but I have not
seen the particular proposals.
414
00:19:11,266 --> 00:19:16,066
The Press:
And does the idea of an
extended unemployment
415
00:19:16,066 --> 00:19:20,696
insurance move -- should it tell
the country that based on what
416
00:19:20,700 --> 00:19:24,600
the White House economists see,
they just see a prolonged,
417
00:19:24,600 --> 00:19:27,000
as the President said Friday
"grind" through this recession
418
00:19:27,000 --> 00:19:31,200
and that joblessness is going
to remain a huge factor?
419
00:19:31,200 --> 00:19:36,430
And these unemployment insurance
benefits should be seen as not
420
00:19:36,433 --> 00:19:38,333
so much a stimulus, but a safety
net for people who are probably
421
00:19:38,333 --> 00:19:40,403
going to be out of jobs
for quite a long time?
422
00:19:40,400 --> 00:19:45,070
Mr. Gibbs:
Look, I think the program was
created to ensure a safety net.
423
00:19:45,066 --> 00:19:48,136
I don't think it does anybody
any good for somebody to both
424
00:19:48,133 --> 00:19:50,833
lose their jobs and lose any
wherewithal with which to
425
00:19:50,834 --> 00:19:53,934
provide for their families.
426
00:19:53,934 --> 00:19:59,034
I think doing something like
that would be counterproductive.
427
00:19:59,033 --> 00:20:00,663
The Press:
On Friday, in addition
to putting out the
428
00:20:00,667 --> 00:20:02,797
monthly Labor
Department numbers,
429
00:20:02,800 --> 00:20:06,230
the Labor Department also did a
12-month revision of what the
430
00:20:06,233 --> 00:20:11,633
unemployment data from March of
2009 going back one year was,
431
00:20:11,633 --> 00:20:15,603
finding 824,000 Americans
lost jobs more than
432
00:20:15,600 --> 00:20:17,770
they originally projected.
433
00:20:17,767 --> 00:20:19,937
That's not anything that was
necessarily on the Obama White
434
00:20:19,934 --> 00:20:23,564
House's watch, but does that add
to the sense that there is a
435
00:20:23,567 --> 00:20:25,897
greater unemployment
problem in this country,
436
00:20:25,900 --> 00:20:28,600
and needs a much deeper
sets of intervention?
437
00:20:28,600 --> 00:20:30,830
Mr. Gibbs:
I don't know that --
don't know the last time we
438
00:20:30,834 --> 00:20:34,164
looked at the -- I have the
picture in my mind of the graph
439
00:20:34,166 --> 00:20:41,736
of -- going from full employment
at the beginning of a recession
440
00:20:41,734 --> 00:20:48,664
-- I think we're now 21, 22
months into a recession.
441
00:20:48,667 --> 00:20:53,737
I think you see that the
downturn in our economy exceeds
442
00:20:53,734 --> 00:20:57,864
almost exponentially now the
rate and the depth of downturn
443
00:20:57,867 --> 00:21:03,537
that we've seen going back and
including probably the last,
444
00:21:03,533 --> 00:21:06,533
most difficult recession, that
being in the early 1980s.
445
00:21:06,533 --> 00:21:11,933
Look, I think there's no doubt
that the depth of the recession
446
00:21:11,934 --> 00:21:18,404
that we are in -- we know at the
beginning of the year was far
447
00:21:18,400 --> 00:21:23,300
greater than and far more dire
than virtually every economist
448
00:21:23,300 --> 00:21:26,030
predicted at the end
of the previous year.
449
00:21:26,033 --> 00:21:31,833
The President understands that,
and is working to implement the
450
00:21:31,834 --> 00:21:35,504
recovery plan in a way
that cushions that blow,
451
00:21:35,500 --> 00:21:37,500
and obviously, we've
talked about here,
452
00:21:37,500 --> 00:21:40,200
looking at different ways to
stimulate the economy again.
453
00:21:40,200 --> 00:21:41,730
The Press:
Does that different way
to stimulate the economy
454
00:21:41,734 --> 00:21:44,364
suggest that internally the
White House economic team now
455
00:21:44,367 --> 00:21:47,337
wonders if what has been put
forward so far equals the
456
00:21:47,333 --> 00:21:49,263
magnitude of this downturn?
457
00:21:49,266 --> 00:21:50,636
Mr. Gibbs:
Well, we always --
458
00:21:50,633 --> 00:21:51,563
The Press:
-- to address the magnitude?
459
00:21:51,567 --> 00:21:54,397
Mr. Gibbs:
Understand, we always talk
-- understand that when we
460
00:21:54,400 --> 00:21:58,330
were first meeting in late
January to discuss the recovery
461
00:21:58,333 --> 00:22:01,963
plan, we talked about the
notion that I think economists
462
00:22:01,967 --> 00:22:09,667
predicted over a two-year period
a $2 trillion dip in GDP that
463
00:22:09,667 --> 00:22:15,467
was to be addressed with an
almost $800 billion recovery plan.
464
00:22:15,467 --> 00:22:18,497
I don't think anybody -- we
never sold this as a dollar for
465
00:22:18,500 --> 00:22:23,200
dollar -- we were making up
dollar for dollar what we
466
00:22:23,200 --> 00:22:26,200
expected the dip in
the economy to be.
467
00:22:26,200 --> 00:22:30,130
Obviously, the downturn has
been exceedingly severe,
468
00:22:30,133 --> 00:22:33,803
probably unlike anything
that we've seen in anybody
469
00:22:33,800 --> 00:22:34,870
-- in our lifetimes.
470
00:22:34,867 --> 00:22:37,337
The Press:
Congress needs to work
on these extenders rapidly.
471
00:22:37,333 --> 00:22:39,003
The President would like to sign
them before any of these things
472
00:22:39,000 --> 00:22:39,870
expire, I presume.
473
00:22:39,867 --> 00:22:40,597
Is that correct?
474
00:22:40,600 --> 00:22:41,330
Mr. Gibbs:
Sure.
475
00:22:41,333 --> 00:22:42,133
The Press:
Same subject.
476
00:22:42,133 --> 00:22:43,533
Mr. Gibbs:
Yes.
477
00:22:43,533 --> 00:22:45,803
The Press:
The House has passed an
unemployment extension bill
478
00:22:45,800 --> 00:22:50,430
-- the Senate still has yet
to take up on the floor.
479
00:22:50,433 --> 00:22:53,133
Their -- apparently, their
reasoning is that they can't
480
00:22:53,133 --> 00:22:54,333
do both right now.
481
00:22:54,333 --> 00:22:56,103
They've got to focus
on health care,
482
00:22:56,100 --> 00:22:57,370
and then they'll
take care of --
483
00:22:57,367 --> 00:22:59,437
Mr. Gibbs:
Well, health care is not on the
floor, so I'm not sure how that
484
00:22:59,433 --> 00:23:00,803
-- how the rationale
of that would be.
485
00:23:00,800 --> 00:23:02,030
The Press:
No, no, no, I know.
486
00:23:02,033 --> 00:23:03,463
Yes, I realize that, but that
they said they want to focus on
487
00:23:03,467 --> 00:23:07,037
health care, get that on
the floor, and then later,
488
00:23:07,033 --> 00:23:09,463
down the road, take
care of UI extension.
489
00:23:09,467 --> 00:23:12,337
But some people are losing
their benefits right now.
490
00:23:12,333 --> 00:23:15,103
So do you think the
Senate can do both?
491
00:23:15,100 --> 00:23:17,670
Mr. Gibbs:
I think the Senate can do
both, and a lot more, sure.
492
00:23:17,667 --> 00:23:18,797
Yes.
493
00:23:18,800 --> 00:23:22,470
The Press:
You said that the President likes where you are right
494
00:23:22,467 --> 00:23:23,567
now with the review.
495
00:23:23,567 --> 00:23:25,267
Can you tell us where
you are on the review?
496
00:23:25,266 --> 00:23:27,166
What -- how would you
characterize what was
497
00:23:27,166 --> 00:23:29,266
accomplished in the
three hours last week,
498
00:23:29,266 --> 00:23:31,996
and what's the agenda for
Wednesday and Friday of this week?
499
00:23:32,000 --> 00:23:35,030
Mr. Gibbs:
I don't have an agenda
yet for Wednesday and
500
00:23:35,033 --> 00:23:36,463
Friday this week.
501
00:23:36,467 --> 00:23:41,337
Look, we -- as I talked about
last week and -- late last week,
502
00:23:41,333 --> 00:23:46,663
generally, we spent
most of the time,
503
00:23:46,667 --> 00:23:48,667
certainly part of the time,
getting an assessment,
504
00:23:48,667 --> 00:23:53,967
intelligence-wise, on the
environment in both Afghanistan
505
00:23:53,967 --> 00:23:58,167
and Pakistan, and then there was
a pretty robust discussion about
506
00:23:58,166 --> 00:24:03,236
that, and a discussion about
what has happened since the end
507
00:24:03,233 --> 00:24:07,403
of March; what have we seen that
has gone probably better than
508
00:24:07,400 --> 00:24:11,200
most had expected -- and when
I say "most had expected,"
509
00:24:11,200 --> 00:24:14,200
I mean in and out of
the administration.
510
00:24:14,200 --> 00:24:17,000
I think what we talked
about there was clearly the
511
00:24:17,000 --> 00:24:24,770
cooperation of the Pakistanis
in addressing threats has been
512
00:24:24,767 --> 00:24:26,997
something that has
been very positive.
513
00:24:27,000 --> 00:24:31,400
Obviously the things that
continue to be even more
514
00:24:31,400 --> 00:24:33,770
challenging are the security
situation in Afghanistan,
515
00:24:33,767 --> 00:24:40,737
as we see, as well as the fact
that we still don't have clarity
516
00:24:40,734 --> 00:24:46,004
around the elections
from several weeks ago.
517
00:24:46,000 --> 00:24:49,700
But I think that in
many ways encompassed
518
00:24:49,700 --> 00:24:52,900
most of the three hours.
519
00:24:52,900 --> 00:24:56,130
The Press:
How does this week help
you get closer to a decision,
520
00:24:56,133 --> 00:24:56,963
I guess I'm asking?
521
00:24:56,967 --> 00:25:00,467
I mean, I wonder what you're --
how you're making this decision.
522
00:25:00,467 --> 00:25:01,337
What's next?
523
00:25:01,333 --> 00:25:03,763
Mr. Gibbs:
Well, again, I think we're
going -- without having an
524
00:25:03,767 --> 00:25:07,437
agenda in front of me, and I'll
get some guidance for tomorrow
525
00:25:07,433 --> 00:25:11,903
in terms of what the likely
series of topics will be going
526
00:25:11,900 --> 00:25:19,370
into Wednesday's meeting, but my
sense is that we will begin to
527
00:25:19,367 --> 00:25:26,367
localize this week on each of
the two countries and how the
528
00:25:26,367 --> 00:25:28,867
security situation
and the governance
529
00:25:28,867 --> 00:25:31,667
situation plays out there.
530
00:25:31,667 --> 00:25:33,637
The Press:
What inning is the
assessment in, is it --
531
00:25:33,633 --> 00:25:34,833
Mr. Gibbs:
I'm sorry?
532
00:25:34,834 --> 00:25:38,264
The Press:
What inning is the
assessment in?
533
00:25:38,266 --> 00:25:40,236
Mr. Gibbs:
You haven't even gone for
your first beer yet, Chip.
534
00:25:40,233 --> 00:25:41,203
(laughter)
535
00:25:41,200 --> 00:25:42,030
Yes.
536
00:25:42,033 --> 00:25:44,133
The Press:
Two separate questions.
537
00:25:44,133 --> 00:25:46,533
First, can you just give us a
hint of what's coming tomorrow
538
00:25:46,533 --> 00:25:48,063
at the NCTC?
539
00:25:48,066 --> 00:25:50,736
What will the President
say in his remarks,
540
00:25:50,734 --> 00:25:51,464
what message --
541
00:25:51,467 --> 00:25:54,667
Mr. Gibbs:
Well, look, I think the
President is going to talk
542
00:25:54,667 --> 00:25:59,437
about the hard work that men and
women there do and what some of
543
00:25:59,433 --> 00:26:03,133
that work has done in
contributing to keeping our
544
00:26:03,133 --> 00:26:05,903
country safe for
the past many years,
545
00:26:05,900 --> 00:26:09,270
as well as events more recently.
546
00:26:09,266 --> 00:26:10,996
The Press:
And then on health care,
547
00:26:11,000 --> 00:26:13,930
you talked earlier about how the
President is working to ensure
548
00:26:13,934 --> 00:26:17,064
that choice and competition
are a part of the bill.
549
00:26:17,066 --> 00:26:20,436
And I'm wondering, is the
President examining some of the
550
00:26:20,433 --> 00:26:23,733
alternatives to the public
option that have been put forth,
551
00:26:23,734 --> 00:26:27,834
like the idea of a co-op or
perhaps a trigger for a public
552
00:26:27,834 --> 00:26:30,234
option, or leaving
it to the states?
553
00:26:30,233 --> 00:26:34,133
And is he and his advisors --
are you trying to determine
554
00:26:34,133 --> 00:26:37,433
whether or not those
alternatives would live up to
555
00:26:37,433 --> 00:26:40,603
his standard for
choice and competition?
556
00:26:40,600 --> 00:26:43,200
And if so, do you have any
conclusions about whether they would?
557
00:26:43,200 --> 00:26:45,430
Mr. Gibbs:
Well, look, I think for
quite some time the health
558
00:26:45,433 --> 00:26:50,663
care team has been going
through different proposals and
559
00:26:50,667 --> 00:26:57,297
different ways to achieve and
ensure that individuals in a
560
00:26:57,300 --> 00:27:01,330
private insurance market and
small businesses have additional
561
00:27:01,333 --> 00:27:06,603
choice and that -- largely
based on competition.
562
00:27:06,600 --> 00:27:09,400
I don't know if they've come to
any grander conclusion about
563
00:27:09,400 --> 00:27:12,570
each one of those, and I know
CBO is in the process of looking
564
00:27:12,567 --> 00:27:15,937
at different aspects of what's
in the finance bill as it
565
00:27:15,934 --> 00:27:17,364
relates to that, as well.
566
00:27:17,367 --> 00:27:19,337
The Press:
Does the President have
a preference for any of
567
00:27:19,333 --> 00:27:23,003
those alternatives, if a pure
public option is not part of the bill?
568
00:27:23,000 --> 00:27:24,630
Mr. Gibbs:
None that I've
heard him talk about.
569
00:27:24,633 --> 00:27:28,003
The Press:
There's been some
back-and-forth on Capitol Hill
570
00:27:28,000 --> 00:27:30,500
about whether members of
Congress will read the text of
571
00:27:30,500 --> 00:27:31,930
the bill before they vote on it.
572
00:27:31,934 --> 00:27:32,764
Can you say --
573
00:27:32,767 --> 00:27:33,667
Mr. Gibbs:
Will read the --
574
00:27:33,667 --> 00:27:34,997
The Press:
The text of the bill, the health
care bill, once they get a final
575
00:27:35,000 --> 00:27:36,070
health care bill --
whether they should
576
00:27:36,066 --> 00:27:37,836
read it before they vote on it.
577
00:27:37,834 --> 00:27:39,404
And I was just wondering, before
the President signs it will he
578
00:27:39,400 --> 00:27:42,530
himself read it or rely on staff
to read the text of the bill?
579
00:27:42,533 --> 00:27:48,403
Mr. Gibbs:
Well, I think he's read
a decent part of the
580
00:27:48,400 --> 00:27:50,530
legislation that's been
bandied around right now,
581
00:27:50,533 --> 00:27:55,063
and we should address this as
with members of Congress when we
582
00:27:55,066 --> 00:27:57,336
have closer to a final
piece of legislation.
583
00:27:57,333 --> 00:27:59,733
The Press:
If the decision was made
months ago by the President
584
00:27:59,734 --> 00:28:04,264
and the Pentagon that outposts
like that one in Afghanistan --
585
00:28:04,266 --> 00:28:06,836
resources there would be moved
into population centers,
586
00:28:06,834 --> 00:28:09,164
why are they still out there
and why so vulnerable --
587
00:28:09,166 --> 00:28:11,166
Mr. Gibbs:
Well, let me -- those are
tactical decisions that are made
588
00:28:11,166 --> 00:28:14,936
at the Pentagon, and I
would push you to that on --
589
00:28:14,934 --> 00:28:17,264
The Press:
But that's what you're saying,
that the President's approach --
590
00:28:17,266 --> 00:28:18,436
Mr. Gibbs:
I'm reiterating what the
Department of Defense
591
00:28:18,433 --> 00:28:20,263
said in their statement,
and I would refer you to
592
00:28:20,266 --> 00:28:21,366
the Department of Defense.
593
00:28:21,367 --> 00:28:24,567
The Press:
And that -- if the President likes that concept of bringing
594
00:28:24,567 --> 00:28:27,397
American forces out of
these vulnerable outposts --
595
00:28:27,400 --> 00:28:29,700
Mr. Gibbs:
Well, again, part of the
assessment of this strategy
596
00:28:29,700 --> 00:28:33,470
is how much we do of that.
597
00:28:33,467 --> 00:28:37,837
Again, I'm simply relaying to
you what General McChrystal had
598
00:28:37,834 --> 00:28:42,664
decided a few months ago and was
reiterated in the DOD statement.
599
00:28:42,667 --> 00:28:43,537
Yes, ma'am.
600
00:28:43,533 --> 00:28:45,833
The Press:
Robert, when you
answered Ed's question,
601
00:28:45,834 --> 00:28:47,764
you were saying that
you would, you know,
602
00:28:47,767 --> 00:28:50,097
warn us away from some of the
things that have been reported
603
00:28:50,100 --> 00:28:51,870
in the press about
people's positions in
604
00:28:51,867 --> 00:28:53,597
this Afghanistan review.
605
00:28:53,600 --> 00:28:55,070
Were you specifically
talking about Biden?
606
00:28:55,066 --> 00:28:56,396
I'm just wondering
what you --
607
00:28:56,400 --> 00:28:59,900
Mr. Gibbs:
No, I just -- one of the
things that -- one of the
608
00:28:59,900 --> 00:29:03,570
later questions talked about --
Helen asked me about pulling
609
00:29:03,567 --> 00:29:05,037
out of Afghanistan.
610
00:29:05,033 --> 00:29:08,163
I noticed on a number of shows
yesterday people were asked
611
00:29:08,166 --> 00:29:10,236
about pulling out
of Afghanistan,
612
00:29:10,233 --> 00:29:13,633
despite the fact that that was
dispensed with and apparently
613
00:29:13,633 --> 00:29:16,533
wasn't leaked out of the
Situation Room as part of that
614
00:29:16,533 --> 00:29:17,833
meeting last week.
615
00:29:17,834 --> 00:29:19,834
The Press:
Okay. But just one other
question about the review,
616
00:29:19,834 --> 00:29:22,534
especially since you were
in there for three hours.
617
00:29:22,533 --> 00:29:26,603
Could you just talk a little bit
about Secretary Gates' role and
618
00:29:26,600 --> 00:29:30,770
the President's relationship
with him and just how -- what he
619
00:29:30,767 --> 00:29:34,137
-- the role he's
taking in this review?
620
00:29:34,133 --> 00:29:39,133
Mr. Gibbs:
Well, look, I think
there are -- I think the
621
00:29:39,133 --> 00:29:43,603
President trusts greatly
the Secretary of Defense,
622
00:29:43,600 --> 00:29:51,830
relies heavily on his viewpoints
as somebody who has been
623
00:29:51,834 --> 00:29:56,434
involved in a number of these
decisions for quite some time.
624
00:29:56,433 --> 00:29:59,503
I'm not going to characterize
the role that he played inside
625
00:29:59,500 --> 00:30:00,370
the meeting --
626
00:30:00,367 --> 00:30:01,597
The Press:
I'm not asking for his position.
627
00:30:01,600 --> 00:30:04,430
I'm talking about just is there
something -- this is somebody
628
00:30:04,433 --> 00:30:06,463
that the President has,
you know, only known since
629
00:30:06,467 --> 00:30:07,497
he's come into office.
630
00:30:07,500 --> 00:30:09,730
Is there anything particular
about their relationship and how
631
00:30:09,734 --> 00:30:10,964
they work together and --
632
00:30:10,967 --> 00:30:13,597
Mr. Gibbs:
You know, look, I think anybody
that has worked with or knows
633
00:30:13,600 --> 00:30:18,470
Secretary Gates knows that
when you ask a question,
634
00:30:18,467 --> 00:30:28,067
you get unvarnished advice that
doesn't have a political agenda,
635
00:30:28,066 --> 00:30:33,536
that doesn't come with
a lot of fluff or spin.
636
00:30:33,533 --> 00:30:35,663
You just -- you ask him a
straight question and you
637
00:30:35,667 --> 00:30:36,767
get a straight answer.
638
00:30:36,767 --> 00:30:41,667
And I think he's somebody that
the President relies on greatly.
639
00:30:41,667 --> 00:30:45,497
The Press:
This week they're having a third
and fourth meeting, you said.
640
00:30:45,500 --> 00:30:48,200
Is there an assumption then
that after five meetings,
641
00:30:48,200 --> 00:30:50,930
after the scheduled five, that
the President will be ready to
642
00:30:50,934 --> 00:30:52,704
make a decision on this?
643
00:30:52,700 --> 00:30:54,470
Mr. Gibbs:
I'm not going to get into
how many meetings that is.
644
00:30:54,467 --> 00:30:56,797
I've said that this is going
to take several or a number of
645
00:30:56,800 --> 00:30:58,370
weeks, and that's
the process --
646
00:30:58,367 --> 00:31:01,937
The Press:
But is the fifth meeting
(inaudible) the process?
647
00:31:01,934 --> 00:31:03,564
Mr. Gibbs:
I think the fifth meeting
is the last one that is
648
00:31:03,567 --> 00:31:07,567
currently scheduled, but if it
takes five-and-a-half or six,
649
00:31:07,567 --> 00:31:14,697
then we're not -- this isn't
about the number of meetings,
650
00:31:14,700 --> 00:31:16,230
this is about the decision.
651
00:31:16,233 --> 00:31:18,363
The Press:
But this isn't an open-ended
process. There's a --
652
00:31:18,367 --> 00:31:22,567
Mr. Gibbs:
As we've said a number of times,
no, this is going to take place
653
00:31:22,567 --> 00:31:24,897
over the course of
the next several weeks.
654
00:31:24,900 --> 00:31:28,330
I don't know how more
clear we can be about that.
655
00:31:28,333 --> 00:31:29,103
Peter.
656
00:31:29,100 --> 00:31:30,570
The Press:
Robert, are there efforts,
657
00:31:30,567 --> 00:31:33,897
administration efforts underway
to build a coalition of support
658
00:31:33,900 --> 00:31:38,270
within the Senate for
public option specifically?
659
00:31:38,266 --> 00:31:39,836
Mr. Gibbs:
I don't have anything to
add that I haven't added on
660
00:31:39,834 --> 00:31:43,804
the other three or two questions
that we've gotten on the public option.
661
00:31:43,800 --> 00:31:47,870
The Press:
Robert, The Washington
Times editorial headline,
662
00:31:47,867 --> 00:31:52,737
"Obama's lewd schools
czar." Your response?
663
00:31:52,734 --> 00:31:57,064
Mr. Gibbs:
I think -- I don't have
anything on that right now.
664
00:31:57,066 --> 00:32:01,336
The Press:
Is the President unconcerned
about Kevin Jennings' salute
665
00:32:01,333 --> 00:32:06,303
of Harry Hay, who
publicly praised NAMBLA?
666
00:32:06,300 --> 00:32:07,830
Mr. Gibbs:
I'm happy to talk
to you about this.
667
00:32:07,834 --> 00:32:08,834
I don't have anything
on this right now. David.
668
00:32:08,834 --> 00:32:10,034
The Press:
Is the President going
to discuss Afghanistan in
669
00:32:10,033 --> 00:32:13,563
his counterterrorism
speech tomorrow?
670
00:32:13,567 --> 00:32:16,937
Mr. Gibbs:
I don't believe -- I
honestly don't remember if
671
00:32:16,934 --> 00:32:18,004
that's in there or not.
672
00:32:18,000 --> 00:32:20,130
I can check and see --
673
00:32:20,133 --> 00:32:21,403
The Press:
Just a general speech
about counterrrorism?
674
00:32:21,400 --> 00:32:28,270
Mr. Gibbs:
Yes, and focused on their
role -- I don't believe --
675
00:32:28,266 --> 00:32:29,866
I don't believe that's the case.
676
00:32:29,867 --> 00:32:31,137
I mean, obviously
-- I think tomorrow,
677
00:32:31,133 --> 00:32:37,363
in terms of Afghanistan, will
be the meeting and the briefing
678
00:32:37,367 --> 00:32:40,097
that is had with
members of Congress.
679
00:32:40,100 --> 00:32:41,300
Yes.
680
00:32:41,300 --> 00:32:43,800
The Press:
Robert, yesterday you said
that there was still some
681
00:32:43,800 --> 00:32:46,630
lack of clarity about the
situation in Afghanistan
682
00:32:46,633 --> 00:32:47,603
upon the elections.
683
00:32:47,600 --> 00:32:53,030
Yesterday General Jones said it
was important for Afghans to see
684
00:32:53,033 --> 00:32:56,633
Karzai as a legitimate leader
following the election.
685
00:32:56,633 --> 00:32:59,603
What exactly is the --
as this review goes on,
686
00:32:59,600 --> 00:33:02,230
what is the position the White
House now holds towards Karzai
687
00:33:02,233 --> 00:33:03,403
and the elections?
688
00:33:03,400 --> 00:33:06,470
Mr. Gibbs:
I think the -- I think
General Jones was very
689
00:33:06,467 --> 00:33:13,037
clear in saying that there is
both an Afghan -- an Afghan
690
00:33:13,033 --> 00:33:19,133
review of fraud, there is
an international review,
691
00:33:19,133 --> 00:33:23,963
and that sometime over the
next few weeks those will be concluded.
692
00:33:23,967 --> 00:33:26,467
And our position
remains the same,
693
00:33:26,467 --> 00:33:34,637
and that is that any allegation
of fraud should be investigated,
694
00:33:34,633 --> 00:33:37,633
all votes should be counted, and
all votes that are fraudulent
695
00:33:37,633 --> 00:33:38,933
should be thrown out.
696
00:33:38,934 --> 00:33:44,804
And we await the decision by
both of those committees,
697
00:33:44,800 --> 00:33:47,370
understanding that the Afghans
-- this is the first election
698
00:33:47,367 --> 00:33:50,337
that the Afghans have conducted.
699
00:33:50,333 --> 00:33:52,603
The Press:
Robert, where does
public opinion fall in the
700
00:33:52,600 --> 00:33:58,530
decision-making process on
Afghanistan with President Obama?
701
00:33:58,533 --> 00:34:03,833
Mr. Gibbs:
As I've said, obviously the
President will take a number
702
00:34:03,834 --> 00:34:05,134
of things into account.
703
00:34:05,133 --> 00:34:09,263
But what he will shape his
opinion and his decision on are
704
00:34:09,266 --> 00:34:14,136
not polls, but instead what's
in the best interest of the
705
00:34:14,133 --> 00:34:15,963
American people and
our national security.
706
00:34:15,967 --> 00:34:18,197
The Press:
Was the President made
aware of this major protest
707
00:34:18,200 --> 00:34:21,570
in front of the White House
that was very disruptive today?
708
00:34:21,567 --> 00:34:23,867
People were chaining
themselves to the gate.
709
00:34:23,867 --> 00:34:25,967
They were chaining themselves
in front of the northwest gate,
710
00:34:25,967 --> 00:34:29,167
and people who had to go to the
Situation Room had to walk all
711
00:34:29,166 --> 00:34:31,666
the way around the
White House to come in.
712
00:34:31,667 --> 00:34:34,037
Was the President made aware
of that large-scale protest?
713
00:34:34,033 --> 00:34:36,763
Mr. Gibbs:
If he was, he wasn't made
aware by me because until
714
00:34:36,767 --> 00:34:39,467
you said it I was
previously unaware.
715
00:34:39,467 --> 00:34:41,567
The Press:
Does that kind of --
does that kind of protest,
716
00:34:41,567 --> 00:34:44,467
demonstration, of American
sentiments -- some parts of
717
00:34:44,467 --> 00:34:46,997
American sentiment, does that
weigh into a situation --
718
00:34:47,000 --> 00:34:50,130
Mr. Gibbs:
Look, I think the President
has long believed that whether
719
00:34:50,133 --> 00:34:56,363
your opinion is on one side
of this issue or the other,
720
00:34:56,367 --> 00:34:58,897
that this is the -- the
greatness of our country is that
721
00:34:58,900 --> 00:35:01,970
you get to amplify that opinion.
722
00:35:01,967 --> 00:35:07,037
I think -- I have no doubt that
we will hear in tomorrow's
723
00:35:07,033 --> 00:35:11,303
meetings, from members
on Capitol Hill,
724
00:35:11,300 --> 00:35:15,930
ranges of and very diverse
opinions on going forward,
725
00:35:15,934 --> 00:35:19,234
and that's certainly a hallmark
of our legislative process and
726
00:35:19,233 --> 00:35:20,533
the hallmark of our country.
727
00:35:20,533 --> 00:35:22,603
David.
728
00:35:22,600 --> 00:35:23,730
The Press:
One thing I don't
understand, Robert,
729
00:35:23,734 --> 00:35:24,864
on Afghanistan, last week --
730
00:35:24,867 --> 00:35:25,597
Mr. Gibbs:
Just one?
731
00:35:25,600 --> 00:35:26,600
(laughter)
732
00:35:26,600 --> 00:35:29,270
The Press:
Well, one big thing -- but
thank you for reminding me
733
00:35:29,266 --> 00:35:30,166
that there's more than one.
734
00:35:30,166 --> 00:35:31,396
(laughter)
735
00:35:31,400 --> 00:35:32,930
Mr. Gibbs:
I was going to say, if you've narrowed it down to only one,
736
00:35:32,934 --> 00:35:34,664
maybe you should
come to the meeting.
737
00:35:34,667 --> 00:35:35,537
The Press:
Happy to.
738
00:35:35,533 --> 00:35:38,833
(laughter)
739
00:35:38,834 --> 00:35:40,364
Mr. Gibbs:
I understand from April
apparently you've got to
740
00:35:40,367 --> 00:35:42,097
walk a long way
away to get to the --
741
00:35:42,100 --> 00:35:43,070
(laughter)
742
00:35:43,066 --> 00:35:43,836
The Press:
I'll make the sacrifice.
743
00:35:43,834 --> 00:35:44,734
(laughter)
744
00:35:44,734 --> 00:35:46,904
Last week you said
that it was clear for --
745
00:35:46,900 --> 00:35:48,600
Mr. Gibbs:
I'm sorry, who said?
746
00:35:48,600 --> 00:35:49,470
The Press:
You said --
747
00:35:49,467 --> 00:35:50,367
Mr. Gibbs:
Okay.
748
00:35:50,367 --> 00:35:52,667
The Press:
-- from that podium that
last -- that for there to
749
00:35:52,667 --> 00:35:55,967
be success in Afghanistan, you
needed a partner that was free
750
00:35:55,967 --> 00:35:58,797
of corruption, and transparent.
751
00:35:58,800 --> 00:36:02,170
Now you've also said today that
pulling out of Afghanistan is
752
00:36:02,166 --> 00:36:04,836
just not on the table,
not under consideration.
753
00:36:04,834 --> 00:36:08,964
Well, what do you do then if you
don't have a partner that's free
754
00:36:08,967 --> 00:36:10,467
of corruption and transparent?
755
00:36:10,467 --> 00:36:14,397
Because right now that seems to
be a very open question about
756
00:36:14,400 --> 00:36:15,870
the government in Afghanistan.
757
00:36:15,867 --> 00:36:22,897
Mr. Gibbs:
Well, look, you have to ensure,
758
00:36:22,900 --> 00:36:28,170
as we dedicate more resources,
that you have that type of
759
00:36:28,166 --> 00:36:32,896
partner; that actions are
taken to ensure that there's
760
00:36:32,900 --> 00:36:35,670
confidence and credibility.
761
00:36:35,667 --> 00:36:41,167
I think many of us read the
story today about -- from -- I
762
00:36:41,166 --> 00:36:43,936
think it's from -- my numbers
may be a tad off on this,
763
00:36:43,934 --> 00:36:48,604
but from 2002 to 2008, two
generals in Pakistan mentioned
764
00:36:48,600 --> 00:36:54,030
that of the six, more than -- a
little bit more than $6 billion
765
00:36:54,033 --> 00:36:56,963
that was to go to aid
the Pakistani army,
766
00:36:56,967 --> 00:37:05,637
approximately $500 million
reached its intended target.
767
00:37:05,633 --> 00:37:09,663
I don't think it's any
wonder that our efforts,
768
00:37:09,667 --> 00:37:13,797
particularly based on aiding the
Pakistan army over that time
769
00:37:13,800 --> 00:37:17,930
period, was seen as not
altogether very successful --
770
00:37:17,934 --> 00:37:19,904
and now we know why.
771
00:37:19,900 --> 00:37:23,930
We have to ensure that we have
a partner that is capable of
772
00:37:23,934 --> 00:37:26,964
partnering with us as
we go through this.
773
00:37:26,967 --> 00:37:28,297
The Press:
You mean in Afghanistan?
774
00:37:28,300 --> 00:37:29,130
Mr. Gibbs:
Pakistan.
775
00:37:29,133 --> 00:37:30,063
The Press:
I know, but what about --
776
00:37:30,066 --> 00:37:32,736
Mr. Gibbs:
I know, but I'm simply
using an example in a
777
00:37:32,734 --> 00:37:39,064
region of what happens when you
don't have a partner that is an
778
00:37:39,066 --> 00:37:43,596
effective partner and willing to
do what has to be done to make progress.
779
00:37:43,600 --> 00:37:45,630
It's just simply --
780
00:37:45,633 --> 00:37:46,933
The Press:
But you just said -- it
sounds like you're stuck
781
00:37:46,934 --> 00:37:47,834
with an ineffective partner.
782
00:37:47,834 --> 00:37:49,264
If you can't pull out and
you've got a bad partner,
783
00:37:49,266 --> 00:37:50,366
what do you do?
784
00:37:50,367 --> 00:37:54,397
Mr. Gibbs:
You take steps to make
sure that your partner is
785
00:37:54,400 --> 00:37:59,000
ready, willing, and able
to assist in a way that is
786
00:37:59,000 --> 00:38:05,130
effective and matches,
through their effort,
787
00:38:05,133 --> 00:38:08,203
the resources that you're
dedicating to deal with this problem.
788
00:38:08,200 --> 00:38:11,970
I use that example because in
many ways for that six-year or
789
00:38:11,967 --> 00:38:14,937
seven-year period of
time, nothing was done.
790
00:38:14,934 --> 00:38:18,234
The Press:
Well, then are we doomed to more problems with Karzai because
791
00:38:18,233 --> 00:38:21,333
he's not transparent or
not cooperating or corrupt?
792
00:38:21,333 --> 00:38:22,003
Mr. Gibbs:
Again --
793
00:38:22,000 --> 00:38:23,300
The Press:
Pardon me for
interrupting, but --
794
00:38:23,300 --> 00:38:25,200
Mr. Gibbs:
No, no, you --
nobody else apologized.
795
00:38:25,200 --> 00:38:26,800
(laughter)
796
00:38:26,800 --> 00:38:29,330
The Press:
I apologize.
797
00:38:29,333 --> 00:38:30,633
Mr. Gibbs:
No, you don't. No, you don't.
798
00:38:30,633 --> 00:38:33,703
(laughter)
799
00:38:33,700 --> 00:38:40,570
I think -- I think that we are
clearly going to have to take
800
00:38:40,567 --> 00:38:43,837
actions to ensure that
everybody is working
801
00:38:43,834 --> 00:38:48,064
collectively to get this right.
802
00:38:48,066 --> 00:38:57,166
We -- no amount of additional
American resources that are
803
00:38:57,166 --> 00:39:00,536
siphoned off and not going
to the problem that they're
804
00:39:00,533 --> 00:39:05,663
directed at, no increase or
amount is going to fix a problem
805
00:39:05,667 --> 00:39:07,237
if those resources
ultimately don't get
806
00:39:07,233 --> 00:39:08,463
to where they're going.
807
00:39:08,467 --> 00:39:10,467
The Press:
Then how do you make
sure the resources get
808
00:39:10,467 --> 00:39:11,667
to where they're going?
809
00:39:11,667 --> 00:39:13,237
You've just quoted what
happened in Pakistan.
810
00:39:13,233 --> 00:39:14,603
Why are --
811
00:39:14,600 --> 00:39:18,530
Mr. Gibbs:
We will work to
ensure that they do.
812
00:39:18,533 --> 00:39:23,533
I think that's the very least
that any of -- that anybody can
813
00:39:23,533 --> 00:39:28,103
ask if we're dedicating the
lives of men and women in our
814
00:39:28,100 --> 00:39:32,100
uniform to ensure that this is
done in a way that ultimately
815
00:39:32,100 --> 00:39:32,830
protects them.
816
00:39:32,834 --> 00:39:34,004
Thanks, guys.
817
00:39:34,000 --> 00:39:36,000
The Press:
You said a second ago, "as
we dedicate more resources."
818
00:39:36,000 --> 00:39:38,430
What you mean by that, "as
we dedicate more resources?"
819
00:39:38,433 --> 00:39:39,463
Mr. Gibbs:
I'm sorry?
820
00:39:39,467 --> 00:39:40,967
The Press:
You said a second ago
in relation to Afghanistan,
821
00:39:40,967 --> 00:39:42,797
"as we dedicate more resources."
822
00:39:42,800 --> 00:39:44,000
What did you mean by that?
823
00:39:44,000 --> 00:39:46,500
Mr. Gibbs:
Well, we've put in
21,000 additional troops,
824
00:39:46,500 --> 00:39:51,430
some of which are just heading
and getting to their places in
825
00:39:51,433 --> 00:39:52,803
Afghanistan as we speak.
