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Mr. Carney:
Good afternoon,
ladies and gentlemen.
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Welcome to the White House
on this beautiful,
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sunny, warm November Monday.
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Before I take your questions,
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let me mention a couple
of things.
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First and foremost, regarding
the storms in the Midwest:
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Our thoughts and prayers
go out to everyone
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affected by yesterday's storms,
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including those
who lost a loved one.
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The President continues
to be briefed
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by Assistant to the President
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for Homeland Security and
Counterterrorism Lisa Monaco.
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The White House will
continue to stay in touch
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with our federal partners,
including FEMA,
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as well as the state and
local partners who are leading
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the response in
the affected states.
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We urge citizens to continue
to follow directions
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from their local officials.
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FEMA remains in close
coordination with officials
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in affected states.
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FEMA's National Watch Center
in Washington remains elevated
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at a 24/7 enhanced watch.
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FEMA, through
its regional offices
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in Chicago and Kansas City,
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is continuing
to monitor the effects
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of the severe weather,
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including
strong tornadoes
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that affected
the Midwest yesterday.
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FEMA has an Incident Management
Assistance Team, IMAT,
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deployed to Illinois
to coordinate with state
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and local officials
to identify needs related
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to disaster response
and recovery.
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FEMA also has liaison officers
positioned at emergency
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operation centers in
Illinois, Ohio and Indiana,
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and additional
liaison officers on standby
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and ready to deploy
if requested.
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Before the storm
system developed, FEMA,
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through its regional offices,
began to closely coordinate
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with state and local partners,
including Ohio Emergency
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Management Agency, Wisconsin
Emergency Management Agency,
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Michigan Homeland Security
and Emergency Management,
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Illinois Emergency
Management Agency,
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and Indiana Department
of Homeland Security.
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My second announcement,
or statement, rather,
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is that at 5:30 p.m. today
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it is expected the Senate
will have a cloture vote
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on Judge Robert Wilkins,
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the third of
the President's nominees
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to the D.C. Circuit Court.
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Less than three years ago, the
Senate confirmed Judge Wilkins
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to the D.C. District
Court without opposition.
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Every senator agreed
he has the intellect,
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integrity and fair-mindedness
to serve as a federal judge,
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and his record since
then has validated
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his unanimous confirmation.
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Yet, Senate Republicans continue
their cynical obstruction.
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Their proposed legislation
would remove three judgeships
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from the D.C. Circuit even
though Chief Justice Roberts
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has not recommended
removing any.
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It also would give
a judgeship to two courts
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that Chief Justice Roberts
has said do not need anymore.
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It's time to stop playing
partisan politics
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with the federal courts.
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We urge Senate Republicans
to stop blocking
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a simple up-or-down vote.
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If the Senate were allowed
to consider Judge Wilkins
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and all of the President's
nominees on their merits,
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I am confident they would
be confirmed without delay.
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I can now take your questions.
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I'm aiming for
a 2:45 p.m. wrap here.
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Let's go.
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Nedra.
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The Press:
The Washington Post
reported over the weekend
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that the administration's goal
is to have 80 percent of users
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able to sign up for
health care plans online.
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Is it acceptable to the
President if one in five
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of the users aren't able
to get insurance online?
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Mr. Carney:
Thank you for the question.
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I think the way to look at
that figure is that of, say,
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ten who go on the system,
roughly two won't get
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through the system
-- so 2 out of 10.
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And there are three groups
or baskets you can put
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those 2 out of 10 in:
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One, those who experience
technical difficulties.
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That would be error messages
or delayed response time,
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or issues involving
site stability.
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Those are the three metrics that
CMS and the tech team are using
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to measure the improvements
that have been made,
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the improvements in
reduction and error messages,
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the improvements
in site stability,
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the improvements
in the response time.
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So that's one basket.
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The other are those who start
the process but find that
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either because
they're not comfortable
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doing something
like this online,
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or they may not spend
a lot of time on the computer,
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may not be familiar with the
kinds of information they need
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with regards to their
financial situation,
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may end the process on
their own and decide to utilize
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one of the other methods
that are available to them
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to get information and enroll.
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And finally, there are
those who have a personal
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or family situation that
is complex enough that the site
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is not the best place
to go to enroll.
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You are better served
by using a navigator,
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a live person either
through the call-in center
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or in one of the walk-in
centers that exist
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all around the country.
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So it's important to look at --
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when you talk about aiming
to have the website functioning
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effectively for the vast
majority of the American people,
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that there is a universe of
people who will go on the site
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but leave it without getting
through it for several reasons,
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and only one of them really --
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or we categorize only
one of them having to do
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with technical issues.
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Because the
goal here is obviously
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to get people
through the system,
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and by the system
we don't mean the website,
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but through the system and
therefore allow them to enroll
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in a plan and purchase quality,
affordable health insurance,
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if they desire.
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So that's why we've been
pursuing the other channels
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which existed even before
the October 1 launch
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and were always part of this,
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because we knew that
these populations existed,
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but why we've beefed them up,
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as we've had trouble
with the website.
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The Press:
But is it acceptable
to the President?
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Is he pushing his aides
to do better than this?
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Because if you had 80 percent
of people going to Kayak
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not eventually be able
to book their travel,
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or 80 percent of people
on Amazon -- or, I'm sorry,
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80 percent able to,
and 20 percent not able to,
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they probably wouldn't
stay in business very long.
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Mr. Carney:
Well, I think you're
looking at that statistic
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simplistically,
because the issue here is,
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can we make the website function
effectively for the vast
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majority of users who go on it.
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There may be
a portion of people --
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in fact, there will be,
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as I've just described,
who go on it,
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and they may decide
to use a different method
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of enrolling not because there's
a problem with the website,
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but because their personal
situation is complex enough.
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For example, they might
have children who live --
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that they're seeking
to get covered --
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who live in different states.
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Or you might have
a situation where one --
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a member, or some members,
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of your family could
be eligible for Medicaid;
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others may not be.
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Individuals filing separately
where some individuals
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are able to purchase
a marketplace plan
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and others aren't.
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So those kinds of
complex situations,
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which is a universe
of the population are --
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those with those kinds of issues
are going to be better served
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by using a navigator,
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either going to
the call-in center
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or going to one of the
in-person centers, hospitals,
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community centers and the like,
where there are folks
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who are trained
to help walk individuals
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through this process,
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and who can help them if
they have a complex situation.
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And then there are others who --
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and this was always
going to be the case --
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who, even though
so many Americans
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are now comfortable
with the computers,
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and use computers and
online sites regularly,
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that there's going to be,
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with something as
personal and complex
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as purchasing health insurance,
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will choose not
to do so online.
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And that was of course
always going to be the case.
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So when you look at
the metrics here,
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we're focused on --
CMS is focused on,
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when it comes to the
functionality of the website,
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speed and response
times essentially.
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Response time,
as we've explained before,
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is how fast the system
responds to users' requests.
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And for the first few weeks
after the site launched,
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we estimated that users
were waiting an average
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of 8 seconds for pages
across the site to load,
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and this past week
that average response time
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for most users remained
under 1 second.
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So that's a metric by
which they are able to measure
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the progress that is
a result of the improvements,
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the software and
hardware improvements,
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that they've been
putting in place.
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Another one is error rate,
a measure of the frequency
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on a per-page basis of system
timeouts or failures
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that prevent the user from
advancing to the next page,
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or a result in errors --
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or users, rather,
receiving error-messages.
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And we have reduced the
error rate from 6 percent
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to less than 1 percent.
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That is still not
where we need to be,
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but it is obviously
significant progress.
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And finally, site stability
is something that is constantly
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being addressed,
and the improvements
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that are being introduced
to improve site stability.
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So as more and more
consumers use the site,
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the site remains stable
and doesn't crash.
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The Press:
There also were reports
over the weekend
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that there's some sort of
self-assessment going on
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here at the White House,
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and that maybe there
were going to be --
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there is going to be a shakeup,
but not immediately.
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Why the delay in accountability
for these problems?
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Mr. Carney:
Nedra, the President
has made clear
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ever since we saw the problems
that we've had with the website
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and with the rollout
of the marketplaces
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that he wants his team focused
on making the necessary fixes
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so that the American
people are served well
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by the Affordable Care Act
and are able to receive
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the benefits that it offers,
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are able to purchase quality,
affordable health insurance.
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We're not engaged in a lot
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of Monday morning
quarterbacking here.
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So I saw that story.
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I have no personnel decisions to
announce or to even to preview,
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because right now everybody
on the President's team
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is focused on making the
improvements necessary
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so that this important
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legislation provides the
benefits to millions
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of Americans that it
was designed to provide.
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Roberta.
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The Press:
So for that 20 percent
of people who might not
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be able to use the website
smoothly by the end of the
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month, what stage are
things at in terms of working
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with health insurance companies
on direct enrollment,
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sharing the risks of
that and ramping that up
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as an alternative,
or perhaps a contingency
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if that 80 percent
target isn't reached?
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Mr. Carney:
Well, let me say
a couple of things.
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Again, as I just described, when
you talk about the 2 out of 10
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who may not stay
with the website,
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there are a variety of
reasons that may be the case.
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Not all of them have
to do with technical problems
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with the website.
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So as hard as we work and we
are working and will continue
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to work on improving the
website and its functionality,
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it has always been the case
that we need to make sure
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that there are other
avenues for people either
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with complex situations
or people who would rather not
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perform this kind
of purchase online,
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and that's why we
have call-in centers,
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00:11:30,934 --> 00:11:32,165
and that's why
we've beefed them up,
250
00:11:32,166 --> 00:11:36,166
and that's why we have in-person
counselors who can work
251
00:11:36,166 --> 00:11:38,533
with American consumers
around the country
252
00:11:38,533 --> 00:11:41,600
to make decisions
and review options
253
00:11:41,600 --> 00:11:43,800
when it comes
to health care coverage.
254
00:11:43,800 --> 00:11:48,467
We're working to make
those alternate channels
255
00:11:48,467 --> 00:11:49,900
even more robust, as you know,
256
00:11:49,900 --> 00:11:52,733
and we're working
to have as many options
257
00:11:52,734 --> 00:11:55,000
for Americans
to enroll as possible
258
00:11:55,000 --> 00:11:57,767
to help meet the pent-up
demand that we've seen.
259
00:11:57,767 --> 00:11:59,433
We're engaging with
experts in this area,
260
00:11:59,433 --> 00:12:01,500
including with health plans,
261
00:12:01,500 --> 00:12:04,533
and we are
considering additional channels.
262
00:12:04,533 --> 00:12:11,700
I think we have worked
with insurance companies
263
00:12:11,700 --> 00:12:14,333
and state insurance
commissioners on these issues
264
00:12:14,333 --> 00:12:15,467
and will continue to do that.
265
00:12:15,467 --> 00:12:17,066
I mean, it's
important to remember,
266
00:12:17,066 --> 00:12:22,467
even as we deal with the
absolutely necessary work
267
00:12:22,467 --> 00:12:25,367
on improving the website,
that the broader --
268
00:12:25,367 --> 00:12:27,666
the website is
a means to an end.
269
00:12:27,667 --> 00:12:31,200
It's one of a variety
of means to the same end,
270
00:12:31,200 --> 00:12:35,133
which is providing this
benefit to the American people.
271
00:12:35,133 --> 00:12:37,900
And the individuals
who receive that benefit,
272
00:12:37,900 --> 00:12:40,233
including everybody
with insurance in America,
273
00:12:40,233 --> 00:12:42,699
even those of us,
the vast majority of us
274
00:12:42,700 --> 00:12:45,433
who have insurance
covered through our employers
275
00:12:45,433 --> 00:12:47,400
or through Medicare
or Medicaid are getting benefits
276
00:12:47,400 --> 00:12:48,632
because of
the Affordable Care Act,
277
00:12:48,633 --> 00:12:50,333
and it's important
that it be implemented
278
00:12:50,333 --> 00:12:51,567
so that they get those benefits,
279
00:12:51,567 --> 00:12:52,700
that we all get those benefits.
280
00:12:52,700 --> 00:12:54,900
And then those Americans
who are uninsured,
281
00:12:54,900 --> 00:12:57,600
who have the opportunity
now to get coverage
282
00:12:57,600 --> 00:12:58,734
because of
the Affordable Care Act,
283
00:12:58,734 --> 00:13:04,133
the goal is to make sure
that those Americans
284
00:13:04,133 --> 00:13:06,834
and the 5 percent who are
in the individual market,
285
00:13:06,834 --> 00:13:11,766
that everyone is made aware
of the options available
286
00:13:11,767 --> 00:13:15,667
to them and that everyone
is able to take advantage
287
00:13:15,667 --> 00:13:17,900
of the benefits that
the law provides.
288
00:13:17,900 --> 00:13:19,000
So that's our focus.
289
00:13:19,000 --> 00:13:24,600
No matter how many fixes
are made to the website
290
00:13:24,600 --> 00:13:30,033
and how high its
functionality, not all of it --
291
00:13:30,033 --> 00:13:32,000
there are going to be Americans
who need to get assistance,
292
00:13:32,000 --> 00:13:34,000
either in person or over
the phone, to enroll.
293
00:13:37,100 --> 00:13:40,567
The Press:
But considering
additional channels
294
00:13:40,567 --> 00:13:42,500
that you just mentioned --
that's direct enrollment,
295
00:13:42,500 --> 00:13:44,600
ramping up direct enrollment
with health plans?
296
00:13:44,600 --> 00:13:47,333
Is that what you're
talking about?
297
00:13:47,333 --> 00:13:48,900
Mr. Carney:
I certainly wouldn't
rule that out.
298
00:13:48,900 --> 00:13:52,533
It's something that we've
talked about and are working on.
299
00:13:52,533 --> 00:13:58,166
We're interested in engaging
or opening as many channels
300
00:13:58,166 --> 00:14:01,300
for enrollment as possible --
because the goal here is, again,
301
00:14:01,300 --> 00:14:03,599
not to have the best
possible website,
302
00:14:03,600 --> 00:14:06,333
and we're far from that,
and we'll still --
303
00:14:06,333 --> 00:14:09,666
the website, come December 1st,
304
00:14:09,667 --> 00:14:12,967
will be vastly improved but
will still need improvements.
305
00:14:12,967 --> 00:14:16,300
And we're going to keep
working on that day by day
306
00:14:16,300 --> 00:14:18,165
to make it as
effective as possible.
307
00:14:18,166 --> 00:14:20,734
And, in the meantime,
and beyond the meantime,
308
00:14:20,734 --> 00:14:23,667
we will make sure that there
are other channels available
309
00:14:23,667 --> 00:14:28,800
for Americans to find
out the universe of options
310
00:14:28,800 --> 00:14:30,433
available to them
and then to make some choices
311
00:14:30,433 --> 00:14:33,333
about what kind of insurance
coverage suits them best.
312
00:14:33,333 --> 00:14:36,733
Let me go up and back,
as I've been doing.
313
00:14:36,734 --> 00:14:38,567
Jon Allen.
314
00:14:38,567 --> 00:14:40,967
The Press:
I wanted to know the
President's reaction
315
00:14:40,967 --> 00:14:43,333
to Secretary of Education
Arne Duncan's comments
316
00:14:43,333 --> 00:14:46,733
that it was white suburban
moms who are pushing back
317
00:14:46,734 --> 00:14:49,233
on Common Core standards.
318
00:14:49,233 --> 00:14:52,834
Mr. Carney:
I don't have -- I haven't
spoken to the President
319
00:14:52,834 --> 00:14:56,333
about this issue, and I haven't
seen Arne's full comments.
320
00:14:56,333 --> 00:14:58,934
But if his point was that we
need to be honest with kids
321
00:14:58,934 --> 00:15:00,433
and parents about whether
we're providing
322
00:15:00,433 --> 00:15:01,667
the skills they need to succeed,
323
00:15:01,667 --> 00:15:05,900
I think we can
all agree on that.
324
00:15:05,900 --> 00:15:07,867
So again, I haven't
had a discussion
325
00:15:07,867 --> 00:15:09,800
with the President about that,
326
00:15:09,800 --> 00:15:12,666
but I think the broader point
that we need to be honest
327
00:15:12,667 --> 00:15:15,734
about whether
we're providing the skills
328
00:15:15,734 --> 00:15:20,133
our children need to succeed,
I think we can agree on that.
329
00:15:20,133 --> 00:15:21,533
The Press:
Is that an appropriate way
330
00:15:21,533 --> 00:15:24,266
for the Secretary of Education
to talk about a constituency,
331
00:15:24,266 --> 00:15:26,533
to qualify them by race?
332
00:15:26,533 --> 00:15:28,600
Mr. Carney:
I didn't see all of
Arne's comments, Jon.
333
00:15:28,600 --> 00:15:31,200
I can just tell you that
the Secretary of Education
334
00:15:31,200 --> 00:15:33,934
and everybody on the President's
team dedicated to this effort
335
00:15:33,934 --> 00:15:38,400
is focused on making sure
that we do everything we can
336
00:15:38,400 --> 00:15:42,367
working with states and
others to ensure that our kids
337
00:15:42,367 --> 00:15:46,000
are getting the education
they need for the 21st century,
338
00:15:46,000 --> 00:15:51,400
for the careers
of the 21st century.
339
00:15:51,400 --> 00:15:53,400
Ann, how are you?
340
00:15:53,400 --> 00:15:54,867
The Press:
Thank you.
341
00:15:54,867 --> 00:15:56,733
Fine, thank you, Jay.
342
00:15:56,734 --> 00:15:59,533
President Obama took a long
time coming to his decision
343
00:15:59,533 --> 00:16:03,900
on support of gay marriage,
where it is legal.
344
00:16:03,900 --> 00:16:07,266
Vice President Cheney's
daughters have had a very public
345
00:16:07,266 --> 00:16:10,666
dispute about it, and now Vice
President Cheney has put out
346
00:16:10,667 --> 00:16:14,100
a statement saying that they're
pained to see what has been
347
00:16:14,100 --> 00:16:16,567
a discussion in their
family come out publicly.
348
00:16:16,567 --> 00:16:19,066
Does the President think
that Vice President Cheney,
349
00:16:19,066 --> 00:16:22,133
who embraced the idea of gay
marriage long before he did,
350
00:16:22,133 --> 00:16:24,400
kind of led the way?
351
00:16:24,400 --> 00:16:26,500
Does he give him some
political credit for that?
352
00:16:26,500 --> 00:16:29,934
And is the President sorry to
see that this is still something
353
00:16:29,934 --> 00:16:34,400
that can be a source of tension
not only just in families,
354
00:16:34,400 --> 00:16:37,367
but in the political dialogue?
355
00:16:37,367 --> 00:16:39,599
Mr. Carney:
I haven't discussed
with President Obama
356
00:16:39,600 --> 00:16:41,967
this issue with regards
to the Cheney family,
357
00:16:41,967 --> 00:16:43,233
former Vice President Cheney.
358
00:16:43,233 --> 00:16:48,699
I would simply say that
like so many Americans,
359
00:16:48,700 --> 00:16:55,467
Former Vice President Cheney
has come to view equality
360
00:16:55,467 --> 00:16:57,900
as something that
we need to make fact
361
00:16:57,900 --> 00:16:59,132
and not just an aspiration.
362
00:16:59,133 --> 00:17:03,567
And that is certainly
where the President is.
363
00:17:03,567 --> 00:17:07,099
And that's reflected in his
very strongly held view
364
00:17:07,099 --> 00:17:09,199
that
the House of Representatives
365
00:17:09,200 --> 00:17:11,500
ought to follow
the Senate's lead
366
00:17:11,500 --> 00:17:13,800
and pass the Employment
Non-Discrimination Act,
367
00:17:13,800 --> 00:17:21,099
for example -- because in
the not too distant future,
368
00:17:21,099 --> 00:17:25,800
we in this country will look
back at this moment and pretty
369
00:17:25,800 --> 00:17:31,265
clearly recognize that those
who opposed ENDA were wrong,
370
00:17:31,266 --> 00:17:35,600
as those who opposed other
significant civil rights
371
00:17:35,600 --> 00:17:39,500
legislation for the variety of
reasons that they put forward
372
00:17:39,500 --> 00:17:41,867
at the time proved to be wrong.
373
00:17:41,867 --> 00:17:43,100
And with regards
to interfamily dynamics,
374
00:17:43,100 --> 00:17:48,966
obviously this is a tough issue
and can be a tough issue
375
00:17:53,667 --> 00:17:55,332
for a lot of families.
376
00:17:55,333 --> 00:18:00,133
But it is a very American value
to pursue equality for everyone.
377
00:18:00,133 --> 00:18:02,867
The Press:
Well, you make the point
that opposition to it is wrong;
378
00:18:02,867 --> 00:18:04,867
it's not just
a matter of tolerating
379
00:18:04,867 --> 00:18:06,332
somebody else's point of view.
380
00:18:06,333 --> 00:18:08,767
Does the President believe
there's been progress
381
00:18:08,767 --> 00:18:10,000
in the country, perhaps since --
382
00:18:10,000 --> 00:18:11,200
Mr. Carney:
Oh, without question.
383
00:18:11,200 --> 00:18:12,967
And you've heard the President
discuss this many times,
384
00:18:12,967 --> 00:18:15,133
including I think in
the interview he gave
385
00:18:15,133 --> 00:18:19,100
with Robin Roberts last year.
386
00:18:19,100 --> 00:18:20,332
That was last year, right?
387
00:18:20,333 --> 00:18:24,500
And there's no question
there's been enormous progress.
388
00:18:24,500 --> 00:18:30,300
Anybody who looks at LGBT
rights and the road traveled
389
00:18:30,300 --> 00:18:31,734
in this country just
in the past decade
390
00:18:31,734 --> 00:18:36,367
I think would rightly be pleased
by the significant progress
391
00:18:36,367 --> 00:18:37,633
that's been made,
392
00:18:37,633 --> 00:18:39,633
even as we acknowledge that
more work needs to be done,
393
00:18:39,633 --> 00:18:41,867
more progress needs
to be done -- made.
394
00:18:41,867 --> 00:18:44,000
The Press:
Real quick following
up on Nedra's question.
395
00:18:44,000 --> 00:18:46,433
Is it fair to say that
80-percent success
396
00:18:46,433 --> 00:18:48,867
on the website would be
the vast majority?
397
00:18:48,867 --> 00:18:51,000
Is that how you
define "vast majority,"
398
00:18:51,000 --> 00:18:53,433
the phrase you keep using?
399
00:18:53,433 --> 00:18:55,467
Mr. Carney:
Well, I think that is a --
400
00:18:55,467 --> 00:18:58,633
I mean, others can
decide whether or not 80 percent
401
00:18:58,633 --> 00:18:59,800
is a vast majority.
402
00:18:59,800 --> 00:19:01,633
I think in most contexts it is.
403
00:19:01,633 --> 00:19:08,166
But this is focused on
the kind of technical metrics
404
00:19:08,166 --> 00:19:09,399
that I discussed.
405
00:19:09,400 --> 00:19:11,667
When it comes to
website functionality
406
00:19:11,667 --> 00:19:13,699
and making the
improvements to the website
407
00:19:13,700 --> 00:19:15,800
that are absolutely necessary,
408
00:19:15,800 --> 00:19:17,667
they look at error rate,
they look at response time,
409
00:19:17,667 --> 00:19:20,934
they look at site stability --
and you make improvements
410
00:19:20,934 --> 00:19:24,800
in those measurable areas,
411
00:19:24,800 --> 00:19:31,567
and by doing so you increase
the likelihood that any American
412
00:19:31,567 --> 00:19:35,433
who goes on that site will
have a satisfactory experience.
413
00:19:35,433 --> 00:19:38,400
Now, there are reasons
that have nothing to do
414
00:19:38,400 --> 00:19:40,633
with the functionality
of the website
415
00:19:40,633 --> 00:19:43,200
that some Americans
may go online,
416
00:19:43,200 --> 00:19:45,333
start the process
and decide either
417
00:19:45,333 --> 00:19:46,700
because of the complexity
of their personal
418
00:19:46,700 --> 00:19:48,033
or family situation,
419
00:19:48,033 --> 00:19:52,433
or for other reasons, may decide
that they would rather engage
420
00:19:52,433 --> 00:19:57,667
a live person, either through
a call-in center or in person.
421
00:19:57,667 --> 00:19:58,966
And that is something
422
00:19:58,967 --> 00:20:01,500
that has obviously
always been understood.
423
00:20:01,500 --> 00:20:03,400
Our goal when it comes
to the fixes on the website
424
00:20:03,400 --> 00:20:05,300
is to make it as
functional as possible
425
00:20:05,300 --> 00:20:09,500
so that the
fewest number possible of users
426
00:20:09,500 --> 00:20:14,033
have some of the problems with
delays and errors and crashes
427
00:20:14,033 --> 00:20:16,233
that we've seen in the
early days of this launch.
428
00:20:16,233 --> 00:20:17,734
Olivier.
429
00:20:17,734 --> 00:20:21,265
The Press:
Jay, the President is having
a group of powerful senators
430
00:20:21,266 --> 00:20:24,133
to the White House
to talk about Iran.
431
00:20:24,133 --> 00:20:25,934
I'm wondering why the President
432
00:20:25,934 --> 00:20:29,633
is doing this
briefing and not --
433
00:20:29,633 --> 00:20:30,834
Mr. Carney:
Is there any group of senators
434
00:20:30,834 --> 00:20:32,567
that you would not
describe as powerful?
435
00:20:32,567 --> 00:20:34,100
And how would they
feel about it?
436
00:20:34,100 --> 00:20:35,966
The Press:
Not by name and on camera.
437
00:20:35,967 --> 00:20:37,333
Mr. Carney:
It is true, yes.
438
00:20:37,333 --> 00:20:40,200
The Press:
So why the President
and not, say,
439
00:20:40,200 --> 00:20:41,200
the National Security Advisor?
440
00:20:41,200 --> 00:20:42,934
And how are these --
441
00:20:42,934 --> 00:20:43,934
Mr. Carney:
Say that again?
442
00:20:43,934 --> 00:20:44,899
What was --
443
00:20:44,900 --> 00:20:45,967
The Press:
Why the President specifically
444
00:20:45,967 --> 00:20:47,200
and not, say,
the National Security Advisor?
445
00:20:47,200 --> 00:20:48,700
What's the benefit
of having the President
446
00:20:48,700 --> 00:20:49,800
deliver this briefing?
447
00:20:49,800 --> 00:20:51,934
And is he asking them
to hold off on sanctions?
448
00:20:51,934 --> 00:20:53,700
What's his message?
449
00:20:53,700 --> 00:20:54,967
Mr. Carney:
Tomorrow at the White House,
450
00:20:54,967 --> 00:20:57,166
the President will meet with
leadership and the Chairman
451
00:20:57,166 --> 00:20:59,399
and ranking members of
the Senate Banking Committee,
452
00:20:59,400 --> 00:21:00,800
Senate Foreign
Relations Committee,
453
00:21:00,800 --> 00:21:03,834
Senate Armed Services Committee
and Senate Select Committee
454
00:21:03,834 --> 00:21:06,734
on Intelligence to provide an
update on the status of the
455
00:21:06,734 --> 00:21:10,766
P5-plus-1 negotiations with Iran
before the next round of talks
456
00:21:10,767 --> 00:21:12,533
begin later this week in Geneva.
457
00:21:12,533 --> 00:21:16,800
The reason that the President
will be having this meeting
458
00:21:16,800 --> 00:21:22,667
is because he has met regularly
with and discussed regularly
459
00:21:22,667 --> 00:21:27,399
with members of Congress,
in particular the Senate,
460
00:21:27,400 --> 00:21:32,333
what is happening with our
negotiations with other members
461
00:21:32,333 --> 00:21:34,567
of the P5-plus-1 and
Iran on this issue,
462
00:21:34,567 --> 00:21:39,600
the steps that we have taken
to explore the potential
463
00:21:39,600 --> 00:21:43,800
for a diplomatic resolution
to the challenge presented
464
00:21:43,800 --> 00:21:46,834
by Iran's nuclear program.
465
00:21:46,834 --> 00:21:54,633
And it is very much in keeping
with the method the President
466
00:21:54,633 --> 00:22:00,166
has employed thus far in this
matter that he consult closely
467
00:22:00,166 --> 00:22:04,265
and regularly with leaders
in the Senate on this issue.
468
00:22:04,266 --> 00:22:09,934
When it comes to our position
on additional sanctions,
469
00:22:09,934 --> 00:22:13,000
I'm sure that this
will be a topic,
470
00:22:13,000 --> 00:22:17,300
because it's the President's
view that it's the right thing
471
00:22:17,300 --> 00:22:22,300
to do for Congress to pause so
that we can test whether or not
472
00:22:22,300 --> 00:22:23,966
the Iranians are serious
473
00:22:23,967 --> 00:22:27,734
about resolving this
issue diplomatically.
474
00:22:27,734 --> 00:22:35,466
And, as you know, we have been
engaged with the new government.
475
00:22:35,467 --> 00:22:37,400
We have had a round
of discussions in Geneva;
476
00:22:37,400 --> 00:22:40,400
we're having another
round coming up.
477
00:22:40,400 --> 00:22:42,834
And we believe there
is the potential, anyway,
478
00:22:42,834 --> 00:22:48,834
to initiate the first phase of
an agreement that would see Iran
479
00:22:51,834 --> 00:22:55,567
halting progress on
its program and rolling back
480
00:22:55,567 --> 00:22:58,166
certain aspects of it,
481
00:22:58,166 --> 00:23:04,166
and therefore basically
stalling progress
482
00:23:04,166 --> 00:23:06,300
on their program
and rolling it back
483
00:23:06,300 --> 00:23:08,399
as we pursue a more
comprehensive agreement
484
00:23:08,400 --> 00:23:11,233
and as we test whether or not
a more comprehensive agreement
485
00:23:11,233 --> 00:23:14,867
is achievable, whether
or not Tehran is serious
486
00:23:14,867 --> 00:23:20,966
about taking the
necessary concrete steps
487
00:23:20,967 --> 00:23:23,700
so that the
international community
488
00:23:23,700 --> 00:23:26,600
is absolutely confident
in a verifiable,
489
00:23:26,600 --> 00:23:31,100
transparent way that
they have forsaken
490
00:23:31,100 --> 00:23:32,667
their nuclear weapons ambitions.
491
00:23:32,667 --> 00:23:36,533
So this is an important
stage in this process,
492
00:23:36,533 --> 00:23:38,699
and the President looks
forward to the meeting.
493
00:23:38,700 --> 00:23:40,467
The Press:
There's some confusion about
the amount of sanctions
494
00:23:40,467 --> 00:23:42,967
relief that Iran
would be getting
495
00:23:42,967 --> 00:23:44,667
under this interim agreement.
496
00:23:44,667 --> 00:23:48,632
Can you shed any light on
what the accurate figures are?
497
00:23:48,633 --> 00:23:55,033
Mr. Carney:
I can shed some light on what
the accurate figures are not.
498
00:23:55,033 --> 00:23:59,132
There have been reports of
$40 to $50 billion in relief,
499
00:23:59,133 --> 00:24:03,333
and those reports are
significantly exaggerated.
500
00:24:03,333 --> 00:24:07,800
It is important to recognize,
as we've talked about,
501
00:24:07,800 --> 00:24:10,000
that the relief that would
accompany an agreement
502
00:24:10,000 --> 00:24:12,467
for this first
phase would be modest
503
00:24:12,467 --> 00:24:14,767
and it would be
eminently reversible.
504
00:24:14,767 --> 00:24:19,934
We've described it as the kind
of relief that we could provide
505
00:24:19,934 --> 00:24:21,800
by turning down or off a spigot,
506
00:24:21,800 --> 00:24:24,332
and then cranking it
back up pretty seriously.
507
00:24:24,333 --> 00:24:28,567
It would leave in place
the entire structure
508
00:24:28,567 --> 00:24:30,433
of the sanctions regime
that's been in place
509
00:24:30,433 --> 00:24:34,133
that has brought
Iran to the table.
510
00:24:34,133 --> 00:24:39,367
So this is modest
and it is reversible,
511
00:24:39,367 --> 00:24:43,700
and it does not -- it's the
kind of relief that ensures
512
00:24:43,700 --> 00:24:46,567
that even as it's provided,
513
00:24:46,567 --> 00:24:48,667
the other sanctions
remain in place
514
00:24:48,667 --> 00:24:50,800
and continue to have an effect.
515
00:24:50,800 --> 00:24:56,767
So the purpose of doing it is
to acknowledge that there's
516
00:24:59,734 --> 00:25:03,600
no comprehensive agreement
achievable at the beginning
517
00:25:03,600 --> 00:25:08,500
of a P5-plus-1 process,
and that it is far preferable
518
00:25:08,500 --> 00:25:11,266
for the P5-plus-1 and all of
our international partners and
519
00:25:11,266 --> 00:25:17,033
allies for us to lock in a halt
to the progress of the program
520
00:25:17,033 --> 00:25:21,433
and to roll back certain
aspects of it as we negotiate
521
00:25:21,433 --> 00:25:24,934
a comprehensive agreement,
or see if one is achievable.
522
00:25:24,934 --> 00:25:30,867
The alternative would be to
engage in an effort to find out
523
00:25:30,867 --> 00:25:32,300
whether or not there's
a comprehensive agreement
524
00:25:32,300 --> 00:25:34,867
achievable without
any kind of first phase
525
00:25:34,867 --> 00:25:37,100
and therefore without
any halt to the progress.
526
00:25:37,100 --> 00:25:40,800
And so that period where we were
having these negotiations would
527
00:25:40,800 --> 00:25:45,633
also be marked by continued
progress by Iran on its program.
528
00:25:45,633 --> 00:25:48,266
So we believe that this
two-phased approach
529
00:25:48,266 --> 00:25:51,667
is the right approach to take,
530
00:25:51,667 --> 00:25:56,199
and the President will
be talking about that
531
00:25:56,200 --> 00:25:58,467
with Senate
leaders tomorrow.
532
00:25:58,467 --> 00:26:02,467
Major Garrett, then Margaret.
533
00:26:02,467 --> 00:26:06,633
The Press:
On the 80-percent
functionality of the website,
534
00:26:06,633 --> 00:26:09,367
that's just aNovember 30th date,
or is that something
535
00:26:09,367 --> 00:26:13,200
you've outlined as
a rough ratio, let's say,
536
00:26:13,200 --> 00:26:15,967
for the whole first year
of the Affordable Care Act?
537
00:26:15,967 --> 00:26:20,533
And is it something that
was built into your sort of
538
00:26:20,533 --> 00:26:24,300
assumptions about usability of
the Affordable Care Act in its
539
00:26:24,300 --> 00:26:28,367
first year, or is it simply a
metric that you've come up with
540
00:26:28,367 --> 00:26:31,166
since the website did not
roll out as effectively
541
00:26:31,166 --> 00:26:33,667
as you thought it would?
542
00:26:33,667 --> 00:26:36,800
Mr. Carney:
Let me start by saying
that in their regular briefings,
543
00:26:36,800 --> 00:26:39,834
CMS and HHS can add
more details in response
544
00:26:39,834 --> 00:26:41,433
to these kinds of questions.
545
00:26:41,433 --> 00:26:44,667
What I can, again, I think
describe for you is that
546
00:26:44,667 --> 00:26:51,734
the 8 out of 10,
2 out of 10 structure relates
547
00:26:51,734 --> 00:26:57,332
to an expectation of
what broadly speaking Americans
548
00:26:57,333 --> 00:27:02,166
would experience in a world
where the website is functioning
549
00:27:02,166 --> 00:27:04,166
effectively for the
vast majority of users.
550
00:27:04,166 --> 00:27:08,033
So that means that there
would be still some --
551
00:27:08,033 --> 00:27:11,132
a small percentage,
hopefully --
552
00:27:11,133 --> 00:27:14,300
who are not getting
through because they experienced
553
00:27:14,300 --> 00:27:15,399
technical difficulties.
554
00:27:15,400 --> 00:27:17,333
And as we've discussed
-- I discussed last week,
555
00:27:17,333 --> 00:27:20,400
the President
discussed last week --
556
00:27:20,400 --> 00:27:25,834
we will not have
a perfect website.
557
00:27:25,834 --> 00:27:29,934
There will be, as is the case
with all complex websites,
558
00:27:29,934 --> 00:27:33,332
individuals who experience some
technical difficulties somewhere
559
00:27:33,333 --> 00:27:34,333
and for some reasons.
560
00:27:34,333 --> 00:27:36,533
And the way to
measure those, again,
561
00:27:36,533 --> 00:27:40,399
goes into those categories
of error messages,
562
00:27:40,400 --> 00:27:43,967
delayed response times, and
stability issues with the site.
563
00:27:43,967 --> 00:27:45,066
But there are other --
564
00:27:45,066 --> 00:27:47,500
and again,
in that 2 out of 10 pot,
565
00:27:47,500 --> 00:27:48,734
you have two other
categories, one --
566
00:27:48,734 --> 00:27:53,367
I mean, and this is
just roughly speaking --
567
00:27:53,367 --> 00:27:55,934
one, those who have,
as I've described before --
568
00:27:55,934 --> 00:27:57,500
The Press:
And those will be there always.
569
00:27:57,500 --> 00:28:00,567
Mr. Carney:
Well, I think, yes,
that's certainly the case,
570
00:28:00,567 --> 00:28:05,000
that there will always --
it was never going to be that
571
00:28:05,000 --> 00:28:10,500
even with an error-free,
perfectly functioning website,
572
00:28:10,500 --> 00:28:16,400
that suddenly every American or
potential purchaser of insurance
573
00:28:16,400 --> 00:28:20,367
in the marketplace would
make that purchase online.
574
00:28:20,367 --> 00:28:22,500
And that's why there
are call-in centers,
575
00:28:22,500 --> 00:28:25,767
that's why there are in-person
navigators to assist Americans
576
00:28:25,767 --> 00:28:29,900
who prefer to do it, if you
will, the old-fashioned way,
577
00:28:29,900 --> 00:28:32,100
and also you can
do this by mail,
578
00:28:32,100 --> 00:28:33,300
an even more old-fashioned way.
579
00:28:33,300 --> 00:28:34,700
So that's just to say that
there's always going to be
580
00:28:34,700 --> 00:28:40,533
a universe of people who --
you know, they may go online,
581
00:28:40,533 --> 00:28:42,766
but they may not go
through the entire process,
582
00:28:42,767 --> 00:28:44,867
not because there's a technical
problem with the site,
583
00:28:44,867 --> 00:28:46,367
but for other reasons,
584
00:28:46,367 --> 00:28:49,066
complexities of their
own situation of which
585
00:28:49,066 --> 00:28:51,266
there are going to be
some percentage of families --
586
00:28:51,266 --> 00:28:54,934
The Press:
Percentage-wise on custody
things or geography or --
587
00:28:54,934 --> 00:28:56,100
Mr. Carney:
Precisely precisely.
588
00:28:56,100 --> 00:28:58,899
So that's the -- I'm trying
to give a little context
589
00:28:58,900 --> 00:29:00,500
to how these are viewed.
590
00:29:00,500 --> 00:29:03,066
More details are probably
available at CMS,
591
00:29:03,066 --> 00:29:06,233
but that's the broad --
592
00:29:08,266 --> 00:29:10,100
The Press:
80/20 is not a ratio
just for the website,
593
00:29:10,100 --> 00:29:11,100
it's for the entire experience.
594
00:29:11,100 --> 00:29:12,300
Mr. Carney:
Again, as understand it,
595
00:29:12,300 --> 00:29:15,233
we're talking about people
who would use the website,
596
00:29:15,233 --> 00:29:22,399
but may not follow it through
to the end -- i.e. enroll --
597
00:29:22,400 --> 00:29:24,700
because either they have
a technical problem,
598
00:29:24,700 --> 00:29:27,367
or they find that
they're one --
599
00:29:27,367 --> 00:29:29,466
somebody in this category --
600
00:29:29,467 --> 00:29:31,166
these other two categories.
601
00:29:31,166 --> 00:29:34,466
And I'm a layman here,
so that's my understanding.
602
00:29:34,467 --> 00:29:36,400
The Press:
Picking up on Iran,
603
00:29:36,400 --> 00:29:38,233
you said from the podium
a couple of times,
604
00:29:38,233 --> 00:29:41,966
those who are skeptical about
this two-phase process
605
00:29:41,967 --> 00:29:43,500
are essentially
indirectly advocating --
606
00:29:43,500 --> 00:29:44,500
or not advocating --
607
00:29:44,500 --> 00:29:45,767
the only other
fallback position
608
00:29:45,767 --> 00:29:52,200
to that is military
confrontation with Iran.
609
00:29:52,200 --> 00:29:53,200
Does that overall
description also apply
610
00:29:53,200 --> 00:29:55,433
to the Israeli government,
611
00:29:55,433 --> 00:30:01,333
which has been very critical
of the first phase of this?
612
00:30:01,333 --> 00:30:03,233
The Prime Minister has
repeatedly called it
613
00:30:03,233 --> 00:30:07,200
a "bad deal" without, as
the Secretary of State saying,
614
00:30:07,200 --> 00:30:09,734
knowing all the full details.
615
00:30:09,734 --> 00:30:11,265
Mr. Carney:
I'd say a couple of things.
616
00:30:11,266 --> 00:30:17,700
The comprehensive
structure of sanctions that
617
00:30:17,700 --> 00:30:20,600
have been put in place
and that have been as effective
618
00:30:20,600 --> 00:30:23,699
as they have been were designed
619
00:30:23,700 --> 00:30:28,400
to try to change
Iranian behavior.
620
00:30:28,400 --> 00:30:30,834
So the sanctions were not
imposed for the sake
621
00:30:30,834 --> 00:30:35,100
of sanctions themselves or
for harming the Iranian economy.
622
00:30:35,100 --> 00:30:40,533
They were meant to see if
Tehran's behavior would change;
623
00:30:40,533 --> 00:30:43,766
that there would be
a price that was too high
624
00:30:43,767 --> 00:30:49,133
for them to pay in order to
maintain their nuclear program
625
00:30:49,133 --> 00:30:53,500
in a way that was --
in which they would not provide
626
00:30:53,500 --> 00:30:58,400
assurances to the West that they
were forsaking nuclear weapons.
627
00:30:58,400 --> 00:31:03,400
That was why the President led
the way in putting together this
628
00:31:03,400 --> 00:31:05,633
comprehensive set of sanctions,
the most debilitating and
629
00:31:05,633 --> 00:31:08,600
comprehensive set ever
imposed in history.
630
00:31:08,600 --> 00:31:13,100
And you'll remember that he got
there by making clear in his
631
00:31:13,100 --> 00:31:17,033
campaign in 2008 and in his
inaugural address in January of
632
00:31:17,033 --> 00:31:22,899
2009 that he was willing to meet
with and discuss with Iranian
633
00:31:22,900 --> 00:31:25,467
leaders these issues.
634
00:31:25,467 --> 00:31:28,767
And that was a position that
had been criticized
635
00:31:28,767 --> 00:31:30,967
during the campaign.
636
00:31:30,967 --> 00:31:35,867
But that willingness basically
put the onus on Iran to
637
00:31:35,867 --> 00:31:37,667
demonstrate that they
weren't the problem.
638
00:31:37,667 --> 00:31:42,100
And what we saw for the first
four-plus years is that Iranian
639
00:31:42,100 --> 00:31:44,332
behavior was the problem.
640
00:31:44,333 --> 00:31:46,033
And that unified the
international community and
641
00:31:46,033 --> 00:31:49,300
allowed for the construction
of this comprehensive set of
642
00:31:49,300 --> 00:31:52,767
sanctions, and allowed for the
isolation of Tehran that we've
643
00:31:52,767 --> 00:31:57,133
seen, and which, in turn,
through an election in Tehran
644
00:31:57,133 --> 00:32:00,867
and through the building impact
of these sanctions on the
645
00:32:00,867 --> 00:32:04,332
Iranian economy, we have seen
Iran come forward and take a new
646
00:32:04,333 --> 00:32:10,500
approach towards this issue and
its dealings with the P5-plus-1.
647
00:32:10,500 --> 00:32:15,266
Since the goal that we all share
is making sure Iran does not
648
00:32:15,266 --> 00:32:21,333
and cannot acquire a nuclear
weapon, we need to pursue
649
00:32:21,333 --> 00:32:23,200
the possibility that
we can achieve that goal
650
00:32:23,200 --> 00:32:25,200
peacefully through diplomacy.
651
00:32:26,767 --> 00:32:28,600
And as the President
and others have said,
652
00:32:28,600 --> 00:32:32,966
the surest way to make sure that
Iran does not have a nuclear
653
00:32:32,967 --> 00:32:35,500
weapon and does not have it for
the long term is an agreement
654
00:32:35,500 --> 00:32:40,967
and a decision by Tehran to give
up pursuit of a nuclear weapon.
655
00:32:40,967 --> 00:32:45,734
But we have to obviously
couple that with very intrusive
656
00:32:45,734 --> 00:32:49,166
verification procedures
so that we can be confident
657
00:32:49,166 --> 00:32:50,600
that that is the case.
658
00:32:50,600 --> 00:32:53,500
So the end goal here
is shared by everyone,
659
00:32:53,500 --> 00:32:56,000
and there is no daylight between
the United States and Israel
660
00:32:56,000 --> 00:32:58,600
when it comes to that.
661
00:32:58,600 --> 00:33:02,300
And there's no daylight among
the members of the P5-plus-1.
662
00:33:02,300 --> 00:33:03,300
The Press:
There clearly appears
to be daylight
663
00:33:03,300 --> 00:33:05,934
in tactics and
methods right now.
664
00:33:05,934 --> 00:33:08,133
I mean, everything in that
history you just described,
665
00:33:08,133 --> 00:33:10,367
Israel and the United States
were very close on this,
666
00:33:10,367 --> 00:33:12,867
but now they are -- through
press conferences and statements
667
00:33:12,867 --> 00:33:15,233
from the Prime Minister
repeatedly -- a breach.
668
00:33:15,233 --> 00:33:17,332
It's obvious.
669
00:33:17,333 --> 00:33:18,600
Mr. Carney:
Well, I think everyone --
670
00:33:18,600 --> 00:33:19,766
and I think
the Prime Minister said this --
671
00:33:19,767 --> 00:33:24,000
believes that we should
explore whether or not
672
00:33:24,000 --> 00:33:25,333
this can be resolved peacefully.
673
00:33:25,333 --> 00:33:28,500
That is obviously
a preference for everyone.
674
00:33:28,500 --> 00:33:31,200
And it is our view that
the process we have in place
675
00:33:31,200 --> 00:33:36,934
with the P5-plus-1 is the best
way to explore that possibility,
676
00:33:36,934 --> 00:33:38,667
as we leave all
options on the table;
677
00:33:38,667 --> 00:33:42,867
as we make clear that
President Obama will not,
678
00:33:45,066 --> 00:33:46,133
as a matter of policy,
679
00:33:46,133 --> 00:33:49,867
allow Iran to acquire
a nuclear weapon.
680
00:33:49,867 --> 00:33:56,332
Achieving that goal is best done
peacefully if that's possible.
681
00:33:56,333 --> 00:33:58,667
And going back to the
beginning of your question,
682
00:33:58,667 --> 00:34:05,934
if the decision or the view
is that we should not engage
683
00:34:05,934 --> 00:34:10,100
in negotiations, you really --
whether you're proactively
684
00:34:10,100 --> 00:34:14,333
choosing the use of force
as the better alternative
685
00:34:14,333 --> 00:34:18,300
or simply disallowing
or suggesting
686
00:34:18,300 --> 00:34:20,934
there's no path through
which you can negotiate
687
00:34:20,934 --> 00:34:22,667
a diplomatic
peaceful resolution,
688
00:34:22,667 --> 00:34:26,100
you're still leaving yourself
with only one other means
689
00:34:26,100 --> 00:34:27,366
to achieve that objective:
690
00:34:27,367 --> 00:34:29,800
Prevent Iran from
acquiring a nuclear weapon.
691
00:34:29,800 --> 00:34:32,633
And that's why we --
so we put in place a process
692
00:34:32,632 --> 00:34:34,165
working with our --
693
00:34:34,166 --> 00:34:38,333
The Press:
Is that where you think the
Israeli government is right now?
694
00:34:38,333 --> 00:34:39,667
Mr. Carney:
Well, look, we negotiate --
695
00:34:39,667 --> 00:34:41,033
we, rather, consult with Israel
constantly on these issues.
696
00:34:41,033 --> 00:34:43,866
The President speaks
with no other leader
697
00:34:43,867 --> 00:34:45,767
more frequently than he does --
698
00:34:45,766 --> 00:34:48,600
The Press:
And they know all the details
of the negotiations?
699
00:34:48,600 --> 00:34:51,500
Mr. Carney:
We, again, consult with
the Israelis regularly.
700
00:34:51,500 --> 00:34:57,300
We share a significant
amount of information
701
00:34:57,300 --> 00:35:00,867
on a variety of issues, but
Iran is certainly one of them.
702
00:35:00,867 --> 00:35:06,433
And our commitment to Israel's
defense is unshakable,
703
00:35:06,433 --> 00:35:10,000
and that is as true today
as it's been every day
704
00:35:10,000 --> 00:35:12,967
that President Obama has
been in office and has overseen
705
00:35:12,967 --> 00:35:17,000
a policy that has provided,
I think, even in the --
706
00:35:17,000 --> 00:35:18,000
or most importantly,
707
00:35:18,000 --> 00:35:19,300
in the views of many
Israeli leaders,
708
00:35:19,300 --> 00:35:23,767
the most tangible evidence of
that commitment to Israel's
709
00:35:23,767 --> 00:35:25,133
security that they've ever seen.
710
00:35:25,133 --> 00:35:28,567
So that remains our policy.
711
00:35:28,567 --> 00:35:29,934
That remains our position.
712
00:35:29,934 --> 00:35:33,333
And we are going about this with
our P5-plus-1 partners in a way
713
00:35:33,333 --> 00:35:39,333
that ensures that any steps we
take will require transparency
714
00:35:44,800 --> 00:35:50,367
and the ability to verify
concrete steps by the Iranians.
715
00:35:50,367 --> 00:35:52,400
If in the end they are not --
716
00:35:52,400 --> 00:35:54,533
if they demonstrate that
they are not willing to take
717
00:35:54,533 --> 00:35:57,633
the concrete steps necessary
to prove to the world
718
00:35:57,633 --> 00:35:59,899
that they're giving up
their nuclear weapons ambitions,
719
00:35:59,900 --> 00:36:01,934
then there's no deal.
720
00:36:01,934 --> 00:36:02,934
Simple as that.
721
00:36:02,934 --> 00:36:03,900
Margaret.
722
00:36:03,900 --> 00:36:05,000
The Press:
Thanks.
723
00:36:05,000 --> 00:36:06,700
I want to ask you about
the OFA call tonight,
724
00:36:06,700 --> 00:36:10,033
but before I forget I wanted to
do a little cleanup question.
725
00:36:10,033 --> 00:36:16,033
On health care,
in the front row,
726
00:36:18,700 --> 00:36:24,667
you had said that in addition to
what you're doing to improve
727
00:36:35,567 --> 00:36:36,734
the website, you're "working
with additional channels,"
728
00:36:36,734 --> 00:36:38,000
and that sounded like maybe
worth asking more about.
729
00:36:38,000 --> 00:36:39,300
Is this with business, or is
the Lady Gaga tour back on,
730
00:36:39,300 --> 00:36:39,900
or what are we talking about
with the additional channels?
731
00:36:39,900 --> 00:36:41,266
[laughter]
732
00:36:41,266 --> 00:36:42,233
Mr. Carney:
I think what I was trying
to refer to was the fact
733
00:36:42,233 --> 00:36:42,900
that we have,
in addition to the work
734
00:36:42,900 --> 00:36:44,100
we've done on the website,
735
00:36:44,100 --> 00:36:45,200
we have made more robust
the channels available for --
736
00:36:45,200 --> 00:36:46,066
the alternate channels
available for Americans
737
00:36:46,066 --> 00:36:47,133
to get information
and to enroll.
738
00:36:47,133 --> 00:36:48,133
That includes by mail,
by phone or in person.
739
00:36:48,133 --> 00:36:51,734
And in response to
the question about --
740
00:36:51,734 --> 00:36:53,667
but in response to the question
about direct enrollment,
741
00:36:53,667 --> 00:36:56,366
working with insurers,
we are having conversations
742
00:36:56,367 --> 00:36:58,867
with insurers all the time
about that and other issues,
743
00:36:58,867 --> 00:37:05,000
all with the goal of maximizing
the options available
744
00:37:05,000 --> 00:37:09,700
to Americans when
it comes to enrolling in
745
00:37:09,700 --> 00:37:11,232
and purchasing
quality, affordable --
746
00:37:11,233 --> 00:37:12,967
enrolling in the marketplace
and purchasing quality,
747
00:37:12,967 --> 00:37:13,967
affordable health insurance.
748
00:37:13,967 --> 00:37:15,133
The Press:
But on the additional channels,
749
00:37:15,133 --> 00:37:16,899
you meant the channels that
we've already talked
750
00:37:16,900 --> 00:37:18,767
about before in the past?
751
00:37:18,767 --> 00:37:20,899
Mr. Carney:
Well, but also -- we are
also working to set up
752
00:37:20,900 --> 00:37:23,100
direct enrollment through
insurance companies
753
00:37:23,100 --> 00:37:25,400
so that Americans
could choose to enroll directly
754
00:37:25,400 --> 00:37:26,567
through the insurance company.
755
00:37:26,567 --> 00:37:31,266
And that's another method
by which we can reach
756
00:37:31,266 --> 00:37:33,800
the same point
that is the goal here.
757
00:37:33,800 --> 00:37:35,367
Again, it's the end
here that matters,
758
00:37:35,367 --> 00:37:36,867
not necessarily the means.
759
00:37:36,867 --> 00:37:39,333
The means are important
and we have made clear
760
00:37:39,333 --> 00:37:42,500
our shared frustration
with the problems
761
00:37:42,500 --> 00:37:44,567
that the website
has experienced,
762
00:37:44,567 --> 00:37:48,200
but we have to make sure that
there are other means available
763
00:37:48,200 --> 00:37:50,299
for the American people
even as we make improvements
764
00:37:50,300 --> 00:37:52,066
to the website.
765
00:37:52,066 --> 00:37:54,866
The Press:
On OFA, tonight the
President will talk
766
00:37:54,867 --> 00:37:57,266
with OFA folks on a call.
767
00:37:57,266 --> 00:38:01,500
To the extent that you
can talk about the policy
768
00:38:01,500 --> 00:38:02,800
as well as the political goals,
769
00:38:02,800 --> 00:38:06,033
more broadly than sort of
trying to get the momentum back,
770
00:38:06,033 --> 00:38:08,967
what is he hoping to accomplish
specifically with this call,
771
00:38:08,967 --> 00:38:10,734
and for what
duration of time
772
00:38:10,734 --> 00:38:13,967
is he kind of
laying forth a plan?
773
00:38:13,967 --> 00:38:16,567
Mr. Carney:
Well, I don't have
an extensive preview
774
00:38:16,567 --> 00:38:18,000
of what the President will say.
775
00:38:18,000 --> 00:38:24,166
I can say that there are a lot
of people out there who strongly
776
00:38:24,166 --> 00:38:29,400
support health insurance reform,
and who strongly supported
777
00:38:29,400 --> 00:38:31,700
and support the
Affordable Care Act
778
00:38:31,700 --> 00:38:36,799
because of the promise
that it represents.
779
00:38:39,867 --> 00:38:44,367
We are obviously
in a moment of time
780
00:38:44,367 --> 00:38:45,834
as applies to
the Affordable Care Act
781
00:38:45,834 --> 00:38:49,433
where a lot of focus
understandably is being directed
782
00:38:49,433 --> 00:38:51,700
towards the problems with
the website and other issues
783
00:38:51,700 --> 00:38:52,700
that have affected the
rollout of the marketplaces.
784
00:38:52,700 --> 00:39:00,533
And that is as you
would expect it to be.
785
00:39:00,533 --> 00:39:01,600
But we cannot forget --
786
00:39:01,600 --> 00:39:06,700
we need to step back
and not forget that what
787
00:39:06,700 --> 00:39:08,700
was achieved in the passage
of the Affordable Care Act
788
00:39:08,700 --> 00:39:12,600
was the culmination
of a century-long effort
789
00:39:12,600 --> 00:39:18,100
by presidents and lawmakers
to introduce health insurance
790
00:39:18,100 --> 00:39:21,133
reform to make affordable,
quality health insurance
791
00:39:21,133 --> 00:39:24,533
more broadly available
to average Americans,
792
00:39:24,533 --> 00:39:31,100
all undertaken with the point
of view that in the wealthiest
793
00:39:31,100 --> 00:39:35,033
country on Earth, health care
should not be a privilege
794
00:39:35,033 --> 00:39:37,967
for a few, it should
be available to all.
795
00:39:37,967 --> 00:39:43,967
And what we've seen is that
passage of that legislation
796
00:39:46,567 --> 00:39:50,800
is only half the battle,
and implementation of it
797
00:39:50,800 --> 00:39:54,333
is just as --
in fact, more important,
798
00:39:54,333 --> 00:39:57,767
because we need to make sure
that the promise is realized
799
00:39:57,767 --> 00:40:00,466
and that Americans
across the country
800
00:40:00,467 --> 00:40:06,900
who have seen health care
costs drive up their own costs
801
00:40:06,900 --> 00:40:10,133
have seen -- in a process
that's been underway
802
00:40:10,133 --> 00:40:16,700
for years and decades, have seen
their even their employer-based
803
00:40:16,700 --> 00:40:21,933
insurance change in ways
that places more costs on them,
804
00:40:21,934 --> 00:40:25,233
and also have seen employers
drop them and have seen
805
00:40:25,233 --> 00:40:29,166
experiences, if they have
been in the individual market,
806
00:40:29,166 --> 00:40:32,300
that are really challenging
for them and create
807
00:40:32,300 --> 00:40:34,166
a lot of insecurity for them --
808
00:40:34,166 --> 00:40:37,867
that they are able to get
the benefits of this new system
809
00:40:37,867 --> 00:40:41,367
that builds on, expands on
the private insurance system
810
00:40:41,367 --> 00:40:44,166
that we have but does
it in a way that provides basic
811
00:40:44,166 --> 00:40:47,633
benefits and basic affordability
to millions of Americans
812
00:40:47,633 --> 00:40:48,866
who didn't have them before.
813
00:40:48,867 --> 00:40:50,033
The Press:
So it's really basically
a focus call.
814
00:40:50,033 --> 00:40:51,734
It's not going to be about
immigration or other --
815
00:40:51,734 --> 00:40:54,100
Mr. Carney:
Well, I can't rule
out other topics.
816
00:40:54,100 --> 00:41:00,533
But I think that the President
understands that there are a lot
817
00:41:00,533 --> 00:41:05,600
of people out there who believe
deeply in the need to make sure
818
00:41:05,600 --> 00:41:07,033
that this is
implemented properly,
819
00:41:07,033 --> 00:41:10,967
because millions of Americans
fought hard for and believe
820
00:41:10,967 --> 00:41:15,400
in the benefits that the
Affordable Care Act provides.
821
00:41:15,400 --> 00:41:18,834
The Press:
Very quickly -- sorry,
I took too much time.
822
00:41:18,834 --> 00:41:20,200
Since we've been talking,
there's a story out
823
00:41:20,200 --> 00:41:22,265
by The Washington Post that says
that Pete Rouse may be leaving.
824
00:41:22,266 --> 00:41:23,433
Can you --
825
00:41:23,433 --> 00:41:24,834
Mr. Carney:
This is the breaking
news question.
826
00:41:24,834 --> 00:41:26,366
The Press:
This is the breaking
news question.
827
00:41:26,367 --> 00:41:27,667
Mr. Carney:
What is it again?
828
00:41:27,667 --> 00:41:29,266
The Press:
It may have had something
to do with the paper
829
00:41:29,266 --> 00:41:30,800
that was passed to you --
830
00:41:30,800 --> 00:41:32,033
Mr. Carney: No.
831
00:41:32,033 --> 00:41:33,033
Oh, no, in fact I'm glad you
reminded me, but go ahead.
832
00:41:33,033 --> 00:41:34,400
[laughter]
833
00:41:34,400 --> 00:41:35,900
The Press:
Anyway, what can you tell
about Pete Rouse's plans?
834
00:41:35,900 --> 00:41:38,266
And can you confirm this report?
835
00:41:38,266 --> 00:41:40,567
Mr. Carney:
I don't have any personnel
announcements to make,
836
00:41:40,567 --> 00:41:42,500
and I haven't obviously
seen that report.
837
00:41:42,500 --> 00:41:44,834
Let me tell you that
the President called Illinois
838
00:41:44,834 --> 00:41:49,700
Governor Pat Quinn and Mayor
of Washington Gary Manier
839
00:41:49,700 --> 00:41:51,667
to receive an update on the
response to yesterday's
840
00:41:51,667 --> 00:41:53,467
severe weather and
to express his gratitude
841
00:41:53,467 --> 00:41:55,934
for all of the brave
women and men working
842
00:41:55,934 --> 00:41:57,333
to respond to this disaster.
843
00:41:57,333 --> 00:41:59,600
I just wanted to
update you on that.
844
00:41:59,600 --> 00:42:02,667
That was the note
that was passed to me,
845
00:42:02,667 --> 00:42:05,200
and I want to thank
you for reminding me.
846
00:42:05,200 --> 00:42:07,200
Jim.
847
00:42:07,200 --> 00:42:08,933
The Press:
Since Margaret asked
about Pete Rouse,
848
00:42:08,934 --> 00:42:10,967
I wanted to ask you
-- over the weekend,
849
00:42:10,967 --> 00:42:14,734
David Plouffe and then earlier
this morning Robert Gibbs,
850
00:42:14,734 --> 00:42:18,133
your predecessor, said that
it would not surprise them
851
00:42:18,133 --> 00:42:20,399
and that it's probably expected
that there will be changes
852
00:42:20,400 --> 00:42:21,633
here at the White House,
853
00:42:21,633 --> 00:42:25,834
perhaps over at HHS in
response to the fumbled rollout
854
00:42:25,834 --> 00:42:26,834
of the Affordable Care Act.
855
00:42:26,834 --> 00:42:28,834
Does the President
see the wisdom in that?
856
00:42:31,800 --> 00:42:33,900
Mr. Carney:
I would point you to what
the President has said,
857
00:42:33,900 --> 00:42:37,433
which is that he believes his
team ought to be and is focused
858
00:42:37,433 --> 00:42:41,100
on getting this right
for the American people,
859
00:42:41,100 --> 00:42:44,033
making the fixes to the website
that are necessary so that
860
00:42:44,033 --> 00:42:48,667
it functions more effectively
for users across the country;
861
00:42:48,667 --> 00:42:55,266
making necessary fixes to the
law that we can make to make it
862
00:42:55,266 --> 00:42:56,900
better for Americans
around the country.
863
00:42:56,900 --> 00:43:02,300
So we're focused and he is
focused on implementation.
864
00:43:02,300 --> 00:43:05,567
He said that it's not --
Monday morning quarterbacking
865
00:43:05,567 --> 00:43:07,333
is not what we're engaged in.
866
00:43:07,333 --> 00:43:09,066
The Press:
But there will be a
time when he'll be able
867
00:43:09,066 --> 00:43:10,366
to look beyond that.
868
00:43:10,367 --> 00:43:12,533
Mr. Carney:
Well, hypothetically,
you could say that.
869
00:43:12,533 --> 00:43:16,433
I think it's also the case that
personnel changes happen
870
00:43:16,433 --> 00:43:17,667
all the time.
871
00:43:17,667 --> 00:43:19,299
And I wouldn't necessarily
associate any particular one
872
00:43:19,300 --> 00:43:24,266
with any incident, which is --
I'm just offering that caution.
873
00:43:24,266 --> 00:43:27,700
I know I'm probably
spitting in the wind there.
874
00:43:27,700 --> 00:43:34,533
But I don't have
any review to describe
875
00:43:34,533 --> 00:43:36,433
or personnel
announcements to make.
876
00:43:36,433 --> 00:43:39,400
The Press:
And a lot of folks
have been asking --
877
00:43:39,400 --> 00:43:41,533
Jay, I know you've been
asked this question --
878
00:43:41,533 --> 00:43:44,100
but tomorrow is
the 150th anniversary
879
00:43:44,100 --> 00:43:45,333
of the Gettysburg Address,
880
00:43:45,333 --> 00:43:48,233
and they're going to have
a ceremony commemorating that
881
00:43:48,233 --> 00:43:49,333
up at Gettysburg.
882
00:43:49,333 --> 00:43:51,033
And I know the Interior
Secretary will be there;
883
00:43:51,033 --> 00:43:52,633
it looks like the President
will not be there.
884
00:43:52,633 --> 00:43:53,700
What is he going to be doing?
885
00:43:53,700 --> 00:43:55,700
I know he is doing
this PBS special.
886
00:43:55,700 --> 00:43:57,700
What's he doing beyond
that to commemorate this?
887
00:43:57,700 --> 00:44:00,399
Because just about every
other big anniversary
888
00:44:00,400 --> 00:44:04,266
for this address, a President
has had a prominent role.
889
00:44:04,266 --> 00:44:06,166
Mr. Carney:
Well, I don't have
any scheduling updates
890
00:44:06,166 --> 00:44:07,300
to provide to you.
891
00:44:07,300 --> 00:44:09,834
Obviously, that address
and that moment in time
892
00:44:09,834 --> 00:44:11,200
is seminal in our history.
893
00:44:11,200 --> 00:44:13,866
And I think that all Americans
across the country will have
894
00:44:13,867 --> 00:44:21,066
the opportunity to think about
those words and that address.
895
00:44:21,066 --> 00:44:22,700
But with regards
to the President,
896
00:44:22,700 --> 00:44:23,700
beyond what you just described,
897
00:44:23,700 --> 00:44:24,933
I don't have anything
more for you.
898
00:44:24,934 --> 00:44:27,000
The Press:
And recently, in
the last several days,
899
00:44:27,000 --> 00:44:30,166
the Secretary of State --
speaking of another anniversary
900
00:44:30,166 --> 00:44:33,667
that's coming up on Wednesday,
I know that the President
901
00:44:33,667 --> 00:44:36,834
and Bill Clinton will be
marking the 50th anniversary
902
00:44:36,834 --> 00:44:39,866
since the assassination
of President Kennedy.
903
00:44:39,867 --> 00:44:43,100
And just recently, Secretary
of State Kerry made a comment
904
00:44:43,100 --> 00:44:44,866
that he thought
that Lee Harvey Oswald
905
00:44:44,867 --> 00:44:48,166
may have had some help
in that assassination.
906
00:44:48,166 --> 00:44:49,333
And I'm just curious,
907
00:44:49,333 --> 00:44:51,100
what are the President's
thoughts on that?
908
00:44:51,100 --> 00:44:53,967
Does he believe that
Lee Harvey Oswald --
909
00:44:53,967 --> 00:44:56,066
Mr. Carney:
I haven't had a discussion
with the President
910
00:44:56,066 --> 00:44:57,066
about Kennedy's assassination,
911
00:44:57,066 --> 00:44:58,399
President
Kennedy's assassination.
912
00:44:58,400 --> 00:45:00,633
The Press:
And there are classified
files that have still
913
00:45:00,633 --> 00:45:03,399
not been released in that case.
914
00:45:03,400 --> 00:45:06,333
Has the President weighed in
on whether or not
915
00:45:06,333 --> 00:45:08,266
those files should be released?
916
00:45:08,266 --> 00:45:10,033
Mr. Carney:
I have not had that
conversation with him.
917
00:45:10,033 --> 00:45:11,033
Ed.
918
00:45:11,033 --> 00:45:12,232
The Press:
Jay, quick one on Guantanamo.
919
00:45:12,233 --> 00:45:14,934
You did a readout this morning
of Lisa Monaco talking
920
00:45:14,934 --> 00:45:16,867
to officials in Yemen
about Guantanamo.
921
00:45:16,867 --> 00:45:19,600
And I wonder -- there have
been reports suggesting
922
00:45:19,600 --> 00:45:22,667
the administration may transfer
up to 100 Yemeni detainees
923
00:45:22,667 --> 00:45:25,366
out of Guantanamo back
to their home country.
924
00:45:25,367 --> 00:45:27,633
Why does the administration
think this may be effective,
925
00:45:27,633 --> 00:45:30,399
given the fact that the
President himself shut that down
926
00:45:30,400 --> 00:45:33,133
a few years ago after the
underwear bomber had gotten some
927
00:45:33,133 --> 00:45:36,533
help from Yemen and there were
concerns that it might be a bad
928
00:45:36,533 --> 00:45:38,100
idea to send more
detainees there?
929
00:45:38,100 --> 00:45:39,533
What's changed?
930
00:45:39,533 --> 00:45:42,400
Mr. Carney:
Well, the moratorium
on detainee transfers to Yemen
931
00:45:42,400 --> 00:45:45,367
was lifted earlier this year,
as I'm sure you remember.
932
00:45:45,367 --> 00:45:47,767
And in his speech
at NDU, the President
933
00:45:47,767 --> 00:45:50,466
called on Congress to
lift its restrictions
934
00:45:50,467 --> 00:45:53,133
on detainee transfers
from Guantanamo.
935
00:45:53,133 --> 00:45:57,033
The lifting of the moratorium on
detainee transfers to Yemen
936
00:45:57,033 --> 00:45:58,500
came with also the assertion
that those detainees
937
00:45:58,500 --> 00:46:04,533
would be reviewed on
a case-by-case basis,
938
00:46:04,533 --> 00:46:08,933
and that has been
the case ever since.
939
00:46:08,934 --> 00:46:12,367
It is still absolutely the
administration's firm commitment
940
00:46:12,367 --> 00:46:15,734
to close the detention
facility at Guantanamo Bay.
941
00:46:15,734 --> 00:46:18,600
The facility continues
to drain our resources
942
00:46:18,600 --> 00:46:20,834
in an era of sequestration
and tighter budgets,
943
00:46:20,834 --> 00:46:23,633
and it harms our
national security.
944
00:46:23,633 --> 00:46:26,066
To the greatest extent possible,
the administration will continue
945
00:46:26,066 --> 00:46:28,466
transferring detainees
who have been cleared
946
00:46:28,467 --> 00:46:29,667
to go to other countries.
947
00:46:29,667 --> 00:46:33,799
And we, as I mentioned,
will call again on Congress
948
00:46:33,800 --> 00:46:36,834
to lift the restrictions
on detainee transfers,
949
00:46:36,834 --> 00:46:39,366
which have significantly limited
our ability to responsibly
950
00:46:39,367 --> 00:46:41,934
reduce the detainee
population and ultimately
951
00:46:41,934 --> 00:46:44,000
to close the facility.
952
00:46:44,000 --> 00:46:45,100
The detainee language
953
00:46:45,100 --> 00:46:46,600
that is in the
Senate Armed Services Committee
954
00:46:46,600 --> 00:46:48,967
version of the FY2014 National
Defense Authorization Act
955
00:46:48,967 --> 00:46:51,500
is in our view positive
and an important step
956
00:46:51,500 --> 00:46:53,166
in that direction.
957
00:46:53,166 --> 00:46:54,567
The Press: Now --
958
00:46:54,567 --> 00:46:56,000
Mr. Carney:
Go ahead.
959
00:46:56,000 --> 00:46:57,200
The Press:
Thank you for that.
960
00:46:57,200 --> 00:46:59,633
On health care, the whole
"vast majority" question --
961
00:46:59,633 --> 00:47:01,933
last week, when the President
talked about it,
962
00:47:01,934 --> 00:47:05,233
he just used "majority"
not "vast majority."
963
00:47:05,233 --> 00:47:08,300
Is there any way that the bar
can be lowered below 80 percent
964
00:47:08,300 --> 00:47:11,367
if at the end of November
it's 70 percent or 60 percent?
965
00:47:11,367 --> 00:47:12,800
Is that acceptable?
966
00:47:12,800 --> 00:47:15,100
Mr. Carney:
Again, I try to describe, Ed,
967
00:47:15,100 --> 00:47:17,667
and I appreciate
everyone's patience,
968
00:47:17,667 --> 00:47:19,633
sort of the universe of people
that we're talking about.
969
00:47:19,633 --> 00:47:24,200
And when you talk
about the 2 out of 10
970
00:47:24,200 --> 00:47:25,799
or 8 out of 10 that --
971
00:47:25,800 --> 00:47:28,967
among those who don't
get through the website,
972
00:47:28,967 --> 00:47:31,567
there are a variety
of reasons that will be
973
00:47:31,567 --> 00:47:33,033
and has been the case.
974
00:47:33,033 --> 00:47:38,133
One of them is --
are those people who experience
975
00:47:38,133 --> 00:47:42,399
technical problems,
error messages or delays,
976
00:47:42,400 --> 00:47:44,000
or crashes that forced
them off the site
977
00:47:44,000 --> 00:47:46,333
and in another direction.
978
00:47:46,333 --> 00:47:50,800
But others will
go online but may find
979
00:47:50,800 --> 00:47:54,667
that their personal
situation is complex enough
980
00:47:54,667 --> 00:47:56,333
in ways that we were
talking about earlier,
981
00:47:56,333 --> 00:47:59,300
that they're better served
if they go to a navigator,
982
00:47:59,300 --> 00:48:02,667
either through a call-in
center or in person,
983
00:48:02,667 --> 00:48:04,633
so that that can be --
they can have somebody
984
00:48:04,633 --> 00:48:06,100
help them through that process.
985
00:48:06,100 --> 00:48:07,433
And then, of course,
there are going to be people
986
00:48:07,433 --> 00:48:08,433
who may find some
information online,
987
00:48:08,433 --> 00:48:14,333
may have a perfectly
acceptable experience,
988
00:48:14,333 --> 00:48:15,633
no problems, no errors,
989
00:48:15,633 --> 00:48:19,332
but will decide that when it
comes to purchasing insurance,
990
00:48:19,333 --> 00:48:20,333
that that's not something
991
00:48:20,333 --> 00:48:21,667
they're comfortable
doing online.
992
00:48:21,667 --> 00:48:22,900
That was always
going to be the case.
993
00:48:22,900 --> 00:48:24,433
There was always going to
be a population that fit that
994
00:48:24,433 --> 00:48:27,400
description, and that's why
it's important that they, too,
995
00:48:27,400 --> 00:48:29,633
are able to avail
themselves of other means.
996
00:48:29,633 --> 00:48:32,834
The Press:
You mean like go by phone,
as you said earlier,
997
00:48:32,834 --> 00:48:34,700
or go by mail?
998
00:48:34,700 --> 00:48:35,799
Under that scenario, though,
could the 80/20 split
999
00:48:35,800 --> 00:48:36,967
you were asked about before,
1000
00:48:36,967 --> 00:48:39,400
could up to 20 percent
of the people who go online
1001
00:48:39,400 --> 00:48:42,133
but can't actually sign up --
I realize not all 20 percent
1002
00:48:42,133 --> 00:48:43,200
will not be able to get on.
1003
00:48:43,200 --> 00:48:44,899
Some will do it by mail,
some will do it by phone.
1004
00:48:44,900 --> 00:48:47,200
But will there be a significant
percentage of people then
1005
00:48:47,200 --> 00:48:50,633
who will be fined anyway, even
though they went on the website
1006
00:48:50,633 --> 00:48:52,633
trying to get health
care, they don't get it,
1007
00:48:52,633 --> 00:48:55,633
and then they'll
pay the penalty?
1008
00:48:55,633 --> 00:48:57,933
Mr. Carney:
Well, again, the universe
I've described to you
1009
00:48:57,934 --> 00:49:01,400
are people who will have
available to them other means,
1010
00:49:01,400 --> 00:49:04,600
and when it comes to the
improvements to the website,
1011
00:49:04,600 --> 00:49:08,333
which is the context
in which these metrics
1012
00:49:08,333 --> 00:49:11,934
are being described,
1013
00:49:11,934 --> 00:49:14,000
the improvements will
make the website better,
1014
00:49:14,000 --> 00:49:16,367
will make it more effective,
will make it function
1015
00:49:16,367 --> 00:49:19,900
effectively for the
vast majority of users.
1016
00:49:19,900 --> 00:49:23,533
There will still be some
who experience technical
1017
00:49:23,533 --> 00:49:28,232
difficulties, and that will
result in those individuals,
1018
00:49:28,233 --> 00:49:30,567
if they don't want
to keep trying,
1019
00:49:30,567 --> 00:49:33,600
availing themselves of the
other means available to them.
1020
00:49:33,600 --> 00:49:36,700
And then there will be those
who decide to use other methods
1021
00:49:36,700 --> 00:49:40,399
because they, for reasons that
have nothing to do with the
1022
00:49:40,400 --> 00:49:44,066
functionality of the website,
that it's an issue of complexity
1023
00:49:44,066 --> 00:49:50,600
in their personal situations or
a personal decision not to do
1024
00:49:50,600 --> 00:49:52,967
this kind of process or make
this kind of purchase online.
1025
00:49:52,967 --> 00:49:56,700
So I guess the point is,
when it comes to the website,
1026
00:49:56,700 --> 00:50:00,466
we are working 24/7
to make the technical fixes,
1027
00:50:00,467 --> 00:50:05,166
software and hardware fixes that
will improve its functionality.
1028
00:50:05,166 --> 00:50:09,133
But that's all part of a broader
effort to make access
1029
00:50:09,133 --> 00:50:12,433
to the marketplaces as smooth
as possible and provide as many
1030
00:50:12,433 --> 00:50:14,900
channels as possible,
which is what we're doing.
1031
00:50:14,900 --> 00:50:15,900
The Press:
And the very last one.
1032
00:50:15,900 --> 00:50:17,533
There were reports
about an official helping
1033
00:50:17,533 --> 00:50:22,933
to run the D.C. exchange
who was fired within hours
1034
00:50:22,934 --> 00:50:26,700
or within a day of criticizing
how the program was working.
1035
00:50:26,700 --> 00:50:28,700
Did the administration
have anything to do
1036
00:50:28,700 --> 00:50:30,567
with this official
in D.C. losing his job?
1037
00:50:30,567 --> 00:50:33,000
Mr. Carney:
I can't speak to why
they made that decision.
1038
00:50:33,000 --> 00:50:34,066
I would refer you to them.
1039
00:50:34,066 --> 00:50:35,165
Peter.
1040
00:50:35,166 --> 00:50:40,266
This is going to have
to be my last engagement.
1041
00:50:40,266 --> 00:50:43,333
The Press:
You talked about 80 percent
would be viewed as success.
1042
00:50:43,333 --> 00:50:45,600
Then perhaps to
put it more simply,
1043
00:50:45,600 --> 00:50:47,834
what would failure
be defined as?
1044
00:50:47,834 --> 00:50:49,299
How does the President
define failure,
1045
00:50:49,300 --> 00:50:51,934
not sufficiently meeting
the expectations?
1046
00:50:51,934 --> 00:50:54,467
Mr. Carney:
The President believes
that the site is not functioning
1047
00:50:54,467 --> 00:50:57,934
effectively now and
wasn't effective --
1048
00:50:57,934 --> 00:50:59,700
functioning effectively
on October 1st.
1049
00:50:59,700 --> 00:51:00,966
That doesn't mean
it's not functioning.
1050
00:51:00,967 --> 00:51:02,700
Obviously, there are more
and more people successfully
1051
00:51:02,700 --> 00:51:05,200
navigating the
website every day.
1052
00:51:05,200 --> 00:51:07,332
The Press:
I mean, for the
December 1st date,
1053
00:51:07,333 --> 00:51:09,767
what would failure look like?
1054
00:51:09,767 --> 00:51:13,033
Mr. Carney:
Look, I think we've said
that we are making improvements
1055
00:51:13,033 --> 00:51:15,266
so that it will
function effectively
1056
00:51:15,266 --> 00:51:16,734
for the vast majority of users.
1057
00:51:16,734 --> 00:51:21,933
It is important when looking at
users' experiences on any day,
1058
00:51:21,934 --> 00:51:25,166
but December 1st
included, that there --
1059
00:51:25,166 --> 00:51:32,266
of those who basically
stop using the online site,
1060
00:51:32,266 --> 00:51:35,967
there will be different
reasons why that's so.
1061
00:51:35,967 --> 00:51:39,033
Some of them will have
technical problems,
1062
00:51:39,033 --> 00:51:42,133
and that's what we can address
through fixes to the website.
1063
00:51:42,133 --> 00:51:43,834
There will be others who --
1064
00:51:43,834 --> 00:51:46,633
and this was always
going to be the case --
1065
00:51:46,633 --> 00:51:48,700
because of their
personal situations and the
1066
00:51:48,700 --> 00:51:51,133
complexity of the kind
of coverage they need,
1067
00:51:51,133 --> 00:51:53,933
will be better served
by going to call-in centers
1068
00:51:53,934 --> 00:51:56,734
or in-person centers
to get assistance in applying
1069
00:51:56,734 --> 00:52:00,066
and getting the
information they need.
1070
00:52:00,066 --> 00:52:02,066
The Press:
Just to conclude,
as Todd Park said
1071
00:52:02,066 --> 00:52:03,633
when he spoke before the
House Oversight Committee,
1072
00:52:03,633 --> 00:52:05,966
the goal is to meet
this vast majority mark,
1073
00:52:05,967 --> 00:52:08,100
which is roughly
80 percent, with a nuance,
1074
00:52:08,100 --> 00:52:09,433
I understand, within it.
1075
00:52:09,433 --> 00:52:13,233
So I guess my question is, if
we don't meet what the President
1076
00:52:13,233 --> 00:52:15,700
views as that standard,
what is the consequence?
1077
00:52:15,700 --> 00:52:17,533
What is the President
prepared to do?
1078
00:52:17,533 --> 00:52:20,066
There have to be contingency
plans to accommodate those
1079
00:52:20,066 --> 00:52:21,700
people that feel they weren't --
1080
00:52:21,700 --> 00:52:22,966
Mr. Carney:
There's a continuum here, Peter,
1081
00:52:22,967 --> 00:52:25,700
which is that the site is
working vastly more effectively
1082
00:52:25,700 --> 00:52:29,299
today than it was the
first week of October,
1083
00:52:29,300 --> 00:52:35,734
and that process will continue
up to and beyondDecember 1st.
1084
00:52:35,734 --> 00:52:38,232
The goal described as having
a satisfactory experience
1085
00:52:38,233 --> 00:52:40,200
or having it
function effectively
1086
00:52:40,200 --> 00:52:42,700
for the vast majority
1087
00:52:42,700 --> 00:52:45,600
of users applies to
the end of this month,
1088
00:52:45,600 --> 00:52:47,266
but it will continue
to apply going forward.
1089
00:52:47,266 --> 00:52:48,667
In other words,
we're going to make improvements
1090
00:52:48,667 --> 00:52:52,232
so that it's better on
December 2nd than December 1st
1091
00:52:52,233 --> 00:52:53,500
and going forward, because --
1092
00:52:53,500 --> 00:52:54,867
The Press: But
there's still a potential
that some people
1093
00:52:54,867 --> 00:52:58,233
fall in the gap because there's
only two weeks from December 1st
1094
00:52:58,233 --> 00:53:00,533
to December 15th,
where some people potentially
1095
00:53:00,533 --> 00:53:02,967
won't be able to get coverage
in time for January 1st,
1096
00:53:02,967 --> 00:53:04,567
which you're still
providing affordable care
1097
00:53:04,567 --> 00:53:05,667
for a lot of people.
1098
00:53:05,667 --> 00:53:07,567
But if you live in a state
like Washington State,
1099
00:53:07,567 --> 00:53:08,667
Vermont, Arkansas,
1100
00:53:08,667 --> 00:53:10,000
where you're
losing your coverage,
1101
00:53:10,000 --> 00:53:11,767
and the state insurance
commissioner says we're
1102
00:53:11,767 --> 00:53:13,567
not going to give you
that old coverage back,
1103
00:53:13,567 --> 00:53:14,767
there are some Americans --
1104
00:53:14,767 --> 00:53:16,866
if the 80-percent bar
is where it stands --
1105
00:53:16,867 --> 00:53:19,367
won't be able to get coverage
in time for January 1st,
1106
00:53:19,367 --> 00:53:20,900
and will then go uncovered --
1107
00:53:20,900 --> 00:53:22,800
Mr. Carney:
That's a misunderstanding
of what that figure represents,
1108
00:53:22,800 --> 00:53:25,000
because there are
ways for those individuals
1109
00:53:25,000 --> 00:53:28,200
to get insurance now that
don't include the website.
1110
00:53:28,200 --> 00:53:32,667
The Press:
So you're confident
that in some form
1111
00:53:32,667 --> 00:53:34,100
they will be able to,
without question,
1112
00:53:34,100 --> 00:53:36,366
be able to get it
in that window?
1113
00:53:36,367 --> 00:53:38,433
Mr. Carney:
I am very confident
that they will be able to.
1114
00:53:38,433 --> 00:53:39,667
That's why these
alternate channels exist
1115
00:53:39,667 --> 00:53:40,900
and why they were
always envisioned
1116
00:53:40,900 --> 00:53:42,367
to be a part of this --
1117
00:53:42,367 --> 00:53:44,200
because there were always
going to be some individuals
1118
00:53:44,200 --> 00:53:46,265
who weren't going to make
this kind of purchase online
1119
00:53:46,266 --> 00:53:47,500
either because
they don't in general
1120
00:53:47,500 --> 00:53:48,734
make purchases online
or use computers,
1121
00:53:48,734 --> 00:53:49,967
or because for
something like this
1122
00:53:49,967 --> 00:53:51,000
they're not
comfortable doing it.
1123
00:53:51,000 --> 00:53:53,133
And there will
be those whose situations
1124
00:53:53,133 --> 00:53:55,200
when it comes to purchasing
a certain insurance,
1125
00:53:55,200 --> 00:53:59,734
because of where members
of their family live
1126
00:53:59,734 --> 00:54:01,165
or other issues,
1127
00:54:01,166 --> 00:54:04,100
will be better served by
having an in-person counselor
1128
00:54:04,100 --> 00:54:05,600
help them through the process.
1129
00:54:05,600 --> 00:54:06,633
The Press:
I just want to be clear --
because that's very important
1130
00:54:06,633 --> 00:54:07,966
what you just guaranteed --
1131
00:54:07,967 --> 00:54:10,100
that everyone will be able to
do it by thatDecember 15th date,
1132
00:54:10,100 --> 00:54:12,299
even through these other means.
1133
00:54:12,300 --> 00:54:15,400
The reason I pose
that is because the other means
1134
00:54:15,400 --> 00:54:16,400
include going through
the web service,
1135
00:54:16,400 --> 00:54:17,400
which includes the 834s,
1136
00:54:17,400 --> 00:54:18,433
which have to go
through the system.
1137
00:54:18,433 --> 00:54:20,834
So if the system
isn't working perfectly,
1138
00:54:20,834 --> 00:54:23,066
the vast majority isn't good
enough, because everybody,
1139
00:54:23,066 --> 00:54:25,265
even by calling
or an in-person navigator --
1140
00:54:25,266 --> 00:54:28,367
Mr. Carney:
You're mixing -- the
vast majority applies
1141
00:54:28,367 --> 00:54:29,900
to the website experience.
1142
00:54:29,900 --> 00:54:31,500
The Press:
And everybody ultimately
goes through the website.
1143
00:54:31,500 --> 00:54:34,500
If I call a navigator, I'm
going to have to put it through.
1144
00:54:34,500 --> 00:54:35,667
Mr. Carney:
They do, you don't.
1145
00:54:35,667 --> 00:54:37,500
Incorrect that you have to
-- that everybody has to;
1146
00:54:37,500 --> 00:54:38,734
we had this debate earlier.
1147
00:54:38,734 --> 00:54:42,433
But that the purpose is
that if you want to go through
1148
00:54:42,433 --> 00:54:44,734
and avail yourself of
a call-in center experience,
1149
00:54:44,734 --> 00:54:48,433
you can have that encounter
with an individual
1150
00:54:48,433 --> 00:54:49,900
who will then take
your information
1151
00:54:49,900 --> 00:54:52,400
and make sure that you
both get what you need to --
1152
00:54:52,400 --> 00:54:56,166
get the information you need
to know and apply accordingly.
1153
00:54:56,166 --> 00:55:01,500
So this has to do with
the user experience online.
1154
00:55:01,500 --> 00:55:04,834
And what we're working to do
24/7 is to make improvements
1155
00:55:04,834 --> 00:55:06,165
to the website so that
more and more Americans,
1156
00:55:06,166 --> 00:55:09,600
up to a vast majority
and beyond --
1157
00:55:09,600 --> 00:55:13,232
because this work
will continue --
1158
00:55:13,233 --> 00:55:15,700
have an acceptable
experience online.
1159
00:55:15,700 --> 00:55:18,000
There will still
be Americans who choose
1160
00:55:18,000 --> 00:55:23,233
not to engage in that process
when purchasing insurance,
1161
00:55:23,233 --> 00:55:25,200
so there are other methods
by which they can do that.
1162
00:55:25,200 --> 00:55:26,200
I've got to run.
1163
00:55:26,200 --> 00:55:28,200
Thank you all very much.