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