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The President:
Good afternoon, everybody.
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My number-one priority right now
is doing everything that I can,
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every single day, to create
jobs faster and to provide
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more security for middle-class
families and those trying to get
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into the middle class.
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And at this moment, that
means making sure that nearly
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160 million hard-working
Americans don't see an increase
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in their taxes on January 1st.
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A year ago at this time, both
parties came together to cut
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payroll taxes for the typical
American family by about a
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thousand dollars; but as
soon as this year ends,
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so does that tax cut.
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If Congress fails to renew
this tax cut before then,
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that same family will see a
tax hike of about a thousand
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dollars a year.
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There aren't many folks, either
in the middle class or those
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trying to get into
the middle class,
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who can afford to give up a
thousand dollars, not right now.
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And that's why
Congress must act.
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Although the unemployment
rate went down last month,
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our recovery is still fragile,
and the situation in Europe
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has added to that uncertainty.
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And that's why the majority
of economists believe it's
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important to extend
the payroll tax cut,
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and those same economists would
lower their growth estimates for
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our economy if it
doesn't happen.
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Not only is extending the
payroll tax cut important
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for the economy as a whole,
it's obviously important for
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individual families.
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It's important insurance for
them against the unexpected;
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it will help families pay their
bills; it will spur spending;
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it will spur hiring; and
it's the right thing to do.
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And that's why in my jobs bill I
proposed not only extending the
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tax cut, but expanding it, to
give a typical working family
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a tax cut of $1,500 next year.
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And it was paid for by
asking a little more from
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millionaires and billionaires.
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A few hundred thousand people
paying a little bit more could
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have not only extended the
existing payroll tax cut,
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but expanded it.
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Last week virtually every
Senate Republican voted
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against that tax cut.
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Now, I know many Republicans
have sworn an oath never to
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raise taxes as
long as they live.
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How can it be that the only time
there's a catch is when it comes
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to raising taxes on
middle-class families?
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How can you fight tooth and nail
to protect high-end tax breaks
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for the wealthiest Americans
and yet barely lift a finger
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to prevent taxes going up for
160 million Americans who really
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need the help?
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It doesn't make sense.
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Now, the good news is I think
the American people's voices
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are starting to get
through in this town.
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I know that last week Speaker
Boehner said this tax cut helps
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the economy because it allows
every working American to keep
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more of their money.
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I know that over the weekend
Senate Republican leaders said
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we shouldn't raise taxes
on working people going
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into next year.
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I couldn't agree more, and I
hope that the rest of their
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Republican colleagues come
around and join Democrats to
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pass these tax cuts and put
money back into the pockets
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of working Americans.
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Now, some Republicans who have
pushed back against the idea of
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extending this payroll tax cut
have said that we've got to pay
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for these tax cuts.
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And I'd just point out that they
haven't always felt that way.
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Over the last decade they didn't
feel the need to pay for massive
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tax cuts for the
wealthiest Americans,
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which is one of the reasons that
we face such large deficits.
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Indeed, when the Republicans
took over the House at the
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beginning of this year, they
explicitly changed the rules to
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say that tax cuts don't
have to be paid for.
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So forgive me a little bit of
confusion when I hear folks
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insisting on tax
cuts being paid for.
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Having said that, we all
recognize that we've got to make
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progress on the deficit, and I'm
willing to work with Republicans
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to extend the payroll tax
cut in a responsible way.
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What I'm not willing to do is to
pay for the extension in a way
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that actually hurts the economy.
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As Americans are well aware,
this summer I signed into law
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nearly $1 trillion
in spending cuts,
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with another trillion dollars
in cuts in the pipeline.
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And it would be irresponsible to
now make additional deep cuts in
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areas like education
or innovation,
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or our basic safety net, that
are critical to the economy,
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in order to pay for an extension
of the payroll tax cut.
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We're not going to do that, nor
are we going to undo the budget
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agreement that I signed
just a few short months ago.
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Finally, with millions of
Americans still looking for
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work, it would be a terrible
mistake for Congress to go
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home for the holidays
without extending
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unemployment insurance.
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If that happens,
then in January,
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they'll be leaving 1.3 million
Americans out in the cold.
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To a lot of families, this
emergency insurance is the last
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line of defense between
hardship and catastrophe.
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Taking that money out of
the economy now would do
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extraordinary harm
to the economy.
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And if you believe that
government shouldn't take money
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out of people's pockets, I hope
members of Congress realize that
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it's even worse when you take it
out of the pockets of people who
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are unemployed and out
there pounding the pavement
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looking for work.
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We are going through what is
still an extraordinary time in
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this country and
in this economy,
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and I get letters every single
day and I talk to people who say
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to me: This unemployment
insurance is what allowed
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me to keep my house before I
was able to find another job.
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This is what allowed me to still
put gas in the tank to take my
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kids to school.
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We cannot play games with
unemployment insurance when we
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still have an unemployment
rate that is way too high.
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I've put forward a whole range
of ideas for reform of the
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unemployment insurance system,
and I'm happy to work with
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Republicans on those issues.
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But right now the most important
thing is making sure that that
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gets extended as well.
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This isn't just
something that I want.
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This isn't just a
political fight.
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Independent economists, some of
whom have in the past worked for
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Republicans, agree that if we
don't extend the payroll tax
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cut and we don't extend
unemployment insurance,
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it will hurt our economy.
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The economy won't grow as fast,
and we won't see hiring improved
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as quickly.
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It'll take money out of the
pockets of Americans just at
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a time when they need it.
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It'll harm businesses that
depend on the spending just
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at the time when the economy
is trying to get some traction
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in this recovery.
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It'll hurt all of us, and it
will be a self-inflicted wound.
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So my message to
Congress is this.
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Keep your word to the American
people and don't raise taxes on
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them right now.
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Now's not the time to
slam on the brakes.
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Now is the time to
step on the gas.
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Now's the time to keep
growing the economy,
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to keep creating jobs, to keep
giving working Americans the
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boost that they need.
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Now's the time to make a real
difference in the lives of the
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people who sent us here.
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So let's get to work.
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Thank you very much.
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The Press:
(cross-talk)
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Mr. Carney:
What?
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(cross-talk)
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The Press:
Why has it paused?
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(laughter)
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The Press:
Has it been solved?
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The Press:
Is there a deal?
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(laughter)
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The Press:
Is there a deal?
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Mr. Carney:
It's a trick.
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It's a trick.
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I know you guys want to get
to writing your stories,
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so I will obviously take your
questions on the issues the
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President just discussed,
and any others.
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And I will also, if I might,
just note on a separate matter
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that tomorrow at noon the Senate
will have a cloture vote on the
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nomination of Caitlin Halligan
to serve on the U.S. Court of
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Appeals for the District
of Columbia Circuit.
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And it is disappointing that a
cloture vote is even necessary
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for someone as clearly
well-qualified as Ms. Halligan,
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who has bipartisan support from
lawyers and law enforcement.
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After almost nine
months of delay,
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we strongly urge the Senate's
support in an up or down vote.
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Julie Pace.
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The Press:
Thank you.
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The President didn't mention
anything about the new proposal
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from Democrats on the Hill today
that includes almost everything
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he wanted on the payroll tax
cut except extending that also
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to employers.
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Does he support their plan?
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Mr. Carney:
First of all, I'm not sure, has
that been formally announced?
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The Press:
I don't know if it
formally has but --
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Mr. Carney:
I know it's been reported
on by the Associated Press.
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So I don't want to get ahead of
Senator Reid or Senator Casey.
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It is certainly the case
that we're working with our
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colleagues in the Senate,
as we did on the proposal --
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the original Senator
Casey proposal,
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which was voted on and which
earned the support of more than
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50% of the U.S.
Senate last week.
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And we will work, as the
President just suggested,
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with Congress to find a solution
to this important challenge,
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which is extending and
expanding the payroll tax cut.
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And we'll obviously look to
Senator Reid and Senator Casey
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to lead that effort
in the Senate.
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The Press:
I guess I'm curious to see where
you think you are in the process
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-- while the clock is back up.
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Do you think you're in a place
right now where you have the
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support of many Republicans on
the sheer idea of extending the
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payroll tax cut and you're
just working on the pay-fors?
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Or are you still trying to
get their buy-in on the need
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to extend?
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Mr. Carney:
Well, I think that's a great
question to address to members
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of the Senate and the House who
are Republicans, because while,
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as the President noted, we've
had some indication from House
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and Senate Republican leaders
that they now agree with the
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proposition that independent
economists have made clear is
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the case that extending the
payroll tax cut is very
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important for economic
growth and job creation,
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and that allowing middle-class
Americans to experience a tax
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hike in January would have a
negative impact on not just them
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personally but on the
economy and on jobs --
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so that's progress.
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But as we saw in
the Senate vote --
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the rather surprising
Senate vote --
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on the Senate measure, there
seems to be an issue not with
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pay-fors, but whether or not
it's even a good idea to cut
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taxes for 160 million
Americans, for working and
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middle-class Americans.
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To put it another way -- which
this clock illustrates --
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that we're coming down to
it, the clock is ticking,
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to the point where if
Congress does not ax --
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act, rather, middle-class
Americans, working Americans,
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160 million Americans will
have their taxes go up on
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January 1st.
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And I think what this clock
dramatizes is that there isn't a
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lot of time and that
Congress needs to act and do
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the right thing.
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The Press:
And is the plan for the
President still to have him
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focus more on trying to sell
this idea to the American people
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rather than get involved
in the actual negotiations
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on legislation?
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Mr. Carney:
I think the President himself,
as well as members of his team,
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will be engaged with members of
Congress and key staff members
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to push forward the plan,
to reach a conclusion,
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to get it passed
and signed into law.
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I don't want to forecast what
form of participation that will
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take in terms of either the
President or other members
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of his team.
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But you can be sure that it will
be a concerted effort at every
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level, both in terms of the
public articulation of the
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President's views, as well as
the discussions with members
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of Congress.
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Yes.
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The Press:
How concerned are you about
reports of voting irregularities
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in Russia?
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00:12:37,667 --> 00:12:41,433
And what is the message you're
sending to Prime Minister Putin
241
00:12:41,433 --> 00:12:44,800
and President Medvedev
about that election?
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00:12:44,800 --> 00:12:49,233
Mr. Carney:
I believe Secretary of
State Clinton expressed the
243
00:12:49,233 --> 00:12:52,867
administration's position
earlier today with regards to
244
00:12:52,867 --> 00:12:55,000
the elections in Russia.
245
00:12:55,000 --> 00:12:59,433
We have serious concerns about
the conduct of those December
246
00:12:59,433 --> 00:13:01,367
4th parliamentary elections.
247
00:13:01,367 --> 00:13:04,900
These concerns are reflected in
the preliminary report issued by
248
00:13:04,900 --> 00:13:08,400
the OSCE's election
observation mission,
249
00:13:08,400 --> 00:13:10,266
including a lack of
fairness in the process,
250
00:13:10,266 --> 00:13:14,199
attempts to stuff ballot boxes,
and the manipulation of voter
251
00:13:14,200 --> 00:13:17,266
lists, among other things.
252
00:13:17,266 --> 00:13:19,233
Equally concerning are reports
that independent Russian
253
00:13:19,233 --> 00:13:23,400
election observation efforts,
including the nationwide Golos
254
00:13:23,400 --> 00:13:25,667
network and independent
media outlets,
255
00:13:25,667 --> 00:13:29,066
encountered harassment of their
personnel and cyber attacks on
256
00:13:29,066 --> 00:13:30,066
their websites.
257
00:13:30,066 --> 00:13:32,400
We applaud the initiative that
these and many other Russian
258
00:13:32,400 --> 00:13:35,266
citizens have taken to
participate constructively,
259
00:13:35,266 --> 00:13:38,934
a positive development that the
OSCE report also highlighted.
260
00:13:38,934 --> 00:13:46,500
Let's go to the back.
261
00:13:46,500 --> 00:13:47,967
Lester.
262
00:13:47,967 --> 00:13:48,900
The Press:
Oh, my goodness.
263
00:13:48,900 --> 00:13:49,667
Mr. Carney:
Can you believe it?
264
00:13:49,667 --> 00:13:51,633
(laughter)
265
00:13:51,633 --> 00:13:53,033
I'm in the holiday spirit.
266
00:13:53,033 --> 00:13:55,567
The Press:
In the holiday spirit.
267
00:13:55,567 --> 00:13:56,533
The family research --
268
00:13:56,533 --> 00:13:57,500
Mr. Carney:
Is everyone okay?
269
00:13:57,500 --> 00:13:58,266
(laughter)
270
00:13:58,266 --> 00:14:05,699
The Press:
The Family Research Council and CNS News both reported a 93-to-7
271
00:14:05,700 --> 00:14:10,700
U.S. Senate vote to approve a defense authorization bill that,
272
00:14:10,700 --> 00:14:14,500
quote, "includes a provision
which not only repeals the
273
00:14:14,500 --> 00:14:18,934
military law on sodomy, but also repeals the military ban on sex
274
00:14:18,934 --> 00:14:20,699
with animals, or bestiality."
275
00:14:20,700 --> 00:14:25,233
Does the Commander-in-Chief
approve or disapprove of
276
00:14:25,233 --> 00:14:26,834
bestiality in our armed forces?
277
00:14:26,834 --> 00:14:29,400
Mr. Carney:
I don't have any comment on -- I
don't have any comment on that.
278
00:14:29,400 --> 00:14:31,000
Let me go to another question.
279
00:14:31,000 --> 00:14:32,433
Mr. Carney:
Let's get to something
more serious.
280
00:14:32,433 --> 00:14:33,867
Yes, Jake.
281
00:14:33,867 --> 00:14:35,733
The Press:
You sure you don't want to
ask Lester another question?
282
00:14:35,734 --> 00:14:37,367
Give him another opportunity?
283
00:14:37,367 --> 00:14:38,433
Mr. Carney:
I've learned my lesson, Jake.
284
00:14:38,433 --> 00:14:41,633
(laughter)
285
00:14:41,633 --> 00:14:42,467
The Press:
Just one --
286
00:14:42,467 --> 00:14:44,834
Mr. Carney:
Lester, I think we'll -- we'll
let everybody get a chance here.
287
00:14:44,834 --> 00:14:45,867
Go ahead, Jake.
288
00:14:45,867 --> 00:14:46,567
The Press:
Are you sure you don't want
to take any more questions
289
00:14:46,567 --> 00:14:47,567
on bestiality?
290
00:14:47,567 --> 00:14:50,867
(laughter)
291
00:14:50,867 --> 00:14:52,599
The Press:
You don't want to
comment on that?
292
00:14:52,600 --> 00:14:56,800
The Press:
I'm wondering if you could
explain what the U.S. ambassador
293
00:14:56,800 --> 00:15:01,367
to Belgium meant in his
comments about anti-Semitism,
294
00:15:01,367 --> 00:15:06,967
tying them to Israel's policy.
295
00:15:06,967 --> 00:15:10,834
Mr. Carney:
The fact is, as you
know, we condemn --
296
00:15:10,834 --> 00:15:13,199
this administration and
the United States condemns
297
00:15:13,200 --> 00:15:15,934
anti-Semitism in all its forms,
and believe that there is never
298
00:15:15,934 --> 00:15:19,800
any justification for prejudice
against the Jewish people or
299
00:15:19,800 --> 00:15:20,800
against Israel.
300
00:15:20,800 --> 00:15:24,766
Ambassador Gutman has expressed
his regret, noting that he,
301
00:15:24,767 --> 00:15:28,467
quote, "strongly condemns
anti-Semitism in all its forms."
302
00:15:28,467 --> 00:15:29,834
And I would just
point out, Jake,
303
00:15:29,834 --> 00:15:32,132
that this administration has
consistently stood up against
304
00:15:32,133 --> 00:15:35,000
anti-Semitism and efforts
to de-legitimize Israel,
305
00:15:35,000 --> 00:15:37,367
and we will continue to do so.
306
00:15:37,367 --> 00:15:39,934
Our record on this
speaks for itself.
307
00:15:39,934 --> 00:15:42,533
Whether it was opposing
one-sided efforts to single out
308
00:15:42,533 --> 00:15:44,333
Israel at the Human
Rights Council,
309
00:15:44,333 --> 00:15:46,467
speaking out against
incitement in the Arab world,
310
00:15:46,467 --> 00:15:49,100
or opposing efforts to
shortcut negotiations at the
311
00:15:49,100 --> 00:15:50,767
United Nations.
312
00:15:50,767 --> 00:15:53,834
Specifically to your question, I
think the ambassador himself has
313
00:15:53,834 --> 00:15:56,000
addressed this, so I would
direct you to his statements,
314
00:15:56,000 --> 00:15:57,734
in terms of interpreting
what he meant.
315
00:15:57,734 --> 00:15:59,900
But our position is quite clear.
316
00:15:59,900 --> 00:16:01,600
And our record is even clearer.
317
00:16:01,600 --> 00:16:03,400
The Press:
Did you read his --
318
00:16:03,400 --> 00:16:04,400
Mr. Carney:
Of course, I have.
319
00:16:04,400 --> 00:16:05,400
And I think that --
320
00:16:05,400 --> 00:16:06,733
The Press:
Does it represent the
administration's point of view,
321
00:16:06,734 --> 00:16:07,734
what he said?
322
00:16:07,734 --> 00:16:09,133
Mr. Carney:
The administration's point of
view is what I just expressed,
323
00:16:09,133 --> 00:16:12,934
which is we condemn
anti-Semitism in all its forms
324
00:16:12,934 --> 00:16:13,766
and believe there is --
325
00:16:13,767 --> 00:16:15,667
The Press:
Do you think his
comments justified it?
326
00:16:15,667 --> 00:16:18,800
Mr. Carney:
I think the ambassador
has spoken on this,
327
00:16:18,800 --> 00:16:20,666
put out a statement about it.
328
00:16:20,667 --> 00:16:23,200
And our position I
think is very clear.
329
00:16:23,200 --> 00:16:25,734
And I would refer you to not
just to our record against
330
00:16:25,734 --> 00:16:29,333
opposing, rather, one-sided
efforts to single out Israel,
331
00:16:29,333 --> 00:16:32,500
speaking out against
incitement in the Arab world,
332
00:16:32,500 --> 00:16:34,333
or opposing efforts,
Palestinian efforts,
333
00:16:34,333 --> 00:16:36,666
to shortcut negotiations
through the United Nations,
334
00:16:36,667 --> 00:16:38,934
but also look at this
administration's incredible
335
00:16:38,934 --> 00:16:42,600
commitment to Israeli security,
which has been testified to by
336
00:16:42,600 --> 00:16:45,033
the Prime Minister and
many others in Israel.
337
00:16:45,033 --> 00:16:47,066
The Press:
As far as you guys are
concerned is that the end of
338
00:16:47,066 --> 00:16:48,066
this controversy?
339
00:16:48,066 --> 00:16:50,934
Because a lot of Jewish groups
are very upset about what
340
00:16:50,934 --> 00:16:52,266
Ambassador Gutman said.
341
00:16:52,266 --> 00:16:54,400
Mr. Carney:
Well, I think that we
have to look, again,
342
00:16:54,400 --> 00:17:00,300
at our clear position on
this, as well as our record.
343
00:17:00,300 --> 00:17:03,032
And I think that --
344
00:17:03,033 --> 00:17:05,200
The Press:
I'm actually just talking about what he said, not your record.
345
00:17:05,200 --> 00:17:06,200
Mr. Carney:
No, I understand.
346
00:17:06,200 --> 00:17:12,600
But we're talking here about -- you're only asking me because
347
00:17:12,599 --> 00:17:16,332
he's an ambassador and works
out of the State Department for
348
00:17:16,333 --> 00:17:17,333
this administration.
349
00:17:17,333 --> 00:17:21,166
So let me be clear about what
this administration's policies
350
00:17:21,165 --> 00:17:24,066
are, what its positions
are, and what our record is,
351
00:17:24,066 --> 00:17:25,066
because that is what --
352
00:17:25,066 --> 00:17:28,433
The Press:
Do you think the fact that you
have to delineate what your
353
00:17:28,433 --> NaN:NaN:NaN,NaN
policies are indicates you have
an ambassador who is off the
354
00:17:28,099 --> 00:17:29,199
reservation a bit?
355
00:17:29,200 --> 00:17:31,567
Mr. Carney:
Again, but he addressed
his statement.
356
00:17:31,567 --> 00:17:34,834
And let me be clear
about our position.
357
00:17:34,834 --> 00:17:37,400
And again, I quoted him because
he's absolutely right when he
358
00:17:37,400 --> 00:17:41,700
says that he, as well
as this administration,
359
00:17:41,700 --> 00:17:44,934
strongly condemns anti-Semitism
in all its forms.
360
00:17:44,934 --> 00:17:45,767
The Press:
Right.
361
00:17:45,767 --> 00:17:48,734
And in terms of how to pay for
this middle-class tax cut,
362
00:17:48,734 --> 00:17:50,332
the Republicans
outlined a plan --
363
00:17:50,333 --> 00:17:51,967
and I know you talked about
this a bit last week --
364
00:17:51,967 --> 00:17:55,734
the Republicans outlined a plan
in which wealthier Americans
365
00:17:55,734 --> 00:18:00,632
were asked to sacrifice through
means testing, social programs.
366
00:18:00,633 --> 00:18:04,133
Is that not -- does that not
meet the requirement of the
367
00:18:04,133 --> 00:18:06,233
wealthy paying their fair share?
368
00:18:06,233 --> 00:18:07,667
Mr. Carney:
Well, I think two
points about that.
369
00:18:07,667 --> 00:18:12,833
One is that was a very small
portion of the proposed means of
370
00:18:12,834 --> 00:18:16,233
paying for the payroll tax cut
extension in the Republican
371
00:18:16,233 --> 00:18:20,800
measure that went
down quite decidedly,
372
00:18:20,800 --> 00:18:24,500
with not even a majority
of Republican votes.
373
00:18:24,500 --> 00:18:29,200
And it was a window dressing
aspect of a measure that was
374
00:18:29,200 --> 00:18:32,834
paid for largely through
unbalanced cuts that would force
375
00:18:32,834 --> 00:18:34,867
the reopening of the
Budget Control Act,
376
00:18:34,867 --> 00:18:39,600
the agreement that the President
and members of both parties made
377
00:18:39,600 --> NaN:NaN:NaN,NaN
just a few short months ago.
378
00:18:39,033 --> 00:18:41,433
And the President made clear
his position on reopening
379
00:18:41,433 --> 00:18:42,533
that agreement.
380
00:18:42,533 --> 00:18:45,533
In fact, if I could just
add, that it is just --
381
00:18:45,533 --> 00:18:48,966
it is exactly what people get
frustrated about with regards to
382
00:18:48,967 --> 00:18:53,033
Washington, when leaders
in Washington say,
383
00:18:53,033 --> 00:18:54,699
this is my position,
this is the --
384
00:18:54,700 --> 00:18:57,567
I sign on the dotted line;
you have my word this is the
385
00:18:57,567 --> 00:18:59,767
agreement -- and then a few months later that you want to --
386
00:18:59,767 --> 00:19:05,600
either want to change the rules
on the sequester or change --
387
00:19:05,600 --> 00:19:08,065
violate or transgress in
terms of the agreement on
388
00:19:08,066 --> 00:19:09,066
spending cuts.
389
00:19:09,066 --> 00:19:11,800
Which, I would point
out, as I did last week,
390
00:19:11,800 --> 00:19:15,633
the discretionary spending cuts,
non-defense spending cuts that
391
00:19:15,633 --> 00:19:18,266
have already been agreed to by
this President and Congress
392
00:19:18,266 --> 00:19:21,300
would bring us to the
lowest percent in terms of
393
00:19:21,300 --> 00:19:23,166
non-discretionary
defense -- or, rather,
394
00:19:23,166 --> 00:19:26,000
non-defense discretionary spending as a percentage of GDP
395
00:19:26,000 --> 00:19:27,900
since Dwight
Eisenhower was President.
396
00:19:27,900 --> 00:19:32,166
So these are quite dramatic
cuts, quite serious cuts.
397
00:19:32,166 --> 00:19:38,533
And the inclusion of the measure
that you talked about was a very
398
00:19:38,533 --> 00:19:40,332
small part of the
Republican pay-for.
399
00:19:40,333 --> 00:19:43,600
The Press:
So it meets the
requirement but not enough?
400
00:19:43,600 --> 00:19:48,233
Mr. Carney:
Well, it certainly doesn't
meet -- it doesn't pay for it.
401
00:19:48,233 --> 00:19:50,166
So it's not enough to pay
for a payroll tax cut.
402
00:19:50,166 --> 00:19:52,934
I'm not saying that it's not --
I don't want to negotiate the
403
00:19:52,934 --> 00:19:56,133
particulars of an endgame or
get ahead of Senator Reid and
404
00:19:56,133 --> 00:20:01,767
Senator Casey in terms of
their proposed compromise,
405
00:20:01,767 --> 00:20:05,433
or new measure to extend and expand the payroll tax cut.
406
00:20:05,433 --> 00:20:10,600
But while that measure
does ask in some ways --
407
00:20:10,600 --> 00:20:15,132
small ways wealthier Americans
to pay their fair share or at
408
00:20:15,133 --> 00:20:18,967
least a little bit more, it
does not, in and of itself,
409
00:20:18,967 --> 00:20:21,400
come anywhere close to
paying for this tax cut.
410
00:20:21,400 --> 00:20:22,266
The Press:
Thank you.
411
00:20:22,266 --> 00:20:22,967
Mr. Carney:
Yes.
412
00:20:22,967 --> 00:20:25,800
The Press:
Jay, Speaker Boehner is
expected to put out his proposal
413
00:20:25,800 --> 00:20:27,000
later this week.
414
00:20:27,000 --> 00:20:30,567
After that, do you expect
to negotiate with --
415
00:20:30,567 --> 00:20:31,433
Mr. Carney:
Time is running out.
416
00:20:31,433 --> 00:20:32,200
(laughter)
417
00:20:32,200 --> 00:20:34,734
The Press:
Do you expect to negotiate
with the House and the Senate?
418
00:20:34,734 --> 00:20:38,699
Mr. Carney:
Yes, I think that we
can expect that --
419
00:20:38,700 --> 00:20:40,834
(crashing noise)
420
00:20:40,834 --> 00:20:42,066
Goodness.
421
00:20:42,066 --> 00:20:44,000
(laughter)
422
00:20:44,000 --> 00:20:44,834
The Press:
Sorry.
423
00:20:44,834 --> 00:20:45,533
Mr. Carney:
No, that's quite all right.
424
00:20:45,533 --> 00:20:52,166
I hope your camera's okay.
425
00:20:52,166 --> 00:20:55,300
This administration, this White
House will be working with
426
00:20:55,300 --> 00:21:02,200
leaders of both houses
to get this done.
427
00:21:02,200 --> 00:21:05,333
There is really not a lot
of time to waste here.
428
00:21:05,333 --> 00:21:07,834
It is essential for the
health of our economy,
429
00:21:07,834 --> 00:21:10,967
and out of fairness to 160
million working and middle-class
430
00:21:10,967 --> 00:21:12,533
Americans, to get this done.
431
00:21:12,533 --> 00:21:16,800
The Press:
So then if the clock is really
ticking, why not negotiate now?
432
00:21:16,800 --> 00:21:18,200
Mr. Carney:
Well, let's be clear.
433
00:21:18,200 --> 00:21:19,900
We are working with Congress.
434
00:21:19,900 --> 00:21:21,500
Just because, as you
know from the summer,
435
00:21:21,500 --> 00:21:25,066
we don't announce every
conversation or every meeting
436
00:21:25,066 --> 00:21:28,533
that the President has, or
his senior team members have,
437
00:21:28,533 --> 00:21:29,800
doesn't mean we're not
working this issue.
438
00:21:29,800 --> 00:21:32,500
And in fact, we worked it hard,
which is how we got the votes
439
00:21:32,500 --> 00:21:34,567
that we got last week.
440
00:21:34,567 --> 00:21:37,133
And I will remind you that the
Senate Democratic measure,
441
00:21:37,133 --> 00:21:39,200
which the President supported,
got a majority of the U.S.
442
00:21:39,200 --> 00:21:41,066
Senate, including
a Republican vote.
443
00:21:41,066 --> 00:21:42,900
The Senate Republican measure,
which was put forward by the
444
00:21:42,900 --> 00:21:45,934
Senate Republican leader, got,
I think, 20 Republican votes --
445
00:21:45,934 --> 00:21:47,700
or maybe 20 votes overall.
446
00:21:47,700 --> 00:21:49,033
So we are pushing this.
447
00:21:49,033 --> 00:21:50,433
And if it weren't for the
President's leadership,
448
00:21:50,433 --> 00:21:52,400
we might not even
be debating this.
449
00:21:52,400 --> 00:21:54,233
Congress might not even --
at least the Republicans in
450
00:21:54,233 --> 00:21:56,800
Congress -- might not even be
taking up the issue of payroll
451
00:21:56,800 --> 00:21:58,233
tax cut extension.
452
00:21:58,233 --> 00:22:00,600
Going forward, we will
continue to push it.
453
00:22:00,600 --> 00:22:04,966
It is not without our
participation that our friends
454
00:22:04,967 --> 00:22:09,033
in the Senate are moving forward
with a new measure to extend and
455
00:22:09,033 --> 00:22:10,265
expand the payroll tax cut.
456
00:22:10,266 --> 00:22:10,967
So --
457
00:22:10,967 --> 00:22:11,734
The Press:
But they're Democrats.
458
00:22:11,734 --> 00:22:14,867
I mean, are you in substantive
conversations with Republicans?
459
00:22:14,867 --> 00:22:16,700
Mr. Carney:
Again, I don't
want to, and won't,
460
00:22:16,700 --> 00:22:18,367
read out every meeting
or conversation --
461
00:22:18,367 --> 00:22:19,433
The Press:
I'm not asking you
to read it out.
462
00:22:19,433 --> 00:22:20,633
I mean, is there discussion --
463
00:22:20,633 --> 00:22:23,233
Mr. Carney:
We do have conversations
with Republicans, yes,
464
00:22:23,233 --> 00:22:25,033
on this matter and others.
465
00:22:25,033 --> 00:22:28,265
The Press:
And then just a quick question
about the FAA Administrator,
466
00:22:28,266 --> 00:22:31,533
Randy Babbitt, who was
arrested this weekend for DUI.
467
00:22:31,533 --> 00:22:35,332
What was the
President's response?
468
00:22:35,333 --> 00:22:38,000
Mr. Carney:
The President was informed
of this in the last hour,
469
00:22:38,000 --> 00:22:40,633
as everybody in the White House
as well as at the Department of
470
00:22:40,633 --> 00:22:43,600
Transportation were made
aware of this just in the last
471
00:22:43,600 --> 00:22:45,867
hour or so.
472
00:22:45,867 --> 00:22:47,066
He didn't have a
particular reaction.
473
00:22:47,066 --> 00:22:50,600
It was just passing
on this information.
474
00:22:50,600 --> 00:22:52,399
My understanding is that
Administrator Babbitt has
475
00:22:52,400 --> 00:22:53,900
requested, effective
immediately,
476
00:22:53,900 --> 00:22:55,767
to take a leave of
absence from the FAA.
477
00:22:55,767 --> 00:22:59,834
Secretary LaHood has accepted
that request and Deputy
478
00:22:59,834 --> 00:23:02,300
Administrator Michael
Huerta will serve as
479
00:23:02,300 --> 00:23:04,300
acting administrator.
480
00:23:04,300 --> 00:23:06,633
The Press:
He had no reaction?
481
00:23:06,633 --> 00:23:09,967
Mr. Carney:
It was in the run-up to
this, and he reacted as you
482
00:23:09,967 --> 00:23:11,467
might expect.
483
00:23:11,467 --> 00:23:13,333
The Press:
Is that without pay, or with?
484
00:23:13,333 --> 00:23:16,100
Mr. Carney:
I would refer you to the
Department of Transportation.
485
00:23:16,100 --> 00:23:22,199
The Press:
One follow?
486
00:23:22,200 --> 00:23:25,400
Will President Obama be
asking for his resignation?
487
00:23:25,400 --> 00:23:29,200
Mr. Carney:
I think that what we have at
this point in terms of a matter
488
00:23:29,200 --> 00:23:33,533
that just came to light
within the last hour or so,
489
00:23:33,533 --> 00:23:38,567
we have Administrator Babbitt
requesting his own leave
490
00:23:38,567 --> 00:23:39,734
of absence.
491
00:23:39,734 --> 00:23:43,766
And for further disposition of
this matter I would refer you
492
00:23:43,767 --> 00:23:46,633
for now to the Department
of Transportation.
493
00:23:46,633 --> 00:23:51,000
The Press:
On Iran, we have a missing
military aircraft that crashed
494
00:23:51,000 --> 00:23:54,100
in Iran.
495
00:23:54,100 --> 00:23:56,867
How badly damaged
was the aircraft?
496
00:23:56,867 --> 00:24:01,200
Mr. Carney:
I would refer you for questions
like that and pretty much all
497
00:24:01,200 --> 00:24:04,767
questions on this matter to ISAF
and the Department of Defense.
498
00:24:04,767 --> 00:24:08,667
The Press:
You're not going to
-- nothing on that?
499
00:24:08,667 --> 00:24:10,132
Mr. Carney:
Well, I mean, it depends
on the question you ask.
500
00:24:10,133 --> 00:24:15,400
But I'm not going to get into
details about the aircraft or
501
00:24:15,400 --> 00:24:17,533
other issues involving
the incident itself.
502
00:24:17,533 --> 00:24:19,199
The Press:
The Iranians say
they shot it down.
503
00:24:19,200 --> 00:24:20,200
Do we deny that?
504
00:24:20,200 --> 00:24:21,934
Mr. Carney:
Again, I would
refer you to ISAF.
505
00:24:21,934 --> 00:24:24,800
The Press:
Can I ask you about the
President's speech tomorrow?
506
00:24:24,800 --> 00:24:28,667
Why is he channeling
Teddy Roosevelt?
507
00:24:28,667 --> 00:24:31,800
Mr. Carney:
Well, because President
Teddy Roosevelt --
508
00:24:31,800 --> 00:24:36,332
Theodore Roosevelt gave an
historic speech in Osawatomie --
509
00:24:36,333 --> 00:24:37,767
is that correct?
510
00:24:37,767 --> 00:24:40,934
-- Osawatomie, Kansas -- it's one of those words you've read
511
00:24:40,934 --> 00:24:46,033
but you're not sure you've ever pronounced -- 111 years ago,
512
00:24:46,033 --> 00:24:49,100
if I'm correct in
my calculations.
513
00:24:49,100 --> 00:24:52,966
And the point that the President
is making by speaking in the
514
00:24:52,967 --> 00:24:59,266
same location and -- is that the
ideas that President Roosevelt
515
00:24:59,266 --> 00:25:03,700
put forward about the need
for Americans of all kinds
516
00:25:03,700 --> 00:25:07,734
to get a fair shot and a
fair shake are very much at
517
00:25:07,734 --> 00:25:08,934
issue today.
518
00:25:08,934 --> 00:25:15,667
And the President's speech will
encapsulate the debates that
519
00:25:15,667 --> 00:25:20,966
we've been having this year over
our economic policy and over our
520
00:25:20,967 --> 00:25:22,600
economic future.
521
00:25:22,600 --> 00:25:25,466
So he thinks it's an opportune
time and an opportune location
522
00:25:25,467 --> 00:25:33,400
to really try to put into
broader perspective the kind of
523
00:25:33,400 --> 00:25:36,667
debates we've been having and
the issues that are of vital
524
00:25:36,667 --> 00:25:39,265
importance to building an
economic future in this country
525
00:25:39,266 --> 00:25:43,467
in his mind that gives
middle-class Americans the kind
526
00:25:43,467 --> 00:25:46,033
of fair shake and fair
shot that they deserve.
527
00:25:46,033 --> 00:25:48,934
The Press:
And who is not giving them
a fair shake or a fair shot?
528
00:25:48,934 --> 00:25:51,033
Mr. Carney:
Well, I think it's
abundantly clear,
529
00:25:51,033 --> 00:25:57,433
and was clear even prior to this
most recent economic crisis,
530
00:25:57,433 --> 00:26:00,533
that the middle class in this
country has been squeezed for a
531
00:26:00,533 --> 00:26:03,800
long time, and most especially
in the last decade and --
532
00:26:03,800 --> 00:26:05,500
in the decade, rather,
prior to this President
533
00:26:05,500 --> 00:26:06,500
coming into office.
534
00:26:06,500 --> 00:26:10,100
So this has been an issue that
has animated this President even
535
00:26:10,100 --> 00:26:12,033
before he was sworn into office.
536
00:26:12,033 --> 00:26:14,766
It was really the reason
why he ran for President,
537
00:26:14,767 --> 00:26:18,367
as he articulated many
times in the 2008 campaign.
538
00:26:18,367 --> 00:26:21,633
And it is the focus of
his work here in office,
539
00:26:21,633 --> 00:26:24,200
the need to do everything
he can through Congress,
540
00:26:24,200 --> 00:26:26,400
through his executive
authorities,
541
00:26:26,400 --> 00:26:34,600
to help the middle class expand,
and help those who aspire to the
542
00:26:34,600 --> 00:26:36,734
middle class gain access to it.
543
00:26:36,734 --> 00:26:41,332
And that's the -- and,
look, if you step back,
544
00:26:41,333 --> 00:26:46,600
the speech will encapsulate and provide context to the debates
545
00:26:46,600 --> 00:26:50,500
we've been having this year and that we will continue to have.
546
00:26:50,500 --> 00:26:53,000
But it really -- it goes to
some of the specific issues that
547
00:26:53,000 --> 00:26:56,500
we're talking about now, the
absolute necessity and fairness
548
00:26:56,500 --> 00:26:59,934
of extending and expanding the
payroll tax cut for middle-class
549
00:26:59,934 --> 00:27:01,667
and working Americans.
550
00:27:01,667 --> 00:27:07,100
We need to have the Senate
confirm Richard Cordray as the
551
00:27:07,100 --> 00:27:11,100
consumer watchdog -- because Republicans have made pretty
552
00:27:11,100 --> 00:27:13,166
clear that they don't
oppose him personally,
553
00:27:13,166 --> 00:27:17,332
but they're going to try to
block his nomination in order to
554
00:27:17,333 --> 00:27:22,500
prevent the Consumer Protection
Bureau from having all of its
555
00:27:22,500 --> 00:27:25,133
authorities to take action
to protect consumers.
556
00:27:25,133 --> 00:27:27,400
And we passed that legislation,
this President fought for that
557
00:27:27,400 --> 00:27:31,400
legislation, precisely because
consumers deserve protections
558
00:27:31,400 --> 00:27:35,633
that they did not have, as
became so abundantly clear in
559
00:27:35,633 --> 00:27:39,767
the financial crisis that led to
the worst recession since the
560
00:27:39,767 --> 00:27:40,900
Great Depression.
561
00:27:40,900 --> 00:27:42,400
The Press:
You used the word --
sorry, just one more --
562
00:27:42,400 --> 00:27:45,400
on this is an issue that
has animated the President.
563
00:27:45,400 --> 00:27:48,367
He talks a lot about
it, and has recently.
564
00:27:48,367 --> 00:27:51,734
Can you identify specific areas
where the President has been
565
00:27:51,734 --> 00:27:55,166
able to act in the past three
years that has helped this wage
566
00:27:55,166 --> 00:27:57,265
gap that you talk about
that the middle class --
567
00:27:57,266 --> 00:27:58,500
Mr. Carney:
Well, I think that --
568
00:27:58,500 --> 00:28:00,900
The Press:
Where has he succeeded
in addressing this issue?
569
00:28:00,900 --> 00:28:05,834
Mr. Carney:
What we know is that when
he took office we were on the
570
00:28:05,834 --> 00:28:09,100
precipice of an
economic calamity,
571
00:28:09,100 --> 00:28:13,533
the likes of which could
have been even worse than the
572
00:28:13,533 --> 00:28:14,533
Great Depression.
573
00:28:14,533 --> 00:28:17,367
People were predicting -- economists -- sensible outside,
574
00:28:17,367 --> 00:28:21,567
independent economists were
predicting global economic
575
00:28:21,567 --> 00:28:25,000
collapse; unemployment
as high as 25%,
576
00:28:25,000 --> 00:28:26,767
complete collapse of
the financial system,
577
00:28:26,767 --> 00:28:29,900
perhaps the need to nationalize
the banks, et cetera,
578
00:28:29,900 --> 00:28:32,467
et cetera -- the decimation
and elimination of the domestic
579
00:28:32,467 --> 00:28:35,533
automobile industry and many
other industries.
580
00:28:35,533 --> 00:28:39,033
The result of that, including,
of course, the 25% unemployment,
581
00:28:39,033 --> 00:28:42,399
would have been -- you know
you're enjoying this, come on.
582
00:28:42,400 --> 00:28:43,734
The Press:
I'm sorry I asked that question.
583
00:28:43,734 --> 00:28:44,699
I defer now to Ed.
584
00:28:44,700 --> 00:28:46,000
(laughter)
585
00:28:46,000 --> 00:28:47,734
I apologize to
everyone in the room.
586
00:28:47,734 --> 00:28:48,567
(laughter)
587
00:28:48,567 --> 00:28:51,600
Mr. Carney:
I'm not hurt, but
I will not stop.
588
00:28:51,600 --> 00:28:54,966
(laughter)
589
00:28:54,967 --> 00:28:56,000
Let me just finish
my thought here,
590
00:28:56,000 --> 00:28:58,800
which is that everything this
President has done on the
591
00:28:58,800 --> 00:29:06,567
economic front has been focused
on giving middle-class Americans
592
00:29:06,567 --> 00:29:10,467
the economic security that
they have lacked now for a
593
00:29:10,467 --> 00:29:15,600
substantial period of time and
which has been even more sorely
594
00:29:15,600 --> 00:29:17,899
needed because of
this great recession.
595
00:29:17,900 --> 00:29:18,500
Yes.
596
00:29:18,500 --> 00:29:20,233
The Press:
Can you recite some of the great
things the President -- no.
597
00:29:20,233 --> 00:29:21,066
(laughter)
598
00:29:21,066 --> 00:29:21,633
Mr. Carney:
Yes.
599
00:29:21,633 --> 00:29:22,500
Yes, I can.
600
00:29:22,500 --> 00:29:24,233
(laughter)
601
00:29:24,233 --> 00:29:25,899
I was just getting started, Ed.
602
00:29:25,900 --> 00:29:27,233
The Press:
-- how difficult it
was when he started --
603
00:29:27,233 --> 00:29:28,265
The Press:
Yeah, how hard was it, really?
604
00:29:28,266 --> 00:29:29,100
(laughter)
605
00:29:29,100 --> 00:29:30,199
The Press:
Was he facing a challenge?
606
00:29:30,200 --> 00:29:31,500
The Press:
We heard it -- no.
607
00:29:31,500 --> 00:29:36,100
Mr. Carney:
There could be a quiz about how
many jobs we lost in January of
608
00:29:36,100 --> 00:29:37,934
2009 -- anybody?
609
00:29:37,934 --> 00:29:39,367
The Press:
700,000 - 800,000.
610
00:29:39,367 --> 00:29:41,867
Mr. Carney:
Very good -- 750,000, 730,000.
611
00:29:41,867 --> 00:29:45,233
How much GDP contraction,
fourth quarter 2008?
612
00:29:45,233 --> 00:29:46,667
Anybody?
613
00:29:46,667 --> 00:29:47,533
The Press:
8.9.
614
00:29:47,533 --> 00:29:49,233
Mr. Carney:
8.9%.
615
00:29:49,233 --> 00:29:51,100
The Press:
Revisions, revisions.
616
00:29:51,100 --> 00:29:53,065
(laughter)
617
00:29:53,066 --> 00:29:54,433
Mr. Carney:
Yes, more and more
accurate as --
618
00:29:54,433 --> 00:29:55,433
The Press:
Come on, we can
play these numbers.
619
00:29:55,433 --> 00:29:56,300
We can go straight to them.
620
00:29:56,300 --> 00:29:57,800
I'm confident, even though
I'm bluffing and I'm
621
00:29:57,800 --> 00:29:58,633
smarter than you.
622
00:29:58,633 --> 00:30:00,033
(laughter)
623
00:30:00,033 --> 00:30:00,966
Mr. Carney:
I think Al Hunt is
getting a phone call --
624
00:30:00,967 --> 00:30:03,734
-- downplaying the recession
over in the Bloomberg corner.
625
00:30:03,734 --> 00:30:04,399
Yes.
626
00:30:04,400 --> 00:30:05,700
The Press:
Can I ask about the
payroll tax cut --
627
00:30:05,700 --> 00:30:07,033
a follow-up on some of that?
628
00:30:07,033 --> 00:30:07,833
Some of the answers you gave
before you were basically
629
00:30:07,834 --> 00:30:09,567
saying, I don't want
to get ahead of this
630
00:30:09,567 --> 00:30:10,800
emerging compromise.
631
00:30:10,800 --> 00:30:13,966
And that's consistent with what
the White House has said both on
632
00:30:13,967 --> 00:30:16,467
the payroll tax cut extension
as well as going back to the
633
00:30:16,467 --> 00:30:17,467
super committee.
634
00:30:17,467 --> 00:30:19,300
They're going to work this out;
you've defended the President
635
00:30:19,300 --> 00:30:21,233
not calling Republican leaders
over here because he doesn't
636
00:30:21,233 --> 00:30:23,899
need to get in the nitty-gritty;
they have to deal with all that
637
00:30:23,900 --> 00:30:25,967
stuff, then he'll deal
with it at a later date.
638
00:30:25,967 --> 00:30:28,533
So tell us how does the
President coming to this podium
639
00:30:28,533 --> 00:30:30,632
and beating up on Republicans
for five minutes,
640
00:30:30,633 --> 00:30:32,767
basically saying they don't want
to extend unemployment benefits,
641
00:30:32,767 --> 00:30:35,000
they don't want to help people
about to have their taxes go up
642
00:30:35,000 --> 00:30:38,000
-- how does that
help you get a deal?
643
00:30:38,000 --> 00:30:40,367
Mr. Carney:
What the President has made
clear is what he believes is
644
00:30:40,367 --> 00:30:44,834
essential and what his red
lines are, if you will,
645
00:30:44,834 --> 00:30:48,033
in terms of what kind of
compromise would be acceptable
646
00:30:48,033 --> 00:30:49,033
and what wouldn't.
647
00:30:49,033 --> 00:30:53,600
The fact is, Ed -- and it's
not necessarily a happy fact but
648
00:30:53,600 --> 00:31:00,065
it's a true fact -- that simply
by putting forward his ideas and
649
00:31:00,066 --> 00:31:04,400
his name on those ideas and saying to members of Congress
650
00:31:04,400 --> 00:31:06,667
that he'd like to
negotiate with them,
651
00:31:06,667 --> 00:31:09,233
they are not going to necessarily compromise
652
00:31:09,233 --> 00:31:10,233
and respond.
653
00:31:10,233 --> 00:31:13,399
That has been, unfortunately,
the fact for these
654
00:31:13,400 --> 00:31:14,500
nearly three years.
655
00:31:14,500 --> 00:31:15,500
What has --
656
00:31:15,500 --> 00:31:17,033
The Press:
Republicans are saying
they had not even seen this
657
00:31:17,033 --> 00:31:17,899
compromise yet.
658
00:31:17,900 --> 00:31:19,000
They haven't even had a
chance to react to it.
659
00:31:19,000 --> 00:31:20,500
So how --
660
00:31:20,500 --> 00:31:25,266
Mr. Carney:
The President was reacting not
to a compromise that hasn't been
661
00:31:25,266 --> 00:31:27,567
proposed yet, as I
understand, formally --
662
00:31:27,567 --> 00:31:32,133
or a new Senate
Democratic version,
663
00:31:32,133 --> 00:31:35,700
he's also reacting to the votes
we just had on this issue,
664
00:31:35,700 --> 00:31:40,600
which demonstrated a profound
reluctance by Republicans in the
665
00:31:40,600 --> 00:31:45,699
Senate to extend the tax cut
for middle-class Americans.
666
00:31:45,700 --> 00:31:49,900
And because of that -- and a refusal to accept the majority
667
00:31:49,900 --> 00:31:53,567
vote of the Senate, including
a Republican senator,
668
00:31:53,567 --> 00:31:58,433
and let that measure move on to the House and be signed into law
669
00:31:58,433 --> 00:32:00,900
by the President if
it passed the House.
670
00:32:00,900 --> 00:32:03,000
So the obstructionism here real.
671
00:32:03,000 --> 00:32:07,367
And what he is hoping through
his articulation of his views on
672
00:32:07,367 --> 00:32:09,734
this issue, as well
as, most importantly,
673
00:32:09,734 --> 00:32:12,867
the articulation expressed
in the voices raised of the
674
00:32:12,867 --> 00:32:16,800
American people on this issue,
that Republicans will move,
675
00:32:16,800 --> 00:32:19,300
that Congress will act and get
this done because it's the right
676
00:32:19,300 --> 00:32:19,966
thing to do.
677
00:32:19,967 --> 00:32:21,500
The Press:
It was just about two or three
weeks ago that Senator Durbin
678
00:32:21,500 --> 00:32:24,367
and other Democrats defended the
President for not coming out and
679
00:32:24,367 --> 00:32:26,966
giving his red lines on the
super committee deal by saying
680
00:32:26,967 --> 00:32:29,500
Republicans warned Democrats on
the Hill if the President comes
681
00:32:29,500 --> 00:32:32,266
out here and attacks them, this
thing is going to blow up.
682
00:32:32,266 --> 00:32:34,200
So how, then, do you
justify him coming out --
683
00:32:34,200 --> 00:32:35,200
Mr. Carney:
No, no, no.
684
00:32:35,200 --> 00:32:36,333
First of all,
you're misstating --
685
00:32:36,333 --> 00:32:38,734
what Senator Durbin said
is that the recent --
686
00:32:38,734 --> 00:32:44,533
there was a strategic notion
behind the approach that the
687
00:32:44,533 --> 00:32:46,632
administration took on the super
committee because it was made
688
00:32:46,633 --> 00:32:50,266
clear by Republicans involved in
these negotiations that anything
689
00:32:50,266 --> 00:32:53,400
that had the President's name
on it as a potential compromise
690
00:32:53,400 --> 00:32:56,300
would become toxic for
Republicans who refused to vote
691
00:32:56,300 --> 00:32:58,433
for anything that they view as
a victory for the President.
692
00:32:58,433 --> 00:33:00,233
The Press:
-- and the President not coming
out and being more aggressive on
693
00:33:00,233 --> 00:33:02,033
the super committee.
694
00:33:02,033 --> 00:33:03,867
Mr. Carney:
First of all, the super
committee is a different beast
695
00:33:03,867 --> 00:33:06,700
from the payroll
tax cut extension.
696
00:33:06,700 --> 00:33:09,667
This, after all,
is about tax cuts.
697
00:33:09,667 --> 00:33:12,166
And you've been
here a long time;
698
00:33:12,166 --> 00:33:13,600
a lot of folks have been
covering this a long time.
699
00:33:13,600 --> 00:33:16,833
If there has ever been a truism
in modern American politics,
700
00:33:16,834 --> 00:33:19,166
it's that Republicans
are always for tax cuts.
701
00:33:19,166 --> 00:33:20,833
And what is striking
to this President,
702
00:33:20,834 --> 00:33:23,000
as he made clear moments
ago and to me and to others,
703
00:33:23,000 --> 00:33:26,700
is that Republicans seem so
grudging in their support,
704
00:33:26,700 --> 00:33:28,467
-- to the extent there
is any support --
705
00:33:28,467 --> 00:33:31,166
in giving tax cuts
to regular Americans,
706
00:33:31,166 --> 00:33:33,300
to working-class Americans,
to middle-class Americans,
707
00:33:33,300 --> 00:33:38,000
to 160 million Americans, and
their refusal, in unison,
708
00:33:38,000 --> 00:33:39,900
virtually, except
for one Republican,
709
00:33:39,900 --> 00:33:43,567
to back a payroll tax cut
expansion and extension for
710
00:33:43,567 --> 00:33:45,867
160 million Americans because
they didn't want to ask
711
00:33:45,867 --> 00:33:47,867
300,000 millionaires and
billionaires to pay a
712
00:33:47,867 --> 00:33:48,899
little extra.
713
00:33:48,900 --> 00:33:55,166
I don't think there's anything
more clarifying than that vote.
714
00:33:55,166 --> 00:33:58,033
So, having said all that,
we have to get this done.
715
00:33:58,033 --> 00:34:01,934
And the President came out today
to make his views on that clear.
716
00:34:01,934 --> 00:34:05,233
And he looks forward to working
with Republicans in the House
717
00:34:05,233 --> 00:34:07,667
and the Senate, as well,
of course, as Democrats,
718
00:34:07,667 --> 00:34:11,199
to get it done in a way that
is economically responsible.
719
00:34:11,199 --> 00:34:12,433
Mr. Thrush.
720
00:34:12,433 --> 00:34:16,766
The Press:
Jay, just to follow up on Ed,
there's a school of thought that
721
00:34:16,766 --> 00:34:20,366
goes the President does better
in these negotiations when he's
722
00:34:20,367 --> 00:34:22,467
actually not in the room, that
when he gets in the room with
723
00:34:22,467 --> 00:34:26,467
these guys they start changing
the rules of the game,
724
00:34:26,467 --> 00:34:30,000
they start dealing with internal
dissension in their own ranks.
725
00:34:30,000 --> 00:34:32,033
I mean, is there, from
a process perspective,
726
00:34:32,033 --> 00:34:35,299
an advantage in the President
remaining outside of these
727
00:34:35,300 --> 00:34:37,300
direct negotiations
as long as possible?
728
00:34:37,300 --> 00:34:40,000
Mr. Carney:
Well, I just want to go
back to what I said to Ed,
729
00:34:40,000 --> 00:34:42,800
because there is no global
doctrine, if you will,
730
00:34:42,800 --> 00:34:44,667
about how you
approach these things.
731
00:34:44,667 --> 00:34:46,734
And each issue is different.
732
00:34:46,734 --> 00:34:48,967
And what I think is quite
clear is that this President,
733
00:34:48,967 --> 00:34:52,333
throughout his presidency, has
been intimately engaged with
734
00:34:52,333 --> 00:34:59,533
Congress on his agenda, whether
that's deficit reduction or
735
00:34:59,533 --> 00:35:01,767
economic growth measures,
job creation measures,
736
00:35:01,767 --> 00:35:03,667
health care reform,
or other measures.
737
00:35:03,667 --> 00:35:05,333
And he will continue to be so.
738
00:35:05,333 --> 00:35:08,900
The fact is that, as you know,
this summer he was very directly
739
00:35:08,900 --> 00:35:11,967
involved on a day-to-day
and, at times, hour-to-hour,
740
00:35:11,967 --> 00:35:14,300
basis with Congress --
Republican leaders as well as
741
00:35:14,300 --> 00:35:17,400
Democratic -- on the debt ceiling negotiations.
742
00:35:17,400 --> 00:35:21,400
The point I was making to Ed
is that in the super committee
743
00:35:21,400 --> 00:35:27,667
process, the President took
an approach that was designed
744
00:35:27,667 --> 00:35:32,400
entirely to maximize the
possibility of a positive
745
00:35:32,400 --> 00:35:40,500
outcome, of putting his views on
paper in detail to the public
746
00:35:40,500 --> 00:35:42,533
and to the committee at the
beginning of the process,
747
00:35:42,533 --> 00:35:45,667
and in stepping back and letting
a congressional process take its
748
00:35:45,667 --> 00:35:46,667
course and --
749
00:35:46,667 --> 00:35:48,667
The Press:
How does this one compare, in
terms of the President's direct
750
00:35:48,667 --> 00:35:52,000
engagement -- how will this one
compare to the debt ceiling
751
00:35:52,000 --> 00:35:53,533
negotiations and
the super committee?
752
00:35:53,533 --> 00:35:56,232
Mr. Carney:
Well, I think it
will be different,
753
00:35:56,233 --> 00:35:57,500
as all these issues
are different.
754
00:35:57,500 --> 00:36:00,533
It is also, obviously, a
different animal, if you will.
755
00:36:00,533 --> 00:36:05,967
A payroll tax cut extension and
expansion is a relatively modest
756
00:36:05,967 --> 00:36:09,800
proposal compared to a broad $3
trillion or $4 trillion deficit
757
00:36:09,800 --> 00:36:10,900
reduction package.
758
00:36:10,900 --> 00:36:15,100
But the President, his team,
will be engaged in these coming
759
00:36:15,100 --> 00:36:18,165
days and weeks in a
variety of different ways,
760
00:36:18,166 --> 00:36:19,867
working with Congress
to get this done.
761
00:36:19,867 --> 00:36:22,567
Because, as the President
just made clear,
762
00:36:22,567 --> 00:36:25,300
we can't afford to let
that clock go to zero.
763
00:36:25,300 --> 00:36:28,533
The American people cannot
afford to have their taxes go up
764
00:36:28,533 --> 00:36:31,533
on average $1,000
come January 1.
765
00:36:31,533 --> 00:36:33,200
The Press:
The other thing is,
you are targeting --
766
00:36:33,200 --> 00:36:35,000
we had a conference
call yesterday --
767
00:36:35,000 --> 00:36:37,166
you guys are targeting
seven states,
768
00:36:37,166 --> 00:36:40,367
some of them pretty deep red
states, on the payroll tax,
769
00:36:40,367 --> 00:36:43,166
with interviews with local
news anchors and such.
770
00:36:43,166 --> 00:36:47,000
Has the President thought of
calling people like Rob Portman
771
00:36:47,000 --> 00:36:49,800
and Olympia Snowe directly,
rather than using this indirect
772
00:36:49,800 --> 00:36:52,300
approach to pressure them?
773
00:36:52,300 --> 00:36:55,900
Mr. Carney:
Again, you are presuming in your
question that we read out to you
774
00:36:55,900 --> 00:36:58,300
every communication that the
White House has with the Hill,
775
00:36:58,300 --> 00:37:00,700
and I can assure
you that we do not.
776
00:37:00,700 --> 00:37:04,433
This is a multi-pronged
effort, if you will --
777
00:37:04,433 --> 00:37:08,533
that there are many fronts
here on which to fight for
778
00:37:08,533 --> 00:37:11,299
middle-class tax cuts, and
we will continue to do so.
779
00:37:11,300 --> 00:37:15,433
And often in answer to questions
about whether conversations have
780
00:37:15,433 --> 00:37:17,867
occurred, I will say that I have
no conversations to read out to
781
00:37:17,867 --> 00:37:19,834
you, which is my
answer in this case.
782
00:37:19,834 --> 00:37:20,466
Alexis.
783
00:37:20,467 --> 00:37:21,233
And then Laura.
784
00:37:21,233 --> 00:37:22,000
The Press:
Thanks, Jay.
785
00:37:22,000 --> 00:37:23,667
The President met with
Secretary Geithner today,
786
00:37:23,667 --> 00:37:25,500
and Secretary Geithner
is going to Europe.
787
00:37:25,500 --> 00:37:27,700
The first question is, is there
any new message the President
788
00:37:27,700 --> 00:37:32,533
wants him to carry to Europe
to try to work with them?
789
00:37:32,533 --> 00:37:34,834
And, second question, can you
tell us what Jennifer Palmieri
790
00:37:34,834 --> 00:37:38,232
will be doing and what she'll
be adding to the staff that the
791
00:37:38,233 --> 00:37:41,367
President doesn't
have currently?
792
00:37:41,367 --> 00:37:45,734
Mr. Carney:
As you know, the President asked
Secretary Geithner to travel to
793
00:37:45,734 --> 00:37:48,834
Europe this week for meetings
with his counterparts on their
794
00:37:48,834 --> 00:37:51,767
efforts to reinforce the
institutions of the euro area.
795
00:37:51,767 --> 00:37:55,366
This isn't -- this is, rather,
part of our continued engagement
796
00:37:55,367 --> 00:37:57,834
with Europe at an
important moment for them.
797
00:37:57,834 --> 00:37:59,933
And as you know, Europe's
success is of great importance
798
00:37:59,934 --> 00:38:03,734
to us, and we have shared ideas
and observations where it may be
799
00:38:03,734 --> 00:38:06,066
useful, based on
our own experience.
800
00:38:06,066 --> 00:38:07,232
And we will continue to do so.
801
00:38:07,233 --> 00:38:11,000
So this is a continuation of a
process that we've been engaged
802
00:38:11,000 --> 00:38:13,266
in for many weeks
and months now --
803
00:38:13,266 --> 00:38:14,533
in particular
Secretary Geithner,
804
00:38:14,533 --> 00:38:19,066
but also the President and
other members of his team.
805
00:38:19,066 --> 00:38:21,066
I would say, with
regard to Jen Palmieri,
806
00:38:21,066 --> 00:38:24,000
that she's going to be a welcome
addition to this White House
807
00:38:24,000 --> 00:38:26,266
staff and communications staff.
808
00:38:26,266 --> 00:38:29,867
She has big shoes to fill, or,
rather, small shoes to fill,
809
00:38:29,867 --> 00:38:30,867
with Jen Psaki's.
810
00:38:30,867 --> 00:38:35,834
But we're going to -- that position has been vacant and
811
00:38:35,834 --> 00:38:39,332
it's a valuable and
important position that needs
812
00:38:39,333 --> 00:38:40,333
to be filled.
813
00:38:40,333 --> 00:38:42,166
So we're looking
forward to her arrival.
814
00:38:42,166 --> 00:38:43,100
Yes.
815
00:38:43,100 --> 00:38:44,467
The Press:
Thanks.
816
00:38:44,467 --> 00:38:46,500
Jay, in the interim, I think,
since you were first asked this
817
00:38:46,500 --> 00:38:50,000
question, Senator Reid has in
fact announced his proposal.
818
00:38:50,000 --> 00:38:51,900
So I'm wondering if you
could give us your take.
819
00:38:51,900 --> 00:38:54,500
Mr. Carney:
We were trying to get this
briefing done before that but --
820
00:38:54,500 --> 00:38:55,867
The Press:
You were trying -- you pushed
it back by quite a bit,
821
00:38:55,867 --> 00:38:57,867
but not quite far enough.
822
00:38:57,867 --> 00:39:02,367
Mr. Carney:
Look, I mean, broadly
we support --
823
00:39:02,367 --> 00:39:09,000
you would not be surprised -- the efforts of Senators Reid and
824
00:39:09,000 --> 00:39:12,333
Casey to get this done, to get this payroll tax cut expansion
825
00:39:12,333 --> 00:39:19,367
and extension done and to have it paid for in a way that is
826
00:39:19,367 --> 00:39:20,567
responsible and fair.
827
00:39:20,567 --> 00:39:24,900
The President pointed out --
and I think it's always worth
828
00:39:24,900 --> 00:39:31,166
remembering -- that the sudden, heartfelt concern that you hear
829
00:39:31,166 --> 00:39:34,967
among some Republicans who are reluctant to give tax breaks to
830
00:39:34,967 --> 00:39:39,934
middle-class Americans that it needs to be paid for is a little
831
00:39:39,934 --> 00:39:43,000
out of sync with the position that they've taken on tax cuts
832
00:39:43,000 --> 00:39:46,867
for these many years now.
833
00:39:46,867 --> 00:39:51,500
And in particular with regard
to this House Republican
834
00:39:51,500 --> 00:39:54,033
leadership, they've
institutionalized the idea that
835
00:39:54,033 --> 00:39:55,633
tax cuts don't have
to be paid for.
836
00:39:55,633 --> 00:39:59,133
So, that having been said, the
President believes that we need
837
00:39:59,133 --> 00:40:02,265
to be mindful of
our fiscal issues.
838
00:40:02,266 --> 00:40:04,834
That's why he proposed a measure
in the American Jobs Act to pay
839
00:40:04,834 --> 00:40:07,466
for all of it including the
payroll tax cut expansion and
840
00:40:07,467 --> 00:40:10,100
extension, why he supported
the Senate Democratic version,
841
00:40:10,100 --> 00:40:13,567
the original one, which paid for
it in a economically sensible
842
00:40:13,567 --> 00:40:19,633
and fair way, and why we
support this latest proposal.
843
00:40:19,633 --> 00:40:22,399
The Press:
Given what you just said, of
course the President also said,
844
00:40:22,400 --> 00:40:25,033
that he made the point that
Republicans suddenly --
845
00:40:25,033 --> 00:40:25,900
Mr. Carney:
That's not a coincidence.
846
00:40:25,900 --> 00:40:28,400
The Press:
Yes, not a coincidence -- that Republicans suddenly are feeling
847
00:40:28,400 --> 00:40:31,233
the need to pay for
this when they don't --
848
00:40:31,233 --> 00:40:34,266
haven't paid for
other past tax cuts,
849
00:40:34,266 --> 00:40:38,133
he also said that he's willing
to find a responsible way to do
850
00:40:38,133 --> 00:40:39,232
-- to offset the cost.
851
00:40:39,233 --> 00:40:41,433
But is it -- given the
differences over the offset
852
00:40:41,433 --> 00:40:44,967
right now, and given the
history that you both recounted,
853
00:40:44,967 --> 00:40:48,767
is it your preference at this
point to just go ahead and not
854
00:40:48,767 --> 00:40:49,567
pay for it?
855
00:40:49,567 --> 00:40:50,433
Mr. Carney:
No.
856
00:40:50,433 --> 00:40:52,166
Our preference, the President's
preference has been very clear
857
00:40:52,166 --> 00:40:54,066
about wanting to pay for it, and
pay for it in the way that he
858
00:40:54,066 --> 00:40:54,933
thinks is responsible.
859
00:40:54,934 --> 00:40:57,367
And I would just ask you to
think about your question.
860
00:40:57,367 --> 00:41:00,667
When you said the differences
in the pay-fors --
861
00:41:00,667 --> 00:41:04,133
Republicans got almost no
support for their proposals in
862
00:41:04,133 --> 00:41:06,466
terms of how to pay for
it from their own members.
863
00:41:06,467 --> 00:41:11,367
So now, I don't know what
that tells us in full,
864
00:41:11,367 --> 00:41:14,834
but I know it indicates that the
issue here isn't so much about
865
00:41:14,834 --> 00:41:17,265
pay-fors; it's about whether
or not we're going to let this
866
00:41:17,266 --> 00:41:24,867
clock go to zero; whether
or not there is any real,
867
00:41:24,867 --> 00:41:27,567
profound support among
Republicans in the Senate and
868
00:41:27,567 --> 00:41:30,200
the House for extending tax
cuts for middle-class and
869
00:41:30,200 --> 00:41:31,399
working Americans.
870
00:41:31,400 --> 00:41:34,133
The vote that we saw last
week on the Senate Republican
871
00:41:34,133 --> 00:41:38,000
proposals suggests that
that feeling is not there,
872
00:41:38,000 --> 00:41:40,300
which is a shame.
873
00:41:40,300 --> 00:41:42,367
The Press:
But given that there isn't
sufficient support to pass the
874
00:41:42,367 --> 00:41:47,600
Democrats' preferred pay-for,
would a good second choice be
875
00:41:47,600 --> 00:41:51,633
just allow it to pass
without it being offset?
876
00:41:51,633 --> 00:41:56,066
Mr. Carney:
Well, the fact is Senators Reid
and Casey have put forward a new
877
00:41:56,066 --> 00:42:00,265
proposal with
different pay-fors --
878
00:42:00,266 --> 00:42:01,734
or a modified pay-for.
879
00:42:01,734 --> 00:42:06,299
And we remain hopeful that
Republicans in the Senate,
880
00:42:06,300 --> 00:42:07,467
and then eventually
in the House,
881
00:42:07,467 --> 00:42:12,633
will hear the voices of the
American people who are making
882
00:42:12,633 --> 00:42:18,567
quite clear that they
need this tax relief,
883
00:42:18,567 --> 00:42:21,867
and that the economy
needs this tax relief.
884
00:42:21,867 --> 00:42:26,567
Independent economists have made
clear that not extending the
885
00:42:26,567 --> 00:42:29,000
payroll tax cut would have a
negative impact on economic
886
00:42:29,000 --> 00:42:31,467
growth, would have a negative
impact on job creation,
887
00:42:31,467 --> 00:42:34,333
and that extending and expanding
it would have a positive impact;
888
00:42:34,333 --> 00:42:40,767
that we would be able to
continue the growth and job
889
00:42:40,767 --> 00:42:43,332
creation that we've
seen and expand it,
890
00:42:43,333 --> 00:42:45,133
which is exactly what
this economy needs.
891
00:42:45,133 --> 00:42:47,000
It's the medicine
this economy needs.
892
00:42:47,000 --> 00:42:48,000
The Press:
Last real-quick thing.
893
00:42:48,000 --> 00:42:50,567
In the past you haven't been
all that excited about these
894
00:42:50,567 --> 00:42:54,467
countdown clocks, in fact, even
discouraged them in the past.
895
00:42:54,467 --> 00:42:56,066
I'm just wondering why
this one is different.
896
00:42:56,066 --> 00:42:57,066
Mr. Carney:
The issue we had
-- let's be clear.
897
00:42:57,066 --> 00:42:58,834
The issue we had with the debt
ceiling countdown clock is that
898
00:42:58,834 --> 00:43:03,299
it was sending a -- it could
have a negative impact in
899
00:43:03,300 --> 00:43:09,400
raising the specter, which we hoped would never be raised,
900
00:43:09,400 --> 00:43:11,834
of the United States
defaulting on its obligations,
901
00:43:11,834 --> 00:43:14,033
which would have the impact,
if it were to come to pass,
902
00:43:14,033 --> 00:43:16,066
of causing global
economic chaos.
903
00:43:16,066 --> 00:43:18,366
This is quite different.
904
00:43:18,367 --> 00:43:21,533
This is about whether or
not 160 million Americans --
905
00:43:21,533 --> 00:43:23,700
working-class, middle-class
Americans are going to have
906
00:43:23,700 --> 00:43:27,667
their taxes go up on January 1st
because Congress refuses to act,
907
00:43:27,667 --> 00:43:29,767
or rather, in this case, the
Senate and the House Republicans
908
00:43:29,767 --> 00:43:31,500
refuse to act.
909
00:43:31,500 --> 00:43:33,734
Roger, and then --
910
00:43:33,734 --> 00:43:34,767
The Press:
Thank you.
911
00:43:34,767 --> 00:43:36,399
I know you said you weren't
in the habit of reading out
912
00:43:36,400 --> 00:43:39,667
conversations, but could you at
least say whether the President
913
00:43:39,667 --> 00:43:42,400
talked to congressional
leaders over the weekend?
914
00:43:42,400 --> 00:43:44,300
Mr. Carney:
I don't have any conversations
to read out to you, Roger.
915
00:43:44,300 --> 00:43:45,700
The Press:
All right.
916
00:43:45,700 --> 00:43:48,033
How soon does this tax
cut need to be paid for?
917
00:43:48,033 --> 00:43:53,100
Mr. Carney:
What this President has made
clear in his proposed methods of
918
00:43:53,100 --> 00:43:57,066
paying for it is that we need
to do this over time so it's
919
00:43:57,066 --> 00:43:58,799
economically responsible.
920
00:43:58,800 --> 00:44:01,200
That was embodied in
his proposal for the
921
00:44:01,200 --> 00:44:02,200
American Jobs Act.
922
00:44:02,200 --> 00:44:04,299
It was also embodied in the
Senate Democratic proposal,
923
00:44:04,300 --> 00:44:05,734
and I believe it was
-- in the original --
924
00:44:05,734 --> 00:44:09,767
and it was embodied -- or is embodied in the current one.
925
00:44:09,767 --> 00:44:12,332
Going to the point the President
made from here just moments ago,
926
00:44:12,333 --> 00:44:16,433
we should not pay for it in
a way that does harm to the
927
00:44:16,433 --> 00:44:18,734
economy, does harm
to our recovery.
928
00:44:18,734 --> 00:44:21,200
So that's very important, and
that's one of the principles
929
00:44:21,200 --> 00:44:23,332
that he brings to
this discussion.
930
00:44:23,333 --> 00:44:25,433
The Press:
Does that mean, like,
over five years?
931
00:44:25,433 --> 00:44:26,633
Mr. Carney:
Well, again, I don't --
932
00:44:26,633 --> 00:44:27,533
The Press:
Can you put a little --
933
00:44:27,533 --> 00:44:31,133
Mr. Carney:
What is important is that
we don't do it in a way that
934
00:44:31,133 --> 00:44:34,667
actually does harm to the
economy or does harm to the very
935
00:44:34,667 --> 00:44:38,299
people that will be helped
by a middle-class tax cut.
936
00:44:38,300 --> 00:44:41,834
So we also -- and I think the President made clear that we're
937
00:44:41,834 --> 00:44:44,899
not going to reopen the Budget Control Act and reopen the deal
938
00:44:44,900 --> 00:44:48,867
that had already brought us
down to spending levels that are
939
00:44:48,867 --> 00:44:52,433
lower when it comes to non
defense discretionary spending
940
00:44:52,433 --> 00:44:55,266
than we've seen since Dwight
Eisenhower was President.
941
00:44:55,266 --> 00:44:55,900
Yes.
942
00:44:55,900 --> 00:44:56,967
The Press:
Jay, can you read out a
meeting with the colleges --
943
00:44:56,967 --> 00:44:59,367
Mr. Carney:
Let me go -- I promised -- yes.
944
00:44:59,367 --> 00:45:02,166
The Press:
Thank you, Jay.
945
00:45:02,166 --> 00:45:05,333
So the Canadian Prime Minister
Harper will be in town,
946
00:45:05,333 --> 00:45:08,567
in the White House,
Wednesday afternoon.
947
00:45:08,567 --> 00:45:10,400
Is that right that -- is it
correct that there will be the
948
00:45:10,400 --> 00:45:13,367
signing of a new border
security agreement?
949
00:45:13,367 --> 00:45:14,500
Mr. Carney:
I think I was asked
this the other day,
950
00:45:14,500 --> 00:45:20,400
and I don't have anything new
on it for you in terms of what,
951
00:45:20,400 --> 00:45:24,800
specifically, the two leaders
will talk about or what acts
952
00:45:24,800 --> 00:45:26,433
they might perform
in terms of --
953
00:45:26,433 --> 00:45:28,900
The Press:
But there might be a
little more than just,
954
00:45:28,900 --> 00:45:31,033
it's a good partnership
and we want to --
955
00:45:31,033 --> 00:45:32,033
Mr. Carney:
Well, we'll see.
956
00:45:32,033 --> 00:45:33,734
I don't have anything
new for you on it today.
957
00:45:33,734 --> 00:45:34,734
Mr. Jackson.
958
00:45:34,734 --> 00:45:35,767
The Press:
Jay, can you read out the
meeting with the college
959
00:45:35,767 --> 00:45:38,466
presidents this morning and
what that was all about?
960
00:45:38,467 --> 00:45:40,367
Mr. Carney:
I don't have a detailed readout.
961
00:45:40,367 --> 00:45:41,367
I wasn't able to make it.
962
00:45:41,367 --> 00:45:47,500
The general idea is
that, among other issues,
963
00:45:47,500 --> 00:45:50,300
this President is profoundly
concerned with education.
964
00:45:50,300 --> 00:45:53,433
He's also very concerned
with the cost of education,
965
00:45:53,433 --> 00:45:55,233
especially higher education.
966
00:45:55,233 --> 00:45:56,500
So I'm sure that was a topic.
967
00:45:56,500 --> 00:45:58,600
But I happened to miss that
meeting and I don't have a
968
00:45:58,600 --> 00:45:59,600
readout for that.
969
00:45:59,600 --> 00:46:02,734
But we'll have one, I'm
sure, by Mr. Earnest.
970
00:46:02,734 --> 00:46:04,366
We will have one
for you later today.
971
00:46:04,367 --> 00:46:05,500
The Press:
Thanks, Jay.
972
00:46:05,500 --> 00:46:06,600
Mr. Carney:
Chris -- last one.
973
00:46:06,600 --> 00:46:08,467
The Press:
Jay, I wanted to follow up with
you on what I asked you about
974
00:46:08,467 --> 00:46:10,033
earlier about the lack of
federal non-discrimination
975
00:46:10,033 --> 00:46:13,000
efforts for LGBT people
in the workplace.
976
00:46:13,000 --> 00:46:14,467
The President supports
legislation known as the
977
00:46:14,467 --> 00:46:16,667
Employment Non-Discrimination
Act that would address this
978
00:46:16,667 --> 00:46:18,500
issue but not the
administrative action,
979
00:46:18,500 --> 00:46:21,066
issuing an executive order
saying federal dollars won't go
980
00:46:21,066 --> 00:46:23,066
to contracts that don't have
their own non-discrimination --
981
00:46:23,066 --> 00:46:25,399
based on sexual orientation
and gender identity.
982
00:46:25,400 --> 00:46:27,867
If the President supports
legislation to address this
983
00:46:27,867 --> 00:46:30,700
issue, what's stopping him from
issuing an executive order that
984
00:46:30,700 --> 00:46:32,533
would move toward the same goal?
985
00:46:32,533 --> 00:46:35,066
Mr. Carney:
Chris, I don't have anything
new for you on that,
986
00:46:35,066 --> 00:46:39,734
so I don't have probably an
answer that will move that story
987
00:46:39,734 --> 00:46:40,734
along for you.
988
00:46:40,734 --> 00:46:46,500
But if you want to ask me,
I can look into it for you.
989
00:46:46,500 --> 00:46:47,500
Thanks.
