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Mr. Gibbs:
Let me -- let's start today with a little bit of the week ahead.
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Tomorrow, the President will
deliver the commencement address
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at the United States Military
Academy at West Point,
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in West Point, New York -- obviously laud the graduates for
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their accomplishments, their service to the country,
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discuss the wars in
Iraq and Afghanistan,
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and outline some broad principles that will be in the
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President's national security strategy released later next week.
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On Sunday, the President has
no public events scheduled.
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On Monday, the President will
visit with Prime Minister Hariri
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of Lebanon at the White House.
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This will be the Prime
Minister's first official visit
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to Washington during
his premiership.
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And the President looks forward
to consulting with the Prime
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Minister on a broad range of
mutual goals in support of
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Lebanon's sovereignty and
independence, regional peace,
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and security.
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Also on Monday, the President
will host a reception to
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celebrate Asian American and
Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
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On Tuesday, as part of
National Small Business Week,
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the President will host
award-winning small business
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owners from around the country
for an event at the White House,
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where he will discuss the
important role that small
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businesses play in our economy.
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Also on Tuesday, President
Obama will welcome President
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Napolitano of Italy
to the White House.
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The United States and
Italy, a leading NATO ally,
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have strong bilateral relations.
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The President appreciates
Italy's robust contributions to
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peace efforts around the world,
and looks forward to continuing
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his consultations with the
President following up on their
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July 8 meeting from
last year in Rome.
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Later on Tuesday, the President
will travel to San Francisco,
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California, to headline events
on behalf of Senator Barbara
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Boxer and the Democratic
Senatorial Campaign Committee.
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On Wednesday, the President will
visit the Solyndra Incorporated
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solar facility in
Fremont, California,
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where he will tour their 300,000
square foot high-tech facilities
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and make remarks to workers
on jobs and the economy.
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Following his remarks, the
President will return to
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Washington, D.C.
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On Thursday, President
Obama will --
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this is hard for an N.C.
State graduate to say --
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welcome the NCAA men's basketball champion Duke Blue
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Devils to the White House -- Reggie will be in rare form --
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(laughter)
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-- to honor their
2009 and 2010 season.
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The President and First Lady
will also host a first-ever
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White House reception in honor
of Jewish American Heritage
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Month, and we will have more
details on Friday through the
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weekend later on.
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Ms. Loven.
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The Press:
Yes, a couple things.
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The Lebanon and Italy leader
events remind me if we could ask
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you to have pool sprays
with questions regularly?
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Mr. Gibbs:
Yes, I honestly don't have -- I don't know what the coverage is,
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so I'll check on that.
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The Press:
I understand -- I understand you're not telling me about
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those specifically, but it's more of a broad question that
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we'd like to have pool sprays, including questions for most of
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these events, which you
do not usually have.
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Mr. Gibbs:
Yes, I'll check on
what the coverage is.
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To be honest with you, some
of that is going to be very
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schedule-dependent.
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The Press:
I'm asking for it not to
be schedule-dependent,
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but to become more of a
tradition like it used to be at
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the White House.
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Mr. Gibbs:
No, I understand.
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You and I should go see
the scheduler, that's --
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The Press:
But you're still meeting.
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What -- I mean, do
you have to like --
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The Press:
It's an extra five minutes.
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It's not really schedule issues.
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The Press:
We're talking five minutes.
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Mr. Gibbs:
I'm happy to talk
about this offline.
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There are -- I've yet to be in one of these that lasts five
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minutes, but I --
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The Press:
And me.
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(laughter)
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Mr. Gibbs:
I don't think I've been
in one of those either.
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But I appreciate it.
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The Press:
So on BP, the President referred to it today as a disaster,
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a disaster in the Gulf.
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And I'm wondering if -- well, I guess if you could explain why
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the federal government isn't treating it like it would treat
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a normal disaster, where you should have come in and take charge.
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I know you have the expertise
at BP's level and the other
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companies, but why isn't the
federal government sort of
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taking over this operation?
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Mr. Gibbs:
I think we've gone
through this question.
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We went through this
question yesterday.
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The Oil Pollution Act of 1990,
for reasons that were obvious in
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1990, put the liability and the
responsibility for recovery and
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cleanup with the company rather
than with the taxpayers.
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That's why --
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The Press:
No, I'm not asking a
financial question.
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I'm asking a
management question.
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Mr. Gibbs:
No, no, no -- no, no, but
the management question is a
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financial question.
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Understand --
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The Press:
How?
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Mr. Gibbs:
Because they're responsible for the cleanup and they have to
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pay for it.
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They're not two
separate questions.
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So it is --
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The Press:
There's no legal way to sort
of separate that out and say,
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we send the federal
disaster experts --
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Mr. Gibbs:
Again, the Oil Pollution
Act -- let's be clear --
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I've tried to explain
this many times.
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They are responsible for, and we
are overseeing that response.
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That includes -- as I
discussed yesterday,
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there are many different departments and agencies that
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are involved here.
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The Department of Interior and
what used to be the Minerals
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Management Service is in charge
of regulation and drilling issues.
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NOAA deals with a series of
issues including water sampling,
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detection of oil
inside the water.
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The Department of Homeland
Security is where the Coast
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Guard is housed.
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The Coast Guard obviously was
on the scene right after the
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original explosion,
and Thad Allen,
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the head of the Coast Guard,
is the National Incident Coordinator.
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The Environmental Protection
Agency does air and water
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quality testing.
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And once oil hits land, they
have purview over that.
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The Press:
I just want to be clear that I understand what you're saying,
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that you're legally not allowed
to take sort of command and
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control of the whole situation.
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Mr. Gibbs:
No, no, again,
we're -- Jennifer,
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they are responsible for and
we are overseeing the recovery response.
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I will add that SBA is also in
the area dealing with disasters
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for fishermen because NOAA has
closed 19% of the Gulf for fishing.
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And SBA is there to provide
low-interest loans for people
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that have had economic damages
as a result of that disaster.
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But understand,
Jennifer, as I've --
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I think I've also said
on a number of occasions,
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the technical expertise to clean
up and deal with the equipment
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that is 5,000 feet below
the surface of the sea,
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that's equipment that BP has;
that's the equipment that other
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oil companies have.
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That is not based on equipment
that the federal government has
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in storage.
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The Press:
I understand, I'll let this go because I'm using up my time.
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That's not really the
question I was asking,
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is whether you're
physically doing the work.
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I'm asking why you don't take
control of the whole operation.
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Mr. Gibbs:
Again, maybe I'm
just not being --
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over the course of several weeks
have not been clear on this.
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It is their responsibility.
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They have the legal
responsibility and the technical
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expertise to plug the hole.
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Obviously Secretary
Chu, Secretary Salazar,
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Secretary Napolitano,
and others,
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have been involved in efforts
with other scientists,
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both government and
nongovernmental scientists,
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in conjunction with
British Petroleum,
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which has been working in
conjunction with other
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corporations and
other oil companies.
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So I guess -- I'm happy to try to sift through the question.
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I just -- they are responsible and we are overseeing to ensure
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that what they're doing
is what needs to be done.
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The Press:
But if they're not
getting the job done,
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does the government just stand
there as a spectator and hope
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for the best?
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Mr. Gibbs:
Chip, there's nothing that
would denote that the federal
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government has stood there
and hoped for the best.
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I mean, the premise of your
question doesn't match any
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single -- hold on,
let me finish this.
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The Press:
You're confident they're
getting the job done?
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Mr. Gibbs:
Hold on, let me finish this.
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That doesn't match any single
action that our government has
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undertaken since the call came
in that this rig had exploded in the Gulf.
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So, you know, the premise of
your question doesn't fit any of
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the actions that are currently
happening on behalf of the
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federal government in
the Gulf of Mexico.
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The Press:
But Robert, there's a whole problem here with BP in that
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every piece of information
that they've delivered --
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every piece of information
hasn't been --
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has turned out not to be true
when it comes to the amount of
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oil that's spilling, how many
leaks there were, I mean,
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and every single -- so you guys are having to rely on them --
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and I understand you're
saying that they're legally responsible.
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Mr. Gibbs:
It's not -- we are --
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The Press:
The government has to rely
on them for the technical
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expertise, I understand that,
but do they have the credibility any more?
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I mean, why not just say, you
know what, we're going to --
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we're running this thing; you
guys aren't running this thing
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-- we're running it.
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Mr. Gibbs:
Again, Chuck, we are overseeing the response -- okay?
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I don't know what you think -- we are working each and every day.
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That's why Secretary Chu --
the Department of Energy --
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it sounds technical -- the Department of Energy doesn't
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have purview over
oil, oil drilling.
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That's not in their
governmental sphere.
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But Secretary Chu has been down
there working through a whole
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host of ideas, including
enhanced imaging to get a better
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look at a disaster that's 5,000
feet underneath the water.
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We have taken every step.
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We have pushed relentlessly for
BP to do what is necessary to
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contain what is leaking, to deal
with both the environmental and
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the economic impacts of what,
as the President said today,
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is unquestionably a disaster.
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One of the questions you
asked, Jennifer, was,
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this is not something -- there's not a -- you may have been --
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be confused about the notion of
a disaster declaration that --
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The Press:
But I'm wondering if there's something analogous to that,
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where you could just -- like
an AIG or a disaster where --
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Mr. Gibbs:
There's -- the Oil
Pollution Act is where --
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the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 is
what governs how one responds to
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and who pays for a spill.
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The Press:
But then when I asked if you're legally non-able to step in and
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take actual control,
you said, no.
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So I'm just confused.
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Mr. Gibbs:
Again, I don't -- I guess I'm confused at what are you --
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what are you asking then?
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The Press:
If BP is not
accomplishing the task,
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why doesn't the federal
government come in and take over
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and get the job done?
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The Press:
So that they can --
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The Press:
Federalize it -- can
you just federalize it?
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Mr. Gibbs:
No.
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The Press:
Well, why?
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Mr. Gibbs:
Well, we're -- let me just
-- I also want to address
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Jake's question.
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BP is working -- and I would refer you to BP on the actual
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efforts that they're undertaking and they will undertake as the
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course of this weekend -- different ideas on how to stop
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the leak both out of the pipe, which they've done through
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the insertion tube, as well as what's going on in the riser.
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I would say relating to some
of the earlier questioning,
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we've asked them to provide more
public data on air and water
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quality, and we asked them 10
days ago and reiterated in a
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letter yesterday to provide
video footage of what's
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happening 5,000 feet
underneath the sea --
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The Press:
Why didn't you order them to
do that rather than ask them?
236
00:11:30,594 --> 00:11:33,764
Mr. Gibbs:
Because it's -- you can't do that from a private company.
237
00:11:33,761 --> 00:11:36,091
We -- the information
-- first of all, the --
238
00:11:36,094 --> 00:11:38,064
The Press:
You had the authority
to tell AIG what to do.
239
00:11:38,061 --> 00:11:39,091
Mr. Gibbs:
Pardon?
240
00:11:39,094 --> 00:11:40,364
The Press:
You took over AIG.
241
00:11:40,361 --> 00:11:43,961
Mr. Gibbs:
Well, we -- the company is largely in receivership.
242
00:11:43,961 --> 00:11:45,591
That's -- there's a
difference between --
243
00:11:45,594 --> 00:11:47,324
The Press:
Well, I know, but I mean, isn't there a way to declare some sort
244
00:11:47,328 --> 00:11:48,428
of emergency --
245
00:11:48,428 --> 00:11:49,698
Mr. Gibbs:
I hate to -- let me
just get through --
246
00:11:49,695 --> 00:11:51,025
let me get through
Chip's question.
247
00:11:51,027 --> 00:11:53,057
Chip, that's proprietary
video that was in the Joint
248
00:11:53,061 --> 00:11:56,361
Information Center and
was working through --
249
00:11:56,361 --> 00:12:01,291
the command had the video in
order to see for the response
250
00:12:01,294 --> 00:12:04,524
efforts that we were doing on
-- in conjunction with them,
251
00:12:04,528 --> 00:12:06,398
that video is now public.
252
00:12:06,394 --> 00:12:07,524
The Press:
Robert, can I ask --
253
00:12:07,528 --> 00:12:08,728
The Press:
It took 10 days.
254
00:12:08,728 --> 00:12:09,758
The Press:
Can I ask a question?
255
00:12:09,761 --> 00:12:12,591
Thank you.
256
00:12:12,594 --> 00:12:15,564
I'd like to ask
about Dennis Blair.
257
00:12:15,561 --> 00:12:19,761
Will James Clapper be replacing
him either temporarily or permanently?
258
00:12:19,761 --> 00:12:24,291
And can you talk more about
the process during which the
259
00:12:24,294 --> 00:12:26,964
President lost
confidence in Mr. Blair?
260
00:12:26,961 --> 00:12:32,531
Mr. Gibbs:
Well, let me discuss -- first of all, the Director will resign,
261
00:12:32,528 --> 00:12:35,798
as he said, effective
next Friday.
262
00:12:35,795 --> 00:12:41,065
The Deputy Director at DNI will
become the Acting Director.
263
00:12:41,061 --> 00:12:49,561
The President has talked to
a number of well qualified
264
00:12:49,561 --> 00:12:53,791
candidates and will make an
announcement on who the next
265
00:12:53,795 --> 00:12:55,995
permanent DNI will be soon.
266
00:12:55,994 --> 00:12:57,164
The Press:
Just soon?
267
00:12:57,161 --> 00:12:58,461
That's as much of a
timeframe as you're going --
268
00:12:58,461 --> 00:13:00,291
Mr. Gibbs:
I'm not going to get
into names or timelines.
269
00:13:00,294 --> 00:13:08,064
Look, my guess is there is
probably no harder job in
270
00:13:08,061 --> 00:13:10,131
Washington, besides
being President,
271
00:13:10,127 --> 00:13:13,897
than being Director of
National Intelligence.
272
00:13:13,895 --> 00:13:21,725
The coordination across many
different intelligence agencies
273
00:13:21,728 --> 00:13:26,258
is -- and given the fact
that this job was simply --
274
00:13:26,261 --> 00:13:34,091
was just created only a few
years ago means that Director
275
00:13:34,094 --> 00:13:45,294
Blair had to bring some clarity
to the challenges that the DNI has.
276
00:13:45,294 --> 00:13:46,994
He has done that.
277
00:13:46,994 --> 00:13:51,864
The President is thankful for
his continued service to the country.
278
00:13:51,861 --> 00:13:54,261
The act that set
this up, again --
279
00:13:54,261 --> 00:13:59,261
what I mean by that is the act
that set this up put off some of
280
00:13:59,261 --> 00:14:04,961
the more difficult questions
legislatively for the DNI to
281
00:14:04,961 --> 00:14:09,931
have to go through.
282
00:14:09,928 --> 00:14:14,358
Admiral Blair did
that in, again,
283
00:14:14,361 --> 00:14:18,891
working through questions
like budget authority,
284
00:14:18,895 --> 00:14:26,925
working through questions like
chief of station representation.
285
00:14:26,928 --> 00:14:29,058
So I think there are a
number of things, obviously,
286
00:14:29,061 --> 00:14:33,531
that Admiral Blair did.
287
00:14:33,528 --> 00:14:36,098
There's no doubt that we
continue to have as a result --
288
00:14:36,094 --> 00:14:39,494
and we saw this, that the
President identified on the
289
00:14:39,494 --> 00:14:42,294
attempted Christmas
Day bombing --
290
00:14:42,294 --> 00:14:45,224
that there's still coordination
issues that we have to work through.
291
00:14:45,227 --> 00:14:49,927
The President simply believed
that it was time to transition
292
00:14:49,928 --> 00:14:53,758
to a different Director
of National Intelligence,
293
00:14:53,761 --> 00:14:57,161
and we'll have an announcement
on a permanent replacement soon.
294
00:14:57,161 --> 00:15:01,431
The Press:
So you can't talk more about what led to the decision.
295
00:15:01,428 --> 00:15:02,528
Are there any --
296
00:15:02,528 --> 00:15:07,228
Mr. Gibbs:
Well, again, I think -- I think I outlined basically where the
297
00:15:07,227 --> 00:15:09,197
President's thinking is on that.
298
00:15:09,194 --> 00:15:13,164
The Press:
The administration won a court victory today about Bagram,
299
00:15:13,161 --> 00:15:18,491
basically giving it -- affirming that the Obama administration
300
00:15:18,494 --> 00:15:21,124
can pick up anywhere in the world except for the United
301
00:15:21,127 --> 00:15:25,427
States a non-citizen of the United States and hold them
302
00:15:25,428 --> 00:15:28,258
beyond the process of the court.
303
00:15:28,261 --> 00:15:32,391
And I'm wondering how that
comports at all with the
304
00:15:32,394 --> 00:15:35,824
language that President Obama
used on the campaign trail when
305
00:15:35,828 --> 00:15:37,128
he was talking about --
306
00:15:37,127 --> 00:15:39,997
Mr. Gibbs:
Jake, I know Counsel was working on a response to some of these
307
00:15:39,994 --> 00:15:42,894
points, and I'll get that as
soon as I get out of here.
308
00:15:42,895 --> 00:15:46,225
The Press:
Yesterday you were asked about comments that John Brennan made
309
00:15:46,227 --> 00:15:48,757
about trying to build up the
more moderate elements of Hezbollah.
310
00:15:48,761 --> 00:15:51,431
Mr. Gibbs:
I've asked John for that,
but I haven't gotten anything
311
00:15:51,428 --> 00:15:52,528
back from him.
312
00:15:52,528 --> 00:15:56,728
The Press:
Do you have -- does the President have any concerns at
313
00:15:56,728 --> 00:16:03,498
all about President Calderรณn criticizing American laws at
314
00:16:03,494 --> 00:16:06,124
Congress or from the
lawn of the White House?
315
00:16:06,127 --> 00:16:08,227
Some Republicans
have objected --
316
00:16:08,227 --> 00:16:12,427
Mr. Gibbs:
Yes, I think Ann asked
me that yesterday and --
317
00:16:12,428 --> 00:16:15,528
look, I know that President
Calderรณn has strong feelings
318
00:16:15,528 --> 00:16:19,998
about -- particularly
about the Arizona law,
319
00:16:19,994 --> 00:16:22,124
on the belief that we
should have strong,
320
00:16:22,127 --> 00:16:24,257
comprehensive
immigration reform.
321
00:16:24,261 --> 00:16:29,831
The President shares his
concern on both those aspects.
322
00:16:29,828 --> 00:16:32,398
The Press:
So it's not
inappropriate at all?
323
00:16:32,394 --> 00:16:35,124
Mr. Gibbs:
I would point you to the Mexicans to see if they think
324
00:16:35,127 --> 00:16:36,227
it's inappropriate.
325
00:16:36,227 --> 00:16:39,297
I think -- again, I simply
think the President has similar
326
00:16:39,294 --> 00:16:40,994
concerns with those laws.
327
00:16:40,994 --> 00:16:42,124
The Press:
Thank you, Robert.
328
00:16:42,127 --> 00:16:45,197
On BP, there is an official
who said -- from BP --
329
00:16:45,194 --> 00:16:49,124
who says that he expects that
the leak would be plugged some
330
00:16:49,127 --> 00:16:51,397
time next week, as
early as next week.
331
00:16:51,394 --> 00:16:53,464
How much confidence does the
White House have in that
332
00:16:53,461 --> 00:16:55,231
timeline, that they could
actually get this --
333
00:16:55,227 --> 00:16:57,927
Mr. Gibbs:
Well, again, they're
going to undergo --
334
00:16:57,928 --> 00:17:03,128
and they can explain the
technical nature of this better
335
00:17:03,127 --> 00:17:11,297
-- the process of trying to
clog this leak with heavy mud,
336
00:17:11,294 --> 00:17:17,424
injecting that into the system
I think beginning sometime this weekend.
337
00:17:17,428 --> 00:17:21,928
I would point you to them in
terms of the degree to which
338
00:17:21,928 --> 00:17:23,398
they think that's
going to be successful.
339
00:17:23,394 --> 00:17:29,464
We continue to work on with them
ideas for how to both plug and
340
00:17:29,461 --> 00:17:35,761
contain what is leaking, even as
BP begins to drill a longer-term
341
00:17:35,761 --> 00:17:38,531
solution through a relief well.
342
00:17:38,528 --> 00:17:39,858
The Press:
But obviously
they're telling you,
343
00:17:39,861 --> 00:17:41,591
this is what we think will work.
344
00:17:41,594 --> 00:17:43,494
What is the confidence
level from the White House?
345
00:17:43,494 --> 00:17:45,524
Do you think they're going to be
able to stop this by next week?
346
00:17:45,528 --> 00:17:46,928
Mr. Gibbs:
We're certainly hopeful, yes.
347
00:17:46,928 --> 00:17:48,898
The Press:
And then back to
Jennifer's question --
348
00:17:48,895 --> 00:17:52,525
I mean, if they can't, does
there come a point when the
349
00:17:52,528 --> 00:17:56,058
White House has to say, listen,
we need to take charge of this
350
00:17:56,061 --> 00:17:57,661
-- not just from an
oversight point of view;
351
00:17:57,661 --> 00:17:59,991
we're going to step in and we're
going to bring in whatever --
352
00:17:59,994 --> 00:18:03,164
Mr. Gibbs:
The National Incident Coordinator in Thad Allen,
353
00:18:03,161 --> 00:18:05,131
agencies throughout
the government,
354
00:18:05,127 --> 00:18:12,497
have been working on the ground
since right after this explosion
355
00:18:12,494 --> 00:18:20,364
in the Gulf to do all that
we can to plug this leak;
356
00:18:20,361 --> 00:18:25,231
to contain what was leaking; to
deal with what happens in the
357
00:18:25,227 --> 00:18:30,127
event, and as we have seen,
that that oil gets to land;
358
00:18:30,127 --> 00:18:32,427
we now know some of that oil
has begun to get into the loop
359
00:18:32,428 --> 00:18:35,398
current, and how do we
deal with that; sampling --
360
00:18:35,394 --> 00:18:40,024
water quality sampling and how
we deal with both surface and
361
00:18:40,027 --> 00:18:41,457
subsea dispersants.
362
00:18:41,461 --> 00:18:48,231
So we have -- we've been there every day of this crisis,
363
00:18:48,227 --> 00:18:54,557
and we will stay there
until this hole is plugged,
364
00:18:54,561 --> 00:18:57,061
until we deal with what is
either in the water or on the
365
00:18:57,061 --> 00:19:00,661
surface, and the impacts of
that both environmentally and
366
00:19:00,661 --> 00:19:06,461
economically, which will
probably take quite some time to sift through.
367
00:19:06,461 --> 00:19:07,461
The Press:
Robert, a follow --
368
00:19:07,461 --> 00:19:09,991
The Press:
Hang on a second, hang on --
but you will still just be
369
00:19:09,994 --> 00:19:14,264
essentially assisting in any way possible as many times as they
370
00:19:14,261 --> 00:19:16,591
want to keep trying
something that doesn't work?
371
00:19:16,594 --> 00:19:17,924
So you're not
going to walk in --
372
00:19:17,928 --> 00:19:19,258
Mr. Gibbs:
Well, Dan, we're focused on --
373
00:19:19,261 --> 00:19:21,061
The Press:
-- if that doesn't work,
well, we'll wait and see,
374
00:19:21,061 --> 00:19:22,331
and they'll try something else.
375
00:19:22,328 --> 00:19:25,858
Mr. Gibbs:
No, no, Dan, this notion that the government is simply waiting
376
00:19:25,861 --> 00:19:29,661
and seeing -- again, Dan, if you've got an idea of how to
377
00:19:29,661 --> 00:19:32,561
plug this hole, I'm happy
to put you in charge of --
378
00:19:32,561 --> 00:19:35,931
with John Holdren here,
with Secretary Chu,
379
00:19:35,928 --> 00:19:38,228
or somebody at the Joint
Information Command.
380
00:19:38,227 --> 00:19:39,157
Everything --
381
00:19:39,161 --> 00:19:41,231
The Press:
-- that the White House has, that this administration has --
382
00:19:41,227 --> 00:19:43,497
Mr. Gibbs:
Everything that can be
done is being done.
383
00:19:43,494 --> 00:19:45,994
That's why we have scientists
here and throughout the
384
00:19:45,994 --> 00:19:48,864
administration that are working
on trying to make that happen.
385
00:19:48,861 --> 00:19:50,691
The Press:
Robert, the questions
about federalizing --
386
00:19:50,695 --> 00:19:52,695
The Press:
I have another question, actually, on something else.
387
00:19:52,695 --> 00:19:57,465
After the so-called
"underwear bombing,"
388
00:19:57,461 --> 00:19:59,231
the President talked
about the failures,
389
00:19:59,227 --> 00:20:04,557
and I think you characterized
it as coordination issues.
390
00:20:04,561 --> 00:20:08,891
But he also talked about pushing
for solutions to fix the problem.
391
00:20:08,895 --> 00:20:12,865
What is the sense here in the
White House about intelligence
392
00:20:12,861 --> 00:20:17,191
sharing and the analysis
of intelligence?
393
00:20:17,194 --> 00:20:19,994
How does the White House feel
that the various agencies are
394
00:20:19,994 --> 00:20:22,194
sharing information
or analyzing it?
395
00:20:22,194 --> 00:20:25,724
Mr. Gibbs:
Well, I would say that the President took responsibility
396
00:20:25,728 --> 00:20:30,358
for that lack of coordination
and information sharing on
397
00:20:30,361 --> 00:20:31,691
Christmas Day.
398
00:20:31,695 --> 00:20:34,125
The Press:
Since then, has it
gotten any better?
399
00:20:34,127 --> 00:20:36,927
Mr. Gibbs:
The improvements that were
-- the problems that were
400
00:20:36,928 --> 00:20:40,258
identified and the improvements that John Brennan and others
401
00:20:40,261 --> 00:20:44,431
have begun to put into the system have improved it.
402
00:20:44,428 --> 00:20:49,728
We will -- Dan, the President has asked every member of the
403
00:20:49,728 --> 00:20:53,128
intelligence community and
the national security team to
404
00:20:53,127 --> 00:20:57,997
evaluate our processes every day to see if there's anything that
405
00:20:57,994 --> 00:20:59,724
can possibly be done better.
406
00:20:59,728 --> 00:21:01,698
That's what the intelligence
community and the national
407
00:21:01,695 --> 00:21:04,825
security teams do
each and every day.
408
00:21:04,828 --> 00:21:10,028
We strive to get it
as good as it can be.
409
00:21:10,027 --> 00:21:11,457
The Press:
Can I just follow --
410
00:21:11,461 --> 00:21:12,891
The Press:
I'd love to get at least initially a yes or no answer to
411
00:21:12,895 --> 00:21:14,025
this question.
412
00:21:14,027 --> 00:21:16,427
Is the President satisfied
with BP's response?
413
00:21:16,428 --> 00:21:20,098
Mr. Gibbs:
The President is not satisfied that we've plugged a hole in the
414
00:21:20,094 --> 00:21:23,764
floor of the ocean that's
leaking a barrel --
415
00:21:23,761 --> 00:21:26,561
thousands of barrels of oil a
day and polluting the Gulf of Mexico.
416
00:21:26,561 --> 00:21:29,591
The Press:
Is the President
satisfied with BP?
417
00:21:29,594 --> 00:21:33,194
Mr. Gibbs:
We are continuing to push BP to do everything that they can.
418
00:21:33,194 --> 00:21:36,494
The Press:
So, no "yes" or "no" on whether you're satisfied with BP.
419
00:21:36,494 --> 00:21:38,924
Mr. Gibbs:
I thought I gave you a
fairly fulsome answer.
420
00:21:38,928 --> 00:21:40,398
The Press:
Does he have full
confidence in BP?
421
00:21:40,394 --> 00:21:44,564
Mr. Gibbs:
Again, we are asking BP to do
-- to take the steps that we
422
00:21:44,561 --> 00:21:46,031
believe are necessary.
423
00:21:46,027 --> 00:21:47,097
Chuck.
424
00:21:47,094 --> 00:21:50,894
The Press:
I have another question.
425
00:21:50,895 --> 00:21:54,395
You sent out that Tweet about -- it was 10 days between the time
426
00:21:54,394 --> 00:21:57,194
you first asked for the live video and when you got the video.
427
00:21:57,194 --> 00:21:58,394
Mr. Gibbs:
May 11th.
428
00:21:58,394 --> 00:22:02,364
The Press:
And on the other hand, which sounds like you're asking
429
00:22:02,361 --> 00:22:05,291
without any kind of
power behind it at all,
430
00:22:05,294 --> 00:22:08,864
and on the other hand you say
you've got your boot on their throat.
431
00:22:08,861 --> 00:22:12,061
That sounds like they're wearing
the boot if they can just go
432
00:22:12,061 --> 00:22:13,931
along for 10 days.
433
00:22:13,928 --> 00:22:16,558
I mean, seriously, Robert,
there's this growing perception
434
00:22:16,561 --> 00:22:21,061
that the United States, that the
government is somewhat powerless
435
00:22:21,061 --> 00:22:23,561
to make BP do what it wants them
to do if it can't even get them
436
00:22:23,561 --> 00:22:26,491
to put a live feed of
video up for 10 days.
437
00:22:26,494 --> 00:22:32,194
Mr. Gibbs:
Chip, we have pushed them
to make things more public.
438
00:22:32,194 --> 00:22:37,864
There are laws that govern the
proprietary information of companies.
439
00:22:37,861 --> 00:22:40,631
We can't change each and every
one of those laws, Chip.
440
00:22:40,628 --> 00:22:46,098
We will work every day to ensure
that BP is doing everything that
441
00:22:46,094 --> 00:22:50,664
it can do, everything that
we believe it should do.
442
00:22:50,661 --> 00:22:55,991
We asked again yesterday that
they make more transparent their
443
00:22:55,994 --> 00:22:59,024
air and water quality samples,
that they update their website
444
00:22:59,027 --> 00:23:03,157
on that on a daily basis, that
they provide live video footage
445
00:23:03,161 --> 00:23:07,531
of what is happening on the floor of the ocean 5,000 feet
446
00:23:07,528 --> 00:23:10,158
beneath it.
447
00:23:10,161 --> 00:23:13,461
And we will continue
to push any company,
448
00:23:13,461 --> 00:23:15,891
and the President and the team
here will continue to push all
449
00:23:15,895 --> 00:23:18,495
elements of the government,
to get this right.
450
00:23:18,494 --> 00:23:24,894
We are facing a disaster, the
magnitude of which we likely
451
00:23:24,895 --> 00:23:29,965
have never seen before, in terms
of a blowout in the Gulf of Mexico.
452
00:23:29,961 --> 00:23:32,531
And we're doing everything
humanly possible and
453
00:23:32,528 --> 00:23:35,658
technologically possible
to deal with that.
454
00:23:35,661 --> 00:23:37,161
The Press:
Very quickly on
financial regulation --
455
00:23:37,161 --> 00:23:38,331
Mr. Gibbs:
Yes, I got to get
to somebody else.
456
00:23:38,328 --> 00:23:39,658
The Press:
Do you like Blanche Lincoln's --
457
00:23:39,661 --> 00:23:43,061
Mr. Gibbs:
I'm sorry, let me give
somebody else another turn.
458
00:23:43,061 --> 00:23:45,491
The Press:
Quickly, you just said about
the air and water quality,
459
00:23:45,494 --> 00:23:47,064
that they're doing the testing.
460
00:23:47,061 --> 00:23:47,991
Mr. Gibbs:
No, no --
461
00:23:47,994 --> 00:23:49,024
The Press:
Why isn't the EPA doing the --
462
00:23:49,027 --> 00:23:52,227
Mr. Gibbs:
No, no, no, no, no -- again,
EPA does air and water
463
00:23:52,227 --> 00:23:53,597
quality testing.
464
00:23:53,594 --> 00:23:56,024
NOAA does water quality testing.
465
00:23:56,027 --> 00:24:00,127
They also do testing and we're
asking them to make public their
466
00:24:00,127 --> 00:24:02,057
samples of that testing.
467
00:24:02,061 --> 00:24:03,091
The EPA --
468
00:24:03,094 --> 00:24:05,564
The Press:
So the EPA rechecks the
tests, and does their own?
469
00:24:05,561 --> 00:24:08,161
Mr. Gibbs:
And does -- they do
their own testing, yes.
470
00:24:08,161 --> 00:24:11,931
It's all up on a website if
you want to look at water --
471
00:24:11,928 --> 00:24:14,358
air and water quality samples.
472
00:24:14,361 --> 00:24:16,231
The Press:
Secretary Napolitano is still the person I guess that's
473
00:24:16,227 --> 00:24:17,627
overall in charge.
474
00:24:17,628 --> 00:24:18,658
Is there any concern --
475
00:24:18,661 --> 00:24:21,061
Mr. Gibbs:
No, the National Incident Commander has been for several
476
00:24:21,061 --> 00:24:24,291
weeks Thad Allen and,
again, as I said --
477
00:24:24,294 --> 00:24:29,164
well, let me, because -- I'm apparently not being clear.
478
00:24:29,161 --> 00:24:32,461
Thad Allen has postponed his
retirement from the Coast Guard
479
00:24:32,461 --> 00:24:35,161
to continue on as the
National Incident Commander.
480
00:24:35,161 --> 00:24:39,131
A new Commandant of the
Coast Guard will be put in.
481
00:24:39,127 --> 00:24:41,927
They'll be able to focus on
their job while Admiral Allen
482
00:24:41,928 --> 00:24:46,228
focuses on -- as the overall National Incident Commander,
483
00:24:46,227 --> 00:24:48,157
as is required by law.
484
00:24:48,161 --> 00:24:50,561
The Press:
Are you guys confident that Secretary Napolitano is not
485
00:24:50,561 --> 00:24:54,061
being taken too much away,
considering the other part of
486
00:24:54,061 --> 00:24:55,431
her job at Homeland Secretary?
487
00:24:55,428 --> 00:24:56,928
Mr. Gibbs:
Again, the Coast Guard
is part of DHS --
488
00:24:56,928 --> 00:24:58,058
The Press:
I understand.
489
00:24:58,061 --> 00:24:59,061
Mr. Gibbs:
-- so there's some equity there.
490
00:24:59,061 --> 00:25:01,691
Again, the National Incident
Commander is Thad Allen -- okay?
491
00:25:01,695 --> 00:25:05,925
Secretary Napolitano certainly
has equities in this based on
492
00:25:05,928 --> 00:25:07,728
the fact that DHS is there.
493
00:25:07,728 --> 00:25:12,728
Secretary Salazar has equities
because of DOI and MMS.
494
00:25:12,728 --> 00:25:15,358
The Department of Commerce
is where NOAA sits --
495
00:25:15,361 --> 00:25:17,331
they have equities in this.
496
00:25:17,328 --> 00:25:20,128
The Environmental Protection
Agency has equities.
497
00:25:20,127 --> 00:25:21,297
The Press:
No, I understand, but
are you at all --
498
00:25:21,294 --> 00:25:22,894
is there any concern here that
she's being taken away --
499
00:25:22,895 --> 00:25:24,165
Mr. Gibbs:
Based on what?
500
00:25:24,161 --> 00:25:25,591
The Press:
Just how much time
she has to spend here,
501
00:25:25,594 --> 00:25:28,624
she had to testify on the Hill,
and considering the Times Square
502
00:25:28,628 --> 00:25:32,098
-- that she's being taken away from any of her duties having to do with --
503
00:25:32,094 --> 00:25:34,524
Mr. Gibbs:
I have not heard
anybody say that.
504
00:25:34,528 --> 00:25:35,828
The Press:
Another question on DNI.
505
00:25:35,828 --> 00:25:38,598
Is there any thought being
considered of getting the
506
00:25:38,594 --> 00:25:41,564
position itself restructured,
going back to Congress and
507
00:25:41,561 --> 00:25:44,061
saying, here's
what we've learned,
508
00:25:44,061 --> 00:25:46,531
maybe it ought to be
structured like this?
509
00:25:46,528 --> 00:25:50,158
Mr. Gibbs:
I have not -- I have not heard discussions today about greater
510
00:25:50,161 --> 00:25:51,791
intelligence reform
at this point.
511
00:25:51,795 --> 00:25:54,265
The Press:
You guys are still confident that this structure is the
512
00:25:54,261 --> 00:25:55,431
right structure?
513
00:25:55,428 --> 00:25:58,128
Mr. Gibbs:
Well, look, I think that the government continues to work
514
00:25:58,127 --> 00:26:04,897
through the challenges that the
law and the position have always
515
00:26:04,895 --> 00:26:09,025
presented to government and
in the coordination of many
516
00:26:09,027 --> 00:26:12,397
different agencies and
departments and the intelligence
517
00:26:12,394 --> 00:26:14,764
functions that they represent.
518
00:26:14,761 --> 00:26:18,231
As I said earlier, this is a -- this is an extremely difficult
519
00:26:18,227 --> 00:26:24,227
job for any person to do, and we think that Admiral Blair did a great job.
520
00:26:24,227 --> 00:26:26,857
The Press:
You have a Intelligence
Advisory Board,
521
00:26:26,861 --> 00:26:28,331
Chuck Hagel and some
others serving --
522
00:26:28,328 --> 00:26:30,898
Mr. Gibbs:
President's -- PIAB -- the President's Intelligence
523
00:26:30,895 --> 00:26:31,965
Advisory Board.
524
00:26:31,961 --> 00:26:34,361
The Press:
Are they being asked to look
at the structure of this?
525
00:26:34,361 --> 00:26:36,831
And will they make -- could they be making recommendations about
526
00:26:36,828 --> 00:26:38,558
how the DNI should
be structured?
527
00:26:38,561 --> 00:26:41,631
Mr. Gibbs:
They have been -- they have
been asked, and they did.
528
00:26:41,628 --> 00:26:42,628
The Press:
And are --
529
00:26:42,628 --> 00:26:44,258
Mr. Gibbs:
It's a --
530
00:26:44,261 --> 00:26:47,731
The Press:
Is there anything you have
to go to Congress with?
531
00:26:47,728 --> 00:26:49,998
Mr. Gibbs:
I read the report again last night and I don't remember that
532
00:26:49,994 --> 00:26:51,594
that was the case.
533
00:26:51,594 --> 00:26:53,524
The Press:
Robert, can I ask you a question, a follow-up question?
534
00:26:53,528 --> 00:26:54,798
Mr. Gibbs:
Let me get around here.
535
00:26:54,795 --> 00:26:55,695
Yes.
536
00:26:55,695 --> 00:26:56,565
The Press:
Thank you, Robert.
537
00:26:56,561 --> 00:26:57,561
Two questions.
538
00:26:57,561 --> 00:27:02,261
One, as far as this immigration
problem is concerned,
539
00:27:02,261 --> 00:27:04,961
how seriously you think
President thinking this is a --
540
00:27:04,961 --> 00:27:07,791
really time has come
to do something?
541
00:27:07,795 --> 00:27:11,625
This is a serious problem and
also as far as supply and demand.
542
00:27:11,628 --> 00:27:12,928
Mr. Gibbs:
As far as?
543
00:27:12,928 --> 00:27:14,398
The Press:
Supply and demand.
544
00:27:14,394 --> 00:27:17,394
Mr. Gibbs:
Well, Goyal, I think you've heard the President on a number
545
00:27:17,394 --> 00:27:19,864
of occasions -- certainly this week with President Calderรณn
546
00:27:19,861 --> 00:27:24,461
here -- reiterate his commitment to comprehensive immigration
547
00:27:24,461 --> 00:27:28,131
reform, understanding that this
is not something that he can
548
00:27:28,127 --> 00:27:30,597
implement alone, this is
not something that can be
549
00:27:30,594 --> 00:27:34,024
implemented by simply one
party, and that those that have
550
00:27:34,027 --> 00:27:37,627
traditionally supported
immigration reform on both sides
551
00:27:37,628 --> 00:27:40,098
are going to have
to do that again.
552
00:27:40,094 --> 00:27:43,264
We're not going to be able to
create a solution without the
553
00:27:43,261 --> 00:27:48,061
bipartisan help of members of
the House and the Senate that
554
00:27:48,061 --> 00:27:49,691
have worked on this before.
555
00:27:49,695 --> 00:27:50,925
The Press:
Robert, can I just
follow-up on that?
556
00:27:50,928 --> 00:27:51,998
The Press:
And second --
557
00:27:51,994 --> 00:27:52,924
Mr. Gibbs:
Let me come around.
558
00:27:52,928 --> 00:27:55,698
The Press:
And second, as far as freedom
of press is concerned,
559
00:27:55,695 --> 00:27:59,025
more than half of the countries
are not free as far as freedom
560
00:27:59,027 --> 00:28:00,297
of press is concerned.
561
00:28:00,294 --> 00:28:03,094
I know the President signed
the Freedom of the Press Act,
562
00:28:03,094 --> 00:28:06,624
but do you think President is
thinking of signing a Freedom of
563
00:28:06,628 --> 00:28:09,398
Press Act week to celebrate?
564
00:28:09,394 --> 00:28:12,564
Because press is really a bridge
between governments and the
565
00:28:12,561 --> 00:28:15,431
people, and what do you
think for a press --
566
00:28:15,428 --> 00:28:18,528
Mr. Gibbs:
Look, Goyal, I would simply say that I think this was a fitting
567
00:28:18,528 --> 00:28:25,258
week to sign a bill that adds
freedom of the press to the
568
00:28:25,261 --> 00:28:30,061
State Department's study of
human rights and the role that
569
00:28:30,061 --> 00:28:33,961
it plays in a free society.
570
00:28:33,961 --> 00:28:36,861
The Press:
What options does the U.S. realistically have to punish
571
00:28:36,861 --> 00:28:38,331
North Korea?
572
00:28:38,328 --> 00:28:41,528
And what response has the
U.S. gotten from China?
573
00:28:41,528 --> 00:28:44,098
Mr. Gibbs:
Well, I -- there are
several -- obviously,
574
00:28:44,094 --> 00:28:47,094
you know that the
Secretary is in the region.
575
00:28:47,094 --> 00:28:50,224
I don't have anything to add
to what I said yesterday,
576
00:28:50,227 --> 00:28:52,627
but we continue to consult
with the South Koreans.
577
00:28:52,628 --> 00:28:57,898
I know they had -- they had some emergency meetings last night
578
00:28:57,895 --> 00:29:07,365
and yesterday, based on
the report that came back,
579
00:29:07,361 --> 00:29:11,191
providing responsibility for
what happened to the North Koreans.
580
00:29:11,194 --> 00:29:13,994
The Press:
And will the administration push to have the Consumer Protection
581
00:29:13,994 --> 00:29:18,564
Agency stand alone,
as Barney Frank wants?
582
00:29:18,561 --> 00:29:27,261
Mr. Gibbs:
Well, look, I think what -- the President met with Senator Dodd
583
00:29:27,261 --> 00:29:31,891
and Congressman
Frank today to --
584
00:29:31,895 --> 00:29:37,425
first, I think to congratulate
them for their effort.
585
00:29:37,428 --> 00:29:41,828
We have -- I think many people might have believed at the
586
00:29:41,828 --> 00:29:44,728
beginning of the year and certainly into February that
587
00:29:44,728 --> 00:29:49,028
getting financial reform done this year wasn't possible,
588
00:29:49,027 --> 00:29:53,327
and that certainly having a strong consumer protection
589
00:29:53,328 --> 00:29:57,258
portion of this --
having the Volcker rule,
590
00:29:57,261 --> 00:29:59,731
limiting the size and scope of the activities that banks can
591
00:29:59,728 --> 00:30:03,928
be involved in and regulating derivatives was not something
592
00:30:03,928 --> 00:30:08,298
that -- we'd be lucky to get one of those and were likely to get
593
00:30:08,294 --> 00:30:12,164
none of those in a final piece
of legislation that passed the Senate.
594
00:30:12,161 --> 00:30:15,361
Throughout this process, the
legislation has gotten stronger.
595
00:30:15,361 --> 00:30:22,291
In term of consumers, the bill
is very strong in the Senate.
596
00:30:22,294 --> 00:30:24,794
They're going to go through each
of these provisions together,
597
00:30:24,795 --> 00:30:28,265
the conference committee
will, in making some of those decisions.
598
00:30:28,261 --> 00:30:33,061
We think it is important that
there be less the address and
599
00:30:33,061 --> 00:30:38,661
more the independence of the
consumer agency in having its
600
00:30:38,661 --> 00:30:42,331
own budget and its
own leadership.
601
00:30:42,328 --> 00:30:46,698
As I said yesterday, that many
families in this country,
602
00:30:46,695 --> 00:30:52,125
their interaction with our
financial system is through the
603
00:30:52,127 --> 00:30:58,097
many things that this
area would regulate,
604
00:30:58,094 --> 00:31:00,924
whether that's getting
a loan for a car,
605
00:31:00,928 --> 00:31:04,558
getting a loan for a house,
getting a credit card.
606
00:31:04,561 --> 00:31:06,491
It's the very type of
protections that the American
607
00:31:06,494 --> 00:31:07,964
people need the most.
608
00:31:07,961 --> 00:31:10,191
The Press:
Can you talk about
timing and strategy?
609
00:31:10,194 --> 00:31:15,624
Mr. Gibbs:
Well, broadly on timing, I think both members and the President
610
00:31:15,628 --> 00:31:19,698
believe we can get something
done by the Fourth of July.
611
00:31:19,695 --> 00:31:20,825
Major.
612
00:31:20,828 --> 00:31:25,758
The Press:
On Dennis Blair, were you suggesting to us that he solved
613
00:31:25,761 --> 00:31:30,831
the problems that necessarily
come with that position because
614
00:31:30,828 --> 00:31:34,198
of the ambiguity of the law, or
will the next DNI still face
615
00:31:34,194 --> 00:31:36,924
those ambiguities and
statutory limitations?
616
00:31:36,928 --> 00:31:41,258
Mr. Gibbs:
I think many DNIs beyond whoever is next will deal with some of
617
00:31:41,261 --> 00:31:43,661
the vagueness and many
of the complexities.
618
00:31:43,661 --> 00:31:47,731
I don't think that -- I
don't think anybody here,
619
00:31:47,728 --> 00:31:50,398
and I certainly don't think, recalling the President's
620
00:31:50,394 --> 00:31:56,164
remarks after the attempted bombing on Christmas Day,
621
00:31:56,161 --> 00:31:58,891
that we don't have improvements that we continually have to make
622
00:31:58,895 --> 00:32:00,195
in our intelligence system.
623
00:32:00,194 --> 00:32:03,324
The Press:
Does the President believe this is a naturally unwieldy process,
624
00:32:03,328 --> 00:32:07,858
having a strong CIA director and
a DNI and an inside White House
625
00:32:07,861 --> 00:32:11,161
counterterrorism advisor, that
inevitably there will be turf
626
00:32:11,161 --> 00:32:13,831
battles, inevitably there
will be either disputes or
627
00:32:13,828 --> 00:32:15,098
disagreements about --
628
00:32:15,094 --> 00:32:16,164
Mr. Gibbs:
Well, let's just say --
629
00:32:16,161 --> 00:32:17,291
The Press:
-- who has authority or --
630
00:32:17,294 --> 00:32:18,564
Mr. Gibbs:
I think it's important
to understand --
631
00:32:18,561 --> 00:32:20,361
no, no, no, I think it's
important to understand that the
632
00:32:20,361 --> 00:32:22,931
principal intelligence advisor
for the President of the United
633
00:32:22,928 --> 00:32:25,098
States is the Director of
National Intelligence.
634
00:32:25,094 --> 00:32:26,964
The Director of National
Intelligence and their
635
00:32:26,961 --> 00:32:30,961
department produce each day the
President's daily briefing.
636
00:32:30,961 --> 00:32:34,531
The President begins each of
those days both with that
637
00:32:34,528 --> 00:32:36,598
briefing and either with
the Director of National
638
00:32:36,594 --> 00:32:38,594
Intelligence or employees
of the Director of National
639
00:32:38,594 --> 00:32:44,164
Intelligence in order to go
through the President's daily briefing.
640
00:32:44,161 --> 00:32:50,831
So there's no ambiguity as to
who the principal intelligence
641
00:32:50,828 --> 00:32:53,728
advisor to the President
of the United States is.
642
00:32:53,728 --> 00:32:56,728
The Press:
Did the President ask
Leon Panetta to consider
643
00:32:56,728 --> 00:32:58,698
becoming DNI?
644
00:32:58,695 --> 00:33:01,665
Mr. Gibbs:
I'm not going to get into personnel replacements.
645
00:33:01,661 --> 00:33:02,661
The Press:
Okay.
646
00:33:02,661 --> 00:33:04,861
Yesterday, the House Armed
Services Committee voted 59 to
647
00:33:04,861 --> 00:33:08,261
nothing to move forward the
defense authorization bill.
648
00:33:08,261 --> 00:33:12,931
It contains language that denies
all funding to build or convert
649
00:33:12,928 --> 00:33:16,458
any facility of the United
States for Guantanamo Bay detainees.
650
00:33:16,461 --> 00:33:19,861
How far does this set the
President's goal back of closing Guantanamo?
651
00:33:19,861 --> 00:33:26,791
Mr. Gibbs:
I think, if I'm not mistaken, the committee asked for a report
652
00:33:26,795 --> 00:33:36,825
on and some ideas on exactly how
a facility might be structured.
653
00:33:36,828 --> 00:33:40,198
That report and details will
be going up to Congress.
654
00:33:40,194 --> 00:33:41,324
I will say --
655
00:33:41,328 --> 00:33:42,358
The Press:
When?
656
00:33:42,361 --> 00:33:43,931
Mr. Gibbs:
I can check on a timetable.
657
00:33:43,928 --> 00:33:48,358
I will say that we have always
maintained that we need
658
00:33:48,361 --> 00:33:55,561
increased prison facility, and
I think the law prevents the
659
00:33:55,561 --> 00:33:58,331
Department of Defense from -- but not the Department of
660
00:33:58,328 --> 00:34:00,398
Justice -- from
purchasing such a facility.
661
00:34:00,394 --> 00:34:01,224
The Press:
Okay.
662
00:34:01,227 --> 00:34:04,957
And on the Gulf oil spill, I
want to ask it this way --
663
00:34:04,961 --> 00:34:07,961
is there anything that in the
process of dealing with this,
664
00:34:07,961 --> 00:34:11,491
you have found in the 1990
law that limits the federal
665
00:34:11,494 --> 00:34:14,524
government's authority in
ways you wish it did not?
666
00:34:14,528 --> 00:34:15,698
Anything incumbent?
667
00:34:15,695 --> 00:34:18,995
Mr. Gibbs:
Not that I'm aware of
except what we've asked --
668
00:34:18,994 --> 00:34:24,024
obviously, we've set up -- we've sent up structures that change
669
00:34:24,027 --> 00:34:30,597
liability in order to ensure that a disaster of this
670
00:34:30,594 --> 00:34:38,024
magnitude is not -- the
economic damages are --
671
00:34:38,027 --> 00:34:42,157
that are going to be -- that
our citizens are going to suffer
672
00:34:42,161 --> 00:34:45,931
through are adequately compensated even if they're
673
00:34:45,928 --> 00:34:51,428
beyond the $75 million liability threshold that the law currently has.
674
00:34:51,428 --> 00:34:54,158
The Press:
But the law itself has not created limitations that you
675
00:34:54,161 --> 00:34:55,361
wish did not exist?
676
00:34:55,361 --> 00:34:57,391
Mr. Gibbs:
I will look through the exact legislation that was set up and
677
00:34:57,394 --> 00:35:00,424
see if there's anything
as a part that's in there.
678
00:35:00,428 --> 00:35:01,398
Peter.
679
00:35:01,394 --> 00:35:04,294
The Press:
Robert, in talking a lot about the structure of the DNI job,
680
00:35:04,294 --> 00:35:06,324
I guess what I'm
confused about is,
681
00:35:06,328 --> 00:35:10,028
is the problem here then the DNI
job or the person who filled the
682
00:35:10,027 --> 00:35:11,457
DNI job?
683
00:35:11,461 --> 00:35:13,731
Mr. Gibbs:
Well, I'll just say this,
that I think the job is
684
00:35:13,728 --> 00:35:15,558
very challenging.
685
00:35:15,561 --> 00:35:24,131
I think Director Blair took on a
number of those challenges that
686
00:35:24,127 --> 00:35:28,227
the law and the job presented.
687
00:35:28,227 --> 00:35:30,757
Those aren't always
easy to take on.
688
00:35:30,761 --> 00:35:38,031
I think Director Blair also
dramatically focused our
689
00:35:38,027 --> 00:35:44,957
government on counterterrorism
and radicalization and rightly
690
00:35:44,961 --> 00:35:51,231
increased our focus on
Afghanistan and Southeast Asia
691
00:35:51,227 --> 00:35:57,327
in pursuing terrorists that
seek to do our country harm.
692
00:35:57,328 --> 00:36:02,898
The President believes that at
this point a transition in who
693
00:36:02,895 --> 00:36:06,125
that person is, is the
best for the country.
694
00:36:06,127 --> 00:36:08,427
The Press:
Robert, you just said that
"We think Admiral Blair did
695
00:36:08,428 --> 00:36:09,798
a great job."
696
00:36:09,795 --> 00:36:11,425
Why then is it the
time for a transition?
697
00:36:11,428 --> 00:36:15,358
Mr. Gibbs:
Well, because I think we have -- some of the challenges that
698
00:36:15,361 --> 00:36:19,191
continue -- that we have
to continue to take on,
699
00:36:19,194 --> 00:36:21,564
the President simply believes
it's time to make a change.
700
00:36:21,561 --> 00:36:26,631
The Press:
Well, I mean, can you give
us any elaboration on why?
701
00:36:26,628 --> 00:36:28,758
I mean you've just gone through
all these ideas about what
702
00:36:28,761 --> 00:36:31,431
Admiral Blair did that
you think were good,
703
00:36:31,428 --> 00:36:32,828
but that it's time for a change.
704
00:36:32,828 --> 00:36:33,758
I mean --
705
00:36:33,761 --> 00:36:39,631
Mr. Gibbs:
Well, again, the President simply believes that where we
706
00:36:39,628 --> 00:36:43,628
are and what we have
to do moving forward,
707
00:36:43,628 --> 00:36:46,158
that it's time to
make a change there.
708
00:36:46,161 --> 00:36:48,231
The Press:
Do you disagree with his
theory that the President lost
709
00:36:48,227 --> 00:36:49,227
confidence in him?
710
00:36:49,227 --> 00:36:50,127
The Press:
Yeah, that was my question.
711
00:36:50,127 --> 00:36:51,897
Are you disputing all the
various people who have said,
712
00:36:51,895 --> 00:36:53,295
he's lost confidence?
713
00:36:53,294 --> 00:36:56,064
Mr. Gibbs:
Again, the President --
the President decided to
714
00:36:56,061 --> 00:36:57,161
make a change.
715
00:36:57,161 --> 00:36:58,331
I'll let that speak for itself.
716
00:36:58,328 --> 00:37:01,298
The Press:
How often did Blair -- did Director Blair actually come and
717
00:37:01,294 --> 00:37:03,924
do the Presidential daily brief?
718
00:37:03,928 --> 00:37:05,728
Mr. Gibbs:
I don't have that
number in front of me.
719
00:37:05,728 --> 00:37:06,728
The Press:
Most of the time?
720
00:37:06,728 --> 00:37:08,858
Mr. Gibbs:
I can -- I don't know
the answer to that.
721
00:37:08,861 --> 00:37:09,931
I can see if there's --
722
00:37:09,928 --> 00:37:11,628
The Press:
Sorry, Robert, can I just
come back on one other thing.
723
00:37:11,628 --> 00:37:14,398
A number of people have
said this is a sign that the
724
00:37:14,394 --> 00:37:17,524
administration's intelligence
apparatus is in disarray.
725
00:37:17,528 --> 00:37:18,898
Would you like to dispute that?
726
00:37:18,895 --> 00:37:21,125
Mr. Gibbs:
Who said that?
727
00:37:21,127 --> 00:37:22,327
The Press:
Op-ed pieces.
728
00:37:22,328 --> 00:37:24,158
I mean I haven't got
-- I don't have a list.
729
00:37:24,161 --> 00:37:25,361
Sorry.
730
00:37:25,361 --> 00:37:26,461
The Press:
Peter, do you have a list?
731
00:37:26,461 --> 00:37:27,431
The Press:
I have a list.
732
00:37:27,428 --> 00:37:28,328
(laughter)
733
00:37:28,328 --> 00:37:29,398
Mr. Gibbs:
Yeah.
734
00:37:29,394 --> 00:37:30,824
Peter -- you know he would except his iPad buddy you can
735
00:37:30,828 --> 00:37:33,398
see is conspicuously absent.
736
00:37:33,394 --> 00:37:34,764
The Press:
He's my researcher.
737
00:37:34,761 --> 00:37:36,131
The Press:
You really think that
nobody said that?
738
00:37:36,127 --> 00:37:37,957
Mr. Gibbs:
Well, I -- no, I was just
asking to take on --
739
00:37:37,961 --> 00:37:40,431
rather than something broader
than maybe the proper --
740
00:37:40,428 --> 00:37:41,358
The Press:
So you don't --
741
00:37:41,361 --> 00:37:42,431
The Press:
That's very helpful.
742
00:37:42,428 --> 00:37:43,798
I can report that.
743
00:37:43,795 --> 00:37:44,665
Mr. Gibbs:
Good.
744
00:37:44,661 --> 00:37:46,491
Report that I changed the
premise of your question based
745
00:37:46,494 --> 00:37:52,194
on -- no, no, I -- there are a series of laws and structures in
746
00:37:52,194 --> 00:37:57,364
this country that provide for a very robust intelligence effort
747
00:37:57,361 --> 00:37:59,731
by the federal government.
748
00:37:59,728 --> 00:38:08,558
I don't think that in any way
we lack any sort of capacity.
749
00:38:08,561 --> 00:38:11,631
I think if you look at -- look, there's no question that we're
750
00:38:11,628 --> 00:38:17,528
facing different challenges based on, in many ways,
751
00:38:17,528 --> 00:38:20,498
some of the things that
we're doing overseas,
752
00:38:20,494 --> 00:38:22,294
without getting more specific.
753
00:38:22,294 --> 00:38:28,394
And I think if you
look at what is --
754
00:38:28,394 --> 00:38:32,994
what the intelligence community
has been able to do in tracking
755
00:38:32,994 --> 00:38:39,464
Zazi, in identifying and
tracking Headley in Chicago --
756
00:38:39,461 --> 00:38:41,961
there's a whole host of things
that the intelligence community
757
00:38:41,961 --> 00:38:45,861
does each and every day that
aren't discussed in the
758
00:38:45,861 --> 00:38:49,591
newspapers that the American
people can have great confidence in.
759
00:38:49,594 --> 00:38:52,524
The Press:
And Congressman Peter King's assertion that Blair was made a
760
00:38:52,528 --> 00:38:55,658
scapegoat for other
failures here?
761
00:38:55,661 --> 00:38:59,561
Mr. Gibbs:
I don't know what the basis for that is, given the fact that --
762
00:38:59,561 --> 00:39:03,791
I think the President spoke
pretty clearly and took direct
763
00:39:03,795 --> 00:39:10,195
responsibility for the failures
in coordination and in
764
00:39:10,194 --> 00:39:15,094
information sharing that we saw
around the Christmas Day --
765
00:39:15,094 --> 00:39:17,524
attempted Christmas Day bombing.
766
00:39:17,528 --> 00:39:22,858
I think the notion that anybody
has shirked that responsibility,
767
00:39:22,861 --> 00:39:27,031
they clearly haven't been paying
attention to what the President
768
00:39:27,027 --> 00:39:29,097
has said and quite frankly what
each member of the intelligence
769
00:39:29,094 --> 00:39:32,524
committee has had to say as
a result of what happened on
770
00:39:32,528 --> 00:39:34,358
Christmas Day.
771
00:39:34,361 --> 00:39:35,361
Yes, ma'am.
772
00:39:35,361 --> 00:39:37,061
The Press:
It's a follow-up on
the Calderรณn question.
773
00:39:37,061 --> 00:39:41,061
It's been nearly a month
since S.B. 1070 was passed,
774
00:39:41,061 --> 00:39:45,291
and I'm just wondering how much longer does the DOJ need from
775
00:39:45,294 --> 00:39:48,424
President Obama's orders to decide on whether or not they'll
776
00:39:48,428 --> 00:39:52,158
file a lawsuit based on the constitutionality of the law?
777
00:39:52,161 --> 00:39:55,791
How much longer will -- President Calderรณn will need to
778
00:39:55,795 --> 00:39:58,925
hear from President
Obama about the lawsuit?
779
00:39:58,928 --> 00:40:01,428
Mr. Gibbs:
Well, I think that question
is better directed to the
780
00:40:01,428 --> 00:40:05,898
Department of Justice, which
is working on that report.
781
00:40:05,895 --> 00:40:09,825
The Press:
Who runs the Joint Command Center down in the Gulf?
782
00:40:09,828 --> 00:40:11,428
Is that a federal government --
783
00:40:11,428 --> 00:40:17,598
Mr. Gibbs:
Yes, the Joint Information Center and the Command Center --
784
00:40:17,594 --> 00:40:18,864
I mean obviously it's --
785
00:40:18,861 --> 00:40:19,961
The Press:
BP doesn't run it?
786
00:40:19,961 --> 00:40:21,231
Mr. Gibbs:
No.
787
00:40:21,227 --> 00:40:25,497
They have a center I
believe in Houston.
788
00:40:25,494 --> 00:40:31,794
Hold on, I got to -- I get beat up because I only take the first two rows.
789
00:40:31,795 --> 00:40:34,595
The Press:
The House Armed Services Committee last night voted to
790
00:40:34,594 --> 00:40:37,394
ban funding for modification
and construction of detention
791
00:40:37,394 --> 00:40:38,864
centers on U.S. soil.
792
00:40:38,861 --> 00:40:40,361
Mr. Gibbs:
Yes, I think I did that
a little while ago.
793
00:40:40,361 --> 00:40:41,231
The Press:
Did you?
794
00:40:41,227 --> 00:40:42,157
Mr. Gibbs:
Yes.
795
00:40:42,161 --> 00:40:43,131
The Press:
While I was reading
about it here?
796
00:40:43,127 --> 00:40:44,197
Mr. Gibbs:
Yes.
797
00:40:44,194 --> 00:40:45,194
(laughter)
798
00:40:45,194 --> 00:40:46,524
The Press:
Well, could you -- but
could you just say is --
799
00:40:46,528 --> 00:40:50,898
should the state be proceeding
with its plans still to do the purchase?
800
00:40:50,895 --> 00:40:52,765
Mr. Gibbs:
Again, I think when
the transcript is out,
801
00:40:52,761 --> 00:40:54,331
I think Major asked that
question and I answered it.
802
00:40:54,328 --> 00:40:55,258
Margaret.
803
00:40:55,261 --> 00:40:56,391
The Press:
Thank you.
804
00:40:56,394 --> 00:41:00,494
On the BP oil spill, is the
federal government exerting as
805
00:41:00,494 --> 00:41:03,224
much control as
legally possible --
806
00:41:03,227 --> 00:41:04,157
Mr. Gibbs:
Yes.
807
00:41:04,161 --> 00:41:05,031
The Press:
-- in your oversight?
808
00:41:05,027 --> 00:41:06,127
Mr. Gibbs:
Yes.
809
00:41:06,127 --> 00:41:07,427
The Press:
Or -- I'll just finish my question for the sake of
810
00:41:07,428 --> 00:41:08,758
finishing it --
811
00:41:08,761 --> 00:41:10,661
Mr. Gibbs:
Okay, I can say yes
to the first part.
812
00:41:10,661 --> 00:41:14,131
The Press:
Are there any powers that the federal government has held off
813
00:41:14,127 --> 00:41:15,797
on using either
because you feel --
814
00:41:15,795 --> 00:41:17,225
Mr. Gibbs:
None that I'm aware of.
815
00:41:17,227 --> 00:41:18,997
The Press:
-- that it would be disruptive or send the wrong message about
816
00:41:18,994 --> 00:41:20,764
government interference
in private business?
817
00:41:20,761 --> 00:41:22,131
Mr. Gibbs:
Meaning what?
818
00:41:22,127 --> 00:41:24,797
The Press:
Is there any sort of level of control or oversight that you
819
00:41:24,795 --> 00:41:25,965
could assume that --
820
00:41:25,961 --> 00:41:26,961
Mr. Gibbs:
No.
821
00:41:26,961 --> 00:41:27,961
The Press:
-- you have not yet assumed?
822
00:41:27,961 --> 00:41:28,991
Mr. Gibbs:
No.
823
00:41:28,994 --> 00:41:29,994
I mean, again, the premise of
your question is somehow the
824
00:41:29,994 --> 00:41:31,824
federal government is not doing
everything that is humanly
825
00:41:31,828 --> 00:41:33,328
possible to stop the leak.
826
00:41:33,328 --> 00:41:34,998
The Press:
It's not -- okay, but I'm not trying to premise that in a
827
00:41:34,994 --> 00:41:36,064
political fashion.
828
00:41:36,061 --> 00:41:37,161
I'm asking a
technical question --
829
00:41:37,161 --> 00:41:38,961
Mr. Gibbs:
No, no, I'm not reading
it in a political fashion.
830
00:41:38,961 --> 00:41:41,831
I'm -- again, I'm not trying
to be flip here, but that's --
831
00:41:41,828 --> 00:41:43,998
inherent in your question
was that we're --
832
00:41:43,994 --> 00:41:47,494
that somehow -- you're asking whether or not we think we're
833
00:41:47,494 --> 00:41:50,524
doing -- there's something we could be doing that we're not --
834
00:41:50,528 --> 00:41:52,128
The Press:
That you're not doing for
a good reason, I mean,
835
00:41:52,127 --> 00:41:53,057
is what I'm asking.
836
00:41:53,061 --> 00:41:55,991
The government doesn't come at
something with everything in the
837
00:41:55,994 --> 00:41:58,464
playbook all the time unless you
think it's the right thing to do.
838
00:41:58,461 --> 00:42:00,561
I'm asking because I
don't know the answer.
839
00:42:00,561 --> 00:42:03,091
Are there powers that
theoretically you have that you
840
00:42:03,094 --> 00:42:04,464
have chosen not to exercise --
841
00:42:04,461 --> 00:42:05,561
Mr. Gibbs:
Theoretical powers?
842
00:42:05,561 --> 00:42:06,791
(laughter)
843
00:42:06,795 --> 00:42:08,465
The Press:
Are there powers that you have chosen not to exercise yet
844
00:42:08,461 --> 00:42:09,891
because you think
it would be unwise,
845
00:42:09,895 --> 00:42:11,995
but that you have in your back
pocket as something additional
846
00:42:11,994 --> 00:42:13,324
you could throw out to clean up?
847
00:42:13,328 --> 00:42:14,328
Mr. Gibbs:
No.
848
00:42:14,328 --> 00:42:21,458
No, again, we're doing
everything humanly and
849
00:42:21,461 --> 00:42:23,861
technologically possible.
850
00:42:23,861 --> 00:42:25,431
Obviously we follow the law.
851
00:42:25,428 --> 00:42:28,328
I think that's inherent in
-- or at least if it's not,
852
00:42:28,328 --> 00:42:33,298
I'd like to make it overt -- obviously we're following the law.
853
00:42:33,294 --> 00:42:35,694
The Press:
Thank you, Robert.
854
00:42:35,695 --> 00:42:38,265
As you requested, I'm following
up on my question Monday about
855
00:42:38,261 --> 00:42:40,731
no-bid contracts.
856
00:42:40,728 --> 00:42:42,898
I only read the preliminary
reports then --
857
00:42:42,895 --> 00:42:46,325
Mr. Gibbs:
I have not held up my
end of the bargain.
858
00:42:46,328 --> 00:42:48,858
Come on Monday and I'll hold
up my end of the bargain.
859
00:42:48,861 --> 00:42:49,831
The Press:
Right.
860
00:42:49,828 --> 00:42:52,858
And I beg your pardon, but I
only had the partial story then,
861
00:42:52,861 --> 00:42:54,691
so just -- should I
ask you on Monday?
862
00:42:54,695 --> 00:42:55,995
Mr. Gibbs:
Yes, let's do this on Monday.
863
00:42:55,994 --> 00:42:57,164
The Press:
Thank you for the moment.
864
00:42:57,161 --> 00:43:00,331
(laughter)
865
00:43:00,328 --> 00:43:04,158
The Press:
Robert, 1965 Voting Rights Act was put in place to give blacks
866
00:43:04,161 --> 00:43:06,161
first-class citizenship.
867
00:43:06,161 --> 00:43:10,061
And does Rand Paul's comments on
the Civil Rights Act give pause
868
00:43:10,061 --> 00:43:13,991
to the wave of racial discourse
currently taking place and what
869
00:43:13,994 --> 00:43:17,994
could eventually be
challenged, a challenge to it?
870
00:43:17,994 --> 00:43:20,024
Mr. Gibbs:
Give me the second
part -- the wave of --
871
00:43:20,027 --> 00:43:23,157
The Press:
Racial discourse, conversation about race right now that's
872
00:43:23,161 --> 00:43:25,531
going on, especially
after his comments.
873
00:43:25,528 --> 00:43:28,528
I mean, ever since really this
President has come on the
874
00:43:28,528 --> 00:43:32,098
national stage with his efforts
of running for office and then
875
00:43:32,094 --> 00:43:34,324
becoming the first
black President --
876
00:43:34,328 --> 00:43:36,358
I mean, what do
you think about --
877
00:43:36,361 --> 00:43:38,961
what's being said about Rand
Paul's comments around here?
878
00:43:38,961 --> 00:43:42,831
Mr. Gibbs:
Well, as I said
yesterday, this was --
879
00:43:42,828 --> 00:43:53,228
the laws passed in
1964 and in 1965 are --
880
00:43:53,227 --> 00:43:56,957
while we continue to improve
race relations in this country,
881
00:43:56,961 --> 00:44:04,831
they are debates that have been
rightly and correctly settled
882
00:44:04,828 --> 00:44:06,228
many decades ago.
883
00:44:06,227 --> 00:44:09,727
I think the notion that somehow
in 2010 we're debating whether
884
00:44:09,728 --> 00:44:15,198
or not all of our citizens ought
to enjoy equal opportunity,
885
00:44:15,194 --> 00:44:18,764
something that I think many
believe was rightly settled in
886
00:44:18,761 --> 00:44:26,361
1964 and 1965 and 1968, has, as
I said yesterday, no place in --
887
00:44:26,361 --> 00:44:30,161
or shouldn't have any place
in our debate right now.
888
00:44:30,161 --> 00:44:35,231
I think we've -- those were very difficult times and we dealt
889
00:44:35,227 --> 00:44:39,357
with them and we settled many
of those issues in landmark
890
00:44:39,361 --> 00:44:43,491
legislation that continues to serve this country and all of
891
00:44:43,494 --> 00:44:44,764
its people well.
892
00:44:44,761 --> 00:44:47,031
The Press:
Do you think we're having this conversation because of the
893
00:44:47,027 --> 00:44:49,497
first black President, who some
in this White House have said
894
00:44:49,494 --> 00:44:52,394
race and politics will
always follow him.
895
00:44:52,394 --> 00:44:53,724
Do you think we're
hearing more --
896
00:44:53,728 --> 00:44:56,498
Mr. Gibbs:
No, I think we're having the current conversation because in
897
00:44:56,494 --> 00:45:02,694
2010 you had somebody who
seemed to -- not seemed to --
898
00:45:02,695 --> 00:45:09,595
called into question whether or
not it was appropriate for a
899
00:45:09,594 --> 00:45:14,924
private company through a lunch
counter to discriminate against
900
00:45:14,928 --> 00:45:16,428
a group of citizens
in this country.
901
00:45:16,428 --> 00:45:20,228
Again, in 1964 and in 1965
and in the preceding years,
902
00:45:20,227 --> 00:45:22,957
we've settled those issues.
903
00:45:22,961 --> 00:45:25,161
I think that's why we're having
the current conversation.
904
00:45:25,161 --> 00:45:27,431
The Press:
And back on BP really fast.
905
00:45:27,428 --> 00:45:30,828
Back on the current questions,
basically are all federal
906
00:45:30,828 --> 00:45:35,058
options on the table --
going back to that question.
907
00:45:35,061 --> 00:45:36,431
Mr. Gibbs:
Such as?
908
00:45:36,428 --> 00:45:38,858
The Press:
Meaning, are you going to
take more of an aggressive role
909
00:45:38,861 --> 00:45:40,161
in oversight?
910
00:45:40,161 --> 00:45:41,661
I mean, like yesterday on CNN --
911
00:45:41,661 --> 00:45:46,661
Mr. Gibbs:
Again, there's nothing that -- there's nothing that we think
912
00:45:46,661 --> 00:45:49,961
can and should be done
that isn't being done.
913
00:45:49,961 --> 00:45:50,961
Nothing.
914
00:45:50,961 --> 00:45:52,891
Absolutely nothing.
915
00:45:52,895 --> 00:45:55,165
The Press:
Okay, well, will there be any efforts to try to change that?
916
00:45:55,161 --> 00:45:59,831
Because, I mean, many people
have been talking about this
917
00:45:59,828 --> 00:46:02,528
comment from the EPA
Administrator yesterday on CNN.
918
00:46:02,528 --> 00:46:07,128
She was asked by I guess
Wolf that if there is --
919
00:46:07,127 --> 00:46:09,397
what's the relationship with
BP and the federal government.
920
00:46:09,394 --> 00:46:11,194
She said, "Trust but verify."
921
00:46:11,194 --> 00:46:12,794
And so many people are saying
if you've got to verify,
922
00:46:12,795 --> 00:46:13,925
there's no trust.
923
00:46:13,928 --> 00:46:16,598
So with that, again,
will you try to --
924
00:46:16,594 --> 00:46:18,264
Mr. Gibbs:
Well, I think that's a monitor that follows our relationship
925
00:46:18,261 --> 00:46:21,491
with countries around the world,
not just with companies that do
926
00:46:21,494 --> 00:46:24,294
business in the Gulf.
927
00:46:24,294 --> 00:46:27,394
I'm not going to get into the
explanation of historical "trust
928
00:46:27,394 --> 00:46:33,164
but verify," but
again, we have --
929
00:46:33,161 --> 00:46:40,731
BP has the obligation and
responsibility to plug the hole
930
00:46:40,728 --> 00:46:44,698
in the floor of the ocean and
to respond to the oil that has
931
00:46:44,695 --> 00:46:49,795
leaked out --
with our oversight,
932
00:46:49,795 --> 00:46:54,165
the strong oversight and strong response that we'll continue to exercise.
933
00:46:54,161 --> 00:46:55,161
Yes, sir.
934
00:46:55,161 --> 00:46:56,361
The Press:
Robert, thank you.
935
00:46:56,361 --> 00:46:59,861
Coming back to BP, and not to be
presumptuous about some of the
936
00:46:59,861 --> 00:47:00,861
other questions.
937
00:47:00,861 --> 00:47:02,161
Mr. Gibbs:
We didn't leave.
938
00:47:02,161 --> 00:47:03,731
(laughter)
939
00:47:03,728 --> 00:47:08,058
The Press:
There's sort of a -- BP's response from the get-go.
940
00:47:08,061 --> 00:47:10,861
One of the first things they did
was they tried to buy people off
941
00:47:10,861 --> 00:47:14,131
with five grand if they wouldn't
pursue future liability.
942
00:47:14,127 --> 00:47:15,627
And there's a lot
of information --
943
00:47:15,628 --> 00:47:17,928
Mr. Gibbs:
I think the Attorney
General of Alabama and --
944
00:47:17,928 --> 00:47:26,198
as well as we communicated
through this administration that
945
00:47:26,194 --> 00:47:29,894
trying to hire people to -- trying to hire fishermen that
946
00:47:29,895 --> 00:47:32,865
couldn't fish anymore because NOAA had closed part of it,
947
00:47:32,861 --> 00:47:36,391
asking them to help and paying
them to lay boom but then
948
00:47:36,394 --> 00:47:38,524
prohibiting them
from, as fishermen,
949
00:47:38,528 --> 00:47:44,928
ever filing economic claims
was not the right thing to do.
950
00:47:44,928 --> 00:47:46,128
The Press:
I haven't gotten to
the question yet.
951
00:47:46,127 --> 00:47:47,827
I'm saying that's the
first thing they did.
952
00:47:47,828 --> 00:47:50,528
And in general, there's the
sense that they provide
953
00:47:50,528 --> 00:47:52,558
information with an eye-dropper.
954
00:47:52,561 --> 00:47:53,661
And then the video --
955
00:47:53,661 --> 00:47:56,931
Mr. Gibbs:
Which is why we've asked them
to be more transparent about air
956
00:47:56,928 --> 00:47:59,898
and water quality samples and
about a video footage of what's
957
00:47:59,895 --> 00:48:01,795
happening 5,000 feet
beneath the sea.
958
00:48:01,795 --> 00:48:06,625
The Press:
No, no, but the video on CBS
the other night of Coast Guard
959
00:48:06,628 --> 00:48:11,298
officials on that ship with what
were described as BP contractors
960
00:48:11,294 --> 00:48:14,624
threatening to arrest
journalists for merely taking
961
00:48:14,628 --> 00:48:16,958
pictures -- all of
this put together --
962
00:48:16,961 --> 00:48:19,091
Mr. Gibbs:
Are you talking
about 60 Minutes?
963
00:48:19,094 --> 00:48:21,694
The Press:
No, I'm talking about it
was on -- Chip would know --
964
00:48:21,695 --> 00:48:24,125
it was on -- and so
all of this paints --
965
00:48:24,127 --> 00:48:26,557
Mr. Gibbs:
I did not see the particular --
966
00:48:26,561 --> 00:48:31,231
The Press:
They threatened to arrest a
CBS crew for taking pictures --
967
00:48:31,227 --> 00:48:32,527
for daring to take pictures --
968
00:48:32,528 --> 00:48:35,328
The Press:
And they said that BP had
told them that they --
969
00:48:35,328 --> 00:48:36,528
The Press:
So all of this paints --
970
00:48:36,528 --> 00:48:38,358
Mr. Gibbs:
Who was threatening to arrest?
971
00:48:38,361 --> 00:48:40,531
The Press:
There were two agents
on the boat, too.
972
00:48:40,528 --> 00:48:42,058
It was a BP boat and BP had --
973
00:48:42,061 --> 00:48:44,461
The Press:
Why is the Coast Guard being
co-opted with BP officials and
974
00:48:44,461 --> 00:48:47,331
threatening the arrest of
journalists for trying to take pictures?
975
00:48:47,328 --> 00:48:49,528
Mr. Gibbs:
I'd have to look at the story.
976
00:48:49,528 --> 00:48:55,328
Other than -- I'd have to
look at what CBS reported.
977
00:48:55,328 --> 00:48:56,498
I just haven't seen that story.
978
00:48:56,494 --> 00:48:57,664
Bill.
979
00:48:57,661 --> 00:48:58,791
The Press:
Thanks, Robert.
980
00:48:58,795 --> 00:49:01,065
In the spirit of Peter Baker and
maybe more homework over the
981
00:49:01,061 --> 00:49:04,131
weekend, I wanted to go back -- I asked you about the landmines
982
00:49:04,127 --> 00:49:06,657
treaty, the
administration's position.
983
00:49:06,661 --> 00:49:08,461
Mr. Gibbs:
I will get something on that.
984
00:49:08,461 --> 00:49:10,591
The Press:
68 senators have asked
the President to sign --
985
00:49:10,594 --> 00:49:11,824
Mr. Gibbs:
Yes, right, right.
986
00:49:11,828 --> 00:49:13,228
The Press:
Monday?
987
00:49:13,227 --> 00:49:14,597
Mr. Gibbs:
Or later today.
988
00:49:14,594 --> 00:49:16,194
I don't want any homework
over the weekend.
989
00:49:16,194 --> 00:49:22,424
(laughter)
990
00:49:22,428 --> 00:49:26,098
The Press:
You guys were very prescriptive in the latter days of the
991
00:49:26,094 --> 00:49:29,294
financial regulatory
reform negotiations.
992
00:49:29,294 --> 00:49:31,794
In the Senate you weighed
in on specific amendments.
993
00:49:31,795 --> 00:49:34,995
Do you intend to play that kind
of interventionist role during
994
00:49:34,994 --> 00:49:36,294
the conference committee?
995
00:49:36,294 --> 00:49:37,964
And where do you stand
specifically on these various
996
00:49:37,961 --> 00:49:39,991
competing derivatives proposals?
997
00:49:39,994 --> 00:49:43,624
Mr. Gibbs:
Well, look, I don't think that that level of detail was gotten
998
00:49:43,628 --> 00:49:48,558
into today with the President
and the two chairs.
999
00:49:48,561 --> 00:49:52,331
They talked more broadly about
the strength of the bills.
1000
00:49:52,328 --> 00:49:57,828
And I'm sure that the -- I'm sure that as we go through --
1001
00:49:57,828 --> 00:50:04,328
as Congress goes through to
look at and compare provisions,
1002
00:50:04,328 --> 00:50:07,398
we will have an
opportunity to weigh in,
1003
00:50:07,394 --> 00:50:09,464
and I'm not going to get
ahead of that process.
1004
00:50:09,461 --> 00:50:11,591
The Press:
There's some individuals who say that the derivatives proposals
1005
00:50:11,594 --> 00:50:15,194
in the Senate bill would trim
20% off of bank profits.
1006
00:50:15,194 --> 00:50:17,994
Do you buy that number and do
you think that that's a genuine concern?
1007
00:50:17,994 --> 00:50:22,494
Mr. Gibbs:
I don't know what the
basis is for that number.
1008
00:50:22,494 --> 00:50:27,864
Again, we -- the proposal the President put forward in the
1009
00:50:27,861 --> 00:50:33,961
white paper last year called for pulling the type of activities
1010
00:50:33,961 --> 00:50:38,291
that we're talking about out
of the dark and into the light,
1011
00:50:38,294 --> 00:50:43,364
putting them on exchanges and
regulating those exchanges.
1012
00:50:43,361 --> 00:50:49,091
The Volcker rule, which met
initial resistance and may have
1013
00:50:49,094 --> 00:50:51,464
continued resistance
on Wall Street,
1014
00:50:51,461 --> 00:50:54,831
the President believed was
enormously important as it
1015
00:50:54,828 --> 00:50:58,498
related to the size of banks and
the scope of what activities
1016
00:50:58,494 --> 00:51:01,224
they can take part in.
1017
00:51:01,227 --> 00:51:07,097
So I think as they get through
the process of appointing who's
1018
00:51:07,094 --> 00:51:10,194
going to deal with these issues,
we'll have a chance to go
1019
00:51:10,194 --> 00:51:12,994
through and compare
those provisions.
1020
00:51:12,994 --> 00:51:14,224
The Press:
One more on Admiral Blair.
1021
00:51:14,227 --> 00:51:15,957
You said the President decided
it was time to make a change.
1022
00:51:15,961 --> 00:51:18,031
Can you give us a sense of
when he began to think that?
1023
00:51:18,027 --> 00:51:20,597
I mean, was it Christmas
Day or was it more recently?
1024
00:51:20,594 --> 00:51:22,724
Mr. Gibbs:
I'm not going to get
into the timing of it.
1025
00:51:22,728 --> 00:51:28,528
The Press:
Robert, why did he interview candidates before Director Blair
1026
00:51:28,528 --> 00:51:30,998
gave his resignation?
1027
00:51:30,994 --> 00:51:36,724
Mr. Gibbs:
To have people ready to -- if
he decided to make a change.
1028
00:51:36,728 --> 00:51:40,628
The Press:
Robert, Senator Dodd says
he's clearly sticking with AG
1029
00:51:40,628 --> 00:51:45,398
Blumenthal as the -- to run for the seat that he's vacating at
1030
00:51:45,394 --> 00:51:46,624
the end of the year.
1031
00:51:46,628 --> 00:51:48,328
Where does the White
House stand on --
1032
00:51:48,328 --> 00:51:51,658
Mr. Gibbs:
I've not heard
anything that would --
1033
00:51:51,661 --> 00:51:53,661
from the political shop that
would lead me to believe
1034
00:51:53,661 --> 00:51:58,761
anything other than our
continued support as well.
1035
00:51:58,761 --> 00:52:03,431
The Press:
As a candidate, President Obama said that he would like to see
1036
00:52:03,428 --> 00:52:09,858
fuel economy standards doubled
to 50 miles per gallon by 2027.
1037
00:52:09,861 --> 00:52:12,491
Is the President
committed to that goal?
1038
00:52:12,494 --> 00:52:15,924
Mr. Gibbs:
Let me check and see where -- what the progress we've made and
1039
00:52:15,928 --> 00:52:20,928
where we are on that goal as it relates to the improvements that
1040
00:52:20,928 --> 00:52:25,298
have been made with cars and light trucks and with the
1041
00:52:25,294 --> 00:52:31,824
additional announcements today of larger trucks and work vehicles.
1042
00:52:31,828 --> 00:52:37,558
Let me talk with Carol Browner
and others to see sort of where
1043
00:52:37,561 --> 00:52:39,691
we are on that goal.
1044
00:52:39,695 --> 00:52:40,625
Thanks, guys.
1045
00:52:40,628 --> 00:52:43,458
The Press:
Robert, on the rat,
mouse, mole, vole?
1046
00:52:43,461 --> 00:52:45,061
Have you gotten anything
from the Park Service yet?
1047
00:52:45,061 --> 00:52:46,531
(laughter)
1048
00:52:46,528 --> 00:52:47,828
The Press:
Do you have some control mechanisms in place?
1049
00:52:47,828 --> 00:52:49,028
(laughter)
1050
00:52:49,027 --> 00:52:50,327
The Press:
Can you tell us what it is?
1051
00:52:50,328 --> 00:52:51,798
The Press:
-- red-tail hawk to get --
1052
00:52:51,795 --> 00:52:53,295
Mr. Gibbs:
I will say this --
1053
00:52:53,294 --> 00:52:54,594
The Press:
Is this Burton's wheelhouse?
1054
00:52:54,594 --> 00:52:55,724
(laughter)
1055
00:52:55,728 --> 00:52:57,728
Mr. Gibbs:
Yes, he's in charge of varmint.
1056
00:52:57,728 --> 00:53:03,228
I would say -- Reggie and
I were discussing this.
1057
00:53:03,227 --> 00:53:07,957
Based on the picture that --
the President didn't see this
1058
00:53:07,961 --> 00:53:11,031
yesterday, so I was
telling him about it today.
1059
00:53:11,027 --> 00:53:16,797
And Reggie says field mouse.
1060
00:53:16,795 --> 00:53:17,995
The Press:
No, uh-huh.
1061
00:53:17,994 --> 00:53:19,164
(laughter)
1062
00:53:19,161 --> 00:53:20,431
The Press:
Way too big for a mouse.
1063
00:53:20,428 --> 00:53:22,598
Mr. Gibbs:
I said, based on the
size of the photograph,
1064
00:53:22,594 --> 00:53:24,694
comparing it to
the diameter of --
1065
00:53:24,695 --> 00:53:26,025
The Press:
What's Reggie's
technical expertise?
1066
00:53:26,027 --> 00:53:27,197
(laughter)
1067
00:53:27,194 --> 00:53:29,364
Mr. Gibbs:
My sense is that Reggie has lived in some houses with field
1068
00:53:29,361 --> 00:53:31,261
mouses -- field mice.
1069
00:53:31,261 --> 00:53:32,731
(laughter)
1070
00:53:32,728 --> 00:53:42,498
But I would say, again, judging
the size of the animal,
1071
00:53:42,494 --> 00:53:46,424
based on the diameter of the
seal, I got to tell you,
1072
00:53:46,428 --> 00:53:47,628
that's a rat.
1073
00:53:47,628 --> 00:53:50,598
(laughter)
1074
00:53:50,594 --> 00:53:53,494
Where I'm from that's a rat and
we should treat it as such.
1075
00:53:53,494 --> 00:53:54,594
The Press:
A mole or vole?
1076
00:53:54,594 --> 00:53:56,264
The Press:
We think it's a vole.
1077
00:53:56,261 --> 00:53:57,761
The Press:
What is the President's level
of concern about the rat in the
1078
00:53:57,761 --> 00:53:59,061
Rose Garden?
1079
00:53:59,061 --> 00:54:00,361
Mr. Gibbs:
It's a mole?
1080
00:54:00,361 --> 00:54:01,361
The Press:
A vole.
1081
00:54:01,361 --> 00:54:02,331
We've been online all
day working on this.
1082
00:54:02,328 --> 00:54:03,558
Mr. Gibbs:
What's a vole?
1083
00:54:03,561 --> 00:54:04,761
The Press:
I don't know, but they keep --
1084
00:54:04,761 --> 00:54:05,961
The Press:
A vole is a rodent
about that size.
1085
00:54:05,961 --> 00:54:07,531
Mr. Gibbs:
But it's not a
mole, it's a vole?
1086
00:54:07,528 --> 00:54:10,458
The Press:
Ask the Park Service
to give us an answer.
1087
00:54:10,461 --> 00:54:11,961
Mr. Gibbs:
If we didn't have so many
people in the Gulf working on
1088
00:54:11,961 --> 00:54:13,161
this we could --
1089
00:54:13,161 --> 00:54:14,431
The Press:
What does the President
want done about it?
1090
00:54:14,428 --> 00:54:15,628
The Press:
Are you using humane traps?
1091
00:54:15,628 --> 00:54:16,758
Mr. Gibbs:
What's that?
1092
00:54:16,761 --> 00:54:18,591
The Press:
What does the President
want done about it?
1093
00:54:18,594 --> 00:54:20,664
Mr. Gibbs:
That he did not get into.
1094
00:54:20,661 --> 00:54:23,431
Look, my guess is that it lives
out there somewhere in the Rose
1095
00:54:23,428 --> 00:54:25,558
Garden quite comfortably.
1096
00:54:25,561 --> 00:54:26,791
The Press:
And he's okay with that?
1097
00:54:26,795 --> 00:54:29,595
Mr. Gibbs:
It'd be a pretty good
Rose Garden to live in.
1098
00:54:29,594 --> 00:54:32,464
I still think -- it's
definitely not a mouse.
1099
00:54:32,461 --> 00:54:35,531
I've seen a mouse and
they're not nearly that big.
1100
00:54:35,528 --> 00:54:41,258
But I'm now going to go Google
"vole" and see if John Holdren
1101
00:54:41,261 --> 00:54:42,091
is around.
1102
00:54:42,094 --> 00:54:43,224
Thanks, guys.
