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Mr. Carney:
Well, hello, ladies
and gentlemen.
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Thanks for being here this
morning -- still morning.
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I appreciate, as ever, you
coming to the briefing.
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I don't have any
announcements,
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so we'll go
straight to questions.
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Ben.
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The Press:
Thanks, Jay.
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Has the President seen the video
that's caused a lot of people to
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be talking this morning
-- the 47 percent video?
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And if so, what's
his reaction to it?
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Mr. Carney:
Let me say this.
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The campaign has put out a
statement and I'm sure others
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from the campaign will be asked
about and will address it.
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So I'll limit what I say in
response to questions about it.
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What I'll say is this: When
you're President of the United
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States you are President of all
the people, not just the people
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who voted for you.
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You've heard the President say
so many times because he deeply
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believes it that we're in
this together, all of us.
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From the time he began his
career in public service, from
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the time that those of us in
this room first heard of him in
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2004, his message has been about
the fact that what unites us as
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Americans is far greater than
the things that divide us.
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And that's fundamental to who
this President is, and it's
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fundamental to what guides
him as he makes decisions.
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When he made the decision
against the advice of many to
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take action to save the auto
industry, the President did not
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ask whether the 1.1 million
Americans whose jobs would be
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saved had voted for
him or against him.
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When he pressed for 18 small
business tax cuts he didn't ask
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if small businessmen and women
were Democrat or Republican.
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When he fought to pass health
care reform he didn't wonder
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whether the 129 million
Americans with preexisting
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conditions who would be helped
by this reform, who would be
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given security through the
reform, were likely to be with
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him or against him in 2012.
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That's just not how he thinks.
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And I think the way you have to
approach the job is with a keen
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understanding that you're
out there fighting for
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every American.
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And this President's agenda has
always been about building the
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middle class, strengthening the
middle class, bringing people up
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into the middle class.
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And that's what it
will be going forward.
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The Press:
Has the President actually
watched the video?
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Mr. Carney:
I don't -- haven't asked him.
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The Press:
One other follow on this.
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One of the comments from
Governor Romney in the
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fundraiser was that 47 percent
who support President Obama
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believe they are victims.
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Putting aside just the campaign
politics if you need to, does
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the White House think that that
kind of statement has policy
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implications that would affect
how Governor Romney would run
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the country?
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Mr. Carney:
Well, again, setting aside
what Governor Romney thinks,
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I can tell you that the
President certainly doesn't
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think that men and women on
Social Security are irresponsible
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or victims; that students
are irresponsible or victims.
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He certainly doesn't think that
middle-class families are paying
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too little in taxes.
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But again, the broader point
that you always hear him make
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is that we need to come
together as a country.
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We need to work together for
what's best for the country and
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best for especially the middle
class, which is the backbone of
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this nation.
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Jeff.
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The Press:
Jay, can you tell us a little
bit more about how the President
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himself reacted to the video,
whether or not he's seen it?
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Mr. Carney:
Again, I don't know if he's
seen it and I don't have any
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discussions with him about
it to read out to you.
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The Press:
Can you tell us if he talked
about it with senior staff this
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morning or --
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Mr. Carney:
Again, I'm not going to read out
any internal conversations about
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that or other issues.
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The Press:
Let me switch to a
policy question then.
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There's some volatility in the
oil markets yesterday and today.
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Some of that some people are
saying was due to speculation
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about an imminent SPR move.
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Number one, can you give us any
update on your SPR thinking?
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And number two, can you tell us
if there was any sort of intel
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that showed -- may have shown
that yesterday's drop was a
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technical glitch?
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Mr. Carney:
Let me refer questions about the
market yesterday to the CFTC.
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That's the appropriate agency
to refer those questions to.
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Our position on the SPR is what
it has been, which is that we
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monitor the situation regularly
and constantly together with our
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international partners and we
continue to say that all options
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remain on the table.
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But I don't have any
announcements to make today.
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The Press:
Do you have -- has the
President, has the White
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House been watching the
oil markets in general?
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Even if you don't want to speak
specifically to yesterday's
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move, any update in
your thinking about
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just developments there?
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Mr. Carney:
Well, look, I think you saw
in May at the G8, and, more
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recently, finance ministers for
the G7, this is something that
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is regularly monitored and
discussed by the United States
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with its international partners.
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I can say that in terms of
more recent developments, the
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administration welcomes the
Saudi Arabian oil minister's
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recent remarks and share his
concern about rising oil prices
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in the international oil market.
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We also welcome Saudi Arabia's
continued commitment to take all
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necessary steps to ensure the
market is well supplied and to
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help moderate prices.
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As we have also said for
some time, the administration
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continues to take steps to
expand domestic oil and gas
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production, which has increased
each year the President has been
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in office.
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In fact, as you know, U.S. oil
production is currently at an
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8-year high and domestic
natural gas production is
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at an all-time high.
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The Press:
But gas prices are going
up in the U.S. right now.
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Is that something you're
concerned about or looking
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at any additional
measures to address?
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Mr. Carney:
With regards to the
international oil market
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and oil prices, we monitor
them constantly with our
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international partners.
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It's something that we
keep very close track of.
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And we retain the right to keep
all options for dealing with
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those issues on the table,
and that includes SPR.
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But I have no announcements
of any action that may or
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may not be taken.
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Yes, Mary.
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The Press:
The President also had his fair
share of private moments that
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have later been made public.
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During the 2008 election, he
said that rural voters "get
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bitter" and they cling to
their guns or religion.
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Like Mr. Romney, this was also
said privately to donors and
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then later made
public after the fact.
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Rural voters certainly aren't 47
percent of the electorate, but
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they are a large demographic.
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How is Mr. Romney's comments
any different from what the
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President said?
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Mr. Carney:
Look, I think that happened four
years ago and was discussed in
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abundance at the time.
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What the President said four
years ago, what he said eight
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years ago, what he says today
and what he said ever since he
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took office here is that he's
fighting for every American,
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that he firmly believes that
as a nation we're all in this
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together, that what unites us
is far stronger and greater than
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what divides us, that we're not
red America and blue America,
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we're the United
States of America.
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And I think that that's
a fundamental fact about
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Barack Obama.
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And it's been the guiding
philosophy and principle behind
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the policy decisions he's made.
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I think, again, citing some of
the examples from what he's done
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in office, when he took action
to ensure that our financial
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markets, our financial sector
did not collapse, he didn't
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check to see whether the people
who would most directly benefit
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from that were
supporters or not.
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He took a lot of grief for that,
but he did it because he thought
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it was right for the American
economy and right for all
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Americans that we do not
experience the collapse of an
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important sector of our economy.
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The same thing with the auto
industry -- he didn't ask if
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autoworkers were supporters, he
didn't ask if auto executives
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were supporters.
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He did what he believed
was right for the country.
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And that's been his
guiding principle.
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And I think he talked about this
in Charlotte, that the people
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who inspire him, the people who
give him hope, he doesn't know
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whether they're voting for him.
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The soldier he first met at
Walter Reed who lost a leg, he
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doesn't know; the gentleman who
won the lottery and kept working
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and bought flags for his town.
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This is the sort of essence of
the American story that inspires
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him every day.
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And it does not matter to him
whether they're Republican or
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Democrat or independent, because
we're all in this together.
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The Press:
The campaign said, in their
response to Mitt Romney's
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statements, that it's hard
to serve as President for all
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Americans when you've
disdainfully written off
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half the nation.
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And you've said repeatedly now
that the President obviously
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does represent all Americans.
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Why is that any different from
Mitt Romney when he makes a
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comment like this?
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Mr. Carney:
What's the question again?
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The Press:
The question being that if the
President can make a comment
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like he did in 2008, where he
sort of offended a large -- I
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don't want to say "offended,"
but where he made a remark in
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direct relation to a large
portion of the electorate, and
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Mitt Romney makes a similar
remarks also offending or --
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Mr. Carney:
Then-Senator Obama never said
that he did not worry about or
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would not worry about 47
percent of the population.
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A lot of folks, when we travel
around the country ask why the
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President is campaigning on a
bus in towns and communities and
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counties that trend
red or Republican.
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Why is he there if he's not
likely to win the count?
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Because he's there to take
his message about his economic
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vision and his agenda for the
country to everybody, because he
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firmly believes that building
this country up helps everybody.
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You've heard him talk about it,
that if we do the right things
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for our economic policy, if
we take a balanced approach
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to dealing with our fiscal
challenges, if we reduce
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spending, reform our
entitlements, ask millionaires
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and billionaires to pay a little
bit more, that everybody will
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benefit, including
millionaires and billionaires.
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That's the essence of his
governing philosophy and it's
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at the core of who he is.
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The Press:
Can I ask one more question,
just on a different topic?
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It seems that the U.S. and Libya
have sort of different accounts
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of the attack in
Benghazi last week.
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There are reports that Libyan
officials warned the U.S. of
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the growing extremist threat
prior to the attacks, that they
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admitted they could not
control some of these militias.
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That seems to run counter to
what administration officials
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have been saying, that this was
just a spontaneous reaction to
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this anti-Islam film.
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Can you kind of reconcile this?
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Mr. Carney:
Well, what I can tell you
is that we have provided
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information about what we
believe was the precipitating
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cause of the protest and
the violence, based on the
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information that we
have had available.
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There is an ongoing
investigation.
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The FBI is investigating.
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And that investigation
will follow the facts
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wherever they lead.
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What we do know about Libya is
that it's a country that emerged
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from war and revolution, and you
have a new government trying to
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assert its authority as that
country makes a transition to
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democracy and broader
representation for all
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Libyans and broader
rights for all Libyans.
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And in that environment there
are certainly, in this postwar,
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post-revolution environment,
there are vast numbers of
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weapons and certainly a
number of violent groups
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in the country.
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What is important to note,
however, is that the Libyan
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people do not understand -- or
rather they do understand that
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the United States was with them
in their efforts to achieve
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their aspirations, to rid them
of the Qaddafi regime and the
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tyranny that Qaddafi
inflicted upon them.
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But it is still a
very volatile place,
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00:13:38,000 --> 00:13:40,967
there's no question about it.
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00:13:40,967 --> 00:13:41,600
Nancy.
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00:13:41,600 --> 00:13:44,800
The Press:
Jay, back to Mary's question for
one moment -- did the President
239
00:13:44,800 --> 00:13:48,300
regret making those comments
about guns and religion?
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00:13:48,300 --> 00:13:50,967
Did he learn something
from the fallout?
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00:13:50,967 --> 00:13:53,834
Mr. Carney:
Nancy, again, these are comments
that happened four years ago.
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00:13:53,834 --> 00:13:56,000
There has been plenty of ink
spilled and plenty of things
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00:13:56,000 --> 00:13:57,734
said about them four years ago.
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00:13:57,734 --> 00:14:02,633
I know that fundamentally what
the President was saying four
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00:14:02,633 --> 00:14:06,367
years ago, what he was saying in
2004, and what he's saying today
246
00:14:06,367 --> 00:14:13,099
is entirely consistent, which is
that as a country we are united
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00:14:13,100 --> 00:14:18,066
by far stronger stuff than the
things that divide us, that he
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00:14:18,066 --> 00:14:21,000
is out there fighting for every
American, regardless of whether
249
00:14:21,000 --> 00:14:25,066
or not they support him
politically or support the
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00:14:25,066 --> 00:14:26,667
Democratic Party.
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00:14:26,667 --> 00:14:32,567
It is really the essence of who
he is as a public official, that
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00:14:32,567 --> 00:14:34,467
that's his guiding principle.
253
00:14:34,467 --> 00:14:36,667
And it's reflected by everything
I've just talked about.
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00:14:36,667 --> 00:14:40,700
The policies that he's pursued
have sometimes earned him
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00:14:40,700 --> 00:14:45,467
criticism from left or right or
center, precisely because he's
256
00:14:45,467 --> 00:14:49,567
not evaluating when he makes
those decisions whether the
257
00:14:49,567 --> 00:14:54,533
people who are helped by them
are supporters, or people who
258
00:14:54,533 --> 00:14:56,300
voted against him or
will vote against him.
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00:14:56,300 --> 00:14:59,300
He is guided by what he thinks
is best for the country.
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00:14:59,300 --> 00:15:03,800
And he firmly believes that
outside of the rancor in
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00:15:03,800 --> 00:15:07,599
Washington, while people have
very firmly held positions and
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00:15:07,600 --> 00:15:12,367
opinions and it is a country
that tends to be relatively
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00:15:12,367 --> 00:15:15,165
divided between the two parties
when we have national elections,
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00:15:15,166 --> 00:15:20,400
that on the stuff that matters
to Americans' day-to-day lives,
265
00:15:20,400 --> 00:15:24,600
we're a lot more united than
we sometimes perceive here in
266
00:15:24,600 --> 00:15:27,900
Washington, and that the
President believes that in his
267
00:15:27,900 --> 00:15:28,533
bones and it's what guides him.
268
00:15:28,533 --> 00:15:32,266
The Press:
I want to ask you about
something else that Governor
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00:15:32,266 --> 00:15:35,233
Romney said and get your take
from a policy perspective.
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00:15:35,233 --> 00:15:38,000
On the Middle East peace
process, he said the
271
00:15:38,000 --> 00:15:42,166
"Palestinians have no interest
whatsoever in establishing peace
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00:15:42,166 --> 00:15:44,133
and that the pathway
to peace is almost
273
00:15:44,133 --> 00:15:46,700
unthinkable to accomplish."
274
00:15:46,700 --> 00:15:51,300
Does the President share this
view about the Middle East?
275
00:15:51,300 --> 00:15:56,367
Mr. Carney:
The President believes and is
committed to working with --
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00:15:56,367 --> 00:15:58,699
the President believes and is
committed to the principle that
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00:15:58,700 --> 00:16:02,533
a two-state solution
is the right solution
278
00:16:02,533 --> 00:16:04,600
for Middle East peace.
279
00:16:04,600 --> 00:16:11,533
That is a basic tenet that has
been pursued by Democratic and
280
00:16:11,533 --> 00:16:14,667
Republican administrations
prior to President Obama.
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00:16:14,667 --> 00:16:18,533
And his two immediate
predecessors worked on this
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00:16:18,533 --> 00:16:23,967
issue under the firm belief that
a two-state solution was the
283
00:16:23,967 --> 00:16:28,333
right solution, and it's what
has guided this President.
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00:16:28,333 --> 00:16:33,934
So I think his view is a
little different from what
285
00:16:33,934 --> 00:16:35,300
was expressed.
286
00:16:35,300 --> 00:16:37,165
The Press:
Governor Romney said that
this is likely to remain
287
00:16:37,166 --> 00:16:38,700
an "unsolved problem."
288
00:16:38,700 --> 00:16:41,900
Given recent history
in the Middle East,
289
00:16:41,900 --> 00:16:43,165
is he wrong about that?
290
00:16:43,166 --> 00:16:46,400
Mr. Carney:
Well, that it's a difficult
problem I think we can all
291
00:16:46,400 --> 00:16:48,834
agree on.
292
00:16:48,834 --> 00:16:52,132
That it is a challenge that
previous Presidents of both
293
00:16:52,133 --> 00:16:55,834
parties have embraced because
they believe it's right for the
294
00:16:55,834 --> 00:16:58,233
country, they believe it's right
for American interests, for the
295
00:16:58,233 --> 00:17:00,233
interests of Israelis, the
interests of Palestinians,
296
00:17:00,233 --> 00:17:01,733
is also true.
297
00:17:01,734 --> 00:17:06,934
And it is simply the wrong
approach to say we can't do
298
00:17:06,934 --> 00:17:09,567
anything about it, so we'll
just kick it down the field.
299
00:17:09,567 --> 00:17:10,967
That's not leadership.
300
00:17:10,967 --> 00:17:14,266
That's the opposite
of leadership.
301
00:17:14,266 --> 00:17:19,133
And this President has been
working on this issue since
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00:17:19,133 --> 00:17:20,767
the day he took office.
303
00:17:20,767 --> 00:17:25,066
It is a tough issue, but
ultimately peace between the
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00:17:25,066 --> 00:17:31,166
Israelis and Palestinians, a
negotiated peace that provides
305
00:17:31,166 --> 00:17:34,800
security for Israel and a state
for the Palestinians, is in the
306
00:17:34,800 --> 00:17:40,100
interest of the Israelis and
the Palestinians, and is in the
307
00:17:40,100 --> 00:17:42,399
interest of the United States of
America, and this President will
308
00:17:42,400 --> 00:17:44,667
continue to pursue it.
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00:17:44,667 --> 00:17:45,199
Ed.
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00:17:45,200 --> 00:17:46,033
The Press:
Jay, I want to go back to Libya.
311
00:17:46,033 --> 00:17:48,367
On September 10th, you put out
a press release saying that the
312
00:17:48,367 --> 00:17:51,000
President had a meeting with
senior officials to figure out
313
00:17:51,000 --> 00:17:53,633
the security posture around
the 9/11 anniversary.
314
00:17:53,633 --> 00:17:56,433
And in that press release you
said that "steps were taken to
315
00:17:56,433 --> 00:17:59,033
protect U.S. persons
and facilities abroad.
316
00:17:59,033 --> 00:18:01,867
The President reiterated that
departments and agencies must do
317
00:18:01,867 --> 00:18:05,033
everything possible to protect
the American people both at home
318
00:18:05,033 --> 00:18:05,966
and abroad."
319
00:18:05,967 --> 00:18:09,500
So in retrospect, given the
tragedy, did the administration
320
00:18:09,500 --> 00:18:12,200
drop the ball on what you
promised on September 10th that
321
00:18:12,200 --> 00:18:14,333
you had improved security
at these installations?
322
00:18:14,333 --> 00:18:21,500
Mr. Carney:
They were numerous steps taken,
as there have been every year
323
00:18:21,500 --> 00:18:25,967
on the anniversary of 9/11, and
as there have been at different
324
00:18:25,967 --> 00:18:31,867
times on the calendar when it
is judged by the experts that
325
00:18:31,867 --> 00:18:33,700
taking additional steps,
security steps, is the
326
00:18:33,700 --> 00:18:35,433
right thing to do.
327
00:18:35,433 --> 00:18:38,867
As for specific measures
taken at specific facilities,
328
00:18:38,867 --> 00:18:40,300
diplomatic facilities,
I would refer you to
329
00:18:40,300 --> 00:18:41,265
the State Department.
330
00:18:41,266 --> 00:18:43,667
The Press:
Separate from the FBI
investigation you mentioned to
331
00:18:43,667 --> 00:18:47,166
Mary a few moments ago, is there
any sort of inquiry going on
332
00:18:47,166 --> 00:18:49,133
here at the White House among
the President's national
333
00:18:49,133 --> 00:18:51,400
security team to get to the
bottom of -- you told the
334
00:18:51,400 --> 00:18:54,266
American people on September
10th, "We've taken steps to
335
00:18:54,266 --> 00:18:56,667
protect Americans here
at home and abroad."
336
00:18:56,667 --> 00:18:59,899
Obviously, with four Americans
tragically being killed, the
337
00:18:59,900 --> 00:19:01,166
steps were not good enough.
338
00:19:01,166 --> 00:19:04,667
So is there an inquiry going
on here to figure out what
339
00:19:04,667 --> 00:19:05,300
went wrong?
340
00:19:05,300 --> 00:19:06,567
Mr. Carney:
Well, I think that you're
conveniently conflating two
341
00:19:06,567 --> 00:19:09,867
things, which is the anniversary
of 9/11 and the incidents that
342
00:19:09,867 --> 00:19:11,667
took place, which are
under investigation in
343
00:19:11,667 --> 00:19:12,300
terms of what --
344
00:19:12,300 --> 00:19:13,533
The Press:
Which happened on
the anniversary.
345
00:19:13,533 --> 00:19:16,466
Mr. Carney:
-- which are under
investigation, and the cause and
346
00:19:16,467 --> 00:19:21,967
motivation behind them will be
decided by that investigation.
347
00:19:21,967 --> 00:19:24,800
It is certainly -- I would point
you to what Ambassador Rice said
348
00:19:24,800 --> 00:19:28,265
and others have said about what
we know thus far about the video
349
00:19:28,266 --> 00:19:32,433
and its influence on the
protests that occurred in Cairo,
350
00:19:32,433 --> 00:19:35,133
in Benghazi and elsewhere.
351
00:19:35,133 --> 00:19:42,066
And all I can tell you is that
steps are taken, both seen and
352
00:19:42,066 --> 00:19:47,400
unseen, in advance of and in
preparation for times like the
353
00:19:47,400 --> 00:19:50,400
anniversary of 9/11 when it
is judged that there might be
354
00:19:50,400 --> 00:19:51,934
greater threats.
355
00:19:51,934 --> 00:19:55,233
And those steps are based on the
threat assessments that we have
356
00:19:55,233 --> 00:19:56,265
at the time.
357
00:19:56,266 --> 00:19:58,233
But I would refer you in
terms of specific security
358
00:19:58,233 --> 00:20:00,966
for specific facilities
to the State Department.
359
00:20:00,967 --> 00:20:02,900
The Press:
But you're not trying to say
there was enough security in
360
00:20:02,900 --> 00:20:05,667
Benghazi are you?
361
00:20:05,667 --> 00:20:08,300
Mr. Carney:
I am simply saying that this
is a matter under investigation.
362
00:20:08,300 --> 00:20:14,200
It is an absolute tragedy
that we lost four Americans
363
00:20:14,200 --> 00:20:17,500
in Benghazi, including
our ambassador, including
364
00:20:17,500 --> 00:20:18,500
security personnel.
365
00:20:18,500 --> 00:20:25,000
And there's an active
investigation underway into what
366
00:20:25,000 --> 00:20:29,000
happened and why, and what the
motivations were, and driven by
367
00:20:29,000 --> 00:20:34,433
the absolute commitment that
this President made to finding
368
00:20:34,433 --> 00:20:37,600
who was responsible and holding
them accountable and bringing
369
00:20:37,600 --> 00:20:38,833
them to justice.
370
00:20:38,834 --> 00:20:40,033
And I think that's
very important.
371
00:20:40,033 --> 00:20:42,699
The Press:
I think Mary asked as well
whether or not there was sort
372
00:20:42,700 --> 00:20:45,066
of any heads-up for the
administration that there
373
00:20:45,066 --> 00:20:46,800
was violence coming in Libya.
374
00:20:46,800 --> 00:20:50,734
Reuters reported that the U.S.
embassy in Cairo got a heads-up
375
00:20:50,734 --> 00:20:53,000
that there was a cable that went
around suggesting that violence
376
00:20:53,000 --> 00:20:55,300
was increasing around
the U.S. embassy there.
377
00:20:55,300 --> 00:20:58,867
There were other reports
suggesting that the U.S.
378
00:20:58,867 --> 00:21:01,767
installation in Benghazi in
Libya had up to three days'
379
00:21:01,767 --> 00:21:03,800
notice that violence
was increasing.
380
00:21:03,800 --> 00:21:05,899
I didn't hear an answer to that,
so I'm trying to understand --
381
00:21:05,900 --> 00:21:07,133
to that question.
382
00:21:07,133 --> 00:21:11,166
Did the administration have any
sort of heads-up that violence
383
00:21:11,166 --> 00:21:15,500
was increasing specifically
in Libya before the attack?
384
00:21:15,500 --> 00:21:17,400
Mr. Carney:
I'm not aware of any, Ed.
385
00:21:17,400 --> 00:21:20,100
This is a matter that's under
investigation in terms of what
386
00:21:20,100 --> 00:21:22,699
precipitated the attacks, what
the motivations of the attackers
387
00:21:22,700 --> 00:21:26,700
were, what role the
video played in that.
388
00:21:26,700 --> 00:21:29,400
What we have seen is broad
unrest across the region and
389
00:21:29,400 --> 00:21:33,266
elsewhere in response to this
video, which we have made clear
390
00:21:33,266 --> 00:21:38,367
we view as reprehensible and
disgusting, and a video that is
391
00:21:38,367 --> 00:21:41,600
in no way connected to the
United States government and
392
00:21:41,600 --> 00:21:44,233
does not reflect the values
that we hold as a people.
393
00:21:44,233 --> 00:21:45,600
The Press:
Do you think the video
led protesters to get
394
00:21:45,600 --> 00:21:48,265
rocket-propelled grenades --
395
00:21:48,266 --> 00:21:51,967
Mr. Carney:
What I know, Ed, and I know you
know is that Libya, as I just
396
00:21:51,967 --> 00:21:55,133
said, is a very volatile place
that has just gone through a
397
00:21:55,133 --> 00:21:59,333
revolution and a war, and
where there is an abundance of
398
00:21:59,333 --> 00:22:01,100
weapons, including
heaving weapons.
399
00:22:01,100 --> 00:22:04,466
And there are certainly groups
that carry those weapons and
400
00:22:04,467 --> 00:22:07,633
look to take advantage of
circumstances, as there are
401
00:22:07,633 --> 00:22:09,900
around the region and the world.
402
00:22:09,900 --> 00:22:16,567
We have seen circumstances in
the past, in other parts of the
403
00:22:16,567 --> 00:22:22,433
region, where incidents that
inflame opinion are taken
404
00:22:22,433 --> 00:22:29,133
advantage of and exploited by
groups that have an interest in
405
00:22:29,133 --> 00:22:32,633
creating chaos and destabilizing
either a local government or
406
00:22:32,633 --> 00:22:34,867
attacking the West
or the United States.
407
00:22:34,867 --> 00:22:39,533
And that's something we've
seen certainly for the past
408
00:22:39,533 --> 00:22:40,667
number of years.
409
00:22:40,667 --> 00:22:42,533
The Press:
Jay, thanks.
410
00:22:42,533 --> 00:22:46,734
The U.S. is suspending training
for new Afghan recruits.
411
00:22:46,734 --> 00:22:54,199
How big of a setback will this
be for the withdrawal timeline?
412
00:22:54,200 --> 00:22:56,433
Mr. Carney:
Well, the military continues to
work to understand why there has
413
00:22:56,433 --> 00:22:58,900
been a spike in the kinds
of attacks, the so-called
414
00:22:58,900 --> 00:23:02,200
green-on-blue attacks,
in Afghanistan.
415
00:23:02,200 --> 00:23:04,066
And we're working with
Afghanistan to take measures
416
00:23:04,066 --> 00:23:06,600
to better protect our troops.
417
00:23:06,600 --> 00:23:09,500
In that vein, General Allen has
directed all of his operational
418
00:23:09,500 --> 00:23:12,433
commanders to review their
force protection and tactical
419
00:23:12,433 --> 00:23:15,000
activities in light of
the current circumstances.
420
00:23:15,000 --> 00:23:18,567
As a result of that directive,
ISAF directed a change in the
421
00:23:18,567 --> 00:23:21,500
level at which advising and
partnering takes place; most
422
00:23:21,500 --> 00:23:24,767
partnering and advising will
now be at the battalion level
423
00:23:24,767 --> 00:23:25,834
and above.
424
00:23:25,834 --> 00:23:27,834
This does not mean that
there will be no partnering
425
00:23:27,834 --> 00:23:28,967
below that level.
426
00:23:28,967 --> 00:23:30,233
The need for that
will be evaluated
427
00:23:30,233 --> 00:23:32,500
on a case-by-case basis.
428
00:23:32,500 --> 00:23:39,033
More broadly, the President's
policy of gradually turning over
429
00:23:39,033 --> 00:23:46,632
security lead to Afghan forces
continues, and that is part of a
430
00:23:46,633 --> 00:23:49,700
broader strategy that has to
-- that will result in more
431
00:23:49,700 --> 00:23:54,066
American troops coming home and
Afghans taking more and greater
432
00:23:54,066 --> 00:23:56,967
responsibility for the security
of their nation, and that
433
00:23:56,967 --> 00:23:58,000
process continues.
434
00:23:58,000 --> 00:24:01,467
The Press:
But, Jay, handover of power
is such a key part of the
435
00:24:01,467 --> 00:24:04,066
withdrawal process, so
how can this not impact
436
00:24:04,066 --> 00:24:07,066
the overall timeline?
437
00:24:07,066 --> 00:24:08,867
Mr. Carney:
It doesn't affect the timeline.
438
00:24:08,867 --> 00:24:11,600
I think the issue here is
partnering with our Afghan
439
00:24:11,600 --> 00:24:12,466
security forces.
440
00:24:12,467 --> 00:24:13,700
That's what General
Allen was addressing
441
00:24:13,700 --> 00:24:15,166
and ISAF was addressing.
442
00:24:15,166 --> 00:24:20,200
And part of this process
obviously is training up Afghan
443
00:24:20,200 --> 00:24:23,467
security forces so that they are
in a position to capably take
444
00:24:23,467 --> 00:24:26,000
over responsibility
for their own security.
445
00:24:26,000 --> 00:24:29,834
That partnering continues with
the changes in directives that
446
00:24:29,834 --> 00:24:30,834
I just talked about.
447
00:24:30,834 --> 00:24:36,367
But the transition that the
President has laid out will
448
00:24:36,367 --> 00:24:37,966
absolutely continue.
449
00:24:37,967 --> 00:24:41,000
The Press:
And it's been described
as a temporary suspension.
450
00:24:41,000 --> 00:24:42,900
Can you characterize
what temporary means?
451
00:24:42,900 --> 00:24:46,266
Mr. Carney:
I think that's obviously
something that's based on the
452
00:24:46,266 --> 00:24:50,700
judgments made by commanders in
the field as well as officials
453
00:24:50,700 --> 00:24:52,000
at the Pentagon.
454
00:24:52,000 --> 00:24:54,734
The Press:
And you point out you're
suspending training of the new
455
00:24:54,734 --> 00:24:58,466
recruits, but the Afghan army,
the national police trained by
456
00:24:58,467 --> 00:25:01,600
NATO are not going to be
affected by this suspension.
457
00:25:01,600 --> 00:25:06,867
So how can you have
confidence that they won't --
458
00:25:06,867 --> 00:25:09,800
Mr. Carney:
Well, I think that's a question
best addressed to ISAF as well
459
00:25:09,800 --> 00:25:10,734
as to the Pentagon.
460
00:25:10,734 --> 00:25:16,399
Our commanders are keenly
focused on security for our
461
00:25:16,400 --> 00:25:20,900
troops and are taking steps that
they believe are necessary to
462
00:25:20,900 --> 00:25:24,600
enhance that security and to
reduce the incidents of these
463
00:25:24,600 --> 00:25:27,399
so-called green-on-blue attacks.
464
00:25:27,400 --> 00:25:31,467
For their specific views on how
these measures will achieve that
465
00:25:31,467 --> 00:25:32,967
I would refer you to them.
466
00:25:32,967 --> 00:25:33,834
The Press:
And I just have one more, Jay.
467
00:25:33,834 --> 00:25:36,433
The Washington Post is reporting
that due to the protests in
468
00:25:36,433 --> 00:25:40,567
Cairo and the Middle East,
negotiations have stalled in
469
00:25:40,567 --> 00:25:42,767
terms of talking about
increased aid to Egypt.
470
00:25:42,767 --> 00:25:45,233
Can you confirm this?
471
00:25:45,233 --> 00:25:47,433
Mr. Carney:
The reports that we have cut off
aid, which is the report that I
472
00:25:47,433 --> 00:25:50,200
saw, to Egypt are
completely incorrect.
473
00:25:50,200 --> 00:25:53,033
We're continuing to work with
the Hill on ways to support a
474
00:25:53,033 --> 00:25:56,265
stable, democratic transition
in Egypt that is important for
475
00:25:56,266 --> 00:26:00,734
defeating extremism of the very
kind that we just recently saw.
476
00:26:00,734 --> 00:26:03,399
We provide assistance to Egypt
because it's in our interest to
477
00:26:03,400 --> 00:26:06,000
help them advance regional
security and uphold their
478
00:26:06,000 --> 00:26:08,633
treaty with Israel and
transition to democracy.
479
00:26:08,633 --> 00:26:12,000
And that process, as I said,
continues, and we're working
480
00:26:12,000 --> 00:26:14,066
with the Hill to do that.
481
00:26:14,066 --> 00:26:16,900
The Press:
Jay, I know you can't say
whether the President watched
482
00:26:16,900 --> 00:26:18,600
the video, but do you
know if he's aware of
483
00:26:18,600 --> 00:26:22,567
Governor Romney's remarks?
484
00:26:22,567 --> 00:26:27,000
Mr. Carney:
I think I've said frequently
that the President keeps abreast
485
00:26:27,000 --> 00:26:28,300
of the news.
486
00:26:28,300 --> 00:26:34,133
I expect that he is
aware of that news.
487
00:26:34,133 --> 00:26:38,100
The Press:
"Expect" -- pretty
strong, right?
488
00:26:38,100 --> 00:26:38,734
(laughter)
489
00:26:38,734 --> 00:26:43,399
Mr. Carney:
I'm sure he's aware of what
-- (laughter) -- of news that
490
00:26:43,400 --> 00:26:45,533
reaches a level that it's the
first thing I'm asked about at
491
00:26:45,533 --> 00:26:46,300
the briefing.
492
00:26:46,300 --> 00:26:48,399
(laughter)
493
00:26:48,400 --> 00:26:49,500
The Press:
Back to Afghanistan.
494
00:26:49,500 --> 00:26:52,467
General Dempsey said yesterday
that the green-on-blue attacks
495
00:26:52,467 --> 00:26:56,300
pose a very serious threat to
the campaign in Afghanistan.
496
00:26:56,300 --> 00:26:59,100
Has that been communicated to
the President and does he agree
497
00:26:59,100 --> 00:27:02,000
with that assessment?
498
00:27:02,000 --> 00:27:05,333
Mr. Carney:
Well, I would have to look
at the entirety of General
499
00:27:05,333 --> 00:27:06,333
Dempsey's comments.
500
00:27:06,333 --> 00:27:08,767
There's no question that the
steps that are being taken by
501
00:27:08,767 --> 00:27:12,133
our commanders, by General
Allen, by ISAF, in reaction
502
00:27:12,133 --> 00:27:17,100
to these reflect serious
concern about the increase
503
00:27:17,100 --> 00:27:18,533
in these attacks.
504
00:27:18,533 --> 00:27:21,600
And it is their commitment and
the President's commitment that
505
00:27:21,600 --> 00:27:25,632
we take the steps necessary to
enhance security for our forces
506
00:27:25,633 --> 00:27:28,600
in Afghanistan even as we
continue with the mission,
507
00:27:28,600 --> 00:27:33,332
which is a very important
mission of partnering with
508
00:27:33,333 --> 00:27:36,266
and training Afghan security
forces so that they can
509
00:27:36,266 --> 00:27:39,967
gradually, as they are now,
take security responsibility
510
00:27:39,967 --> 00:27:40,967
for their own country.
511
00:27:40,967 --> 00:27:44,700
And as they do that
American forces will
512
00:27:44,700 --> 00:27:46,133
continue to come home.
513
00:27:46,133 --> 00:27:52,633
The Press:
If the timeline is more affected
by (inaudible) the training,
514
00:27:52,633 --> 00:27:54,700
does that mean that the quality
of the forces that are left
515
00:27:54,700 --> 00:27:59,266
behind with the
Afghans will be less?
516
00:27:59,266 --> 00:28:01,834
And does that mean that the
state of the country that NATO
517
00:28:01,834 --> 00:28:03,667
is going to leave behind is
going to be a worse state than
518
00:28:03,667 --> 00:28:04,632
had hoped?
519
00:28:04,633 --> 00:28:06,934
Mr. Carney:
I think it's important to
point you to a couple of things.
520
00:28:06,934 --> 00:28:11,966
One, what I think Kristen
mentioned, this is viewed as a
521
00:28:11,967 --> 00:28:17,266
temporary measure, a temporary
change in directive, and it is
522
00:28:17,266 --> 00:28:20,400
also important to note that
partnering will continue at the
523
00:28:20,400 --> 00:28:24,300
battalion level and up and at
lower levels as judged on a
524
00:28:24,300 --> 00:28:25,332
case-by-case basis.
525
00:28:25,333 --> 00:28:28,133
So the partnering
relationship continues.
526
00:28:28,133 --> 00:28:32,633
It is important to the process
of transitioning security lead
527
00:28:32,633 --> 00:28:36,033
over to the Afghans so that our
men and women can come home.
528
00:28:36,033 --> 00:28:38,867
And that process continues.
529
00:28:38,867 --> 00:28:40,000
Mark.
530
00:28:40,000 --> 00:28:45,000
The Press:
Jay, is there a policy about
donors bringing recording
531
00:28:45,000 --> 00:28:48,934
devices into presidential events
that are closed to the press?
532
00:28:48,934 --> 00:28:50,700
Mr. Carney:
I would refer you
to the campaign.
533
00:28:50,700 --> 00:28:53,934
The Press:
Well, you've been to many of
them where there are closed
534
00:28:53,934 --> 00:28:58,966
press events where the President
takes questions from donors and
535
00:28:58,967 --> 00:28:59,967
the like.
536
00:28:59,967 --> 00:29:01,700
Would you say he's more
forthcoming when there's
537
00:29:01,700 --> 00:29:03,667
no press there?
538
00:29:03,667 --> 00:29:06,100
Mr. Carney:
Well, first of all, I'd say
at these events the President
539
00:29:06,100 --> 00:29:09,065
speaks and the press pool is
there when he addresses --
540
00:29:09,066 --> 00:29:10,433
The Press:
Not for the Q&A part.
541
00:29:10,433 --> 00:29:12,333
Mr. Carney:
No, I agree with that, and I
would say that that President's
542
00:29:12,333 --> 00:29:22,100
message is consistent whether
he's talking to donors or to
543
00:29:22,100 --> 00:29:27,632
grassroots supporters or to
people at an official event
544
00:29:27,633 --> 00:29:29,333
on policy matter.
545
00:29:29,333 --> 00:29:33,600
And I think it's fair to say
that when the President speaks
546
00:29:33,600 --> 00:29:39,000
to wealthier Americans who are
supporters, he doesn't change
547
00:29:39,000 --> 00:29:41,133
the fact that he believes we
need to take a balanced approach
548
00:29:41,133 --> 00:29:43,867
to our fiscal challenges,
and that includes asking
549
00:29:43,867 --> 00:29:46,332
millionaires and billionaires
-- including millionaires and
550
00:29:46,333 --> 00:29:49,867
billionaires who might be in the
room -- to pay a little extra.
551
00:29:49,867 --> 00:29:54,300
And his supporters who fall into
that category are aware of that
552
00:29:54,300 --> 00:29:58,133
and they've made the decision
that for the good of the country
553
00:29:58,133 --> 00:30:01,967
that policy is the right
policy moving forward.
554
00:30:01,967 --> 00:30:07,400
So the President's message
is clear and he takes it to
555
00:30:07,400 --> 00:30:08,400
all Americans.
556
00:30:08,400 --> 00:30:10,900
And it goes to what I was
talking about earlier, that he
557
00:30:10,900 --> 00:30:14,567
really doesn't believe that
dividing us into categories and
558
00:30:14,567 --> 00:30:17,600
groups is the right way to
move forward as a nation.
559
00:30:17,600 --> 00:30:20,833
And he doesn't spend a lot
of time thinking about what
560
00:30:20,834 --> 00:30:25,300
policies he's pursuing -- about
the policies he's pursuing and
561
00:30:25,300 --> 00:30:30,000
whether or not they benefit
specific individuals who may or
562
00:30:30,000 --> 00:30:32,133
may not, or groups of
individuals who may or may not
563
00:30:32,133 --> 00:30:35,834
have supported him in 2008
or will support him in 2012.
564
00:30:35,834 --> 00:30:39,567
He thinks that the best politics
is the right policy, and the
565
00:30:39,567 --> 00:30:42,433
best policy are the policies
that move the country forward,
566
00:30:42,433 --> 00:30:44,500
that makes sure that more
Americans are getting educated,
567
00:30:44,500 --> 00:30:47,567
that more middle-class Americans
have work, that they have
568
00:30:47,567 --> 00:30:52,033
security -- health care security
and retirement security -- and
569
00:30:52,033 --> 00:30:55,332
that we're taking steps to
develop alternative energy so
570
00:30:55,333 --> 00:30:59,367
that we can enhance our energy
independence, and that we're
571
00:30:59,367 --> 00:31:02,466
investing in research and
development and infrastructure
572
00:31:02,467 --> 00:31:04,834
so that our country has the
economic foundation it needs to
573
00:31:04,834 --> 00:31:09,100
move forward so that everybody
benefits, everybody from the
574
00:31:09,100 --> 00:31:10,567
factory floor to --
575
00:31:10,567 --> 00:31:13,200
The Press:
So if there's no change
in tone or substance,
576
00:31:13,200 --> 00:31:14,533
why are they
closed to the press?
577
00:31:14,533 --> 00:31:20,132
Mr. Carney:
We have taken steps to
have the press participate
578
00:31:20,133 --> 00:31:20,633
in these events.
579
00:31:20,633 --> 00:31:23,967
I spent a lot of time on
driveways, in vans as a
580
00:31:23,967 --> 00:31:27,734
reporter for this President's
predecessors, covering this
581
00:31:27,734 --> 00:31:29,632
President's predecessors,
when the press pool was
582
00:31:29,633 --> 00:31:30,266
not allowed in.
583
00:31:30,266 --> 00:31:32,467
And as you --
584
00:31:32,467 --> 00:31:34,033
The Press:
You didn't like it, I'll bet.
585
00:31:34,033 --> 00:31:36,567
Mr. Carney:
Well, it depended on whether or
not there were beverages served.
586
00:31:36,567 --> 00:31:38,734
(laughter)
587
00:31:38,734 --> 00:31:42,100
The Press:
Is now the time to bring up your
April 14 column from 2008 when
588
00:31:42,100 --> 00:31:44,632
you said the President's words
were poorly chosen on the guns
589
00:31:44,633 --> 00:31:46,200
and bitter?
590
00:31:46,200 --> 00:31:47,867
Mr. Carney:
I don't remember that column.
591
00:31:47,867 --> 00:31:49,367
(laughter)
592
00:31:49,367 --> 00:31:50,367
I honestly don't.
593
00:31:50,367 --> 00:31:52,200
The Press:
I can read the whole
thing for you if you want.
594
00:31:52,200 --> 00:31:55,800
Mr. Carney:
I think the President, then
candidate, addressed this at the
595
00:31:55,800 --> 00:31:59,033
time -- this was four years ago
-- and I think the broader point
596
00:31:59,033 --> 00:32:03,800
is that his message there and
everywhere in 2008, and going
597
00:32:03,800 --> 00:32:07,667
back to 2004, and every day
since, has been consistent,
598
00:32:07,667 --> 00:32:11,600
which is that we're in this
together, all of us, and that
599
00:32:11,600 --> 00:32:15,166
his interest is in moving the
entire country forward in ways
600
00:32:15,166 --> 00:32:22,399
that benefit senior citizens on
Social Security, students who
601
00:32:22,400 --> 00:32:25,400
are getting student loans,
combat veterans -- I mean,
602
00:32:25,400 --> 00:32:31,266
combat troops as well as
veterans -- everybody in this
603
00:32:31,266 --> 00:32:35,033
country is I think working
towards the same goal,
604
00:32:35,033 --> 00:32:36,867
which is advance moving
the country forward.
605
00:32:36,867 --> 00:32:40,133
And the vast majority of people,
this President believes, are
606
00:32:40,133 --> 00:32:43,333
hardworking, responsible,
committed to their families
607
00:32:43,333 --> 00:32:44,834
and committed to their country.
608
00:32:44,834 --> 00:32:48,233
And that's the animating
principle behind his politics
609
00:32:48,233 --> 00:32:49,767
and his policies.
610
00:32:49,767 --> 00:32:52,700
The Press:
Will the President mention
it in his fundraisers tonight,
611
00:32:52,700 --> 00:32:53,700
the Romney remarks?
612
00:32:53,700 --> 00:32:58,133
Mr. Carney:
I don't have any previews for
you on the President's remarks.
613
00:32:58,133 --> 00:33:01,734
The Press:
I wanted to go back to
the conflict between --
614
00:33:01,734 --> 00:33:04,567
the conflicting reports I guess
between the administration and
615
00:33:04,567 --> 00:33:06,533
Libyan officials
over what happened.
616
00:33:06,533 --> 00:33:11,533
On Friday, you seemed to cite
that the videos were definitely
617
00:33:11,533 --> 00:33:15,600
part of it, but I get the sense
that you're backing away from
618
00:33:15,600 --> 00:33:16,433
that a little bit today.
619
00:33:16,433 --> 00:33:18,867
Is there something that
you've learned since?
620
00:33:18,867 --> 00:33:20,033
Mr. Carney:
No, no.
621
00:33:20,033 --> 00:33:22,600
I think what I am making clear
and what Ambassador Rice made
622
00:33:22,600 --> 00:33:29,166
clear on Sunday is that
reaction to the video was the
623
00:33:29,166 --> 00:33:33,433
precipitating factor in protests
in violence across the region.
624
00:33:33,433 --> 00:33:38,266
And what I'm also saying is
that we have -- we made that
625
00:33:38,266 --> 00:33:41,800
assessment based on the evidence
that we have, and that includes
626
00:33:41,800 --> 00:33:45,800
all the evidence that
we have at this time.
627
00:33:45,800 --> 00:33:49,533
I am not, unlike some others,
going to prejudge the outcome
628
00:33:49,533 --> 00:33:53,300
of an investigation and
categorically assert one way or
629
00:33:53,300 --> 00:33:56,233
the other what the motivations
are or what happened exactly
630
00:33:56,233 --> 00:34:00,367
until that investigation
is complete.
631
00:34:00,367 --> 00:34:03,466
And there are a lot suppositions
based on the number of weapons
632
00:34:03,467 --> 00:34:06,166
and other things about what
really happened in Benghazi
633
00:34:06,166 --> 00:34:09,033
and I'd rather wait, and the
President would rather wait,
634
00:34:09,033 --> 00:34:12,033
for that investigation
to be completed.
635
00:34:12,033 --> 00:34:13,632
The Press:
So you're not ruling out that --
636
00:34:13,632 --> 00:34:14,232
Mr. Carney:
Of course not.
637
00:34:14,233 --> 00:34:17,734
I'm not ruling out -- if more
information comes to light, that
638
00:34:17,734 --> 00:34:20,467
will obviously be a part of the
investigation and we'll make it
639
00:34:20,467 --> 00:34:21,867
available when appropriate.
640
00:34:21,867 --> 00:34:27,800
But at this time, as Ambassador
Rice said and as I said, our
641
00:34:27,800 --> 00:34:30,133
understanding and our belief
based on the information we have
642
00:34:30,132 --> 00:34:34,866
is it was the video that caused
the unrest in Cairo, and the
643
00:34:34,867 --> 00:34:38,867
video and the unrest in Cairo
that helped -- that precipitated
644
00:34:38,867 --> 00:34:41,567
some of the unrest in
Benghazi and elsewhere.
645
00:34:41,567 --> 00:34:46,766
What other factors were involved
is a matter of investigation.
646
00:34:46,766 --> 00:34:49,600
The Press:
Can you talk a little bit about
is this going to prompt any --
647
00:34:49,600 --> 00:34:51,065
Mr. Carney:
I'd refer you to
the FBI for that.
648
00:34:51,065 --> 00:34:53,433
I don't keep timelines,
FBI timelines at the ready.
649
00:34:53,433 --> 00:34:57,834
The Press:
You mentioned aid with Egypt
and working with the Hill.
650
00:34:57,834 --> 00:35:02,033
Is this going to prompt any
revisions or any review, I
651
00:35:02,033 --> 00:35:07,333
guess, of the President's
policies toward the Arab Spring?
652
00:35:07,333 --> 00:35:10,033
Mr. Carney:
Look, the President's policy
towards the Arab Spring is that
653
00:35:10,033 --> 00:35:13,333
we support the democratic
aspirations of the people
654
00:35:13,333 --> 00:35:14,100
of the region.
655
00:35:14,100 --> 00:35:17,567
And the upheavals that you've
seen in the region over the past
656
00:35:17,567 --> 00:35:23,533
several years have been
in reaction to oppressive
657
00:35:23,533 --> 00:35:27,033
governments that do not
respect the basic rights
658
00:35:27,033 --> 00:35:28,433
of their citizens.
659
00:35:28,433 --> 00:35:31,900
In cases like in Tunisia and
Libya and elsewhere, democratic
660
00:35:31,900 --> 00:35:33,433
transitions are underway.
661
00:35:33,433 --> 00:35:40,467
They are in early stages, and
there is a lot of volatility in
662
00:35:40,467 --> 00:35:43,066
these countries -- Egypt
as well, of course.
663
00:35:43,066 --> 00:35:47,734
And our policy is geared towards
supporting that transition in a
664
00:35:47,734 --> 00:35:53,533
way that enhances the prospects
of democracy in the region and
665
00:35:53,533 --> 00:35:55,633
enhances the prospects that the
countries in the region will
666
00:35:55,633 --> 00:35:58,533
continue to be -- either will
continue to be or will grow to
667
00:35:58,533 --> 00:36:03,165
be supportive of the United
States and our interests in the
668
00:36:03,166 --> 00:36:05,200
region and around the world.
669
00:36:05,200 --> 00:36:08,767
And that policy hasn't changed.
670
00:36:08,767 --> 00:36:10,100
The Press:
Jay, there's going to be a
lot of attention on the Supreme
671
00:36:10,100 --> 00:36:12,799
Court next week because they'll
consider taking up several
672
00:36:12,800 --> 00:36:15,100
pending marriage cases related
to both the Defense of Marriage
673
00:36:15,100 --> 00:36:17,100
Act and California's
Proposition 8.
674
00:36:17,100 --> 00:36:19,200
The Justice Department has
already made its views known
675
00:36:19,200 --> 00:36:21,799
on the DOMA cases, but given the
President's previously supported
676
00:36:21,800 --> 00:36:25,433
-- previously stated opposition
to Prop 8 and support for
677
00:36:25,433 --> 00:36:27,700
marriage equality, does the
administration want the Supreme
678
00:36:27,700 --> 00:36:30,767
Court to take up the Prop 8
case, making some national
679
00:36:30,767 --> 00:36:32,265
ruling on same-sex marriage?
680
00:36:32,266 --> 00:36:35,266
Or as claimants in the case have
requested, would you prefer that
681
00:36:35,266 --> 00:36:37,934
the Court allow the lower court
ruling to stand and striking
682
00:36:37,934 --> 00:36:40,000
down the marriage ban
just in California?
683
00:36:40,000 --> 00:36:42,700
Mr. Carney:
That's quite a question, and I
will ask you to direct it to the
684
00:36:42,700 --> 00:36:43,466
Justice Department.
685
00:36:43,467 --> 00:36:45,100
I'm not going to make
policy towards Supreme
686
00:36:45,100 --> 00:36:46,366
Court cases from here.
687
00:36:46,367 --> 00:36:50,133
The Press:
Generally speaking, though,
I mean, would this President
688
00:36:50,133 --> 00:36:52,332
welcome the Supreme Court taking
up a case that will enable it
689
00:36:52,333 --> 00:36:55,767
making a court ruling in
favor of same-sex marriage
690
00:36:55,767 --> 00:36:56,633
across the country?
691
00:36:56,633 --> 00:36:59,265
Mr. Carney:
I don't have anything to
say on that at this time.
692
00:36:59,266 --> 00:37:02,000
The Press:
Back to Libya.
693
00:37:02,000 --> 00:37:06,533
Ambassador Rice says on Sunday
that it was spontaneous, and
694
00:37:06,533 --> 00:37:07,834
then we hear from the State
Department that there's not
695
00:37:07,834 --> 00:37:09,834
enough information to
make the determination.
696
00:37:09,834 --> 00:37:13,033
But you're saying that
there is no shift, right?
697
00:37:13,033 --> 00:37:15,066
Mr. Carney:
No, I'm saying that based on
information that we -- our
698
00:37:15,066 --> 00:37:20,200
initial information, and that
includes all information -- we
699
00:37:20,200 --> 00:37:25,366
saw no evidence to back up
claims by others that this was
700
00:37:25,367 --> 00:37:28,900
a preplanned or premeditated
attack; that we saw evidence
701
00:37:28,900 --> 00:37:33,700
that it was sparked by the
reaction to this video.
702
00:37:33,700 --> 00:37:37,033
And that is what we know thus
far based on the evidence,
703
00:37:37,033 --> 00:37:38,967
concrete evidence -- not
supposition -- concrete
704
00:37:38,967 --> 00:37:40,200
evidence that we have thus far.
705
00:37:40,200 --> 00:37:43,399
But there is a lot that is under
investigation here, and as more
706
00:37:43,400 --> 00:37:47,467
facts come to light, if they
change that assessment, we'll
707
00:37:47,467 --> 00:37:48,700
make that clear.
708
00:37:48,700 --> 00:37:51,799
But there's an active
investigation for a reason -- so
709
00:37:51,800 --> 00:37:56,300
that we actually get the facts
and don't base our policy
710
00:37:56,300 --> 00:37:59,967
prescriptions on suppositions
about what we think we know
711
00:37:59,967 --> 00:38:02,934
happened as opposed to
what actually happened.
712
00:38:02,934 --> 00:38:05,734
The Press:
Would the administration still
say that it was spontaneous?
713
00:38:05,734 --> 00:38:09,700
Mr. Carney:
Based on the information that we
have now, it was -- there was a
714
00:38:09,700 --> 00:38:15,834
reaction to the video -- there
was protests in Cairo, then
715
00:38:15,834 --> 00:38:18,933
followed by protests elsewhere,
including Benghazi, and that
716
00:38:18,934 --> 00:38:21,300
that was what led to
the original unrest.
717
00:38:21,300 --> 00:38:24,934
The other factors here -- all
factors -- but the other factors
718
00:38:24,934 --> 00:38:28,000
here, including participants in
the unrest, participants in the
719
00:38:28,000 --> 00:38:30,867
violence, are under
investigation.
720
00:38:30,867 --> 00:38:34,800
And the goal of that
investigation is both to find
721
00:38:34,800 --> 00:38:39,200
out what happened and why, but
also to track down and bring to
722
00:38:39,200 --> 00:38:42,799
justice those who
killed four Americans.
723
00:38:42,800 --> 00:38:45,500
And we're working with our
Libyan counterparts to ensure
724
00:38:45,500 --> 00:38:48,900
that that happens, as the
President committed it would.
725
00:38:48,900 --> 00:38:51,166
The Press:
Tomorrow, administration
officials will be on the
726
00:38:51,166 --> 00:38:54,233
Hill briefing members.
727
00:38:54,233 --> 00:38:55,467
Can you tell us
anything about that?
728
00:38:55,467 --> 00:38:56,233
Mr. Carney:
On what subject?
729
00:38:56,233 --> 00:38:58,166
I think members of the
administration brief members
730
00:38:58,166 --> 00:38:59,333
regularly on different --
731
00:38:59,333 --> 00:39:00,100
The Press:
On Libya?
732
00:39:00,100 --> 00:39:03,700
Mr. Carney:
I assume that they'll be
briefing them on all the
733
00:39:03,700 --> 00:39:06,834
information we have up to
the moment before they brief.
734
00:39:06,834 --> 00:39:11,700
And that's what I'm reflecting
at this time from here.
735
00:39:11,700 --> 00:39:13,899
Kevin, all the way
the back, then Donna.
736
00:39:13,900 --> 00:39:15,367
The Press:
Thank you, Jay.
737
00:39:15,367 --> 00:39:20,033
As far as next week, how much
is the President realistically
738
00:39:20,033 --> 00:39:21,900
going to be able to
accomplish at the U.N.
739
00:39:21,900 --> 00:39:24,967
General Assembly with partners
and allies when he's only going
740
00:39:24,967 --> 00:39:27,400
to be there for such a short
time, and he's spending a lot of
741
00:39:27,400 --> 00:39:29,900
that on two big speeches?
742
00:39:29,900 --> 00:39:32,767
Mr. Carney:
Well, the President is attending
UNGA, as Presidents before him
743
00:39:32,767 --> 00:39:38,500
have during their reelection
years, and he intends it to be
744
00:39:38,500 --> 00:39:44,667
a productive time spent at
the U.N. General Assembly,
745
00:39:44,667 --> 00:39:46,400
as it was last year, as
it was the year before and
746
00:39:46,400 --> 00:39:47,567
the year prior to that.
747
00:39:47,567 --> 00:39:50,133
I don't have anything specific
in terms of what he's going to
748
00:39:50,133 --> 00:39:56,100
say at UNGA or what issues he's
going to press, but you can be
749
00:39:56,100 --> 00:40:01,165
sure that he expects it
to be a productive visit.
750
00:40:01,166 --> 00:40:03,166
The Press:
What's keeping him from
extending the stay a little
751
00:40:03,166 --> 00:40:05,867
longer, like you would in
other years, in order to have
752
00:40:05,867 --> 00:40:07,033
bilaterals and things like that?
753
00:40:07,033 --> 00:40:08,333
Mr. Carney:
I think we're there for two
days, which is the number of
754
00:40:08,333 --> 00:40:09,567
days we were there last year.
755
00:40:09,567 --> 00:40:13,000
We were there for an
overnight last year.
756
00:40:13,000 --> 00:40:15,300
Kevin, I actually
meant to call on you.
757
00:40:15,300 --> 00:40:16,700
I'm sorry, ou look
exactly like --
758
00:40:16,700 --> 00:40:19,232
Doesn't he look
like Kevin from ABC?
759
00:40:19,233 --> 00:40:20,433
Do people tell you that?
760
00:40:20,433 --> 00:40:21,233
The Press:
All the time.
761
00:40:21,233 --> 00:40:25,033
Aung San Suu Kyi is
in town for a few days.
762
00:40:25,033 --> 00:40:27,567
I was wondering if the President
will be meeting with her while
763
00:40:27,567 --> 00:40:29,000
she's here.
764
00:40:29,000 --> 00:40:31,367
Mr. Carney:
I don't have any scheduling
announcements for the President
765
00:40:31,367 --> 00:40:33,100
at this time.
766
00:40:33,100 --> 00:40:36,500
If there's a change in that
I'll bring it to your attention.
767
00:40:36,500 --> 00:40:39,100
Mark. Donovan, after Mark.
768
00:40:39,100 --> 00:40:40,266
The Press:
A question on China.
769
00:40:40,266 --> 00:40:41,200
Mr. Carney:
Yes.
770
00:40:41,200 --> 00:40:44,000
The Press:
Yesterday, in addition
to the trade news,
771
00:40:44,000 --> 00:40:46,367
Leon Panetta was in Japan.
772
00:40:46,367 --> 00:40:49,734
The Japanese and the U.S.
are cooperating on building
773
00:40:49,734 --> 00:40:54,467
this missile defense system,
which prompted a lot of anxiety
774
00:40:54,467 --> 00:40:58,300
in China among analysts and
some officials there who said
775
00:40:58,300 --> 00:41:02,900
they viewed it as being
targeted or aimed at them.
776
00:41:02,900 --> 00:41:06,133
Given that you've had two major
trade cases in the last few
777
00:41:06,133 --> 00:41:10,933
months and this, is there a
concern that the message, the
778
00:41:10,934 --> 00:41:14,800
overall message the United
States is giving to China is
779
00:41:14,800 --> 00:41:16,934
perhaps too tough?
780
00:41:16,934 --> 00:41:20,400
And given that in the past when
China has become a big issue in
781
00:41:20,400 --> 00:41:25,066
campaigns -- in '92 and 1980 --
it's often led to very difficult
782
00:41:25,066 --> 00:41:27,399
period for whoever wins
the election in actually
783
00:41:27,400 --> 00:41:28,567
dealing with China.
784
00:41:28,567 --> 00:41:30,900
Is the President at all
concerned that that precedent
785
00:41:30,900 --> 00:41:33,367
is being repeated now?
786
00:41:33,367 --> 00:41:36,800
Mr. Carney:
The President's policy,
with regards to China --
787
00:41:36,800 --> 00:41:41,433
his policies, because this is a
broad and complex relationship
788
00:41:41,433 --> 00:41:44,533
-- are driven by what he
believes are in the interests
789
00:41:44,533 --> 00:41:49,165
of the American people and the
American economy as well as
790
00:41:49,166 --> 00:41:51,066
America's national security.
791
00:41:51,066 --> 00:41:53,567
And that is why we have
such a multifaceted, complex
792
00:41:53,567 --> 00:41:57,734
relationship with China that
includes cooperation in a wide
793
00:41:57,734 --> 00:42:02,400
variety of areas, because
cooperation is beneficial both
794
00:42:02,400 --> 00:42:04,166
to the United
States and to China.
795
00:42:04,166 --> 00:42:09,734
It is why when we see instances
or the USTR sees instances of
796
00:42:09,734 --> 00:42:15,033
unfair trade practices that are
harmful to American workers and
797
00:42:15,033 --> 00:42:17,900
American businesses, this
administration will act as it
798
00:42:17,900 --> 00:42:24,133
has to take cases before the
WTO at twice the pace of the
799
00:42:24,133 --> 00:42:27,033
previous administration.
800
00:42:27,033 --> 00:42:31,467
When the President and senior
members of his administration
801
00:42:31,467 --> 00:42:34,900
sit with their Chinese
counterparts, they discuss
802
00:42:34,900 --> 00:42:39,533
all of these issues -- areas of
disagreement as well as areas of
803
00:42:39,533 --> 00:42:42,600
agreement where they can
work forward together.
804
00:42:42,600 --> 00:42:47,734
And I have been in the room
when the President has been with
805
00:42:47,734 --> 00:42:50,900
President Hu, and can testify
to that fact that it is a very
806
00:42:50,900 --> 00:42:52,667
frank exchange about
a variety of issues.
807
00:42:52,667 --> 00:42:54,467
And we have a broad and
important relationship with
808
00:42:54,467 --> 00:43:01,667
the Chinese that we expect will
continue with this President
809
00:43:01,667 --> 00:43:04,500
after he's reelected,
if in fact he is.
810
00:43:04,500 --> 00:43:07,834
The Press:
On the missile defense system,
specifically, though -- what
811
00:43:07,834 --> 00:43:11,232
argument, what case would you
make to Chinese analysts that
812
00:43:11,233 --> 00:43:15,133
are worried that somehow that
represents (inaudible) China?
813
00:43:15,133 --> 00:43:16,265
Mr. Carney:
I will have to
take that question.
814
00:43:16,266 --> 00:43:21,100
I haven't looked into it to any
degree so I'll have to take that
815
00:43:21,100 --> 00:43:23,066
and get back to you.
816
00:43:23,066 --> 00:43:24,899
Donovan, I owe you.
817
00:43:24,900 --> 00:43:28,066
The Press:
Thanks. A brief follow on Libya.
818
00:43:28,066 --> 00:43:29,433
There's still a little
bit of confusion.
819
00:43:29,433 --> 00:43:31,734
You guys have said that you're
working closely with the Libyan
820
00:43:31,734 --> 00:43:35,165
government in the investigation
and you're saying the
821
00:43:35,166 --> 00:43:39,600
information available to you
guys so far has indicated that
822
00:43:39,600 --> 00:43:43,133
it's the film that
prompted the violence.
823
00:43:43,133 --> 00:43:47,332
And is the information different
that you guys have than the
824
00:43:47,333 --> 00:43:49,100
Libyan government has?
825
00:43:49,100 --> 00:43:51,066
Are you suggesting that
the Libyan government is
826
00:43:51,066 --> 00:43:53,066
jumping to conclusions?
827
00:43:53,066 --> 00:43:57,966
Mr. Carney:
I'm not making a judgment
on statements by others.
828
00:43:57,967 --> 00:44:00,734
I'm simply saying that, based
on the information -- what we
829
00:44:00,734 --> 00:44:06,366
initially had available and have
available -- we do not have any
830
00:44:06,367 --> 00:44:08,667
indication at this
point of premeditation
831
00:44:08,667 --> 00:44:09,734
or preplanned attacks.
832
00:44:09,734 --> 00:44:12,734
But it is under investigation
and I don't -- and that
833
00:44:12,734 --> 00:44:16,000
investigation will follow
the facts wherever they go
834
00:44:16,000 --> 00:44:17,533
and wherever they lead.
835
00:44:17,533 --> 00:44:22,100
So, again, I'm not -- we are
working with the Libyans -- with
836
00:44:22,100 --> 00:44:26,633
the Libyan government in our
pursuit of those who killed four
837
00:44:26,633 --> 00:44:31,533
Americans and our commitment
to bringing them to justice, as
838
00:44:31,533 --> 00:44:34,033
well as to the broader -- within
the broader investigation.
839
00:44:34,033 --> 00:44:37,133
But I'm not casting judgment
on others' assertions.
840
00:44:37,133 --> 00:44:40,667
I'm simply saying what we
know and what we are working
841
00:44:40,667 --> 00:44:42,000
to find out.
842
00:44:42,000 --> 00:44:44,800
The Press:
So have you guys ruled
out premeditation or --
843
00:44:44,800 --> 00:44:47,133
Mr. Carney:
No. No, I'm simply saying
based on what we knew at
844
00:44:47,133 --> 00:44:50,799
the time, knew initially, what
we know now, the facts that we
845
00:44:50,800 --> 00:44:54,266
have, the video was a
precipitating cause to
846
00:44:54,266 --> 00:44:59,867
the unrest in the region
and specifically in Libya.
847
00:44:59,867 --> 00:45:04,200
Other factors involved in the
violence that ensued -- other
848
00:45:04,200 --> 00:45:06,734
factors that are involved in
that are under investigation
849
00:45:06,734 --> 00:45:09,600
and, again, the facts will be
followed wherever they lead.
850
00:45:11,900 --> 00:45:14,834
The point is that we're not
making declarations ahead of
851
00:45:14,834 --> 00:45:16,100
the facts here.
852
00:45:16,100 --> 00:45:18,834
We're just telling you what we
know based on the information we
853
00:45:18,834 --> 00:45:20,299
have at the time.
854
00:45:20,300 --> 00:45:21,100
Yes, Kathleen.
855
00:45:21,100 --> 00:45:24,467
The Press:
Just one more bit
on the Romney video.
856
00:45:24,467 --> 00:45:27,133
The other remark he made was
that he might have a better
857
00:45:27,133 --> 00:45:30,066
chance in the election if his
parents were Mexican-born.
858
00:45:30,066 --> 00:45:32,933
I'm wondering if the President
has seen that and if you had
859
00:45:32,934 --> 00:45:34,266
any reaction.
860
00:45:34,266 --> 00:45:35,800
Mr. Carney:
Did I have any reaction?
861
00:45:35,800 --> 00:45:37,000
The Press:
Well --
862
00:45:37,000 --> 00:45:41,934
Mr. Carney:
Yes, I think I'll
steer away from that,
863
00:45:41,934 --> 00:45:43,667
but thanks for the opportunity.
864
00:45:43,667 --> 00:45:45,866
The Press:
Well, has the President
seen that, do you know?
865
00:45:45,867 --> 00:45:47,266
Mr. Carney:
Again, I haven't had a
discussion with him about
866
00:45:47,266 --> 00:45:55,367
the video so -- but I can
boldly say that I am confident
867
00:45:55,367 --> 00:45:57,100
that he's aware of it.
868
00:45:57,100 --> 00:45:57,799
Yes, ma'am.
869
00:45:57,800 --> 00:45:59,000
The Press:
Thank you, Jay.
870
00:45:59,000 --> 00:46:05,633
On North Korea, I hear that
President Obama has extended
871
00:46:05,633 --> 00:46:09,966
sanctions against North
Korea for one more year.
872
00:46:09,967 --> 00:46:13,400
Is it related with the
terrorist standards of
873
00:46:13,400 --> 00:46:17,633
the North Korean regime?
874
00:46:17,633 --> 00:46:21,899
Mr. Carney:
Our position with regards
to North Korea is unchanged.
875
00:46:22,834 --> 00:46:29,200
And we continue to work with
our international partners to
876
00:46:29,200 --> 00:46:35,600
pressure North Korea to get
right with the international
877
00:46:35,600 --> 00:46:40,933
community, to abide by its
obligations and, in doing so, to
878
00:46:40,934 --> 00:46:43,633
end its isolation, its profound
isolation from the world.
879
00:46:43,633 --> 00:46:48,133
But I don't have anything
specific on that issue today.
880
00:46:48,133 --> 00:46:50,265
The Press:
Thanks, Jay.
881
00:46:50,266 --> 00:46:52,133
Mr. Carney:
Yes. I'm sorry -- go ahead.
882
00:46:52,133 --> 00:46:53,633
The Press:
Back to Burma for a moment.
883
00:46:53,633 --> 00:46:56,700
Aung San Suu Kyi is in town.
884
00:46:56,700 --> 00:47:00,232
How does the administration
assess the progress that's being
885
00:47:00,233 --> 00:47:03,767
made in Burma toward more
openness, more reforms?
886
00:47:03,767 --> 00:47:06,899
And what's the next
step for the U.S.
887
00:47:06,900 --> 00:47:10,033
if that process continues?
888
00:47:10,033 --> 00:47:14,767
Mr. Carney:
Well, I think we've said all
along that progress that is made
889
00:47:14,767 --> 00:47:20,633
towards openness and democracy
and reform will be met with
890
00:47:20,633 --> 00:47:25,500
positive steps by this
administration, this government
891
00:47:25,500 --> 00:47:26,567
in its dealings with Burma.
892
00:47:26,567 --> 00:47:29,000
And I think that is a
step-by-step process.
893
00:47:29,000 --> 00:47:32,200
I don't have next steps to
announce before they happen,
894
00:47:32,200 --> 00:47:40,366
but we're closely monitoring
that progress and taking steps
895
00:47:40,367 --> 00:47:42,834
accordingly, as I think
Secretary Clinton has been
896
00:47:42,834 --> 00:47:46,466
pretty explicit about
in her recent comments.
897
00:47:46,467 --> 00:47:47,300
Thanks very much.