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 It's A Pattern Of Controlling The Press - White House Press Briefing by Robert Gibbs 7/1/09 — Thursday, July 02, 2009 — Q At today's town hall meeting, questions coming in on YouTube and Twitter and such -- who decides what questions will be asked? MR. GIBBS: I think a group over at New Media is shuffling through questions. I think if you go on -- I did not do this today, but I think if you go on our Web site you'll see some of those questions. And I think, Chip, at the end of the day, when you -- I think the questions that will be read to the President -- obviously he'll take some questions from the audience there -- I think will be a representative sample of the issues in this debate that we're dealing with. Q And the audience is all preselected, right? MR. GIBBS: No, we usually just generally hand out tickets on a first come, first serve basis. Q Well, I think in this case, the people were invited either by the White House or by the university -- I mean, invited by this community college, as it was explained to us. MR. GIBBS: Well, if the university is -- Q It just feels very tightly controlled. It feels -- I mean, the concept of a town hall I think is to have a open public forum, and this sounds like a very tightly controlled audience and a list of questions. Why do it that why? Why not open it up to the public? MR. GIBBS: How about we do this -- how about you can ask me that question tomorrow based on what questions were asked rather than preselecting your question based on something that may or may not come through. Q But why pre-select? Why not just open it up for people and allow any question to come in? MR. GIBBS: Well, Chip, I think if you get on your computer from your e-mail address -- Q I have. I have. MR. GIBBS: Have you sent in your question? Q I think that would be inappropriate. This is for the public. MR. GIBBS: I'm sorry, I'm confused -- are you not a member of the public? Q Well, I think if you were going to allow questions from the press you'd have us in a prominent position over there and allow us to ask questions -- you haven't done that. MR. GIBBS: Let's not get into the notion of where you'd be sitting -- (laughter) -- if I let you ask a question, but -- Q Well out of shouting range. MR. GIBBS: Well, but you could e-mail. Q Would you put my question in there? I don't think so. MR. GIBBS: Maybe. Have you e-mailed? Q I mean, this is a town hall. MR. GIBBS: It's a little -- if you haven't e-mailed. Q This is an open forum for the public to ask questions, but it's not really open. MR. GIBBS: I couldn't agree more. Q But it's not open. MR. GIBBS: Based on what? Q Based on the information that your staff gave us on how the audience and the questions are being selected. MR. GIBBS: The questions are being selected by people that e-mail on Facebook and Twitter. Q Well, they're not deciding what questions actually get in. MR. GIBBS: Well, Chip, I appreciate, again -- Q It just feels completely controlled -- MR. GIBBS: I appreciate, again -- Q -- in a way unlike his town meetings all the campaign and -- MR. GIBBS: I appreciate the pre-selected question on your part. Q Will there be dissenting views -- Q Yes, how about that? MR. GIBBS: I think that's a very safe bet. But, again, let's -- how about we do this? I promise we will interrupt the AP's tradition of asking the first question. I will let you ask me a question tomorrow as to whether you thought the questions at the town hall meeting that the President conducted at Annandale -- Q I'm perfectly happy to -- Q That's not his point. The point is the control -- Q Exactly. Q -- we have never had that in the White House. And we have had some, but not -- Q This White House. MR. GIBBS: Yes, I was going to say, I'll let you amend her question. Q I'm amazed -- I'm amazed at you people who call for openness and transparency and -- MR. GIBBS: Helen, you haven't even heard the questions. Q It doesn't matter. It's the process. Q You have left open -- Q Even if there's a tough question, it's a question coming from somebody who was invited or was screened, or the question was screened. Q It's shocking. It's really shocking. MR. GIBBS: Chip, let's have this discussion at the conclusion of the town hall meeting. How about that? Q Okay. MR. GIBBS: I think -- Q No, no, no, we're having it now -- MR. GIBBS: Well, I'd be happy to have it now. Q It's a pattern. MR. GIBBS: Which question did you object to at the town hall meeting, Helen? Q It's a pattern. It isn't the question -- MR. GIBBS: What's a pattern? Q It's a pattern of controlling the press. MR. GIBBS: How so? Is there any evidence currently going on that I'm controlling the press -- poorly, I might add. (Laughter.) Q Your formal engagements are pre-packaged. MR. GIBBS: How so? Q Well, and controlling the public -- Q How so? By calling reporters the night before to tell them they're going to be called on. That is shocking. MR. GIBBS: We had this discussion ad nauseam and -- Q Of course you would because you don't have any answers. MR. GIBBS: Well, because I didn't know you were going to ask a question, Helen. Go ahead. Q Well, you should have. Q Thank you for your support. MR. GIBBS: That's good. Have you e-mailed your question today? Q I don't have to e-mail it. I can tell you right now what I want to ask. (Laughter.) MR. GIBBS: I don't doubt that at all, Helen. I don't doubt that at all. Q Actually, could you pass along a question to the President from all of us, is he going to support a tax increase on the middle class? MR. GIBBS: I will -- if you get on your computer you can ask him that yourself. Q I think you're a more direct pipeline than -- MR. GIBBS: I don't know. I was just told that you guys have a pretty good -- go ahead. Helen | Obama Administration | Open Government | Press Briefing | Robert Gibbs | White House Press Corps Labels: Helen, Obama Administration, Open Government, Press Briefing, Robert Gibbs, White House Press Corps
Posted by White House Press Corps @ 12:28:00 PM  We're Seeking To Restore That Democratic "Norm" In Honduras - White House Press Briefing by Robert Gibbs 6/29/09 — Tuesday, June 30, 2009 —  MR. GIBBS: Yes, sir.Q Thank you, Robert. Five years ago when President Aristide of Haiti was overthrown by the military, the previous administration promptly recognized the new government by the chief justice, because under the Haitian constitution he was next in succession. Now with President Zelaya leaving Honduras, the congress elected their President, Mr. Micheletti. MR. GIBBS: Certainly one way of putting it, I suppose. Q "Ousted." MR. GIBBS: Or "ousted." (Laughter.) Q -- elected their President, Mr. Micheletti, as new President to the country, which is in accordance with Honduran law. Why doesn't the administration simply follow the precedent of Haiti after Aristide here? MR. GIBBS: Because I think what we saw over the course of the weekend was a severe disruption in any sort of democratic norm. We're seeking to restore that democratic norm in Honduras and haven't changed the recognition of who we believe is the President of that country. International Relations | Latin America | Obama Administration | Press Briefing | Robert Gibbs | White House Press Corps Labels: International Relations, Latin America, Obama Administration, Press Briefing, Robert Gibbs, White House Press Corps
Posted by White House Press Corps @ 9:32:00 AM The Iranians Seem Preoccupied - White House Press Briefing by Robert Gibbs 6/26/09 — Sunday, June 28, 2009 — Q The President has always made an argument that unilateral engagement makes sense for our -- within Iran -- for our national security interests. I'm sure that he takes issue with some of the ways Iran conducts itself, that regime conducts itself up to this point, yet he still felt that engagement was a good policy. Today he seems to be saying engagement has to be on hold. In any way does that undercut the argument that he's made all along, that something has changed? MR. GIBBS: No, I think -- again, I think what the President did today was largely reiterate what he'd said earlier in the week, that we're going to -- there obviously are a series of events that have yet to play out in Iran, and we'll watch those events play out. I think our long-term interest, as it relates to Iran and the danger in the region remain, quite honestly, no different than they remained the day before the election. We've all witnessed the images since the days of that election, and that's I think foremost on the minds of not only this President and this administration, but people throughout the world. Q But you still believe in engagement as a policy? MR. GIBBS: He does, understanding right now that the Iranians seem preoccupied. Yes, sir. Q Chancellor Merkel today spoke directly to the election results in Iran when she said that there should be a re-vote, some kind of recount. I haven't heard President Obama say anything like that. Does he agree with Chancellor Merkel on that? MR. GIBBS: That's a decision that Iranians are going to have to make about their own leadership. Q So are you saying that Chancellor Merkel was going to go further than -- went further than President Obama was prepared to? MR. GIBBS: I'm not going to -- I've not been hired to characterize Chancellor Merkel's statements. Q But he said they spoke with one voice. MR. GIBBS: In condemning the violence. I think you all have heard everything that the President said on this. Democracy | Germany | Iran | President Obama | Press Briefing | Robert Gibbs | White House Press Corps Labels: Democracy, Germany, Iran, President Obama, Press Briefing, Robert Gibbs, White House Press Corps
Posted by White House Press Corps @ 3:03:00 AM The Details Are Less Important - White House Press Briefing by Robert Gibbs 6/25/09 MR. GIBBS: Let me go to Laura real fast. Yes. Q On the energy bill, what is the President or the White House's view on this provision that's come up regarding punishing imports from China and other countries that do not have similar controls on their carbon emissions? And sort of as a corollary to that, how important are the details of this actual bill right now, or is it more important just to get sort of anything out of the House? MR. GIBBS: Well, I've seen very little -- something but not in any detailed way, and we can look through something relating to I think some of these Ways and Means provisions. Again, I haven't -- I have not focused in on that. I think in terms of your larger picture, look, obviously getting something through -- onto the floor and through the House would constitute I think a big step towards progress and create momentum that it's possible to get this done. I think we are at a time and a place where, as the President said today, those that can deny that the planet is getting warmer -- we're past, in many ways, that debate. We have an opportunity to create millions of clean energy jobs. We have an opportunity to further lessen our dependence on foreign oil. And all of that together represents -- would represent a big step forward, and I think the President believes that that would be an important facet of getting something ultimately to his desk that he can sign. Q So, really, the details are less important than just moving the process forward? MR. GIBBS: Well, I mean -- I think obviously the fundamental details are important. I think moving the bill forward is tremendously important. And I think this is the first of quite a few steps, and I would assume that some of those details will be debated even -- will be debated further as this goes to the other side of the Hill and then ultimately when both bodies iron out whatever differences exist. Congress | Global Warming | Legislation | Obama Administration | Press Briefing | Robert Gibbs | Taxes | White House Press Corps Labels: Congress, Global Warming, Legislation, Obama Administration, Press Briefing, Robert Gibbs, Taxes, White House Press Corps
Posted by White House Press Corps @ 1:34:00 AM They Do Care About This, Jake - White House Press Briefing by Robert Gibbs 6/24/09 — Thursday, June 25, 2009 — Q All right. I've got a procedural question about yesterday's news conference. What led to your decision to plant a designated hitter right here to ask the President a question? And what kind of a message do you think that sends to the American people and to the world about the kind of free-flow and pure questioning that's been expected at presidential news conferences? MR. GIBBS: Well, I think it did nothing more than underscore that free-flow. Peter, that was a question from an Iranian in Iran, using the same type of manner and method to get that information as, I guess, many of you and virtually every one of your outlets has done, because in this country we enjoy the freedom of the press. In Iran, as many of you know, your colleagues have been dismissed. They've been kicked out. Some of them have been rounded up. There aren't journalists that can speak for the Iranian people. What the President did was take a question from an Iranian. That's, I think, the very powerful message that that sent just yesterday. Q Couldn't he have accomplished that without you guys escorting someone through here and planting him the room? MR. GIBBS: Did you get a question yesterday from an Iranian that you had hoped to asked the President? Q No, I did not. MR. GIBBS: Well, then I guess the answer to that would have been, no. Q Is this going to become a regular feature of President Obama's news conference, that you all are going to bring people in here that you select to ask questions? MR. GIBBS: Well, let's understand -- let's be clear, Peter. I think you understand this, so -- but I'll repeat it for your benefit. There was no guarantee that the questioner would be picked. There was no idea of what the exact question would be. I'll let you down easily: A number of questions that we went though in prep you all asked. Iran dominated the news conference, not surprisingly. But Peter, I think it was important and the President thought it was important to take a question using the very same methods, again, that many of you all are using to report information on the ground. I don't have any -- I won't make any apologies for that. Q Can I follow that one up, please? MR. GIBBS: Sure. Q Thank you. MR. GIBBS: Get the mic ready. Q Aren't you -- you and the President aware that this cast suspicion that all of such questions may be presidentially planted? MR. GIBBS: Well, you know what? Instead, Lester, of giving you an answer from here, I'll ask that you ask Chuck, Jennifer, Chip, Jake -- Q I'm not throwing suspicion on them; you are. MR. GIBBS: No, no -- Q I mean, no, no -- MR. GIBBS: I'm sorry. I was -- can I give you 30 seconds to get your question straight? Q Yes, of course. MR. GIBBS: Major and others that asked questions yesterday, ask them right now if they knew they were getting a question yesterday -- go ahead, ask one of them. Go ahead. Q Well, he makes a good point, because -- MR. GIBBS: No, no, I make -- Q -- there are a lot of people out there -- MR. GIBBS: Let me make -- hold on, Chip. Q -- who incorrectly believe that we ask questions that are preapproved. And doesn't this add -- MR. GIBBS: Do you? Do you? Q Of course not. MR. GIBBS: Okay, so how did they get that misperception -- Q But doesn't this add to that perception -- MR. GIBBS: No. Q -- and doesn't this allow -- MR. GIBBS: Chip, I feel like you have -- Q -- (inaudible) do what we do? MR. GIBBS: I feel -- hold on, hold on. Q So you don't know -- MR. GIBBS: Well, let me -- Q You don't know -- MR. GIBBS: Since I'm not a journalist and I play the spokesman on TV, let me answer one of the questions, okay? (Laughter.) One of the things I love, Lester, is you move the microphone toward your mouth when you laugh as if the sound might not pick that up. (Laughter.) All right. Leaving that aside for a second, leaving that aside for a second -- Q I have one follow-up. (Laughter.) MR. GIBBS: No, no, I can -- I can't in my wildest dreams believe it's only one, but just hold on -- Q It's only one. MR. GIBBS: No, no, I know, but let me -- Chip and Chuck have questions that I think are important to answer. I don't know how that perception comes out there, but I feel confident that if you feel that perception is out there, that you could deal with it. CBS has gotten a question on all four of the news conferences. I don't know if it's been you on all four. Have you ever told us what your question is? Q Certainly not. MR. GIBBS: Have you? Q Of course not. MR. GIBBS: Have you? Q Nope. MR. GIBBS: You've only gotten one, so -- have you? (Laughter.) Peter, have you? Q Certainly not. MR. GIBBS: Did Mark know? Did Mark tell us? Q Certainly not, and neither would I. MR. GIBBS: Major? Q No. MR. GIBBS: Jake? Q I don't think he would have called on me. MR. GIBBS: Michael? Q We didn't get one. We didn't get one. MR. GIBBS: But did you give us a heads up on your question last time? Q What do you think? (Laughter.) MR. GIBBS: There you go. Good answer. I like that. That's actually -- you might get one next time because that was a keen answer. Ann, did you let us know? Q I think these are rhetorical -- MR. GIBBS: Okay. They are rhetorical questions because they're easily answered. Q Robert, in a third-world country -- in a third-world country, and we've seen a press conference with -- Q A planted question. Q -- a planted question, the perception -- MR. GIBBS: The question wasn't planted. That question wasn't planted. Q Questioner, planted questioner -- the perception, you know, it's something that would have colored the entire -- MR. GIBBS: Chuck, is Richard Engel reporting from Tehran using Twitter? Q We have a reporter -- MR. GIBBS: Is he? Q We have a reporter in Tehran. MR. GIBBS: So Richard is not. Q Richard is not, no. But have a reporter in Tehran. MR. GIBBS: But Richard is not using Twitter? Richard is not using information he got from people -- Q Of course, we're using information all over the place, but we usually have live bodies on the ground -- Q But, Robert, as many of us who were on the campaign trail remember, in Iowa, when there were two episodes where candidate Obama's chief rival, Hillary Clinton, was accused of having planted questioners in town halls -- MR. GIBBS: No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. No, no, no, no -- Q -- it became a question of her authenticity -- MR. GIBBS: No, no, no, no. Q -- or her ability to handle town halls. MR. GIBBS: No, no, no, no. Let's be clear. Not that I knew I should call on Major, right? I don't know what -- forget the Iowa outlet -- call on Major, because the question he's going to ask is X, okay? You're saying -- and I will be definitive -- nobody at any outlet has ever told me that they were going to ask a certain question, including the fact that I was going to pick or the President might pick somebody from the Huffington Post to ask a question by an Iranian, but didn't know what the question was. Q That's a big difference. Q Why not use a seating chart and just let the President call on who he is, rather than go to specific -- MR. GIBBS: Well, you know -- Q Robert, what are the rules to be followed by the President at the press conference? MR. GIBBS: What are the rules? Q Yes. MR. GIBBS: They're not written. I'm happy -- look, I'm happy to have you guys yell. I'm cool with that. Q Okay. MR. GIBBS: You want to do that? Q Just one more. MR. GIBBS: No, no. Let's -- you know what? I'll forget where I've gone, right? I'm going to --go ahead, yell a little bit louder so I can almost hardly hear you. Yes, ma'am. Q The perception is though, however -- MR. GIBBS: Well -- Q Let me finish, please. MR. GIBBS: No, no. I'm not even going to let you finish. On the first day in political science class, the teacher says, there's perception, and there's reality. Q Well, the reality is -- MR. GIBBS: Every one of you all has talked about the reality -- Q -- printed out this -- MR. GIBBS: -- so I'm not going to deal with the perception. Q Robert, allow me -- please allow me to finish, okay? MR. GIBBS: We live in America. Speak. Q Thank you. MR. GIBBS: There you go. Q The perception is this is scripted, from the day -- MR. GIBBS: Well, it's wrong. Q Okay. MR. GIBBS: It's wrong. Q But from the day this administration walked in the door, there was a perception that you were calling people, telling them, you will be picked. And that was the perception, and it's out there. And then to put this person from the Huffington Post, it was awkward -- MR. GIBBS: April, you got picked. Did you get told you were going to get picked? Q I got picked, it was my first White House press conference pick. No, I was not told. I was surprised -- MR. GIBBS: Were you -- did you know what -- did I ask you what question? Q I don't think you know what I'm going to ask you when I ask questions. MR. GIBBS: That is more than a safe bet. Q But how do you decide on that list of people that you're going to say, the President has a list, I'm going to go through that? MR. GIBBS: It's just a series of educated guesses. Q Can anyone ask about something that the American people actually care about? Q They do care about this, Jake. They want to make sure that we are out there being accountable for them. They do want to know. Iran | President Obama | Presidential Press Conference | Press Briefing | Robert Gibbs | White House Press Corps Labels: Iran, President Obama, Presidential Press Conference, Press Briefing, White House Press Corps
Posted by White House Press Corps @ 12:24:00 AM We've Been Entirely Consistent - Press Conference by the President 6/23/09 — Tuesday, June 23, 2009 — Like the rest of the world, we were impressed by the vigorous debate and enthusiasm that this election generated, particularly among young Iranians. We continue to monitor the entire situation closely, including reports of irregularities. THE PRESIDENT: All right? Major Garrett. Where's Major?June 13, 2009 Statement by Press Secretary Robert Gibbs on the Iranian Election Q Right here, sir. In your opening remarks, sir, you were -- you said about Iran that you were appalled and outraged. What took you so long to say those words? THE PRESIDENT: I don't think that's accurate. Track what I've been saying. Right after the election, I said that we had profound concerns about the nature of the election, but that it was not up to us to determine what the outcome was. As soon as violence broke out -- in fact, in anticipation of potential violence -- we were very clear in saying that violence was unacceptable, that that was not how governments operate with respect to their people. So we've been entirely consistent, Major, in terms of how we've approached this. My role has been to say the United States is not going to be a foil for the Iranian government to try to blame what's happening on the streets of Tehran on the CIA or on the White House; that this is an issue that is led by and given voice to the frustrations of the Iranian people. And so we've been very consistent the first day, and we're going to continue to be consistent in saying this is not an issue about the United States; this is about an issue of the Iranian people. What we've also been consistent about is saying that there are some universal principles, including freedom of assembly and freedom of speech, making sure that governments are not using coercion and violence and repression in terms of how they interact with peaceful demonstrators. And we have been speaking out very clearly about that fact. Q Are Iranian diplomats still welcome at the embassy on the Fourth of July, sir? THE PRESIDENT: Well, I think as you're aware, Major, we don't have formal diplomatic relations with -- we don't have formal diplomatic relations with Iran. I think that we have said that if Iran chooses a path that abides by international norms and principles, then we are interested in healing some of the wounds of 30 years, in terms of U.S.-Iranian relations. But that is a choice that the Iranians are going to have to make. Q But the offer still stands? THE PRESIDENT: That's a choice the Iranians are going to have to make. International Relations | Iran | President Obama | Presidential Press Conference | White House Press Corps Labels: International Relations, Iran, President Obama, Presidential Press Conference, White House Press Corps
Posted by White House Press Corps @ 11:44:00 PM This "Debate" That's Happening Within Iran - White House Press Briefing by Robert Gibbs 6/22/09 — Monday, June 22, 2009 — Q On Iran, last week the White House was trying to send a message that there's no pressure at all from what's going on, on Capitol Hill -- no external pressure to respond in a more forceful way. But I noticed that statement over the weekend seemed to be a little tougher than the usual language from the White House. Can you say that the White House feels no pressure at all to change its current policy in terms of how it's responding? MR. GIBBS: Yes. Q Can I ask you, is he correct, though -- there is a perception out there that the President has ratcheted up -- you said earlier that his statements have been crystal clear and consistent, but there's a perception out there, I believe, among a lot of the pundits and others that -- I know, pundits, whoever -- that there's a perception out there that he has gradually ratcheted -- MR. GIBBS: Far be it for me to conduct our foreign policy based on pundits that we see on television -- Q And members of Congress. MR. GIBBS: -- where's that gotten us? (Laughter.) Q Wait, we're asking the questions here. (Laughter.) But that's the perception -- MR. GIBBS: I think I'm answering them fairly well today. (Laughter.) Q Glad you're so confident. MR. GIBBS: Sure, why not. I'm a pundit. I'm doing great. No, but let me tell you, Chip -- Q But there's a perception out there -- (laughter.) Q Well, let him finish the question. MR. GIBBS: Well, I knew the answer almost before you asked it. (Laughter.) Like I said, I'm a pundit, I'm grading myself pretty well today. Chip, this isn't about -- I think you've heard the President say this isn't about a foreign policy that makes us feel good; this isn't about statements that might make us feel good or sound good on television. This is -- Q But I'm not asking that. I'm asking has he ratcheted up -- MR. GIBBS: No, no, I understand, but this is -- Q -- has he increased the pressure a little bit with his statement? MR. GIBBS: I think obviously you've seen events -- I think anybody would say events on the ground have changed over the course of the last week. The President last Monday warned against the potential for violence -- and we've seen that escalate throughout the week. But, again, Chip, this is about ensuring -- as the President said, that he is speaking out for universal principles. He said that last week. But, Chip, there are many in Iran that would love us to be the story, as the President said and as I have said. They would love to take this debate that's happening within Iran, by Iranians, about the direction of their leadership and the direction of their country -- and instead take that out and put us in. The President has said he recognizes that, he understands that's not helpful and, I think quite honestly, Chip, many of the experts that -- many people in this room, their organizations have talked to, many Republicans have denoted that -- or have noted that the President has struck the right response here. That's what's important. Democracy | International Relations | Iran | President Obama | Press Briefing | Robert Gibbs | White House Press Corps Labels: Democracy, International Relations, Iran, President Obama, Press Briefing, Robert Gibbs, White House Press Corps
Posted by White House Press Corps @ 10:01:00 PM We Can Quibble On This - White House Press Briefing by Robert Gibbs 6/19/09 — Saturday, June 20, 2009 — MR. GIBBS: Ms. Loven. Q The House resolution, it asks for a direct condemnation of the government in Iran's use of violence against protestors. And that kind of direct condemnation has not come from the White House this week. Can you comment on the resolution? MR. GIBBS: Well, obviously, we welcome the resolution and we believe despite the question that it echoes the words of President Obama throughout the week. I think he -- Q But you've been saying that you hope they don't use violence and directly -- it may be a small difference, but it's a big difference to some people. MR. GIBBS: Well, I think the President was pretty clear on Monday in the avail with Berlusconi. Q He said he was troubled by violence. He didn't say they shouldn't do it or directly criticize them for doing it. MR. GIBBS: That's not the way I read it. I think when the -- Q I have the -- MR. GIBBS: I have the same transcript right here. I think when the President sits in the Oval Office and says he's: deeply troubled by what I've seen on television, and the American people are rightly troubled by that; I think when the President discusses as he did with President Lee that something has happened in Iran, where there's a questioning of the kinds of antagonistic postures toward the international community that have taken place in the past, and there are people who want to see greater openness, greater debate, and want to see greater democracy -- I stand strongly with the universal principle that people's voices should be heard and not be suppressed. I think the language in the resolution is very consistent with the language that the President has used. Q It makes direct criticism of the government, which he has not done. MR. GIBBS: We can quibble on this. I think the President has been clear in standing up for the universal principles and deploring violence. Q So comment on the resolution? MR. GIBBS: As I said earlier, we welcome it. It's consistent with what the President has said. Yes, sir. Q Robert, continuing on that theme, what is the White House and the President's reaction to the supreme leader of Iran warning to protestors to stop protesting and calling on -- saying that leaders will be held responsible for bloodshed? MR. GIBBS: Well, I think the President addressed that also on Monday, that he believes, as we have said throughout the week and as I've said throughout the week, those who wish to have their voices heard should be able to do that -- to do that without fear of violence; that that is an important universal principle that should be upheld. And I think he strongly supports that. Q So would he criticize or condemn this particular statement from the supreme leader? MR. GIBBS: Well, I think the President has been clear on what he believes: that he believes strongly that people should have their voices heard, that clearly there is, as he said on Tuesday, a ferment in Iran that is bringing about change. I will say, as the President has said, we're not going to be used as political foils and political footballs in a debate that's happening by Iranians in Iran. There are many people in the leadership that would love us to get involved. Q The leadership of Iran? MR. GIBBS: Yes. And would love to trot out the same old foils they have for many years. That's not what we're going to do. Democracy | Iran | President Obama | Press Briefing | Robert Gibbs | White House Press Corps Labels: Democracy, Iran, President Obama, Press Briefing, Robert Gibbs, White House Press Corps
Posted by White House Press Corps @ 4:35:00 AM Robotic Knowledge Of Robert Gibbs' Thinking - White House Press Briefing by Robert Gibbs 6/18/09 — Thursday, June 18, 2009 —  Q Robert, on Iran, is there an internal debate in the White House now between those who clearly support what the President is doing in terms of the hands-off approach and those who think the President needs to have some stronger language? Is that ongoing in the White House?MR. GIBBS: There's no debate in the White House. Q Never? Q Is there division at all? Is everyone on the same page on this, or are there those who think that the President -- internally, that the President is -- MR. GIBBS: Everybody is on the same page. There's no difference of opinion. I think the only thing I might take -- the only thing I would take some exception to is the notion that the President has been hands-off. Again, the President -- Q Well, in terms of not wanting to interfere with the election. MR. GIBBS: Well, I mean, I think that's a fairly time-honored principle. At the same time, the President has been -- has talked about, and we talked about it from my statement on Sunday and every statement either by me or other administration officials and by the President, concern about how this election was conducted, as well as stating, as I said earlier to Phil's question, ensuring that the world knows and that people in Iran know of our belief that they have the right to have their causes and concerns heard and not fear violence, while at the same time respecting that this is a debate being had in Iran, by Iranians, about their leadership. I think if you look at Democrats and Republicans alike, they share where the President has been on this as we continue to watch the developments unfold. [...] Q You said there's no difference of opinion. Well, we've been led to believe this President seeks out different opinions from his advisors. You've got these incredibly knowledgeable people sitting around the room. He can't find a single person who does anything other than nod, "Yes, Mr. President, you're absolutely right on this"? I mean, how can there not be -- how can there not be some difference of opinion on this? MR. GIBBS: There is a belief by all here that this is a debate that, as I've said I think every day for the last five days, four days, plus my statement, that the American people and this government are not going to pick the next leader of Iran. That's something that the Iranians have to do. We have to ensure that we express our views, as I've said, about ensuring that people can demonstrate, have their causes and concerns heard. And that's what people here believe. Q But is there nobody who believes he ought to be a little more open in supporting the demonstrators? Nobody has expressed that opinion to him? MR. GIBBS: Everybody is on the same page. Yes, sir. Q Just absolutely verbatim? Nobody -- MR. GIBBS: We walk around like robots, Chip. (Laughter.) Q Can we quote you on that? Q Too late. Q It's already there. MR. GIBBS: It's on the record -- I'm a senior administration official -- (laughter) -- robotic knowledge of Robert Gibbs' thinking. Go ahead. (Laughter.) Q So you say "We're all on the same page." But the world sees many members of the United States government, members on Capitol Hill, who believe that -- MR. GIBBS: Well, Chip didn't ask me did the entire Congress believe everything -- Q I didn't say that -- no, no, no, no -- MR. GIBBS: That I can tell you on the record is likely not the case. Q I understand that. Does the President or does the administration believe -- Q (Laughter.) MR. GIBBS: A little delayed back there, Lester. What was the -- Q I know, we're on the seven-second -- MR. GIBBS: Right, I know, it's -- Q -- delay. (Laughter.) Q Does the administration believe that the vocal criticism of -- that members of the Republican leadership on Capitol Hill, and many very prominent members of Congress, have said -- have spoken out forcefully in favor of the demonstrators, do members of the administration believe that's a bad thing for the U.S. government to be doing? MR. GIBBS: Well, it's not -- it's not the tack that we've taken. But, Chuck, let's -- Q But should the government -- I mean, are you guys reaching out quietly to members on Capitol Hill, saying, hey, guys, this is what our intelligence is saying, you shouldn't be doing this? MR. GIBBS: No. Look, I appreciate the opportunity to get Congress to agree with everything that we believe. I will wait and see whether that comes to fruition. Again -- Q But this is a national security issue. It's not uncommon sometimes for - MR. GIBBS: Chuck, let's be honest. Let's -- but hold on. Q -- for the White House to reach out to Capitol Hill and say, hey -- MR. GIBBS: No, no, but let's be honest. Q -- let me tell you what we know. MR. GIBBS: You make it sound monolithically like the President is saying one thing and everybody else is saying another thing. That's not even true in the Republican Party, right? Q So you think it's good that there are members out there, prominent members of the United States government, saying -- MR. GIBBS: The President and his team are responsible for what the President and his team say. I'm not going to get into what motivates other people to do or say what they do or say. But I think the President believes that he's struck the right tone, and as do others in the administration, as do others in the Republican Party, as do others in the Democratic Party. Q And you're not reaching out? Nobody in this administration is reaching out to members of Congress who have been very vocal in saying, can you buy us some time, can you give us a few days to get this sort of -- MR. GIBBS: Give us a few days for what? Q To see what happens. I mean, it seems to be -- MR. GIBBS: Well, I think everybody is watching what happens, but I'm not -- you know, I'm not -- ask for two days to do what? Count the ballots Q I'm talking about the critics -- the very vocal criticism that is now -- MR. GIBBS: But what are we asking for a few days for? Q I'm asking you. MR. GIBBS: Okay. (Laughter.) Q So I guess the answer is no. Iran | Obama Administration | Press Briefing | Robert Gibbs | White House Press Corps Labels: Iran, Obama Administration, Press Briefing, Robert Gibbs, White House Press Corps
Posted by White House Press Corps @ 6:44:00 PM Unnecessarily Personal And Accusatory - White House Press Briefing by Robert Gibbs 6/17/09  Q Okay, and just one other question. Senator Claire McCaskill yesterday expressed concern about the way in which President Obama fired the Inspector General of the Corporation for National and Community Service, saying that it did not abide by the law that McCaskill wrote and President Obama, as a senator, co-sponsored, in terms of giving Congress 30 days notice.Do you think that the White House handled the firing of Inspector General Walpin appropriately and according to that law? And if so, why is the author of the law incorrect? MR. GIBBS: Well, I would direct you, Jake, to the letter that Senator McCaskill received last night addressed to Senators Lieberman and Collins, which outline exactly the reasoning for the board's -- the bipartisan board's request to change Inspector Generals. Q Right, I've seen the letter. The law that McCaskill wrote -- MR. GIBBS: I'm not familiar with that part of what she's saying. But again, I'd point you to the letter. Q Okay, well, the law says that the President needs to give 30 days notice to Congress before an Inspector General is terminated. So that letter came, whatever, five or six days after he was terminated. MR. GIBBS: Again, I'll check into that. I mean, again, the board's action was precipitated by a meeting that happened on May the 20th. [...] MR. GIBBS: Major. Q Robert, just to follow up on Jake, was the White House unaware that it needed to inform Congress 30 days in advance about Mr. Walpin's intended firing? MR. GIBBS: I need to look at what Ms. McCaskill said regarding that. I just don't have that with me. Q But it's -- number one, it's the law of the land, and number two, Senator Obama voted for it. I'm just wondering if the White House was aware of that -- regardless of what Senator McCaskill said. MR. GIBBS: Well, since the question came based on what Senator McCaskill said -- and I haven't seen that part of it -- let me, as I just stated twice, check on that. Q Okay. The letter that was sent out last night was regarded by Mr. Walpin as "a total lie." And -- that's what he told us -- and he said it was unnecessarily personal and accusatory. And I wonder if you felt there was anything the White House wanted to say about that letter and the contents thereof in response to that? MR. GIBBS: Well, again, I think this was -- let me read the first sentence of the second paragraph. "Mr. Walpin was removed after a review was unanimously requested by the bipartisan board of the Corporation." These were views that were held by many people as part of that board, and certainly the administration stands behind what's in the letter. Q Following up on that, why not leave it at that and why did the White House feel it necessary to say he was disoriented and confused? MR. GIBBS: Well, I have occasion to watch FOX every now and again, and I think there have been commentators that surmised that maybe we needed to be more specific about the reasons. I think members of Congress have asked for that, and I think it's detailed in the letter. Congress | Inspectors General | President Obama | Press Briefing | Robert Gibbs | White House Press Corps Labels: Congress, Inspectors General, President Obama, Press Briefing, Robert Gibbs, White House Press Corps
Posted by White House Press Corps @ 9:18:00 AM Do We Care What Happens In Iran? - White House Press Briefing by Robert Gibbs 6/17/09 — Wednesday, June 17, 2009 —  MR. GIBBS: Yes, ma'am.Q Do we care what happens in Iran? And does both sides -- are they both planning to continue nuclear -- their nuclear development? MR. GIBBS: Well, obviously we care about -- Q The outcome. MR. GIBBS: Of the election? Well, as I said yesterday, Helen, I think regardless of -- and I think the President certainly said this, as well -- regardless of who emerges from this election, there are still two principal national interests that this country has relating to Iran. First is their pursuit of a nuclear weapon, and second is their support and sponsorship of terror. Those are causes and concerns, as I said, that we had the day prior to the election and in the days after the election. I would also say that the President remains committed to engagement and understanding that the principle of national interest that I talked about, the sponsorship of terror and the pursuit of a nuclear weapon, are in many ways policy aspects relating to foreign policy and national security that are controlled by the Supreme Leader, who is likely to be the same regardless of who wins the election. Q So why are we worried? MR. GIBBS: Why are we worried -- Q At all? MR. GIBBS: Well, obviously we have -- Q And how do you know they sponsor terrorism? What is terrorism? I mean, we're in two countries. MR. GIBBS: Well, we can get into a long discussion about the definition of this. I think this one is fairly well held. Q You mean you oppose the status quo? MR. GIBBS: I'm sorry, I don't understand. Q Sponsoring terrorism and terrorists -- the American revolutionaries were called terrorists. MR. GIBBS: Well, I think, leaving aside whatever moniker might have been affixed several hundred years ago -- Q Not that long. MR. GIBBS: Yes, I will -- I think there's a fairly well held definition of what that means today. Yes, sir. Q Following up on her question. Yesterday the President, and you mentioned -- the President addressed this yesterday -- in one of the interviews yesterday, the President said the difference between Ahmadinejad and Mousavi, in terms of their actual policies, may not be as great as has been advertised. Is that U.S. policy, that there's not really much difference between these two candidates and that there's no preference for one over the other? MR. GIBBS: Well, look, I think I was asked in this room prior to the election whether this country had a preference. And we're not going to get involved in picking candidates in elections. Q But he did get involved in a way in saying that. What was he trying to say by saying that? MR. GIBBS: Well, I think he was saying exactly what I've said the past two days, and that is, regardless of the outcome of what we're seeing, the United States still has two principal national interests as it relates to the Islamic Republic of Iran: the state sponsorship of terror and the support of terror, as well as their pursuit of a nuclear weapon. I don't think that's likely to be markedly changed, even throughout this process. And it's something that still obviously is a principal concern of our country and something we'll pursue. Q You said not going to be markedly changed -- you mean no matter who is elected here. MR. GIBBS: Right. And I'm echoing what he said in there, as well as, I think, underscoring that our principal national interest, as it relates to Iran, regardless of the outcome, are still going to be the same. Q Is this another way to phrase that, to say it doesn't really matter who wins this election in Iran? MR. GIBBS: No. Again, I'm not going to get involved and our government is not going to get involved in picking a candidate. Obviously there is international concern for the way an election was conducted, and it's being looked into, and certainly, we believe, rightfully so. But at the same time, again, there are principal national interests that we had as a country Thursday, we had before the polls opened -- the moment before the polls opened and the moment after the polls closed. Those remain. Q No preference? No preference? MR. GIBBS: It's just not the policy of this administration to pick the leaders of other countries. Elections | Iran | Obama Administration | Press Briefing | Robert Gibbs | White House Press Corps Labels: Elections, Iran, Obama Administration, Press Briefing, Robert Gibbs, White House Press Corps
Posted by White House Press Corps @ 7:31:00 PM Something For Iranians To Work Out - White House Press Briefing by Robert Gibbs 6/16/09 — Tuesday, June 16, 2009 — Q I want to follow up on Jonathan's question, just to have it on the record. The President is still willing to talk to Ahmadinejad about U.S.-Iranian issues, even currently, is that correct? MR. GIBBS: I'm sorry? Q The President is still willing to talk to Ahmadinejad about the various U.S. issues, and that's not been changed at all by the -- MR. GIBBS: The President is committed to -- Q -- status of this election? MR. GIBBS: The President is committed to direct engagement with the Iranian government on issues of our national interest, including their pursuit of a nuclear weapon and their sponsorship for terror. Q And the disputed election does not in any way change that? MR. GIBBS: Well, again, the disputed election is something for Iranians to work out. Q Does the administration have an opinion as to whether or not foreign journalists should be allowed to cover that story and remain inside Iran? MR. GIBBS: Obviously the President spoke both yesterday and today about what he thinks of his universal values, and obviously -- Q He spoke about people in the streets and Iranians -- MR. GIBBS: Let me -- Q I'm sorry. MR. GIBBS: I think having a robust free press that covers an important story for the world is something that the President believes strongly in. Q Does the administration believe the Internet and texting access should be restored? MR. GIBBS: Absolutely. Yes, sir. Q A follow-up? Sky News has designated a spot on their Web site, as other organizations have, for people who are tweeting, who are sending SMS's, et cetera. In light of the fact that we don't have a diplomatic relationship, is the White House monitoring these various Web sites for that information? MR. GIBBS: I can check with somebody at NSC, but I don't have anything specific. Q The President said in Cairo that countries that elect their governments are better -- the governments are better, more stable, better able to provide economic opportunities. Does the United States have a national interest in the will of the Iranian people being accurately reflected in this election? MR. GIBBS: Well, I think that he's expressed concern, as the international community has. Obviously any election, if it's going to -- any election should reflect the will of the people. That, by definition, is an election. I would also mention, Scott, that the President said that it's important -- elections are important, but also the decisions that governments make after elections are important. That's why our interests as they relate to the Iranian government are unchanged. Q Robert, are you at all concerned that the measured response of the United States so far to the Iranian elections could harm America or the President's image among democracy advocates not only in Iran but around the world? MR. GIBBS: No, I think this administration's commitment to democracy has been demonstrated in the commitment in resources that we've put forward. But at the same time, I think it's important that I reemphasize what the President said about sovereignty, but more importantly, that I emphasize that this is a debate inside of Iran for Iranians. Ahmadinejad | Democracy | Elections | Iran | President Obama | Press Briefing | Robert Gibbs | White House Press Corps Labels: Ahmadinejad, Democracy, Elections, Iran, President Obama, Press Briefing, Robert Gibbs, White House Press Corps
Posted by White House Press Corps @ 5:38:00 PM Heartened By The Enthusiasm Of Young People In Iran - Air Force One Press Gaggle by Robert Gibbs 6/15/09 — Monday, June 15, 2009 —  MR. GIBBS: How are you guys?Q How are you? MR. GIBBS: Good. Fire away. Q Does the President think the Iranian election was run fairly and that the announced results are accurate? MR. GIBBS: Well, I don't have a lot to add to what -- the statement that we put out this weekend and what Vice President Biden said yesterday. Obviously we continue to have concern about what we've seen. Obviously the Iranians are looking into this, as well. We continue to be heartened by the enthusiasm of young people in Iran. But I think what's important is the concerns that we have about their nuclear weapons program, and the concern we have about their support for terror isn’t any different than it was on Friday. Q Does the margin of victory announced for Ahmadinejad seem reasonable or plausible to the White House? MR. GIBBS: I think there are a number of factors that give us some concern about what we've seen. Air Force One | Democracy | Elections | Iran | Press Gaggle | Robert Gibbs | White House Press Corps Labels: Air Force One, Democracy, Elections, Iran, Press Gaggle, Robert Gibbs, White House Press Corps
Posted by White House Press Corps @ 2:13:00 PM "Pissed" At The Obama Administration - White House Press Briefing by Robert Gibbs 6/12/09 — Friday, June 12, 2009 —  Q I have two questions, Robert. First, how do you respond to the charge that in the hurry to make the President's deadline of closing Guantanamo within a year, some decisions are being made without proper consultation of -- a senior State Department official yesterday said that the British government was "pissed" that they had not been consulted about Uighurs going to Bermuda.MR. GIBBS: I think they were -- if I'm not mistaken, and I don't want to parse the word "pissed," but I think they -- (laughter) -- Q It was their administration's word, not mine. MR. GIBBS: But I think if I read most of the stories correctly, they were not pleased with the government of Bermuda. Q They were "pissed" at the Obama administration, is what we have been told by the State Department. MR. GIBBS: Well, maybe I misread many of the stories -- Q Maybe they were "pissed" at both of you. (Laughter.) MR. GIBBS: There may be a lot of that. I don't know. I think that, again -- Q But we're not getting into that, the issue of just the fact that you are trying to make this deadline, for that reason, there has been criticism that the decision was made to close it before there was a full plan of what to do with all the detainees. The decisions are being made, as you say, on a case by case basis. The other day you couldn't or wouldn't say what would happen to Ghailani if he's found not guilty. Obviously, the British government is not happy -- regardless, of who they're not happy with, whether it's Obama, Bermuda, or both. Clearly, you are trying to make this deadline and decisions are being made before there is completely a plan in place for everything. MR. GIBBS: Well, I think I would obviously take a -- I don't think that's true that any of these decisions are being made in a hasty way. But keep in mind -- let's take, for instance, as I had mentioned here, five of the six transferees just this week were required by a federal court. The Uighurs that we've discussed, five of them were transferred in '05 or '06 to Albania. I don't know if that was a hasty decision. Since they've no record of acting violent since that transfer, I don't think that it would be considered hasty. A court ruled that of the remaining 17, one was -- one should not be labeled an enemy combatant. And the Bush administration labeled, after that, the other 16 being held as not enemy combatants. They've been waiting for a location for resettlement. I don't think moving them was hasty, and I don't think the decisions that are being made are hasty. As I said earlier this week, I think bringing somebody to trial after committing a crime 11 years ago indicted on 286 charges, responsible for taking part, allegedly, in the death of 224 individuals, including 12 Americans in 1998; since it's 2009, I'm not sure many people would think that's hasty. The President and his team are going through this process in a very methodical way, understanding that it's complex, but that the benefits to our security and to our image in the world demand it. International Relations | Obama Administration | Press Briefing | Robert Gibbs | United Kingdom | War on Terror | White House Press Corps Labels: International Relations, Obama Administration, Press Briefing, Robert Gibbs, United Kingdom, War on Terror, White House Press Corps
Posted by White House Press Corps @ 5:36:00 PM Right to Remain Silent - Air Force One Press Gaggle by Bill Burton 6/11/09 — Thursday, June 11, 2009 —  Q Bill, did you and Gibbs clarify reading Miranda rights to combatants in Iraq and Afghanistan?MR. BURTON: I'm going to direct you over to the Department of Justice on that. They put out a statement on that yesterday, and I think that there's been some mischaracterization of what's happening over there. Air Force One | Bill Burton | Department of Justice | Interrogation | Press Gaggle | War on Terror | White House Press Corps Labels: Air Force One, Bill Burton, Department of Justice, Interrogation, Press Gaggle, War on Terror, White House Press Corps
Posted by White House Press Corps @ 9:26:00 PM Miranda Rights Read To Detainees - White House Press Briefing by Robert Gibbs — Wednesday, June 10, 2009 —  MR. GIBBS: Yes, sir.Q Robert, something completely different. Mike Rogers is a member of Congress, Republican from Michigan, has come back from Afghanistan and he tells our network that while he was there he witnessed U.S. military personnel reading Miranda rights to high-value detainees at Bagram detention facility in Afghanistan. He said this -- was informed by the military there that this is a common practice now to, upon their capture of these high-value targets, read them the Miranda rights. And he considers this a significant policy change, one that suggests to him, at least, that the administration has changed the orientation in Afghanistan from war fighting to law enforcement with this use of Miranda rights read to detainees. Would you care to comment on any of those observations? MR. GIBBS: I think I'd need a little bit more information. Q Do you know if that's true or untrue, that the Miranda rights are read? MR. GIBBS: I have no reason to disbelieve a member of Congress, but I don't know any of the circumstances that are involved around it. Q Would it come as a surprise to the White House that that's what would be happening? MR. GIBBS: It's not a surprise to me, but again, I think I'd need a little bit more information to begin to surmise some of what the Congressman has -- I don't know if he spoke with commanders on the ground, I don't know if he saw General McChrystal or -- Q In general does the White House think that's a good idea? MR. GIBBS: Major, let me get a little bit -- I'm happy to look at whatever longer-form information and get someone at NSC also to look at it. I hate to speculate on four sentences off of a report. Q Okay. Just so I understand what you're saying, when you said it wouldn't come as a surprise to you, what did you mean by that? MR. GIBBS: I'm not surprised by a lot in this town anymore. Let me look at what you're talking about -- Q You're not contesting that that's a policy that's being used? I'm just trying to make sure I understand what you're saying. MR. GIBBS: I feel like you should be reading me my rights. (Laughter.) That's why I'm hoping to get my lawyer. Again, I'm happy to look at whatever you have and try to give you an informed opinion based on somebody who's got greater jurisdiction over detainees at Bagram. That's outside of my portfolio. Afghanistan | Department of Justice | Interrogation | Obama Administration | Press Briefing | Robert Gibbs | War on Terror | White House Press Corps Labels: Afghanistan, Department of Justice, Interrogation, Obama Administration, Press Briefing, Robert Gibbs, War on Terror, White House Press Corps
Posted by White House Press Corps @ 7:20:00 PM |
