Friday
May072010
White House Gaggle With Press Secretary Robert Gibbs
Friday, May 7, 2010 at 1:23PM
Supreme Court Nominee
-The President’s nominee to the Supreme Court could be named “at any moment,” but Gibbs contends he has not been told the President’s conclusion.
-Gibbs fielded question on likely nominee Elena Kagan’s paid advisory role with Goldman Sachs and noted that the panel she had served on had nothing to do with the behavior that the investment bank has landed in hot water over. He also pointed out that the Senate was made aware of this when Kagan was cleared as Inspector General. When asked if this would present a problem if she was nominated, Gibbs said no.
-Would not answer if the President is still doing interviews.
Dow Drop
-Gibbs gave an outline of what happened surrounding yesterday’s plunge in the stock market. Larry Summers met with the President shortly after and Geithner and Summers met in the afternoon.
-The President believes the circumstances surrounding the plunge should be looked at by the regulators (SEC etc.), however, Gibbs would not provide a timeline on this.
Times Square Suspect
-Hesitant to comment on an ongoing investigation.
-Pakistan continues to be an ally.
-The incident has not necessarily accelerated efforts to get a TSA nominee, since the effort was already underway.
-Steps have been taken to improve airport security.
Karzai
-Hamid Karzai is coming to the White House Wednesday.
-Will talk about the elections, where they are in increasing security, training Afghan security forces and what needs to be done for general improvement. More will be announced this afternoon.
Nashville Floods
-There are no plans for the President to visit Nashville amid the city’s flood.
-President has spoken with Tenn. governor several times, FEMA director was on ground before the rain started.
-White House wants to stay out of the way until the direct response is taken care of.
Energy/ Gulf Coast
-Despite threats from Sen. Lindsey Graham that he will back out of new energy legislation if the Democrats pursue immigration reform, Gibbs said the White House still has a good relationship with the Graham.
-The seasonal increase in fuel prices this summer will likely serve as an impetus to get legislation done.
-The oil spill alone is not a major factor in why this must be done. The inaction from past administrations’ makes this time “more ripe than it ever ... has been.
-Reiterated idea that drilling alone will not lead to energy independence.
-Nobody should use Gulf Coast incident as justification of oil prices going up, since the oil was not meant for market.
Job Numbers
-This is the most robust jobs report in three years.
-Best manufacturing numbers in more than a decade.
-Three positive quarters of GDP growth has played an important role.
U.K. Elections
-“A bit fascinating to watch”
-Outcome will likely not affect the economy.
-U.S. looks forward to working with whoever is named Prime Minister, the special relationship between the U.S. and England will continue.
-The President’s nominee to the Supreme Court could be named “at any moment,” but Gibbs contends he has not been told the President’s conclusion.
-Gibbs fielded question on likely nominee Elena Kagan’s paid advisory role with Goldman Sachs and noted that the panel she had served on had nothing to do with the behavior that the investment bank has landed in hot water over. He also pointed out that the Senate was made aware of this when Kagan was cleared as Inspector General. When asked if this would present a problem if she was nominated, Gibbs said no.
-Would not answer if the President is still doing interviews.
Dow Drop
-Gibbs gave an outline of what happened surrounding yesterday’s plunge in the stock market. Larry Summers met with the President shortly after and Geithner and Summers met in the afternoon.
-The President believes the circumstances surrounding the plunge should be looked at by the regulators (SEC etc.), however, Gibbs would not provide a timeline on this.
Times Square Suspect
-Hesitant to comment on an ongoing investigation.
-Pakistan continues to be an ally.
-The incident has not necessarily accelerated efforts to get a TSA nominee, since the effort was already underway.
-Steps have been taken to improve airport security.
Karzai
-Hamid Karzai is coming to the White House Wednesday.
-Will talk about the elections, where they are in increasing security, training Afghan security forces and what needs to be done for general improvement. More will be announced this afternoon.
Nashville Floods
-There are no plans for the President to visit Nashville amid the city’s flood.
-President has spoken with Tenn. governor several times, FEMA director was on ground before the rain started.
-White House wants to stay out of the way until the direct response is taken care of.
Energy/ Gulf Coast
-Despite threats from Sen. Lindsey Graham that he will back out of new energy legislation if the Democrats pursue immigration reform, Gibbs said the White House still has a good relationship with the Graham.
-The seasonal increase in fuel prices this summer will likely serve as an impetus to get legislation done.
-The oil spill alone is not a major factor in why this must be done. The inaction from past administrations’ makes this time “more ripe than it ever ... has been.
-Reiterated idea that drilling alone will not lead to energy independence.
-Nobody should use Gulf Coast incident as justification of oil prices going up, since the oil was not meant for market.
Job Numbers
-This is the most robust jobs report in three years.
-Best manufacturing numbers in more than a decade.
-Three positive quarters of GDP growth has played an important role.
U.K. Elections
-“A bit fascinating to watch”
-Outcome will likely not affect the economy.
-U.S. looks forward to working with whoever is named Prime Minister, the special relationship between the U.S. and England will continue.
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