Notes From Today's White House Briefing

From Thursday’s briefing with White House Press Secretary Jay Carney.

Europe:
Headwinds from the European crises? We need to control the things that we control. We believe that their challenge is significant and needs to be dealt with.

Super Committee:

The committee needs to act. The President has put forward a plan and he hopes that the Congress will take that up. He wants everyone to get a fair shake with prosperity and the long term burden. We can’t take off the table revenues. We can’t say that the burden should be borne by the middle class. Independents and Republicans have this view anywhere but in Washington.

Afghanistan:

He will keep his commitments including the draw down in Afghanistan. By 2014 there will be a transfer. We are working towards a goal of security in Afghanistan by use of the Afghan forces. We anticipate keeping the schedule.

Oakland Police:

Don’t know that he has seen the footage. We understand the frustrations that have led to these demonstrations. There is concern that the perception is that Wall Street acted in way that these protests are about. We insist that everyone behave in a lawful manner even as they protest. We understand the frustrations that are being expressed. Main street and Wall street should operate with the same set of rules. We have long and noble tradition of free expression and free speech but laws should be obeyed. 

The Speaker on Laura Ingraham: (watching things the President does carefully) 

We have been within the law. They are issuing coins for baseball and they are leaving in a couple of hours. Congress should act. They have the President’s plan. They should do things that create jobs. 

On the budget: 

The House did pass a provision for the 3% withholding to withhold that money from contractors. It was part of the President’s plan. Look at what independent economists say about the plan. Most Democrats are voting for it. 100% of the Republicans are voting against it. The President had been around the US in Red, Blue and Purple states. Republicans are going to have to explain to their constituents why they are saying that millionaires and billionaires can’t pay a little bit more. Maybe will get the 60 and pass a measure on infrastructure.