Today's White House Briefing Notes: Libya, Pakistan And More

On Libya:

White House Press Secretary Jay Carney said that the White House is sending a letter and report (30 pages) about Libya to Congress this afternoon. The report includes legal analysis that explains U.S. actions that are consistent with the War Powers Resolution, he said. Carney stressed that the mission — which the AP is now referring to as a “civil war” — has protected Libyan civilians against Moammar Gaddafi and has prevented more deaths. Carney said that President Obama has carried out the mission without breaking his promise to the American people about the U.S. long-term involvement and without sending any ground troops. Ten lawmakers filed a joint lawsuit against the mission in DC court today, but Carney says that White House feels confident that this new letter/report will help answer questions. The White House has actively consulted with Congress more than forty times, and will continue to work and consult with Congress if there are more questions, Carney said.

On report that big donors have received administration jobs:

Carney said that the White House looks for the most qualified candidates representing America from all walks of life when it makes appointments. This administration has the toughest ethics standards and highest level of transparency of any government, he added. “Being a supporter does not qualify you for a job or guarantee you a job, but it does not disqualify you, obviously. We stand by all our appointments.” When asked whether someone who donated $500,000 has a leg up on a position, Carney said no. We look at qualification, not the money they raise, he said. There are highly qualified people that are also very successful, he added. Carney pointed to himself as an example of someone who got a job without donating or raising any money for the President. People who are qualified and like the President are not disqualified for a job, but people are appointed on merit and not for what they donate, Carney said. You have to have the skills and qualification for the job to get it.

On Pakistan:

Carney was asked to comment on the report about Pakistan arresting CIA informants and he could not comment on the substance on the report but said that the administration is actively engaged with Pakistani authorities. Pakistan is a partner to the United States and the relationship is “an extremely important and complicated” one, he said. The cooperation that we do get from Pakistan has been vital for our national security, and Pakistan has worked with the U.S. in going after terrorism, as more terrorists have been killed on Pakistani soil than any other country, Carney stated. “We continue to work with Pakistan and it remains an important relationship.” “It is not always an easy relationship but it is a vital one.” When asked about the reliability of Pakistan as a partner, Carney replied, “I think it is a complicated relationship that is not perfect and that requires a lot of attention - we give it that attention because it is important to our national security interest to do that.”

On the possibility of a troop drawdown in Afghanistan next month:

Carney said that Obama will meet with Defense Secretary Robert Gates today, and will look at recommendations from his commanders, including General Petraeus and the national security team. The President will make the decision soon about the beginning of the drawdown, as this is the continuation, the implementation of his policy that was set back in the December 2009, said Carney. As the President reviews the options, he will consult with a number of people.

On White House/Congress deficit talks being led by VP Joe Biden:

Carney said that there are no deadlines, but President Obama is regularly involved and as this process moves forward the he will engage even more directly with leaders. However, Carney added, the President is frequently updated by Vice President Biden and other members of his economic team. He will continue to get those updates and engage directly at the appropriate time, Carney said. The Vice President met yesterday with leaders on Capitol Hill and will talk to them more tomorrow. “The stakes are high in the sense that everyone agrees that we have to have significant deficit reduction and everyone agrees …that we need to raise the debt ceiling so that we don’t default on our obligations.”

On this weekend’s Golf Summit between Obama and House Speaker John Boehner:

When asked if the President is going to discuss deficit reduction while golfing, Carney said that this is a social occasion and there is no agenda or talking points, but simply a way for the two leaders to get together outside of their offices and grow their relationship. It’s fair to assume that the pair will touch on certain business items, such as ongoing deficit talks, said Carney. “They are not going to wrap up the 18th hole and come out and say that we have a deal. “But this social occasion is a good thing— spending number of hours together in that kind of environment can only help improve the chances of bipartisan cooperation. It certainly can’t cannot hurt it unless someone wins really big,” Carney joked.