President Discusses National, Economic Security in Cabinet Meeting
Remarks by the President After Meeting with Cabinet Members
The Cabinet Room
11:42 A.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all for coming. I met with my Cabinet,
we talked about national security matters and economic security
matters. We're making good progress on the economy; looks like we're
growing, and that's important. Last month we -- people are finding
work, but we're not satisfied with the progress that is being made. We
talked about ways to continue the economic vitality of our country.
The tax cuts need to be made permanent so there's certainty in the tax
code. We need an energy plan so that our businesses and employers,
both large and small, know there's a reliable source of energy
available.
We talked about trade and this administration's commitment to free
and fair trade, that administrative officials will continue to press
certain countries to open up their markets to U.S. product. We talked
about the need to have associated health care plans so that our small
businesses have affordable health care. And, finally, we talked about
the need for legal reform. There's just too many lawsuits, junk
lawsuits which drive up the cost of health care.
And in a lot of these matters the Congress needs to join with this
administration to pass good law so that the American people can find
work. We're an optimistic administration because good things are
beginning to happen in our country. We will not rest until everybody
who is looking for work can find a job.
I want to thank the members of the Cabinet for serving our nation
with such class and distinction. And I'll be glad to answer some
questions, starting with the AP man.
Q Thank you, Mr. President. Back in August, you said you
thought Arnold Schwarzenegger would make a good governor. We've
learned some new things about him. There's an election today. Do you
still feel that way?
THE PRESIDENT: I feel like the California people are going to make
a wise decision, that they -- they are now in charge of the process.
And it looks like there's a pretty active turnout in absentee ballots
and people are taking it seriously, and I have no idea how the election
is going to turn out.
Q Is he the kind of guy you could work with?
THE PRESIDENT: If he's the governor, I'll work with him,
absolutely. He's obviously waged a spirited campaign, he's captured a
lot of people's imagination. I haven't been paying that close
attention to it, because I've got a job to do here in Washington. But
the process is about over, the people of California are going to speak
and I look forward to seeing what the results are. I may not stay up
for it -- (laughter) -- all night long. I'll be reading your stories
first thing in the morning.
Dana.
Q Mr. President, beyond the actual leak of classified
information, there are reports that someone in the administration was
trying to -- after it was already out -- actively spread the story,
even calling Ambassador Wilson's wife "fair game." Are you asking your
staff is anyone did that? And would it be wrong or even a fire-able
offense if that happened?
THE PRESIDENT: Well, the investigators will ask our staff about
what people did or did not do. This is a town of -- where a lot of
people leak. And I've constantly expressed my displeasure with leaks,
particularly leaks of classified information. And I want to know, I
want to know the truth. I want to see to it that the truth prevail.
And I hope we can get this investigation done in a thorough way, as
quickly as possible.
But the Justice Department will conduct this investigation. The
professionals in the Justice Department will be involved in ferreting
out the truth. These are citizens who will -- were here before this
administration arrived and will be here after this administration
leaves. And they'll come to the bottom of this, and we'll find out the
truth. And that will be -- that's a good thing for this
administration.
Stretch.
Q Mr. President, a survey of economists that we published
yesterday found that -- it was between 40 and 50 of them -- and they
think that the growth rate over the next year may only be in the low 3
percent range, and that's below the 4 percent range that you and your
economic advisors have said will be needed to create the kind of jobs
that will really keep the growth going. Does that concern you? Do you
think those predictions are accurate?
THE PRESIDENT: Well, one thing is certain, that the growth rate is
going to be positive, as opposed to the negative growth rate we
inherited. In other words, we came into office and dealt with a
recession, then dealt with attacks, then dealt with corporate scandals,
dealt with the march to war, all of which affected the confidence of
the people. And we put forth a very aggressive tax plan, because we
believe that that is the best way to help this country grow out of
recession.
I've just outlined other things that need to happen in order to
make sure that the people are able to find work. Dick, I am not very
good about guessing about the economy. There's all kinds of experts,
you'll probably find all kinds of opinions. But I do know that the
actions we have taken were necessary actions and that are good -- they
were good actions for economic vitality and growth.
The Congress needs to work with us for an energy plan. They need
to work with us for good liability reform. We will continue to press
to open up foreign markets. I'm a free trader, but I'm also a fair
trader. And I believe our manufacturing sector, for example, must be
treated fairly in foreign markets.
We need an energy plan. We've debated an energy plan for too
long. This administration has put forth a very good energy plan. And
Congress needs to quit debating the idea, get the differences
reconciled and get a bill to my desk. I'm confident Senator Domenici
and Representative Tauzin want to do just that. So there are other
things to do to get this economy moving, and we'll see what -- see what
happens.
I will tell you I'm optimistic, and I'm optimistic because things
are improving. But there's a lot more to do.
Randy.
Q Mr. President, how confident are you the investigation will
find the leaker in the CIA case? And what do you make of Sharon's
comment that Israel will strike its enemies at any place, any time?
THE PRESIDENT: This is the dual question. (Laughter.) I'm trying
to figure out if I want to answer either of them, since you violated a
major rule. (Laughter.) At least it's not a cell phone. (Laughter.)
Randy, you tell me, how many sources have you had that's leaked
information that you've exposed or have been exposed? Probably none.
I mean this town is a -- is a town full of people who like to leak
information. And I don't know if we're going to find out the senior
administration official. Now, this is a large administration, and
there's a lot of senior officials. I don't have any idea. I'd like
to. I want to know the truth. That's why I've instructed this staff
of mine to cooperate fully with the investigators -- full disclosure,
everything we know the investigators will find out. I have no idea
whether we'll find out who the leaker is -- partially because, in all
due respect to your profession, you do a very good job of protecting
the leakers. But we'll find out.
In terms of Prime Minister Sharon, I have constantly said Israel
should defend herself. But I've also told -- as I mentioned to you at
the press availability yesterday -- that it's important for the Prime
Minister to avoid escalation, that the decisions he makes to defend her
people are valid decisions. We would be doing the same thing. This
country will defend our people.
But we are also mindful when we make decisions, as the Prime
Minister should be, that the -- that he fully understand the
consequences of any decision and that while he defends his people that
there is not -- that he doesn't create the conditions necessary for --
that would cause the escalation -- the violence to escalate.
Q Did the strike on Syria -- did the strike on Syria cause an
escalation?
THE PRESIDENT: The Prime Minister must defend his country. It's
essential. This is a country which recently was attacked by a suicider
that killed innocent children and women, people that were celebrating
in a restaurant. And he must do what is necessary to protect himself.
At the same time, as I said yesterday and will continue to say to Ariel
Sharon, avoid escalating violence.
Listen, thank you all. Anybody else did not get a question in this
vaunted press corps?
Q Red Sox -- Red Sox or Yankees?
THE PRESIDENT: Listen, I'm excited about the playoffs. I tuned in
after the State Dinner that was somewhat covered in the press
yesterday. (Laughter.) But it was -- you know, it's good for
baseball. My team, of course, was eliminated in June. (Laughter.)
Thank you.