[Peace-discuss] Fwd: [Ufpj-disc] Transcriptof
Obama's nationalsecurity press conference
Rachel Storm
rstorm2 at illinois.edu
Wed Dec 3 17:50:12 CST 2008
Or how about:
"Change ensured, if you keep to your word!"
"No SPARE CHANGE" (could refer to bailout and obama's "change mantra)
or "Change Cannot be Spared!" on the back?
"A promise is a promise."
"Make America Honest, A Promise is a Promise"
---- Original message ----
>Date: Wed, 3 Dec 2008 17:28:19 -0600
>From: "unionyes" <unionyes at ameritech.net>
>Subject: Re: [Peace-discuss] Fwd: [Ufpj-disc] Transcriptof Obama's nationalsecurity press conference
>To: <jencart13 at yahoo.com>
>Cc: Peace-discuss List <peace-discuss at lists.chambana.net>
>
> So in light of this, what does everyone now think
> about a peace demo at the innaguration ?
>
> Signs like ; " WE VOTED FOR CHANGE NOT MORE OF THE
> SAME " !
>
> David J.
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Jenifer Cartwright
> To: Peace Discuss ; Brussel Morton K.
> Sent: Wednesday, December 03, 2008 4:57 PM
> Subject: Re: [Peace-discuss] Fwd: [Ufpj-disc]
> Transcriptof Obama's nationalsecurity press
> conference
>
> Well... If you disliked the transcript, you'll really
> hate the speech. Actually, reading this isn't as bad as
> hearing it was -- again, Obama's tone of voice was one
> I'd never heard him use before -- he definitely
> sounded on the offensive. The spoken words that stood out
> were: power, threat, power, US interests, military power,
> security, power and power. Reading it I can actually see
> words like negotiate, education, opportunity, moral
> example, lasting peace, accountability, ending the war in
> Iraq, adhere to the constitution, against genocide,
> poverty and disease, UN as indespensable. As I also said
> in an earlier post, maybe the speech came off this way in
> part because he thinks everyone's unnerved about the
> bombings in India and needs to be reassured that the US
> is safe w/ him at the helm. And it was a speech about
> security and the security team. Still, really, really
> awful to hear (especially).
> --Jenifer
>
> --- On Wed, 12/3/08, Brussel Morton K.
> <mkbrussel at comcast.net> wrote:
>
> From: Brussel Morton K. <mkbrussel at comcast.net>
> Subject: [Peace-discuss] Fwd: [Ufpj-disc] Transcriptof
> Obama's national security press conference
> To: "Peace Discuss" <peace-discuss at anti-war.net>
> Date: Wednesday, December 3, 2008, 3:29 PM
>
> Disgusting, hypocritial words from Obama at his recent
> press conference. Here is the transcript. It's long and
> depressing, but important to know. --mkb
>
> http://votersforpeace.us/press/index.php?itemid=957
>
> Obama's National Security Team Announcement :
> Transcript
>
> The following is the transcript of President-Elect
> Barack Obama's National Security Team announcement as
> provided by CQ Transcriptions.
>
> OBAMA: Good morning, everybody. I hope you all had a
> wonderful Thanksgiving.
>
> Last week, we announced our economic team which is
> working as we speak to craft an economic recovery
> program to create jobs and grow our struggling
> economy.
>
> Today, Vice President-elect Biden and I are pleased
> to announce our national security team. The national
> security challenges we face are just as great and
> just as urgent as our economic crisis. We are
> fighting two wars. Our old conflicts remain
> unresolved. And newly- asserted powers have put
> strains on the international system.
>
> The spread of nuclear weapons raises the peril that
> the world's deadliest technologies could fall into
> dangerous hands. Our dependence on foreign oil
> empowers authoritarian governments and endangers our
> planet.
>
> America must also be strong at home to be strong
> abroad. We need to provide education and opportunity
> to all our citizens so every American can compete
> with anyone anywhere. And our economic power must
> sustain our military strength, our diplomatic
> leverage, and our global leadership.
>
> The common thread linking these challenges is the
> fundamental reality that in the 21st century, our
> destiny is shared with the world's from our markets
> to our security. From our public health to our
> climate, we must act with that understanding that now
> more than ever, we have a stake in what happens
> across the globe. And as we learn so painfully on
> 9-11, terror cannot be contained by borders nor
> safely provided by oceans alone.
>
> Last week, we were reminded of this threat once again
> when terrorists took the lives of six Americans among
> nearly 200 victims in Mumbai.
>
> In the world we seek, there is no place for those who
> kill innocent civilians to advance hateful extremism.
> This weekend, I told Prime Minister Singh of India
> that Americans stand with the people of India in this
> dark time. And I am confident that India's great
> democracy is more resilient than killers who would
> tear it down.
>
> OBAMA: And so in this uncertain world, the time has
> come for a new beginning, a new dawn of American
> leadership to overcome the challenges of the 21st
> century and to seize the opportunities embedded in
> these challenges.
>
> We will strengthen our capacity to defeat our enemies
> and support our friends. We will renew old alliances
> and forge new and enduring partnerships. We will show
> the world once more that America is relentless in the
> defense of our people, steady in advancing our
> interests, and committed to the ideals that shine as
> a beacon to the world. Democracy and justice,
> opportunity and unyielding hope because American
> values are America's greatest export to the world.
>
> To succeed, we must pursue a new strategy that
> skillfully using, balances, and integrates all
> elements of American power, our military, and
> diplomacy, our intelligence and law enforcement, our
> economy and the power of our moral example. The team
> that we've assembled here today is uniquely suited to
> do just that.
>
> In their past service and plans for the future, these
> men and women represent all of the those elements of
> American power and the very best of the American
> example. They've served in you uniform and as
> diplomats. They have worked as legislators, law
> enforcement officials, and executives. They share my
> pragmatism about the use of power and my sense of
> purpose about America's role as a leader in the
> world.
>
> I have known Hillary Clinton as a friend, a
> colleague, a source of counsel, and a tough campaign
> opponent. She possesses an extraordinary intelligence
> and a remarkable work ethic. I am proud that she will
> be our next secretary of state. She's an American of
> tremendous stature who will have my complete
> confidence, who know many of the world's leaders, who
> will command respect in every capital, and who will
> clearly have the ability to advance our interests
> around the world.
>
> Hillary's appointment is a sign to friend and foe of
> the seriousness of my commitment to renew American
> diplomacy and restore our alliances. There's much to
> do from preventing the spread of nuclear weapons to
> Iran and North Korea, to seeking a lasting peace
> between Israel and the Palestinians, to strengthening
> international institutions.
>
> I think no doubt that Hillary Clinton is the right
> person to lead our State Department and to work with
> me in tackling this ambitious foreign policy agenda.
> At a time when we face unprecedented transition
> amidst two wars, I've asked Secretary Robert Gates to
> continue as secretary of defense. And I'm pleased
> that he's accepted. Two years ago, he took over the
> Pentagon at a difficult time. He restored
> accountability. He won the confidence of military
> commanders and the trust of our brave men and women
> in uniform as well as their families.
>
> He earned the respect of members of Congress on both
> sides of the aisle for his pragmatism and competence.
> He knows that we need a sustainable national security
> strategy. And that includes a bipartisan consensus at
> home.
>
> As I said throughout the campaign, I will be giving
> Secretary Gates and our military a new mission as
> soon as I take office -- responsibly ending the war
> in Iraq through a successful transition to Iraqi
> control.
>
> We will ensure that we have the strategy and
> resources to succeed against Al Qaida and the
> Taliban. As Bob said not too long ago, Afghanistan is
> where the War on Terror began, and it is where it
> must end. Going forward, we will continue to make the
> investments necessary to strengthen our military and
> increase our ground forces to defeat the threats of
> the 21st century.
>
> Eric Holder has the talent and commitment to succeed
> as attorney everyone from his first day on the job,
> which is even more important in a transition that
> demands vigilance. He has distinguished himself as a
> prosecutor, a judge, and a senior official. And he is
> deeply familiar with the law enforcement challenges
> we face from terrorism to counterintelligence, from
> white-collar crime to public corruption.
>
> Eric also has the combination of toughness and
> independence that we need at the Justice Department.
> Let me be clear. The attorney general serves the
> American people. And I have every expectation that
> Eric will protect our people, uphold the public
> trust, and adhere to our Constitution.
>
> Janet Napolitano offers of the experience and
> executive skills we need in the next secretary of
> homeland security. She has spent her career
> protecting people as a U.S. attorney, an attorney
> general, and as the governor of Arizona. She
> understands the need for a Department of Homeland
> Security that has the capacity to help prevent
> terrorist attacks and respond to catastrophe be it
> manmade or natural.
>
> OBAMA: Janet assumes this critical role having
> learned the lessons, some of them painful, of the
> last several years from 9-11 to Katrina. She insists
> on competence and accountability. She knows firsthand
> the need to have a partner in Washington that works
> well with state and local governments.
>
> She understands as well as anyone the danger of an
> unsecure border. And she will be a leader who can
> reform a sprawling department while safeguarding our
> homeland.
>
> Susan Rice will take on the crucial task of serving
> as permanent representative of the United States to
> the United Nations. Susan has been a close and
> trusted adviser. As in previous administrations, the
> UN ambassador will serve as a member of my Cabinet
> and in integral member of my team.
>
> Her background as a scholar on the National Security
> Council and assistant secretary of state will serve
> our nation well at the United Nations. Susan knows
> the global challenges we face demand global
> institutions that work.
>
> She shares my belief that the UN is an indispensable
> and imperfect forum. She will carry the message that
> our commitment to multi-lateral action must be
> coupled with a commitment to reform.
>
> We need the United Nations to be more effective as a
> venue for collective action against terror and
> proliferation, climate change and genocide, poverty
> and disease.
>
> Finally, I am convinced that General James Jones is
> uniquely suited to be a strong and skilled national
> security adviser. Generations of Joneses have served
> heroically on the battlefield from the breech beaches
> of Tarawa in World War II to Fox Trot Ridge in
> Vietnam.
>
> Jim's Silver Star is a proud part of that legacy. He
> will bring to the job the duel experience of serving
> in uniform and as a diplomat. He has commanded a
> platoon in battle, served as supreme allied commander
> in a time of war, and worked on behalf of peace in
> the Middle East.
>
> Jim is focused on the threats of today and the
> future. He understands the connection between energy
> and natural security and has worked on the front
> lines of global instability from Kosovo to Northern
> Iraq to Afghanistan. He will advise me and work
> effectively to integrate our efforts across the
> government so that we are effectively using all
> elements of American power to defeat unconventional
> threats and promote our values.
>
> I am confident that this team is what we need to make
> a new beginning for American national security. This
> morning, we met to discuss the situation in Mumbai
> and some of the challenges that we face in the months
> and years ahead.
>
> In the coming weeks, I will be in close contact with
> these advisers who will be working with their
> counterparts in the Bush administration to make sure
> that we are ready to hit the ground running on
> January 20th. Given the range of threats that we face
> and the vulnerability that can be a part of every
> presidential transition, I hope that we can proceed
> swiftly for those natural security officials who
> demand confirmation.
>
> We move forward with the humility that comes with
> knowing that there are brave men and women protecting
> us on our frontlines, diplomats and intelligence
> officers in dangerous corners of the world, troops
> serving their second, third, or fourth tours, FBI
> agents in the field, cops on the beat, prosecutors in
> our courts, and cargo inspectors at our ports.
>
> These selfless Americans whose name are unknown to
> most of us, will form the backbone of our effort. If
> we serve as well as they are serving, we will protect
> our country and promote our values.
>
> And as we move forward with respect for American's
> tradition of a bipartisan national security policy
> and a commitment to national unity, we have to recall
> that when it comes to keeping our nation and our
> people safe, we are not Republicans or Democrats. We
> are Americans. There's no monopoly of power of wisdom
> in either party.
>
> Together, as one nation, as one people, we can shape
> our times instead of being shaped by them. Together,
> we will meet the challenges of the 21st century not
> with fear but with hope.
>
> Now, before I take questions, I'd like to invite my
> team to say a few words. And I'm going to start with
> my dear friend, Hillary Clinton.
>
> CLINTON: Mr. President-elect, thank you for this
> honor. If confirmed, I will give this assignment,
> your administration, and our country my all. I also
> want to thank my fellow New Yorkers who have, for
> eight years, given me the joy of a job I love with
> the opportunity to work on issues I care about deeply
> in a state that I cherish.
>
> And you've also helped prepare me well for this new
> role. After all, New Yorkers aren't afraid to speak
> their minds and do so in every language. Leaving the
> Senate is very difficult for me. But during the last
> few weeks, I thought often of our troops serving
> bravely under difficult circumstances in Iraq,
> Afghanistan, and elsewhere.
>
> I thought of those other Americans in our foreign and
> civil services working hard to promote and protect
> our interests around the world. And I thought of the
> daunting tasks ahead for our country. An economy that
> is reeling, a climate that is warming. And as we saw
> with the horrible events in Mumbai, threats that are
> relentless.
>
> The fate of our nation and the future of our children
> will be forged in the crucible of these global
> challenges. America cannot solve these crises without
> the world, and the world cannot solve them without
> America.
>
> By electing Barack Obama our next president, the
> American people have demanded not just a new
> direction at home but a new effort to renew America's
> standing in the world as a force for positive change.
> We know our security, our values, and our interests
> cannot be protected and advanced by force alone nor,
> indeed, by Americans.
>
> We must pursue vigorous diplomacy using all the tools
> we can muster to build a future with more partners
> and fewer adversaries, more opportunities and fewer
> dangers for all who seek freedom, peace, and
> prosperity.
>
> America is a place founded on the idea that everyone
> should have the right to live up to his or her
> God-given potential. And it is that same ideal that
> must guide America's purpose in the world today. And
> while we are determined to defend our freedoms and
> liberties at all costs, we also reach out to the
> world again seeking common cause and higher ground.
>
> And so I believe the best way to continue serving my
> country is to join President-elect Obama, Vice
> President-elect Biden, the leaders here, and the
> dedicated public servants of the State Department on
> behalf of our nation at this defining moment.
> President Kennedy one said that engaging the world to
> meet the threats we face was the greatest adventure
> of our century.
>
> Well, Mr. President-elect, I am proud to join you on
> what will be a difficult and exciting adventure in
> this new century. And may God bless you and all who
> serve with you and our great country.
>
> GATES: I am deeply honored that the president-elect
> has asked me to continue as secretary of defense.
> Mindful that we are engaged in two wars and face
> other serious challenges at home and around the
> world, and with a profound sense of personal
> responsibility to and for our men and women in
> uniform and their families, I must do my duty as they
> do theirs. How could I do otherwise?
>
> Serving in this position for nearly two years, and
> especially the opportunity to lead our brave and
> dedicated soldiers, sailor, airmen, Marines, and
> defense civilians has been the most gratifying
> experience of my life. I am honored to continue to
> serve them and our country. And I will be honored to
> serve President-elect Obama.
>
> HOLDER: Thank you, President-elect Obama, for the
> honor that you have bestowed upon me. I look forward
> to working with you and the members of this national
> security team assembled here.
>
> The Department of Justice plays a unique role on this
> team. It is incumbent those of us who lead the
> department to ensure not only that the nation is safe
> but also that our laws and traditions are respected.
> There is not a tangent (ph) between those two. We can
> and we must ensure that the American people remain
> secure and that the great constitutional guarantees
> that define us as a nation are truly valued.
>
> For example, working with Republicans and Democrats
> in Congress, should I be confirmed, we look forward
> to actually structuring policies that are both
> protective and consistent with who we are as a
> nation.
>
> HOLDER: I also look forward to working with the men
> and women of the Department of Justice to revitalize
> the department's efforts in those areas where the
> department that's unique capabilities and
> responsibilities in keeping our people safe and
> ensuring fairness and in protecting our environment.
>
> This president-elect and the team you see before you
> are prepared to meet the challenges that we will
> confront. From my experience at the Department of
> Justice, I know that we cannot be successful if we
> act alone. We must never forget that in many ways
> those in state and local law enforcement are our
> first line of detection and protection against those
> from foreign shores who would do us harm.
>
> We will need to interact with our state and local
> partners in new innovative ways to help them solve
> the other issues that they confront on a daily basis.
> National security concerns are not defined only by
> the challenges created by terrorists abroad but also
> by criminals in our midst, whether they be criminals
> located on the street or in a board room.
>
> We must forge new ties and reestablish old bonds with
> our state and local partners. There is much that
> needs to be done in this new century. I am confident
> that working with our president-elect, the people on
> this stage and the departments that they represent,
> those of both parties who I know and respect on
> Capitol Hill, we can keep our nation safe, strong,
> and respected.
>
> It is now my pleasure to introduce Janet Napolitano,
> a great governor and an old friend.
>
> NAPOLITANO: Thank you, Eric.
>
> President-elect Obama, I am honored by your
> confidence in me and your support. Your message of
> change has resonated with the American people as has
> the clarity and the confidence of our vision of a
> United States that is safe, secure, and effective in
> the world and at home.
>
> The team you have assembled faces the challenge of
> protecting our homeland with constant vigilance and
> relentless work to prevent terrorist attacks. It also
> will plan carefully and thorough so that our domestic
> response to all hazards is fast, sound, levelheaded,
> and effective. Americans deserve no less.
>
> To achieve this high level of performance, it will be
> my job and the job of this team to hold ourselves and
> our agencies accountable, to coordinate fully across
> the spectrum of government agencies and to ensure
> that we work hand in hand with state and local
> governments to share information, secure our borders,
> and keep our country safe.
>
> We are a nation that will be proud, prepared, and
> resilient. Thank you for the opportunity to serve.
> And I would be remiss if I did not also thank the
> wonderful people of Arizona. Like Hillary, it is
> difficult to leave one job for another, but one must
> go where one can best serve.
>
> It's now my privilege to introduce to you the nominee
> to be it the ambassador of the United Nations, Susan
> Rice.
>
> RICE: Mr. President-elect, Mr. Vice President-elect,
> I am deeply honored and grateful for the opportunity
> to serve you and our great country as the U.S.
> permanent representative to the United Nations. I
> look forward to working with this outstanding
> bipartisan national security team to implement your
> visionary agenda, to strengthen our security, and
> renew American's leadership in the world.
>
> I want to take this opportunity to thank my parents
> who taught me that no dream is too bold to embrace.
> My husband and our children, Jake and Maris (ph), for
> their patience, love, and sacrifice.
>
> With your election, Mr. President-elect, the American
> people have signaled to the world that our nation is
> on the path to change. Now, we must fulfill that
> promise by joining with others to meet the challenges
> and seize the opportunities of the 21st century to
> prevent conflict, to promote peace, combat terrorism,
> present the spread and use of nuclear weapons, tackle
> climate change, end genocide, fight poverty and
> disease.
>
> All of these goals are vital to America's security
> but none can be accomplished by America alone. To
> enhance our common security, we must invest in our
> common humanity. And to do so, we need capable
> partners and far more effective international
> institutions.
>
> The United Nations was, in major part, America's
> creation.
>
> RICE: Mr. President-elect, I share your commitment to
> rededicate ourselves to the organization and its
> mission. If confirmed, as U.N. ambassador, I will
> work constructively within the organization to help
> strengthen its capacities and achieve needed reforms.
>
> I can think of no more important time to represent
> the United States at the United Nations. Mr.
> President-elect, thank you for the confidence you've
> placed in me and for the opportunity to serve in this
> vital mission.
>
> It's now my pleasure to introduce General James
> Jones.
>
> JONES: Mr. President-elect, Mr. Vice President-elect,
> members of this tremendous team assembled this
> morning, I'm deeply humbled to have been asked by the
> president-elect to serve as national security adviser
> especially during the challenging times we currently
> face.
>
> And Mr. President-elect, I deeply appreciate your
> mentions my family's contribution to our national
> security since 1939.
>
> As has been previously mentioned, national security
> in the 21st century comprising a portfolio which
> includes all elements of our national power and
> influence working in coordination and harmony towards
> the desired goal of keeping our nation safe, helping
> to make our world a better place, and providing
> opportunity to live in peace and security for the
> generations to follow.
>
> I am deeply humbled and deeply appreciative of this
> great opportunity, and I am very proud now to
> introduce a man who will play a key role in making
> this come to pass, the vice president-elect, Joe
> Biden.
>
> BIDEN: Well, Mr. President, you've assembled quite a
> team. And I hope and believe that the American people
> will come to feel as I do that we brought together
> one of the most talented national security teams ever
> assembled. A team prepared to meet the serious
> challenges we face today and the emerging threats
> that will confront us tomorrow.
>
> I have worked with and admired each of the members of
> the team some as far as back in days, Jim, when you
> were a Marine liaison to the United States Senate.
> And so we have a -- I have a long relationship, as
> the president does, and I do with each of these
> folks.
>
> And each has a clear understanding of the forces that
> are shaping this new century and the lives of our
> fellow Americans. As was mentioned earlier, the wars
> in Iraq and Afghanistan, the emergence of China,
> India, Russia, Brazil, and the unifying Europe as
> major powers, the spread of lethal weapons to
> dangerous countries as well as dangerous groups, the
> shortage of -- and scarcity of energy, water, and
> food, the impact of climate change, economic
> dislocations, persistent poverty. The technological
> revolution that sends people, ideas, and money around
> the planet as ever faster speeds. And, as was already
> mentioned, as we witnessed again last week with the
> terrible events in the India, the challenge to
> democratic nation states from radical ideologies.
>
> That's just a short list of the forces that are
> shaping the 21st century. And it's been implied by
> all the comments thus far, no one country can control
> these forces. But more than any other country in the
> world, we have the ability to affect them if we use
> the totality of our strength.
>
> And bringing together Senator Clinton, Secretary
> Gates, Eric Holder, Governor Napolitano, Susan Rice,
> and General Jones, the president-elect has assembled
> a national security team that is poised, in my view,
> to recapture the totality of America's strength. Each
> member of this team shares the goals and the
> principles that the president-elect and I have
> attempted to advance.
>
> Each member shares our conviction that strength and
> wisdom must go hand in hand. Each member believes, as
> we do, that America's security is not a partisan
> issue. Witness the team. Each member understands that
> America's military might and economic strength must
> married to the power of our ideas and our ideals if
> we are to deal effectively with dealing with the
> forces of change, some of which I've mentioned, and
> if we're going keep this country we love so dearly
> prosperous and free.
>
> These are extraordinary times. That's not in a flight
> of fancy or exaggeration. These are extraordinary
> times. We face extraordinary challenges.
>
> BIDEN: But I am, as the president-elect is,
> optimistic, absolutely optimistic that this team,
> with the president-elect at our helm, will see to it
> that America leads not only by the example of our
> power but by the power of our example.
>
> And now, President-elect Obama is prepared to take
> your questions. And, again, Mr. President-elect,
> congratulations on assembling what I believe will be
> a first-class team to lead us into this century.
>
> Thank you.
>
> OBAMA: OK. Let's start with Liz.
>
> QUESTION: (Inaudible)?
>
> OBAMA: Well, first of all, I think it's important to
> reiterate that our condolences, our thoughts, and our
> prayers go out to the people of India, the families
> that have been affected, and, obviously, we're
> heartbroken by the deaths of the six Americans that
> were caught up in this tragedy.
>
> I've spoken to Prime Minister Singh and expressed
> these concerns to him. An investigation is taking
> place. I was briefed by Secretary Rice throughout the
> weekend. She's on her way to the region. We've sent
> FBI to help on the investigation.
>
> And this is one of those time where I have to
> reiterate there's one president at a time. We're
> going to be engaged in some very delicate diplomacy
> in the next several days and weeks. So I think it
> would be inappropriate for me to comment.
>
> But what I can say unequivocally is that both myself
> and the team that stands beside me are absolutely
> committed to eliminating the threat of terrorism. And
> that is true wherever it is found. We cannot have --
> we cannot tolerate a world in which innocents are
> being killed by extremists based on twisted
> ideologies.
>
> And we're going to have to bring the full force of
> our power, not only military but also diplomatic,
> economic, and political, to deal with those threats
> not only to keep America safe but also to ensure that
> peace and prosperity with exist around the world.
>
> So I will be monitoring the situation closely. Thus
> far, I think the administration has done what's
> needed in trying to get the details of the situation.
> And my expectation is that President Zardari of
> Pakistan, who has already said that he will fully
> cooperate with the investigation, will follow through
> with that commitment.
>
> All right. Karen?
>
> QUESTION: Thank you, Mr. President. You've selected a
> number of high profile people for your national
> secure team. How can you ensure that the staff that
> you are assembling is going to be a smoothly-
> functioning team of rivals and not a clash of rivals?
>
> OBAMA: Well, I think you heard Joe mention the fact
> that many of the people who are standing beside me
> are people who have worked together before, who have
> the utmost respect for each other. These are
> outstanding public servants and outstanding in their
> various fields of endeavor.
>
> They would not have agreed to join my administration,
> and I would not have asked them to be part of this
> administration unless we shared a core vision of
> what's needed to keep the American people safe and to
> assure prosperity here at home and peace abroad.
>
> I think all of us here share the belief that we have
> to maintain the strongest military on the planet,
> that we have to support our troops and make sure that
> they are properly trained, properly equipped, that
> they are provided with a mission that allows them to
> succeed. All of us here also agree that the strength
> of our military has to be combined with the wisdom
> and force of our diplomacy and that we are going to
> be committed to rebuilding and strengthening
> alliances around the world to advance American
> interests and American security.
>
> And so in discussions with this entire team, what I
> am excited about is a consensus not only among those
> of us standing here today, but I think cross a broad
> section of the American people, that now is the time
> for us to regain American leadership in all its
> dimensions. And I am very confident that each of
> these individuals are not going to be leaving the
> outstanding work that they are currently doing if
> they weren't convinced that they could work as an
> effective team.
>
> One last point I will make. I assembled this team
> because I'm a strong believer in strong personalities
> and strong opinions. I think that's how the best
> decisions are made. One of the dangers in the White
> House, based on my reading of history, is that you
> get wrapped up in group think and everybody agrees
> with everything and there's no discussion and there
> are no dissenting views. So I'm going to be welcoming
> a vigorous debate inside the White House.
>
> But understand I will be setting policy as president.
> I will be responsible for the vision that this team
> carries out, and I expect them to implement that
> vision once decisions are made. So as Harry Truman
> said, the buck will stop with me. And nobody who's
> standing here, I think, would have agreed to join
> this administration unless they had confidence that,
> in fact, that vision was one that would help secure
> the American people and our interests.
>
> Jake?
>
> QUESTION: Thank you, Mr. President-elect. During the
> campaign, you said that you thought the U.S. had a
> right to attack high-value terrorist targets in
> Pakistan if given actionable intelligence with or
> without the Pakistani government's permission. Two
> questions on that.
>
> One, do you think India has that same right?
>
> And, two, regarding what Karen just said, some people
> up there on the stage took issue with your saying
> that. They have strong opinions about issues ranging
> from Pakistan to the surge. And while they're all
> committed to have a successful United States, what
> private assurances have they given you that they will
> be able to carry out your vision even when they
> strongly disagree with that vision as some of them
> have been able to do in the past?
>
> Thank you, sir.
>
> OBAMA: I think that sovereign nations, obviously,
> have a right to protect themselves. Beyond that, I
> don't want to comment on the specific situation
> that's taking place in South Asia right now. I think
> it is important for us to let the investigators do
> their jobs and make a determination in terms of who
> was responsible for carrying out these heinous acts.
>
> I can tell you that my administration will remain
> steadfast in support of India's efforts to catch the
> perpetrators of this terrible act and bring them to
> justice. And I expect that the world community will
> feel the same way.
>
> Now, in terms of my team and carrying out my vision
> and my policies, as I've said, during campaigns or
> during the course of election season, differences get
> magnified. I did not ask for assurances from these
> individuals that they would agree with me at all
> times. I think they understand and would not be
> joining this team unless they understood and were
> prepared to carry out the decisions that have been
> made by me after full discussion.
>
> And, you know, most of the people who are standing
> here are people who I've worked with, and on the
> broad core vision of where America needs to go, we
> are in almost complete agreement. There are going to
> be differences in tactics and different assessments
> and judgments made. That's what I expect. That's what
> I welcome. That's why I asked them to join the team.
>
> Peter Baker?
>
> QUESTION: Thank you, Mr. President-elect.
>
> You've talked about the importance just now of having
> different voices and robust debate within your
> administration. But, again, going back to the
> campaign, you were asked and talked about the
> qualifications of the -- your now, your nominee for
> secretary of state. And you belittled her travels
> around the word, equating it to having teas with
> foreign leaders. And your new White House council
> said that her resume was grossly exaggerated when it
> came to foreign policy. I'm wondering whether you can
> talk about the evolution of your views of her
> credentials since the spring.
>
> OBAMA: Well, I mean, I think -- this is fun for the
> press to try to stir up whatever quotes were
> generated during the course of the campaign. No, I
> understand. And you're having fun.
>
> But the -- and there's nothing wrong with that. I'm
> not -- I'm not faulting it. But, look, I think if you
> look at the statements that Hillary Clinton and I
> have made outside of the heat of a campaign, we share
> a view that America has to be safe and secure. And in
> order to do that...
>
> OBAMA: ... the statements that Hillary Clinton and I
> have made outside of the heat of a campaign, we share
> a view that America has to be safe and secure. And in
> order to do that we have to combine military power
> with strength and diplomacy. And we have to build and
> forge stronger alliances around the world so that
> we're not carrying the burdens and these challenges
> by ourselves.
>
> I believe that there is no more effective advocate
> than Hillary Clinton for that well-rounded view of
> how we advance American interests. She has served on
> the Armed Services Committee in the Senate. She's
> knows world leaders around the world. I have it
> extensive discussions with her both pre-election and
> post-election about the strategic opportunities that
> exist out there to strengthen American's posture in
> the world.
>
> And I think she is going to be an outstanding
> secretary of state. And if I didn't believe that, I
> wouldn't have offered her the job. And if she didn't
> believe that I was equipped to lead this nation in
> such a difficult time, she would not have accepted.
>
> John McCormack. Where's John?
>
> QUESTION: Thank you, Mr. President-elect.
>
> You're known as a pretty good storyteller. Can you
> tell us a little bit of a story about how Senator
> Clinton was selected for this job? Was there a
> seminal moment? How was the offered extended? Can you
> give us some detail on how it was accepted and kind
> of the negotiation process that was involved here?
>
> And, also, does Secretary Gates meet the requirement
> for a Republican on the Cabinet, or should we be
> looking for others as well?
>
> OBAMA: Well, I mean, I didn't -- I didn't -- I didn't
> check his voter registration. Secretary Gates, meets
> the qualification of being an outstanding current
> secretary of defense and somebody who is doing
> everything he can every single day to make sure that
> our troops are properly equipped and trained and
> organized in order to succeed at their missions and
> that their families are cared for.
>
> So I have complete confidence in Secretary Gates
> being able to carry out his tasks. And I think the
> point here is that I didn't going around checking
> people's political registration. What I was most
> concerned with was whether or not they can serve the
> interests of the American people.
>
> With respect to Senator and soon-to-be, Secretary of
> State Clinton, it was not a light bulb moment. I have
> always admired Senator Clinton. We have worked
> together extensively in the Senate. I have always
> believed that she is tough and smart and disciplined
> and that she shares my core values and the core
> values of the American people.
>
> And so I was always interested after the primary was
> over in finding ways in which we could collaborate.
> After the election was over and I began to think
> about my team, it occurred to me that she could
> potentially be an outstanding secretary of state. I
> extended her the offer and she accepted.
>
> I know that's not as juicy a story as you were hoping
> for, but that's all you're going to get, John.
> Thanks.
>
> Where's Dean? There you are. Hey, Dean.
>
> QUESTION: Sir, do you still intend to withdraw all
> U.S. forces from Iraq in 16 months after
> inauguration? And did you discuss that -- the
> possibility of that -- with Secretary Gates, before
> selecting him?
>
> OBAMA: Well, keep in mind what I said during the
> campaign. And you were there most of the time.
>
> I said that I would remove our combat troops from
> Iraq in 16 months with the understanding that it
> might be necessary, likely to be necessary, to
> maintain a residual force to provide potential
> training, logistical support to protect our civilians
> in Iraq.
>
> The SOFA that has been now passed by the Iraqi
> legislature points us in the right direction. It
> indicates we are now on a glide path to reduce our
> forces in Iraq. I will be meeting be not only
> Secretary Gates but the joint chiefs of staff and
> commanders on the ground to make a determination as
> to how we move that pace -- how we proceed in that
> withdrawal process.
>
> I believe that 16 months is the right timeframe. But
> as I have said consistently, I will listen to the
> recommendations of my commanders. And my number one
> priority is making sure that our troops remain safe
> in this transition phase and that the Iraqi people
> are well served by a government that is taking on
> increased responsibility for its own security.
>
> It is a sovereign nation. What this signals is a
> transition period in which our mission will be
> changing. We will have to remain vigilant in making
> sure that any terrorist elements that remain in Iraq
> do not become strengthened as a consequence of our
> drawdown. But it's also critical that we recognize
> that the situation in Afghanistan has been worsening.
> The situation in South Asia, as a whole, and the safe
> havens for terrorist that have been established there
> represent the single most important threat against
> the American people.
>
> And we're going to have to mobilize our resources and
> focus on attention on defeating Al Qaeda, bin Laden,
> and any other extremist groups that intend to target
> American citizens.
>
> Thank you very much, everybody.
>
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