Posted on 05/30/2013 12:32:49 PM PDT by Sub-Driver
W.H. 'Genuinely Interested' in 'Input' and 'Expertise of Leaders of Prominent Media Organizations'
Daniel Halper May 30, 2013 2:24 PM
The White House defended Attorney General Eric Holder's decision to invite press to an off-the-record briefing by saying Holder "is interested in having a constructive policy discussion with professional journalists about a subject most people think is a complex policy issue." White House spokesman Josh Earnest added, "We are genuinely interested in the input, the opinion, the advice, the expertise, of leaders of prominent media organizations. We are hopeful and optimistic we’ll get their input on this process."
Via the pool report:
AF1 landed at Andrews at 2:18 p.m. after mostly smooth flight.
Josh Earnest gaggled during flight. Here are highlights. Please check against transcript for accuracy.
No major news. He reiterated Obama’s trust in Eric Holder at Justice and defended decision not to appoint an independent counsel to examine IRS controversy because a new acting director is in place.
He said Potus would get briefing for 2013 hurricane season from federal agencies, incl. discussion of energy and fuel challenges after Hurricane Sandy. Cabinet members and private biz reps will participate.
Earnest said Obama not worried thinking about new Quippinniac poll showing sliding approval ratings, focused instead of his agenda.
Didn’t confirm James Comey as FBI director and didn’t provide timeline for that appointment.
On Justice Dept. meeting with news organizations being off the record, he said that was a Justice decision on the ground rules. He said Obama isv interested in striking balance between protecting national security and ensuring the First Amendment. “By all accounts, the Attorney General is taking this seriously.”
“We are hopeful that media organizations will take advantage of the opportunity to constructively contribute to this process. We’ve heard a lot from media organizations and executives and journalists about how important theses Constitutional rights are and how important it is for the government to get balance of these two interests… because of that persuasive advocacy the AG has invited media orgs to participate and we’re hopeful they’ll accept that invitation.”
(Isn’t off-record meeting hypocritical?) “No, I don’t actually see that. The ag is interested in having a constructive policy discussion with professional journalists about a subject most people think is a complex policy issue. “
“I don’t think there’s any doubting the seriousness with which the attorney general is pursuing what he has identified, what the president has identified as a genuine priority. We are genuinely interested in the input, the opinion, the advice, the expertise, of leaders of prominent media organizations. We are hopeful and optimistic we’ll get their input on this process.”
(Worried Holder is unable to do job amid all the scrutiny?) “not in the least.”
Please include e mail address, SS#, and last 3 years tax returns.
translation: What do I have to do to put YOU back in a symbiotic relationship today?
sounds like a player/tout
I have not heard one person/news person ask why the meeting is at the White House. Holder has his own huge Justice Dept which is supposed to be non-partisan. So why the meeting at the White House? Intimidation?
So I guess he’s ready to meet with Rush now!
Obama is caught in his own trap. He cannot fire Eric Holder. Holder knows everything dirty and rotten about Obama and his ilk!!! Obama will do all to save Holder’s neck!!! It won’t work....and the smart money knows Obama, himself, is cooked. It is only a matter of time.
Very soon...as Democrat rank and file realize how badly they will be beaten in th 2014 mid-term elections the screaming to get rid of Obama will be overwhelming. Pubbies......don’t go for any overkill...just the plain, honest and true facts. Those facts will destroy Obama better then any robust political effort. The man, Obama ia truly a thug, rogue, criminal from head to toe!!!
Holder is just waiting for his professorship at U of C to be finalized before he goes back to Chicago to spend time with the family.
They've already got that information...lol
Yeah they do : )
>> translation: What do I have to do to put YOU back in a symbiotic relationship today?
Exactly.
FRiend, this sounds like Mr. Thompson before his meetings with Hank Rearden and John Galt. I treat this with the same skepticism.
All according to what type of symbiosis your talkin about. Parasitism would be about right.
Holder is just waiting for his professorship at U of C to be finalized before he goes back to Chicago to spend time with the family.
Or offer some excuse tailor made for journalists... Obama's team has focus groups - they know how push an idea to ONE group. The problem comes in when other groups hear that same excuse and see through it. Reason enough to ask that the meeting is 'off the record'...
Holder might offer them a law change - maybe one that knocks out the power of citizen journalists. That's a carrot they won't want to report on...
You’re likely right.
He needs to be indicted, tried and convicted.
As well we should.
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