By GottaLaff
If you'd like a thorough, but subjective, interpretation of Robert Gibb's first briefing, which is still in progress, go here.
He is answering all questions calmly, reasonably, as you'd expect. I've been preoccupied with music conversions confounding my computer and my little pea brain, so I haven't been able to give him my full attention.
Here are some samples:
1:46 pm GIBBS is asked the re-swearing in by Chuck Todd; did Obama re-sign the executive order. GIBBS apologizes to Mark Knoller for saying that there was no discussion about re-doing the oath. There was discussion later in the afternoon about one word.... GIBBS mentions that there was two times in history previously when this happened. Chuck and GIBBS go back and forth. GIBBS repeats "abundance of caution" a lot of times. That seems to be the talking point. "Abundance of caution." "Abundance of caution." "Abundance of caution." Chuck asks Gibbs "Why didn't you show the word this?" GIBBS: "Let's be clear. You just mentioned the audio. I was there. We took a print pool in there. We released a photograph from the White House. We think it was done in a way that was upfront and transparent and we think we also did it in a way..." Abundance of caution. [...]
1:54: Henry asks about the dep. sec. defense/Raytheon lobbyist William Lynn and Obama's lobbying policy? GIBBS: "Experts laud the steps that the President took yesterday....that that exceeds what any administration has previously done in the history of the country....that's what he did yesterday. Those same excerpts that lauded the greatest ethical standard ever administered to the executive branch also believe that any standard is not perfect, that a waiver process that allows people to serve their country, is necessary."
2:04: Helen Thomas asks if the President is against torture. GIBBS: "Yes."
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