Budget, 9/11 military trial and 2012 re-election campaign top the agenda in Carney’s session with reporters.
On budget:
“Time is of the essence…nobody believes it is good for the economy…to run a government in a way where it stops, starts.”
Obama believes there is “ample room” for compromise. “We take seriously the expressed sentiments” of Congressional leaders.
On military trial for 9/11 suspects:
Says he doesn’t want to “get ahead” of Holder, but Obama focused on bringing accused parties “to justice.”
On 2012 re-election:
Obama can’t be accused of handling big issues “in a slow way.”
He “remains committed to comprehensive immigration reform” but it requires “bipartisan support” to get done.
Defends president’s billion-dollar fundraising goal, says Obama “keenly aware” many Americans still struggling to find jobs.
On Koran burning:
Burning of sacred text is “un-American and inappropriate.”
“Nothing justifies” the kind of violence that resulted in Afghanistan.
