Executive Order -- Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration

EXECUTIVE ORDER

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GULF COAST ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 311 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (FWPCA) (33 U.S.C. 1321), section 1006 of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (33 U.S.C. 2706), and section 301 of title 3, United States Code, it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1. Policy. Executive Order 13554 of October 5, 2010, was issued after the blowout and explosion of the mobile offshore drilling unit Deepwater Horizon that occurred on April 20, 2010, and resulted in the largest oil spill in U.S. history (Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill). Executive Order 13554 recognized the Gulf Coast as a national treasure and addressed the longstanding ecological decline of that region, which was compounded by the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. In doing so, Executive Order 13554 established a Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Task Force (Task Force) to coordinate intergovernmental efforts, planning, and the exchange of information in order to better implement Gulf Coast ecosystem restoration and facilitate appropriate accountability and support throughout the restoration process.

Since the implementation of Executive Order 13554, the Federal Government's Gulf Coast ecosystem restoration planning efforts have advanced significantly. The Task Force's Gulf of Mexico Regional Ecosystem Restoration Strategy (Strategy), created with input from Federal, State, tribal, and local governments, and thousands of involved citizens and organizations across the region, serves as a comprehensive restoration plan for addressing ecological concerns in the Gulf of Mexico. In light of the release of the Strategy, the ongoing work of the Natural Resource Damage Trustee Council (Trustee Council) under the Oil Pollution Act, and the recent passage of the Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast States Act of 2012 (RESTORE Act) (title I, subtitle F of Public Law 112-141), this order affirms the Federal Government's Gulf Coast ecosystem restoration efforts and realigns responsibilities to ensure the most effective governmental planning and coordination to reach these goals.

Sec. 2. Termination of the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Task Force. The progress of the Task Force is noteworthy. It has completed the Strategy and the preliminary planning and coordination tasks that it was intended to produce and has significantly advanced important ecosystem restoration goals for the Gulf of Mexico. In light of the recent creation, described below, of the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council (Gulf Restoration Council), which will build upon the Task Force's already successful collaboration between Federal, State, and tribal governments and, as directed by statute, include and incorporate in its proposed comprehensive plan the findings and information prepared by the Task Force, the Task Force shall terminate no later than 60 days after the Gulf Restoration Council commences its work. The functions of the Task Force will be performed by the Gulf Restoration Council and the Trustee Council to the extent practicable, as set forth in this order. Prior to its termination, the Task Force will provide such assistance as is appropriate to the Gulf Restoration Council.

Sec. 3. The Gulf Coast Restoration Trust Fund and the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council.

(a) Gulf Coast Restoration Trust Fund. The RESTORE Act, which was signed into law as part of the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (Public Law 112-141), established a mechanism for providing funding to the Gulf region to restore ecosystems and rebuild local economies damaged by the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. The RESTORE Act established in the Treasury of the United States the Gulf Coast Restoration Trust Fund (Trust Fund), consisting of 80 percent of an amount equal to any administrative and civil penalties paid after the date of the RESTORE Act by the responsible parties in connection with the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill to the United States pursuant to a court order, negotiated settlement, or other instrument in accordance with section 311 of the FWPCA (33 U.S.C. 1321).

(b) Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council. The RESTORE Act established the Gulf Restoration Council, an independent entity charged with developing a comprehensive plan for ecosystem restoration in the Gulf Coast (Comprehensive Plan), as well as any future revisions to the Comprehensive Plan. Among its other duties, the Gulf Restoration Council is tasked with identifying projects and programs aimed at restoring and protecting the natural resources and ecosystems of the Gulf Coast region, to be funded from a portion of the Trust Fund; establishing such other advisory committees as may be necessary to assist the Gulf Restoration Council, including a scientific advisory committee and a committee to advise the Gulf Restoration Council on public policy issues; gathering information relevant to Gulf Coast restoration, including through research, modeling, and monitoring; and providing an annual report to the Congress on implementation progress. Consistent with the RESTORE Act, the Comprehensive Plan developed by the Gulf Restoration Council will include provisions necessary to fully incorporate the Strategy, projects, and programs recommended by the Task Force.

(c) Federal members of the Gulf Restoration Council and Trustee Council, as well as all Federal entities involved in Gulf Coast restoration, shall work closely with one another to advance their common goals, reduce duplication, and maximize consistency among their efforts. All Federal members are directed to consult with each other and with all non-federal members in carrying out their duties on the Gulf Restoration Council.

Sec. 4. Ongoing Role of the Natural Resource Damage Assessment Trustee Council. (a) Executive Order 13554 recognized the role of the Trustee Council, and designated trustees as provided in 33 U.S.C. 2706, with trusteeship over natural resources injured, lost, or destroyed as a result of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. Specifically, Executive Order 13554 recognized the importance of carefully coordinating the work of the Task Force with the Trustee Council, whose members have statutory responsibility to assess natural resources damages from the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, to restore trust resources, and seek compensation for lost use of those trust resources. Section 3(b) of Executive Order 13554 instructed the Task Force to "support the Natural Resource Damage Assessment process by referring potential ecosystem restoration actions to the . . . Trustee Council for consideration and facilitating coordination among the relevant departments, agencies, and offices, as appropriate, subject to the independent statutory responsibilities of the trustees." The Department of Commerce (through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), the Department of the Interior (through the Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Park Service), and the Department of Justice have worked to identify linkages and opportunities for the Task Force to complement the restoration progress of the Trustee Council.

(b) Section 7(e) of Executive Order 13554 provides that nothing in that order shall interfere with the statutory responsibilities and authority of the Trustee Council or the individual trustees to carry out their statutory responsibilities to assess natural resource damages and implement restoration actions under 33 U.S.C. 2706 and other applicable law. Agencies that were members of the Task Force shall continue to comply with these requirements.

Sec. 5. Designating Trustees for Natural Resource Damage Assessment. Given their authorities, programs, and expertise, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) have institutional capacities that can contribute significantly to the Natural Resource Damage Assessment and restoration efforts, including scientific and policy expertise as well as experience gained in the Task Force process and other planning efforts in the Gulf area. In addition, EPA's and USDA's relevant authorities cover a range of natural resources and their supporting ecosystems, including waters, sediments, barrier islands, wetlands, soils, land management, air resources, and drinking water supplies. The inclusion of EPA and USDA as trustees participating in the Natural Resource Damage Assessment and restoration efforts will maximize coordination across the Federal Government and enhance overall efficiencies regarding Gulf Coast ecosystem restoration. Accordingly, without limiting the designations in Executive Order 12777 of October 18, 1991, or any other existing designations, and pursuant to section 2706(b)(2) of title 33, United States Code, I hereby designate the Administrator of EPA and the Secretary of Agriculture as additional trustees for Natural Resource Damage Assessment and restoration solely in connection with injury to, destruction of, loss of, or loss of use of natural resources, including their supporting ecosystems, resulting from the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. The addition of these Federal trustees does not, in and of itself, alter any existing agreements among or between the trustees and any other entity. All Federal trustees are directed to consult, coordinate, and cooperate with each other in carrying out all of their trustee duties and responsibilities.

The Administrator of EPA is hereby directed to revise Subpart G of the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan to reflect the designations for the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill discussed in this section.

Sec. 6. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

(i) the authority granted by law to a department or agency, or the head thereof; or

(ii) the functions of the Trustee Council, or those of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

(b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

(d) Executive Order 13554 of October 5, 2010, is hereby revoked concurrent with the termination of the Task Force under the terms described in section 2 of this order.

BARACK OBAMA

Remarks by the President at a Campaign Event -- West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach Convention Center
West Palm Beach, Florida

5:15 P.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT:  Hello, West Palm Beach!  (Applause.)  Oh, it is good to be back!  (Applause.)  You know what, you guys sound pretty fired up!  (Applause.)  You sound like you might be ready to go.  (Applause.)  I'm telling you. 

AUDIENCE:  Four more years!  Four more years!  Four more years!

THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you.  Thank you.  It is good to be back.  It is good to see some great friends in the house.  We've got your outstanding Senator, Bill Nelson, in the house.  (Applause.)  We've got your Mayor, Jeri Muoio, in the house.  (Applause.)  We've got Congressman Ted Deutch in the house.  (Applause.)  And the chairwoman of the Democratic Party, our great friend, Debbie Wasserman Schultz is in the house.  (Applause.)  And all of you are in the house.  (Applause.)  

Now, we just had our convention in Charlotte, North Carolina.  (Applause.)  The people could not have been nicer.  Michelle, she was pretty good.  (Applause.)  So I want to give advice to young men out there -- when you marry, you marry up, you improve the gene pool.  (Laughter.)  

President Clinton was amazing.  (Applause.)  Somebody sent out a tweet right after he spoke that said, he needs to be made secretary of explaining stuff.  (Laughter.) 

And then on Thursday night, I layed out the stakes in this election.  Now, I know I may be preaching a little bit to the choir, but -- (laughter) -- but I want you to know I'm going to need you to then go out and preach to the unconverted.  (Applause.) 

Both sides have now made their arguments.  And there's a choice that we've got to make, and it's the clearest choice we've seen in a generation -- not just between two candidates or two parties, but a choice between two fundamentally different visions of our future.  (Applause.)

We want to restore the basic bargain that built the largest middle class and the strongest economy the world has ever known. A bargain that says hard work pays off, that responsibility is  rewarded, that everybody does their fair share, and everybody gets a fair shot, and everybody is playing by the same rules -- (applause) -- from Main Street to Wall Street to Washington, D.C. (Applause.) 

That's the basic bargain that led me to run for President.  It's what allowed me and Michelle to have extraordinary opportunities in our lives.  And we want to make sure the next generation has those same opportunities.  (Applause.) 

And we have just gone through a decade in which jobs were being shipped overseas, and families were having trouble making ends meet, and they were having to rack up more debt just to pay tuition or fill up a gas tank.  And it all culminated in the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression.

We spent the last three and a half years trying to recover from all the damage that was done.  And we've made progress, but not enough.  We've got more to do.  And so now the question is which direction do we go.

AUDIENCE:  Forward!
  
THE PRESIDENT:  Now, the Republicans, they disagree with you. 

AUDIENCE:  Booo --

THE PRESIDENT:  No, no, don't boo -- vote.  (Applause.)  Vote. 

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  I love you, Obama!

THE PRESIDENT:  I love you back.  (Applause.) 

They had their convention here in Florida and they talked a lot about me.  (Laughter.)  But they didn’t talk a lot about you. They talked about everything they think is wrong with America, but they didn’t really talk about how to make it right.  (Applause.)  They want your vote, but they didn’t really talk about their plan.  And that's because their plan boils down to tax cuts, tax cuts, gut a few regulations, and then some more tax cuts.  (Laughter.)  Tax cuts when times are good.  Tax cuts when times are bad.  Tax cuts when we've got a surplus.  Tax cuts when we have a deficit.  Tax cuts to help you lose a few pounds -- (laughter) -- tax cuts to improve your love life.  (Laughter.)  Whatever is wrong with you, they think tax cuts, especially for folks at the top, will cure all ills. 

Now, I've cut taxes for folks who need it.  (Applause.)  For middle-class families, for small businesses.  (Applause.)  But I don't believe another round of tax cuts for millionaires are going to bring jobs back from overseas.  I don't think another round of tax cuts for billionaires that involve slashing aid for students to pay for it, or asking middle-class families to pay more, that somehow that's going to reduce the deficit or help grow our economy.

I certainly don't think that it makes a lot of sense for us to be looking at creating a voucher for Medicare to pay for some tax cuts for folks who don't need them and weren't even asking for them.  That's not who we are.  That's not how we made progress in this country.

I don't think rolling back regulations on Wall Street so that we don't have another taxpayer-funded bailout is a smart idea.  (Applause.) 

I don't think rolling back health care that is helping Americans all across Florida and all across the country is a good idea.  I don't want to go backwards.  We have been there.  (Applause.)  We have done that.  It didn't work.  We're moving forward.  (Applause.)  That's why I'm running for a second term as President of the United States. 

AUDIENCE:  Four more years!  Four more years!  Four more years!  Four more years!

THE PRESIDENT:  Now, I won't pretend that the path I'm offering is easy.  I never have.  These problems built up over decades are going to take more than a few years to solve.  But we can move forward in the right direction.  And I am confident we've got what it takes.  (Applause.)

Our opponents, they've been talking about how America is in decline.  They're wrong.  We've got the best workers in the world, the best businesspeople in the world.  (Applause.)  We've got the best universities in the world, the best researchers in the world.  (Applause.)  We're a young nation.  We're a diverse nation.  We attract talent from every corner of the globe. 

So no matter how much the other side, for political reasons, tries to paint things as bleak, don't believe them.  There's not another nation on Earth that wouldn't trade places with us.  (Applause.)  Our problems can be solved.  Our challenges can be met.  The path I offer is harder, but it leads to a better place. I am asking you to choose that future.  I am asking you to go forward with me.  (Applause.)  I am asking you to go forward with me.  (Applause.)

And let me tell you exactly -- let me repeat, for those of you who didn't catch it on Thursday, what I'm talking about when I say "moving forward."  We are going to put together a real, achievable plan to build this economy on a stronger foundation.  It starts with no longer shipping jobs overseas.  (Applause.)  Let's export goods made here in America.  (Applause.) 

After a decade of decline, we've now created half a million jobs over the last two years just in manufacturing.  We reinvented a dying auto industry that's back on top.  (Applause.) So we can take Mr. Romney's advice and continue to give even more tax breaks to companies that are shipping jobs overseas, or we can reward companies that are investing in new jobs and new workers and new factories here in the United States of America.  That's what we're fighting for.  (Applause.) 

I want to help American factories and small businesses export more.  We can create a million new manufacturing jobs the next four years.  You can make that happen. 

The second part of our plan -- let's control our own energy. (Applause.)  After 30 years of inaction, we raised fuel standards so that by the middle of the next decade, your cars and trucks will go twice as far on the same gallon of gas.  (Applause.)  That's good for your pocketbook.  It's good for the environment. (Applause.)

We've doubled our use of renewable energy like wind and solar.  Today, thousands of Americans have jobs building wind turbines and long-lasting batteries.  And today, the United States is less dependent on foreign oil than at any time in nearly two decades.  (Applause.)

So you have a choice.  We can build on that progress, or we can reverse it like my opponent recommends. 

AUDIENCE:  Booo --

THE PRESIDENT:  I think he's wrong.  Don't boo, vote.  (Applause.) 

Unlike my opponent, I don't intend to let oil companies write our country's energy plan or endanger our coastlines.  And I don't want them to keep collecting $4 billion of corporate welfare from our taxpayers.  (Applause.) 

We've got a better path.  We keep investing in wind and solar, clean coal technology, farmers and scientists harnessing new biofuels to power our cars and trucks, construction workers building homes and factories that are more energy efficient -- developing a hundred years' supply of natural gas.  (Applause.)  We can cut our oil imports in half by 2020 and support more than 600,000 new jobs in natural gas alone.  That's moving forward.  We're not going backwards.  (Applause.)

Third, we're going to build on the reforms we have initiated and make sure that Americans are getting the chance to get the skills they need to compete in this 21st century economy.  Education was the key to opportunity for me, the key to opportunity for Michelle, the key to opportunity for many of you. It's the gateway to a middle-class life.  (Applause.)

And that's why, for the first time in a generation, we pushed every state almost, to answer our call to raise standards for teaching and learning.  Some of the worst schools in the nation have made real gains in reading and math.  (Applause.)  Millions of students are saving money, paying less for college, because of the work we did to keep the student loan program on track and improve the Pell Grant program.  (Applause.)

So you can take their advice and gut education.  Or we can decide in the United States, no child should have her dream deferred because of an overcrowded classroom, or because a family can't afford to send her to college.  No company should have to look for a worker someplace else because they couldn't find the right skills for workers here in the United States.  (Applause.)

So I need you to help me recruit 100,000 new math and science teachers, improve early childhood education.  (Applause.) Let's provide 2 million more workers the chance to learn skills at community colleges for jobs that are out there right now.  And let's work with colleges and universities to lower tuition, because it is not a luxury for young people.  It is a necessity. That's what I mean when I say we need to move forward, not backwards.  (Applause.)  

We can meet these goals together.  My plan would reduce our deficit without sticking it to the middle class.  (Applause.)  Independent analysis shows my plan would reduce our deficit by $4 trillion.  We've got the math all done.  We've laid it out there. People have evaluated it.  People have analyzed it.  I've already worked with the Republicans in Congress to cut a trillion dollars' worth of spending.  And I'm willing to do more with Republicans. 

I want to reform our tax code, so that's it's simple and it's fair.  But I also think it makes sense for folks like me to pay higher taxes on our incomes over $250,000 -- the same rate Bill Clinton had when he was President, the same rate that created 23 million new jobs, the biggest budget surplus in history, a lot of millionaires to boot.  (Applause.) 

Now, I guess my opponent has a plan.  But there's one thing missing from it --

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  Arithmetic. 

THE PRESIDENT:  Arithmetic.  (Applause.)  Give that young lady an A.  (Applause.)  She's been doing her homework. 

When Governor Romney and his allies in Congress say that the most important thing is to lower our deficit, and then he starts by calling for trillions of dollars more in new tax breaks for wealthy folks -- and they were asked about it today.  They couldn't answer.  (Laughter.)  They couldn't answer the question of how -- you already have deficits, you add $5 trillion of new tax cuts, $2 trillion in new defense spending, and somehow you're going to close the deficit without raising taxes on middle-class families?  They did not take their arithmetic course.  (Applause.)  They need to talk to this young lady and get some tutoring.  (Applause.)  They need to stay after school.  (Applause.)  They need to get some extra study hall in there.  No recess for you.  (Laughter.) 

Look, I refuse to go along with a plan that asks middle-class families to give up their deductions for owning a home or raising their kids just to pay for another millionaire's tax cut. I refuse to ask students to pay more for college, or kick children out of Head Start programs, or eliminate health insurance for millions of Americans who are poor and elderly or disabled just so those with the most can pay less.  (Applause.)

And I want you to hear me now -- I will never turn Medicare into a voucher.  We won’t do that.  (Applause.)  Here’s what you need to know.  I have strengthened Medicare.  We’ve added years to the life of Medicare.  We did it by getting rid of taxpayer subsidies to insurance companies that weren’t making people healthier.  The other side knows that.  In fact, it was in their budget -- all the savings we achieved.  Now they're pretending like somehow it affected beneficiaries when they know it doesn't.

We took that money that was going to the insurance companies, used part of it to help lower prescription drug costs for seniors, to offer preventive care for seniors.  We thought that was a good idea.  They may think it’s a bad idea, but I don't.  They want to give the money back to the insurance companies, put them in charge of Medicare. 

AUDIENCE:  No!

THE PRESIDENT:  There was one report that just said that by the end of the next decade under their plan, you would see as much as $16 billion to $26 billion in new profits for insurance companies, paid for by taxpayers.  Why would we do that?  The cost to folks who are currently on Medicare could rise by thousands of dollars so that insurance companies are making those billions of dollars in profits.  That's not a good plan.

AUDIENCE:  No!

THE PRESIDENT:  So here’s the bottom line:  Their plan bankrupts Medicare over the long term, and actually over the short term means the trust fund runs out of money by 2016.  Our plan strengthens Medicare.  I believe no American should ever have to spend their golden years at the mercy of insurance companies.  I believe every American who works hard should be able to retire with the dignity that they have earned.  (Applause.)

And I want to be honest with you -- I want to be honest with you.  We’re going to have to strengthen Medicare for the long haul, and that requires some reforms.  But we’ll do it by reforming the way that health care delivery system works so that we’re reducing the costs of health care -- not by asking seniors to pay thousands of dollars more.

And we’re going to keep the promise of Social Security by taking the responsible steps to strengthen it, not by turning it over to Wall Street.  (Applause.) 

Now, our prosperity at home is linked to our policies abroad, and I’ve got a track record that you can look at.  I said I’d end the war in Iraq -- I did.  (Applause.)  I said we’d begin bringing troops home from Afghanistan -- and we are.  (Applause.) And while a new tower rises above the New York skyline, and as we pause to remember those that were lost this coming Tuesday on September 11th, we know that al Qaeda is on the path to defeat and Osama bin Laden is dead.  (Applause.)

So we’ve got a track record that you can look at.  And as long as I’m Commander-in-Chief, we will sustain the strongest military the world has ever known.  Our troops when they take off those uniforms, we will serve them as well as they’ve served us because they shouldn’t have to fight for a job when they come home.  (Applause.)

But my opponent has a different idea.  He said the way we ended the war in Iraq was "tragic" -- doesn't have a plan to end the war in Afghanistan.  But you know what, if you don't even mention Afghanistan that's a problem when you accept the nomination.  So I’m assuming he doesn't have a plan.  (Applause.)  
And while my opponent would spend more money on military programs that our Joint Chiefs don't even want, at a time when we’re supposed to be reducing our deficit, I’d use the money that we’re no longer spending on war to pay down our debt, and put more people back to work rebuilding bridges and roads and schools and runways.  We need to do some nation-building here at home.  That's what we need to do.  (Applause.)

So that's the choice we now face.  That's what this election comes down to.  The other side says bigger tax cuts and fewer regulations are the only way.  They basically argue, you know what, since government can't do everything, it should do almost nothing.  If you don't have health care, hope you don't get sick. If you can't afford college, borrow money from your parents. 

AUDIENCE:  Booo --

THE PRESIDENT:  That's what he said.  I quoted him.  I didn’t make that up.  (Laughter.)

We've got a different idea.  That's not what America is about.  We believe in individual initiative.  We believe you're not entitled to success, you've got to earn it.  We believe in hard work.  We believe in rewarding the dreamers and the risk-takers and the strivers, the small businesspeople who make this country run.  (Applause.)  We believe in the free enterprise system.  But we also believe we've got obligations to one another.  (Applause.)  We also believe this country only works when we're thinking about future generations, not just this one. (Applause.) 

We understand America is not just about what can be done for us, but what can be done by us, together, as one people, as one nation.  (Applause.)  That's what we believe.  That's what we mean when we say we're going forward.  (Applause.) 

Four years ago, because you believed, because of your efforts, we were able to bring about change we hadn’t seen in decades.  (Applause.)  You're the reason that seniors here in Florida are paying about $600 less for prescription drugs because of Obamacare.  You did that.  (Applause.)  You're the reason that there are folks all across this state who can now afford to go to college.  You're the reason that happened.  (Applause.) 

You're the reason that all across this state people who were in danger of losing their homes were able to stay in their homes. That's because of you.  You made that possible.  (Applause.)  You're the reason that a young immigrant who grew up here and went to school here and pledges allegiance to our flag will no longer be deported from the country that they love.  (Applause.)

You're the reason we ended "don't ask, don't tell."  (Applause.)  You're the reason that families are able to say to their loved ones who served so bravely:  "Welcome Home."  You're the reason.  (Applause.) 

But we've got a long way to go.  Now, you know, sometimes on a journey you get tired, and there will be voices that whisper in your head to be cynical, to think you can't make it.  You've got to turn that away.  You can't buy into that cynicism, the notion that change isn’t possible -- because if you don't believe it, it won't happen.  If you give up, then the other voices will fill the vacuum -- the lobbyists and the special interests, the folks who are writing the $10 million checks to run all those negative ads.

AUDIENCE:  Booo --

THE PRESIDENT:  The folks who are trying to make it harder for you to vote; Washington politicians who want to decide who can get married, and control choices that women should be making about their own health care.  (Applause.)  That's what's going to fill the vacuum.

We can't let that happen, Florida.  We've come too far to turn back now.  (Applause.)  If you're not registered to vote, I need you to register.  Go to GottaRegister.com.  (Applause.)  If you don't know how to vote -- maybe you're 17, turning 18, first time -- go to GottaVote.com.  (Applause.)  If you're already registered and you're already going to be voting, then you've got to grab your friends, you've got to grab your neighbors, you've got to grab your cousins, your aunts and your uncles -- (applause) -- you've got to corner your -- and your grandparents. (Laughter.)  You've got to talk to your co-workers.  Don't just talk to each other -- go find some of your Republican friends.  (Applause.)  They're good people.  They're good people.  They just need more information from you.  (Laughter.)

Go talk to some independents.  Make some phone calls.  Knock on some doors.  (Applause.)  Volunteer.  (Applause.)  We need you to work hard.  We've got less than two months left, but let me tell you something -- if you give it your all for these next two months, I'm confident we're going to get there.  (Applause.)  We can't let up now -- because we've got more good jobs to create, we've got more homegrown energy to generate.  (Applause.)  We've got more good schools to build and more great teachers to hire.  (Applause.)  We've got more young people to send to college.  (Applause.)  We've got more troops to bring home.  (Applause.)  We've got more vets to take care of.  (Applause.)  We've got more doors of opportunity we've got to open up to everybody who's willing to fight for it and work for it.

And if you do, we'll win Palm Beach County.  (Applause.)  And if we win Palm Beach County, we will win Florida. (Applause.) And if we win Florida, we win this election.  (Applause.)  We'll finish what we started, and remind the world why the United States of America is the greatest nation on Earth. (Applause.)

God bless you.  God bless America.  (Applause.)

END
5:45 P.M. EDT

Remarks by the President at a Campaign Event -- Melbourne, Florida

Charles and Ruth Clemente Center
Florida Institute of Technology
Melbourne, Florida

11:55 A.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT:  How's it going, Florida?  (Applause.)  Thank you.  Thank you.  (Applause.)  Thank you.  (Applause.)  Well, look, I am so thrilled to be here!  (Applause.)  It is good to be back in Florida.  And I am so grateful to Mary, not only for her introduction, but for sharing her story, for fighting on behalf of America, for reminding that the values we care about aren't Democratic or Republican values, but are American values.  So give Mary a big round of applause.  (Applause.) 

Now, before I start I have a very important announcement that I've got to make --

Q    I love you, President Obama!

THE PRESIDENT:  I love you, too.  (Applause.) 

Actually, there are three things I've got to say before I get started.  First of all, if you've got a seat feel free to take a seat, because I'm going to talk for a while.  (Applause.) Point number two, if you don't have a seat, bend your knees because sometimes people faint a little bit -- all right -- and you've been standing here a while. 

The third thing I want to say, the most important thing I have to say is football starts today.  (Applause.)  So we intend to be finished to get home in time for kickoff.  (Applause.)  I don't know -- I know you've got a lot of teams here in Florida, but in Illinois there's just one team -- the Chicago Bears. 

AUDIENCE:  Booo -- (laughter.}

THE PRESIDENT:  All right, well, let me move on to another topic then.  (Laughter.) 

It is so great to be here.  We just had our convention in Charlotte, North Carolina.  (Applause.)  Folks there could not have been more welcoming.  Michelle was -- Michelle.  (Applause.) She was amazing.  So for the young men out there who are thinking about their futures -- the goal is to marry up and improve your gene pool.  (Laughter.)  And that's what I have done by marrying Michelle. 

Then you have President Clinton who made the case the only way that he can.  (Applause.)  Somebody sent out a tweet after he spoke -- he said, somebody needs to make him secretary of explaining stuff -- (laughter) -- which I like.  I liked that.

And then on Thursday night, I spoke about the stakes in this election.  Now, you've now heard both sides make their argument, and I hope you know at this point there's a big choice to make.  And it is the clearest choice of any time in a generation.  (Applause.)  It is not just a choice between two candidates; it's not just a choice between two parties.  It is a choice between two fundamentally different paths for America, two very different visions for our future.

And our fight is for that basic bargain that built the middle class in this country and the strongest economy the world has ever known.  And it was basically a simple idea -- the idea that here in America hard work will pay off.  (Applause.)  That here in America, responsibility will be rewarded, that everybody gets a fair shot, and everybody does their fair share, and everybody plays by the same rules -- (applause) -- from Wall Street to Main Street to Washington, D.C.  (Applause.) 

And that basic bargain is why I ran for President, because I saw too many jobs disappearing overseas, too many families struggling with the costs that keep on going up even though paychecks aren't going up,; too many people racking up more and more debt just to make the mortgage, or pay tuition, or put gas in the car, or food on the table.  And when this house of cards collapsed in this Great Recession we saw millions of innocent Americans lose their jobs, lose their homes, lose their savings. And we're still trying to recover from that tragedy.

Now, our friends at the Republican Convention, they were more than happy to talk about everything that they think is wrong with America, but they didn’t have much to say about how to make it right.  (Applause.)  They want your vote, but they don’t have a plan.  Or at least they don't want to tell you their plan.

And that’s because they’ve got the same plan they've had for 30 years:  Tax cuts, tax cuts, gut a few regulations, and then give some more tax cuts.  Tax cuts when times are good.  Tax cuts when times are bad.  Tax cuts to help you lose a few extra pounds -- (laughter) -- tax cuts to improve your love life.  (Laughter.)

I said that at the last event yesterday and somebody yelled out, I tried it and it didn’t work.  (Laughter.)  

Now, listen, I've given tax cuts to folks who need it.  (Applause.)  Four years ago I promised I would cut taxes for middle-class families --

AUDIENCE:  And you did!

THE PRESIDENT:  And I did.  The typical family is paying $3,600 less in federal taxes since I've been President.  We've cut taxes for small businesses 18 times.  But I don’t believe that another round of tax breaks for millionaires are going to bring good jobs to our shores, or pay down the deficit -- just like I don’t think that firing teachers or kicking students off of financial aid is going to help our economy.  (Applause.)  That's not going to help us compete with China and other countries that are coming up.  

After all we've been through, I sure don't believe rolling back regulations we put in place to make sure Wall Street doesn’t act recklessly, that rolling those regulations back somehow will help small business women here in Florida, or laid-off construction workers get back to work. 

Let me tell you, Florida, what they are selling we are not buying.  (Applause.)  We've been there, we've tried it.  It's not working.  We're not going back.  We’re moving forward.  That's why I'm running for a second term for President of the United
States.  (Applause.)

Now, I will not pretend that the path I’m offering is quick or easy.  It's going to take more than a few years to deal with problems that have been building up for decades.  But let me tell you something -- when our opponent goes around saying that the nation is in decline, he doesn’t know what he's talking about.  (Applause.)  This is America.  We've got the best workers in the world, the best entrepreneurs in the world.  We’ve got the best scientists and researchers in the world.  (Applause.)  We’ve got the best colleges and universities in the world.  (Applause.) 

We are a young nation.  We've got the greatest diversity of talent and ingenuity.  People want to come here from every corner of the globe.  (Applause.)  So no matter what the naysayers tell us, no matter how dark they try to make things look for election time, there’s not another country on Earth that wouldn’t trade places with the United States.  (Applause.) 

So I promise you our problems can be solved, and our challenges can be met.  The path we offer may be harder, but it will lead to a better place.  And I’m asking you to choose that future.  I'm asking you to rally around some goals -- concrete, achievable goals in manufacturing and energy, and education, in reducing our deficit that will lead to new jobs and more opportunity, and it will rebuild our economy on a stronger foundation. 

That’s what the next four years are about.  That’s why I’m running for President.  (Applause.)  That's why I need your support.  (Applause.)

Now, just in case some of you missed me on Thursday, I want to lay out once again what I'm talking about with this plan.   First, I’ve got a plan to export more products and send fewer jobs overseas.  (Applause.)  After a decade of decline, this country has actually created more than half a million new manufacturing jobs over the last two and a half years.  (Applause.)  We reinvented a dying auto industry that’s back on top of the world.  (Applause.) 

Here on the Space Coast, we started a new era of American exploration that is creating good jobs right here in this county. (Applause.)  We've begun an ambitious new direction for NASA by laying the groundwork for 21st century space flight and innovation.  And just last month, we witnessed an incredible achievement that speaks to the nation's sense of wonder and our can-do spirit -- the United States of America landing Curiosity on Mars.  (Applause.)

So this is an example of what we do when we combine our science, our research, our ability to commercialize new products, making them here in America. 

So this is where we've got a choice.  We could, as the House Republican budget proposes, cut back on research and technology.

AUDIENCE:  No!

THE PRESIDENT:  Or we can continue to be at the cutting-edge -- because that's what we've always been about.  We can spark new discoveries, launch new careers, inspire the next generation to reach for something better.  You've got that choice.  We can make sure that not only are we investing in great research, but the products that come out of that research are made here in the United States.  (Applause.)

We can change our tax code so we stop giving tax breaks to companies that are shipping jobs overseas.  Let's reward them for investing in new plants and equipment here in the U.S., and training new workers here in the U.S., and keeping the research and development here in the U.S., and creating jobs right here in the U.S., making products that we sell around the world stamped with three proud words:  Made in the USA.  That's what we're fighting for.  That's the future we want.  (Applause.)

AUDIENCE:  U-S-A!  U-S-A!  U-S-A!

THE PRESIDENT:  U-S-A!

AUDIENCE:  U-S-A!  U-S-A!  U-S-A!  U-S-A!

THE PRESIDENT:  We can help big factories and small businesses double their exports.  And that creates jobs.  And we can create a million new manufacturing jobs in the next four years.  And by the way, here in Florida, you are a gateway for this huge Latin American market that's growing.  (Applause.)  Which is why, during the Recovery Act, we helped local communities revamp their ports and their roads, so that we can move more products onto those container ships that are sending goods down to Brazil and Mexico and other parts -- Argentina, and all across our hemisphere.

And that's also why, by the way, we're attracting more tourists from this region.  We made it easier for folks to come visit Florida -- (applause) -- because that creates jobs right here in Florida.  So this is all part of the notion that we don't want to just borrow and spend -- we also want to make stuff and sell.  (Applause.)  That's part one of the plan.  

Part two:  I’ve got a plan to control more of our own energy.  After 30 years of inaction, we raised fuel standards so that by the middle of the next decade, your cars or trucks will go twice as far on a gallon of gas.  (Applause.)  That will save you money, and it will help the environment.  (Applause.)   

We’ve doubled our use of renewable energy.  Thousands of Americans have jobs today building wind turbines and long-lasting batteries and solar panels that are being used right here in Florida to generate energy.  (Applause.) 

I want you guys to know this.  Today, the United States of America is less dependent on foreign oil than at any time in nearly two decades.  (Applause.) 

So now you've got a choice between a plan that reverses this progress, or one that builds on it.  Unlike my opponent, I’m not going to let oil companies write this country’s energy plan, or endanger our coastlines, or collect another $4 billion in corporate welfare from our taxpayers.  (Applause.) 

We’ve got a better path, where we keep investing in wind and solar, and clean coal technology, and farmers and scientists harness new biofuels to power our cars and our trucks, and where we put construction workers back to work building factories that waste less energy, retrofitting schools and hospitals and buildings so that they're using less energy.  (Applause.)  Where we developed a hundred years’ supply of natural gas that’s right beneath our feet.  And if we choose this path, we can cut our oil imports in half by 2020, and that alone will support 600,000 new jobs in natural gas.  (Applause.) 

We can move forward, but we can't go backwards.  (Applause.) That's what the next four years are about.  (Applause.)

Part three -- part three:  I’ve got a plan to give more Americans the chance to gain the skills they need to compete.  Education was the key to opportunity for me, for Michelle, for many of you.  And so we focused on this the minute I came into office.  And for the first time in a generation, nearly every state has answered our call to raise their standards for teaching and learning.  And some of the worst schools in the country have made real progress and real gains in math and reading.  (Applause.) 

Millions of students, including some students at this institution, are paying less today for college because we took on a system that was wasting billions of taxpayer dollars sending it to banks; we said let's send it directly to students.  (Applause.)  And students are paying less for their college education because of it.  (Applause.) 
 
So now you’ve got a choice.

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  You're our choice!

THE PRESIDENT:  That's a good choice.  (Applause.) 

We can gut our investment in education, as the budget being proposed by the other side would do.  Or we can decide in the United States of America, no child should have their dream deferred because of an overcrowded classroom or outdated textbooks.  No family should have to set aside an acceptance letter for college because they realize, you know what, honey, we just can't afford it.  No company should have to look for workers in some other country because they couldn’t find the workers with the right skills right here in the United States.  (Applause.)

So we've got to focus on this.  Help me recruit 100,000 new math and science teachers, and improve early childhood education, and give 2 million workers the chance to learn skills at their  local community college that will lead directly to a job.  (Applause.)  And help me work with colleges and universities to cut in half the growth of tuition costs over the next 10 years. (Applause.) 

We can meet that goal together.  We can help the next generation.  (Applause.)  We can choose that future for America. But I can only do it with you.  (Applause.)   

And you know what, let's make sure that we're reducing our deficit without sticking it to the middle class.  (Applause.)  Now, independent analysis says that my plan for reducing our deficits would lower them by $4 trillion.  That's with a "T" -- $4 trillion.  And I’ve worked with Republicans in Congress already to cut a trillion dollars in spending, and I’m willing to do more.  I want to work with them.

I want a tax code that's fair and simpler.  But I also want to ask folks like me and Mr. Romney, the wealthiest households in America, the top 2 percent, to just pay a little bit more -- higher taxes on incomes over the first $250,000 of their income to help reduce our deficit. (Applause.)  That's the same rate we had when Bill Clinton was President, and we created 23 million new jobs, the biggest surplus in history and a whole lot of millionaires to boot.  (Applause.)  We can do that.

And, by the way, I just want to be clear -- under my plan, first of all, 98 percent of folks who make less than $250,000, you wouldn’t see your income taxes go up a single dime.  (Applause.)  Because you're the ones who need relief.  And what happens when you've got a little more money in your pocket -- what happens?

AUDIENCE:  We spend it!

THE PRESIDENT:  You spend it.  Maybe you buy a new computer for your son or daughter.  Maybe you buy a new car after 20 years of driving that old beater around.  And what happens when you spend, then businesses have more customers, and then they make  more profit, and then they hire more workers, who then, in turn, go buy more products.  That's how we grow an economy -- not from the top down; from the middle out, from the bottom up.  (Applause.)  That's the choice in this election.  (Applause.)
But what we heard in Tampa -- well, they didn’t really say much about it, but what you see on their website, what you've seen Republicans in Congress vote on is a different kind of plan. President Clinton pointed out that the single biggest thing missing from my opponent’s plan is arithmetic.  (Applause.)  Math.  Governor Romney and his allies tell us we can somehow lower our deficit by spending trillion more dollars on new tax breaks for the wealthy. 

AUDIENCE:  Booo --

THE PRESIDENT:  I mean, listen, you've got to do the math, because when my opponents were asked about it today, they couldn't.  (Laughter.)  It was like two plus one equals five.  (Laughter.)  They couldn't answer questions about how they'd pay for $5 trillion in new tax cuts and $2 trillion in new defense spending without raising taxes on the middle class.  That's not bold leadership -- that's bad math.  (Applause.)  That gets a failing grade.

I refuse to go along with that plan.  I refuse to ask middle-class families to give up their deductions for owning a home or raising their kids just to pay for another tax cut for somebody like me or Mr. Romney.  (Applause.)  I refuse to ask students to pay more for college, or kick children out of Head Start programs just to give millionaires a tax break.  (Applause.)  I'm not going to eliminate health insurance for millions of Americans who are poor or elderly or disabled, all so those with the most can pay less.  (Applause.)  And I want you to know, Florida, I will never turn Medicare into a voucher.

You know, I had a wonderful breakfast with two retired couples over at Cocoa -- Gerry and Jan and John and Shirley -- they're here somewhere.  There they are, they're over there.  And that was a good breakfast, too, wasn’t it?  It was outstanding.  And they were wise enough to move to Florida after they retired because they were living in very cold weather.  And they love it here.  But we were talking about how, after a lifetime of work, they've been able to save enough to have a comfortable retirement, but that's only because Medicare is there rock-solid for them; only because we have made that commitment that says if you work hard all your life then you should have some basic security -- not to live lavishly, but to know that it's going to be there for you.

And I have to tell you, that is going to be part of what's at stake in this election.  Now, I've already strengthened Medicare.  We've already added years to the life of Medicare by getting rid of taxpayer subsidies to insurance companies that weren’t making people any healthier, and in fact, were making things more expensive for everybody.  (Applause.) 

So we used part of those savings to help lower the cost of prescription drugs and offer free preventive care to seniors.  I thought that was a good idea.  (Applause.)  For some reason, my opponents think it's a bad idea.  So they want to give the money back to the insurance companies and then put them in charge of Medicare.

AUDIENCE:  No!

THE PRESIDENT:  In fact, one report just said that by the end of the next decade, our opponent's plan would mean as much as $16 billion to $26 billion in new profits for insurance companies.  So basically, your costs would rise by the thousands so that their profits could rise by the billions. 

AUDIENCE:  Booo --

THE PRESIDENT:  So here's the bottom line.  Their voucher plan for Medicare would bankrupt Medicare.  Our plan strengthens Medicare.  No American should have to spend their golden years at the mercy of insurance companies.  They should retire with the dignity and the respect and the care that they have earned.  (Applause.) 

Yes, we will reform and strengthen Medicare for the long haul -- but we’ll do it by reducing the cost of health care, not by dumping those costs on to seniors.  We're not going to do that.  (Applause.)  

And while we’re at it, we’re going to keep the promise of Social Security by taking responsible steps to strengthen it, not by turning it over to Wall Street.  And by the way, if you're wondering who is right on this argument about Medicare --

AUDIENCE:  You are!

THE PRESIDENT:  No, no, but in case some of your friends are wondering -- let's put it that way.  (Laughter.)  I mean, keep in mind that the AARP, which knows a little bit about this, they took a look at our plan when we passed Obamacare, and they confirmed that it strengthens Medicare.  (Applause.)  And when you look at their plan, it's confirmed that over time a voucher system will weaken Medicare as we know it.

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  That's why we need a new governor!  (Applause.)

THE PRESIDENT:  I'm talking about the federal election right now.  (Laughter.)

Now, rebuilding this economy is essential, but, as Mary said, our prosperity at home is also linked to our security and our policies abroad.  So I just want to remind everybody four years ago, I promised to end the war in Iraq -- I did.  (Applause.)  We said we'd wind down the war in Afghanistan -- and we are doing that.  (Applause.)  And a few days before 9/11, a new tower is rising above the New York skyline.  (Applause.)  We're coming back.  Meanwhile al Qaeda is on the path to defeat and Osama bin Laden is dead.  (Applause.)

So I just want you to remember when my opponent and his vice presidential nominee are running around saying somehow we're weakening our military -- let me tell you, as long as I’m Commander-in-Chief, we will sustain the strongest military the world has ever known.  (Applause.)  When our troops take off their uniforms we will serve them as well as they have served us -- because nobody should have to fight for a job or a roof over their heads when they come home after serving on behalf of the United States. (Applause.)

But we've got some disagreements.  My opponent says it was "tragic" for me to end the Iraq war the way I did.  I think he's wrong.  He won’t tell us how he’ll end the war in Afghanistan.  I have.  My opponent wants to spend more money on military programs that our Joint Chiefs don't even want.  I'll use that money that we’re no longer spending on war to pay down our debt -- (applause) -- and to put more people back to work rebuilding roads and schools and bridges.  (Applause.)  After a decade of war, we need to do some nation-building here at home.  That's what we're going to do.  (Applause.)

So, Florida, that's the choice that we now face.  That's the choice that you face.  Over and over we have been told by our opponents that the only answer, the only way are bigger tax cuts and fewer regulations, shrink government -- because their basic idea is that since government can't do everything, it should do almost nothing.  If you can't afford health insurance, hope you don't get sick.  If there's some toxic pollution that's going into the air that our kids breathe, well, that's the price of progress.  If you can't afford to go to college, borrow some money from your parents.

AUDIENCE:  Booo --

THE PRESIDENT:  That's what he said.  It's amazing that you guys didn’t think of that, students.  (Laughter.)

But you know what, that's not who we are.  As Americans, we insist on personal responsibility and individual initiative.  We know you've got to work hard.  We know you're not entitled to success, you've got to earn it.  And we honor the small businesspeople and the strivers and the dreamers and the risk-takers who've been the driving force between our free enterprise system, the greatest engine of growth and prosperity that the world has ever known.

But we also believe that this country works only because we also accept certain obligations to one another, because we think about future generations.  (Applause.)  As citizens, we understand it's not about what can be done for us, but what can be done by us, together, as a nation.  (Applause.)  Together as one people.  (Applause.)   

And those of you who were with me in '08 -- (applause) -- you understand this because that election was about you.  You brought about change.  You're the reason seniors across Florida are saving an average of $600 every year on their prescription drug because of Obamacare.  You did that.  (Applause.)

You're the reason a woman in Doral, who's already working full-time during the day, can now afford to go to school at night because she's getting the financial aid that she needs.  (Applause.)  You're the reason there's families in Florida who are able to save their homes from foreclosure, and keep that piece of the American Dream.  You made that possible. 

You're the reason why young immigrants who grew up here and went to school here and pledged allegiance to our flag are no longer going to be deported from the only home they've ever known. (Applause.)  You're the reason we ended "don't ask, don't tell" so anybody who loves this country can serve this country.  (Applause.)  You're the reason why families are welcoming back our brave soldiers, saying:  "Welcome home."  (Applause.)

So, Florida, you can't turn back now.

AUDIENCE:  No!

THE PRESIDENT:  We can't give into the cynicism that the other side is peddling.  Because what happens, if you give up on the idea that your voice matters, then somebody is going to fill that void.  Oil companies will write our energy plans.  The drug companies and the insurance companies, they'll write our health care plans.  The folks who are writing the $10 million check who are buying this election; the people who are trying to make it harder for you to vote; the folks who want to tell you who to marry; the people who are trying to tell women that they can't make up their own minds about their health care choices -- (applause) -- they're the folks who are going to be filling that void if you don't step up.  (Applause.) 

But if you claim the power that you have, if you are determined to move us forward, the American people cannot be stopped.  (Applause.) 

And I tell you, we've got a lot more work to do.  We've got more good jobs to create.  We've got more good schools to build, more great teachers to hire, more troops to bring home -- (applause) -- more veterans to take care of.  And if you will make some phone calls for me, and knock on some doors with me, talk to your neighbors and your friends about what's at stake -- if you'll register to vote, and make sure you turn out to vote -- (applause) -- then we will finish what we started.  (Applause.)  We will open the doors of opportunity to all who are willing to work hard to walk through them.  (Applause.)  We will win Florida.  (Applause.)  We will win this election.  (Applause.)  And you and I together will remind the world why the United States of America is the greatest nation on Earth.  (Applause.)

God bless you.  And God bless the United States of America.  (Applause.)   

END 
12:32 P.M. EDT

Press Gaggle by Press Secretary Jay Carney, 9/8/12

Aboard Press Pool Bus
En Route Kissimmee, Florida   

1:09 P.M. EDT

MR. CARNEY:  Welcome back aboard Press Force One, as we begin our bus tour, two-day bus tour.  It's always a pleasure to see you.  I have no announcements to make, and that makes me happy. 

 Jen?

 MS. PSAKI:  I don't have any real announcements.  So since we're in Florida, in the spirit of that, I just thought I'd tick through a couple facts about Florida for you guys.  One, on Thursday evening, during the President's speech, they held nearly 900 house parties across the state to watch his speech. 

Medicare, as you know the President talked about today, and he talks about regularly out there -- as we all know, there's a large senior population in Florida.  We've put out reports on this in the past, but more than 238,000 Floridians with Medicare have already seen cuts in their cost of their prescription drugs. So I wanted to make sure you had that number.

 Voters can register until October 9th in Florida.  And in the state, we've been outspent by Republicans and the Republican super PACs by about $10 million.  So keep that in mind. 

So those are just a few stats, and we'll take your questions.

Q   I have a question.  You're going to Melbourne tomorrow.  Do we assume that there's going to be a big NASA focus there?

MS. PSAKI:  I don't have any updates on the President's remarks or what he'll talk about.  He will -- as you know, the President has a plan for the space program.  That's more than Mitt Romney and his team can say.  So there certainly is a contrast.  We'll let you know if there's any update on his remarks, if he'll be addressing that tomorrow.

And just to add -- I know Adam is here -- I don't know if you guys all know Adam, but he's the Florida expert in the crew. But obviously a number of our stops are along the I-4 corridor, where the Latino population has been growing.  The demographics in the state in this area have been moving more towards supporters of the President and his agenda.  But we'll also be visiting areas over the course of the next two days where we haven't won traditionally in the past.  So it's a mix through the course of the bus tour.

Q   Melbourne is one of the (inaudible.)  What's the thinking in terms of going into territory that's not typically yours?

MS. PSAKI:  Well, we spend a lot of time, as you know, in parts of states like Florida, but also states like Colorado and Ohio, where we may not have won the vote four years ago, and there may be more voters who are leaning towards our opponent, but these are still places where we feel we can not only energize our supporters but also make an appeal to soft supporters of our opponent on issues like the economy and middle-class tax cuts, on issues like Medicare and the dramatic cuts that the Romney/Ryan budget would propose.  And we feel every moment of time we spend is worth it, even in places where we didn’t win four years ago because we need to still energize and excite the voters we turned out four years ago and build on that.

Q   Jen, now that people have had a chance to digest yesterday's unemployment report a little bit more than when it first came out, what are your concerns about the impact of it, and sort of the drip, drip effect there's going to be another one and then another one just four days before Election Day?

MS. PSAKI:  Well, the President made a very strong case on Thursday night for the choice he's offering the American people when it comes to the economy and the plans he's presenting to move the economy forward.  As you know, he's proposed a number of pieces in the American Jobs Act that Republicans and Mitt Romney could get behind right now.  And independent economists have said that would create 1 million more jobs.  He will continue to talk about those on the campaign trail.

We know most people are not sitting at home clicking "refresh" on the BLS website; they're concerned about how things are impacting them.  Do they have health care?  Can they send their kids to college?  Are they able to get a job?  Can their small business get access to the loans and assistance they need? That's what the President will be talking about.  That's what he's been talking about and what he will be between now and November.

MR. CARNEY:  And if I could just say as a matter of policy, because you didn’t -- the jobs report represented the 30th straight month that we've had private sector job growth, for a total of 4.6 million private sector jobs.  That stands in stark contrast to the situation that existed in the country when President Obama was sworn into office.

And when we talk about simply policy comparisons, proposals that are designed to keep the country moving forward, continue to have economic growth and job creation, and to increase that growth and job creation, what the President believes in and what he's putting forward -- and there is a useful comparison here because the recession was not that long ago.  We're not asking people to reach back and look at policy proposals from the '70s or '80s.  We're talking about what was in place four years ago and led to the worst economic crisis in the lifetime of everybody on this bus. 

Q   What are your concerns, though, Jay, from a policy standpoint that the job creation, the 96,000 jobs reflected in this report was not as strong as many economists originally thought it would be, and the fact that unemployment notched down a bit because fewer people are looking for work?

MR. CARNEY:  Well, I'd say a couple of things.  First, we never react too happily to job reports that exceed expectations or too negatively to job reports that come in below expectations because we are focused on trends.  You may recall that in the earlier part of this year we had a series of months where these same reports came in significantly above expectations. 

The point is that we need to continue moving in one direction, which is forward, and that's positive job growth, positive economic growth.  The President is the first one to say -- you heard him say it today and he said it yesterday and the day before -- that we're not anywhere close to where we need to be in this economy because the hole that was dug by the recession was so deep.  And he wants to not just settle for the status quo for the middle class that existed prior to the recession; he was running in 2008 on the idea that the middle class was already under intense pressure and needed help.

Go ahead, Jen.

MS. PSAKI:  I was going to add one thing.  Mitt Romney has been out there talking about his plan to create 12 million jobs that's lacking in any concrete detail on exactly how he's going to get there.  We know that from the American Jobs Act, which I referenced, that would create a million jobs.  We know the Romney/Ryan budget independent economists have said could cost a million jobs.  So next year alone, we're talking about a difference between President Obama's plan that could put 2 million people back to work more than Mitt Romney’s plan. 

And ultimately, I think people across Florida, people across this country are looking at the difference -- the choice in this election, the difference between what they're presenting and what their priorities are.  And that's what we’re going to continue to bring into focus.

 Q   Would either of you give us an idea, since yesterday was the first day in a long time that the full ticket was campaigning together, any color about how they were?  Were they buoyant?  Were they revved up from the campaign?  Anything that we didn't see behind the scenes -- and then also just bring it into today, the President is on another bus tour, it’s Florida -- does he seem fired up and ready to go?

 MS. PSAKI:  The President loves nothing more than bus tours.  He loves --

 MR. CARNEY:  It’s true.  (Laughter.)

 MS. PSAKI:  And the campaigning.  The President absolutely loves bus tours because you’re not getting on and off of a plane. You're actually spending time in the state of Florida.  We’re going to make some local stops.  He’s going to go to places where people are having lunch, where they're working, where they're spending their Saturday afternoon, and have individual conversations that he’s going to take back with him for weeks to come. 

This is our third bus tour since I’ve been back, so we’ve done them in Iowa and Ohio.  And it’s something that I think you’ll see more of between now and November.

 In terms of color, you may --

 MR. CARNEY:  Well, I would just say a couple of things.  It obviously creates a lot of energy when you have the President and the Vice President together, and in this case, even more energy because you had the First Lady and Dr. Biden.  There were a couple of really nice moments that I noticed.

 Before they -- before the President went out, there was a little tent backstage, but outside, a small, little tent.  And I know --

 Q   Where was this?  Which stop?

 MR. CARNEY:  Yesterday, in New Hampshire.

 MS. PSAKI:  First event.

 MR. CARNEY:  The first event.  And the Vice President and President were just sitting next to each other, sort of heads together, talking, and just very intimately -- no other staff were around.  And you could tell they were catching up because they have both been on a busy schedule traveling separately.  And you just really -- you could tell that they were both feeling very good about the night before, and the overall convention.

 And then there was a nice moment inside in a really, lovely historic building that served as a hold where I noticed that the First Lady and Dr. Biden and some others were catching up, as well, prior to the event.

 What you can definitely say about having worked for both men, that these are -- family is a dominant theme for both the Obamas and the Bidens.  And it’s something that I know the two men speak about a lot, and I’m sure the First Lady and Dr. Biden do, as well.

 Q   Charlie Crist campaigned for you guys today.  Certainly, his Florida career in the Republican Party was doomed somewhat by that famous photo from 2009.  I noticed they hugged again today.  Were there one -- were there any similar discussions with the two of them backstage?  And two, what do you think Charlie Crist brings to the campaign?  And how is he helpful, given all the history?

 MS. PSAKI:  The only thing the President loves more than a bus tour is a hug, so -- (laughter.)  Charlie Crist has -- the speech he gave the other night at the convention made a strong case for why moving past partisan politics, supporting the person who you believe is the right one to lead the country forward, is one of the reasons why people should get behind President Obama. 

He has widespread appeal in the state with independent voters, with women, with seniors.  He can make a strong case for people who know him well, partisan politics aside, about why the President is a better person to protect against voucherizing Medicare, why he’s the right person to protect against Republican attempts to challenge a woman from being able to make choices about her own health care.  He’s expressed a willingness to be out there for the President.  I expect he will be over the next two months.  And we think he’ll be a help to our efforts in Florida.

 Q   Jen, yesterday the campaign and today the DNC have been making an issue out of the comments that Governor Romney made about Steve King in Iowa.  That's a kind of usual acknowledgement that a politician makes when they're making a local campaign, and so I’m wondering if the President -- is the President going to be held to the same standard when acknowledging people in the audience who may have some views that he doesn't necessarily agree with to result in this connection that you guys are making that they are partners in extremism?

 MS. PSAKI:  Well, look, I think you are, and you can be defined, by the people you surround yourself by.  Mitt Romney gave a rousing endorsement of Steve King and said he’s somebody he absolutely needs in Washington.  So that is a bit more than just acknowledging he’s in the audience.  I think the point here is that there is a clear difference between what Todd Akin, what Steve King, and what some others in the most extreme right wing of the party are standing for and representing when it comes to women’s health care.  And to kind of wrap his arms around him, it just raises the question of who he’s surrounding himself with.

 Q   Romney is campaigning in Virginia today with Governor Allen.  Does Governor Allen bring anything to his support in Virginia?

 MS. PSAKI:  I think in Virginia, people are going to be making the decision between -- on the presidential ticket level  -- what President Obama represents and what Mitt Romney represents.  We know there’s a very competitive Senate race, and the President has a strong and longstanding relationship with Tim Kaine, of course.  But we’ll be back in the state, and I think people are going to be deciding between each of the tickets for the most part.

 Q   Can I follow up on some of the things the President said at the rally in Seminole?  So he said that on Medicare he would never just dump costs on to seniors, and on Social Security that he would never reform it by turning it over to Wall Street. He certainly implied that that's what he thinks Mitt Romney would do, but he didn't say it directly.  Does the President believe that that's what Mitt Romney would do?  Or was he just talking more broadly about Republicans?

 MR. CARNEY:  As far as the policy?

 Q   Yes.

 MR. CARNEY:  While Mitt Romney has said that he would -- and this is policy we’re talking about -- he has said he won’t tell the American people any specifics about how he’s going to pay for a $5 trillion tax cut, he and his running mate have been abundantly clear about what their plans for Medicare are. Abundantly clear. 

Outside analysts have said that the implementation of that plan would result -- in turning Medicare into a voucher, would save money by shifting costs to seniors, not by reducing health care costs, but by raising costs, out-of-pocket expenses for seniors.  That's simply a fact.  The President opposes that, adamantly.

The only reason why you would need to do that is in order to pay for tax cuts for millionaires and billionaires.  You can strengthen Medicare, and the President already has, and make sure that the benefits that seniors have long enjoyed through Medicare are preserved.  And that's what the President is committed to doing.

On Social Security, Governor [Congressman} Ryan has supported a plan, both of his own and then the President’s [Bush], that did turn in full or in part Social Security over to Wall Street.

Q   Congressman Ryan.

Q   Congressman Ryan.

MR. CARNEY:  What I have -- that's a fact.  And it’s also the wrong policy and entirely unnecessary unless you need that money, you need the savings extracted out of our seniors in order to pay for tax cuts for millionaires and billionaires.

MS. PSAKI:  I’ll just add -- Jay obviously did a thorough review of the policy -- but the most important decision Mitt Romney has made is picking his running mate, and that tells you something about not only his priorities, but the kind of leadership that he’s looking for to join him in the White House. And Jay was very clear about Congressman Ryan’s record on these issues, and they have not backed away from their support for voucherizing Medicare, and have said that they think it’s the right step.

MR. CARNEY:  Facts are facts.

MS. PSAKI:  Facts are facts.

Q   Aside from the guidance we have for next week, any idea if you’ll be doing more bus trips here or elsewhere?  And in particular, next weekend, do you expect him to be down, or do you expect him to be on the road?

MR. CARNEY:  We just don’t have any scheduling updates to provide.  When we have them, we will.  Like Jen said, I know this mode of campaigning and moving around the country is very appealing to the President.  And I think it goes to some of the earlier questions about why you go certain places.  One of the things that is useful about a bus trip is it allows you to go to towns and places that are hard to reach when you’re flying in a 747.  And the President particularly enjoys that aspect of it.
But we just don’t have any announcements to make in terms of modes or sites of future travel. 

I think it’s very important to note on this Saturday in September, weekend in September, that we are at that annual moment of sublime convergence where you have college football, the NFL, and the end of the baseball season leading into the post-season.  There is no finer time in American sports.  And I know the President will be enjoying all that is on offer, as will I.

 Q   Does the President have a prediction on the NFL season, a Super Bowl prediction?

 MR. CARNEY:  He is a Bears fan all the way.
 
 Q   But who does he think will win?

 MR. CARNEY:  I haven’t asked him, but I know he bets on the Bears.
 
 Q   All that is on offer -- on the satellite on the bus, you mean?
 
 MR. CARNEY:  Well, the bus is like the plane.  And I’ve told you all that when there’s a TV on in his presence, it tends to be ESPN.  And this morning, we were talking -- we were all having a chat on the bus, so I don’t --

 MS. PSAKI:  I was briefing him on football and where things are.  (Laughter.) 
 
 MR. CARNEY:  We weren’t watching TV.  But, yes, that tends to be in the background most times.

 Q   What kind of betting does he do on the Bears?  (Laughter.) 

 MS. PSAKI:  Do you want to get in on a bet?

 Q   Is it a suicide pool?
 
 MR. CARNEY:  No, no, no money bets.  But his heart is firmly with the Bears.  And, look, they’re strong I think actually this year.  They have a remarkable running back.  I think Cutler is very strong.  So as an observer -- not a Bears fan, but as an observer, I think the Bears could be a real contender.

 And the White Sox are hanging in there, as the President reminds me every day.

 Q   I’m changing the subject from sports, but is this the first time that Obama has been in Florida since Ryan was added to the Romney ticket?

 MR. CARNEY:  Have we been here?  It’s all a blur.

 MS. PSAKI:  I thought we had been here.
 
 MR. CARNEY:  We can check.

 MS. PSAKI:  We’ll double-check for you.

 Q   Can you do a quick Latino question -- so how much of the Orlando stop is about the Puerto Rican vote?  And is that -- I know he wants to appeal to all voters and all Latino voters and stuff, but can you talk about the importance of the Puerto Rican vote in Florida, sort of as a counter to the Cuban American vote?

 MS. PSAKI:  Sure.  I didn’t know if Jay was going to jump in.

 MR. CARNEY:  No, no, no -- that’s purely electoral.

 MS. PSAKI:  There are -- as I mentioned earlier, there are changing demographics in Florida, as there are in many states across the country, and there certain has been a growth in Orlando in the I-4 corridor in the Latino population.  Because of the difference between the President’s policies -- he has been a strong proponent of comprehensive immigration reform, he has taken steps to ensure that children are able to stay here and go to college and been really a very strong advocate.
 
 On the flip side, Mitt Romney has the most extreme position of almost any candidate in modern American history on immigration.  And he has not taken steps to lay out not only what we need to do to address the problem, but he has also said he would veto the DREAM Act, and taken steps that I think have given pause to many who care deeply about issues like immigration, which is the Latino population, but also far beyond that in this country.

 We know also that issues like education, health care, economy are also very large issues in the Latino community.  And that’s one of the reasons he’ll be talking about those, as he consistently does, tomorrow.  But certainly, we are visiting parts of the state where we know we can continue to build our support, we know we can energize supporters.  And that demographic is one of them.

 MR. CARNEY:  If I could just add as a matter of policy -- it’s particularly interesting I think to readers of Bloomberg -- is that immigration reform, comprehensive immigration reform, must and will, if this President is reelected, include measures that will enhance the capacity of our businesses, American enterprises, to retain the very best talent.  And that will help us grow the economy.  And that has to be part of comprehensive immigration reform.  It’s one of the reasons why the President feels so strongly about it.

 Q   Immigration, though, is not a direct issue for the Puerto Rican population.

 MS. PSAKI:  I was talking about the Latino population in Florida broadly.  I mean, did you have a specific question about how we’re appealing --

 Q   Are you targeting Puerto Rican voters in Orlando?

 MS. PSAKI:  I mean, look, I think we’re -- I think there are many demographics in the state that will make up the group of people that we think will help us win the state.  So that certainly is one of them.  But beyond that, obviously the difference on immigration for many other Latino voters in the state, the difference on women’s health care, the difference on Medicare and Social Security -- these are all issues that will help us make Florida blue again.

 Q   We all know that Florida has this large elderly population, but I’m wondering whether the Medicare issue resonates -- well, first of all, whether the elderly population is pretty much locked in, if that’s a voting bloc that’s already partisan, and whether the Medicare argument reaches to a different voting bloc, whether it’s 50-year-old men or -- are you guys looking at that in that particular way?

 MS. PSAKI:  Well, I mean, I’m not going to get into specifics about which demographics we’re targeting.  I mean, you’re right that it is beyond the population of seniors over 65. I think it’s just one of the issues that we highlight, because it speaks to also the priorities of the candidates.
 
And I think it’s alarming to people when they hear that costs could go up on prescription drugs, that costs could go up on their health care plans.  And that certainly impacts people who are not only in retirement, but are nearing retirement and looking ahead to their future, and even the children of people who are in retirement and nearing retirement and looking to the future of their parents and grandparents.  So it is a message that I think resonates beyond just the people who are currently in retirement, currently recipients of Medicare.
 
MR. CARNEY:  I think it’s very important when you talk about repealing health care reform to note that the consequence of that would be to bring about, according to the independent experts, the insolvency of Medicare eight years sooner.  If you repeal Obamacare, the experts say, Medicare would begin to be insolvent in 2016.  And that should be -- and I know is -- a concern to not just today’s seniors, but men and women in their --

MS. PSAKI:  Rising seniors.
 
MR. CARNEY:  -- rising seniors in their 50s and 60s.  And that’s why the President is so committed to strengthening the program. 

Thank you all very much.

END
1:33 P.M. EDT