Remarks by the Vice President at a Meeting of the United Nations Security Council

United Nations Security Council Chamber

New York, New York

***Prior to the Vice President’s formal remarks, he spoke about the recent passing of Ambassador Richard Holbrooke, and then asked the chamber for a moment of silence:

Before I begin today, I’d like to take a moment to mark the passing this week of Ambassador Richard Holbrooke, one of America’s greatest warriors for peace who served so ably here in this chamber and, quite frankly, far beyond.  He did it with an unrivaled tenacity and skill.  Ambassador Holbrooke took on, for the past half century, the most daunting foreign policy challenges from Vietnam to the Cold War, Bosnia to Afghanistan.  And through his intellect, determination, and sheer force of his will – and some of you experienced that force of his will - he helped to bend the arc of history towards progress. And while we mourn his loss, he endures in the countless lives preserved through his life’s work.  May I ask all those present in the chamber to join me in observing a moment of silence in commemoration of his passing. 

###

REMARKS BY THE VICE PRESIDENT
AT A MEETING OF THE UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL

Distinguished colleagues, it’s a genuinely rare opportunity to chair this session of the United Nations Security Council to address the important issues related to the Republic of Iraq.  

Let us briefly reflect on what has been a critically important period in Iraq’s history.  In recent years, the Iraqi people have emerged from the depths of sectarian violence, and they have flatly rejected the grim future offered by extremists, and they have earned themselves a chance for much better days ahead.

Iraqi forces are now in charge of securing their country, and they have proved themselves more than capable of doing so, as I and many of you have seen with our own eyes.

Since our administration came to office, we’ve withdrawn over 100,000 American troops from Iraq and ended our combat mission there.  We have transitioned from a military-led engagement to a civilian-led engagement.  

And the 50,000 troops who remain until the end of next year, under the security agreement with the Iraqi government have been given a new primary mission:  advising and assisting their Iraqi counterparts.  Meanwhile, the frequency of violent attacks in Iraq has reached its lowest level - thank the Lord - since 2003.  

As you know, in March the Iraqi people conducted a historic election.  And last month Iraq’s political leaders agreed on a framework for government that reflects the election’s result.

This government will include blocs representing every major community, and will not exclude nor marginalize anyone.  It is made in Iraq by Iraqis, and it reflects a remarkable development that in today’s Iraq, politics - politics has emerged as the dominant means for settling differences and advancing its interest.

And Iraqi leaders must now honor, in a timely manner, the commitment made to each other and to the Iraqi people that were made in the negotiating process.

Going forward, the United States will continue to do its part to reinforce the progress being made in Iraq, consistent with our strategic framework agreement with the Iraqis - to forge an enduring partnership across a range of sectors, including education, energy, trade, health, culture, information technology, law enforcement - the judiciary and security.  And we respectfully urge other nations to share their expertise as well with this new emerging Iraq.

I don't need to remind this gathering of the important role the United Nations played and continues to play in the support of Iraq’s development and the very, very heavy price it has paid.  We will not forget the horror of August 19, 2003, when terrorists took the lives of 22 people, including an outstanding - and I think we would all agree, remarkable - U.S. [sic] envoy, Sérgio de Mello.  

It was a tragic harbinger of all that was to follow after August of 2003.  But the U.N.’s important work continued, and it continues to this day.  It continues because of the foresight of the U.N. Special Representative who rightly observed, and I quote him, “There is no such thing as a distant crisis,” since “you can’t help people from a distance.”  

That wisdom forged during a career spent in the hard-luck corners of the world lives on in all of those bravely helping Iraq to build a better future, including the men and women of the United Nations mission in Iraq.  

Over more than a dozen visits to Iraq, as their foreign minister can tell you, I jokingly kid that I deserve Iraqi citizenship.  I’ve spent so much time there, and I’ve enjoyed every minute.  And over those dozen visits since the war began, I’ve seen firsthand - as I hope many of you have - UNAMI’s efforts to strengthen democratic institutions, conduct elections, advance inclusive dialogue and national reconciliation, aiding vulnerable communities, promoting the protection of human rights, and the reform of the justice system.  Quite frankly, I’ve watched these young men and women who are the staff of the Special Representative literally risk their lives.  I’ve watched them, and I think sometimes those outside this vaulted chamber underestimate the incredible talent, the incredible dedication and the incredible devotion the men and women you send - we send in these regions.  They deserve our gratitude.  They deserve our special thanks - not just to the special envoys, like former Envoy de Mello, but also Ad Melkert, who I worked with every single day that I was in Iraq.  And I will say again, we would not have gotten to this point and I think our colleagues in Iraq would acknowledge were it not for their staff, whose work is often done under trying conditions - and I might add, Mr. Secretary, I think their work remains as important as it ever has been.

To be sure, Iraq faces further challenges on the road to security and prosperity.  Attacks by extremists remain an unacceptable aspect of daily life in Iraq.  We’re particularly concerned about recent attempts to targets innocents because of their faith, including both Christians and Muslims, and to lash out at security forces working to keep the country safe.

But I firmly believe that despite these challenges, Iraq’s best days are ahead.  As a founding member of the United Nations, Iraq seeks and deserves the opportunity to resume its rightful role in the community of nations.  Toward that end, this session formally acknowledges the significant steps Iraq has taken toward fulfilling its obligations to the United Nations incurred in the lead-up to the 1991 Gulf War.

Accordingly, the Security Council has now lifted a restriction imposed by the United Nations Security Resolutions 687 and 707, relating to weapons of mass destruction and civilian nuclear activities, in recognition of Iraq’s commitment to nonproliferation; its compliance with relevant treaties and other international instruments; its adherence to the highest nonproliferation standards, and its provisional application of the additional protocols to its agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency pending its entry into force.

The Council has also terminated the residual activities of the Oil for Food program because Iraq has successfully closed out remaining contracts and the Council has ended the development fund for Iraq effective June 30, 2011, due to the steps Iraq has taken toward resolving debts and claims inherited from the previous regime and establishing accountable arrangements for transitioning the fund.

We all know that our work on these issues is not complete.  We urge Iraq’s neighbors and the rest of the international community to continue to work closely with Iraq on its remaining Chapter 7 obligations.  And we strongly support resolution of outstanding issues between Iraq and Kuwait.

Since President Obama asked me to oversee our administration’s Iraqi policy when we took office, let me assure you that the United States will continue to work with the Iraqi leaders on the important tasks that lie ahead, conducting the census, integrating Kurdish forces into Iraqi security forces, keeping commitments to the Sons of Iraq, resolving disputed internal boundaries in the future of Kirkuk, passing critical hydrocarbon legislation and a fiscally responsible budget, and helping to stabilize its economy.

We must also continue our efforts to protect and support those displaced by war, and to help enable voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable returns.

Today, as we take stock of all the Iraqi people have endured and accomplished, and all that still must be done, we cannot lose sight of the fact that Iraq is on the cusp of something remarkable - something remarkable - a stable, self-reliant nation; a just, representative and accountable government; and a positive force for peace and stability in the region.  We all have an interest in redeeming that promise and preserving the gains Iraq has made.

I thank you all for listening.  I shall now invite the distinguished Secretary General to take the floor.

Declaraciones del Presidente sobre la aprobación por el Senado de la Ley de Reautorización de Recortes Tributarios, Seguro por Desempleo y Generación de Empleo del 2010

Hoy, el Senado aprobó con firme respaldo de ambos partidos una medida que es una victoria para las familias estadounidenses, las empresas estadounidenses y nuestra recuperación económica. Esta votación nos lleva un paso más cerca de asegurar que las familias de clase media de todo el país no tengan que preocuparse de un gran aumento de impuestos a fin de año. Les ofrece esperanza a los estadounidenses que no tienen trabajo, pues saben que no les faltará repentinamente el seguro por desempleo que necesitan para subsistir mientras se esfuerzan por encontrar trabajo. Y les ofrece recortes tributarios adicionales a familias de todo el país y alienta a las empresas a crecer y contratar personal.

Sé que no todos los miembros del el Congreso están satisfechos con todos los aspectos de esta propuesta, la cual incluye ciertas disposiciones a las que me opongo. Pero en general, este conjunto de medidas propiciará el crecimiento económico, generará empleo y ayudará a las familias de clase media en todo el país. Al pasar la medida a la Cámara de Representantes, espero que los miembros de ambos partidos puedan unirse en un propósito común para proteger a las familias estadounidenses y a nuestra economía en general al aprobar este esencial conjunto de medidas económicas.

Remarks by the President at Holiday Reception for the Diplomatic Corps

State Department

6:04 P.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you so much.  Thank you.  (Applause.) I have to say, just first of all, looking out at the audience, I'm reminded of, Hillary, how hard we've been working because I recognize everybody.  (Laughter.)  I've seen all of you here.  I've seen you in your home countries.  And we are grateful to you.

First of all, thanks not only to Hillary for her gracious introduction, but I think there’s a consensus building that this may be one of the best Secretaries of State we've ever had in this country’s history.  (Applause.)  One of my better decisions. (Laughter.)  It is a bipartisan view, by the way -- (laughter.)  That doesn’t happen very often. 

Before I say anything else, I want to echo what I know Hillary addressed earlier -- just say a few words about our friend and partner, Richard Holbrooke.  We’re honored to be joined by Richard’s wife Kati and their family -— David, Anthony, Lizzie, Christopher.  I just had a chance to take a few moments with them before we came out to talk about their husband, dad, friend.

Richard Holbrooke has been serving this nation with distinction for nearly 50 years -- from a young foreign service officer in Vietnam to the architect of the accords that ended the slaughter in the Balkans, to advancing our regional efforts as our Special Representative to Afghanistan and Pakistan, and countless crises and hot spots in between.  He is simply one of the giants of American foreign policy.

And as anyone who has ever worked with him knows —- or had the clear disadvantage of negotiating across the table from him  -— Richard is relentless.  He never stops.  He never quits.  Because he’s always believed that if we stay focused, if we act on our mutual interests, that progress is possible.  Wars can end.  Peace can be forged.

This is the conviction that animates his work in Afghanistan and Pakistan —- and that of his SRAP team, many of whom join us tonight.  Where are they?  There they are back there.  (Applause.)  Richard recruited them.  He mentored them.  And I want you to know that in our meetings he consistently gave you guys unbelievable credit.  He was so proud -- and is so proud -- of the work that you do.  And I thank you for all the progress that we're making in that region, which is so vital to our national security.   

So tonight, we’re all praying for Richard’s recovery.  To Kati and the family, our thoughts are with you.  And I know that everyone here joins me when I say that America is more secure —- and the world is a safer place -— because of the work of Ambassador Richard Holbrooke.  So Michelle and I, to the entire family, just know we are thinking and praying for you and for Richard every single day.  And he is a tough son of a gun, so we are confident that, as hard as this is, that he is going to be putting up a tremendous fight.

Now, part of the reason that Hillary Clinton wanted Richard as part of her team is because she, too, is relentless.  She, too, is tough.  She, too, does not quit.  She recently pulled off what one journalist called “a Central Asian hat trick” —- she went to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan -- and then she threw in as a bonus, Bahrain.  (Laughter.)  And because of the time differences, she was able to accomplish this all in one day. (Laughter.) 

Despite the jet lag, she has not lost her sense of humor.  She recently cautioned foreign publics against watching too much American TV, because, she said, you’d think that we Americans spend all our time “wrestling and wearing bikinis.”  (Laughter.) 

So, thank you, Secretary Clinton, for your leadership, for your sense of humor, for your incredible dedication to our national security -- more broadly, your incredible dedication to a world that's more peaceful and secure and provides opportunity for all.  (Applause.) 

Now, I wanted to be here tonight, I'm grateful for the invitation, despite the fact that, as I said, I've met most of you.  I've had a chance to work with many of you.  We recently hosted a reception over at the White House and I’ve had the opportunity to receive some of you —- the newest ambassadors to the United States —- in the Oval Office.  But I wanted to be here today for two reasons. 

First, I want to thank our extraordinary State Department employees for the tireless work that you do.  You are the backbone of American foreign policy -- especially those of you who are serving far away from home during the holidays. 

Day in, day out, you strengthen our alliances.  You forge new partnerships.  You prevent conflicts and the spread of deadly weapons.  You promote global prosperity and global health.  You stand up for human rights and you stand up for universal values. In other words, you -- you show the world the very best of America.  And on behalf of the American people, I want to say thank you.  You are doing an extraordinary job.  (Applause.)

The other reason I wanted to be here was to say how much the United States values the partnerships and friendships of the nations that are represented here.  As you know, my administration has pursued a new era of engagement around the world —- an engagement that’s grounded in mutual interest and mutual respect.  It depends on trust.  It depends on candor.  That’s the essence of our diplomacy and the essence of our partnerships. 

And our commitment to diplomacy —- to building partnerships of mutual interest and mutual respect —- is going to remain a fundamental cornerstone of our foreign policy.  It will not change because not only is it right for America but it’s right for the world.

And let me say that our engagement includes building partnerships between our peoples.  That’s what Michelle and I worked to do during our recent visit to India, for example, which occurred during Diwali.  As many of you have seen, during a Diwali celebration with some of the schoolchildren, Michelle joined in the dancing.  So did I.  The difference was she was good.  (Laughter.)  The headlines were a little bruising to my ego.  (Laughter.)  They said, “President Obama Visits India.”  “Michelle Obama Rocks India.”  (Laughter.)   

It was just one small example, but it spoke to a larger truth, one that’s at the heart of this holiday season.  When we reach out to one another, when we see beyond the differences that supposedly divide us, when we come together -- even if it’s for some dance or some song, or a shared story, a shared memory -- we're reminded that fundamentally we are the same.  There’s a commonality between us.  There is an essential human experience that we all share. 

And it gets lost in politics and it gets lost in rivalries. And there are barriers of ethnicity and religion and language.  And yet, scratch the surface, take the time to get to know somebody else from a different culture, a different race, a different ethnicity, and it turns out that there are hopes and dreams that bind us together.

And our jobs, both as political leaders and as diplomats, is to make sure that those bonds are strengthened and broadened; that they penetrate into our respective nations; that each of us is able to stand in the other person’s shoes and see through the other person’s eyes; that people are no longer simply “the other,” or simply foreigners, but are in fact our brothers and sisters. 

And if we're insistent enough about the capacity to understand each other, then that translates concretely into some war that doesn’t happen, some village that isn’t destroyed, some child that gets something to eat, some disaster that is averted.

That’s what all of you do.  That's your essential task.  And you do it very, very well. 

And so, to Secretary Clinton, to the State Department, thank you for doing so much extraordinary work over the past year -- much of it to little notice and little acclaim.  I know what you do and I know how important you are. 

And to the diplomats and dignitaries from our friends and partners around the world, let me say to you that we are absolutely confident that in the new year we will have more opportunities to work together, and that if we stay focused on our task, then the world is going to be a better place for our children and our grandchildren.

So, merry Christmas and happy holidays, everybody.  God bless you.  (Applause.)

END
6:16 P.M. EST

Remarks by the First Lady during holiday reception with children, parents and staff

Children’s National Medical Center, Washington, D.C.

2:20 P.M. EST

      MRS. OBAMA:  Thank you.  Thank you so much.  Can everybody hear me?

      CHILDREN:  Yes.

      MRS. OBAMA:  Well, it’s good to be back.  Last year I came I had two additional guests.  Malia and Sasha came with me.  But they’re in school, so they couldn’t come.

      But Bo got ready.  He’s clean -- (laughter) -- so when we’re finished, anybody who --

      CHILD:  And he’s groomed.

      MRS. OBAMA:  And he’s groomed.  Thank you, Gabriel.  (Laughter.)  He is groomed.  So anybody who wants to pet him when we’re done, we’ll walk him around, okay?

      And I don't know if you remember last year, but Bo barked at Santa.  (Laughter.)  But this year, Santa and Bo have become fast friends.  (Laughter.)

      SANTA:  Absolutely.

      MRS. OBAMA:  So with that, I’m going to read one story, and then I'll be able to answer any questions you guys have.  This is a Christmas classic.  It’s a favorite.  I read it earlier this week, was it, at the lighting of the National Christmas Tree, so I’m going to read it to you guys.  It’s “The Night Before Christmas.”  All right?

      You ready?

      CHILDREN:  Yes!

      MRS. OBAMA:  Oh, not you, Bo.  (Laughter.)  Oh, man, he was doing so well.  (Laughter.)  Come here, Bo.  Bo!  All right, I’m going to let him go.  (Laughter.)

      CHILD:  Good boy.

      MRS. OBAMA:  He’s good.  He’s good.  He’ll be fine.

      Okay, we ready?

      CHILD:  Yes!

      (Mrs. Obama reads “The Night Before Christmas.”)

      MR. ZECHMAN:  Mrs. Obama?

      MRS. OBAMA:  Yes.

      MR. ZECHMAN:  Thank you so much.  And I was told that you might have a couple of minutes for a couple questions?

      MRS. OBAMA:  Yes.

      MR. ZECHMAN:  So, boys and girls, do you have some questions for the First Lady?

      CHILD:  Where’s Bo?

      MRS. OBAMA:  Where’s Bo?  Where’s Bo?  Bo is around.  We’re going to bring him out at the end.

      Okay, we have a question.

      CHILD:  What's your very first Christmas -- oh, hold on.  (Laughter.)

      MRS. OBAMA:  It’s okay.

      CHILD:  I don’t remember what I just -- what is your favorite Christmas tree in the White House?

      MRS. OBAMA:  Oh, that's a good question, sweetie.  That's a very good question.

      You know, there is -- the biggest Christmas tree that's in the White House is in a room called the Blue Room.  And I don't know if you guys were watching TV, but that's the tree that they bring in the day after Thanksgiving with the horse-drawn wagon, and we have to go outside and look at it and make sure it’s just right.  Well, that tree this year is decorated by some of the art students.  So some art students decorated it and they put ribbons on it that represent each of the states.  And the theme for this year at the White House is “Simple Gifts.”

      CHILD:  -- states --

      MRS. OBAMA:  That very -- those states, absolutely, those United States.

      But the theme this year is “Simple Gifts” because what we’re trying to remember is that Christmas can be celebrated with some of the most basic things.  You don't need a lot of money.  You don't always have to have toys and lights and glitter.  You can have ribbons and hay and paper and recycled materials, and you can make them look beautiful.

      So a lot of the ornaments are made out of fresh dried fruits, and there are newspapers that are folded in really interesting ways that look beautiful, and they’re spray-painted; a lot of things that you can do at home with your moms.

      So the big blue tree is decorated by some of the students in that way.  So it’s my -- that's my favorite tree.

      Q    What did you get Bo for Christmas?

      MRS. OBAMA:  You know, I -- Malia and Sasha are actually responsible for shopping for Bo.  And I don't know what they’re going to get him, but they’re probably going to get him some toys, because he loses his toys.  They’re everywhere.  They’re all over the White House, in the South Lawn.  I mean, the dog is a mess.  (Laughter.)  He just leaves his toys everywhere.  And then he loses them and then he’s got nothing to play with.  So we probably need to get him some more toys.  All right?

      What do you think?  Do you think we should get him anything in particular?  You got any ideas?

      CHILD:  A ball.

      CHILD:  A chewy.

      MRS. OBAMA:  A ball, a chewy.  Okay, well, let’s keep it down so he doesn’t hear.  (Laughter.)  We want it to be a surprise, all right?

      Q    What do you get the -- what are you going to get the President for Christmas?

      MRS. OBAMA:  Ooh.  All right, look, look, the press is all like -- (laughter) -- because -- I’m not going to tell you because it’s going to be in the paper tomorrow, and then he’s going to read it, and then it won’t be a surprise.  But first I have to see whether he’s been naughty or nice.  I’ve been trying to figure that out.  (Laughter.)

      What do you think I should get the President?

      CHILD:  When you’re nice.

      MRS. OBAMA:  Only if he’s nice.  Let’s assume he’s been nice.  (Laughter.)  What do you think?  Any ideas?  Any President gift ideas?

      CHILD:  What about a watch?

      MRS. OBAMA:  A watch?  Okay, that's a suggestion.  Any other ideas?

      CHILD:  A President bell.

      MRS. OBAMA:  A President bell?  (Laughter.)  How would that work?

      CHILD:  Well, first you put it on the rooftop.

      MRS. OBAMA:  A rooftop President’s bell.  (Laughter.)  All right, we’ll think that through.  (Laughter.)

      What about -- what do you think I should get him?

      CHILD:  You should get him a new suit.  (Laughter.)

      MRS. OBAMA:  Good idea.  (Laughter.)  The President needs a new suit.  (Laughter.)

      What do you think I should get him?

      CHILD:  Candy!

      MRS. OBAMA:  Candy!  (Laughter.)

      All right, let’s take another question.  Those are all great ideas.

      Yes, sweetie.

      CHILD:  What did you ask Santa for this year?

      MRS. OBAMA:  You know, I didn’t ask for anything in particular.  One of the biggest gifts I got this year was -- we got it this morning.  We signed an important law that helps make the school lunches more healthy.  (Applause.)  Yay.  (Applause.)  And that was my big Christmas wish.  I was talking to Santa, “Oh, please, Santa, please bring this.”  And he did.  So I got my gift early.

      Yes, sweetie.

      CHILD:  What does your family do on Christmas?

      MRS. OBAMA:  What we do every year since the girls have been born, except for maybe one year, we go to Hawaii.  And that's where the President is from, so his family is there.  And because Hawaii is so far away, we often don't -- we don’t -- only get to go there once a year.  And you need a little time when you go to Hawaii because it’s a long flight.

      CHILD:  But you can go to Disney.

      MRS. OBAMA:  Well, Hawaii is not in Disney -- Disney is not in Hawaii, although the girls would like that.  But it’s on the way.  It’s in California.  But we don't do that.  And let’s not talk about that because we don't want that to be an idea for the kids.  (Laughter.)

      But when we go there, we really just spend time with family.  And we have a lot of fun traditions and places that we like to go -- and going to the zoo.  Even though the kids are getting older, they still like to do the same things over and over again -- going to the zoo, going to get shaved ice, swimming in the ocean.  And we have a lot of friends and family with us, so we go with a lot of people.  So there are a lot of kids in one house, and everybody is noisy, and it’s just fun.

      Yes, what -- yes.

      CHILD:  How many chimneys are there in the White House?  And which one does Santa go in?

      MRS. OBAMA:  Oh, wow.  You know, I don't know how many chimneys there are because there's a fireplace in almost every room in the White House.  And I think that's because it was built in a time where big older homes were heated by fireplaces.  So if you were going to be warm in a room, and these rooms are big with high ceilings, you had to have a fireplace.

      Now, I’ve explained to Sasha that Santa will come down the chimney in the Yellow Oval Room because that's where the biggest tree in our house is.  So the expectation is that Santa will use that chimney.

      But you never know.  I mean, you know, you don't know what you’re going to do.  Sometimes you’ve got to change it up.

      CHILD:  Don’t get burned.

      MRS. OBAMA:  So you won’t -- and you won’t get burned.  (Laughter.)  We will make sure the fires are out.

      SANTA:  Yes, put the fires out.  (Laughter.)

      MRS. OBAMA:  That's a good -- that's a good thing, that's a good thing.  We will see to it.  Thank you for that reminder.  Santa appreciates it.

      Where is the mic?

      CHILD:  Can I --

      MRS. OBAMA:  Is it you again?  (Laughter.)

      More questions.  We’ve got hands here.  Let’s make sure we get the mic over there.  I lost the mic.  The mic ladies.

      CHILD:  He’s raising a hand over there.

      MRS. OBAMA:  Okay, we’ll get -- we’ve got them back there.

      CHILD:  You know what, maybe you should get Barack Obama a new hot tub.  (Laughter.)

      MRS. OBAMA:  You think he’s got an old hot tub?  (Laughter.)  All right, that's another recommendation.  (Laughter.)  We’ve got a watch, a new suit, candy and a hot tub!  (Laughter.)  Got it.

      Yes.

      CHILD:  Maybe you should get him his own ornament.

      MRS. OBAMA:  His own ornament!  Well, what would it look like?  What do you think?

      CHILD:  Blue.

      MRS. OBAMA:  What do you think we’d do with it?  What would we put it on his --

      CHILD:  Hang it on the Christmas tree.

      MRS. OBAMA:  What should it look like?  Should it have colors?

      CHILD:  All blue.

      MRS. OBAMA:  All blue?  You know what, an idea -- that would be nice for you to make him an ornament and send it to the White House with your name on it.

      CHILD:  I want purple.

      MRS. OBAMA:  And purple, yes.  Purple or blue --

      CHILD:  And gold, too.

      MRS. OBAMA:  And gold, too, yes, yes.  Well, that's a great idea.

      All right, we have a hand right here up front.  Oh, wait, okay, we’ll go there and then --

      CHILD:  What's your favorite thing to eat for breakfast on Christmas morning?

      MRS. OBAMA:  Oh, wow, that's a good question.

      CHILD:  I usually eat Honey Nut Cheerios.  (Laughter.)

      MRS. OBAMA:  Okay, we’re not going to do any advertisements.  (Laughter.)  But that is a healthy breakfast, it is.

      CHILD:  You should eat some cookies.

      MRS. OBAMA:  Some cookies?  I don't usually eat cookies for breakfast.

      You know, I don't know.  I try to eat a light breakfast, because Christmas dinner is big, right, and I want to save room for Santa.  Santa -- yes, Santa probably doesn’t eat breakfast on Christmas because he’s had all those cookies.

      SANTA:  Very full on cookies.

      MRS. OBAMA:  So he probably takes it light.

      Okay.

      CHILD:  How is it living in the White House?

      MRS. OBAMA:  How is it living in the White -- it’s nice, it’s very cool.

      CHILD:  Does it have a red carpet?

      MRS. OBAMA:  There are red carpets in the White House.  There actually are some red carpets.

      But the most fun thing about living in the White House -- and we say this all the time -- it’s the People’s House.  And we live in a house that's like a museum.  There's a part of the house that's a home, and it doesn’t feel like a museum, but the rest of it is open to anybody in the world who wants to come and see.  And there's so much history.

      Barack Obama is the 44th President of the United States.  That means that 43 other families have lived there and created memories, and they’ve created history.  And all that stuff is all on the walls, from the furniture to the pictures, to the carpets.  And you can learn about that when you go.

      So I hope that each of you guys at some point in your lives, in your young lives, you come and visit the White House.  It’s particularly fun at Christmas because it’s all decorated.  There are 19 trees.  But even when it’s not Christmas, there's always a special place to visit.

      So hopefully all of you will ask your families to bring you to come see us at the White House.  All right?

      You guys, they’re a very bright crew here.  (Laughter.)

      MR. ZECHMAN:  Those were great questions.  I assume some of them are going to end up on that back podium some day.  (Laughter.)

      So Mrs. Obama, I want to thank you again for taking time out of your busy schedule to be with us.  (Applause.)

      MRS. OBAMA:  Oh, my pleasure.  (Applause.)  Thank you, guys.

      MR. ZECHMAN:  I want to thank our musicians who are going to sing “We Wish You A Merry Christmas” in just a second.

      MRS. OBAMA:  Nice.

      MR. ZECHMAN:  Thank you again, and Merry Christmas and God bless to you and your family.

      MRS. OBAMA:  Thank you.  I'll walk around with Bo.

                        END                           2:39 P.M. EST