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Published: Tue, 23 Jun 2009
Description: White House spokesman won't say whether Iran's 4th of July invitation still stands
Automatically Generated Transcript (may not be 100% accurate)
" And Obama as he shot just wrapped up -- news conference covering Iran health care and the nation's energy policy. Senior White House officials say that the president tweaked his language -- on all three of these topics in the lead up to the event. So what was behind the late changes in some of these if that day and he was the case. And what do we sort of read into some of what we shot right now outside the activists up on the White House. Where White House deputy Press Secretary Bill Burton joins us now they'll welcome good to have you with us today I'm Martha -- It's too little but about eight you know that there was this changing tone clearly at the top of this news conference. And yet there was still language that. That was similar to what we've heard of the passengers -- we'll wait and see what happens we respect as a previous guest -- the sovereignty. In Iran so even if the president stepping up his it is urgency. And giving any kind of ultimatum to back to Ron about day in a sort of listening to what's going on the street."
" But the president is being consistent in saying that there's a universal right for folks to demonstrate and speak freely. And to have free and fair elections and what he said today was consistent part of the message that he said. Ever since --"
" And then I read it and it is it was much stronger and it I think everybody agrees when you listen to the language of the top of that news conference the president came out. -- said -- but we need to be on the right side of history. Eight you know he he said the word condemn which are running guess just pointed out. He she interpreted it as a much stronger statement as well so why the change in that time at the top but the news conference."
" Well like I said that's actually consistent with what he had said and done what this White House is done. There Robert Gates is certainly use the word condemn the president on various occasions has had the opportunity to talk about universal rights of people by Iran have to demonstrate. And to have fair elections. And one thing -- should understand is that no matter how this all plays out the United States is very clear strategic goals as it relates tire ran. No matter what we need to give that country to stop supporting terrorism when you get that country to stop its pursuit of nuclear weapon and we're going to continue to do that because the safety and security of America at its interest is at stake. No matter how this plays it what these fourth of July parties -- it is going to go forward. Com there's going to be a fourth of July celebration here at the here at the White House but. You know like the president said we're going to continue to pursue our strategic objectives and it's up to them whether or not they're going to whether or not they're going to."
" Give me a -- about the invitation would have an invitation was extended to Ryan diplomats to attend. You know hot dogs Barbeque parties as part of the initial outreach and that of course that invitation extended before this happened. So does that invitation still -- dead -- or has -- been revoked."
" Brian I I understand your question and as the president said in his press conference just now the United States and Iran actually have no formal diplomatic ties and Arnault. Formal. Diplomats from our end here in the country now we're going to continue to pursue the objectives that we've got to make sure that America and our interest are safe. At home and around the world. And that's that's our objective. Well that's very confusing -- a lot of us are -- and well then why did they not invited. I can't tell if they're -- we've the the balls and airport. OK they -- Bill Clinton at the White House may that was America's annual."
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