Asked about President Obama's environmental legacy and how that could conflict with support for the Keystone Pipeline, Center for American Progress chair and Obama advisor John Podesta declined comment Monday during the White House press briefing.
"As I think you know, when I came here, I said I'm not going to work on the Keystone Pipeline so I'll just defer that to a later question," Podesta said.
Obama has faced fierce criticism over his delays on a decision to approve the job-creating project, which is popular with the American public. Eleven Democrats, five of whom are up for re-election this year, have written a letter to President Obama urging him to approve the measure. Left-wing billionaire Tom Steyer opposes the initiative and has campaigned relentlessly against its approval.
Full exchange:
PETER ALEXANDER: Mr. Podesta, thank you. Is it possible for the president, as aides have suggested, to have climate change be one of the key components of his legacy and also to support the Keystone Pipeline? Are those two things in conflict or can he accomplish both of those at once?
JOHN PODESTA: I'm going to leave that one to Jay. As I think you know, when I came here, I said I'm not going to work on the Keystone Pipeline so I'll just defer that to a later question.