South Lawn

12:52 P.M. EDT

Q    Your reaction to the earthquake, sir — the New York City earthquake?  Can you talk about it briefly?  Your reaction, sir, to the New York —

THE PRESIDENT: With regard — with re- —

Q    Did you threaten to stop military —

THE PRESIDENT:  With regard —

Q    — aid to Israel?

THE PRESIDENT:  With regard to the earthquake, I spoke to the governor.  He thinks everything is under control.  He’s not too concerned about it — the governor of New Jersey — so things are all right. 

Thank you.

(Cross-talk.)

Q    Did you threaten to stop military aid to Israel, Mr. President?

THE PRESIDENT:  Pardon me?

Q    Did you threaten to stop military aid to Israel?

THE PRESIDENT:  I asked them to do what they’re doing. 

(Cross-talk.)

Q    Are you abandoning Israel?

THE PRESIDENT:  Where you from, man?

Q    Are you abandoning Israel?

THE PRESIDENT:  Is that a serious question? 

12:53 P.M. EDT