White House Zero For Two on DADT

The Advocate pushed White House press secretary Robert Gibbs Thursday for answers on "don't ask, don't tell" -- with few results.

Gibbs said Wednesday that President Barack Obama "is working with the Pentagon to ensure" they make progress on changing the gay ban.

Because Gibbs has repeatedly indicated that congressional repeal was the only "durable solution" to overturning the policy, The Advocate asked whether his remarks indicated "a shift in policy."

Gibbs clarified that there was no change in White House policy and that the president is working with the Pentagon on how to overturn the policy statutorily. "The Administration continues to think that that's the only binding way to remove a policy that [the president] thinks is unfair," Gibbs said.

The Advocate responded, "So in that case, are you guys in discussions with any senators at this point to introduce 'don't ask, don't tell' repeal bills?"

Gibbs said he would check with Legislative Affairs. "I don't know if one's been introduced," he said.

"It has not," The Advocate responded. "It has not, and ... Senator Reid is looking for guidance [from] you guys."

Gibbs: "Let me get some clear direction from [Legislative Affairs]. Again, I just want to repeat that this is a proposal that the president is supportive of doing statutorily."

The Advocate: "Do you plan to set out a timeline for a repeal at any point?"

Gibbs: "Let me talk to those guys about that, but again --"

The Advocate: "I mean, a timeline is something that you guys have continually said ... 'if you don't have a deadline in this town, nothing gets done.'"

Gibbs: "Right. You should -- I should bring you up to the Senate." [Laughter]