Jan. 17 / Administration of Barack Obama, 2012 thank, once again, His Majesty for being not We’re very, very grateful to the economic only a leader in the region, but also being a support that you’re showing Jordan in this very great friend of the United States. difficult time. As we move into political re- Thank you. form, obviously the economy and the situation King Abdullah II. Mr. President, thank you that challenges the livelihood of Jordanians is very much. It’s obviously a great honor for me very, very important as we move forward. But and my delegation to be back here in Washing- we are very, very optimistic. We had the op- ton. We so much appreciate the historical sup- portunity to talk about the full impact with the port that we always get from our friends in the President this afternoon. United States to Jordan’s challenges. And So again, sir, wonderful to be back. We will again, our personal friendship, which is very, be in close consultation with you on all these very strong, has allowed us to look at the chal- issues. And thank you for your kind words and lenges that the Israelis and Palestinians face, as your wonderful support to our country. you just mentioned. President Obama. Good. Thank you very Although this is still in the very early stages, much, everybody. we have to keep our fingers crossed and hope that we can bring the Israelis and Palestinians NOTE: The President spoke at 3:07 p.m. in the out of the impasse that we’re facing. We’re in Oval Office at the White House. In his re- coordination on a regular basis with the Presi- marks, he referred to Prime Minister Awn dent, as well as with his administration. Shawkat al-Khasawnah of Jordan. Remarks Honoring the 2011 World Series Champion St. Louis Cardinals January 17, 2012 The President. Thank you. It is wonderful to thousand players have gone through the be here. It is wonderful to be joined by my league. So this is a sport that has seen it all. wife. It is her birthday today. When we first But every once in a while, something hap- married, it was a little controversial that she pens that we have never seen before, some- was 20 years younger than me, but—[laugh- thing unique. And that’s why it is my pleasure ter]—now it seems to have worked out okay. to stand here with the greatest comeback team [Laughter] in the history of baseball. The First Lady. I’m 48. [Laughter] Last August, with just 31 games to play in The President. And I want to join her in con- the regular season, the Cardinals were 10½ gratulating the world champion St. Louis Car- games out of the playoff race. At one point, they had a less than 4-percent mathematical dinals. I won’t lie, I’m a little disappointed I chance of making the playoffs. In Las Vegas, had to leave my White Sox jacket in the closet they were 500-to-1 longshots to win the World for another year. [Laughter] But this is a spe- Series. And when Chris Carpenter pulled the cial team, both because of what they do for our team together for a meeting, his message was military and their families, but also what they simple: Let’s not embarrass ourselves. [Laugh- did on the field last season. And I know we’ve ter] But through skills and guts and, I think the got Mayor Slay from St. Louis and some Mem- team would agree, just a little bit of luck—just bers of Congress who agree with me. I see the a touch—this team made the playoffs. And delegation here; they’re beaming. [Laughter] even though they trailed in each of the series They are quite pleased. that followed, they somehow had the spirit and Now, when we talk about baseball, we’re the determination and the resolve to survive. talking about a sport, obviously, with a long his- Of course, the most memorable moment was tory. Over 200,000 games have been played game six of the World Series. I’ve got to say, since Major League Baseball began. Seventeen that has to be one of the best baseball games of 48 Administration of Barack Obama, 2012 / Jan. 17 all time—unbelievable game. I will tell you I also want to thank them for visiting Walter guys, I had a bunch of early morning stuff the Reed this morning, spending some time with next day, and you kept me up. [Laughter] It our wounded warriors over there. That’s what was painful waking up the next morning, but this organization’s all about; it represents base- what an incredible game. Five times, the Cardi- ball at its best. And I wish them all the best this nals found themselves trailing; twice, they were season. down to the last strike. Then Mr. Freese here Congratulations. Fantastic. Come on up. hits the first walk-off homer of his entire career St. Louis Cardinals President William O. to send it into game seven. Then the Cardinals DeWitt III. We’ve got a gift for you. put the Rangers away for good. The President. Yes, tell me what I got here. This team essentially played 2 months of Tell me what I got. elimination games, both to get into the play- St. Louis Cardinals Chairman and Chief Ex- offs, and then to win it all. But in Tony La Rus- ecutive Officer William O. DeWitt, Jr. Thank sa’s words, “Sometimes, you can’t be afraid to you for those warm remarks and nice hospitali- make a mistake. Sometimes, you just roll the ty here. We’ve got a couple of gifts for you and dice and you let it go.” That’s what the former Mrs. Obama. teammate of these folks, Albert Pujols, did The President. There you go. when he joined Babe Ruth and Reggie Jackson William O. DeWitt, Jr. A World Series jer- as the only player to hit three home runs in a sey with your name on the back, number 44. World Series game. That’s what the outstand- The President. That’s nice right there. ing ace, Chris Carpenter, did when he pitched [Laughter] There we go. the lights out against the Phillies and then William O. DeWitt III. One for each. came back to put the nail in the coffin against William O. DeWitt, Jr. One for each. That the Rangers. That’s what David Freese did in one’s yours. game six—not bad for a kid who grew up The President. Yes. dreaming of playing for the Cardinals. And William O. DeWitt, Jr. You can have that. even though he can’t be here today, that’s what The President. Okay. Tony La Russa did, winning his third title and William O. DeWitt, Jr. And a World Series then stepping down with the third most wins of bat, for your—— any manager in history. The President. I’m a little bit worried about I will point out that he began as a White Sox, giving my wife a bat, though, if I—[laughter]— so—[laughter]. if I mess up. The First Lady. Let it go, honey. [Laughter] The First Lady. I’ll take my bat. [Laughter] The President. Everyone on this team fol- The President. [Inaudible] lows the Cardinals way: They play all 27 outs, William O. DeWitt, Jr. It’s great to be here. they never quit, they carry on the legacy of so Thank you. many great Cardinals that have come before The President. Thank you so much. them. Last year, I was honored to present Stan NOTE: The President spoke at 3:33 p.m. in the “The Man” Musial with one of the highest hon- East Room at the White House. In his re- ors a President can bestow, the Medal of Free- marks, he referred to Mayor Francis G. Slay of dom. And you could see Stan coming from St. Louis, MO; Christopher J. Carpenter, about a mile away, because he was wearing pitcher, David R. Freese, third baseman, J. Al- that bright red blazer. There’s no question he berto Pujols, first baseman, and Stanley F. Mu- will always be a Cardinal at heart. And now this sial, former outfielder, St. Louis Cardinals; and team is part of that long line of heroes. Reginald M. Jackson, former right fielder, New So I want to congratulate not only the play- York Yankees. The transcript released by the ers, the owners, all the managers, and team of- Office of the Press Secretary included the in- ficials, but also the fans, for a historic year. And troductory remarks of the First Lady. 49.