Jan. 7 / Administration of Barack Obama, 2012 everyone plays by the same rules. We can’t go day we waited was a day you and consumers all back to the days when the financial system was across the country were at greater financial stacking the deck against ordinary Americans. risk. To me, that’s not an option, not after all we’ve So this year, I’m going to keep doing what- been through. ever it takes to move this economy forward and That’s why I appointed Richard Cordray as to make sure that middle class families regain our Nation’s new consumer watchdog this the security they’ve lost over the past decade. week. Richard’s job is simple: to look out for That’s my New Year’s resolution to all of you. you. Every day, his sole mission is to protect Thanks, and have a great weekend. consumers from potential abuses by the finan- cial industry and to make sure that you’ve got NOTE: The address was recorded at approxi- all the transparent information you need to mately 4:40 p.m. on January 6 in the East make the important financial decisions in your Room at the White House for broadcast on lives. January 7. In the address, the President re- I nominated Richard for this job last sum- ferred to Richard A. Cordray, Director, Con- mer. And yet Republicans in the Senate kept sumer Financial Protection Bureau. The tran- blocking his confirmation, not because they script was made available by the Office of the objected to him, but because they wanted to Press Secretary on January 6, but was embar- weaken his agency. That made no sense. Every goed for release until 6 a.m. on January 7. Remarks Honoring the 2011 National Basketball Association Champion Dal- las Mavericks January 9, 2012 The President. Hello, everybody! Every- It turns out that because of the lockout, Dal- body, please have a seat, have a seat. Welcome las wasn’t scheduled to play in Washington this to the White House, and congratulations to the season. That did not sit well with Mark. world champion Dallas Mavericks. Obviously, [Laughter] He knew this team had worked we got some Texas people here. hard. He wanted them to get all the perks of a This was the Mavericks’ first title, so I want world championship, including a visit to the to start by recognizing everybody who stuck White House. It is tough to say no to Mark Cu- with the team through good times and through ban. And so they made a separate trip, and bad, from Don Carter, the original owner, to here we are. the arena staff, to all the fans back home. And I’m glad it worked out, because this is a We’ve got some Members of Congress special group. Last season, they called them- who’ve waited a long time for this—[laugh- selves the Bad News Bears because from the ter]—as well as my Trade Representative, Ron very beginning nobody gave them much of a Kirk, who happens to be a former mayor of chance. People said that Jason Kidd was too Dallas. old. And I will say that this is the first time I’ve Of course, none of this would be possible if been with some world champions who are my it hadn’t been for the shy and retiring owner— contemporaries. [Laughter] They said J.J. Bar- [laughter]—of the Dallas Mavericks, Mark Cu- ea was too small, that Dirk Nowitzki was too ban. So not only did Mark help put together an slow. They did say that, Dirk, I’m sorry. outstanding group of players and coaches, he [Laughter] That’s what they said. They said was also responsible for making this event hap- you had a great jump shot, but—[laughter]. pen today. And so we are thrilled to have you They said DeShawn Stevenson was too crazy. guys here. [Laughter] They said “The JET” was terrific, 14 Administration of Barack Obama, 2012 / Jan. 9 but they weren’t sure whether that tattoo was that he had also won—what was it? The Pan- such a good idea. [Laughter] toons? What were they called? But these players got it done because they Head Coach Richard P. Carlisle. The Pa- know how good teams win, not just by jumping troons, the Albany Patroons. higher or running faster, but by finding the The President. The Albany Patroons. Many open man, working together, staying mentally of you did not know that Rick Carlisle had also tough, being supportive of each other, playing won one of those. [Laughter] smarter. Mr. Carlisle. It’s minor league. And that’s how the Mavericks took down The President. It’s a minor league team. some of the league’s best teams, including the [Laughter] Miami Heat, who got a little bit of attention So these players and coaches will always share a bond that comes with being the best. last year. This was especially sweet for Dirk And it’s a bond they share with the Dallas com- and Jason who were around the first time that munity, where they do everything from setting the Mavericks and the Heat met in the finals up scholarships to helping military families get and lost 5 years ago. back on their feet. Today, in fact, they met In fact, the Mavericks played—before the with some wounded warriors here at the White Mavericks played a single game last season, House. I want to really thank them for taking when Jason got his tattoo, he said, “When you the time to do that. That means so much to do something as crazy as I did, you’ve got to people. back it up.” And he did, by the way, score 27 So this team really does have a heart that’s points to help win the deciding game six. the size of Texas. This was a remarkable run, a Dirk joined the Mavericks 13 years ago as a great victory, a great vindication for all the ef- skinny kid from Germany with what he de- fort Mark Cuban put into building this team, scribes as a goofy haircut. [Laughter] Last year and for long-time players like Dirk Nowitzki he became the second European player ever to and long-suffering fans like all of you. [Laugh- be named Finals MVP. And it wasn’t easy. He ter] bent a finger so badly in game two that he had And so I just want to give a heartfelt con- to shoot left-handed. In game four, he played gratulations to all of you. I told them that it’s through a 101-degree fever. But every time, he too bad that next year it will be the Chicago came through when it counted. And I think it’s Bulls here—[laughter]—but they said I fair to say that we have very rarely seen a better shouldn’t be so confident. So congratulations, playoff run than Dirk Nowitzki had last year. It everybody. Give it up for the Dallas Mavericks. was remarkable. Dirk, you got something for me? So, clearly, Dirk is a tough guy. Although Forward Dirk Nowitzki. Yes. the most painful thing may have been his ren- [At this point, the President was presented with dition of “We Are the Champions”—[laugh- a team jersey.] ter]—during the victory celebration. That was—[laughter]––did you—you said you The President. That’s it. That’s what I’m worked on that? [Laughter] Seriously? Okay. talking about. Now, none of these players would have got- Mr. Nowitzki. That’s it. I heard you’re a big, ten so far without the rest of the folks on this big fan of Michael Jordan. stage. Obviously, Jason Kidd now has the sec- The President. Thank you so—well, you ond most assists and third most steals in NBA know, I was actually—I was 23 before Jordan. history. It wouldn’t have worked without an Mr. Nowitzki. Oh, you were? outstanding coach. And Coach Rick Carlisle The President. I was. [Laughter] So he got has now won a player as—or won a title as a the number from me, I think. [Laughter] player, with Larry Bird in the eighties, has a ti- Mr. Nowitzki. He stole it. tle as a coach, and then he just informed me The President. He stole it. 15 Jan. 9 / Administration of Barack Obama, 2012 Mr. Nowitzki. Yes. I got you. he referred to Donald J. Carter, former owner, The President. That’s what happened. That’s Mark Cuban, current owner, Richard P. Carl- beautiful. isle, head coach, and Jason Kidd, Jose J. Barea, Jason E. “The JET” Terry, and DeShawn Ste- NOTE: The President spoke at 12:09 p.m. in the venson, guards, Dallas Mavericks; and former East Room at the White House. In his remarks, NBA players Larry J. Bird and Michael Jordan. Remarks on the Resignation of White House Chief of Staff William M. Dal- ey and the Appointment of Jacob J. “Jack” Lew as White House Chief of Staff January 9, 2012 Hello, everybody. Hope you all had a good ican Jobs Act” and making sure taxes didn’t go weekend. up on middle class families. He helped us Last week, my Chief of Staff, Bill Daley, in- reach an agreement to reduce the deficit by formed me that after spending time reflecting over $2 trillion. And he played a central role in with his family over the holidays, he decided it passing historic trade agreements with South was time to leave Washington and return to Korea, Colombia, and Panama.