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U.S. Capitol
Washington, D.C.

Q    Mr. President are you losing Republican support?THE PRESIDENT:  No, we have great Republican support, as you know.

Q    Can you keep Republicans behind you in this fight?

THE PRESIDENT:  We have great Republican support, as you know.  You know, you’re just making that up.  But we have tremendous Republican support.  I don’t think the Democrats have great support because they all know we need border security.  We need to have people stop being killed at our border.  And the Democrats are losing a lot of support.

Last night was a big victory for Republicans but it was really a big victory for America, for our country.  The Democrats have lost support.  There is tremendous Republican support — unwavering — as you probably know.  Thank you.

* * * * *

Q    Mr. President, how much longer can the shutdown last?

THE PRESIDENT:  We need border security.  We will have border security.  Tremendous Republican support.  And I think we’re going to win.  We need —

Q    What’s your message to Republicans?

THE PRESIDENT:  Listen, we need border security.  Very simple.

Q    How long will the shutdown last, Mr. President?

THE PRESIDENT:  Whatever it takes.

Q    Mr. President, Leader Schumer and Speaker Pelosi are saying that the main factors (inaudible).

THE PRESIDENT:  Well, what you should do is take a look at last night and see the results this morning.  The people know we need border security.  Thank you very much.

END