Valerie Jarrett answers questions at Netroots Nation

At Netroots Nation this morning, Valerie Jarrett, Obama's "most trusted adviser" is answering questions. Baratunde Thurston from Jack and Jill Politics is the moderator. Questions were submitted in advance via blogs, twitter and Facebook (and even email.) In the White House, Jarrett "is Senior Advisor and Assistant to the President for Intergovernmental Affairs and Public Engagement."

This session is being broadcast live on C-SPAN. I'll treat this as a liveblog and add new info. below.

The first few questions were basically about her role in the White House. She did tell us there will be no cage match between herself and Rahm Emanuel -- and that the "No Drama Obama" policy still holds.

You can follow the tweets here.

I'll keep writing below the fold.

Of the tea parties and, especially the protests at town hall meetings, she said, "I'm particularly ticked that they're trying to scare elderly people." We (the blogs) can help by getting accurate information out.

Jarrett was asked about the policy on the lobbyist restrictions, she said it hasn't been a disadvantage to exclude lobbyists -- with a few exceptions. "We can't let the special interests who have a stranglehold on Washington dictate policy.' She also goes directly to the executives -- and works around lobbyists, which makes her not so popular with lobbyists.

On health care, she was asked if Obama will call the Blue Dogs into his office and let them have it (short hand). She's convince the President has it right. He is going to count on the American people to put the pressure on their elected representatives. People have to call and visit their members.

On GOP's animosity to governing, can't you get a good bill done with Democrats alone? Jarrett acknowledged the problem with "bipartisanship." She clarified that by bipartisan, she doesn't think it's limited to elected officials in DC. It means working with Democrats, Republicans and Independents outside of DC -- the people in the real world.

Is the President prepared to veto a bill that doesn't have a public option? She talked to Obama yesterday and wants to make it clear: The president wants the public option..because there needs to be some competition. She won't fast forward to what happens at the end of the line...

One issue she keeps coming back to is the misinformation on health care and the need to educate people about what's really in the bill. Seniors have been getting misinformation to scare them, which is "outrageous."

A question we were among many to suggest got asked: How will the Obama administration become a "fierce advocate" again by working to repeal DADT and DOMA? She feels very strongly about this issue. President will work with Congress to repeal DADT. President also feels very strongly that DOMA needs to be repealed. She knows people were upset by the DOMA brief. DOJ has been in untenable position to defend law it considers wrong. Obama is going to work to repeal DOMA, too. (She was quite forceful on this issue...I have to say.)

On not enough change yet, including issues on detention and the torture photos (and Blackwater contracts --which was shouted from the audience,) we're getting rid of no-bid contracts. Some things are going to take a little time and it's only been six months.

On immigration reform, is Obama going to work on real comprehensive immigration reform? She explained all the work being done so far, but the real solution is comprehensive immigration reform. The process is underway. May not happen this year, but will happen early next year.

How will this President respond to pressure from the Left? He responds well to pressure, meaning he responds to ideas. He wants constructive ideas and they are open to suggestions.

Does Obama have a plan to pass paycheck fairness? Yes. It's very important. We're working on it.

Jarrett spent a good amount of time talking about the economy and how they've pulled back from the precipice, where we were when they took office. They're working to fix it. Regulatory reform is something they'll need our help on.

Asked about discrimination in health care. Many of those without access to insurance are minorities. The overall philosophy so that people of limited means can afford to buy insurance.

On green jobs. "We love green jobs." Those are the jobs of the future.

Does the President read progressive blogs? If so, which ones? And MAC or PC. Yes, he does read progressive blogs. And, he reads letters from real people. She can't tell us what kind of computer.

NY Times reports today Obama is having a hard time activating his ground troops. Thoughts? We're just getting started -- and we do need to energize our base. We want to get health care reform this year -- and it's an uphill battle.

What do you want from this audience? We depend upon you and your outreach. He asked me to come her today to convey how important you are. Push us. Offer us constructive ideas.