After repeatedly stating that the release of alleged torture photos wasnecessary and proper, and that they posed no threat to national security, Robert Gibbs is now saying that Barack Obama suddenly has problems with doing so (but it’s too late.) Gibbs stumbled all over himself in a conference marked by media that were actually doing their jobs. This seemed to take Gibbs off guard as they aggressively went after the illogic of the entire situation.
It’s clear what’s happening here: Barack Obama is getting it both ways. Now that the government didn’t claim national defence would be threatened in trial, they can’t do so during appeal. Obama wants and always has wanted these photos out. Now, realizing it will indeed harm troops, is saying he doesn’t want them released (but knows they will be).
As a politician, he’s covering himself. That’s all this is.
