Obama Punts When Asked About Bradley Manning’s Captivity
During today’s press conference, ABC News White House correspondent asked President Obama to comment on the statements made by State Department Spokesman P.J. Crowley about the treatment of Pfc. Bradley Manning:
Shorter Obama: I asked the Pentagon if they were doing anything wrong, and they told me they weren’t doing anything wrong.
Damn it.
Disgusting. And gutless.
Sigh.
Way to stand up for the idea that the US is a shining beacon of civil liberties, ethical treatment of prisoners, and innocent until proven guilty, Barry.
Very disappointing. Certainly not Obama’s finest hour.
You guys know that Manning’s own father has denied his son is being mistreated?
I was rather surprised, to put it mildly. But the elder Manning — a retired sailor, I believe — denied repeatedly that his son was being victimized. I’d supply a link but it was an interview I heard on NPR while in the car. If I recall correctly it was an excerpt of a documentary.
It was a weird interview. The interviewer sounded incredulous, and the father’s tone was strange. But I put it out there for what it’s worth.