Obama: Releasing detainee photos would “inflame anti-American opinion”
posted at 6:26 pm on May 13, 2009 by Allahpundit
He’s not saying that’s the only consideration; how could he, knowing it would set a precedent for concealing any evidence of malfeasance in the name of national security? Rather, he emphasizes that the investigations are closed and that the Pentagon’s not trying to justify or otherwise hide what happened — which seems to me an obvious attempt to distinguish this case from the release of the torture memos, where some are trying to justify the tactics involved. Note, incidentally, his insistence that the photos are “not sensational,” which seems a curious counterpoint to his worry that they’ll rile up jihadists. If he loses the court battle and the photos come out and they’re really bad, he’ll have a lot of explaining to do about his characterization of them here.
The meme of the hour, per Republican strategists and Bill Clinton, is that Dick Cheney needs to quiet down about torture and go away now. Really? I find it hard to believe The One would have backed off on the photos if not for Cheney’s media campaign to convince people that torture works and that Obama’s being cavalier about counterterrorism. Granted, he’s personally unpopular with most of the public, but the fact remains that he’s almost uniquely well informed to comment on this subject, which can’t help but be persuasive. If he’s got a liberal as staunch as Richard Cohen questioning himself, what’s he doing to the rest of the country?
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right that is why you wanted them released, but you relented because it would inflame Anti-Me$$iah opinion here chump….
sven10077 on May 13, 2009 at 6:27 PM
Cheney should keep talking and sounding warnings, as he was one of the guys in the Sit Room just a couple of months ago.
myrenovations on May 13, 2009 at 6:29 PM
Inflaming anti-american opinion is his job!
ctmom on May 13, 2009 at 6:30 PM
.
Agreed. And for that, Thank you Cheney!!!!!!! If it wasn’t for him, I can bet that the photos would be released
deidre on May 13, 2009 at 6:31 PM
Keen sense for the obvious.
Cindy Munford on May 13, 2009 at 6:31 PM
It would inflame even more anti-American opinion than his tour of Europe.
gwelf on May 13, 2009 at 6:32 PM
I’m thinking a couple of Middle East leaders reminded him of what happened last time and they don’t want the flames fanned. Oops, there goes Pakistan.
debg on May 13, 2009 at 6:32 PM
Here’s a hilarious bit by a Leftist who has his getalifes in a bunch
http://digg.com/political_opinion/Obama_Makes_Terrible_Mistake_by_Not_Releasing_Pictures
Del Dolemonte on May 13, 2009 at 6:32 PM
More Cheney.
darwin on May 13, 2009 at 6:32 PM
Next up, heath care. we need someone that when they talk all news channels will be talking about what they said. So either Cheney or Palin need to come and speak about the health care situation; perhaps even Jindal.
deidre on May 13, 2009 at 6:32 PM
Sadly, no one can distinguish if he means our in-house enemies, the democrat socialists, or our enemies abroad.
SouthernGent on May 13, 2009 at 6:32 PM
Cheney is the Indispensible Man of the Republican Party in 2009. The ‘Pubbies need to take on Obama head-on. Dick Cheney is the only person in a position of respect and authority who is willing to do so.
Show me another “Big Time” Republican who is willing to speak the truths Cheney is speaking, and I will be willing to see him sit down. But not until then.
gridlock2 on May 13, 2009 at 6:33 PM
How about all three?
myrenovations on May 13, 2009 at 6:33 PM
He should know. He ran on “anti-American opinion” and it forms the basis of his policies.
I can’t wait for the next leg of his Treason Tour …
progressoverpeace on May 13, 2009 at 6:33 PM
What photos?
The Montauk Monster photos?
Too late, Obarfy
blatantblue on May 13, 2009 at 6:34 PM
To who? The press won’t ask him about it.
AUINSC on May 13, 2009 at 6:35 PM
Obama is a TOOL. Google: The Obama Deception. Do it and be afraid, very afraid.
volsense on May 13, 2009 at 6:36 PM
Ohhh
I get it
if the montauk monster is a pig
itll offend muslims.
otay
blatantblue on May 13, 2009 at 6:36 PM
What a tool!
Who is making military decision up there? I don’t believe Robert Gates would for one moment have stopped these photos.
promachus on May 13, 2009 at 6:36 PM
Cheney is proof that there’s an advantage to getting the media to stereotype you as evil instead of stupid.
frankj on May 13, 2009 at 6:36 PM
It’s like Fitzmas all over again. You’re a mean one, Mr Grinch.
rw on May 13, 2009 at 6:36 PM
President Adonis, just how tough is it being so awesome as to eat burgers and maintain those pecs?
//Newsie
sven10077 on May 13, 2009 at 6:37 PM
Cheney is humiliating himself by continuing to speak out past his expiration date. He is risking losing all the goodwill and high approval ratings he left with….um, yeah nevermind.
dcwvu on May 13, 2009 at 6:37 PM
Every time I hear GOP strategists and a Democrat (Slick Willey) agreeing about what Dick Cheney should do I think he should be doing more of what he is doing.
Mormon Doc on May 13, 2009 at 6:38 PM
This just means he’ll wait until Friday to release them.
elderberry on May 13, 2009 at 6:38 PM
He doesn’t know. TOTUS told him to say that.
Yoop on May 13, 2009 at 6:38 PM
Sounds like some adults in the military spanked Barry the Childish.
The first of many such chastisements.
profitsbeard on May 13, 2009 at 6:39 PM
Cheney is honor bound to do what he is doing.
Mormon Doc on May 13, 2009 at 6:39 PM
BUT; How did the tele-prompter figure this out? (“Don’t do that Dave!”)
Cybergeezer on May 13, 2009 at 6:40 PM
Barry the cheerio is now saying, hey wait aminute those are my troops now.
tarpon on May 13, 2009 at 6:40 PM
Good insight.
myrenovations on May 13, 2009 at 6:40 PM
There is a reason why children should only speak when spoken too. The professionals told the children of the filthy liar’s administration this blinding flash of the obvious from the beginning and the filthy liar’s arrogance dictated to ignore the professionals and mug for the cameras. This nation has never been more unsafe than having bastards like Obama involved with very serious issues. He just isn’t competent enough to do the job and Americans will die as a result. Remember that fact the next time you see an Obama bumper sticker that says “Yes We Did.” My only wish is that somebody very close to Obama is killed by his arrogant approach to terrorism. That sounds harsh but, this is a war for the American soul and I don’t think there room for middle ground or taking prisoners. It will take something happening to the filthy liar for him to grow up and act like a president.
highhopes on May 13, 2009 at 6:41 PM
When obambi released the enhanced interrogation (the US doen NOT torture) memos he enraged the country. He heard flak about this. This isn’t designed to protect our soldiers or our country. This is about covering his ass.
vapig on May 13, 2009 at 6:42 PM
obama is the dumbest POS on the planet and it sucks were stuck with this garbage for 3 years and 7 more months
Locrian on May 13, 2009 at 6:42 PM
Obama is starting to catch Clintonal Flu
The disease where you catch poll fever (not pole fever).
William Amos on May 13, 2009 at 6:42 PM
Cheney & Cheney
2012
Knucklehead on May 13, 2009 at 6:43 PM
The tedious machinations of the Liberal mind are of interest only to the Mainstream Media. Obama is flailing in the wind and is going to get a lot of people killed.
EMD on May 13, 2009 at 6:43 PM
Saying the photos would “inflame anti-American opinion” will inflame anti-American opinion. Now Obama doesn’t have to release the photos to display how evil America is. He’ll just rely on the imaginations of our enemies to fill in the details. They will presume things that are much worse than anything in the photos.
SheofTwoMinds on May 13, 2009 at 6:43 PM
6 years 7 months. Guaranteed.
dcwvu on May 13, 2009 at 6:44 PM
or, um 7 rather ha
dcwvu on May 13, 2009 at 6:44 PM
Most of us who can look past the mendacious media “coverage” of Dick Cheney (ie. with an IQ higher than 75) can see that he’s a formidable and knowledgeable guy. I think that’s why the left hates him, he’s too alpha.
mr.blacksheep on May 13, 2009 at 6:45 PM
kos kids tearing their hair out:
http://www.polmachina.com/?p=206
ranchoforte on May 13, 2009 at 6:45 PM
No way. Look what Cheney has done to the Democrats. He has Obama backing down on prosecutions and now, by challenging the release of the photos, he is obviously feeling vulnerable on the issue of keeping Americans safe.
Cheney has also put Pelosi on the defensive and has her looking more and more dishonest and incompetent every day.
And, Democrats are even starting to turn on each other in Congress with Steny Hoyer saying that Pelosi should be investigated also.
And now the game has turned from possible prosecutions of Bush officials to now one of finding out how much Democrats knew. He has shifted the attention to looking up every quote of Democrats and every briefing they received to see what their role was in this “torture” issue.
Cheney has single-handedly made Democrats backpedal and fumble this issue. I say, keep the pressure on, Mr. Vice President.
JohnInCA on May 13, 2009 at 6:45 PM
so impeached, coronated, or abdicated?
sven10077 on May 13, 2009 at 6:46 PM
The photos will be released. They will stir up a lot of controversy, angst, and, yes, violence. Obama’s going for cover here. They’ll be released. He knows they’ll be released. He couldn’t care less about “anti-American” sentiment. This is pure political cover. “Gosh, fellas, I worked super-duper hard to keep these from being released, but I just gotta follow the law and the law says to release ‘em.” It’s a masterful ploy by whichever of his staff came up with it, but it’s a ploy nonetheless. Obama will get exactly what he wants: intense media focus on Bush bashing. And while everyone’s paying attention to that, he’ll have the cover of having “opposed” the release and he’ll be able to ram some more spending through Congress when everyone’s head is turned. Watch for the day of the week these are released. I’ll just betcha it’s bright and early on a Monday morning — during a week when Congress is considering a contentious spending bill.
Rational Thought on May 13, 2009 at 6:46 PM
Why do you keep posting links to your blog?
Knucklehead on May 13, 2009 at 6:49 PM
LOL
blatantblue on May 13, 2009 at 6:51 PM
Dick Cheney will be quite if Al Gore will give up on “global warming” or climate change or what ever the hell he is calling it today. I will see your Al Gore and raise you one Dick Cheney.
izoneguy on May 13, 2009 at 6:53 PM
The most interesting (and freakin beautiful) part of this entire fiasco is that the Democrats were blinded by their power and blood lust. They were willing to do anything to get Cheney’s scalp and damn the consequences.
They telegraphed all of their punches.
They certainly didn’t count on Cheney upping the ante. Liberals blinded by rage that now that they fail to realize that they don’t have control over this torrent they have unleashed. They think they can tell Cheney to be quiet while they regroup and figure out another tactic that will enable them to prosecute him.
If/When Cheney lets up it will be because he has decided it is enough.
Mormon Doc on May 13, 2009 at 6:53 PM
Republican strategists? That’s a farking Oxymoron if I’ve ever heard one. If they had any sense of decency these so call “Strategists” would tender their resignations immediately and henceforth stop claim the title.
TheBigOldDog on May 13, 2009 at 6:55 PM
When does he get to “reckless spending and increases in public debt would inflame anti-Washington opinion”?
cthulhu on May 13, 2009 at 6:55 PM
Look I would love to give Obama credit for this “change” of heart, but something is fishy about this.You don’t think it has anything to do with the fact that he is going to Egypt? Looks like the timing of the proposed release would have been very close to his trip. Could you imagine the rioting we all know that would occur from the muslims after they viewed these pictures? If they can go ballistic over some cartoon, what do you think they would do after seeing these pictures?Obama would hardly get the fawning, heroes welcome he wants would he?
sandee on May 13, 2009 at 6:55 PM
All such photos and memos and other materials, during wartime, should remain classified until the enemy is defeated.
All they do is aid in our undermining and strangthen the jihadis.
Idiots alone favor suicidally silly transparency about dangerous national security details when someone is shooting at you.
profitsbeard on May 13, 2009 at 6:56 PM
What they didn’t anticipate was the reaction of the CIA, FBI, NSA and probably the military.
TheBigOldDog on May 13, 2009 at 6:56 PM
Somebody in the alphabets has something really bad (good) on him or other high ranking Dems….
TheBigOldDog on May 13, 2009 at 6:58 PM
Well the alternative for Obama is to release all the photos of the NYC fly over.
So Obama figured he would cancel both to prevent the greater outrage over his screwup.
William Amos on May 13, 2009 at 6:58 PM
One of the most fascinating details of this entire mess is that in the Obama appeal they are going to list NEW reasons to block the release.
CALLING ALL ATTORNEYS
I am not a lawyer so I am curious if that is how the appeal process works.
You lose your case to prohibit FOIA release based on X reason. You appeal the decision.
You lose your case again so you appeal the decision but this time you have a Y reason to prohibit the FOIA release.
Help me.
Mormon Doc on May 13, 2009 at 6:59 PM
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! DISTRACTION !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hopey/Changeys Deception/Perception Campaign!!!
canopfor on May 13, 2009 at 6:59 PM
This is a real life version of that Robert Redford movie The Candidate where the pretty boy empty suit liberal doesn’t have a clue what to do once he won the election. Democrats got the power they have lusted after for years and don’t have the first clue as to what to do with it other than seek revenenge and destroy the nation.
There is no way one can be a loyal Democrat and loyal American at the same time. The Democrat party is simply not working for the American people and are domestic enemies these days.
highhopes on May 13, 2009 at 7:00 PM
Exactly, particularly since he demanded that CIA documents be declassified. Obama will use this to try and slide away from that. Keep hammering away Cheney!
It’s hard to believe this is going over well, particularly on top of the possibility of releasing terrorists into our neighborhoods.
If Dems don’t like windmills in their back yards, they’re not going to like hosting terrorists either.
Buy Danish on May 13, 2009 at 7:00 PM
TheBigOldDog on May 13, 2009 at 6:55 PM
Isn’t Megs McCain a Republican strategist. Let’s see…who else is.
David Brooks
Colin Powell
Buckley’s kid (I read someone call him that the other day and I am stealing it.)
Mormon Doc on May 13, 2009 at 7:04 PM
Obama is such a chicken shit.
macummings on May 13, 2009 at 7:05 PM
+1
Mormon Doc on May 13, 2009 at 7:07 PM
Obama,is Historical,
in that,hes the first,
Presidential Activist!!
canopfor on May 13, 2009 at 7:09 PM
I think its more cunning than that.
Imply that, after seeing them, they show the real horror that we brutal Americans do and the world would be appalled. Like other things, it leaves it up to the individual imaginations to fill in the blanks.
Lefties use this tactic all the time. Its a cheap and effective strategy imo.
Itchee Dryback on May 13, 2009 at 7:09 PM
If Barry had any balls, he’d burn the pictures on the White House lawn and give the ashes to the ACLU.
GarandFan on May 13, 2009 at 7:10 PM
No matter why he did it, I’m glad he changed his mind. Let’s see how long he holds out against the left. The big question for me is how will the drive-by media react? Will they continue swooning at everything he says or does or will they turn on him?
darwin-t on May 13, 2009 at 7:10 PM
It appears he has changed his mind, and for the right reasons.
I’m willing to say “thank you, Mr. President”.
darkpixel on May 13, 2009 at 7:12 PM
darkpixel on May 13, 2009 at 7:12 PM
Really? You think his decision was not part of some larger political calculus?
What led you to this conclusion or do you just give him the benefit of the doubt?
Mormon Doc on May 13, 2009 at 7:15 PM
But I thought that having Obama in office would make everyone in the whole wide world love and respect us no matter what. Now I have to go and edit my Christmas card list.
milwife88 on May 13, 2009 at 7:15 PM
Maybe Jesse Jackson really did cut them off?
Knucklehead on May 13, 2009 at 7:19 PM
Yes thank you Mr. President . I finally can say it.
Jamson64 on May 13, 2009 at 7:24 PM
It’s hilarious that everything Obama does is helping terrorists, which may be true, but everything Dear Leader Bush does is for the nation’s good.
The GOP position is that we have to rape and torture everyone we can get our hands on (even before they are convicted of anything, which is the most disturbing part) but if anyone knows about this, it will bolster terrorist recruiting. As if nobody currently knows the brutality by our military against the detainees unless they release the photos. They don’t need photos; everyone knows most of what this administration did.
But then according to the neocons, if we stop torture, that will also bolster their recruiting! So the only way we will be safe is to use brutal torture in 100% secrecy, which is impossible because the truth always comes out eventually. Their position is ridiculous.
The Dean on May 13, 2009 at 7:27 PM
conversely we can simply follow a strict reading of the Geneva convention and summarily kill everyone of them caught in the act….
sven10077 on May 13, 2009 at 7:29 PM
That sounded insane.
AUINSC on May 13, 2009 at 7:31 PM
That makes sense. Wish Goldfarb and others had shown restraint in singing praises of the latest avatar of Messiah.
promachus on May 13, 2009 at 7:33 PM
tries to get them waterboarded?
sesquipedalian on May 13, 2009 at 7:36 PM
And if we stop using torture and actually press charges against terror suspects, why, that would bring about the four horsemen of the apocalypse!
The Dean on May 13, 2009 at 7:39 PM
Is Obama so STUPID that this didn’t occur to him before? Maybe someone explained that HE might be held responsible for any negative reactions and that he wouldn’t be able to “blame Bush”?
katiejane on May 13, 2009 at 7:40 PM
They’ll be “leaked”…Maobama will scowl his forehead and declare “Gosh darn those leakers!”
Itchee Dryback on May 13, 2009 at 7:41 PM
I like to hear from Cheney. I don’t care if some people think he is Darth Vader. The more he actually talks the more people see he has the best interest of the country at heart.
His daughters are both great advocates as well.
petunia on May 13, 2009 at 7:41 PM
As you may have read here dozens of times…EIT was to get information about terrorist threats…it’s not a form of punishment.
AUINSC on May 13, 2009 at 7:42 PM
Isn’t this what Chris Matthews calls “Cheney Talk?”
29Victor on May 13, 2009 at 7:42 PM
at 66% approval rating….media in bag, unions all firmed up, and ACORN all sewed up for 2012….approval is not the problem…he loves anti-America, so it has to be CIA said, we will lower big BOOM all over you and your dem. friends.
nondhimmie on May 13, 2009 at 7:43 PM
What do you mean sounded insane? That was insane!
As well as absolutely insulting to everyone’s intelligence including the author.
Dumb as a doorknob.
petunia on May 13, 2009 at 7:44 PM
So you had detective on the battlefeild’s where these guys were picked up collecting evidence for a trial? Yeah right. This is war. WAR not a crime scene.
petunia on May 13, 2009 at 7:47 PM
The Dean on May 13, 2009 at 7:27 PM
Why would you post things that you know are false. The GOP has no such stated or implied position regarding torture and your regurgitation of such ludicrous points is a poor reflection on your information or your ability to think critically.
Why would you post such idiotic notions regarding the need to convict an enemy combatant. This is not a high school debate or a civics class. This is life and death and these enemies were caught in combat. The normal rules that apply to American citizens don’t apply these enemies. Do you expect to be taken seriously when you include demonstrable lies in your posts?
If you want additional rights for these people then state that. Say that you want terrorists and enemy combatants extended every right of American citizenship instead of attempting to denigrate those you don’t agree with by spreading falsehoods. At least have the guts to say what you believe.
Mormon Doc on May 13, 2009 at 7:47 PM
Agreed. I was allowing for the possibility that it might be sarc.
AUINSC on May 13, 2009 at 7:47 PM
Cheney is the PERFECT person to talk about this issue, whether or not he is popular. He probably knew as much (or more) than Bush did about the necessity of gaining crucial information about terrorist plans, so he’s very knowledgeable, and has no political ambitions of his own.
Besides, if he has convinced Obama that the photos could inflame anti-American opinion, he might have also convinced Obama that the American people would blame a successful terrorist attack on America on Obama, since Bush/Cheney kept us safe for 7 years after 9/11.
It’s easy to SAY you’re going to bring world peace on the campaign trail. DOING it in a dangerous real world might require speaking softly with a big stick, and Cheney is better at that than Obama.
Steve Z on May 13, 2009 at 7:49 PM
I caught Glen Beck today… wow are things heating up over ACORN… I hope some heads roll. But every time things get close to exposing them, like Conyers calling for investigation someone comes in a pays off the Congress again. Pretty darn scary stuff… follow the money.
petunia on May 13, 2009 at 7:49 PM
sesquipedalian on May 13, 2009 at 7:36 PM
I read your post and found it interesting. What is your take on that information? Do you think it was right? If you disagree with what happened perhaps you would explain why.
Mormon Doc on May 13, 2009 at 7:50 PM
Why does that matter to Obama, again?
bluelightbrigade on May 13, 2009 at 7:50 PM
Good Lord, guys. C’mon huh?
Think about this for more than a nano-second.
1. Obama promises to not block release of the photos; supporters cheer.
2. Then, Obama decides that these photos would make the US look bad, and moves to block their release. Supporters re-read story about nude conservative.
Now, no matter what ruling the court makes, The One has a soft landing.
In the first instance, where the photos are released and the world catches fire, Obama simply says “Look, I said it was a bad idea, but it was in the Courts jurisdiction. We are a country of laws, blah blah ablah”. IOW, he’s not responsible; the Court is.
In the second instance, the court rules the photos are to be released and the world goes “meh”. Obama supporters are happy, Obama claims promise kept. MSM forgets the blocking manuever.
A third instance, where the Court denies the suit and the photos are not released, Obama says “Look, I said it was a good idea, but it was in the Courts jurisdiction. We are a country of laws, blah blah ablah”. IOW, he’s not responsible; the Court is.
No matter how this case is decided, Obama gets to take the high road of non-responsibility. Par for the course, if you ask me.
It is evil genius. Almost Rovian.
BobMbx on May 13, 2009 at 7:51 PM
FIFY
BobMbx on May 13, 2009 at 7:53 PM
I give Obama no pass on this after he selectively released those memos… Obama is only taking care of Obama.
Oh and don’t insult Karl Rove. He is much smarter than Obama it is darn lucky he didn’t have personal motives.
petunia on May 13, 2009 at 7:54 PM
“Present” works fine for the small things…..field expedient ALCM impacts….
“not so much”
sven10077 on May 13, 2009 at 7:55 PM
Bravo John! Now if we could get Cheney to point out that Obama is financially destroying this nation, another step towards sanity may occur.
Rovin on May 13, 2009 at 7:58 PM
With BO as president, no one wants to harm Americans. Right…….
http://www.tangle.com/view_video.php?viewkey=0861ff3eabea1ceb73e4
txag92 on May 13, 2009 at 8:01 PM
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