White House spokesman Josh Earnest was asked about the “chickensh*t” comment during today’s press briefing. That comment allegedly came from a senior administration official, and another official agreed with it, according to the Atlantic’s Jeffrey Goldberg.
Earnest answered the question with typical opacity: The White House doesn’t know and doesn’t want to know who said it, because according to him it does not reflect White House policy.
Which begs the question: If there is someone inside the White House who is undermining our relationship with a key ally — let alone two people doing this — shouldn’t they be found out and punished?
The Obama White House says no. Take a look.
Earnest’s reponse suggests that the official is very senior indeed. A low-level staffer would be summarily fired if they were found to be giving comments off the record that indicated their desire and ability to undermine key foreign policies. Higher level staffers, and especially loyalists who either lead government agencies or are close presidential advisers, might be more problematic and embarrassing to fire.
And if it’s either the president or vice president, well, that’s a whole new ballgame. If that’s the case, Earnest is part of a cover-up.
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