Before the Senate reached a deal on extending the Patriot Act, the White House was still railing against Senate Dems for their concerns over the law’s civil liberties protections. At yesterday’s press briefing, one reporter noted that Dems aren’t the only ones who want to extend the law to allow more debate.
Q: You suggested that those who are seeking an extension are putting politics above security. That now includes eight Republicans. Are you including them in that accusation?
McClellan: No, it’s the Senate Democrats.
When Dems want a delay to address civil liberties concerns, they’re craven politicians who don’t care about national security. When Republicans want the same thing, they’re principled conservatives. Got it.
It’s always amusing when it’s-OK-if-you’re-a-Republican thinking works its way into GOP talking points, but it’s especially entertaining when the White House press secretary is this blatant about it.