So he objected to the detention provisions, but he's going to sign the defense bill anyway [View all]

[bigtree]

In a statement, press secretary Jay Carney said the new bill "does not challenge the president's ability to collect intelligence, incapacitate dangerous terrorists and protect the American people."

"While we remain concerned about the uncertainty that this law will create for our counterterrorism professionals, the most recent changes give the president additional discretion in determining how the law will be implemented, consistent with our values and the rule of law, which are at the heart of our country's strength," Carney said.
_____________________

I think the President figured his veto would be overridden and took the best deal he could on the revised Defense bill. That's my two cents. That's the typical story behind these bills signed with 'objections'. Presidents figure they've gotten the best they can get out of Congress and settle. He's probably right. They will likely have the opportunity to deal with these provisions at a later date, either in implementation or in an effort to repeal them separately from the weight of the overall defense legislation. At any rate, I don't see the point in hyperventilating on this. We lost this one (figures) and we'll move the fight to amend the provisions to the future.