President Obama Sides With Pentagon Torturers, Says Manning's Treatment Is "Meeting Basic Standards"

[Turborama]

Run time: 00:55 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQ2cUk8tuTU   Posted on YouTube: March 11, 2011 By YouTube Member: FiredoglakeTV Views on YouTube: 13   Posted on DU: March 11, 2011 By DU Member: Turborama Views on DU: 1444

 

By: Michael Whitney Friday March 11, 2011 10:34 am

In today’s press conference with President Obama, ABC Reporter Jake Tapper asked Obama about Hillary Clinton spokesman PJ Crowley’s condemnation of the Department of Defense’s mistreatment of Bradley Manning. Crowley said at a forum last night, “What is happening to Manning is ridiculous, counterproductive and stupid, and I don’t know why the DoD is doing it.”

Obama brushed off the question, saying that he had spoken to the Pentagon and was assured that Manning’s treatment is “meeting our basic standards.” As Marcy Wheeler noted, “Of COURSE Manning’s treatment meets DOD’s standards. Using nudity to force helplessness has been standard for 9 years now.”

Below is the full transcript of President Barack Obama taking ownership of the torture of Bradley Manning.

Tapper: The State Department Spokesman PJ Crowley said the treatment of Bradley Manning by the Pentagon is “ridiculous and counterproductive and stupid,” and I’m wondering if you agree with that. Thank you sir.

Obama: With respect to Private Manning, I have actually asked the Pentagon whether or not the procedures that have been taken in terms of his confinement are appropriate and are meeting our basic standards. They assure me that they are. I can’t go into details about some of their concerns, but some of this has to do with Private Manning’s safety as well.

Tapper: Do you disagree with PJ Crowley?

Obama: I think I gave you an answer to the substantive issue.

http://fdlaction.firedoglake.com/2011/03/11/president-obama-takes-ownership-of-torture-of-bradley-manning-video/

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