Caldera could be fired for authorizing NY Flyover

[HopeOverFear]

The Washington Post

White House press secretary Robert Gibbs pointedly refused to rule out a firing in the case of the Air Force One backup's flight that terrified some in New York City on Monday.

Asked repeatedly whether White House Military Office Director Louis Caldera, who made the decision, would lose his job, Gibbs told reporters yesterday, "I think the president has rightly asked that a review of the situation and the decision-making" be done.

Gibbs reiterated that President Obama was "furious" about the decision, and he said the deputy chief of staff will conduct the review. The administration will take steps based on the outcome of the review, Gibbs said.

Caldera, who was secretary of the Army under President Bill Clinton, apologized quickly Monday afternoon, after reports of Obama's displeasure.

"Last week, I approved a mission over New York. I take responsibility for that decision," Caldera said in a statement. "While federal authorities took the proper steps to notify state and local authorities in New York and New Jersey, it's clear that the mission created confusion and disruption. I apologize and take responsibility for any distress that flight caused."

But the apology might not be enough to calm the furor over the flight, which was scheduled to allow Air Force officials to update the promotional photos of the presidential plane.

[cherokeeprogressive]

1. He could be, and he SHOULD be. It was absolutely wasteful. Forget the other bullshit arguments.

He wasted a grip o' money. Needlessly. Could a manager in the private sector make a nearly $330,000 insanely bad decision and reasonably expect to keep their job?

Maybe if Caldera was asked for his resignation, we'd find out what facts are being hidden from view.

And please, spare me the "but but... but... BUSH!" comparisons. That was then, this is now.

The previous paragraph isn't directed at the OP, rather at other DU'ers I've seen deflecting the stupidity of Caldera's decision by comparing it with anything the chimp administration did. Prior bad acts by "their guy" or his employees do not excuse present ones by ours.

[HopeOverFear]

3. No argument here, cherokee

I agree, it was a stupid thing to do, and he should be fired.

[Clear Blue Sky]

5. Agree 100%

Waste of big $$. Huge carbon footprint. Scared the crap out of alot of people.

And the photo could have been created in 10 min with photoshop.

[Demi_Babe]

2. he should be fired

[4_Legs_Good]

4. Good (nt)

[ksoze]

6. I think part of the $300K number was for the jets that would be flying anyway

not saying the stunt was ill-conceived, but that cost number of the event assumes the jets would not be in the air which is not correct.