Greg Craig, the top in-house lawyer for President Barack Obama, is getting the blame for botching the strategy to shut down Guantanamo Bay prison by January — so much so that he’s expected to leave the White House in short order.
But sources familiar with the process believe Craig is being set-up as the fall guy and say the blame for missing the deadline extends well beyond him.
Instead, it was a widespread breakdown on the political, legislative, policy and planning fronts that contributed to what is shaping up as one of Obama’s most high-profile setbacks, these people say.
The White House misread the congressional mood – as it found out abruptly in May, when the Senate voted 90-6 against funds for closing the base after Republicans stoked fears about bringing prisoners to the U.S. The House also went on record last week opposing bringing Gitmo detainees here.
The White House misread the public mood – as roughly half of Americans surveyed say they disagree with Obama’s approach. A strong element of NIMBY-ism permeates those results, as Americans say they don’t want the prisoners in their backyards.
But most of all Obama’s aides mistook that political consensus from the campaign trail for a deep commitment in Washington to do whatever it takes to close the prison.
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Notes:
The “3-S Treatment” appears to have been a better solution to this mess. Ralph Klein knows that stuff.
How typical of Obama – go for the gusto then not deliver. SNL has it right – his accomplishments are a figment of his imagination. Brings to mind the fairy tale of “The Emperor has no Clothes”. The only thing between Obama and the cold wind of reality is his courtiers. Its amazing how many of them will be sacrificed on the alter of his ego. Cheers.
They toss the NIMBY word out like it is a Dairy Queen they want to move into the neighborhood.
mid island mike
I would suggest this isn’t the only bit of public misreading Team Obama has done…