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Pelosi Backtracks on CIA Claims

Speakers shifts focus to Bush administration after Panetta rebuff

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted May 16, 2009 2:16 AM CDT

(Newser) – Nancy Pelosi retreated yesterday from her claim the CIA lied to Congress about its interrogation program and shifted the blame to the Bush administration, Politico reports. The speaker said her criticism is "separate from my respect for those in the intelligence community who work to keep our country safe.” Pelosi was rebuffed by CIA head Leon Panetta shortly before issuing her statement.

Pelosi did not retract her claim that she was not told about the waterboarding of a detainee in 2002, a statement Democratic insiders say the speaker verified before making by sending an aide to check the notes of the meeting. The White House declined to comment on Pelosi's claims. “I appreciate the invitation to get involved here, but I'm not gonna RSVP," press secretary Robert Gibbs said.

[Images (2)]

[Quotes (1)]

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi pauses during a news conference about the Obama administration's first 100 days on Wednesday, April 29, 2009, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

"Let me be clear: It is not our policy or practice to mislead Congress. That is against our laws and our values," Panetta said yesterday in a letter to CIA employees. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 12 comments

cornelison

May 17, 2009 8:14 AM CDT

Republicans don't have much to do except vote "no" and criticize anyone who they want to destroy. They're on TV all the time saying that they approve of torture - a war crime. They treat it like a badge of honor.

Rob

May 16, 2009 12:51 PM CDT

This is another layer of the onion. She was complicit and is covering up. Remember that the cover up is worse than the crime!

Rob

May 16, 2009 12:50 PM CDT

Of course she is. You cannot pick and choose your criminals.

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Politico (Source Grid »)

White House stays out of Pelosi-CIA battle
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Panetta rejects Pelosi's charges
Washington Post

Politics

Nancy Pelosi • CIA • torture • waterboarding • harsh interrogation • Leon Panetta • torture memo

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Pelosi Backtracks on CIA Claims