McCain: Classified Info Was Leaked to Boost Obama

He seeks Senate probe of New York Times stories
By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff
Posted Jun 6, 2012 12:02 AM CDT
Updated Jun 6, 2012 3:03 AM CDT
McCain: Classified Info Was Leaked to Boost Obama
The leaks have to stop, McCain says.   (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta, File)

John McCain has accused the White House of deliberately leaking information that could jeopardize national security in order to "paint a portrait of the president of the United States as a strong leader on national security issues." The senator, the ranking Republican on the Armed Services Committee, has called for an investigation of recent New York Times stories, including one about Obama's kill list, one on drone policies, and one on American cyberattacks on Iran's nuclear program, reports Roll Call.

"This is not a proud day for the United States of America," McCain said. "Our friends are not the only ones who read the New York Times. Our enemies do, too." He said Armed Services Committee chairman Carl Levin has agreed to hold a hearing on the issue, Politico reports. Senate Intelligence Chairman Dianne Feinstein, a Democrat, said she was "deeply disturbed" by the leaks, and has sent a letter to Obama making it clear "that disclosures of this type endanger American lives and undermine America’s national security." (More John McCain stories.)

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