New W.H. Press Sec. on Lethal Aid to Syria Rebels: ‘You Can Say Whatever You Want About It’

White House Deputy Press Secretary Josh Earnest,
soon to replace Jay Carney, had a tough Monday but noted to
reporters at the daily press briefing that it wasn’t actually his
first day on the job. Asked to clarify comments by National
Security Advisor Susan Rice that the U.S. is providing “lethal” aid
to Syrian rebels—and how military aid could be anything but
lethal—Earnest told a reporter she could say whatever she wanted
about it, before underlining that rebels in Syria were receiving
“military and non-military assistance.”

Earnest was also asked to square Rice’s comment that Sgt. Bowe
Bergdahl—who was traded to the U.S. by the Taliban in exchange for
the release of five Guantanamo detainees—had served with honor and
distinction, in light of reports that he had deserted his post.
“You’re asking me a hypothetical question,” Earnest said.

Earnest didn’t seem as comfortable spinning talking points as
Carney, but may get there by the time he takes over. Earnest was
also asked whether President Obama had read Hillary Clinton’s new
book. He didn’t seem aware the book was already on sale.