The Associated Press meets Catch-22

On Thursday, Lee asked State Department spokesman Ned Price for evidence to support the federal government’s assertion that Moscow intended to release a “false flag” video to justify a Russian invasion of Ukraine. It was a simple, straightforward question. What evidence is there that the Kremlin planned to fake its way into an invasion?

Rather than answer the question, Price transformed into a character ripped directly from Catch-22, insulting and reprimanding Lee and then using tortured, circular logic to confuse everyone.

“Russia has signaled it’s willing to continue diplomatic talks as a means to de-escalate,” Price said at the press briefing, “but actions such as [the alleged invasion-justifying propaganda campaign] suggest otherwise. We will continue to diligently work together with our allies and partners to expose Russian disinformation and other hybrid tactics used against Ukraine.”

Responded Lee, “So you said, ‘Actions such as these suggest otherwise’ — what action are you talking about?”

“One, the actions I have just pointed to,” said the government spokesman.

“What action?” asked the reporter.

“The fact that Russia continues to engage in disinformation campaigns,” said Price.

Responded Lee, “Well no, you’ve made an allegation that they might do that. Have they actually done it?”

“What we know, Matt, is what we — what I have just said, that they have engaged in this activity, in this planning activity,” Price began to say.

“Well, engage in what — hold on a second,” said Lee. “What activity?”

“This is not the first time we’ve made these reports public. You’ll remember that just a few weeks ago,” Price said, interrupted again.

“I’m sorry, made what report public?” asked the journalist.

“We told you a few weeks ago that we have information indicating Russia also has already pre-positioned a group of operatives to conduct a false flag operation in eastern Ukraine,” said Price. “So that, Matt, to your question, is an action that Russia has already taken.”

“No, it’s an action that you say that they have taken,” Lee rightly noted, “but you have shown no evidence to confirm that. And I’m going to get to the next question here. … What evidence do you have to support the idea that there is some propaganda film in the making?”

“Matt, this is derived from information known to the U.S. government, intelligence information that we have declassified,” said Price.

Lee again responded, “OK, well, where is it? Where is this information?”

“It is intelligence information that we have declassified,” Price responded.

Lee asked again, “Well, where is it? Where is the declassified information?”

“I just delivered it,” Price said.

“No, you made a series of allegations and statements,” answered Lee.

Price said, “Would you like us to print out the topper? Because you will see a transcript of this briefing that you can print out for yourself.”

“But that’s not evidence, Ned,” Lee repeated. “That’s you saying it. That’s not evidence.”

“What would you like, Matt?” asked the now-flustered State Department spokesman.

“I would like to see some proof … that shows that the Russians are doing this,” said Lee.

“You have been doing this for quite a while,” Price responded derisively. “You know that when we declassify intelligence … we do so with an eye to protecting sources and methods.”

“That’s right,” Lee interjected. “And I remember WMDs in Iraq, and I remember that Kabul was not going to fall. I remember a lot of things. So where is the declassified information, other than you coming out here and saying it?”

“Matt,” said Price finally, “I’m sorry you are doubting the information that is in the possession of the U.S. government.”

The exchange went on for a little while longer in this vein. It was every bit as astonishing as it appears in print.

If you’re surprised by Lee’s dogged pursuit of clear, concise, and intelligible answers from Price, you shouldn’t be. Lee is an old pro at this. He has been giving hell to weaselly State Department mouthpieces for years. (Seriously, check out his handling of Obama-era State Department bureaucrats.)

Here’s hoping the Biden administration’s stable of Catch-22­-style goombas don’t force Lee to retire early from sheer frustration and madness.