Catching government officials in minor verbal miscues is certainly a stock in trade of journalists everywhere, at least if they’re Republicans. That’s why one can’t help but think that Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano’s comment that her department is working “364 days a year” to protect Americans from domestic terrorism threats won’t get much circulation.
In an interview with ABC News aired yesterday with several U.S. security officials, Napolitano said just that when asked by anchor Diane Sawyer about what her response was to people who were concerned about terrorism and their holiday travel plans.
“What I say to the American people is that we are–thousands of people are working 24/7, 364 days a year to keep the American people safe.”
</p> <p>Another one for the “What If a Republican Had Said It” file.</p> <p>Napolitano was not the only Obama administration bigwig making a gaffe during the group interview, however. Later in the discussion, Director of National Intelligence James Clapper seemed <a href=””>utterly unaware</a> of a series of counter-terrorism arrests that had been made in the U.K. on Monday. Asked by Sawyer what his opinion of the arrests was, Clapper replied quizzically “London?” Shortly thereafter, he admitted that “I’m sorry, I didn’t” know about them.</p> <p>If either of the above concerns you, it shouldn’t. At least according to the Wall Street Journal’s <a href=””>James Taranto</a>: </p><blockquote> <p>Obviously Clapper gave the interview on the one day of the year when the government was not working to keep the American people safe. That means we don’t have to worry about that day coming again. </p></blockquote>
