But with it, they’ll cast doubt on their knowing that the intel reports were indeed false.
Separate juries can believe separate things. When you use contradictory defenses, “Obama made me do it” and “I was ignorant” the jury is entitled to infer that you are as guilty as Hell, and the prosecutor is entitled to remind the jury of the contradiction.
Asserting inconsistent defenses is tantamount to an admission of guilt.
“I dindu nuttin and the muffin-flucker was axing for it.” is not a brilliant defense.