That man knows exactly what he's doing at all times.
The cliche we use here is "payback is a b*tch".
My statement was that he did not think of the public relations aspects first and foremost. Leaving that off distorts the context of my point.
The Vice President thought first and foremost about Mr. Whittington's physical condition, getting him medcal aid, contacting his wife and children, etc. I'm sure the Vice President also thought of getting word to his own wife and children, because the first report that went up at Yahoo News said the VP was the one who got shot.
Then the VP would have called the President and notified necessary staff.
He spent the rest of Saturday getting to the hospital and getting updates on Mr. Whittington's condition, and helping Mr. Whittington's family in any way he could. He left the task of notifying the media to the ranch owner for reasons he explained in his interview with Brit Hume today.
No human being knows exactly what they are doing at ALL times. When we are involved in a potentially serious accident, we are all subject to shock, a huge spike of adrenalin, and a flood of emotions, all of which can and do affect the clarity of our decision-making.