I don't agree with your first point, but agree with the second.
Indeed, this is not new talk... the context from months ago was that the "hostage" being referred to was none other than the Blind Sheik... a live Stevens would be traded for a live Sheik. However, a dead-Stevens - live Sheik trade doesn't look so hot, especially for purposes of the November election.
Even if true, the MSMwhores would either ignore it or destroy the general. Obama could molest his daughters on national prime time television and the Msmwhores would marvel at how a man as busy as the POTUS still manages to spend quality time with his children....