I understand the “no video” rule but I also understand why reporters are surprised. Many people caught up in something like this love to be on TV and keep the tapes to show their kids and grandkids. That's what television reporters expect, especially at the national media level, but when it's explained that putting you live on air could result in you becoming a target, generally they understand. TV reporters routinely have protect the identities of images of rape victims or undercover police officers.
I wish you well, Captain... and you're finding out firsthand how easy it is for someone like Rick Santorum to get drawn off-message by answering questions that may create complications.
We'll all find out much more soon about what happened with SSG Bales, and I'm guessing you'll end up being called as a defense witness in the court-martial so this probably won't be your last time explaining publicly what you know of SSG Bales.
Well, aside from potential career ramifications, I also feel like going on TV like that would basically be more feeding into my vanity than trying to help Bales.
It must be hard for presidential candidates. I have the luxury of saying “I don’t know” or “that’s above my pay grade” whereas a competent presidential candidate can’t possibly get away with that (see what I did there?). Plus, I haven’t exactly been hit with “gotcha” questions like they have to deal with.
I’ve little doubt that the defense will call me out. Should be interesting.