‘Plug the damn hole’
The quote above, attributed to President Obama, offers another great reason to question to benefit of anonymous sources. In a story about the offshore oil disaster, the The Washington Post reported:
But to those tasked with keeping the president apprised of the disaster, Obama’s clenched jaw is becoming an increasingly familiar sight. During one of those sessions in the Oval Office the first week after the spill, a president who rarely vents his frustration cut his aides short, according to one who was there.“Plug the damn hole,” Obama told them.
The quote, highlighted by Politico, is making the Internet rounds. It certainly makes Obama looks good — perhaps sending a message to a skeptical public wondering why the government hasn’t done more about the oil leak. Look at how upset he is behind closed doors. (“He even cursed!”) Don’t worry, people, the prez is clearly on top of this.
But how do we know President Obama said “Plug the damn hole”? Well, we have to believe one, unnamed source who says he did. And who is this source? It is likely Obama’s chief of staff or press secretary or other top aide — someone interested in polishing the president’s image.
If Obama really said “Plug the damn hole,” then the public should know about it. But, the Washington Post should either quote Obama directly or at least identify the official who attributed the quote to him.
