DoD Briefing Muck-up on Iraq Construction

A great piece of insight into how mucked up this administration is... from a DoD briefing that was mistakenly made "on the record" when it was supposed to not be.

Q Is this on the record?

STAFF: Yeah --

Q (Off mike) -- background briefing, but it's on the record.

STAFF: Unfortunately, no. It's a background brief, off the record.

Q It was billed as being an on-the-record briefing.

Q Yeah.

Q So why is it not an on-the-record briefing?

STAFF: I was told --

Q These are senior officials, who should be accountable for the work they're doing.

STAFF: Right. I was told this morning from Baghdad that they can be quoted, I guess, as senior officials from Baghdad. I know.

[...]

We will -- I'll be happy to look at quotes and seek approval for on-the-record statements. I know that they will each be making some opening remarks, and then I'll be happy to liaise with you on that.

That's the best we can do, guys.

Q But are you aware that their names have already been announced publicly that they're doing this briefing?

STAFF: Yes.

Q Then this doesn't hold water. I mean, nobody can hold us to background when their names have been announced as the speakers of this event.

STAFF: Okay. All right. Let's start off with the secretary, who will make some comments.

Thanks.

Q On the record --

STAFF: Yes, yes.