Wait, since when was the point of smearing the leaker to affect how the NSA is managed? The problem is such smears, when made by politicians, are broadcast and

Wait, since when was the point of smearing the leaker to affect how the NSA is managed? The problem is such smears, when made by politicians, are broadcast and reported upon nationally and end up diluting/derailing the important dialogue about the contents and implications of the leaked material itself.