4 ms·

A contemptible apology. "Erroneous" strongly implies a mistake, and thereby adds another lie to the lie he's "apologizing" for.

• tzs 13y ago
  What else was Clapper supposed to say to Wyden's question? If he answered truthfully, he'd illegally reveal classified information. If he said that he could not answer without revealing classified information, he'd effectively reveal classified information. Wyden knew all this and asked the question anyway, most likely to try to get Clapper to reveal classified information.
  • nathan_long 13y ago
    You're saying he was justified in lying. I disagree, but let's leave that aside. He could have said "I lied, but I had to for national security reasons. I don't apologize. The question was inappropriate and Wyden should apologize for asking." He could have said "I lied, and I shouldn't have. I apologize." (A resignation would be nice.) But he's quoted as saying "My response was clearly erroneous – for which I apologize." To me, this sounds like "I thought I was telling the truth but later learned that my statements were incorrect. I apologize." Which is itself either 1) an admission of incompetence or 2) an additional lie. #2 is much more likely. Do you see why I called this "apology" contemptible?
    • dllthomas 13y ago
      I presume he could also have refused to answer.