Sen. John McCain said that he has “no idea” whether President Obama knew about leaked national security information but that as commander in chief he is responsible in an interview on CNN’s “State of the Union” Sunday.
“I have no idea whether the president knew or did not know,” McCain said. “I have never alleged such a thing.”
But McCain did conclude that the leaks came from the Obama administration, and largely blames Obama whether or not he knew about the leaks.
“But I have alleged that if you look at the information that’s been leaked, again, that information in [New York Times reporter David Sanger’s] book says that several officials said that they have to remain anonymous who gave this information because they would lose their jobs. Well, why would they possibly lose their jobs if they weren’t leaking information that has to do with national security? So, it’s obvious on its face that this information came from individuals who are in the administration. The president may not have done it himself, but the president is certainly responsible as commander in chief.”
This is largely in line with a statement McCain issued Friday, in which he reiterated his call for a special counsel to investigate the leaks.
