It is reasonable to give him some benefit of the doubt and take him at his word that he made a mistake and, after reflection, considers the rhetoric too intense. A member of his Defense Science Board resigned [0] in the wake of the decision and one of the former Joint Chiefs [1] spoke out against his actions. I hope he is responding to these voices.
I think I was in agreement until the word rhetoric. Friday photo-op may have started with words, but actions that followed removed that label in my mind.
I would love to give Esper some credit. He has a ridiculously tough job on a normal day. And I am not sure I can. It took severe backlash for him to reverse course.
Granted, in this administration, it is probably a good way to be fired.
I would love to give Esper some credit. He has a ridiculously tough job on a normal day. And I am not sure I can. It took severe backlash for him to reverse course.
Granted, in this administration, it is probably a good way to be fired.
edit. changed last sentence