UNDER THE BUS – AT 8:33 A.M. ET:  We take seriously reports of foul behavior by Secret Service agents accompanying the president to Colombia.

No one does law enforcement, or the military, any favors when misbehavior is treated lightly.  At the same time, I thought President Obama's statement on the possible scandal was, as he often is, lacking in graciousness and good judgment.  From the Washington Times:

President Obama said Sunday that he would be “angry” if accusations prove true that his Secret Service agents hired prostitutes, while congressional Republicans called for investigations of the scandal that exploded over the weekend and overshadowed the president’s three-day Summit of the Americas trip to Colombia.

In a news conference in Cartagena before he departed, Mr. Obama said the charges, if true, would dishonor both the U.S. and the agency charged with his protection.

“If it turns out some of the allegations that have been made in the press are confirmed, then, of course, I’ll be angry,” Mr. Obama said in his first public comments on the incident.

“We represent the United States,” the president said. “When we travel to another country, I expect them to observe the highest standards because we’re not just representing ourselves. We’re here on behalf of our people. … Obviously, what’s been reported does not match up with those standards.”

COMMENT:  What the president said was entirely true, but incomplete.   He should have noted that these agents are pledged to take a bullet for him, are always in danger of losing their lives while protecting the president, and that charges of impropriety are rare.  He might have noted that a Secret Service agent was indeed shot in the attempt on President Reagan's life in 1981, and that he is grateful for the dedication of those who protect him. 

He might have also stressed that the charges are as yet unproved, and may not apply to all of the agents sent home.  There would have been no problem in his ending with the statements made in the quotes above.  But his reaction required some humanity on his part, the presumption of innocence, and a demonstration of his understanding of the good work done by the Secret Service regularly.  Obama is a cold man, and he's shown it once again.

April 16,  2012