Graham: 'Mistake' to Not Release Pics

Politico reports:

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) says President Barack Obama’s decision not to release photos of Osama bin Laden’s corpse is “a mistake” that will “unnecessarily prolong this debate” over the photos and whether bin Laden is actually dead.

“The whole purpose of sending our soldiers into the compound, rather than an aerial bombardment, was to obtain indisputable proof of bin Laden’s death, ” Graham said. “I know bin Laden is dead. But the best way to protect and defend our interests overseas is to prove that fact to the rest of the world.”

But at least among initial reactions from members of Congress, Graham’s criticism stands out. Homeland Security Committee Chairman Peter King (R-N.Y.), who before Wednesday’s decision from the president had said he wanted to see photos released, told Politico in an afternoon statement that he would stand by Obama’s choice.

“I understand the president’s decision and will not oppose it,” King said. “While I have said that a photo release may be a good way to combat the predictable conspiracy theories about bin Laden’s death, this is a decision for the president to make, and I respect his decision.”

Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Mich.), chairman of the House intelligence committee, said Wednesday morning that “the risks of release outweigh the benefits” and that the photo would serve only as a “trophy” — the same position and phrasing that Obama took. A Rogers spokeswoman told Politico Wednesday afternoon that he “says it is a good decision” for the photos to be kept under wraps.

But other Republicans joined Graham in opposing the president’s decision.

Rep. Allen West (R-Fla.) echoed Graham’s remarks to Politico, also calling Obama’s decision a “mistake.” In confronting terrorism, the United States “tries to deal with these guys like they’re thinking like us, instead of thinking like them.”