Former President Bush Defends President Obama's Handling Of The NSA Controversy

Bush Defends NSA Program, Obama’s Stance -- Wall Street Journal

Former president George W. Bush criticized Edward Snowden and expressed confidence that the Obama administration would appropriately handle the controversy about its surveillance tactics in an interview filmed Sunday with CNN in Zambia.

Speaking to CNN’s Robyn Curnow, Mr. Bush said Mr. Snowden, the former CIA employee who leaked classified National Security Agency information, had “damaged the security of the country.” Mr. Bush said he was sure the administration would “deal” with the aftermath of the leaks, and said he approved of the NSA’s tactics. “I think there needs to be a balance, and as the president explained, there is a proper balance,” he said. The full interview is airing later Monday.

Mr. Bush particularly defended the NSA program tracking Internet activity. “I put that program in place to protect the country,” he said. “One of the certainties was that civil liberties were guaranteed.”

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Bush: Snowden 'damaged the country' with leaks -- USA Today
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Bush: Snowden ‘damaged the security of the country’ -- RT
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