CBS WH Reporter Responds To Obama Scolding

CBS' White House Reporter Major Garrett has responded to backlash Wednesday  over his question to President Obama about hostages being held in Iran. The President offered a scolding of Garrett for his phrasing, and the internet devolved into rage-frenzy.



Garrett himself spoke about the so-called scolding with Contessa Brewer shortly after the press conference for CBS's online streaming service CBSN..

"Well first of all, politicians, especially those elected President of the United States, are very adept at creating straw men; taking something that they feel rhetorically works to their advantage and using it. That's exactly what the President did. My question did not suggest he was content with the captivity of those four Americans. My question was about the contentment or the satisfaction or the realization that it was necessary within the context of this deal to leave them unaccounted for. That was the essence of the question. Clearly it struck a nerve. That was my intention."

Garrett went on to add: "Was it provocative? Yes. Was it intended to be such? Absolutely."