Caught

I'd like to give you a tale of two, stories, by White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan. Thanks to thinkprogress for this.

First from December 13th:

QUESTION: So what does that say about the hill that you have to climb?

MCCLELLAN: A couple things. Let me first correct you in terms of saying that we don’t ever look at polls. We don’t govern based on polls. The president does not govern based on polls. The president governs based on a clear set of principles and a clear set of beliefs. [WH Press Briefing, 12/13/05]

Now from today responding to why Bush is ustified in continuing to conduct an illegal wiretapping program:

MCCLELLAN: I think that clearly the American people strongly support the efforts that we are undertaking to save their lives. I think there actually was a poll last week that said 60 percent — more than 60 percent of the American people support the actions the president is taking to prevent attacks from happening in the first place. That is what this president is committed to doing. This is about saving lives.

SOunds to me like there was a lie there. Either you govern by the polls or you don't it's not a matter of convenience as when it suits you.