The narrative needed to be not Mubarak refuses to step down. The narrative needed to be, Mubarak is actually stepping down from power, giving over his authority to a vice president who would then lead a movement for national reconciliation in preparation for elections.
Hadley critiques Mubarak's speech and suggests the narrative should have focused on a peaceful transition of power.
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I think it would be a good thing. I think the American people need to know that the Congress of the United States is behind this effort that the administration is trying to mount.
We have to have a robust economy, we need to show that our politics can work and solve our social problems.
If a President thought that what he or she shared with the National Security Advisor could be compelled in public testimony, the President would look elsewhere for a national security and foreign policy confidant.
It is important both as a symbol of a national commitment to deal with this problem, but it is also important to rebalance a little bit this relationship between the Congress and the President.