David Gergen actually said...

"I think the White House and the secretary of state have been very carefully trying to describe this as a private mission, a humanitarian mission, not one undertaken at the request of President Obama."

"Listen, the United States gave nothing away. Bill Clinton went in the -- in the capacity as a private citizen. That is why the emphasis on privacy is so important."

"Well, I think the White House and the Secretary of State have been very carefully trying to describe this as a private mission, a humanitarian mission."

"I think that's nonsense and heartless. As much as I respect John Bolton for some of his views, I just sharply disagree here. Listen, the United States gave nothing away."