The Weekly Standard’s Stephen Hayes looks at the incipient spin issuing from the brainpan of James Brosnahan, the soon-to-be famous chap retained by the Lindh family to act as Johnny bin Walker’s bleating advocate:

Brosnahan […] praised America in defense of his client. He saluted the Constitution. He invoked the names of Washington, Jefferson, and Madison. He described the jury system as a ‘great process’ and ‘the American way.’

But if Brosnahan was effusive about the concept of America, he isn’t too happy with those running it today–particularly the foot soldiers in the war on terrorism. Not only did government officials hold John ‘incommunicado,’ they ‘issued or leaked false, misleading, and prejudicial characterizations of the facts and law in this case.’ The government, he says, has created an ‘outrageous and unfair’ situation for Lindh.

To be fair, coming up with a defense for someone who has twice admitted his guilt is no easy task. (Once on CNN, and once to the FBI, after he waived his Miranda rights.) That’s Brosnahan’s job in this case. And many people can sympathize with Lindh’s parents and their obvious willingness to say anything–no matter how preposterous–to help their child.

No doubt some folks will be open to the criticism of the government’s handling of the case. Within hours of the statements, O.J. Simpson-trial-retreads took to the air to echo Brosnahan’s concerns. And can it be more than a few days until the ACLU–whose press releases are growing more strident by the day–will back Lindh?

This kid should just plead out, apologize profusely to his country, provide the government with any information at his disposal, and slink off and do his time. Who knows — in 15-20 years, maybe we’ll be in a forgiving mood…

[update: Brosnahan, the Time interview.]

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