Politico: Gene Sperling Was ‘Very Senior’ White House Official Who Threatened Bob Woodward

By Chris Ariens 

Veteran reporter, author and DC insider Bob Woodward told Wolf Blitzer last night on CNN that a “very senior” White House official threatened him over some of his reporting on the sequester. When Blitzer asked who it was, Woodward wouldn’t say. But this morning Politico got its hands on an email back and forth between Woodward and the White House official. It turns out it is Gene Sperling, the president’s economic adviser. Here’s a portion of a Feb. 22 email from Sperling to Woodward:

“But I do truly believe you should rethink your comment about saying … that Potus [President of the United States] asking for revenues is moving the goal post. I know you may not believe this, but as a friend, I think you will regret staking out that claim.”

Sperling, above appearing on “Erin Burnett: OutFront” Monday evening, was apologetic in his email to Woodward over a conversation on the subject earlier in the day: “My apologies again for raising my voice on the call with you. Feel bad about that and truly apologize. Gene.”

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Woodward’s response was cordial as well.

“Gene: You do not ever have to apologize to me. You get wound up because you are making your points and you believe them. This is all part of a serious discussion. I for one welcome a little heat; there should (be) more given the importance. I also welcome your personal advice. I am listening. I know you lived all this. My partial advantage is that I talked extensively with all involved.”

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