W.H. Wont Say if a Bergdahl-Type Swap to Get Warren Weinstein Was Considered

ALEXANDER: “If al Qaeda been willing to make a trade would the U.S. willing to make a similar trade that they made for Bowe Bergdahl for the life of Warren Weinstein and was one ever offered?”
EARNEST: “Peter, the U.S. government went to great lengths to try to rescue Dr. Weinstein. There are significant resources dedicated to trying to determine his whereabouts.”
ALEXANDER: “Did we offer a trade?”
EARNEST: “We have been very clear about the policy of the United States, as painful as it is. It is a policy that prevents the United States from negotiating with terrorists. And that policy was in place in the course of our efforts to try to secure the rescue of Dr. Weinstein. And again, this is a policy that particular to the Weinstein family, is a very difficult one. And I think, frankly, I think it's a pretty difficult policy even for just the average human being. But the analysis is a reasonable one which is that to engage in the practice of negotiating with terrorist groups to try to secure the release of innocent Americans would only put at risk more innocent Americans.”