White House: Obama Does Not Think Edward Snowden Performed a ‘Public Service’

EARNEST: "Well, the president had the opportunity to speak on this a number of times and I think a careful review of his public comments would indicate that he's not. Everybody here the White House who had the opportunity to work with Attorney General Holder certainly respects his work. Certainly respect his knowledge and view of the law, and I would point out that even Mr. Holder pointed out in that interview, quote, 'he's broken the law in my view. He needs to get lawyers come on back and decide what he wants to do, go to trial or try to cut a deal. I think there has to be consequences for what he has done.' It is that--what Mr Holder is articulating there is the view of the administration, which is specifically that Mr, Snowden has been charged with serious crimes and he should return to the United States. He should be afforded due process and that's essentially how the situation should be handled, but Mr. Snowden has not done so."