"Most agencies get really upset and suspicious and act antagonistically toward applicants if they find they withheld information, " he said, adding that a minor violation might be forgiven.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Islamist penetration of Homeland Security?

This time, however, the White House believes a bounce in the final weeks before the conclusion of a tough re-election campaign is more important than (as the president himself put it, "spiking the football" by antagonistically) reminding the world who was responsible for Bin Laden's death.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Obama Killed Osama, And Then Ignored His Own Advice