Judge: Obama public comments on military sex assault 'unlawful command influence'

The “let’s wait until all the facts are in before commenting” president has spoken too soon again.

Last month, President Obama said he had “no tolerance” for sexual assault in the military, and recommended specific actions to be taken against military members found guilty of sexual assault. According to a judge, that was a mistake:

BREAKING: Judge rules Obama sex assault comments 'unlawful command influence' http://t.co/eviivIlqRS

— Megan Rose (@MegMcCloskey) June 14, 2013

What it all means for one case in particular, by way of Stars and Stripes:

The judge’s pretrial ruling means that if either defendant is found guilty, whether by a jury or a military judge, they cannot receive a bad conduct discharge or a dishonorable discharge. Sailors found guilty under the Uniform Code of Military Justice’s Article 120, which covers several sexual crimes including assault and rape, generally receive punitive discharges.

A sampling of reaction on Twitter:

https://twitter.com/forbesmm/status/345630626910703616
https://twitter.com/DocSaysEnough/status/345634587239665664

Thought of this when I heard remarks. RT @megmccloskey Judge rules Obama MSA comments 'unlawful command influence' http://t.co/G2fBilGkba

— the cops are the rioters (@rockrichard) June 14, 2013

Wonder how POTUS undue command influence ruling will affect @SenGillibrand @TulsiGabbard efforts on mil sex assault. http://t.co/eviivIlqRS

— Megan Rose (@MegMcCloskey) June 14, 2013