Stump the spox! Josh Earnest's refusal to answer this Iran question speaks volumes

State Department Spokesman John Kirby earlier today said that the delivery of $400 million to Iran at the time four American hostages were being released was just a coincidence and the two events were completely unrelated.

Obama Press Secretary Josh Earnest echoed those comments in today’s briefing:

Josh Earnest refuses to confirm any details of WSJ #PalletOfCash story

— Charlie Spiering (@charliespiering) August 3, 2016

“Why is that relevant? Why is that relevant?” Josh Earnest getting agitated as reporters continue grilling him on #PalletOfCash

— Charlie Spiering (@charliespiering) August 3, 2016

Josh Earnest says Iran right-wingers are now “seeking some kind of propaganda victory” in the pages of the Wall Street Journal

— Charlie Spiering (@charliespiering) August 3, 2016

"Let me be clear – the United States does not pay ransom," says @PressSec of cash payment to Iran. pic.twitter.com/iYwXTCILeo

— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) August 3, 2016

Earnest reiterates that payment to Iran "not a ransom payment" for release of Americans "and it is not accurate to describe it that way."

— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) August 3, 2016

Peppered with questions, Earnest says negotiations for release of Americans was separate from negotiations on payment of claim to Iran.

— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) August 3, 2016

So, if the prisoner release and the delivery of money were two completely separate things, this should have been an easy question for Earnest to answer:

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Would the US prisoners have been released if the #PalletOfCash hadn’t made it to Iran? asks @MKosinskiCNN. Josh Earnest won’t say

— Charlie Spiering (@charliespiering) August 3, 2016

So…would the prisoners in Iran have been released if the $400 million cash had NOT been paid immediately? White House won't say.

— Michelle Kosinski (@MichLKosinski) August 3, 2016

That’s one of the most telling non-answers of all time.

@AsheSchow @MKosinskiCNN this is a cue for the media to seize on.

— “Bob” The Emotional Support Hamster (@bob_emotional) August 3, 2016

But but but they are completely unrelated. (Excuse me while I change the batteries in my BS detector)

— another day in paradise⭐⭐⭐ (@ezy06001) August 3, 2016

Josh Earnest answered the #palletofcash or ransom question like he's some corporate stooge reading off of the employee manual. #Iran

— Sorella (@SorellaTorta) August 3, 2016