Obama Adviser David Plouffe Has Testy Exchange With Fox's Chris Wallace Over Special Prosecutor in Leaks Case

Top White House adviser David Plouffe on Sunday skirted questions about why an independent counsel wasn't appointed to investigate the recent spate of national security leaks instead of two U.S. attorneys overseen by Attorney General Eric Holder.

"Fox News Sunday" host Chris Wallace pointed out that back in 2006, then-Senator Barack Obama called for an independent prosecutor to investigate the lobbyist Jack Abramoff.

"The attorney general...has made a decision about the best way to proceed here," Plouffe said. "This is a very serious investigation. Again, these are two United States attorneys -- one Bush appointee -- who are going to have the ability, as they should, to thoroughly look at this."

When Wallace asked again why not an independent prosecutor, quoting Obama, "to ensure the public's confidence in the investigation," Plouffe didn't back down.

"I think most Americans would rightfully think that two United States attorneys looking into this with thoroughness, with resources -- " he said.

"Senator Obama didn't think so back in 2006," Wallace interjected.

"That was a different case, Chris," Plouffe responded.

"This is a more serious case, sir," Wallace insisted.

"There is an investigation proceeding, let's let that investigation happen, let the facts come out," Plouffe responded.