The problem is it absolutely is politics; it's the purpose of having a political leader and political system; to deal with stuff like this. Thats why we have leaders; and they ultimately are the ones accountable. And there can be no soft peddling a major screw-up; thats their job period. If I screwed up like this I would not only have been fired but most likely indicted for incompetence and negligence. Don't take the job then cry about circumstances; thats why you're there. Amazing people are making excuses that you would not make for your own self in your job. The buck stops there.