what more are you learning, jim. >> reporter: the white house expected the release of bowe bergdahl would stir up controversy but what they never saw coming was the personal attacks aimed at bergdahl even his family and all of it become a political football democrats say to damage the president. with the president in europe, the administration officials are playing defense over what they thought would be a feel good story. the release of p.o.p. bowe bergda bergdahl. agents to the president say they expected some controversy but surprised on the attacks of his family and a further effort to damage the president. >> it's very interesting to me that they with be willing to release five extraordinarily dangerous taliban members in exchange for this soldier who apparently left his post. we don't know all of the details. >> reporter: conservative critics have accused bergdahl's father of looking like a muslim.