america's democracy. you are the ones obstructing justice. more due process was afforded to those accused in the salem witch trials. a white house official tells nbc news the president came up with the idea for the letter and then relied on aides to draft it while directing the process. the official adds, the counsel's office did suggest some changes. some were made, others rejected. to be clear, in part, because it contains so many errors and misstatements, it is not regarded as a serious document. john dean called it pathetic. david gergen who served four u.s. presidents said it reads like a two-bit dictator. late today, the speaker was asked about the document. >> your reaction to the president's letter? >> no reaction. it's ridiculous. >> you have no reaction? why not? >> i haven't really fully read it. we've been working.