I don't think the overton window is very far from the worst case for the US, but it is documented that Obama specifically did not want to charge Assange because of press freedom concerns. Of course in the long term it didn't matter because every 4-8 years everyone has global amnesia and decides to swap for a completely different kind of head of state.
The american state is a large behemoth that moves on its own for much (and almost always in the wrong direction), but it's not like there are absolutely zero differences between who sits in the chair (and there is a lot of potential for someone who has the will to effect change).
Actually, what am I saying? The Obama Administration started the persecution of Assange. Obama took office at the beginning of 02009, and the Assange affair started in 02010.
Getting it out that Obama did not want Assange prosecuted is typical of American style politics. When you are on both sides of the fence you can address criticism by pointing out that you did not want to take the action or pointing to the action that you did take to get him extradited. It is a win no matter which way the wind blows.
The american state is a large behemoth that moves on its own for much (and almost always in the wrong direction), but it's not like there are absolutely zero differences between who sits in the chair (and there is a lot of potential for someone who has the will to effect change).