Still waiting for the answer...

Atrios is wondering the same thing,

No one has yet managed to explain how revealing that the administration illegally spies on American citizens without obtaining warrants, instead of legally spying on people after obtaining such warrants, damages national security.

Anyone?

The process of getting warrants is certainly a formality and requires little extra than a small waiting period. Clearly though, the administration thinks that they scare people into letting them get away with anything. Sadly, many are okay with it.