The Obama administration could have just easily waited until after the election to “ release” the blind sheik
If he won.... It's done for humantian reasons....
If he lost...it’s done just because he can....
You're forgetting one small, (but critical) detail, which is the essential quid pro quo in this deal.
The Libyan terrorists would not have released the 'hostages', then trusted Obama to hold up his end of the bargain after he was re-elected. No, they would have demanded that the US hand over the blind sheik now, as exchange for playing the hostage charade with them.
No sheik - no deal.
Let's also not forget that as a radical Muslim sympathizer and serial appeaser, Obama would have wanted to release the blind sheik on whatever pretense he could get away with, as a matter of fundamental principle.
As it is, the whole deal went south anyway, due to the presence of two American heroes.