WASHINGTON (October 3, 2012)--A new book says President Barack Obama hoped to put Osama bin Laden on trial if he had surrendered during a U.S. raid.

In the book on the raid that killed bin Laden, author Mark Bowden quotes Mr. Obama as saying he thought he could make a strong political argument for giving bin Laden the full rights of a criminal defendant, to show U.S. justice applied even to him.

In the book, purchased by The Associated Press, Bowden said Mr. Obama said he expected the terrorist leader to go down fighting.

"The Finish" is due out Oct. 16.

Mr. Obama's remarks mark the first time he's discussed putting the terrorist on trial.

U.S. officials have said the raiders were ordered to capture bin Laden if he surrendered, or kill if he threatened them.