That makes me think that the DOE wanting to accelerate the loan repayments was a purely political decision.
Wasting money on Solyndra in this economy makes Obama vulnerable - using Telsa as a success story would go far to mitigate that, and news of accelerated loan payments is soundbite-y enough for that purpose.
I read it similarly, though I saw it more as the DOE having an "oh crap" moment and wanting to get itself out from under these loans that have been at the center of controversy and get back under the radar. I'm not sure how much micromanaging is going on when it comes to these loans from the White House, but I would bet that the heads at the DOE don't want any more heat.
Wasting money on Solyndra in this economy makes Obama vulnerable - using Telsa as a success story would go far to mitigate that, and news of accelerated loan payments is soundbite-y enough for that purpose.