You are correct that omissions are not lies. However, when you need to make decisions based on information you need all possible information, not half of it. So it's not presenting different interpretations, he's providing context.
If I tell you about somebody wearing a rain coat and using an umbrella on a sunny day, you might conclude that person is a nutcase. If I add the context that this person is highly sensitive to sunlight and is protecting himself, you will probably conclude differently.
Yes, this happens a lot in politics, but that doesn't mean it's ok.
I could argue that adding the fact that a lot of PhD students receive DARPA funding and trying to mingle it with corporate funding is problematic on the same grounds, as it adds context that I don't feel worthwhile, because it distracts.
The attempt to put all context into all discussions is obviously futile. Adding relevant context is a worthwhile way of debate, but not necessarily part of any particular statement. Assange doesn't see that piece of info as relevant.
Trying to turn this on the person is not a way to go in my opinion. Prove a lie before.
Interacting with his statements (and be it "I think he's overinterpreting and I won't further engage"), is the way to go.
(To add context: I live in Berlin, a person in a rain coat and an umbrella on a sunny day is nothing special.)
If I tell you about somebody wearing a rain coat and using an umbrella on a sunny day, you might conclude that person is a nutcase. If I add the context that this person is highly sensitive to sunlight and is protecting himself, you will probably conclude differently.
Yes, this happens a lot in politics, but that doesn't mean it's ok.