“executive privilege doesn’t apply”…

Posted on Friday 12 June 2009

Here’s a shorter, more focused version of what Sheldon Whitehouse said on Rachel Maddow’s show last night. I guess we should’ve known it, but I, for one, didn’t. It makes perfect sense that a Congressional Committee investigating the Executive is not bound by Executive Privilege. That’s the lesson of the Watergate Hearings. So how can such a Committee be formed? Yesterday?

… This is Sheldon Whitehouse, former Rhode Island Attorney General and US Attorney, explaining how you build a case. This former prosecutor is thinking clearly of establishing a case, and then either pursuing it in SSCI – or referring it, as he suggested with his reference to an executive branch investigation. And in both this exchange and in his speech the other day, Whitehouse told both viewers and his colleagues to stand by.

As I said, I was skeptical about this investigation. But Whitehouse, at least, seems to think that after the questions we already know the answers to – did the interrogators exceed guidelines, did it produce worthwhile intelligence, did the committee get fully briefed – it will lead in other directions, including, potentially, forcing a DOJ investigation.

Time to give kudos where they’re deserved. If you’re so inclined, why not give Senator Feinstein a call – [202] 224-3841 – and thank her for leading this investigation [it’s not often we give DiFi thanks around here, but it appears deserved, and carrots often work much better than sticks].
sticks less than carrots…
carrots less than apologies…

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