WASHINGTON — F.B.I. agents investigating Hillary Rodham Clinton’s private email server are seeking to determine who at the State Department passed highly classified information from secure networks to Mrs. Clinton’s personal account, according to law enforcement and diplomatic officials and others briefed on the investigation.
To track how the information flowed, agents will try to gain access to the email accounts of many State Department officials who worked there while Mrs. Clinton was secretary of state, the officials said. State Department employees apparently circulated the emails on unclassified systems in 2009 and 2011, and some were ultimately forwarded to Mrs. Clinton.
They were not marked as classified, the State Department has said, and it is unclear whether its employees knew the origin of the information.
The F.B.I. is also trying to determine whether foreign powers, especially China or Russia, gained access to Mrs. Clinton’s private server, although at this point, any security breaches are speculation.
As usual in the NYT, Clinton is disrespectfully referred to as “Mrs. Clinton” rather than “former Secretary of State Clinton” or “former Senator Clinton.”
Patty Culhane at Al Jazeera, Hillary Clinton and the tale of two phones.
It was supposed to be so much easier for Hillary Clinton.
She had years to prepare for her moment. She had the team in place, the money raised and the vast network of supporters that is the back bone of team Clinton. They’ve run for president a combined three times, so they know what they are doing.
But her falling poll numbers are now inviting serious competitors to think about jumping into the race for the Democratic nomination. So what happened? Simply, it’s the tale of two phones.
When she was secretary of state, Clinton says she simply didn’t want to carry two phones. She chose to use a private server stored in her New York home instead of the official government email.
That is highly unusual. The reason it usually isn’t done is pretty simple: the general practice is that all government records are kept by the government.
That way, if a Congressional Committee or a journalist wants to look into what their officials are doing, they can request and sometimes get the records. In later years, they will be used by historians.
Except it’s not unusual, and Clinton’s records will be available in the future, unlike Colin Powell’s, which he ordered destroyed when he left the State Department.
Oh, and Patty? No one with a brain ever expected anything to be easy for any woman running for president, let alone Hillary.
Meanwhile, back in the reality-based universe, Hillary Clinton is not a target of the FBI investigation and she did nothing illegal, even though the media is trying to pretend that she did.
Bradley Klapper and Ken Dilanian, AP EXCLUSIVE: Top secret Clinton emails include drone talk.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Neither of the two emails sent to Hillary Rodham Clinton now labeled by intelligence agencies as “top secret” contained information that would jump out to experts as particularly sensitive, according to several government officials.
One included a discussion of a U.S. drone strike, part of a covert program that is widely known and discussed. A second conversation could have improperly referred to highly classified material, but it also could have reflected information collected independently, U.S. officials who have reviewed the correspondence told The Associated Press.
Still, it’s looking increasingly likely the issue of whether Clinton mishandled classified information on her home-brew email server will have significant political implications in the 2016 presidential campaign.
Clinton, who has been seen from the outset as the front-runner for the Democratic nomination, agreed this week to turn over to the FBI the private server she used as secretary of state. And Republicans in Congress have seized on the involvement of federal law enforcement in the matter as a sign she was negligent in handling the nation’s secrets.
Again, these emails were not marked classified, and Clinton didn’t send them.
While neither of the emails was marked classified at the time they were sent, they have since been slapped with a “TK” marking, for “Talent Keyhole,” suggesting material obtained by spy satellites. And they also were marked “NOFORN,” meaning information that can only be shared with Americans with security clearances.
The two emails got those markings after consultations with the CIA and other agencies where the material originated, officials said. Some officials said they believed the designations were a stretch — a knee-jerk move in a bureaucracy rife with over-classification.
The officials who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity work in intelligence and other agencies. They wouldn’t detail the full contents of the emails because of ongoing questions about classification level.
Clinton didn’t transmit the sensitive information herself, they said, and nothing in the emails she received makes direct reference to communications intercepts, confidential intelligence methods or any other form of sensitive sourcing.
Even more laughable, the “drone discussion” was about a published news story.
The drone exchange, the officials said, begins with a copy of a news article about the CIA drone program that targets terrorists in Pakistan and elsewhere. While that program is technically top secret, it is well-known and often reported on. Former CIA director Leon Panetta and Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California, the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, have openly discussed it.
The copy makes reference to classified information, and a Clinton adviser follows up by dancing around a top secret in a way that could possibly be inferred as confirmation, the officials said. Several people, however, described this claim as tenuous.
Based on this garbage, Republicans in Congress, with the help of the corporate media are trying to get Hillary out of the race for the Democratic nomination.
And get this, Donald Trump says he thinks Joe Biden will be the Democratic nominee and he (Trump) will be running against him in 2016.
Talking Points Memo, Trump: I Expect To Face Joe Biden In The General Election.
Trump told the conservative news site that Clinton’s private email server use was worse than Gen. David Paetreus sharing classified information with the woman with whom he was having an extramarital affair.
“It just looks like Hillary is going to not be able to run. It looks to me like that’s what’s going to happen,” Trump told Breitbart. “I think it’s unlikely if you look at what she’s done. What she’s done is ten times worse than what General Petraeus did—far more sensitive documents, top-of-line sensitive documents, far more of them.”
Um . . . no. But apparently Joe Biden is the candidate Trump and Breitbart hope the Democrats will nominate. Gee, I wonder why?
Last night Hillary joked about the non-scandal in a speech in Iowa. She also addressed the Benghazi “investigation.”
ABC News, Hillary Clinton Pokes Fun at Email Scandal During Wing Ding Dinner in Iowa.
Democratic presidential candidateHillary Clinton poked fun at her use of a private email server during her time as secretary of state while at a dinner in Iowa Friday.
“You may have seen that I recently launched a Snapchat account,” she said at the Iowa Democratic Party’s Wing Ding Dinner. “I love it. I love it. Those messages disappear all by themselves.”
Clinton made the remarks to a packed room of 2,100 at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa, as she and four of her rivals for the Democratic nomination appeared. Her remarks came amid a federal investigation into the use of the private server and whether classified information was emailed from her private account….
Clinton also offered a fiery defense against Republican attacks that she compromised national security by using a private server. She said Republican criticism over her email use and her handling of the Benghazi attack in 2012 was rooted in political posturing, not concern over national security.
“It’s not about Benghazi. You know what? It’s not about emails or servers either,” she said. “It’s about politics.”
I don’t know how all this will end. I just know that the 2016 presidential campaign is going to be hatefest that will eclipse anything we saw in 2008 and 2012. The nerve of that woman thinking she could be President of the United States!
What else is happening? Please post your thoughts and links on any topic in the comment thread, and have a nice weekend.
peej
Carissa
bostonboomer
ecocatwoman
mablue2
peggysue22
quixote
skydancingguestblogger
Mona (aka Wonk the Vote)
Sky Dancing 
Important reality-based links:
Media Matters: More Myths And Facts On “Top Secret” Materials In Hillary Clinton’s Email.
Big Tent Democrat at Talk Left: AP Story Demonstrates Weak Claims Against Hillary On E-mails.
LA Times: Islamic State leader raped U.S. hostage Kayla Mueller, family told
The Republicans would have it that Hillary’s emails are about national security. Of course that is BS. Like she says, it’s about politics.
Many people, however, see Hillary’s close ties to Wall Street as her Achilles heel. The anti-corruption movement is getting stronger, which targets legal behaviors that ignore obvious conflicts of interest, like the Revolving Door between government service and corporate interests.
Here’s the direction Desmog Blog is taking on the Clinton Emails: ‘Exclusive: Hillary Clinton State Department Emails, Mexico Energy Reform and the Revolving Door’ – http://www.desmogblog.com/2015/08/07/hillary-clinton-state-department-emails-mexico-energy-reform-revolving-door
These issues are the reason I’ve been anxious for Hillary to step up her campaign. The longer she is unavailable to personally address these issues, the more it exacerbates the problem. Addressing this through her surrogates or through letters to her supporters is no substitute for addressing them herself. I know she has addressed this in the past on many occasions, but she needs to face the press, everyday and anywhere, and answer the questions. She also needs to start accepting invitations to events in Iowa like the Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO Forum and the State Fair event. With the other Dem candidates making appearances it makes Hillary conspicuous by her absence.
I understand there are people who will never vote for her no matter what she says, but there are also people who are just engaging in the process and want to hear Hillary speak on this issue and other issues. This isn’t going away, I’m just hoping that she can keep her poise and her confidence and overcome this totally bogus witch hunt.
To be fair, Hillary did address these issues in a speech last night that was widely televised and reported. Tom Daschle also spoke up for her yesterday.
sorry, I missed that, do you have a link? I’d like to see it. I looked for a link and was unable to find one. But I did just read that Hillary did make an appearance at the Iowa State Fair Today. I’m so glad she did because she was catching a lot of flack for not going. Also Donald Trump showed up today, he also was being ridiculed for not going.
I know I’m upsetting people by voicing my concerns, but I’m a die-hard Hillary supporter. You all know that. My concerns are coming from a place of support, not from a place of ridicule.
I was referring to the story about Hillary’s that is linked in my post.
“Tom Daschle also spoke up for her yesterday.”
I think it was Tom Harkin. I know, these old Tom’s all look alike.
Yes, you’re right.
Thank you, thank you. I’m really pissed at a lot of democrats who wouldn’t stand up and fight against the republican lies. I know Hillary will there until the end, and the polls haven’t moved that much.
What really pisses me off is the Bernie supporters who are starting in on Hillary’s baggage. Then I get email telling me to stay calm, and do not be critical of either Hillary or Bernie, like they are one and the same. Meanwhile, they are silent on Hillary being attacked by the republicans.
Here’s another piss off. Why are the democrats out with messages, comparing the deaths of Medicaid patients to that of those who died in Benhazie (4 deaths). What’s up with that comparison. The republicans are spending millions, and millions on this propaganda against Hillary.
Time to get out and help Hillary.
It’s all smoke and mirrors. They know their geese are cooked when Hillary becomes POTUS.
Reuters: Clinton hits back at Jeb Bush on Iraq and Islamic State
Positive news: Hillary triumphed at Iowa’s Wing Ding event on Friday. Politico reports that “Clinton won the crowd with a mix of tough talk and unforced humor that scored laughs”.
Thanks to SophieCT at Uppity’s for this link:
http://www.politico.com/story/2015/08/clinton-wins-over-iowa-crowds-at-wing-ding-121391.html
Thanks Beata I was just asking BB about this link. I hope it is the same talk she was referring to.
Yes it is. There’s an article about it in my post. Hillary was extremely animated. I saw some of it on Chris Hayes’ show last night. You might try looking there.
BB, I did see the article in your post. The Politico article was so positive that I wanted to post that one, too, because I know a lot of us have been feeling frustrated by the all the negative news about Hillary.
No problem. I wasn’t implying you didn’t read my post. That Politico article is great. They one they had up first thing this morning was really negative so I didn’t include it.
Thanks…..Nothing but short clips on YouTube from last nights event. Getting ready to search CSPAN.
I’ve been looking too. It could be on Hillary’s website, but I don’t know how to get on there without donating first and I’m broke.
Is there a video. Can’t find anything and would really love to see that speech.
Try You Tube, but stay (always) out of the comment section.
I tried, couldn’t find anything but short clips so far.
Here’s a tiny clip at CNN.
http://www.cnn.com/2015/08/14/politics/hillary-clinton-wing-ding/
Another article at MSNBC with quotes.
http://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/hillary-clintonwing-ding-dinner-proves-she-still-dominates-iowa
The Des Moines Register has full coverage of the event. I’m looking for video….
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/news/politics/
32 photos of Hillary at the Iowa State Fair
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/picture-gallery/news/elections/presidential/caucus/2015/08/15/32-photos-hillary-clinton-at-the-iowa-state-fair/31788479/
She looked great. CSPAN has video of her working the crowd. She was terrific and was even remembering names. Bill had a great memory for names and that is a terrific asset for her. She needs to stay in front of the cameras because that’s where she’s at her best.
Great photos! And one with a guy with tattooed hands and fingers getting a selfie with Hillary.
Mouse, I checked C-SPAN online and YouTube to see if either had Hillary’s complete speech from the Iowa Wing Ding event posted. Not yet. But The Bern’s complete speech is on YouTube. His followers are quick.
Yeah, I found Bernie’s and I heard him say exactly what he’s been saying for the past 2 months. What I’ve heard him say on Sirius and on MSNBC for years. He has that speech down pat. On Wed or Thu night Rachel had clips of Bernie from his days as Mayor in Burlington, he was saying the exact same things then. He could do that speech in his sleep he’s been giving it for so long. The populist ideas are great, but I’m not sure how well the rote speeches will go over when the crowd has heard them again and again. I know it’s tough for the candidates to stay fresh, but it’s important for them to try, I’m not sure Bernie can do that.
http://brilliantmaps.com/2016-electoral-map/
2016 Electoral Map: How Hispanic and Asian Voters Could Change The Electoral College
(and of course, they’re Hillary supporters)
Donald Trump talks like a 4th grader: linguistic analysis
http://www.rawstory.com/2015/08/donald-trump-talks-like-a-4th-grader-linguistic-analysis/
I’ve been saying for weeks that he has no idea how to communicate like an adult. His manner is brash and common. I suppose the language of a 4th grader perfectly describes what I hear when I listen to Trump, although I have a granddaughter in the 4th grade who I believe has a better command of the language than Trump. She certainly has better self-control
Wouldn’t be hard, lol! She’s probably has a much more thorough understanding of the concept of fairness.
The Bernie Sanders Illusion
http://www.blue-route.org/blog/blog/politics/bernie-sanders-illusion/
Good article. The Bernie illusion is right. He has absolutely no chance to win the GE. It reminds me of a time when all of us anti-war activists actually believed George McGovern could be elected POTUS. Richard Nixon won by a landslide, and that was during an era when even the Republicans were more left leaning than a lot of today’s Democrats.
Me too.
History shows Hillary Clinton hard to intimidate
Rachel Maddow revisits Hillary Rodham Clinton’s trip as first lady to an international women’s convention in Beijing, China in 1995, ignoring criticism from political opponents and criticizing China in their own house for their treatment of women.
http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow/watch/history-shows-clinton-hard-to-intimidate-504475715796
Well, duh!
Still good to see this get out there for those who may not know.
Hillary Clinton still Democrats’ prize fighter despite setbacks and Sanders
http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/aug/15/email-setbacks-bernie-sanders-but-hillary-clinton-still-favorite
I don’t know if Sanders or Hillary would be the better president. But I do know either one would be better than a republican.
So true, Dak.
I’d love for the Hillary campaign to put out a bumper sticker/lawn sign/button that says
“I trust Hillary to fight for you and me.”
I believe I’d buy several items that say “I Trust Hillary to fight for you and me”.
HILLARY AT THE WING DING!!! I was able to find the entire Iowa Wing Ding event on video at MSNBC’s website. Hillary begins speaking at 1:12:10. I suggest skipping the first hour and twelve minutes and going straight to Hillary!
http://www.msnbc.com/shift/watch/live-dem-hopefuls-attend-wing-ding-dinner-505079363795
Good work!
Thank you Beata!
Thank you Beata!!
Thank you Beata, I knew it had to be out there somewhere.
Thank you Beata – super.
Unclassified State Dept emails are not on a “secure” network and are always being read by China, Russia etc. Reporters should talk to someone who isn’t network illiterate before writing their bullshit.
For those with holes in their knowledge of networks, it is technologically impossible to email from an actual secure server–SIPR, JWICS–to an unclassified email server
I love Bernie and have for years, but although Bernie has a great message, he doesn’t have the international reach and relationships that Hill has, does no one see that?
Clearly the press and Repubs are lying to the public about Hill, is there no way to get someone at the FBI to expose the falsification of press info?
Well I’m sorry I missed all of the discussion of this wonderful post from yesterday. More traveling, but I should be around for a little while now. Some relatives and I were discussing the media’s treatment of Hillary and we remarked how when she was Secretary of State, the media could not swoon enough over her. She was brilliant and her approval ratings were eclipsing Obama’s! She was wonderful! The second she announced she was running for POTUS the same damned media outlets decided she was corrupt and dishonest and a terrible Secretary of State while Kerry is suddenly a genius. And so it goes…
I am watching, reading or really doing much of anything this season. I am sick of all of it, every last little bit. Watching that bunch of GOP buffoons is nauseating. When I think that the front runner is “The Donald”, I just want to be sick. We and our elections have become a damn joke and I just can not get into it at all.
You are not alone, Kim. The Republican party has gone way past being a joke and become a horror show.
Sorry that should read NOT watching reading or anything.
Good grief, I got an email today from a rabid Republican colleague, the email is about a USA Today article that reiterates all the Hillary’s email ‘stuff’ when will someone who’s respected come forth and make a statement? How long will they wait – until Hillary can’t dig out?