First off, this could not have been known at the time the raw background reports were perused, (these were not FBI files as such, but things reported during background checks, unsubstantiated claims, unproven allegations contained therein) -- the fact that when Livingstone was using his grubby mitts to gather this information for his boss, the people involved were simply bureaucrats is irrelevant to the crime.
People ask why Hillary Clinton would want this stuff, the answer is obvious, because she COULD get it. It goes to the kind/type of character of person she is, the very thing the electorate is supposed to be judging when deciding on whether a candidate is worthy of being endowed with the Public Trust. I agree that too many people keep bringing this issue up whenever anyone *smells the proverbial rat* but they bring up the wrong point, not what use the information provides (none), not what shenanigans she will attempt on those whose privacy was invaded (again, none), but that this woman who wants to have the keys to every file, every safe, every door, no questions asked exhibited an egregious abuse of power.
“...but that this woman who wants to have the keys to every file, every safe, every door, no questions asked exhibited an egregious abuse of power.”
Good point, but I always thought, understanding the sorts the Clinton’s are that just the knowledge they had “THE FILES”, and seemingly made certain the fact was known WAS THEIR POINT, even if they hadn’t taken them.
Possibly the fear of the Clintons’ concocting stories (Which they do and was known even then) about anyone going against their will, and causing great financial and emotional distress, as well the possibility of career loss rebutting such fabrications would be enough to keep potential opposition to the Clinton’s at bay.
Even the Clinton’s knew then that one can only do so many “Arkancides” before it becomes too obvious./s