Posted on 05/01/2019 12:47:19 PM PDT by onyx
Attorney General Bill Barr sparred with Democratic Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse Wednesday over the AG’s use of the word “spying” to describe the actions the FBI took against the Trump campaign.
Barr alleged during his testimony to the House Appropriations Committee in April that “spying did occur” against the Trump campaign as the FBI investigated alleged ties to Russia.
Whitehouse grilled Barr about his use of the term “spying” in relation to those efforts, suggesting that the term was not accurate because the activities of the DOJ were “authorized.”
“I’m not going to abjure the use of the word ‘spying,'” Barr said. “My first job was in CIA. I don’t think the word ‘spying’ has any pejorative connotation at all.”
Barr continued, “I think spying is a good English word that, in fact, doesn’t have synonyms because it is the broadest word incorporating really all forms of covert intelligence collection, so I’m not going to back off the word ‘spying.'”
To further defend his use of the word, Barr pointed out that many members of the media also used the term before they decided to attack him for doing the same.
“Frankly, we went back and looked at press usage and up until all the faux outrage a couple of weeks ago, it’s commonly used in the press to refer to authorized activities,” he explained.
“It’s not commonly used by the Department,” Whitehouse retorted.
Barr shot back, “It’s commonly used by me,” planting a smirk on his face.
(Excerpt) Read more at dailycaller.com ...
Whitehouse fancies himself a powerhouse prosecutor.
Trouble is, he’s never before run into a more knowledgeable lawyer or more adroit debater like AG Barr.
He left Whitehouse mumbling to himself. ROTFL.
Barr said no because he has long been an advocate of an independent executive branch. On principle, hed refuse to turn those notes over even if they were just doodles of cartoon characters.
They tried to bully Barr but it didn’t work.
I’m cautiously optimistic about AG Bill Barr!
Because they’re his (Barr’s) notes. Let Muller come in and call me a liar and I’ll produce the notes and a room full of witnesses.
Given Barr’s swampy resume you really could not blame any FReeper for being suspicious. But today’s performance was very encouraging.
He’s good. A tough guy, unflappable, no nonsense.
“Say WHAT? NO! The FBI used the ‘Russian interference’ narrative as their COVER STORY to justify ILLEGALLY SPYING ON TEAM TRUMP!!! “
What was Brennan’s role?
Yep. The Democrats would be wise to be careful to not make an enemy of this AG. As was just shown with the Special Council, he can make their lives miserable. But of course we’re talking about Democrats here so any such advise would be meaningless. So go ahead Mazie, make my day!
Speaking of Mazie, this woman sets a new standard for the definition of an imbecile. I finally figured out that the voters in Hawaii sent her to Washington to increase the average IQ if the state.
LOL
Good.
I have faith in Barr. He will go after the bad guys and gals.
Best part of that exchange was the fact it was Ass Hole Danang Dick Blumenthal asking the question and he got shut down.
I also liked Danang Dick referring to Mueller as a career prosecutor and Barr telling him he was not a career prosecutor.,just a political appointee.
Dems looked like crap today
Barr did not have a swampy resume. He had been out of government for 25 years when he was nominated for the AG post.
Whitehouse tried to sputter a response but his mike was cut off.
Some things, you just have wait and see.
So many folks go all-in on criticism before there’s any justification for it.
Bookmarked.
Whitehouse is still playing by the old rules where the dems attack and attack, then the republicans apologize and shrink. The new rules allow for the republicans to fight back and win, thanks to President Trump and a few of his allies.
Thanks for refreshing our collective memories on that issue, FRiend.
While acknowledging that Barr had a GOPe background, I reserved my opinion at the time.
Hope for the best — but prepare to be disappointed. Much as I admire our president, I am bewildered by some of his personnel choices.
Still, several commentators have pointed out that Trump’s business background inclines him to pick people for specific tasks. Once these tasks are accomplished, the people move on — voluntarily or otherwise.
Based on what we’ve seen so far, I would say AG Barr is coming to grips with the formidable task before him. He seems to be a patriot.
The big question will be whether Barr remains at the helm during the indictment phase that can’t begin soon enough. This will require a degree of ruthlessness that I’m not sure even Trump himself possesses.
It is too good to pass up using Roger Waters own lyrics on this matter
“Hey you, Whitehouse
Ha, ha, charade you are
You house proud town mouse
Ha, ha, charade you are
You’re trying to keep our feelings off the street
You’re nearly a real treat
All tight lips and cold feet ...”
[Wow, I LOVE Barr. FINALLY, somebody in the Trump mold who doesnt suffer idiots, shoots it right back at them, is bold and plain spoken, not a mealy mouthed pol. LOVE IT!]
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