Clinton’s experience with classified data contradicts ‘unsophisticated’ excuse

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Clinton’s experience with classified data contradicts ‘unsophisticated’ excuse

Hillary Clinton wasn’t a newcomer to secret documents when she reached the State Department.

She said she handled classified information as first lady and had regular access to secret documents as a senator, particularly during her six years on the Armed Services Committee — all of which makes Mrs. Clinton’s bungled treatment of the most sensitive information while secretary of state difficult to understand.

“She doesn’t come into this as your average person. She comes in as someone who served on the Armed Services Committee, who has been privy to classified information in the past before she became secretary of state, and, by the way, she was a former first lady,” said Sen. Kelly Ayotte, a New Hampshire Republican who sits on the same committee, and who said she found Mrs. Clinton’s explanation to be incredible.

Those who have been through classified briefings on Capitol Hill, however, said she should have known better based on that experience alone.

Former Sen. Jim Talent, who served with Mrs. Clinton on the Armed Services Committee for six years beginning in 2003, said when they encountered classified information or had briefings, they had to go into a locked room with staffers monitoring the door. They weren’t allowed electronics, and couldn’t even take their own handwritten notes from the room.

“It’s impossible to go through that experience without being aware that there are strict protocols,” he said.

He said the documents they encountered at the committee would typically be marked classified, and said it was not credible to think she was unaware of those designations.

“Of course you would be told what the markings meant. I can’t imagine anybody being under that misimpression. And no staff would send you anything over an insecure email that was classified, unless they’ve been told to do it or they understood they were supposed to do it,” he said.

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2016/sep/6/hillary-clintons-experience-handling-classified-da/

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