Reply #34: If he said exactly that, I missed it.

[whometense]

Liveblog here: http://glenngreenwald.blogspot.com/

Firedoglake too: http://firedoglake.blogspot.com/2006_02_05_firedoglake_archive.html#113924365006694178

BIDEN QUESTIONING: Points out that Roberts is not planning on holding any hearings for Intelligence Committee, which Biden says is bordering on abdication of Congressional duty. Biden starts by saying that the Administration lacks credibility because their past actions have raised questions about truthfulness. How will we know when this war is over? AG: When al qaeda is destroyed – which is not today. Biden: So, you’re going to argue for continual authority to do whatever the Administration feels is necessary for so long as you feel there is a threat – which under your terms is pretty much forever, considering how al qaeda has morphed into a multi-group organization. Biden then asks if President is truly interested in fully protecting the public, why not listen to domestic calls – is it public relations or because you see that as unconstitutional? Gonzales dodges answer, pretty much, by not really giving rationale other than talking about balancing rights versus protection. How many people in NSA doing this monitoring? AG: I don’t know. (Fobbing off the responsibility for this on NSA and intel personnel. Again.) Then discussion about minimization requirements and FISA – Gonzales stammering again, discussing that they are classified, and Biden points out that this information has not been shared with the Intelligence Committee beyond perhaps the “Gang of 8" and Biden wants to know why not? Biden: Can you assure us that you, Gonzales, that you personally know the details of this and that no one is being eavesdropped on in the US under this program? AG: No, I can’t give you that assurance. (So, basically, we’re doing some domestic spying. Suck it up.) Biden takes a swipe at the Intelligence Committee and Roberts that oversight is absolutely necessary for this program.