VIDEO - Senator Feingold's Press Briefing on Bush Censure

[dzika]

broadcast on March 16, 2006

VIDEO - Senator Feingold's Press Briefing on Bush Censure

Earlier today, Senator Russ Feingold held a press conference on his resolution to censure President Bush for illegal warrantless wiretapping.

This video includes Feingold's question and answer session with the press. Reporters' questions were not audible so the blank audio has been trimmed out to save time.

Senator Feingold has posted the complete transcript of the press conference on his website as well as this statement which appears to be partially directed towards his Democratic colleagues:

March 16, 2006

As Congress heads into a weeklong recess, I hope members of the Senate have a chance to listen to their constituents back home. All Americans want to fight terrorism and protect our country from those who wish to do us harm, but they don’t want to sacrifice the rights and principles our country was founded upon. One of those fundamental American principles is that the President doesn’t get to pick and choose which laws he follows.

There has been a lot of talk in recent weeks, and especially this week, about Congress changing the law to authorize the President’s otherwise illegal domestic surveillance program. Of course, anyone who makes that argument concedes that the program is illegal. In addition, the President has yet to explain convincingly why he can’t follow the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, or FISA, which allows wiretapping of terrorists while protecting law-abiding Americans.

The President has broken the law, and the censure resolution I introduced on Monday is intended to hold him accountable. While there have been plenty of personal attacks directed at me this week, few have argued the merits. The facts for censure are clear. FISA makes it a crime to wiretap American citizens on American soil without the requisite court orders – which is exactly what the President has admitted doing. Before the program was revealed, he misled the American people by assuring them that he was getting warrants for wiretaps. Since it was revealed, he has misled the American people about the legal basis for his actions.

I look forward to a full hearing, debate and vote in committee on this important matter. If the Committee fails to consider the resolution in a reasonable time period, I will ask that there be a vote in the full Senate. I know Americans will have a lot to say when they see their elected officials during the break. I hope my colleagues listen.

http://www.ameratsu.com/media/vid/cnn/cnn_pl_fiengold_press_060316a_464x260.flv&width=464&height=260&OrigWidth=464&OrigHeight=260">
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Video in Windows Media format...
Audio in MP3 format...

http://veredictum.com/node/138

[debbierlus]

1. Best line:

While there have been plenty of personal attacks directed at me this week, few have argued the merits. The facts for censure are clear. FISA makes it a crime to wiretap American citizens on American soil without the requisite court orders – which is exactly what the President has admitted doing. Before the program was revealed, he misled the American people by assuring them that he was getting warrants for wiretaps. Since it was revealed, he has misled the American people about the legal basis for his actions.

Right on, Russ! It is ALWAYS about personal attacks. These people don't have a factual or legal leg to stand on. So, play the FEAR card. Play the TRAITOR card.

Keep pointing that out!

[Coexist]

2. Cool - thanks.

[Coexist]

3. "If you fear your own government"

How did this program get revealed? This program was revealed
From the transcipt:

"because the administration recklessly and arrogantly set up an illegal
program which apparently -- from published reports -- led people
within the administration to reveal its illegality.

So who's responsible for its revelation? Yes, the New York
Times. But more fundamentally, who caused this mess? Those who did
not want to go through the normal process and the normal law.

So, to me, this is an example of incompetence. This is an
example of not handling the war against terror very well.

In fact, this attitude undermines the fight against terrorism,
because there are many people out there -- whether people want to
admit it or not -- many people in America who are fearing their own
government.

If you fear your own government, the ability of us all to pull
together against the terrorist threat is weakened."

[SeattleRob]

4. Thanks!

The Senator makes a very reasoned argument. Why aren't other Senators on board with him?

[reality based]

5. A powerful performance.

He was eloquent, comfortable, passionate, reasonable. He advanced the ball.

[pacalo]

6. I like that he included this quote from Sensenbrenner...

And let me just read a quote from a few years ago from one of the
House managers of the impeachment trial of President Clinton, when
they came over to try that case. It's from Congressman James
Sensenbrenner of Wisconsin, saying that "the rule of law should apply
to everyone. And if the president does not suffer the legal and
constitutional consequences of his actions, the impact of allowing the
president to stand above the law will be felt for generations to
come."

The important distinction between cases is that Clinton didn't abuse his presidential duties. He lied about a personal incident.

The case to censure -- not impeach the boy king is due to his breaking the law.

[fooj]

13. THE PRESIDENT BROKE THE LAW!

Period.

Peace.

[wtmusic]

7. After listening to the audio

I'm convinced that this is the most qualified man to run the country. Sharp as a tack, committed, tremendous leadership skills.

[hiley]

8. thanks dzika

:hi:

[understandinglife]

9. Thank you!!

Be The Bu$h Opposition - 24/7

[pacalo]

12. Great cartoon!

The only thing missing is a newspaper, perhaps laying on a table, with the headlines, "Boy King's Approval at Only 33%".

[Rainscents]

14. I love Horsey... He always has the best!

[fooj]

15. I can't decide whether I should laugh or cry...

So much truth in one, little cartoon, eh?

Peace.

[helderheid]

10. Thank you K & R!

[jane_pippin]

11. Thanks! And well done, Russ.

Way to make sense! :thumbsup:

[stop the bleeding]

16. thank you

you rock!

I was waiting for this

[Rainscents]

17. "08!!!

Gore/Freingold!

[leftchick]

18. thank you!

democrats cowering makes them appear weak! Go Russ!! :loveya:

[dzika]

19. kick

[ladjf]

20. When is the last time you heard any DC politician speak with

just frankness and intelligence?

[Cocoa]

21. it's pretty special

the republicans better hope the media shuts out Feingold.

Which will be pretty hard when he runs for president...

[JNelson6563]

22. Russ Rocks!

Senator Spinegold.

Beautiful job, he was very cool and did a great job.

Julie