This is from the December 18, 2005 program of Meet the Press.

Here is a link to MTP Condi Rice video and mp3s Of Her Meet The Press Interview
it’s still uploading as of 3:30pm on sunday the 18th. If it’s close to then, it’s still uploading…
I’m just watching this mornings Meet the Press with Condi Rice. Tim Russert is drilling her accordingly on why G.W. Bush isn’t violating the same laws that Nixon violated when he authorized secret wire tapping.
She pauses, struggles with her answer for a moment (although she does get one out) and then she ends it with “I am not a lawyer.”
She says it again later. (“Again, Tim, I am not a lawyer.”)
Well hey. If you’re not a lawyer, I guess there’s no need for you to understand it completely.
Even if you are Secretary of State for the United States of America. You have people that handle that for you.
“I’m not going to talk about my role as National Security Advisor …which of course is not a constitutionally confirmed role.”
What does that even mean?
The bottom line is that Bush authorized some wire tapping (without getting a proper warrant) and she knew about it.
I’m way behind on this one guys. I just got here.
But I’ll have her interview for ya in a few 🙂
Oh wait. this is good:
Tim Russert: “Where in the Constitution does it say the President can eavesdrop, wiretap American citizens, without a court order?”
Condi Rice: “Tim. The President has authorities under FISA, which we are using and using actively. He also has constitutional authorities that derive from his role as Commander in Chief and his need to protect the country. He has acted within his Constitutional authority and within his statutory authority.”