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Democratic National Committee (DNC) email leak, 2016

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Twenty thousand emails between former Democratic National Committee (DNC) chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz and DNC officials were leaked to the public via the website WikiLeaks on July 22, 2016. The content of the emails indicated, among other things, that the DNC favored Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and sought to impede the campaign of Bernie Sanders (I), Clinton's main presidential primary challenger.[1][2] This page chronicles the events of the email leak during the 2016 presidential election.

The leak

On July 22, 2016, just prior to the start of the Democratic National Convention, the website WikiLeaks released just over 19,000 leaked DNC emails. The emails, which consisted of correspondences between former DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.) and other DNC officials, revealed, according to The Washington Post, that Wasserman Schultz and the DNC "tried to aid [Hillary] Clinton and hamper [Bernie] Sanders."[3] The emails included a proposal to publicly raise the issue of Bernie Sanders' religion and a reference to Sanders' campaign manager as a "liar." They also questioned Sanders' loyalty to the party, saying that he "has no understanding of what we [in the Democratic Party] do." Some emails proposed to publicly announce that Sanders "never ever had his act together, that his campaign was a mess," and others highlighted the DNC's push for fewer debates. Sanders stated, "I mean, there's no question to my mind and I think no question to any objective observer's mind that the DNC was supporting Hillary Clinton, and was at opposition to our campaign."[2][4][3][5]

Reactions

  • Former Democratic 2016 presidential candidate Bernie Sanders: "I think it’s outrageous, but it is not a great shock to me. It’s what we talked about six months ago. I mean there is no question to my mind . . . to [sic] question to any objective observers mind that the DNC was supporting Hillary Clinton (and) was in opposition to our campaign, so I [sic] not quite shocked by this."[6]
  • Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump responded to the leak via Twitter, stating: "The Wikileaks e-mail release today was so bad to Sanders that it will make it impossible for him to support her, unless he is a fraud!"[5]
  • Ed Rendell, former Governor of Pennsylvania and former DNC chairman: "Myself and other Democrats who were Clinton supporters, we have been saying this was serious. It truly violates what the DNC’s proper role should be. The DNC did something incredibly inappropriate here."[7]
  • Governor of Virginia and former DNC chair Terry McAuliffe: "I don't want to get into my private conversations with people, but I made it very clear as soon as I saw it, people need to be fired immediately. I'm sorry. Just, if I'd been chair, they would have been fired within 5 minutes."[8]
  • On July 25, 2016, American Enterprise Institute resident scholar Norman Ornstein noted on The Diane Rehm Show that the DNC's intent to favor Clinton was not wholly inappropriate. Ornstein stated, "But most of this [DNC email content] was the typical chatter that you would get inside, and I think the earlier email's point that this is a party committee, and Bernie Sanders ran outside the party, explains some of it. Now, you know, no excuses here, and I think it was appropriate, the intent of the chair was to tilt it towards Clinton, the vote she won by three million votes or more, and she won in big states and small states, it wasn't that the process was rigged that gave a guy who was going to win more votes and more support the nomination, but it's fodder for a lot of people who are in a populist anger at all elites."[9]

After the leak

Debbie Wasserman Schultz

DNC convention

Following the release of the emails, Wasserman Schultz was dropped as a speaker at the convention. She also said that she would not preside over the convention, stating, "I have decided that in the interest of making sure that we can start the Democratic convention on a high note that I am not going to gavel in the convention."[10]

Resignation as DNC chair

In a statement, Wasserman Schultz said she would step down from her position at the end of the convention on July 28, 2016, stating, "Going forward, the best way for me to accomplish those goals [of winning the presidency for Hillary Clinton] is to step down as Party Chair at the end of this convention.”[11][1][12]

Congressional re-election

See also: Florida's 23rd Congressional District election, 2016

On July 25, 2016, Wasserman Schultz's main Democratic primary challenger for Florida's 23rd Congressional District, Tim Canova, said he would file a complaint with the FEC. Canova argued that the leaked DNC emails indicated that Wasserman Schultz had used DNC resources to further her Congressional campaign against Canova. He stated, "The Wikileaks emails indicate that Debbie Wasserman Schultz used DNC resources to assist her reelection campaign in violation of federal law. According to the emails, top DNC officials used party resources to monitor, respond to, and impede my campaign on numerous occasions."[13][14] Sanders had endorsed Canova in May, whose campaign platform was similar to the presidential candidate's own platform.[14]

New leadership

DNC Vice Chairwoman Donna Brazile was appointed interim chair until after the elections in November 2016. Brazile stated, "I think the allegations, the emails, the insensitivity, the stupidity needs to be addressed and we are going to address it." Brazile is also the vice chairwoman of voter registration and participation for the Democratic National Committee.[15][16]

Rep. Marcia Fudge (D-Ohio) served as permanent chair of the convention gaveling sessions.[16]

DNC resignations

On August 2, 2016, it was reported that Amy Dacey, the CEO and highest ranking official within the DNC, announced her resignation in the wake of the email leak. In addition to Dacey's resignation, the DNC's chief financial officer, Brad Marshall, and Luis Miranda, the DNC's communications director, resigned.[17] According to Politico, Marshall had brought up the issue of Sanders' religion in the emails as a way to weaken Sanders' campaign.[18]

Following the resignations, Brazile, the interim chairman, announced that Tom McMahon, who had served as an aide Howard Dean, would oversee a transition team, focusing on November and the election. Brazile wrote "Tom McMahon, who served as Executive Director under then-Chair Howard Dean, and who led the party’s efforts to develop and operationalize the 50-State Strategy, will lead the transition team."[19][17]

Kenneth Vogel and DNC collaboration

The DNC emails, it was reported as the emails were leaked, revealed instances of collaboration between the DNC and the news media. As part of an "agreement" referenced in the leaked emails, Politico's Kenneth Vogel sent a copy of an article pre-publication to DNC National Press Secretary Mark Paustenbach. The terms of the agreement were not specified. According to Politico, the news agency's "policy is to not share editorial content pre-publication except as approved by editors. In this case the reporter was attempting to check some very technical language and figures involving the DNC’s joint fundraising agreement with the Clinton campaign. Checking the relevant passages for accuracy was responsible and consistent with our standards; Sharing the full piece was a mistake and not consistent with our policies."[20][21] Poltico has since apologized and stated that it had been a mistake.[20]

Bernie Sanders

Tim Canova
Read more about Tim Canova's campaign:
•Debbie Wasserman Schultz
•Our Revolution
•Tad Devine
•Democratic National Committee (DNC) email leak, 2016

Apology to Sanders

In a statement, the DNC formally apologized to Sanders and his campaign. In the statement, the DNC said the following:[10]

“

On behalf of everyone at the DNC, we want to offer a deep and sincere apology to Sen. Sanders, his supporters, and the entire Democratic Party for the inexcusable remarks made over email. These comments do not reflect the values of the DNC or our steadfast commitment to neutrality during the nominating process. The DNC does not -- and will not -- tolerate disrespectful language exhibited toward our candidates. Individual staffers have also rightfully apologized for their comments, and the DNC is taking appropriate action to ensure it never happens again.[22]

”

Tim Canova's campaign

See also: Bernie Sanders support for Tim Canova, 2016

Prior to the email leak Sanders had endorsed Wasserman Schultz's Congressional race opponent, Tim Canova, in the Democratic primary in Florida. Following the email leak and apology, Sanders had been helping Canova in the race.[23] Canova had hired Devine Mulvey Longabaugh, the same media consulting firm that helped in Sanders' presidential campaign, but after two weeks the firm withdrew its services.[24][25] Sanders created a 501(c)(4), Our Revolution, which helped with fundraising for Canova. The digital media firm that worked for Sanders, Revolution Messaging, had helped Canova's campaign.[26][23]

Suspected Russian involvement

Initial reports sourced the email leak to Russia and the DNC itself alleged "that Russian President Vladimir Putin was trying to tip the US election toward Donald Trump." Robby Mook, Hillary Clinton's campaign manager, said, "What the experts said, when this breach initially happened at the DNC was that they believed it was Russian state actors who took these e-mails. What further experts are saying is that then, because they possessed those emails, that Russian state actors were feeding the email to hackers for the purpose of helping Donald Trump."[27]

Rep. Adam Schiff, the top Democrat of the U.S. House intelligence committee, stated, "I wouldn't put anything past the Kremlin. [Trump is] a dream candidate for Moscow," later adding, "The Russians have the motive, they have the means certainly. They clearly have a strong preference in the presidential race."[27]

U.S. Intelligence officials state that the "breach" had the signature of Russian hackers and that the "U.S. government has identified methods and techniques used by Russia in past hacks that mirror those used in the DNC incursion."[28] One investigator stated that some of the indicators that Russia was behind the hack included "Russian internet addresses, Russian language keyboards, and the time codes corresponding to business hours in Russia, as well as the sophistication of the hack."[28]

On July 27, 2016, Donald Trump "invited Russia to hack Hillary Clinton's emails." In a news conference in Florida, Trump stated, "I will tell you this, Russia: If you’re listening, I hope you’re able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing. I think you will probably be rewarded mightily by our press." The Clinton campaign's policy advisor, Jake Sullivan, stated, "This has to be the first time that a major presidential candidate has actively encouraged a foreign power to conduct espionage against his political opponent." Rep. Paul Ryan's office stated that "Russia is a global menace led by a devious thug. Putin should stay out of this election." Some Trump supporters said that the Republican candidate's "comments were a joke." Trump later added, via Twitter, "If Russia or any other country or person has Hillary Clinton's 33,000 illegally deleted emails, perhaps they should share them with the FBI!"[29]

Warnings of more emails

On July 28, 2016, Julian Assange, the WikiLeaks founder, warned that there was more material to be released concerning the election. Assange was vague with regard to what the content of the material was, only saying on CNN that there was "a lot more material."[30]

On August 13, 2016, Politico reported that a second "leak" website, DC Leaks, had released 300 emails linked to Republicans, including emails from the office of Sen. John McCain (Ariz.) and Sen. Lindsey Graham (Ark.). Security analysts think that DC Leaks also received its email leaks from Russian hackers. According to Politico, "DC Leaks’ registration and hosting information aligns with practices of the hacking group blamed for the DNC and DCCC intrusions. Researchers say the group, which they dub “Fancy Bear,” has longstanding ties to Russia’s military intelligence agency, known as the GRU."[31]

See also

Footnotes

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named NPR
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 The New York Times, "Released emails suggest the D.N.C. derided the Sanders campaign," July 22, 2016
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 The Washington Post, "Emails show Debbie Wasserman Schultz pressured ‘Morning Joe’ — to no avail," July 25, 2016
  4. ↑ The Washington Post, "Here are the latest, most damaging things in the DNC’s leaked emails," July 25, 2016
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 NPR, "Debbie Wasserman Schultz To Step Down As Democratic Chair After Convention," July 24, 2016
  6. ↑ Chicago Sun Times, "Leaked emails mar Democratic convention opening," July 24, 2016
  7. ↑ The Washington Post, "DNC chairwoman will resign in aftermath of committee email controversy," July 24, 2016
  8. ↑ NBC News, "Terry McAuliffe, a Former DNC Head, Outraged by Email Leak," July 25, 2016
  9. ↑ The Diane Rehm Show, "What’s Ahead At The Democratic National Convention," July 25, 2016
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 CNN, "Dems open convention without Wasserman Schultz," July 25, 2016
  11. ↑ Politico, "Wasserman Schultz steps down as DNC chair," July 24, 2016
  12. ↑ Vox, "Why DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz won’t speak at her own party’s convention," July 24, 2016
  13. ↑ CBS News, "Wasserman Schultz could face legal complaint related to email leak," July 25, 2016
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 Fox Business, "Email Leak May Hurt Wasserman Schultz' Re-election Bid," July 25, 2016
  15. ↑ Los Angeles Times, "Democratic National Convention Day Two: Bill Clinton tells the story of 'the real' Hillary Clinton on historic day," July 27, 2016
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 CNN, "Wasserman Schultz resigning, faces grilling from Sanders supporters," July 25, 2016
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 CNN, "DNC CEO resigns in wake of email controversy," August 2, 2016
  18. ↑ Politico, "DNC CEO resigns amid turmoil," August 2, 2016
  19. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named amind
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 The Huffington Post, "Politico Admits ‘Mistake’ In Sending DNC An Article In Advance," July 24, 2016
  21. ↑ Business Insider, "Leaked emails reveal Politico reporter made 'agreement' to send advanced Clinton story to DNC," July 22, 2016
  22. ↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
  23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 Politico, "Wasserman Schultz poised to beat Sanders-backed challenger," August 11, 2016
  24. ↑ Politico, "Bernie Sanders' new group is already in turmoil," August 23, 2016
  25. ↑ Politico, "Sanders media consultants to work for Wasserman Schultz challenger," July 29, 2016
  26. ↑ Politico, "Sanders political machine raising for Wasserman Schultz opponent," August 9, 2016
  27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 CNN, "From Russia without love? DNC hack roils Philly convention," July 26, 2016
  28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 CBS News, "Russian "fingerprints" left behind on DNC hack," July 26, 2016
  29. ↑ Politico, "Trump urges Russia to hack Clinton's email," July 27, 2016
  30. ↑ CBC News, "Wikileaks' Assange: More material concerning U.S. election could be released," July 28, 2016
  31. ↑ Politico, "Suspected Russian DNC hackers also hit GOP, researchers say," August 13, 2016
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