Why can't journalists just interview Fusion GPS officials in public, instead of waiting for Grassely

[wt1531]

Just ask them relevant questions in public.

Why do we have to wait for the Trump protector Grassely to release transcripts of their testimony in the Senate?

Is there some kind of court order barring the officials from being interviewed in public so that we can find out what the Republicans are hiding by refusing to release the testimony?

[Irish_Dem]

1. Because the GOP doesn't want us to know the truth. So they are going to keep

playing these games with the American people and not let us see important information.

[Eyeball_Kid]

6. The GOP hasn't requested a court "gag" order to restrain Fusion GPS from saying ANYTHING

about the interview. Fusion GPS can blab all they want, but they likely won't be able to recall all of the details of the ten hour interview. They're right to insist that the GOP release the transcripts, but they can also say whatever they want. Likely, they're remaining mum because if they start to tell their story AND it varies even slightly from the Congressional transcripts, GOPers in Congress can attack Fusion GPS' credibility.

Pressuring Grassley to release the transcripts is the only politically viable way to go. For now.

[Irish_Dem]

9. We will eventually get some of the truth, but not all of it. nt

[KPN]

2. Good question. Don't have an answer, but even

GPS Fusion has called on the House Investigative Committee to release the transcript and provided some insight in an editorial they posted to the NY Times last week:

[link:https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/02/opinion/republicans-investigation-fusion-gps.html|

Obviously, the whole frigging GOP has something meaningful to hide.

[Eyeball_Kid]

7. It's "Show me the Money" time.

The GOP is protecting itself from an inevitable Conspiracy charge. The leadership intentionally laundered Russian money and used the cash to finance various political campaigns in 2016. THAT'S THE ISSUE.

[California_Republic]

3. Yes! I was thinking the same

Fusion GPS. Just tell us what you said!

[dsc]

4. because journalists don't administer oaths

[Phoenix61]

8. Bingo!

Plus the transcripts will include what everyone else said. My guess is it will be plain that the repubs were trying to bury information and the Dems just wanted answers.

[frazzled]

5. Possibly because there are nondisclosure agreements with their clients (both R and D)

which they can't break. No one might hire them again if they were to discuss clients' business in public.

But compulsory sworn testimony, given in private, probably does not breach such agreements. If Congress releases the information, the company doesn't bear so many of the consequences.

[shraby]

10. Fusion has stated they have no problem with the transcriptions being releaced.

[frazzled]

11. Correct--they don't mind CONGRESS releasing them

because it was compulsory, secret testimony that CONGRESS would be disclosing of information involving their clients and business ... not THEM releasing it or speaking publicly about its contents. It's a legal technicality, but one that might be very important to their business and its integrity. If Congress discloses the information, the company is not breaching any of its nondisclosure agreements.

I hope I am being clear.