Thread by @MattWolking

Chuck Todd today asked, "When does opinion become fact? Does 17 intelligence services saying...Russia did this?"

James Clapper testified in 7/17 the assessment "was a coordinated product from three agencies: CIA, NSA and the FBI. Not all 17 components of the [IC]. Those three."

https://twitter.com/MattWolking/status/1199167946620317696

Here's the video of Clapper's prepared statement.

You may think it's insignificant that it was 3 agencies and not 17.

But if that's the case, why did media/Democrats hype 17?

And why did Clapper think it significant enough to proactively correct it?

When Al Franken tried to assert in the same hearing it was 17, Clapper corrected the number again:

And then again on CNN the next day: freebeacon.com/national-secur…

This distinction may take on more significance down the road when we see the outcome of U.S. Attorney John Durham's investigation. It may not.

Either way, it should be accurately reported, especially if liberal TV hosts are going to attempt to "fact check" Republicans on it.

Recent reports:

▪️ CIA's BRENNAN gave intel to FBI's COMEY. CIA "contributed heavily" to IC assessment, which "bolstered" FBI FISA wiretap request against @carterwpage nytimes.com/2019/10/24/us/…

▪️ DURHAM wants to question CIA analysts behind IC assessment nbcnews.com/politics/justi…