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Matthews falsely asserted CIA doc says Pelosi was briefed on "the use of waterboarding"
May 08, 2009 9:22 pm ET

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SUMMARY: Chris Matthews falsely asserted that a CIA document stated that Nancy Pelosi was briefed on the "use of waterboarding on Abu Zubaydah." In fact, the document stated only that Pelosi was briefed "on EITs including use of EITs on Abu Zubaydah."

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On the May 8 edition of MSNBC's Hardball, purporting to quote from a recently released Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) document, host Chris Matthews falsely asserted that the document stated that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) was briefed on the "use of waterboarding on Abu Zubaydah." In fact, the document, which details "Member Briefings on Enhanced Interrogation Techniques (EITs)," stated only that during a September 4, 2002, briefing, Pelosi was briefed "on EITs including use of EITs on Abu Zubaydah [emphasis added]."

Matthews said that Pelosi "got a briefing on, quote, 'enhanced intelligence techniques, including the use of waterboarding on Abu Zubaydah, the background on authorities, and a description of the particular enhanced interrogation techniques that were employed.' " Matthews then added, "So, she got it all." In fact, the document -- which was displayed on screen during the discussion -- did not state that Pelosi was briefed on "the use of waterboarding on Abu Zubaydah," but only that the briefing included the "use of EITs on Abu Zubaydah." From the May 8 edition of Hardball:

http://mediamatters.org/research/200905080037

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