Snowden gets little love from Democrats
American National Security Agency (NSA) whistleblower Edward Snowden speaks to European officials via videoconference during a parliamentary hearing on mass surveillance at the European Council in Strasbourg | FREDERICK FLORIN/AFP/Getty
By Nick Gass
On Edward Snowden, Democratic candidates at Tuesday's U.S. presidential primary debate were asked whether he was a traitor or a hero and whether he should be brought home.
Hillary Clinton's answer: "He broke the laws of the United States," she said, and he could have raised the issues without breaking the law. "In addition, he stole very important information that has unfortunately fallen into the wrong hands. I don't think he should be brought home without facing the music."
"Whistleblowers do not run to Russia," Martin O'Malley said.
Bernie Sanders said that while Snowden broke the law, he also played an important role in educating the American people about the extent of surveillance.
"He did break the law, and I think there should be a penalty to that," he said, clarifying that his role in educating the U.S. should factor into any punishment.
Jim Webb said he would "leave his ultimate judgment to the legal system."
"We have a serious problem in terms of the collection of personal information in this country," he added.
Lincoln Chafee said he "would bring him home."
"The American government was acting illegally, that's what the federal courts have said," Chafee added.
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