The FBI Channels Retro Steve Martin Bits

Back in the day, Steve Martin had a bit called “You can be a millionaire and not pay taxes.” The punchline was: “I forgot.” Make a million dollars, don’t pay taxes, and when the IRS calls you on it, say “I forgot.” When accused of armed robbery, say “I forgot armed robbery was a crime.”

Apparently the FBI was channeling 45-year old Steve Martin bits when IG Horowitz questioned them on their numerous omissions of exculpatory evidence and inclusion of false information in their FISA warrant applications:

“We identified at least 17 significant errors or omissions in the Carter Page FISA applications, and many additional errors in the Woods Procedures. While we did not find documentary or testimonial evidence of intentional misconduct on the part of the case agents … we also did not receive satisfactory explanations for the errors or problems we identified. In most instances, the agents and supervisors told us that they either did not know or recall why the information was not shared with the OI (Office of Investigations), that the failure to do so may have been an oversight, that they did not recognize at the time the relevance of the information to the FISA application, or that they did not believe the missing information to be significant. On this last point, we believe that case agents may have improperly substituted their own judgments in place of the judgment of the OI, or in place of the court, to weigh the probative value of the information.”

Altogether now:

IG to FBI official: Why didn’t you include this information?

FBI official: I FORGOT!

IG: You expect us to believe that you forgot all about a surveillance request on an American citizen that allowed you to view the communications of a presidential candidate’s campaign.

FBI official: Yes.

IG: How could you be so unprofessional and unethical?

FBI official:

Ladies and gentlemen, our best and brightest. Patriots all. How dare you question them!

Addendum: Recall (since you, unlike the denizens of the Alzheimers ward which is apparently the FBI) that Douchnozzle in Chief James Comey said “I can’t recall,” “I can’t remember,” or “I don’t know” 245 times by House Investigators about the various matters–including the Page FISA case–which he oversaw.

And you thought Joe Biden was losing it!