Mr. Speaker,
The “he’s a really smart hypocrite!” line against you is taking root. Unfortunately, no one, including you, is making the distinction between (1) a former politician being paid as a consultant (fully-disclosed) and (1) a sitting politician taking campaign contributions (or sweetheart mortgages) while voting on matters that affect the contributor.
I suggest that disclosure of the actual advice (memos, notes from meetings, emails . . .) you gave to Freddie Mac would help us determine whether that distinction really constitutes a difference.
In other words, did Freddie’s money buy your expert advice or your political support?
Can you answer that question publicly or does Chris Matthews have a point?
Your friend,
