Clinton, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, citing the encounter on the tarmac.
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But Ms Lynch insisted that she, as a political appointee, will not overrule investigators or otherwise interfere in the legal process regarding the probe, and that the integrity of the Justice Department will be upheld.
Clinton is expected to be formally nominated as the Democratic candidate for the November 8 presidential election at the party’s convention in less than four weeks.
Her opponent in the presidential race, Donald J. Trump, tweeted ” It is impossible for the Federal Bureau of Investigation not to recommend criminal charges against Hillary Clinton, What she did was wrong!”
Secret Service stand guard around a Secret Service vehicle after it arrived at the home of Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton in Washington, Saturday, July 2, 2016.
But the scandal has dogged her campaign for more than a year and has contributed to voter concerns that she is not trustworthy.
The probe is an unwelcome distraction for Clinton, who had just vanquished rival Bernie Sanders.
News of the potential interview came on a day when Attorney General Loretta Lynch said she “fully” expects to accept the recommendation of the career professionals as to how to proceed on the case, although she left herself some wiggle room. Both parties have said that the meeting was social. And it shows what’s going on.
Clinton has previously apologised for using a private account exclusively from her upstate NY home during her four years as America’s top diplomat.
It is standard procedure for the FBI to question a person at the center of an investigation last, with all available facts at hand.
A representative from Clinton’s campaign reportedly said that it was a voluntary interview.
While serving as President Barack Obama’s secretary of state, Ms Clinton exclusively used a private email server for her government and personal emails, rather than the State Department’s email system.
FBI officials are expected to conclude their investigation soon.
Clinton’s been tight-lipped about the reports she could be in the clear.
Among the communications was information later marked as classified by government officials, although Clinton’s campaign has said the material was not classified at the time it was exchanged. She said she set up the email address for reasons of convenience.
Analysts said she is not likely to be indicted.
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On Friday, Clinton will campaign for the first time with Vice President Joe Biden in Scranton. The timing is crucial, because if Clinton were to be indicted before the convention, Democrats could perhaps nominate another candidate.
