Lisa Murkowski: “Along those lines, I would ask my colleague from New York if he can explain to me why throughout the testimony of Susan…”

“Along those lines, I would ask my colleague from New York if he can explain to me why throughout the testimony of Susan Thomases and Maggie Williams there seemed to be significant memory losses. I am particularly thinking of Maggie Williams, the chief of staff of the First Lady--she responded some 140 times, ``I do not remember.'' These are people that were in positions of responsibility, and, obviously, very intelligent people. These were significant events in their lives. And to suggest that Maggie Williams had no recollection 140 times is troubling to this Senator. Also troubling is the fact that Susan Thomases, the First Lady's friend and adviser, told the committee ``I do not remember'' over 70 times. My friend from New York is a lawyer who has practiced and who knows something about the procedures in the court. What kind of an explanation can you provide for Maggie Williams responding 140 times ``I do not remember'' to questions from the committee? And what kind of explanation can you provide for Susan Thomases telling the committee that she ``didn't remember'' over 70 times? I find that very discomforting because, obviously, it suggests that there are questions that witnesses are refusing to answer. I know the chairman sat through every single witness and was troubled by this as well.”