[skeptic2718]

Does it matter if it had classified information or not when a high ranking state official is using a personal private email server to bypass the official one?

[dmode]

Using a private email server was the norm at state department. Collin Powell used a private server and explained the benefits of it to Hillary Clinton. The only reason this bubbled up top was due to the Bengazhi situation. Otherwise, there would not even be an investigation on this.

[poliwut]

To provide some clarity about Powell:

1. He used a personal, private email address--note a personal, private email server.

2. This was the norm to use a private address, yes. However, policies changed after Powell left and no longer permitted this kind of behavior.

3. Clinton and her staff blatantly ignored these policies and took it a step further by using her own personal, private email server.

4. Powell only used the email address to handle non-classified material. Clinton handled classified material on her email server.

[CaptSpify]

IMO just because it was the norm does not mean it's acceptable

[douche]

well, you can get away with anything as long as you don't get caught doing it...