He does not approve of public officials selling access any more than I do, but reported that this is a normal way of doing business in the nation's capital. True, the main offenders are usually elected officials and not appointed ones. The Supreme Court repeatedly ruled that simply buying access to politicians through campaign contributions is not, in itself, a corrupt practice. Note that in this case more than access was involved; Williams got not only access but also specific favors. Both elected officials and cabinet members, such as the Secretary of State, lead a very busy work life.

Source: Huffington Post September 09, 2016 18:33 UTC