WH, Rep. Issa clash over executive privilege claim

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-- -- already tense situation revolving around the fast and furious scandal has escalated in the final days before congressional showdown.

The White House and congress see executive privilege very differently.

And the limits of that privilege could have an impact on the fate of attorney general Eric Holder to congressional correspondent Mike Emanuel has more.

-- state it was business as usual today for attorney general Eric Holder who attended an event with the Boys and Girls Club.

Ahead of Thursday's contempt of congress vote as house oversight chairman Darrell nicer wrote this letter to the president.

Who is claimed executive privilege over some justice documents.

I -- -- to mr.

Obama or his senior advisors were managing operation fast and furious.

And the fallout from it including a false letter in February 2011.

Then -- -- wrote quote.

Or you are asserting a presidential power that you know to be unjustified.

Solely for the purpose of further obstructing a congressional investigation.

The letter to the president is something in which we'd like to make sure the president fully understands.

That content is because we're getting an outright refusal contempt is not.

I repeat is not because we want everything.

The White House quickly responded to the letter arguing its position is consistent with executive branch legal precedent for the past three decades spanning administrations of both parties.

Spokesman Eric Schultz said quote.

The courts have routinely considered deliberative process privilege claims and affirm the right of the executive branch to invoke the privilege even -- White House documents are not involved.

Republicans jumped on that same the president didn't claim deliberative process.

He asserted executive privilege which is designed to protect internal White House decision making.

Also defending holder and a group of civil rights leaders today suggested the first African American attorney general of the -- being held to an unfair standard.

Today we all also here to address -- finally.

Well what has only been -- -- -- four.

And that's the fact that the issue from Greece is a subtle factor in the -- for this.

Holder is a target because of his efforts against voter ID laws Republicans call that -- bizarre and ridiculous claim.

-- the day Thursday Mike thank you.

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WH, Rep. Issa clash over executive privilege claim

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