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Special Report Online: 9/26/12

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    All-Star panel continues discussion on Libya, 'fiscal cliff'

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Twelve -- another additional special report -- -- -- -- back with our panel tonight if you've never been here before welcome aboard this is a place that you can type questions or comments we can in Iraq it's far more.

Down relaxed we should roll in a bar here sometimes just have a couple drinks.

Steve Hayes AB -- kitchen powers to great Charles Krauthammer is off although down comport hands right now.

-- coming in here at any moments at any moment.

We wanted to continue our discussion but anyway indeed the polls you can vote -- below here and I don't worry if you don't -- comment in right away either.

Coming fast and furious in the middle.

Our discussion about Libya because we ran out of time to get everything and and that always happens.

Steve you were saying that this is kind of it is we've talked about at the time on fox and we've done this story.

A lot on fox.

Other media outlets are starting to do this story started.

Brett politically which is its interest as well as you pointed out last Thursday in the New York Times didn't haven't -- -- as an article about Libya.

The day after that it was very clear that the administration story was just unraveling.

Look at it this is this is.

It is an unbelievable scandal.

It seems clear now that the administration understood from the earliest days that it was an al-Qaeda attack that was a terrorist act.

And that had nothing to do.

With -- or very little to do with any protest now it appears that there was no protest actually -- from the consulate in Ben Ghazi.

Tom and yet Susan Rice went out and made her comments.

On the five Sunday shows Jay Carney day after day after day.

You -- suggested that not only suggested that that that they did these things work related but when and Henry asked him that question about.

The report that that the administration had released saying how.

Bought chilling all of the security preparations that they've taken both home and abroad Jay -- school that ad and saying you can't -- -- Two different things on the on the one hand there -- these attacks on the other hand is the anniversary of nine elevenths I mean.

It's not just that they didn't tell the whole story.

It's that they -- they sold an alternative narrative which we now understand it was completely wrong completely wrong in every one and it's.

Facets it's -- it's a huge you know I mean you know you'd think that the media which exists to cover these kinds of things might govern that way.

Show's sponsor of North Carolina says the media is leading from behind.

-- you know listen I don't.

I'm not a guy who loves the whole media story -- I'm not I don't think covering the media is a great thing.

Just as -- news elements -- Just as news guy I don't I don't enjoy it but -- -- it's pretty hard to -- no I mean it's like.

I think it's like okay well largely ignored.

In in its early.

-- and and and Steve is documented as others have how it unfolded and how.

This story -- fall apart.

I think is being covered now and I don't think it will be avoided particularly in light of the fact that the president really blew off his job this week.

There is no excuse.

For what's happening at the UN what's happening overseas for him not to be in these conversations particularly in light -- the fact that we lost an ambassador.

Tom in what turns out to be a pre planned attack.

On the anniversary of 9/11 in Libya which is now central hub for a new sort of you know strain of al-Qaeda so.

These are things that.

Our are serious matters anyway before.

A foreigner you know separate from the fact that there are real questions about the truth the administration was telling so I really don't think.

That then it's going to be -- hidden covered up saying any longer I think they will be scrutinized all of their responses from the last.

Fifteen days will be scrutinized and I expect that.

In light have.

Like I said the fact that he really blew off his responsibilities and and and -- them.

Edit any critical moment I mean just to refuse to do his job.

I think that he.

-- the media will continue to report on the fact of the administration now calls it definitely terrorism.

Even if you don't see the presidents and say it himself.

And I think that this is part of a larger narrative that he's feeling so confident in victory that he feels that he can -- it.

Which is just shocking.

Actually I mean asked point blank about the attack hits and and from everything that we're hearing now.

They knew on that Sunday when Susan Rice -- out.

That they were tracking down these al-Qaeda guys they knew that it was part of this broader Unser Al Sharia which was and al-Qaeda.

Essentially connected organization in Libya.

And they had and they and their intelligence people had it.

And got a sense would have told -- that that common sense to have mortars and organize these men never mourners -- -- you you know and it did it that that was common sense there was other reporting that showed that there contrary to a Susan Rice telling us there have not -- in this.

Protest -- outside -- -- -- she got that story I mean that's that's a question.

She was quite adamant that this was it that the group of people that sort of grew and then these people came in -- Let's get it isn't very -- -- morning used to nanny yeah all very key test spun out of control half of what was going on in Cairo she could be in front of congress answering some questions in my opinion and I.

They played the sound -- five different ways because she was on five Sunday -- right and -- -- evolves through the day her story about it actually got more.

Detail just can't be ended the Sunday show appearances -- the beginning you know which.

I don't know what that suggests but there are now I think four senators calling for her to provides what is relationship.

-- fine and it's Hillary Clinton needs has to offer I think more.

Explanations also particularly for her.

Press -- believe -- he's been acting like a fun.

You know attacking CNN for reporting on information that they got from.

This journal that thank god CNN -- and not al-Qaeda that that the fact of the State Department never went in secured that area mean their all of these questions aren't being answered the fact that.

The ambassador.

Care for his life from al-Qaeda.

But there's there's so much information and I think I Harry you're saying -- actually agree with you the media biased thinking get a little out of control we're talking about the safety of the United States here.

This this is this is different you know we're not there's -- -- you might write off since it's the state is not that big of a deal let's overlook it must understand the story itself this -- I think the media is complicit.

Possibly complicit in another terrorist attack against United States if they don't get on top of this because we know that the they -- on our embassies pre 9/11 were warnings now are they looking at this as what does it mean.

What does this mean al-Qaeda is not dead yeah now it doesn't matter assignments and a song and Wannstedt and and the fact that they're not covering it is a.

Very very serious issue I totally agree to view my point was I'm usually not the person I was saying media stories aren't they accidentally whenever great stories after this case I think it actually apply -- -- -- and we were talking about it you know before we can.

And formally got started I mean that's how we all introduced it was like -- You hate to say.

But you know can you imagine if George W.

Bush for president right now.

What this what this coverage would look like it would be front page above the fold New York Times every single day with leaks from the intelligence community.

Should we provided this to the president of weeks back from the White House who when you look at New York Times that day.

After that that National Counterterrorism Center.

Director testified on Capitol Hill opened here in front of senator Lieberman's committee says it was a terrorist attack was -- the administration was saying something else.

-- times.

-- single story about Libya -- let alone that fact.

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- From Wisconsin is the final debate on foreign policy.

Actually the worst topic for Obama debate on -- final debate is the town hall debate so it goes economy then VP.

Then foreign policy.

And town hall yet I think that's right.

Foreign policy the second of the three debates correct for the president's side I think.

-- I think -- isn't.

-- -- that good good question but you're right if foreign policy was first that would be a end.

Mitt Romney's wheel house.

-- how does -- play on the trailing Mitt Romney used differ a few days but now it seems like it's not even.

In his.

Well you know it's hard -- -- I think what Romney really needs to do is go back to.

Convincing people.

That there is a path.

Out of the economy there were -- into a different one he knows how to get us there.

And then he knows how to get people off of assistance and food stamps and he mentions all the time.

And in other foreign policy is the last day the last -- -- good paying jobs and so.

I think he's feeling that the window's closing -- really needs to make some you know changes and so that he could.

With a twenty point gap in favorability ratings on who's better suited to be commander in chief.

You know now this uphill battle but he's probably gonna lose -- when he really thinks he should be talking about -- so I think he's really torn.

It is a good story it is a scandal.

The president.

You know is is.

I think as I said going to be under tremendous pressure starting tomorrow once Netanyahu lays down you know yet another marker.

About what are we talking about here in terms of time in terms of deadlines in terms of a deal.

And I think that I think fit.

It's it's and it's a good argument but I think.

Romney really feels pressure to get back to.

This domestic angst over how we create jobs and how we get out you know the rough there were in -- disagree -- There's economists -- earlier to plot cam can campaign and a flawed candidate they should just be a basic human emotion.

As somebody who cares about the country how can you not care about this and not talk about it it doesn't make any sense you know it's just.

He he -- -- separate from the fact that it would benefit him politically.

But he also should just be changed just by other hand that the White House -- the lying to the American people.

Yeah I -- it just seems like an easy obvious that I.

I think he has a little I think that there there panicked and they don't they don't.

No where to go about let me push back on the other side so if you have Hillary Clinton who says yes -- it wasn't terrorist attack.

And Jay Carney who says yes it's self evident.

There's a terrorist attack.

And the president's.

Still doesn't the words don't come out of this now that it asked the question -- the right way.

OK so now we did just sorry he did that they -- -- anyway wasn't a terrorist attack and I think that's a yes or no answer.

It was a terrorist attack and he couldn't say it may have been exactly the right way what Jay Carney was just that's not true what he said today.

-- that it was a direct question from the president dodged right.

So they don't say.

The semantics here is that what you know like are -- back and forth over the worse that he uses.

As opposed to the what they knew what can.

In this you know why didn't Chris Stevens have security what the heck was going on -- on the ground -- -- -- allow Qaeda was there.

And why did take a week before anybody said.

Hey we got a problem here.

I mean I was running -- -- questions of these I would bring him bringing some attention of the media and -- president -- to answer these questions he's he say he's misleading he doesn't suit their lying.

But but but clearly you're not getting the whole story here this is very important news have a serious debate about terrorism is a warrant her truly over.

You know to be the president has made that case I disagree with them I think we still have a war on terror and these are -- He had been there right president of -- -- what I'm but because instead.

It.

He he honestly it just doesn't wanna talk about Bosnia Croatia for -- yeah probably not immediately -- and I.

-- did -- think that there will be this association with George W.

Bush announced a handle on top amenities there are any sound is so tricky friends I have an independent -- you can look at Poland and independents in the 2008 conference.

And on terrorism specific issues set aside the war in Iraq.

On terrorism specific issues independence -- overwhelmingly.

With John McCain and with Republicans on those I think let's look at Afghanistan.

What -- horrific vulnerability this is for the present now what is the policy.

In Afghanistan we have no joint patrols.

These -- stopped what are the goals now.

To transfer power to the Afghans we are holed up in bases and the president said the United Nations yesterday.

That we will hit our schedule of leaving in 2014.

Now basically we are just there to leave.

In 2014.

If if -- stats -- nothing about outcomes so are we going to win.

Are we going to change adapt and grow there's always going -- know we're gonna get out -- the actual show -- well we've achieved what we if it was originally rotten candidate who was fighting on the issue.

Of that he would like John McCain would take that and say what are you gonna do you know ran right but -- here's what he does.

Want to know about Afghanistan because I think.

-- -- So there are and Romney -- not want to advocate.

Changing strategy staying longer investing more not now because the politics yet but look this this this is where it.

You accurately described.

The way that the Romney campaign I think of them not all of the people on the campaign -- ovals but many of them in a couple in particular.

See the race they wanted to talk about jobs and the economy -- all the wanna do is talk about the president's failed stimulus.

-- and you know they did that from April through.

Early August the end it didn't didn't I didn't work it just didn't work and I think it was mostly because they were just reminding people something that people -- -- the economy sucks.

He didn't get better -- didn't get -- better that's not an argument that's an assertion you need to build an argument and the argument is now.

We'll be in three weeks was eight months ago an argument about leadership -- American leadership overseas and the domestic leadership here when that's that's the case and everything can fit under that I mean.

If he had been making this argument for six months you would see now a manifestation of all of the things that Mitt Romney could have been arguing about the end.

And we're not too I mean there's a reason -- Democrats chose to focus on foreign policy and it's not just at that.

Convention and it's not just because the economy isn't doing well it's because it was a statement that Florida and they also knew that if you if you -- if you focus on the fact that he's a strong leader overseas that makes people feel comfortable and -- what town so it -- it's an area where he's been doing while I think you're right it's about -- -- -- Right but it's and it's about leadership and that they and it if if Romney doesn't take him on on foreign policy and then he's.

He's he's -- this just standing which is that people feel this is a person who keeps us safe and has been doing their job overseas.

When in fact there's all -- -- flaws in its foreign policy.

Yeah right and not just a disillusioned and it goes right or wrong gap and that those that if you're right he'd been making that case -- -- -- could a seven.

I still thank you take -- leadership are gonna start in fact I think that's.

-- that maybe the only way he wins is if he turns and makes this a leadership are -- and stops.

I mean you know I understand why they want to do the soft stuff in focus groups well.

People like in and a focus group it polls well at tests while the language tests well you can throw statistics of people and -- focus groups setting.

People here statistic and they move like this they come to -- side.

I don't think that this election's going to be -- and on those kinds of statistics I think it's going to be decided.

Our vision for the United States the vision for how things will be the rule government here at home.

The end how American leadership overseas.

-- says Romney should use fewer cliches.

I shouldn't Romney was doing that but -- you don't see as many from.

From around me.

You -- -- time -- them all and says why is.

Foreign media more interest in Libya than the American Media.

And as you spartans says complaining about liberal media serves no purpose there's always been -- liberal media.

I mean I have heard a lot of conservatives say that this -- -- that.

Plow plow through that there's this it is it is different I -- -- it's not just alone Margaret just premier.

Averaged.

-- Susan says as usual my incisive comments are not showing up but been as brilliant -- all viewers.

OK Susan we'll keep an eye out.

Laura likes my tie Eddie thinks the war on terror will never and all right so maybe I guess the question is are we hearing more of this stuff about.

Mitt Romney looking into the camera saying.

-- for President Obama and I both care about poor people.

As a direct.

Reaction.

To that video.

Oh yeah because it's doing quite a bit of damage and and I think that what I'm missing now which -- senate.

Commercial is I.

I disagree with Steve I think that that he should have been doing ads like this a long time ago looking into the cameras and think he looks great -- singer really care.

Only my politics out my pauses -- a I don't think -- -- -- -- President Obama we we both care the same way because he needs to draw a contrast but I think to say.

You know I I think that what he's not failed to do.

And this is create.

Of real.

Tangible.

Argument about how he's going to get us out of this right in which I said before he isn't -- a picture of a plan.

And he doesn't get excited about a Romney America and -- Romney presidency doesn't want people know it would sound like and what it would look like and so.

Barring that he's he's not gonna make this sale because he's not going actually without using things cliches like.

You know not mentioning our our hot war in Afghanistan but saying in his speech.

Always want to -- Israel under the bus -- and then picking on things like -- -- drizzle of Laporte.

When is he really laid out and materially different argument.

On policy towards Iran except that we're gonna sanctions sooner didn't fit and -- also actually contradict -- something that Larry -- substantive foreign policy speech action was high and -- you know what it's the hour late for him to withdraw tomorrow president.

So I actually got -- -- that he not run around.

Taking on the president on foreign policy unless it's Libya and it's a really significant story -- story -- the president's you know clearly -- because.

I actually think he has just thrown around platitudes and -- rhetorical bombs and things like Iran and it really doesn't help -- look serious.

Meanwhile the you know his strength was -- campaign believes from day one is that he can sell his ability to fix the economy.

And he can and -- the -- as the challenger independents will break his way.

At the last weekend in a -- in nineteen model it's not working out the president.

Under criticism from Republicans and Democrats spend his money early and really negative way to attack president that Mitt Romney and it worked.

He said he disagreed with the Romney campaign that people weren't paying attention this is an anxious -- electric and -- -- more paying attention.

And you know what Mitt Romney got to find very early by those fans and Ohio and he's not gonna -- a hole right now.

Unless you really change the sale.

So and I think the ads are good because he's looking in the end people -- I think I really feel your pain and I really.

Believe I can get us out of this hole and that's why I think -- Months ago now yet he should've done a month ago but what -- -- -- now is precisely what you just said which is explain how.

Not that not bad he's gonna get us out of a hole.

How he's gonna get us -- and he'd look in his defense he does do this on the stopped now his five point plan I would choose to emphasize different things.

It feels small to me I think it should be bigger I would bring.

Chris Christie on the campaign trail and Scott Walker and then Mitch Daniels and -- as a conservative reformer and make that case we got to turn this thing around.

These guys are doing in the states I'm gonna do what they're due on the national level this is how I'm gonna you this is what you can expect from me boom boom boom and you know I just think that -- He's he's making a substantive case it's just I would choose to emphasize different -- A lot of people are asking about the debates.

And how the moderator -- -- The presidential debate commission chooses the moderate -- it's a bipartisan commission has to.

Commission chairs and has a number of members and they.

Vote on the monitors.

Apparently we were in the mix a couple of us.

And didn't make the final cut.

There's always funny sixteen.

In consultation with the campaigns right the candidates to do they have waited put -- campaigns doing again.

So that's the deal with that but everybody cares so you can watch it on Fox News Channel and we recommend highly that you did.

Analysis.

Will be superior on fox nation.

Here's a debate question for President Obama you know you call for governor Romney.

To have specifics about solving economic problems what specifics do you have.

To solve the deficit and debt problem what exactly specifically will you do.

To change -- -- he.

Issue what did you -- John Boehner specifically.

You could never saw.

The piece of paper there was never any offer specific enough.

You know the -- how would you -- -- Jay Carney mocked the idea.

That they would do what you need this written down -- that he said that from the podium at the White House when reporters were asking him.

But he disparate dean's plan written down -- -- that'd be helpful -- It's -- you know I think it's it's really interesting when we're talking also looking forward -- December.

And and when we.

-- worth 41 days from the election we are 95 days from the fiscal -- right.

And so when we look at that we still -- Obama has never offered specific entitlement reforms.

And a real true Medicare reform plan.

He's gotten away with saying that he you know by the in his first term is gonna have that asset in -- and now he's saying 90% of the deficit that you know was one he inherited that's not true -- he -- -- -- -- and that's not true.

But looking forward I mean -- is really incumbent upon him as it is upon Mitt Romney I believed to talk about how you get.

Not changing -- but at the real money.

Through eliminating -- very popular deductions that are there incentivized behavior in the tax code for a reason.

And I don't think we hear from you don't want to.

That's because -- finance.

Because frankly if Mitt Romney jumped on that.

She cares.

It seems like that's the one that.

That strikes.

He's best home with people across these battleground states like I don't want to pass on all of this debt in onto my grandchildren -- And and that's what he is preferred a few years you know put them up against each other people for Romney on -- However it really is not what people are gonna vote on the end of the day I think even less you make in such a compelling.

Such a compelling case in which she has not Don of how important says people are focused much more on the media pocketbook issues I think -- raising taxes.

But you know.

That thing -- so that we talked a lot about President Obama and all the flaws that he has and the problem with Romney is he hasn't really offered a good alternative he's not.

He's hasn't offered the specifics in the hasn't offered a great vision for the country I think that.

If you were to put all this together and create a vision for the fact that.

We have this death was completely out of control on I think the president said in his speech at the convention -- gonna -- -- by four trillion dollars or something that still leaves us with a completely out of control.

This situation you know I mean it's a -- in his speech yet last year in the state of the union they know that I'm an appointment rise to making this this is unsustainable.

Him.

You know and let's just look at what is being offered and that's just look at the fact actually.

That we have never seen the level of American hatred anti American hatred that we've -- we are and at the school.

Nightmare.

Where -- he didn't mean anything can have -- -- stands next to President Obama he in the first debate in Denver next week he presents himself well he.

You know stands next to the president and he provides good answers and he holds -- But it's not earth shattering there's not a knock out punch but he stands and his presidential.

Measures continue to crack down and Greece may be.

This has to drop out of the U affecting America.

The stuff in the Middle East continues to have to be bubble up and its general angst about where we army -- Does this -- change.

And I think if you look at the trajectory of the race right now I think it's clearly moving in president Obama's direction and that's not to.

Yes the polls are some of the polls -- -- But I think it's indisputable and I've talked to Republican pollsters were conducting private polls for Republican candidates who say that.

The trend is moving in president Obama's direction they would rather have that not need to case and they're sort of telling -- this against -- interest.

You know I think that you know -- hate to use the phrase game changer if he puts in a solid but unspectacular performance and if there's not a big.

You know of being.

Screw up by President Obama.

And most importantly if Mitt Romney doesn't make this sort of bigger case that so many of us expected him to make when he picked Paul Ryan.

-- yeah I just had a hard time seeing how the trajectory of the race team.

It is.

There's a lot of ways that it could change and I'm a President Obama really has this -- for meetings would mean.

We've -- we've learned that he's contemptuous of Mitt Romney especially when he's ahead and and that he's you know -- -- fierce competitor and is often really.

Kind of resentful of his rivals and ugly and he was with Hillary Clinton in a way and it was not a joke it was it was.

Mean and and it was.

It pay for it.

There is that chance because he believed -- Senator McCain.

Was a man of substance they were both in the senate together the Senator McCain -- real experience that senator drop -- -- Obama he knew he -- But.

In in this debate setting you can expect him to.

To have to really work hard to tame his ugly side I think so.

I think that.

You know Romney is banking on the fact that he's become a good debater over the last cycle.

He's able to stay calm he's unflappable he smiles as he attacks -- you mean I think he has a real gift and and I was never against him turning to.

Two is.

Rival as he.

As he listened to them and then as he is what you're not a fan yeah I thought it was very very.

Com -- but.

He he is counting on both a spectacular.

Performance and President Obama kind of falling apart and being a real jerk and having this.

Al Gore meltdown in the debates it's possible all of this foreign policy crisis staff could change things at any time.

The only -- The only issue -- on which Ronnie -- anymore is the deficit to use a lead.

For months and months and months and early in poll after poll on who would be better -- you know better suited to fix the economy and he's lost that.

That's very significant there is rising -- and -- at optimism about the economy.

That I don't understand.

It is there's been no new economic policies barely any green shoots except for.

You know in the housing market here and there there's nothing that President Obama has done differently.

And if you look inside no it's not just one you know I know if you -- in -- try to help everybody going -- right Bill Clinton's numbers.

Are literally better than happens -- O nine and so it's a very tricky path where.

I don't think the voters are really concerned about the deficit in the way they -- in -- -- -- -- And I don't think it's number one defining issue because.

Romney still leads -- as not getting in -- Where I mean.

Don't want to be the guy who reigns on the parade that there are some bad things out there to him and FedEx is saying.

They're scaling back next year like I think that's a look everywhere down the road of of looking ahead in.

You've got to report tonight from the business roundtable the business roundtable this is saying.

Watch out and there's all -- and more active fiscal cliff.

Let alone that I mean there's this optimism is I don't know that it definitely will hold -- why is that mr.

Honestly I mean look I didn't think Bill Clinton's speech was that great at the connection I thought it was fine people obviously found -- much more appealing.

Tonight and vitamin a much better case -- -- I then I didn't know pocket -- ahead.

I have to give credit for -- -- And look again you talk to these Republican pollsters we'll tell you try to -- they taught me and you've literally used the phrase with me to Clinton bump.

I mean they talk about Bill Clinton but I think it's it goes beyond that I mean what we saw from the Obama campaign over the course of the summer.

Was sort of hey -- collide and they were all focused on.

Beating the heck out of megrahi as that you mention all this is all negative at all focused on -- what changed with Bill Clinton speech.

Was being mounted a strong and sustained defense -- the present.

And on his record I don't find that defense appealing but if you haven't been paying attention and you wake up and suddenly you're hearing all of these arguments.

-- in defense of what president Obama's done I think that explains.

Quite a bit.

That they would -- they did they they reacted very they came back hard.

After O'Malley said we're not really better off than there were four years ago and they really slammed on that consistently.

That the 700000.

Jobs for -- job loss is actually much worse than just.

-- just -- gaining 96000 a month.

Even if that's not good enough for population growth hey it's better than -- 500000 a month.

And they were very consistent -- -- on that so that people left the convention.

They're loyal Democrats did ready to go out and say no we really are better often worth a follow me now.

Less work.

Yeah why the Bill Clinton that endorsement.

Basically saying that he is okay -- should stick with him I trust him.

Was extremely powerful especially for people who don't have a lot of time to get into the -- -- -- -- going on says the Clinton some in that they feel like they can trust and so I wouldn't underestimate that.

But I I just think that it's it's coming down of the fact that.

Romney's not offering a good alternative people I think are obviously unhappy with the president but unless -- given them a reason.

To choose you they're gonna stick with the incumbent they they that's what they traditionally do minute -- that can be different in this case unless he gives them a -- good case.

Sixteen years you think we would have said.

-- seen Bill Clinton as the endorser who could really make a difference because people trust and trust steadily for years ago.

-- years -- his approval was backed down on its own Al when he was campaigning in Carolina and indeed the rehabilitation process for.

For him it's actually easier to see how Hillary's happened.

But for Bill Clinton I think is quite extraordinary.

OK everybody we get cash of four and a half minutes after this online show thanks for tuning and as always we will back you back here at 6 PM eastern.

For special report.

Have a good night control our own little --

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