Topic: Mark Toner

The Trump administration appointed former Fox News host Heather Nauert as the new spokesperson for the State Department. RT News produced a critical report on the appointment, highlighting Nauert's past television segments involving pheasant hunting and "cougars" to question her diplomatic credentials. The hosts compare her to previous spokespeople like Mark Toner, John Kirby, and Jen Psaki, noting the administration's preference for media-savvy representatives.

State Department spokesperson Mark Toner is seen laughing during a briefing after an intern's presence prompted a comment about "transparency and democracy." Reporter Matt Lee countered the remark by calling the briefing an "exercise in spin and obfuscation." The exchange highlights the tension between the press corps and government officials regarding the Iran cash payment story.

State Department spokesperson Mark Toner is criticized for his handling of questions regarding the role of an anti-Islamic YouTube video in the Benghazi attacks. The hosts analyze Toner's reliance on a thick binder of talking points and his refusal to categorically state that the video played no role, despite evidence of a coordinated attack.

The Benghazi report mentions US personnel on a tarmac changing in and out of uniforms multiple times, which Mark Toner denied caused any delays. The hosts speculate that US forces may have been wearing local militia uniforms, such as those of the YPG, to circumvent constitutional requirements for congressional war approval. This practice is criticized as a violation of international law regarding combatant identification.

Associated Press reporter Matt Lee questions State Department spokesperson Mark Toner regarding Russian allegations of U.S. involvement in the Panama Papers leak. A verbal fumble by Toner leads to a debate over whether the U.S. government explicitly denied involvement. The exchange highlights the diplomatic tension between Washington and Moscow following the data breach.

During a State Department briefing, spokesperson Mark Toner is questioned by an RT reporter about the Russian satellite photos showing oil trucks crossing the Turkish border. Toner denies any Turkish government complicity in the smuggling, claiming the U.S. is working with Turkey to "seal the border." The hosts suggest the U.S. may be condoning the trade for geopolitical reasons.

The formation of the new Syrian Opposition Coalition in Doha is analyzed following recognition by France and Turkey. State Department spokesperson Mark Toner is criticized for his handling of questions regarding the $160 million in humanitarian assistance and the potential channeling of funds toward weapons.

State Department spokesperson Mark Toner faced questions regarding the "tipping point" in Syria and the potential for a UN Chapter 7 resolution. Such a resolution would authorize economic sanctions and potentially military force, including a no-fly zone. The hosts analyze the shift in language from "observers" to "peacekeepers" as a precursor to direct international intervention.

State Department spokesperson Mark Toner faced intense questioning from reporter Matt Lee regarding the lack of independent access for a UN Special Rapporteur to visit Bradley Manning. Manning is being held in military detention for allegedly leaking documents to WikiLeaks. Toner insisted the government is being "forthright" while simultaneously refusing to discuss the details of Manning's treatment or the reasons for denying a private UN visit.