> Then I want share, because I can’t get on the stage without talking a little bit about the problem we call Going Dark, which is encryption. And then I’d like to take your questions. And I’m hoping you’re going to think up a question that has nothing to do with Secretary Clinton’s e-mails.

Dear Lord... "going dark" like when people go to their banks website?

What about the whole "we cant unlock an iphone, make us a tool to unlock all iphones" or could they and lied about it.

So much ignorance about this. The FBI needs its evidence to be admissible. I'm sure the FBI has no trouble accessing phones with warrantless surveillance when they need to for national security, but they need surveillance to be legal when it's used as evidence in a judicial context

No, this was for a locked iPhone. They were after encrypted data-at-rest. Warantless surveillamce would not apply, as they had a warrant - I believe - seeing as they went after the iCloud data and said it was not helpful (No backup stored there).

Additionally, an OIG report seems to suggest they did not attempt their usual avenue for acquiring access tools in order to get in, instead trying to force a legal precedent.

It always looked to me like they just wanted the tool, and the whole “can’t unlock” was just an excuse.

Of course it’s true. How could the FBI possibly attract top talent beyond a few altruistic outliers?

They have an incredible brand. Way more people grow up wanting to be FBI agents than 99% of all other professions.

Why would they have any more problem buying talent than anyone else?

Because of the President constantly attacking and attempting to sabotage the agency, including firing its head for transparently political reasons.

If I were in law enforcement, I'd certainly think twice about taking a position there. I'd be asking myself "what if I get drawn into Trump drama? Would that be good for my career?"

I don't mean to overstate things—I'm sure the FBI is mostly composed of talented professionals. But I'd be amazed if the recent drama had no effect on their ability to recruit.