department of defense because some of these departments act more independently than others, and we have seen traditionally that the pentagon preserves its independence. that's a crucial reporting point, figuring out who gave the directive to sondland not to testify, regardless of what the president is claiming on twitter because that doesn't always match up with reality in terms of the way information and directives flow throughout this administration. >> all right. garrett hague on capitol hill, hans nichols at the white house. we'll continue with your help to decipher this, as garrett has wisely called it, the great letter writing campaign of 2019 where everybody is protesting to everybody else. joining me, prudence bushnell, former ambassador to kenya, guatemala, and former deputy assistant secretary of state for african affairs. thank you for being with us. maybe you can help understand the question i just asked hans nichols, that is there seems to be a whole hodge podge of people