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First Word: NSA leaker Edward Snowden speaks out

Defense contractor Edward Snowden identified himself over the weekend as the man behind the NSA leak.
Edward Snowden identified himself as the man responsible for a series of NSA leaks related to American surveillance in an interview with The Guardian. (via The Guardian).
Edward Snowden identified himself as the man responsible for a series of NSA leaks related to American surveillance in an interview with The Guardian. (via...

Defense contractor Edward Snowden identified himself over the weekend as the man behind the NSA leak. The 29-year-old former CIA communications expert said he released the docs to warn Americans about the government's phone and Internet surveillance programs as a threat to democracy.

“I’m willing to sacrifice all of that because I can’t in good conscience allow the U.S. government to destroy privacy, Internet freedom and basic liberties for people around the world with this massive surveillance machine they’re secretly building,” Snowden told The Guardian.

Former CIA chief of staff Jeremy Bash told msnbc on Monday that Snowden is "not a whistleblower" and his actions are not justified.

Here's a look at the stories shaping tonight's rundown:

  • Rand Paul considers taking NSA surveillance programs to Supreme Court
  • Crossroads launches $100K push for immigration reform
  • Jason Furman being named Chair of Council of Economic Advisors