Why is the FBI making such a big deal out Hillary Clinton's personal email server?
They aren't really.
Or at least, they don't appear to be anymore.
They completed their investigation in July, stating:
no charges are appropriate in this case
At present, that statement is still the official position of the FBI.
FAQ:
What are these new emails?
Good question!
In an unrelated case, specifically an investigation into Mr. Weiner, some of the emails found on a laptop belonging to Mr. Weiner may have some relevance to their completed investigation into Hillary's use of a personal email server.
But that's about where the current news seems to end. Apparently the FBI has not yet even reviewed these emails, and does not yet know if there are even new emails they have not previously reviewed. For reference: New York Times article, referencing a letter by the FBI
So it seems the real question is:
Why are they making an announcement that they might have new information to investigate?
Also a very good question, one asked by many in politics, both Democrats and Republicans. It seems that FBI Director James Comey decided to send a letter to Congress to notify them that they may have access to new information, against the advice of Senior Justice Department officials.
At this point it should be noted that the FBI does not normally make announcements on ongoing investigations, and many have criticized him for breaking this precedent in this case. It is still unclear if he intended to meddle in the election or not, or if he has further intentions.
So has the investigation been reopened?
No
Though there are certainly those trying to spin it to seem like it has, the investigation into the use of a personal email server in respect to classified information has not been reopened, and unless there is significant new evidence found, there's no reason to expect it will be.
So why is this unsubstantiated find in the media?
Not surprisingly, the Republican presidential campaign has jumped at this tidbit the FBI has dropped. The subject of the email server has been a recurring topic throughout the campaign, despite the conclusions of the justice system. It's not too surprising to see a campaign that by most polling has failed, jump at the chance to beat this dead horse one more time in the hopes of winning over some voters.
So what was the big deal with the emails before? Why was she being investigated?
She was being investigated for possible violations of the storage of classified information.
Our investigation looked at whether there is evidence classified information was improperly stored or transmitted on that personal system, in violation of a federal statute making it a felony to mishandle classified information either intentionally or in a grossly negligent way, or a second statute making it a misdemeanor to knowingly remove classified information from appropriate systems or storage facilities.
Note that they are not investigating if classified information was stored, just if it was mishandled intentionally, or in a grossly negligent way. In this case, intent and gross negligence is relevant, and one of these must be proven for there to be a case here.
For reference:
(f) Whoever, being entrusted with or having lawful possession or control of any document, writing, [...] or information, relating to the national defense, (1) through gross negligence permits the same to be removed from its proper place of custody or delivered to anyone in violation of his trust, or to be lost, stolen, abstracted, or destroyed, or (2) having knowledge that the same has been illegally removed from its proper place of custody or delivered to anyone in violation of its trust, or lost, or stolen, abstracted, or destroyed, and fails to make prompt report of such loss, theft, abstraction, or destruction to his superior officer— [...]
(Abbreviated and added emphasis.)
But why use a personal email server if not for some nefarious purpose?
There is actually a well-documented technical problem for which the personal email account was setup to solve, and it's actually kind-of sad. The government-issue Blackberry device can only use one email account. I think most of us would agree it's unreasonable to not have access to just your work email throughout the day, and the only other alternative would be to carry two whole devices to work around this issue.
Also, remember not to assume malice when intentions are unknown. This certainly fails the philosophical principal of Hanlon's razor:
Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity.
or
Don't assume bad intentions over neglect and misunderstanding.
Personally, I think any "smart device" which can't handle multiple email accounts is actually a pretty stupid device.