In a June 26 interview on “Meet The Press,” the man who would later become Hillary Clinton’s running mate told NBC’s Chuck Todd that “I can’t take classified information that I get as a senator and give it to someone with no consequence.”

WATCH:

Sen. Tim Kaine, a Democrat from Virginia, made the comment while explaining his support for restrictions on the Second Amendment.

“Let’s talk about the First Amendment for a second. Freedom of speech, we believe it. You’re a journalist, but you can’t libel or slander somebody with no consequence,” Kaine said.

“I can’t take classified information that I get as a senator and give it to somebody with no consequence.”

Kaine’s comments came just a week before FBI Director James Comey would announce that Hillary Clinton had sent and received classified information on her private server. (RELATED: FBI Director Comey Obliterated These Hillary Talking Points.)

Upon learning that Comey would not be recommending that Clinton face criminal charges for her actions, Kaine said, “I’m not surprised. I have long believed that this was not going to be anymore than what Secretary Clinton said.” (RELATED: Here Are 35 Email Lies Hillary Is Still Telling On Her Campaign Website)

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