As I said in the article, back channel communications are normal. Trying to conduct them using a foreign power’s secure lines are not.

That difference is crucial. Only the latter actively tries to hide the communications from the United States intelligence community and diplomatic corps.

I’m unaware of Obama, Kerry, or anyone else trying to do something like this. As you can see from the quote I included, General Hayden isn’t aware of any example either. If you know of some, could you post a link? Thanks.