James Comey: No Pressure

 

Here will be your non-covered story of the day: It has been claimed that former FBI director Comey wrote a memo last February that says President Trump pressured him to drop the investigation into Michael Flynn.

However, On May 3 he told a Senate Committee under oath that he had never faced political pressure to shut down an investigation. Here’s the exchange between Comey and Sen. Mazie Hirono (D–HI):

HIRONO: So if the Attorney General or senior officials at the Department of Justice opposes a specific investigation, can they halt that FBI investigation?

COMEY: In theory yes.

HIRONO: Has it happened?

COMEY: Not in my experience. Because it would be a big deal to tell the FBI to stop doing something that — without an appropriate purpose. I mean where oftentimes they give us opinions that we don’t see a case there and so you ought to stop investing resources in it. But I’m talking about a situation where we were told to stop something for a political reason, that would be a very big deal. It’s not happened in my experience.

Now, you can parse that as saying, well, Trump’s not an official at the DOJ. As President, he is the executive head of every department.

https://youtu.be/o-dW59Fu1hg

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  1. Robert McReynolds Member
    Robert McReynolds
    @

    Nope, impeach him!!!!!!!!!!!!

    • #1
  2. KC Mulville Inactive
    KC Mulville
    @KCMulville

    Maybe Trump isn’t the only one whose close associates can’t get the story straight …

    The New York Times has not viewed a copy of the memo, which is unclassified, but one of Mr. Comey’s associates read parts of it to a Times reporter.

    • #2
  3. Blondie Thatcher
    Blondie
    @Blondie

    Squirrel!!!!!!!

    • #3
  4. Larry Koler Inactive
    Larry Koler
    @LarryKoler

    Comey is completely incompetent and a grandstander and a fool.

    • #4
  5. Jules PA Inactive
    Jules PA
    @JulesPA

    Or maybe in February any alleged comments were not perceived as political pressure?

    Political pressure would be more than a passing comment or conversation.

    • #5
  6. Front Seat Cat Member
    Front Seat Cat
    @FrontSeatCat

    We may soon lose track of how many investigation there are, are they about the Russians invading the election process, or a Comey memo, or Trump said something to a Russian – gosh! I think this is how it works – keep people confused, off-balance, tie up the system, waste tax payers money, get no real work done.   If Trump did something wrong, let it come out and be done with it. I hope it all backfires and much more comes out about the other side, unintentionally.

    Another story that’s being buried is Seth, the guy that was murdered in DC who may have been in touch with WikiLeaks, and who is now handling that investigation – talk about a spider web.  Webs (of deceit) everywhere.

    • #6
  7. Nanda Panjandrum Member
    Nanda Panjandrum
    @

    Appreciated, EJ! Both Sides Now…Thanks!

    • #7
  8. Jager Coolidge
    Jager
    @Jager

    If Comey (or his friends) is actually now trying to claim that there was an attempt to obstruct justice, then Comey is in legal trouble.

    He would have lied to congress while under oath and violated the FBI regulations that state he had to take that obstruction and report it to the DOJ.

    • #8
  9. DrewInWisconsin Member
    DrewInWisconsin
    @DrewInWisconsin

    KC Mulville (View Comment):

    Maybe Trump isn’t the only one whose close associates can’t get the story straight …

    The New York Times has not viewed a copy of the memo, which is unclassified, but one of Mr. Comey’s associates read parts of it to a Times reporter.

    You know, I keep thinking that the “close associate” who read Comey’s notes to the New York Times might actually have been Comey himself. He seems like enough of a drama queen.

    • #9
  10. Jager Coolidge
    Jager
    @Jager

    DrewInWisconsin (View Comment):
    You know, I keep thinking that the “close associate” who read Comey’s notes to the New York Times might actually have been Comey himself. He seems like enough of a drama queen.

    Yeah, that answer actually helps the credibility of the Reporter. It answers questions like, how did you get this? Why do you have it? how do you know it is real? Will Comey admit that he wrote it?

    If Comey is saying here is what I wrote it is more credible than, an associate reading to a reporter what he/she claims Comey wrote.

    • #10
  11. Roberto Inactive
    Roberto
    @Roberto

    Jager (View Comment):
    If Comey (or his friends) is actually now trying to claim that there was an attempt to obstruct justice, then Comey is in legal trouble.

    He would have lied to congress while under oath and violated the FBI regulations that state he had to take that obstruction and report it to the DOJ.

    “Its not happened in my experience.” Seems pretty clear.

    You would have to do some pretty amazing verbal acrobatics to contort that into anything other than a denial.

    • #11
  12. EJHill Podcaster
    EJHill
    @EJHill

    Jager : Yeah, that answer actually helps the credibility of the Reporter.

    It helps the reporter feel good about himself but it doesn’t do a damn thing for the quality of the work. Ultimately the function of the press is supposed to be the truth. Even if the source is Comey when would he be more likely be telling the truth? On or off the record?

    If you say “off” that’s horsepucky. He’s not a whistleblower who fears for his job. And there’s a very good reason why the courts don’t accept hearsay evidence and and even better reason why one has the Constitutional right to face an accuser.

    • #12
  13. Judge Mental Member
    Judge Mental
    @JudgeMental

    EJHill (View Comment):

    Jager : Yeah, that answer actually helps the credibility of the Reporter.

    It helps the reporter feel good about himself but it doesn’t do a damn thing for the quality of the work. Ultimately the function of the press is supposed to be the truth. Even if the source is Comey when would he be more likely be telling the truth? On or off the record?

    If you say “off” that’s horsepucky. He’s not a whistleblower who fears for his job. And there’s a very good reason why the courts don’t accept hearsay evidence and and even better reason why one has the Constitutional right to face an accuser.

    The off the record statements from former officials should have no weight.  You can argue in favor of that for current people, but the rest should be on the record.

    • #13
  14. Hypatia Member
    Hypatia
    @

    Front Seat Cat (View Comment):
    We may soon lose track of how many investigation there are, are they about the Russians invading the election process, or a Comey memo, or Trump said something to a Russian – gosh! I think this is how it works – keep people confused, off-balance, tie up the system, waste tax payers money, get no real work done. If Trump did something wrong, let it come out and be done with it. I hope it all backfires and much more comes out about the other side, unintentionally.

    Another story that’s being buried is Seth, the guy that was murdered in DC who may have been in touch with WikiLeaks, and who is now handling that investigation – talk about a spider web. Webs (of deceit) everywhere.

    Yeah.  I heard this about Comeys testimony this morning–bet that’s the last we’ll hear.  Also heard about Seth.  Bet that’s the last we’ll hear.  Oh and what about Omega spying on the 2016 GOP candidates?  Well–you know.

    This is nothing more than a blatant attempt to destroy Trump.  The people’s last hope.

    • #14
  15. Trinity Waters Member
    Trinity Waters
    @

    Larry Koler (View Comment):
    Comey is completely incompetent and a grandstander and a fool.

    Yup.  He also stated a while back that after review of Flynn’s exchanges with Russians, the FBI found nothing actionable.  Comey, meet Petard, hopefully.

    • #15
  16. Trinity Waters Member
    Trinity Waters
    @

    Nanda Panjandrum (View Comment):
    Appreciated, EJ! Both Sides Now…Thanks!

    Sides of what?

    • #16
  17. Nanda Panjandrum Member
    Nanda Panjandrum
    @

    Trinity Waters (View Comment):

    Nanda Panjandrum (View Comment):
    Appreciated, EJ! Both Sides Now…Thanks!

    Sides of what?

    More complete info on the question is all I meant…

    • #17
  18. Goldwaterwoman Thatcher
    Goldwaterwoman
    @goldwaterwoman

    I just listened to a podcast of the Rush morning shown and feel much better. If you’re feeling down, go forth and listen. We are not alone in supporting the president and Rush has lots of inside info the rest of us ordinary mortals don’t have.

    • #18
  19. Boss Mongo Member
    Boss Mongo
    @BossMongo

    EJHill (View Comment):
    If you say “off” that’s horsepucky. He’s not a whistleblower who fears for his job.

    Wait.  He already got another job?  Slick, that guy.

    • #19
  20. Front Seat Cat Member
    Front Seat Cat
    @FrontSeatCat

    Hypatia (View Comment):

    Front Seat Cat (View Comment):
    We may soon lose track of how many investigation there are, are they about the Russians invading the election process, or a Comey memo, or Trump said something to a Russian – gosh! I think this is how it works – keep people confused, off-balance, tie up the system, waste tax payers money, get no real work done. If Trump did something wrong, let it come out and be done with it. I hope it all backfires and much more comes out about the other side, unintentionally.

    Another story that’s being buried is Seth, the guy that was murdered in DC who may have been in touch with WikiLeaks, and who is now handling that investigation – talk about a spider web. Webs (of deceit) everywhere.

    Yeah. I heard this about Comeys testimony this morning–bet that’s the last we’ll hear. Also heard about Seth. Bet that’s the last we’ll hear. Oh and what about Omega spying on the 2016 GOP candidates? Well–you know.

    This is nothing more than a blatant attempt to destroy Trump. The people’s last hope.

    Many don’t see it that way – they see him as a menace to the world order, an ignorant, egotistical fool who has the launch codes. I’m sorry that our country has come to this.

    • #20
  21. Isaac Smith Member
    Isaac Smith
    @

    Roberto (View Comment):
    “Its not happened in my experience.” Seems pretty clear.

    You would have to do some pretty amazing verbal acrobatics to contort that into anything other than a denial.

    Yes, much clearer than what the meaning of “is” is.

    • #21
  22. Susan Quinn Contributor
    Susan Quinn
    @SusanQuinn

    The comments of “off the record,” “anonymous sources,” “high level sources” or any other such nonsense should be thrown out–by everyone. I’ve never seen such a deluge of non-identified sources, and I’ve reached the point that if a person won’t go on the record, I toss it out–and them with it (if I could)!

    • #22
  23. JcTPatriot Member
    JcTPatriot
    @

    I want to make this very clear, because it seems that some folks are having problems with logic these days.

    To continue to believe the narrative that Comey was told to “back off” by Trump, you have to believe that the Director of the FBI was willing to lie while under oath before the Congress, a Felony that usually results in prison time unless your last name is Clinton, AND already have in his possession a Memo that proves he just committed perjury.

    If you believe THAT, your brain is so far gone that there is no coming back from the padded room where your brain is currently living.

    • #23
  24. James Lileks Contributor
    James Lileks
    @jameslileks

    JcTPatriot (View Comment):
    If you believe THAT, your brain is so far gone that there is no coming back from the padded room where your brain is currently living.

    Agreed. They’re going to come up with nothing on Trump WRT to Russia. And they probably know it.

    But it’s useful. 

    • #24
  25. Isaac Smith Member
    Isaac Smith
    @

    Susan Quinn (View Comment):
    The comments of “off the record,” “anonymous sources,” “high level sources” or any other such nonsense should be thrown out–by everyone. I’ve never seen such a deluge of non-identified sources, and I’ve reached the point that if a person won’t go on the record, I toss it out–and them with it (if I could)!

    Do you have ancestors from Bohemia?  They were big fans of defenestration as well.  ;-)

    • #25
  26. cdor Member
    cdor
    @cdor

    Susan Quinn (View Comment):
    The comments of “off the record,” “anonymous sources,” “high level sources” or any other such nonsense should be thrown out–by everyone. I’ve never seen such a deluge of non-identified sources, and I’ve reached the point that if a person won’t go on the record, I toss it out–and them with it (if I could)!

    I am very glad to read this from you, Susan. This is a good time to work on your hobbies, take long walks, play with your pets…anything to not listen to all the wild garbage being hysterically screamed out and frantically thrown at the walls. It is also a time when our elected “fellow” Republicans should be working for us to have our President’s back. They should be passing legislation as well. In other words, doing stuff to move the ball forward. However, I suspect that there are some Republican congress folk who are quite happy to sit on their duffs and even blow more smoke in the air to impede Trump. Too bad. I hope this ugly and wasteful time becomes a distant memory by this time next year.

    • #26
  27. Susan Quinn Contributor
    Susan Quinn
    @SusanQuinn

    Isaac Smith (View Comment):

    Susan Quinn (View Comment):
    The comments of “off the record,” “anonymous sources,” “high level sources” or any other such nonsense should be thrown out–by everyone. I’ve never seen such a deluge of non-identified sources, and I’ve reached the point that if a person won’t go on the record, I toss it out–and them with it (if I could)!

    Do you have ancestors from Bohemia? They were big fans of defenestration as well. ?

    Oh no! My cover is blown!!

    • #27
  28. Susan Quinn Contributor
    Susan Quinn
    @SusanQuinn

    cdor (View Comment):
    I am very glad to read this from you, Susan. This is a good time to work on your hobbies, take long walks, play with your pets…anything to not listen to all the wild garbage being hysterically screamed out and frantically thrown at the walls. It is also a time when our elected “fellow” Republicans should be working for us to have our President’s back. They should be passing legislation as well. In other words, doing stuff to move the ball forward. However, I suspect that there are some Republican congress folk who are quite happy to sit on their duffs and even blow more smoke in the air to impede Trump. Too bad. I hope this ugly and wasteful time becomes a distant memory by this time next year.

    Watch for my new post over the next few days. There’s some mind shifting going on.

    • #28
  29. cdor Member
    cdor
    @cdor

    Susan Quinn (View Comment):

    cdor (View Comment):
    I am very glad to read this from you, Susan. This is a good time to work on your hobbies, take long walks, play with your pets…anything to not listen to all the wild garbage being hysterically screamed out and frantically thrown at the walls. It is also a time when our elected “fellow” Republicans should be working for us to have our President’s back. They should be passing legislation as well. In other words, doing stuff to move the ball forward. However, I suspect that there are some Republican congress folk who are quite happy to sit on their duffs and even blow more smoke in the air to impede Trump. Too bad. I hope this ugly and wasteful time becomes a distant memory by this time next year.

    Watch for my new post over the next few days. There’s some mind shifting going on.

    This just came up on Powerlineblog by John Hinderaker. Every action, every speech Barack Obama put forth showed him to be antagonistic to USA interests. What has Donald Trump done or said that was not pro USA? His only talk of the Russians was about hopefully finding some common ground. His actions, oth, have been purely in American interests, Russians be damned.

    • #29
  30. Front Seat Cat Member
    Front Seat Cat
    @FrontSeatCat

    Susan Quinn (View Comment):
    The comments of “off the record,” “anonymous sources,” “high level sources” or any other such nonsense should be thrown out–by everyone. I’ve never seen such a deluge of non-identified sources, and I’ve reached the point that if a person won’t go on the record, I toss it out–and them with it (if I could)!

    This is how they work and social media, especially Twitter runs with it – it’s really bad.  This was a decent, balanced story this morning:

    http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/may/17/donald-trumps-intelligence-sharing-with-russians-o/?utm_source=onesignal&utm_campaign=pushnotify&utm_medium=push

     

     

    • #30
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