If the FBI is conducting a criminal investigation into the potential criminal wrongdoing of a presidential candidate is it the opinion of the NYT that voters should not know about it and does the answer depend on whether the candidate's name is Clinton or Trump?
33
So; James Comey, the Great All American Super Hero, is more concerned about Mrs. Clinton's E-mails than Donald Trump's sweet heart, Putin? So Mr. Comey spent 5 years in private sector working for Lockheed Martin, who in fact is the largest defense supplier for the Pentagon and holds other contracts in international places. Mr. Comey also worked for Guiliani for 6 years as his Assistant Attorney General. Now Mr. Guiliani is Trump's top advisor. Hmmm? It looks like guilt by association. It makes one speculate if Mr. Trump and Mr. Guiliani have some blackmail incentive that forced Mr. Comey's hand to act out in such an half cocked fashion.
36
It seems the entire writing world has now stopped making any distinction between the phrases "hundreds AND thousands" and "hundreds OF thousands". There are NOT "hundreds OF thousands" of e-mails in this latest case. There ARE "hundreds AND thousands". The Times, at least, should get it right. "the Justice Department and F.B.I. are scrambling to process hundreds of thousands of emails" - my foot.
7
While we are at it, can someone explain how our AG can involve herself in this dispute after she had already recuse herself from this email issue?
Isn't that a violation of some ethical principle or another?
Isn't that a violation of some ethical principle or another?
11
It's stated that If classified emails are found on Mr. Weiner's computer then "perhaps most consequential acts was to undermine the American people’s trust in the nation’s top law enforcement agencies"
I would think that If classified emails are found on Mr. Weiner's computer then "perhaps most consequential acts was to undermine the American people’s trust" in HILARY CLINTON
I would think that If classified emails are found on Mr. Weiner's computer then "perhaps most consequential acts was to undermine the American people’s trust" in HILARY CLINTON
12
Comey is a total disgrace to our democracy. Talk is cheap, if he has any semblance of integrity, then he should resign, and right away!
32
Gee fellows, didn't Mr. Comey have probable cause if a judge approved a search warrant with further parameters than the original sexting with an underage girl case involving Huma Aberdin's husband Anthony Weiner? Twisting the editorial board into a pretzel won't change this fact and trying to demonize the FBI Director with politically correct bromides after lauding him when it seemed to help your entitled candidate seems a bit hypocritical if not downright deliberate petulant propaganda. Hopefully what goes around comes around and your constant two-faced degradation of journalism and the political process will come back to haunt you when the mortgage comes due and journalistic integrity and credibility are needed to save this newspaper from the smug arrogance that is destroying it.
30
What planet do these liberals live on? The American people haven't trusted the federal government since Eric Holder got caught in an outright lie concerning "fast and Furious", Lois Lerner and IRS chief Koskinnen showed their contempt for Congress, and Obozo told us we could keep our doctor and our health plan if we wanted to, "period".
20
If the Times has any morals they would retract their recommendation of Hillary and demand she resign from the ticket
27
His only big mistake was caving to Obama admin pressure in the original investigation which legal experts, including former AG Mukasey, agree fell far short of what should have been done. In other words, he acquiesced to Lotetta Lynch's DOJ which along with Obama did not want a thorough investigation into the emails or the CGI.
21
Let me finish your piece. Mr. Comey should apologize to the American people for his ill-timed letter to Congress, state that he should not have written the letter, and remain silent until after the election. This holds true regardless of what he finds on Wiener's laptop.
23
Two sentence from this drivel are informative:
"It now turns out that he knew nothing about the substance of the emails" seems willfully to ignore Mr. Comey's written words: "The FBI cannot yet assess whether or not this material may be significant". Why would the Times display such willful ignorance?
Perhaps the second informative sentence:
"The Clinton campaign and its supporters are apoplectic".
Apoplexy is not an attractive quality for an editorial page.
"It now turns out that he knew nothing about the substance of the emails" seems willfully to ignore Mr. Comey's written words: "The FBI cannot yet assess whether or not this material may be significant". Why would the Times display such willful ignorance?
Perhaps the second informative sentence:
"The Clinton campaign and its supporters are apoplectic".
Apoplexy is not an attractive quality for an editorial page.
18
Comey's problem is that he is an honest man enmeshed among wolves.
30
Is Comey responsible for the delayed disclosure of the Weiner email trove...or is Hillary? Which investigative reporters are looking this corruption?
According to The Wall Street Journal, the New York FBI agents notified deputy director Andrew McCabe of their blockbuster findings on October 3. But they couldn’t access the emails they found because they weren’t covered under the existing warrant for Weiner. They needed a new warrant. So what did McCabe do?
Nothing. He never requested one. Nothing happened for weeks, a potentially critical failure. Why is this important?
McCabe is the #2 FBI official, who oversaw the initial Clinton email investigation, and slowed it down. His wife received $500,000 while running for the Virginia state senate from the political action committee (PAC) of longtime Clinton ally and current Virginia governor Terry McAullife. Clinton herself conducted a major fundraiser for that same PAC shortly before the group steered the cash to McCabe’s wife.
So Mrs. McCabe received $500,000 from a close Clinton ally around the same time Mrs. Clinton was under an investigation led by Mr. McCabe. Simultaneously AG Loretta Lynch is being promised a Supreme Court seat if she suppresses the FBI inquiry, in a famously improper meeting with Bill Clinton in her private plane. This is but a rare insight into the massive corruption that fairly characterizes the Clintons' political careers. You can't excise Owney Madden's ethics from a politician of Hot Springs, AK.
According to The Wall Street Journal, the New York FBI agents notified deputy director Andrew McCabe of their blockbuster findings on October 3. But they couldn’t access the emails they found because they weren’t covered under the existing warrant for Weiner. They needed a new warrant. So what did McCabe do?
Nothing. He never requested one. Nothing happened for weeks, a potentially critical failure. Why is this important?
McCabe is the #2 FBI official, who oversaw the initial Clinton email investigation, and slowed it down. His wife received $500,000 while running for the Virginia state senate from the political action committee (PAC) of longtime Clinton ally and current Virginia governor Terry McAullife. Clinton herself conducted a major fundraiser for that same PAC shortly before the group steered the cash to McCabe’s wife.
So Mrs. McCabe received $500,000 from a close Clinton ally around the same time Mrs. Clinton was under an investigation led by Mr. McCabe. Simultaneously AG Loretta Lynch is being promised a Supreme Court seat if she suppresses the FBI inquiry, in a famously improper meeting with Bill Clinton in her private plane. This is but a rare insight into the massive corruption that fairly characterizes the Clintons' political careers. You can't excise Owney Madden's ethics from a politician of Hot Springs, AK.
27
I believe it is time for Mr. Comey to investigate himself and select elements of the FBI for inappropriate connections to the Trump campaign and what remains of the Republican Party.
I mean, that's how it works, isn't it? I know that's how conservatives have always done it.
Ooh, and he needs to make a big, portentous announcement to keep us all well informed because we have a need to know. Just please don't burden us with evidence of any kind.
I mean, that's how it works, isn't it? I know that's how conservatives have always done it.
Ooh, and he needs to make a big, portentous announcement to keep us all well informed because we have a need to know. Just please don't burden us with evidence of any kind.
17
The comments today sound like the fevered alt-right echo chamber. Does Bannon line up all the goons in his employ for Trumper emails berating the Times for any article that questions their master's candidacy? The comments are so overstated, they sound like variations of the Man himself, down to Mrs. Clinton's "criminality." Shouldn't there be filters against the slanders hurled at this great woman?
25
This is more than just a mistake. It looks more like the FBI is incompetent. We now know that the FBI had these emails for weeks and could have run a computer program within days to see if they had any new stuff. Also, given that there are no new players here even if they have new stuff and even if that stuff is top secret -- the bottom line is criminal intent which Comey determined was a big fat negative in July. So why run to Congress with your pants on fire?
20
Yes, I totally agree that the electorate should be kept in the dark about an issue for which we might want to know about before casting our votes. After all, it's not like we have a need to know.
24
He is simply trying to influence the election so Donald Trump can win. He is a pawn for the radical fascist GOP majority that currently runs The Congress. This is a clear violation of the Hatch act. Mr. .Comey needs to be released from his position and the FBI needs to salvage whatever credibility it has left
16
A little history: In 1992, on October 30, to be exact, Kaspar Weinberger, Secretary of Defense under Reagan, was indicted because of his role in Iran-Contra. And Bill Clinton didn't see anything wrong with it being days before the election.
In addition, it's idiotic to clamor for the FBI to release those emails. They are Huma's emails. She can publish them whenever she wants, unless she was told by authorities not to.
In addition, it's idiotic to clamor for the FBI to release those emails. They are Huma's emails. She can publish them whenever she wants, unless she was told by authorities not to.
14
The United States of America is a failed state, thanks to a corrupt DOJ and Clinton INC.
Clinton has already lost. Even if she wins the election, it will be a Pyrrhic victory. 1972 all over again. An impeachment highly probable.
It is time for Democrats to put country before party and disavow this criminal.
Clinton has already lost. Even if she wins the election, it will be a Pyrrhic victory. 1972 all over again. An impeachment highly probable.
It is time for Democrats to put country before party and disavow this criminal.
18
The US could potentially elect a candidate who is under a federal criminal investigation. Is the voting public that eager to turn the USA into a banana republic?
This seems like an even worse mistake to make. (Unless you want 4 years of hearings and impeachment and paralysis in our government.)
This seems like an even worse mistake to make. (Unless you want 4 years of hearings and impeachment and paralysis in our government.)
17
With all the hacking, copying, leaking, etc. of documents, files and e-mails from all kinds of sources, who in their right mind would expect that a computer in the possession of Anthony Weiner would have up-to-date security aps?
While the FBI is investigating the OMG e-mails, perhaps they should take a look at just how those e-mails got onto that computer, a computer which a man was apparently using to troll for young sex targets. The man sends pictures of his body parts for goodness sake. How many of us have gotten the big splash across the screen warning that a site is known to have infectious malware? Think Mr. Weiner worried about that?
Perhaps in some convoluted version of reality, Huma Abedin went out of her way to use a computer she knows has been used for sex play (ewww, don’t touch that keyboard), and proceeded to copy thousands or hundreds of thousands of government documents onto its hard drive.
Or, have our nation’s enemies found another open backdoor to exploit?
What’s that I hear? Quack, quack – Hillary conspiracy? Or a duck?
I'm going with a duck.
While the FBI is investigating the OMG e-mails, perhaps they should take a look at just how those e-mails got onto that computer, a computer which a man was apparently using to troll for young sex targets. The man sends pictures of his body parts for goodness sake. How many of us have gotten the big splash across the screen warning that a site is known to have infectious malware? Think Mr. Weiner worried about that?
Perhaps in some convoluted version of reality, Huma Abedin went out of her way to use a computer she knows has been used for sex play (ewww, don’t touch that keyboard), and proceeded to copy thousands or hundreds of thousands of government documents onto its hard drive.
Or, have our nation’s enemies found another open backdoor to exploit?
What’s that I hear? Quack, quack – Hillary conspiracy? Or a duck?
I'm going with a duck.
12
The real question is why we are dealing with this in the first place. Any responsible party would have passed on such a baggage-ridden candidate.
28
"Mr. Comey appears to have grasped the importance of that rule in some contexts." --namely, when it might hurt Republicans.
In general, Comey seems only to hear -- or even think about -- what Republicans might say. A troubling sort of deafness, when it leaves out at least half the nation.
In general, Comey seems only to hear -- or even think about -- what Republicans might say. A troubling sort of deafness, when it leaves out at least half the nation.
6
The answer to Mr Comey's motivation will most likely be contained in Mr Comey's computer if the Justice Dept. were to seize it and examine its contents. Your article points out the hypocrisy of the whole episode.
4
Hillary is a Russian spy. Why else would she illegally leave thousands of Top Secret emails on a private server for the KGB to easily hack?
6
The "Big Mistake" was Hillary Clinton's irresponsible behavior regarding her illegal use of a private email server and her unethical if not illegal trading of political favors for cash while Secretary of State.
The next "Big Mistake" was the cover up of the Clinton "Big Mistake" by Obama,Lynch and the Justice Department.
Obama, Lynch and the Justice Department have squandered their integrity and credibility to protect the Clintons.
The next "Big Mistake" was the cover up of the Clinton "Big Mistake" by Obama,Lynch and the Justice Department.
Obama, Lynch and the Justice Department have squandered their integrity and credibility to protect the Clintons.
17
Lawless actions? Violations of standing policy? (I haven't heard anything associated with Orin Hatch praised in so many years.) Threats to our democracy? And the source of this whole thing is? It's not James Comey or Trump or Republicans or immigrants or racism or every other lame excuse. It's the Clintons and the people who endorse, vote, and carry water for them. Enjoy the meal - because so many of you contributed to it.
14
And let's not forget Comey's highly political and unsubstantiated claims about a "Ferguson effect" -- that police were so demoralized they weren't doing their jobs because of protests about police killings of unarmed African Americans.
11
It appears Mr. Comey had a chance to influence the election, and he took it. Perhaps he wasn't satisfied with his own gratuitous "extremely careless" comment, an op-ed he added to his decision not to pursue criminal charges in his year-long investigation.
Or maybe has has top-secret information that the rest of us don't have, and is taking what steps he deems necessary. Patriot or criminal? We'll see when the dust settles.
Or maybe has has top-secret information that the rest of us don't have, and is taking what steps he deems necessary. Patriot or criminal? We'll see when the dust settles.
6
Obama believes Comey has integrity and is not trying to influence the election.
"... a man of integrity, he's a man of principle, and he's a man of good character," per Josh Earnest. “...The president is completely confident that Director Comey has not taken any steps to try to intentionally influence the outcome of the election or to advantage one political party.”
http://www.politico.com/story/2016/10/white-house-james-comey-clinton-fb...
"... a man of integrity, he's a man of principle, and he's a man of good character," per Josh Earnest. “...The president is completely confident that Director Comey has not taken any steps to try to intentionally influence the outcome of the election or to advantage one political party.”
http://www.politico.com/story/2016/10/white-house-james-comey-clinton-fb...
8
Boy, I sure am in the minority here but I don't get it. So, you're saying that he should have remained silent as new information on a "closed" investigation surfaced? Isn't that equally provocative?
I actually voted (By mail in NJ--highly recommend the convenience of it) for HC, but in this instance...it seems like one more case where we've lost our compass. More emails. So? Hide that fact before the election, deny full information? Even though there is NOTHING to indicate further guilt? Ok, suppose today, he found something detrimental to TRUMP (oh, a tax return maybe, or a video of the grabbing of some one's privates...) we should keep that secret as well, so as to not sway the election?
I do think we have a mounting problem of increasing October--and November surprises, but reporting that more emails have been discovered is not a part of that...although, trotting out a group of people alleging abuse after a decade--one month before an election sure is 'coincidental'
It's great to be an independent! I didn't vote for Trump because, well, he's crazy, emails or not, but want to make up my own mind without anyone selecting what I should and shouldn't know.
I actually voted (By mail in NJ--highly recommend the convenience of it) for HC, but in this instance...it seems like one more case where we've lost our compass. More emails. So? Hide that fact before the election, deny full information? Even though there is NOTHING to indicate further guilt? Ok, suppose today, he found something detrimental to TRUMP (oh, a tax return maybe, or a video of the grabbing of some one's privates...) we should keep that secret as well, so as to not sway the election?
I do think we have a mounting problem of increasing October--and November surprises, but reporting that more emails have been discovered is not a part of that...although, trotting out a group of people alleging abuse after a decade--one month before an election sure is 'coincidental'
It's great to be an independent! I didn't vote for Trump because, well, he's crazy, emails or not, but want to make up my own mind without anyone selecting what I should and shouldn't know.
11
Let's step back for a minute and look at the facts surrounding Mr. Comey's letter. All the letter actually says is that there are additional emails that have yet to be reviewed by the FBI to determine whether they do or do not contain classified information and if, so whether they are or not significant. That’s it.
It is depressing that you take it as a given that voters (particularly Trump supporters and undecideds) will automatically jump to the conclusion that these emails contain information that is damaging to the Clinton campaign, without waiting for the emails to be actually reviewed and analyzed to determine whether that in fact is the case. In fact, in your editorial you do not even bother to urge voters to wait for the facts regarding the content of these emails before forming an opinion about them.
The fundamental problem is not Mr. Comey’s letter – it is voters’ knee jerk reactions to snippets of information and our politicians’ cynical manipulation of voters to advance their own careers.
Just another reason why lazy and ignorant voters do not deserve the right to vote.
It is depressing that you take it as a given that voters (particularly Trump supporters and undecideds) will automatically jump to the conclusion that these emails contain information that is damaging to the Clinton campaign, without waiting for the emails to be actually reviewed and analyzed to determine whether that in fact is the case. In fact, in your editorial you do not even bother to urge voters to wait for the facts regarding the content of these emails before forming an opinion about them.
The fundamental problem is not Mr. Comey’s letter – it is voters’ knee jerk reactions to snippets of information and our politicians’ cynical manipulation of voters to advance their own careers.
Just another reason why lazy and ignorant voters do not deserve the right to vote.
6
FBI Director Comey's letter to Congress should be a source of dismay to every citizen. However, it was not surprising that he behaved in this manner following his remarks to Congress in reporting the results of the investigation into Sec. Clinton's email server last summer.
Our investigative agencies should not allow personal political beliefs and affiliations to interfere with the integrity of their work, doing so undermines the safety net of justice that they were created to uphold.
Shame on you, Director Comey. You have let America down--not once, but twice. Once by offering a personal opinion, and this time by feeding the rumor machine.
Our investigative agencies should not allow personal political beliefs and affiliations to interfere with the integrity of their work, doing so undermines the safety net of justice that they were created to uphold.
Shame on you, Director Comey. You have let America down--not once, but twice. Once by offering a personal opinion, and this time by feeding the rumor machine.
8
What a gift for the Dems! Comey's honest and fair actions give the Dems something to focus on besides the indisputable fact that Hillary is totally unqualified to hold a security clearance, let alone be president. You can forget that Hillary is the most incompetent, dangerous, dishonest, corrupt, and deeply flawed human to ever run for any elected office at any level.
11
If Donald Trump becomes the next president because he got an unethical boost from a partisan FBI director, every worst-case scenario in a Trump presidency will be on James Comey's conscience. Of course, it won't help matters if the good ole U. S. of A. begins circling the toilet bowl on both foreign and domestic disasters.
Please recall Shakespeare's words: "misfortunes don't come singly; they come in battalions." In this scavenger hunt of an election year, has any reasonable, sensible citizen seen or heard anything reassuring from Trump that he's up to the job?
That silence tells me "no."
Please recall Shakespeare's words: "misfortunes don't come singly; they come in battalions." In this scavenger hunt of an election year, has any reasonable, sensible citizen seen or heard anything reassuring from Trump that he's up to the job?
That silence tells me "no."
5
Barring a total collapse of the world economy under a Trump presidency (which is not that unlikely), I and those close to me will probably be OK, from a purely selfish point of view. So I ask myself, why do I not turn my back on this noxious, foul-smelling brew into which our public life has been transformed, and let those who have created this mess drown in it? To do so would mean turning my back on many decades of effort to be a good citizen, to study the issues, to speak and to listen, and above all to CARE when others suffer needlessly.
I have a lot less future than I have a past (I will be 77 in two weeks) and perhaps I can allow myself some peace, however transient. But I rather suspect that whoever wins next week, I will instead be sitting shiveh for our experiment in self-government which has been ailing for some time and now appears to be in terminal decline.
I have a lot less future than I have a past (I will be 77 in two weeks) and perhaps I can allow myself some peace, however transient. But I rather suspect that whoever wins next week, I will instead be sitting shiveh for our experiment in self-government which has been ailing for some time and now appears to be in terminal decline.
3
All civil officers of the United States can be removed from office by impeachment in the House of Representatives. Mr. Comey should be removed for flagrant violation of the duties of his office.
6
Actually, Hillary is more likely to be impeached by the House of Representatives than Comey. Sort of like how her husband was impeached.
11
"Mr. Comey fought successfully to keep the F.B.I.’s name off a government report regarding evidence that Russia was attempting to interfere in the presidential election. He believed the report was accurate but did not want to sign on to it so close to the election."
--Let me see if I can follow his reasoning: Does Comey's notion of not interfering in our election also mean not interfering with Russia's attempt to interfere?
--Let me see if I can follow his reasoning: Does Comey's notion of not interfering in our election also mean not interfering with Russia's attempt to interfere?
10
Comey undermined my vote, and many other women. For once in my lifetime I thought, I will see the day, when a woman becomes president. Come the old boy club, boys will be boys, and undermine the top person, a woman, in the justice department to make sure that the boys will continue to have the full and reign.
4
I believe that, based on the latest polling, the damage to Secretary Clinton's bid for the White House may have already been done due to FBI Director Comey's letter to certain members of Congress. Was it deliberate? Poor judgement? We don't know. In any case, I now am very concerned about the election. It has been unnecessarily tainted by Mr. Comey's recent action. I now fear that the Republican nominee, should he be elected, lacks the temperament, experience at any government level, or understanding of the norms of either domestic or foreign diplomacy or regard for those of us in this country who believe in the basic tenants of our democracy of fairness, justice, equality and civility.
8
The public officials who used their positions to influence the outcome of the election are the Congressional Committees who officially received the letter and then leaked it (Comey did not release the letter to the public). Perhaps that needs to be investigated. Even though Congress is the voice of the people, not every piece of information it learns is meant to be shared with the public.
6
The very republicans who were questioning the claims made by twelve women accusing Trump of sexual abuse and complaining about timing of their coming forward with their stories see nothing wrong in vague letter devoid of substance and timing of Comey's letter.
This, I call the objective and fair standard, as defined by republicans!
This, I call the objective and fair standard, as defined by republicans!
9
It's really pretty simple. Comey acted in a completely partisan fashion; partisan for the Republican party and against Hilary Clinton. He even declined, per standard procedures, to say anything about Russian hacks of emails, saying it would unduly effect the elections. But somehow this hasn't. He is J. Edgar Hoover number 2. Two choices: resign or be fired.
7
“…..since the F.B.I. has already determined that she did not intentionally mishandle classified information.”
It is clear that she did mishandle classified information, and that the only excuse for ‘unintentional’ would be incompetence.
https://www.fbi.gov/news/pressrel/press-releases/statement-by-fbi-direct...
“Although we did not find clear evidence that Secretary Clinton or her colleagues intended to violate laws governing the handling of classified information, there is evidence that they were extremely careless in their handling of very sensitive, highly classified information.”
“For example, seven e-mail chains concern matters that were classified at the Top Secret/Special Access Program level when they were sent and received.”
“Although there is evidence of potential violations of the statutes regarding the handling of classified information, our judgment is that no reasonable prosecutor would bring such a case.”
“To be clear, this is not to suggest that in similar circumstances, a person who engaged in this activity would face no consequences. To the contrary, those individuals are often subject to security or administrative sanctions. But that is not what we are deciding now.”
It is clear that she did mishandle classified information, and that the only excuse for ‘unintentional’ would be incompetence.
https://www.fbi.gov/news/pressrel/press-releases/statement-by-fbi-direct...
“Although we did not find clear evidence that Secretary Clinton or her colleagues intended to violate laws governing the handling of classified information, there is evidence that they were extremely careless in their handling of very sensitive, highly classified information.”
“For example, seven e-mail chains concern matters that were classified at the Top Secret/Special Access Program level when they were sent and received.”
“Although there is evidence of potential violations of the statutes regarding the handling of classified information, our judgment is that no reasonable prosecutor would bring such a case.”
“To be clear, this is not to suggest that in similar circumstances, a person who engaged in this activity would face no consequences. To the contrary, those individuals are often subject to security or administrative sanctions. But that is not what we are deciding now.”
3
I cannot help but wonder why the FBI thinks it's appropriate for the FBI to reach out to members of the legislative branch to discuss a speculative cache of emails found on a computer. Does the Director not understand the separation of powers in the 3 levels of Government? This is why we have 3 distinctly separate branches; the idea was that unlike in England; in the USA, a high level member of the executive branch is prohibited from engaging in wholesale rumor mongering without first examining the information and then deciding what laws if any were violated. Comey has basically done an end run around long standing policy and sunk the FBI as a whole into a morass of problems and did this in the runup to a national election. It is difficult to believe that Comeuy did not play this scenario out prior to hitting the panic button on his phone- if he didn't - he's at best naive and at worst a calculating partisan..
Why is it ok to email members of the legislative branch about Hillary Clinton- but not Donald Trump?
In either case; it's entirely inappropriate and I sense that Comey is nobody's fool.
Why is it ok to email members of the legislative branch about Hillary Clinton- but not Donald Trump?
In either case; it's entirely inappropriate and I sense that Comey is nobody's fool.
8
I just called the FBI headquarters telephone number and found out there is no channel through which citizens can lodge a complaint or comment about the director's actions.
Director Comey should resign right now, before the elections, to give as strong a signal as possible that his actions unduly influenced the elections in a very partisan nature.
Director Comey should resign right now, before the elections, to give as strong a signal as possible that his actions unduly influenced the elections in a very partisan nature.
5
How could one conclude otherwise than Comey violated the Hatch Act, and thus should be fired? Unfortunately, should Lynch terminate him, or put him on leave and start an investigation, this will even further play into the hands of the Monster that has become the Right Wing Smear Machine. Comey the martyr. More evidence of Clinton "corruption." And so forth. My God, what is happening to this country?
9
Having with with DOJ for years on litigation, what should be make clear is that Mr. Comey had no authority to "decide" whether to prosecute Mrs. Clinton. The FBI investigates, the DOJ attorneys decide whether to prosecute and the charges are based on the investigation. Mr. Comey appears to be quite full of himself. His first mistake was made in July with all the releases of raw investigative information, his press conferences and testimony. He should have referred Congress to the Attorney General's office, making clear that protocol did not give his authority to discuss the investigation and what his recommendations were. If the FBI does down this road, think of how many lives could be tainted by them announcing that so and so is being investigated, or this or that business is being investigated, when no wrong doing is found, and no charges are ever filed. Being careless is no a crime - we certainly know that based on Mr. Comey's actions. However, he and Mrs. Clinton are now both being prosecuted in the press and by the public. It is shameful, and another example of how independent institutions that we once could trust are now being politicized by our rampantly partisan Congress. Mr. Chafetz is not interested in the truth. He is only interested in making political points and destroying Hillary Clinton. That is what we as Americans should be most concerned about - a Congressional Committee trying to use the FBI as a political arm of the Republican Party.
16
This editorial is way off base. The public has a right to know that the investigation has been re-opened. To not make that factual knowledge public would also influence the election. Hillary exhibited extremely poor judgment as secretary of state and she is paying for it now. You reap what you sow. She has paranoid tendencies when it comes to information and it seems reasonable to assume that she employed a private server to control the release of her communications in advance of a run for president. Those communications belong to the people and the government that she serves. She easily could have used two phones, a black one for official email on an authorized state.gov account, and a pink one for her own private email. Problem solved. Furthermore, what are her emails doing on the computer of her aide's disgraced husband? Abedin claims ignorance. Convenient. This isn't the first scandal Abedin has pulled HRC into. Frightening to think she might become a senior advisor to a president.
Mr. Comey was damned it if he did and damned if he didn't. To announce a true claim--that an investigation has been re-opened--information that public should be able to assess before an election, is a public service. More information is better than less.
The thought of either Hillary or Trump in the White House is more than disconcerting; it's four years of government scandal and dysfunction. And it exposes the weakness of our two-party system of government. My vote for Jill Stein is wasted.
Mr. Comey was damned it if he did and damned if he didn't. To announce a true claim--that an investigation has been re-opened--information that public should be able to assess before an election, is a public service. More information is better than less.
The thought of either Hillary or Trump in the White House is more than disconcerting; it's four years of government scandal and dysfunction. And it exposes the weakness of our two-party system of government. My vote for Jill Stein is wasted.
7
What no one is saying is that James Comey's actions do not just appear to be ill-advised coming so close to November 8 (Election Day). In many states who allow early voting (Georgia is one), "Election Day" has been going on for many days. In fact, some states actually allow voters to rescind their votes and re-vote up to three times. Comey's actions are clearly partisan and designed to affect the election, swaying voters to a dangerous, immature and unprincipled demagogue -- Donald Trump.
Comey cannot take back what he said. Voters cannot "un-hear" what Comey said. He has done great damage to our democratic processes. Meanwhile, Comey refuses to provide information on what the FBI has found with regard to Donald Trump's connection with Russia to "avoid influencing" the election.
Hillary Clinton is being treated differently because she is a woman.
One day the highly questionable, bad-verging-on-criminal behavior exhibited by Comey will move into our lexicon. People who do such things will be described as "committing a comey."
I am voting for the only qualified candidate in this presidential race: Hillary Clinton. And I will be voting Democratic down the ballot, too, since no Republicans on my ballot have publicly disavowed or repudiated either Donald Trump or his partner-in-crime, James Comey.
Comey cannot take back what he said. Voters cannot "un-hear" what Comey said. He has done great damage to our democratic processes. Meanwhile, Comey refuses to provide information on what the FBI has found with regard to Donald Trump's connection with Russia to "avoid influencing" the election.
Hillary Clinton is being treated differently because she is a woman.
One day the highly questionable, bad-verging-on-criminal behavior exhibited by Comey will move into our lexicon. People who do such things will be described as "committing a comey."
I am voting for the only qualified candidate in this presidential race: Hillary Clinton. And I will be voting Democratic down the ballot, too, since no Republicans on my ballot have publicly disavowed or repudiated either Donald Trump or his partner-in-crime, James Comey.
6
The Justice Department official in charge of informing Congress about the newly reactivated Hillary Clinton email probe is a political appointee and former private-practice lawyer who kept Clinton Campaign Chairman John Podesta “out of jail,” lobbied for a tax cheat later pardoned by President Bill Clinton and led the effort to confirm Attorney General Loretta Lynch. Why aren't Kadzik and Podesta being arrested and imprisoned?!
5
Mr. Comey is a political appointee and newly confirmed hack and hatchet man who has offered the Republican Party, and that mad scamp Donald Trump, campaign fodder for months while assiduously refusing to say "there is nothing with which to charge Hillary Clinton, period".
3
"Lock him up!"
7
As a libertarian, I find all this editorial and the comments rather amusing. The Democrats elected a candidate who was under active FBI investigation, which has never happened before in the history of our country. Maybe, just, maybe, that tidbit has something to do with why unprecedented things are happening right now.
16
Does being "under investigation" by the government mean one is guilty and therefore disqualified from pursuing a job? As a libertarian, your notion of governmental power is strange.
5
As a libertarian you may find this all amusing, but you still live in this country --so whatever happens will still effect you.
Laugh while you can.
Laugh while you can.
3
Comey has violated the Hatch Act, and should be fired, which is the penalty for said violation. And he did it on camera in front of millions of Americans. Talk about reckless and careless ! Even officials of George Bush's justice department are criticizing him.
12
I just heard that the FBI has also attempted to review emails on computers owned, used or controlled by Donald Trump's companies (not the ones he had physically destroyed, obviously).
In contrast to the focus on Clinton's emails and servers, the FBI (and Mr. Comey) have been rather quiet (silent?) about their investigation of Trump.
And as the Times notes today, Trump has deleted many emails and destroyed servers in violation of court orders.
Mr. Comey doesn't seem to be treating Trump in a relatively preferential fashion, which appears highly inappropriate at best.
Certainly, the context for considering Clinton's email issues should include a comparison with other candidates and former presidents.
In contrast to the focus on Clinton's emails and servers, the FBI (and Mr. Comey) have been rather quiet (silent?) about their investigation of Trump.
And as the Times notes today, Trump has deleted many emails and destroyed servers in violation of court orders.
Mr. Comey doesn't seem to be treating Trump in a relatively preferential fashion, which appears highly inappropriate at best.
Certainly, the context for considering Clinton's email issues should include a comparison with other candidates and former presidents.
5
"Mr. Comey doesn't seem to be treating Trump in a relatively preferential fashion, which appears highly inappropriate at best."
Yes. How dare Comey treat Trump the same as everyone else in his agency's investigation! If the Democrat is in legal trouble, surely he must understand that the FBI should be counted on to give the GOP twice as much negative press. What's the world coming to when this doesn't happen!? What does he mean by not playing according to DNC rules? Clearly he should be fired.
Yes. How dare Comey treat Trump the same as everyone else in his agency's investigation! If the Democrat is in legal trouble, surely he must understand that the FBI should be counted on to give the GOP twice as much negative press. What's the world coming to when this doesn't happen!? What does he mean by not playing according to DNC rules? Clearly he should be fired.
4
You do understand that there is a difference between the private exchanges and those related to work while in the government, correct? Because you seem to want to have Mr. Trump be treated as if he has been a career politician with the records requirements that go along with being a member of congress or an administration. Do you think you, as a private citizen, should retain ever communication in your whole life and provide it to the government when asked or when you run for something? Why?
5
Who cares about Anthony Weiner when Vladimir Putin, Benjamin Netanyahu, King Salman, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Donald Trump are trying to interfere in American politics and elections? Comey looks, smells and sounds like a combination of Hoover, Beria and Heydrich. Comey needs to be checked for talking about any FBI investigation unleas or until an indictment. That is the President's job to order the Attorney General to silence or fire Comey or demand his resignation.
Hillary Clinton's e-mails were always a comparative distraction. But it was her own silly stupidity that created this issue coupled with her own dishonest arrogant greed and ambition. Hillary should have never used her private personal private server while she was at the State Department. Nor should the Clinton Foundation have taken any foreign or corporate money during that era. Hillary could have done without the $21 million she "earned" after leaving State.
Hillary Clinton's e-mails were always a comparative distraction. But it was her own silly stupidity that created this issue coupled with her own dishonest arrogant greed and ambition. Hillary should have never used her private personal private server while she was at the State Department. Nor should the Clinton Foundation have taken any foreign or corporate money during that era. Hillary could have done without the $21 million she "earned" after leaving State.
5
This man is obviously not fit to hold the office. He has interjected Politics into every investigation that he has had a chance to. This is not an "honest" mistake. He was paid off in some form for his great assistance to one Donald Trump. Hillary's first official move as President should be removing this scoundrel. He Broke the Law, plain and simple.
4
Comey's mistake was not to recommen the indictment of Hillary Clinton in July, after laying out the case against her for gross negligence - "extreme carelessness" in handling sensitive information - ostensibly because there was no intent. Intent is not an element of the offense of gross negligence. It looked as though Comey, a lawyer, had received his orders from A-G Loretta Lynch that Clinton was not to be prosecuted regardless of the evidence against her. Shameful.
9
The DOJ investigation into Hillary's emails is headed by a friend of Podesta's!!!!! He must resign immediately! This is a huge mistake! The FBI must search his house, read his mail and email, and tap his phone until they find evidence of communication with Podesta and prosecute him for violating the Hatch Act!! He's working with Russia and N Korea to get Hillary elected!!!!!
7
It's a weird election . The Times isn't doing everything for helping Americans and the Democracy in America. Why Comey is the guilty man today ? A federal is doing his job . The timing maybe isn't appropriate but the job must be done . The Times endorsed Clinton without having all informations and evidences concerning her integrity and good morality .
Repeal your endorsement before elections day and recognize your mistake . The Times will appears the Great newspaper and the light for all media around the world .
Repeal your endorsement before elections day and recognize your mistake . The Times will appears the Great newspaper and the light for all media around the world .
7
What FBI Director Comey has done is set a precedent. The FBI who doesn't really have a starling reputation will forever be tainted with this move. It's independence will be questioned by both sides. Unfortunately, it's not an office/department that can start over. No decision coming out of this department will ever be trusted no matter how apolitical. Comey's mess is something that will linger for several elections to come.
8
Are you sure the headline shouldn't read, "The NYTimes's Big Mistake"?
18
The bizarre, delusional, paranoid meltdown by Hillary and the Democrats proves these people are unfit for office at any level
15
What I don't understand is, how long does it take to investigate alleged lewd texts between an adult (Weiner) and a 15-year-old girl and reach a charging decision? Seems to me that it should take about ten minutes to get a search warrant and/or subpoena, about the same amount of time to read the texts obtained via warrant/subpoena and maybe 10 seconds to check the girl's birth certificate. Subpoenas for Weiner's computer records went out more than a month ago.
Does the FBI typically allow adults suspected of communicating with minors for immoral purposes to remain free for more than a month while they try to figure out whether stuff put down in writing qualifies as a crime? Perhaps they have gotten an eavesdropping warrant in an effort to catch Mr. Weiner in the act, which would explain why he's still among us, free to use a computer however he sees fit, but that would seem silly, given they could just as easily employ a decoy to arrive at the same destination.
Bottom line, when a grown man sends lewd messages to a 15-year-old girl, he should be investigated quickly and thoroughly and promptly charged if the facts warrant. Instead, we're in limbo, on the eve of a presidential election, while the FBI treats an investigation into a potential predator as some sort of taffy pull.
Does the FBI typically allow adults suspected of communicating with minors for immoral purposes to remain free for more than a month while they try to figure out whether stuff put down in writing qualifies as a crime? Perhaps they have gotten an eavesdropping warrant in an effort to catch Mr. Weiner in the act, which would explain why he's still among us, free to use a computer however he sees fit, but that would seem silly, given they could just as easily employ a decoy to arrive at the same destination.
Bottom line, when a grown man sends lewd messages to a 15-year-old girl, he should be investigated quickly and thoroughly and promptly charged if the facts warrant. Instead, we're in limbo, on the eve of a presidential election, while the FBI treats an investigation into a potential predator as some sort of taffy pull.
6
The Clintons and Weiners are now more closely linked, thanks to Huma's work with Hillary and the web that they've woven between their families. That both men have been caught in more salacious sex scandals than say... Donald Trump, solidifies the recurring theme in this whole group.
With regards to criminal investigations, all three (the Clintons, the Trumps, and now the Weiners) appear to be the masters of delay, deflect and the redirect. Their tactics have served them well, so far. Unfortunately, their latest tactics seem to have landed them here, immediately before the election.
That is to say, this catastrophe is playing out right now because these families have deliberately dragged their feet in compliance or cooperation with any and all investigations. The mess is of their own making.
With regards to criminal investigations, all three (the Clintons, the Trumps, and now the Weiners) appear to be the masters of delay, deflect and the redirect. Their tactics have served them well, so far. Unfortunately, their latest tactics seem to have landed them here, immediately before the election.
That is to say, this catastrophe is playing out right now because these families have deliberately dragged their feet in compliance or cooperation with any and all investigations. The mess is of their own making.
3
A vote for Hillary is a wasted vote. Even if you 100% agree with her positions, she is too hopelessly corrupt and criminal to achieve your goals. It's like asking a car to fly
8
"previously concluded investigation"
It's obvious that you were hoping it would stay "concluded". But is that realistic under the circumstances? Considering all the e-mails and hardware devices that were unaccounted for there has always been a good possibility that additional relevant evidence might show up before the election. Comey's biggest error was that he could have preempted all the current uproar but he did not. When he "closed" the case this summer he could have simply made a direct statement that "if additional evidence materializes we will fully investigate". Then he would not have to write a letter to Congress when the laptop evidence surfaced because they would have already been informed by way of his previous statement.
It's obvious that you were hoping it would stay "concluded". But is that realistic under the circumstances? Considering all the e-mails and hardware devices that were unaccounted for there has always been a good possibility that additional relevant evidence might show up before the election. Comey's biggest error was that he could have preempted all the current uproar but he did not. When he "closed" the case this summer he could have simply made a direct statement that "if additional evidence materializes we will fully investigate". Then he would not have to write a letter to Congress when the laptop evidence surfaced because they would have already been informed by way of his previous statement.
3
He did say that.
2
A man that can not keep his mouth shut as directed. He has no bussines in the FBI!!!! Of ouurse leaks eminate from the FBI and all other governemt agencies. Washinton is leaking like a sieve! Drain the swap? Yes! But do it with someone that is fit for the Presidentcy, Hillary!
If something is not done to rid our government of the leakers and partisan operatives we will be in trouble!
If something is not done to rid our government of the leakers and partisan operatives we will be in trouble!
5
Two things seemed to have been missed in this entire controversy.
If Hillary Clinton knowing deleted or ordered deleted the 33,000 emails after Congress ordered her to produce them, she is clearly guilty of contempt of Congress, which is a crime. Yet the Republican-controlled Congress has made no attempt to charge her, leaving it to Donald Trump and conservative pundits to convict her without trial.
I'm not a lawyer, but I believe that criminal intent is necessary for criminal behavior. If I sell you my house, with termites that I don't know about, I've done no wrong. If I know about them and don't tell you, I may be morally wrong, but not legally wrong. If you ask about termites, I know about them, and tell you there are none, I'm certainly morally wrong and possibly legally wrong. If you hire a termite inspector and I bribe him to say there are none, I am both morally, legally and probably criminally wrong.
To my knowledge, only Donald Trump has ever implied that Mrs. Clinton is knowingly guilty of treason.
If Hillary Clinton knowing deleted or ordered deleted the 33,000 emails after Congress ordered her to produce them, she is clearly guilty of contempt of Congress, which is a crime. Yet the Republican-controlled Congress has made no attempt to charge her, leaving it to Donald Trump and conservative pundits to convict her without trial.
I'm not a lawyer, but I believe that criminal intent is necessary for criminal behavior. If I sell you my house, with termites that I don't know about, I've done no wrong. If I know about them and don't tell you, I may be morally wrong, but not legally wrong. If you ask about termites, I know about them, and tell you there are none, I'm certainly morally wrong and possibly legally wrong. If you hire a termite inspector and I bribe him to say there are none, I am both morally, legally and probably criminally wrong.
To my knowledge, only Donald Trump has ever implied that Mrs. Clinton is knowingly guilty of treason.
4
Comey's letter has been used by Trump to create massive lies that have no basis in the details of the letter but many people believe. Although it might even further discredit Comey, he should come out and repeat strongly the contents of his letter and highlight what cannot be construed from it.
5
Why would you say that "he clearly failed to consider the impact of the innuendo he unleashed just days before the election" when it seems so obvious that he did exactly that? Where's the evidence that James Comey is a stupid man, or an incredibly naive man, which is what we'd have to believe in order to accept that statement? On the other hand, there's plenty of evidence that he was aware of the potential impact of announcements by the FBI--just look at his stance regarding the Russia connection.
4
It occurs to me to raise the question:
Is someone in the GOP blackmailing him?
Is someone in the GOP blackmailing him?
5
The silence of the Attorney General on the egregious behavior of Mr. Comey is deafening. Our democracy is being hit by the brutally coarse attitude of a Republican candidate, suddenly abetted by an official whose actions plunge a democratic system into the unknown.
2
how many good people are left hobbled and damaged in the rubble of this nasty election?
How do we insure it never happens again?
How do we insure it never happens again?
1
Will Comey be out on the street Nov 9th?
2
Here we go again, yet another Wash DC public figure without a moral backbone.
This election has brought out the absolute worst in our politicians, the media, and the mercenaries surrounding them. Now we have the top law enforcement official in the US committing a galactic blunder to save his own backside. It will only make Donald Trump's histrionics worse and reinforce the notion among his low-information followers that the election is rigged. This is a lousy, shameful partisan ploy that has no place in our democracy.
This election has brought out the absolute worst in our politicians, the media, and the mercenaries surrounding them. Now we have the top law enforcement official in the US committing a galactic blunder to save his own backside. It will only make Donald Trump's histrionics worse and reinforce the notion among his low-information followers that the election is rigged. This is a lousy, shameful partisan ploy that has no place in our democracy.
4
Professional and neutral is the key element to be the head in this agency. I don't want to know Comey's motivation since I had made up my mind days ago. Anything released about either candidate I don't care. We have to choose one from. If a person does not even release his personal income tax, if a person took so much advantages from the society for avoiding paying taxes, if a person has so much negative characters, then you want that person to be your supervisor NOT talking about to be the President of USA? President of USA is a very SERIOUS position. The requirements of this position CAN NOT be compromised.
3
Every member of Hillary's inner circle is under investigation. Every single one. The corruption of Hillary would turn America into a 3rd world banana republic dictatorship
9
At first it was hundreds of emails, then thousands now it's hundreds of thousands. Do our public servants spend 10 hours a day just writing emails? And all on one laptop. Or is the FBI exploring things they examined before in hopes that they can twist them into something criminal or re-classify them as top secret.
2
Comey had already undermined confidence in the FBI and DoJ when he listed the misdeeds of Clinton and her handling of classified documents, then said there would be no consequences. Had he delayed announcing the continued review until after the election he could have been accused of influencing the election by withholding potentially damaging information. He is in a no-win situation.
3
When Comey allowed us to be privy to that scolding lecture on Hillary's carelessness with classified national security information he was addressing the five million people in government service with security clearances who make sacrifices every day, including death, to protect classified information from unauthorized access by people hostile to the United States. When I applied for a government job it took them two years to complete the background investigation necessary for me to receive my top secret clearance. When Hillary Clinton was elected to public office she didn't have a background check. She wasn't reminded on a daily basis what was necessary to maintain one's security clearance, and thus one's job.
To be characterized as "extremely careless" in regard to protecting classified information is a severe condemnation that would cost a person their job in any other circumstance, never mind criminal prosecution. Hillary's arrogance in that regard is not a mitigating factor. She failed the national security requirements for the job. But since elected officials don't have background checks how do you disqualify them from government service where a disciplined security awareness is a necessary requirement?
How can Hillary function as commander in chief if she does not have the trust of the intelligence community, all seventeen agencies? It's not a matter of mandating their trust because the newly elected president says so.
To be characterized as "extremely careless" in regard to protecting classified information is a severe condemnation that would cost a person their job in any other circumstance, never mind criminal prosecution. Hillary's arrogance in that regard is not a mitigating factor. She failed the national security requirements for the job. But since elected officials don't have background checks how do you disqualify them from government service where a disciplined security awareness is a necessary requirement?
How can Hillary function as commander in chief if she does not have the trust of the intelligence community, all seventeen agencies? It's not a matter of mandating their trust because the newly elected president says so.
3
It is impossible to believe that James Comey, a Republican, did not have partisan feelings that tilted him towards this shamelessly partisan act. It is impossible to ignore his endless blind pursuit of Hillary Clinton (years, of course, going back to Whitewater) while being averse to treating Donald Trump with the same broad brush
Trump's endless record of lies and corruption are front and center. He has three pending legal actions, one for rape of a minor (innocent until proven guilty? yes. So should Hillary be treated as guilty by innuendo when the likely outcome is that nothing new will emerge, and that's already been decided?).
Trump's dealings with foreign governments are dubious at best, and limiting the investigation of his ties to Russia to Manafort is treating him with kid gloves.
So there you have it. Comey:
-Kid gloves and turning a blind eye to Trump.
-Neverending innuendo on Clinton.
-He's a Republican.
Anyone claiming this picture doesn't tell an all too obvious story is deceiving themselves. Meanwhile, Chaffetz and Republicans voted to defund embassy security: Benghazi is their responsibility as much as anyone's.
(Personally, I feel threatened and endangered by Trump, so it's not surprising to me that someone who has convinced themselves that Republicans *must* be in office would be influenced by feeling. But the very real danger of Trump and a continuing Republican Congress should be obvious even to decent Republicans at this point.)
Trump's endless record of lies and corruption are front and center. He has three pending legal actions, one for rape of a minor (innocent until proven guilty? yes. So should Hillary be treated as guilty by innuendo when the likely outcome is that nothing new will emerge, and that's already been decided?).
Trump's dealings with foreign governments are dubious at best, and limiting the investigation of his ties to Russia to Manafort is treating him with kid gloves.
So there you have it. Comey:
-Kid gloves and turning a blind eye to Trump.
-Neverending innuendo on Clinton.
-He's a Republican.
Anyone claiming this picture doesn't tell an all too obvious story is deceiving themselves. Meanwhile, Chaffetz and Republicans voted to defund embassy security: Benghazi is their responsibility as much as anyone's.
(Personally, I feel threatened and endangered by Trump, so it's not surprising to me that someone who has convinced themselves that Republicans *must* be in office would be influenced by feeling. But the very real danger of Trump and a continuing Republican Congress should be obvious even to decent Republicans at this point.)
6
Susan -
I am happy to find you again to offer some lively debate.
I agree that Trump is as rotten as they get, but I am not sure he has been treated with kid gloves by anyone. I think he has had his rude awakening to the realities and difficulties of political celebrity as opposed to popular celebrity. It is surreal that he is even running.
Mrs. Clinton, though (with all due respect to you), has been her own worst nightmare for creating unnecessary controversy and self-inflicted wounds. Pretty much all of her failures can be directly attributed to her own shortcomings. ...which only makes her human. Unfortunately these rather overt shortcomings still ring true as cardinal sins among a large chunk of the voting populace and on both sides of the aisle. Among them are lying cheating, and stealing. What the DNC is asking us to do next Tuesday is to tolerate her in doing so. The primary argument in the plea is that Trump is so rotten, we have no other choice. I don't think everyone is buying that line of thought.
I am happy to find you again to offer some lively debate.
I agree that Trump is as rotten as they get, but I am not sure he has been treated with kid gloves by anyone. I think he has had his rude awakening to the realities and difficulties of political celebrity as opposed to popular celebrity. It is surreal that he is even running.
Mrs. Clinton, though (with all due respect to you), has been her own worst nightmare for creating unnecessary controversy and self-inflicted wounds. Pretty much all of her failures can be directly attributed to her own shortcomings. ...which only makes her human. Unfortunately these rather overt shortcomings still ring true as cardinal sins among a large chunk of the voting populace and on both sides of the aisle. Among them are lying cheating, and stealing. What the DNC is asking us to do next Tuesday is to tolerate her in doing so. The primary argument in the plea is that Trump is so rotten, we have no other choice. I don't think everyone is buying that line of thought.
5
Thanks Ed for the friendly note. I'm about tapped out on this one. I am about Hillary's age, and prefer to let IT people do computers. I've spent a lot of time (having started out as a Bernie fan) chasing down all the innuendos and over time have come to feel that the narrative that Clinton is corrupt and dishonest is a manufactured Republican one.
If you want to know how much I think all this is dangerous, I recommend reading Jane Mayer's Dark Money (or her articles at the New Yorker) and Chris Mooney's Republican War on Science.
Even better, you could watch Leonardo diCaprio's Before the Flood. At least, the last few minutes, particularly his closing speech at the UN (hr:min 1:27) which summarizes the whole. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90CkXVF-Q8M
Yes, I think humankind and civilization are under threat, and yes, I think Trump's conscienceless dishonesty, corruption, and desire to be emperor, assisted by Putin and the oligarchs who have hundreds of millions invested in Trump makes the situation much worse. You might like also to look at the situation with Deutschebank, which is revealing on the Russian money situation.
The New York Times is a commercial operation, and they have not been reporting all the news lately. They are working too hard to oblige their advertisers and sources. The Washington Post (Farenthold) and Newsweek have been much better on factfinding on Trump lately:
http://www.newsweek.com/2016/10/28/donald-trump-business-busts-victims-5...
If you want to know how much I think all this is dangerous, I recommend reading Jane Mayer's Dark Money (or her articles at the New Yorker) and Chris Mooney's Republican War on Science.
Even better, you could watch Leonardo diCaprio's Before the Flood. At least, the last few minutes, particularly his closing speech at the UN (hr:min 1:27) which summarizes the whole. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90CkXVF-Q8M
Yes, I think humankind and civilization are under threat, and yes, I think Trump's conscienceless dishonesty, corruption, and desire to be emperor, assisted by Putin and the oligarchs who have hundreds of millions invested in Trump makes the situation much worse. You might like also to look at the situation with Deutschebank, which is revealing on the Russian money situation.
The New York Times is a commercial operation, and they have not been reporting all the news lately. They are working too hard to oblige their advertisers and sources. The Washington Post (Farenthold) and Newsweek have been much better on factfinding on Trump lately:
http://www.newsweek.com/2016/10/28/donald-trump-business-busts-victims-5...
3
coda: personally, I think it's quite possibly that Hillary will be an excellent president. But she will need support from Congress. The continuing obstruction and diminished chances of downticket races make this problematical, and I fault Comey's thumb on scaling most of all for this. We need a chance to get a few things done, like confirming Merrick Garland.
Here's a good summary of her proposed policies. Whether she can do them is another matter, but I think as they say it's worth considering what she claims she wants to do. I do think the email thing is a distraction, particularly given the egregious disappearance of millions of emails from Republicans over the years (Bush, RNC) and the history of intrusion from Russia and the large chip on Assange's shoulder.
http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2016/10/31/the-new-yorker-endorses-hil...
Here's a good summary of her proposed policies. Whether she can do them is another matter, but I think as they say it's worth considering what she claims she wants to do. I do think the email thing is a distraction, particularly given the egregious disappearance of millions of emails from Republicans over the years (Bush, RNC) and the history of intrusion from Russia and the large chip on Assange's shoulder.
http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2016/10/31/the-new-yorker-endorses-hil...
2
Every patriotic American who values Freedom, the Rule of Law, and Democracy itself is petrified at the Democrats response to Hillary's lawlessness. The illegal, clinically paranoid, delusional, hysterical, dictatorial schemes to attack an honest lawman like Comey represent the biggest threat American Democracy has ever faced!
11
Nope. I'm petrified by monstrous corrupt selfish liar Trump and his buddy Putin, his endless exploitation of workers, his ability to ruin the economy, increase our debt, and destroy jobs.
10
Is it possible that Weiner's prior status as a member of Congress
have anything to do with the FBI missing this server in their initial investigation?
have anything to do with the FBI missing this server in their initial investigation?
1
Too close, too close. Reel back, reel back, for the big picture of the busy bee hive in the forest fire.
Drones, we are, or worker ants, or wooly backs. Comey is paid and trained to judge, to keep the honey from turning green..
Did this woman, this BUD, bud to some, blow up doll to others, break the law again and again? Or did she not?
Only wooly backs, (a Welsh expression,) will put her above the law, not men like Comey.
Drones, we are, or worker ants, or wooly backs. Comey is paid and trained to judge, to keep the honey from turning green..
Did this woman, this BUD, bud to some, blow up doll to others, break the law again and again? Or did she not?
Only wooly backs, (a Welsh expression,) will put her above the law, not men like Comey.
After I got my PhD in English decades ago, I couldn't get a job, so I went to work in the "computer industry" and eventually earned a masters in computer science. Many things I learned then make me see the Clinton email crisis differently. One teacher I had, who was a working programmer in NYC, told us that everything was a mess there because NYC had a rule that you always had to buy the least expensive equipment -- and so they had a mish-mash of junky equipment that didn't work together. Then I heard a report the other night that the reason HRC's assistant moved emails to her personal computer was so that she could print them quickly. Have any of the people who constantly complain about HRC ever had a high pressure job where you need to get things done with inadequate computer support?
11
Talking about "Comey's big mistake" is of course exactly what the Clinton campaign wants the media to focus on as it deflects attention away from her own misconduct.
There will be plenty of time to critique Comey's conduct after the election. Next week voters will pick a president. If the FBI is conducting a criminal investigation that may bear on Clinton's fitness to serve, then the public should know about it.
That said, had the press done a better job of vetting the candidates sooner, then perhaps voters would not have been left with a choice between the two unsavory candidates running for president.
.
There will be plenty of time to critique Comey's conduct after the election. Next week voters will pick a president. If the FBI is conducting a criminal investigation that may bear on Clinton's fitness to serve, then the public should know about it.
That said, had the press done a better job of vetting the candidates sooner, then perhaps voters would not have been left with a choice between the two unsavory candidates running for president.
.
7
Nov 1, 2016
Interesting the generosity to default to a mistake - yet imposed by this Editorial I am guided by superior judgment with a high degree of acceptance. We can all agree that FBI legal counsel and Director James Comey is best to be held to superior citizens consequences towards a chance to correct for lessons learned for history and policies and practices that can sharpen our procedures enlightenment.
Interesting the generosity to default to a mistake - yet imposed by this Editorial I am guided by superior judgment with a high degree of acceptance. We can all agree that FBI legal counsel and Director James Comey is best to be held to superior citizens consequences towards a chance to correct for lessons learned for history and policies and practices that can sharpen our procedures enlightenment.
1
If the Times will print this incomprehensible comment it will apparently print anything.
1
Huh!! You make no sense.
1
You know it's bad when Alberto Gonzales and Bush's "ethics" lawyer are criticizing Comey's actions...
11
And, yet, not a contrary peep from the president.
3
I am appalled at the political situation in which we find ourselves. This political action by James Comey is astounding. I can't believe that he would ever have made this determination against a man! How he has escalated the hate toward a strong ,hardworking, intelligent woman with a long term commitment to public service makes this a gender issue that we face as a country. How could he have not see how this action would escalate the violence!! When will we ever learn!!
8
New NYTimes campaign! COMEY NOT CLINTON!!
3
"When they go low, we go high." We are discovering that rot penetrates deeper than virtue soars high.
3
As usual, when reading through these responses, there is one trait that comes to the fore - men are terrified of strong women. And they will defend, to the point of incredulity, their guy. When Sec Clinton was Secretary of State, there was no law against private servers, that law became effective during Sec Kerry's second year in office. But more than that, it's the mansplaining. The defense of the indefensible.
Comey just broke a long standing protocol and that's all right - because it is meant to take down the female candidate. At the same time, if we are to believe the swirling stories, Comey sat on an investigation into the male candidate's connection with Russia and Putin. Huh.
The double standard is nauseating and makes a pretty significant statement in how far we need to go to achieve gender equality. In the mean time, certain men are quite willing to fight to the death for a male candidate who is facing two trials in the upcoming months - one for fraud and the other for raping a minor. Those are real, serious crimes - not some finger wagging gaffe that Comey felt empowered to bring up, not once but twice and, being the powerful man, chastising that woman who is getting above herself.
Comey just broke a long standing protocol and that's all right - because it is meant to take down the female candidate. At the same time, if we are to believe the swirling stories, Comey sat on an investigation into the male candidate's connection with Russia and Putin. Huh.
The double standard is nauseating and makes a pretty significant statement in how far we need to go to achieve gender equality. In the mean time, certain men are quite willing to fight to the death for a male candidate who is facing two trials in the upcoming months - one for fraud and the other for raping a minor. Those are real, serious crimes - not some finger wagging gaffe that Comey felt empowered to bring up, not once but twice and, being the powerful man, chastising that woman who is getting above herself.
8
This witch-hunt is a travesty of justice and most likely criminal with respect to Director Comey’s actions.
Director Comey has acted reckless with disregard for policy. Certainly, he was aware that his letter to Congress would be misunderstood, yet he decided to send it against the advice and urging of the DOJ 11 days before the election. As you know his actions were a violation of ABA ethic rules, and FBI,and DOJ long standing policy.
With modern search capabilities, available to the FBI, this process of determining what emails are pertinent and not duplicates should already be done along with determining if any were so called “Confidential”. In addition, the past investigation found that nearly all of the so called "Confidential" emails were improperly marked as such, and therefore should not even be of issue. It is also a double standard, and another case of false equivalence when George W Bush and his whole admin used a private email server, hosted by the RNC, and later deleted over 20 million emails.
Donald Trump has lied more than any candidate ever. He has most likely committed fraud with regard to Trump University and also his tax filings.
The false equivalence that the media has engaged in over this election cycle is deplorable. Donald Trump does not have the temperament to be the POTUS. His views on foreign policy and even trade are wrong and not in America’s best interest. He has used hate mongering and divisive language to further divide the country.
Director Comey has acted reckless with disregard for policy. Certainly, he was aware that his letter to Congress would be misunderstood, yet he decided to send it against the advice and urging of the DOJ 11 days before the election. As you know his actions were a violation of ABA ethic rules, and FBI,and DOJ long standing policy.
With modern search capabilities, available to the FBI, this process of determining what emails are pertinent and not duplicates should already be done along with determining if any were so called “Confidential”. In addition, the past investigation found that nearly all of the so called "Confidential" emails were improperly marked as such, and therefore should not even be of issue. It is also a double standard, and another case of false equivalence when George W Bush and his whole admin used a private email server, hosted by the RNC, and later deleted over 20 million emails.
Donald Trump has lied more than any candidate ever. He has most likely committed fraud with regard to Trump University and also his tax filings.
The false equivalence that the media has engaged in over this election cycle is deplorable. Donald Trump does not have the temperament to be the POTUS. His views on foreign policy and even trade are wrong and not in America’s best interest. He has used hate mongering and divisive language to further divide the country.
10
With such a large volume of comments, I might have missed this comment (and if so, I apologize): Mr. Comey's actions constitute the infamous October surprise from WikiLeaks we were warned about.
1
Maybe if devices and e-mails were turned over when they were requested this would not have happened. I fondly remember that other Clinton "I never had sex with that woman" Bill. The sleaze is oozing from the Clinton's history and the Times is trying to cover it up. Sorry Clinton diehards you picked the wrong horse. If she wins this scandal will not go away. Nixon couldn't fire enough people to protect himself and I doubt she will be able to either.
10
When Comey ended the Email investigation last summer, liberals and the NY Times supported him. Now that newly discovered evidence supported reopening the investigation, liberals and the NY Times are losing their minds. Talk about hypocrites. Good for Comey doing the right thing.
7
No. We put up with his unconscionable editorializing at the time.
7
How is it that Comey does not want to mention Russian meddling before the election but went ahead and came out 8 days before the election and said he has possible new evidence on the Hillary Clinton emails. There is something very fishy going on and its beginning to stink!
5
Fortunately, the NY Times' attack on the Rule of Law and on Democracy itself will fail!!
8
Comey should resign immediately and apologize to the American people.
6
But if Comey runs for political office in the future?
Will Republicans see him as a conservative hero or not?
That is what comes to mind in the long-game of politics; the players put together their resumes with in a calculated manner that laymen just do not get. (To be fair, Hillary certainly comes to mind, she saw that Bill could do it and then figured out the ladder and the rungs).
As a Democrat this has been a disappointing year with Bernie's treatment by Hillarie's henchgirls (Brazile and Wassserman) becoming clear after the debates were over.
If I was a Republican however, I would be chagrined, disgusted and just plain embarrassed to the core with Trump and his inner circle. But not today's Republicans. They've come a long way baby and are circling the toilet bowl about now...
Will Republicans see him as a conservative hero or not?
That is what comes to mind in the long-game of politics; the players put together their resumes with in a calculated manner that laymen just do not get. (To be fair, Hillary certainly comes to mind, she saw that Bill could do it and then figured out the ladder and the rungs).
As a Democrat this has been a disappointing year with Bernie's treatment by Hillarie's henchgirls (Brazile and Wassserman) becoming clear after the debates were over.
If I was a Republican however, I would be chagrined, disgusted and just plain embarrassed to the core with Trump and his inner circle. But not today's Republicans. They've come a long way baby and are circling the toilet bowl about now...
2
Can you people really be this dense?
"already determined that she did not intentionally mishandle classified information..." Oh, okay, sure NYT.
*Caused to have installed a separate server for her emails, in her basement, to circumvent State Dept systems, and all records laws, over which classified info was transmitted.
*Gave these emails to her lawyers, w/o security clearance, to "sort" and "delete"
*Deleted (e.g. wiped/bleach-bit) all "non-work related emails, the determination of which was not hers to make.
Do you really think the whole point of this was to preserve private wedding planning and yoga emails? Not "peddling influence" through the foundation? C'mon.
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2016/10/27/us/politics/ap-us-campaign-20...
"already determined that she did not intentionally mishandle classified information..." Oh, okay, sure NYT.
*Caused to have installed a separate server for her emails, in her basement, to circumvent State Dept systems, and all records laws, over which classified info was transmitted.
*Gave these emails to her lawyers, w/o security clearance, to "sort" and "delete"
*Deleted (e.g. wiped/bleach-bit) all "non-work related emails, the determination of which was not hers to make.
Do you really think the whole point of this was to preserve private wedding planning and yoga emails? Not "peddling influence" through the foundation? C'mon.
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2016/10/27/us/politics/ap-us-campaign-20...
5
As I understand it, Mr. Comey has not complied with the rules of professional conduct regarding information about investigations during an election. Is there not a 60-day period wherein nothing may be revealed lest it impact the election? Is he so cowed by GOP members of Congress that he felt compelled to put his thumb on the scale in favour of Trump? Why has nothing been said about the investigation into the GOP candidate's relationship with Russia? Why has there been no information about an investigation into Trump's blatant tax dodge as exposed by the NYT? Does the nondisclosure rule only apply to GOP candidates?
Comey has done irreparable damage to the trust in the impartiality of the FBI and the sanctity of the electoral system. He must now release the information on Trump to even the scales.
Comey has done irreparable damage to the trust in the impartiality of the FBI and the sanctity of the electoral system. He must now release the information on Trump to even the scales.
3
And just to add a thought, I've now read the article in the Times that discusses how the FBI will go through the emails on the notorious laptop. It's not enough that they identify new ones, but then they'll need to send them out to various agencies for review and classification. Even then, the would need to prove deliberate intent to pass classified information (something they could not do earlier).
To my way of thinking, this makes Comey's letter even more inflammatory. He not only lacked a warrant when he sent his missive, but he had no idea what subsequent review would produce. I can only construe this as meddling in the election, and I call for his prosecution under the Hatch act and his removal, if he does not voluntarily resign.
To my way of thinking, this makes Comey's letter even more inflammatory. He not only lacked a warrant when he sent his missive, but he had no idea what subsequent review would produce. I can only construe this as meddling in the election, and I call for his prosecution under the Hatch act and his removal, if he does not voluntarily resign.
7
I just got an email from Hillary this morning asking for money.
Oh no, maybe Comey should announce an investigation to check my server.
Oh no, maybe Comey should announce an investigation to check my server.
6
I'm seeing a lot of comparison of Comey with J. Edgar Hoover. But what we have here is analogous to the situation in 1950-51 with MacArthur stepping outside his military position so egregiously that Truman rightly fired him. Law enforcement, like the military, has to avoid even the appearance of partisan involvement in political matters.
President Obama would be remiss if he didn't fire Comey just as Truman fired MacArthur. It cost Truman a second term, but in this case, history would be much quicker to see it as the right thing to do.
President Obama would be remiss if he didn't fire Comey just as Truman fired MacArthur. It cost Truman a second term, but in this case, history would be much quicker to see it as the right thing to do.
11
Truman did not run for office after he relieved General MacArthur of command.
Obama has tacitly endorsed Director Comey's actions.
Obama has tacitly endorsed Director Comey's actions.
A commenter asks: "How on earth is the Director of the FBI subjected to political pressure from Congress? Claims have been made that he may have to succumbed to such political pressure. He doesn't work for Congress."
Who funds the FBI? It would be Congress, is it not?
Who funds the FBI? It would be Congress, is it not?
1
It's simpler than that. He is a Republican and has chased the Clintons before. It's personal, but he may not have realized what a humongous cheat this was.
If you want a corrupt liar, try Trump.
If you want a corrupt liar, try Trump.
3
FBI Director term is ten years with 7 more years remaining for Comey and will not likely be removed from office except by impeachment which is initiated only by Congress. That is also his risk.
1
Who hires the FBI Director? It would be the President, would it not?
Who can fire the FBI Director? Oh, yeah, not Congress.
Who can fire the FBI Director? Oh, yeah, not Congress.
Indictment by innuendo. New legal policy. Adds excitement to elections. More news stories. Makes Bill of Rights outdated!
2
This whole effort was designed to take the spotlight off of Trump's sexual adventures but he has plenty more filthy linen including the trial for Trump U fraud in November, his bribing Florida officials, his use of his charity to pay corporate expenses. And the list goes on.... Mention Hillary's manufactured email scandal with no charges being made of any kind and the press goes berserk! Comey and his GOP handlers knew this full well. Republican operative Comey broke every ethical, professional and DOJ rule in the book , and perhaps even the law, to help Trump and the down-ticket Republicans who were sinking fast. Prima facia obvious.
4
Either Mr Comey has appallingly bad judgment or else he is partisan, in either case for the good of the FBI's tainted reputation he should resign immediately. In his letter of resignation he should apologize for his inappropriate behavior for both discussing the email case to Congress and saying that Hillary was "extremely careless" and now for his Friday letter that made more inappropriate comments.
2
I feel so awful about this latest happening and what it says about those public servants who seem more concerned with preserving their individual power than actually serving the public good. I really appreciate the editorial and reading so many excellent comments. I trust Hillary will be elected, although it's all too clear that she (and we) are going to be in for a rocky next four years.
3
Next Wednesday, the day after the election, regardless of the outcome, President Obama should walk down Pennsylvania Avenue to the FBI headquarters and should personally fire Comey and walk him out of the building. What a disgrace Comey is.
3
Also, we need to dispel on myth about this latest device. There is no way in heck that this was a "shared device." Use your common sense. A power couple like this didn't each have their own laptops? No way. Even my and my SO would not use each others work laptops. We may share a home computer but not our respective work laptops. So, what this really represents is Huma laptop that she "forgot" to tell the FBI about, with a half million copied e-mails in a folder labeled life insurance. Or, she gave them to Weiner for safe keeping, to keep them out of the reach of the FBI. Either way, Huma is in deep, hot water.
5
Comey knows what's on the emails and it isn't good for Hillary. It's going to be fun to watch all of the liberal publications backtrack on Comey. What is the Times going to do if it actually has to admit Hillary is a criminal?!
3
Director Comey should resign. The USA needs an FBI it can respect and trust. This is not possible while Comey remains.
3
Senator Harry Reed- not subjected to Hatch Act as FBI and DOJ are, dropped a bomb on Comey- What about your looking into Trumps' relationship with Russian Mafia? They are investigating- and that should be talked about also.
3
In any case, Comey has completely savaged his credibility, and should resign.
3
Keep right on defending the obvious felon. All it does is provide more ample evidence that the media is the propaganda wing of the democrat party. Izvestia and Pravda are the models and the NYT does it's level best to imitate.
She's an access and influence peddling liar that got caught in the web of her won deceit. How fitting that the information that will hang her comes from Carlos Danger's "device".
She's an access and influence peddling liar that got caught in the web of her won deceit. How fitting that the information that will hang her comes from Carlos Danger's "device".
6
Izvestia? Pravda? Trump, Putin's poodle?
No, you would be in jail for saying this kind of thing in Russia.
No, you would be in jail for saying this kind of thing in Russia.
2
The FBI director went from hero to goat because he made a decision seen by some as inimical to the campaign of Hillary Clinton. Conversely, he went from goat to hero by some who believed he had egregiously erred when he failed to recommend a case against Hillary Clinton, despite characterizing her decision to use a private email server as "extremely careless." What is obvious, however, is that Hillary Clinton is at the center of this fiasco, regardless of whether she did or did not mishandle classified information, the outcome of which may lead to a constitutional crisis that is truly unprecedented, and which threatens to throw the nation into enduring turmoil. Hillary's bad judgment may prove not only fatal to her bid for the presidency, but to the very peace and tranquility of the nation itself. Anxious to obscure this disturbing fact, her supporters, and the mainstream media in particular, heap opprobrium upon Mr. Comey, even to go so far as to claim his most recent decision was motivated by self-interest. It is not Mr. Comey who poses a threat to our institutions, but the very candidate they try so desperately to shield and protect.The question that begs is "why?' Why is Hillary Clinton being given this "cover." Is she more important than the institutions of government?
6
Is the NYT essentially saying that the FBI was violating law by investigating Hillary after an investigation was closed? Obviously not. They are saying that the investigation should be secret from the public, not that such information is actually classified information. It's not. What puzzles me is why a Congressional intelligence committee should not be expected to keep such information away from the public as well. They most certainly have information in their custody that they do not and will not release to the public. They have the ability to make such decisions about restricting sensitive and official government information from public distribution. Why aren't they being blamed for trying to influence an election by releasing that letter to the public before an election?
3
The FBI was tasked with searching for additional e-mails associated with the former Secretary of State after announcing its earlier determination there was insufficient evidence for a criminal referral. The investigation within the House of Representatives in this matter may have been open when The FBI letter that has raised the present firestorm was sent to the Congressional committees as an update about the progress of its investigation. Of course, the letter reached the press and some punishment should be imposed because the leak was intended to influence the outcome of the election. The FBI has one more job; to determine how the press obtained the letter. The press criticism of the content of the FBI Director's letter is a distraction.
2
We have to go back to Comey's unethical editorial remarks about Clinton's "carelessness" after he had, with an evident lack of enthusiasm, declared that his investigation had found nothing to prosecute in her handling of a private email server. This is simply not an honorable man and, apparently like his fellow Republicans, is chiefly concerned with protecting himself and the Party. I don't see any evidence of a concern for his country or respect for its laws and its traditions. Shame shame shame.
4
This is how corrupt people think. I've seen it a million times. No self-awareness, just a juggernaut of self-interest. The corrupt person commits a host of crimes in plain view, and then lashes out at anyone who dares to challenge them on their actions. Here the ultra corrupt Clintons, who in their black hearts actually believe no rules apply to them, expect everyone to focus on James Comey picking up the dinner fork instead of the salad fork. And the crooked media -- with the Times at the front of the line -- gets on board without hesitation.
Comey made a mistake this summer. He got corrupted by the Clintons. And his conscience got to him. So when his investigators, who were disgusted with Chapter 1, gave him an ultimatum -- do your job or we quit -- he relented.
Comey needs to explain nothing, except why he whitewashed the original investigation. The Clintons need to go to jail -- but never will.
Comey made a mistake this summer. He got corrupted by the Clintons. And his conscience got to him. So when his investigators, who were disgusted with Chapter 1, gave him an ultimatum -- do your job or we quit -- he relented.
Comey needs to explain nothing, except why he whitewashed the original investigation. The Clintons need to go to jail -- but never will.
5
Comey violated DOJ policy. That is not the same as violating the law. Government officials who violate policy are mavericks and should be protected because they are the ones who lead government into new directions. They have to be given a chance to explain themselves. He was caught in a difficult situation. He could hold back on the information and in a way that would be influencing the election. Or he could make it public which many people assume was done to influence the election. To all the Clinton followers who see her almost as a cult like leader, she can do no wrong and therefore you have to assume that the new emails will go to a dead end. But if you do not fully believe in your cult leader then you feel that the emails may be of some significant value. All we can do is wait and see.
2
As an undecided on who to vote for and regular reader of NYT, the Times' editors too consistently become partisan themselves even as they accuse others of being too partisan. Truth should outweigh party. Trump and Clinton are terrible candidates, and it will be America that suffers. In my thinking, it is right and good for this information to be made public, if indeed they have at least preliminary evidence that there has been wrongdoing. If there were purely no evidence, then it would incumbent on the FBI to first review the emails before making the announcement. I presume that this is exactly what has been taking place in the interim between discovering the emails in late September and making the announcement last Friday. If they have not reviewed any emails, then yes, this would be a wrongful interference of the election. BUT I am assuming that this evidence is likely there because if it is not, then Comey himself will be thrown into jail. If the evidence is there, then Comey would have been accused of withholding critical information on a president-elect who will be impeached. It is a judgement call, that hinges on what is in the emails. It is critical for the FBI to release additional information as soon as possible before the election, as it will effect on who I vote for.
1
The New York Times is ignoring negative news about Trump and promoting negative news about Hillary, is that what you mean?
There is other news. Please go watch Leonardo diCaprio's amazingly well done Before the Flood. If you don't have time, go to near the end and check that.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90CkXVF-Q8M
For Clinton's policies, The New Yorker did a good job here (yes, it's an endorsement; have you noticed that most reasonable people including Republicans are so terrified of Trump's blunderbuss approach they're endorsing her?). If you want substance, skip the personal part and get to the summary of her proposals.
http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2016/10/31/the-new-yorker-endorses-hil...
There is other news. Please go watch Leonardo diCaprio's amazingly well done Before the Flood. If you don't have time, go to near the end and check that.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90CkXVF-Q8M
For Clinton's policies, The New Yorker did a good job here (yes, it's an endorsement; have you noticed that most reasonable people including Republicans are so terrified of Trump's blunderbuss approach they're endorsing her?). If you want substance, skip the personal part and get to the summary of her proposals.
http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2016/10/31/the-new-yorker-endorses-hil...
2
If you don't believe he did this political intent, I have this amazing bridge I'd like to sell. Huge. The best bridge there ever was.
The fact that he refused to sign onto a letter that states Russia is meddling in our elections (true) which doesn't directly target either campaign yet is willing to drop this vague, meaningless bomb without any evidence whatsoever shows, without question, that he did not "make a mistake."
James Comey knew exactly what he was doing: he was helping Republican electoral chances. He probably couldn't save Donald Trump, but he is certainly helping the Republican majorities in both houses potentially hold onto their seats.
If the Democrats fall just shy of a majority in the Senate, we can be nearly certain that this nonsense will have swung the balance of power in the Senate, which is horrifying and disastrous for democracy.
Comey needs to resign, he needs to be thoroughly investigated and, if found to have violated the law, tried and, ideally, convicted. We cannot allow this kind of meddling in our elections to go unpunished.
The fact that he refused to sign onto a letter that states Russia is meddling in our elections (true) which doesn't directly target either campaign yet is willing to drop this vague, meaningless bomb without any evidence whatsoever shows, without question, that he did not "make a mistake."
James Comey knew exactly what he was doing: he was helping Republican electoral chances. He probably couldn't save Donald Trump, but he is certainly helping the Republican majorities in both houses potentially hold onto their seats.
If the Democrats fall just shy of a majority in the Senate, we can be nearly certain that this nonsense will have swung the balance of power in the Senate, which is horrifying and disastrous for democracy.
Comey needs to resign, he needs to be thoroughly investigated and, if found to have violated the law, tried and, ideally, convicted. We cannot allow this kind of meddling in our elections to go unpunished.
4
"But that would only compound the damage Mr. Comey has done..."
It's important to note that this mess is 100% the fault of Hillary Clinton. And she is also to blame for putting Mr. Comey in the position he is in. Mr. Comey did not set up the email server; he did not recommend that the Secretary use the email server to transmit, receive, and maintain top secret information; he lie about the email server, nor advise the Secretary to do the same when asked about it.
This is HER fault. Not Mr. Comey's.
It's important to note that this mess is 100% the fault of Hillary Clinton. And she is also to blame for putting Mr. Comey in the position he is in. Mr. Comey did not set up the email server; he did not recommend that the Secretary use the email server to transmit, receive, and maintain top secret information; he lie about the email server, nor advise the Secretary to do the same when asked about it.
This is HER fault. Not Mr. Comey's.
6
The chief of the the FBI is the top person of an agency charged with the protection and defense of the democracy. Democracies have elections, by definition. To not understand and appreciate the election process, including campaigning and electioneering as Mr. Comey's action suggests leads one to question his qualifications for the job. If he does indeed understand and appreciate the election process, then he meddled with it deliberately to some purpose. That purpose can only be politically nefarious. I'm hoping for simple incompetence here.
3
My question is, "How much is Donald Trump paying Mr. Comey?"
2
How do we get rid of Mr. Comey???
3
Considering there are now stories coming out that the Justice Department tried to stifle an investigation against the Clintons Comey's move was smart. If this info came out after the election people would be in an uproar saying DOJ and the FBI conspired to supress this info to help Hillary win. Bottom line is her judgement to use a private server is what caused this whole debacle.
4
That he sent the letter before he got the search warrant is most damning. He could have gotten the warrant and announced that (when Congress was not in session). Instead, he was either "extremely careless" or blatantly political.
Either way he's another example of our failing leadership. We have to find a way to do better.
Either way he's another example of our failing leadership. We have to find a way to do better.
4
I did not understood why Comely thought the E mail he found had any significance.
We know Hillary Clinton received and sent E mails to and from others.
It should not be a surprise they would find that E mails were sent to or came from her her close aide from the router that aide used.
He had to have known he would find this when he started investigating Weiner.
It was therefore misleading and dishonest to report that these E mails were something new especially when Trump states there are E mails that are missing because from first reports it sounded like these E mails were those E mails.
We now know he did not look at them before he sent that letter.
This is even more of a reason he should not have sent that letter.
For all he knew the E mails could have about something personal or more likely about her campaign to be President.
He of course knew Trump would use this letter as proof Hillary was hiding something and he therefore should be charged with trying to effect the outcome of the election and if convicted should do some time in prison.
You know the one Trump wants Hillary to go to.
We know Hillary Clinton received and sent E mails to and from others.
It should not be a surprise they would find that E mails were sent to or came from her her close aide from the router that aide used.
He had to have known he would find this when he started investigating Weiner.
It was therefore misleading and dishonest to report that these E mails were something new especially when Trump states there are E mails that are missing because from first reports it sounded like these E mails were those E mails.
We now know he did not look at them before he sent that letter.
This is even more of a reason he should not have sent that letter.
For all he knew the E mails could have about something personal or more likely about her campaign to be President.
He of course knew Trump would use this letter as proof Hillary was hiding something and he therefore should be charged with trying to effect the outcome of the election and if convicted should do some time in prison.
You know the one Trump wants Hillary to go to.
2
I'm sorry, but I just have to laugh at this ridiculous offering from the esteemed Editorial Board.
They are falling all over themselves to slime openness and transparency to protect their favored candidate in the election.
Would they have been as vociferous if he had and it came out that he was sitting on the information just to influence the election?
It is telling that the news today suggests that Comey asked if Loretta Lynch was ordering him NOT to submit the letter to Congress, and she declined to accept his invitation to do so.
Perhaps Loretta Lynch had a better handle on the ethics of the situation than does the esteemed Editorial Board.
They are falling all over themselves to slime openness and transparency to protect their favored candidate in the election.
Would they have been as vociferous if he had and it came out that he was sitting on the information just to influence the election?
It is telling that the news today suggests that Comey asked if Loretta Lynch was ordering him NOT to submit the letter to Congress, and she declined to accept his invitation to do so.
Perhaps Loretta Lynch had a better handle on the ethics of the situation than does the esteemed Editorial Board.
6
James Comey may have made a Big Mistake. But Huma Abedin made an even bigger mistake when she apparently never took a few minutes to learn how to manage her Sent and Deleted items folders in Outlook. Hundreds of thousands of her emails were on her estranged husband's computer? If Huma Abedin can't manage Microsoft Outlook, do we really want her being the last person in the Oval Office with President Clinton when Big Decisions are being made?
2
If the election is close and voters are approximately equally split, why are all the 'NYT Picks' for responses to this editorial hammering on Comey? He is not the villain. I assure you, he is not the villain. You should be interested in finding out just what laws were broken, what misdeeds done, what coverups transpired by Clinton and her consigliere, Huma. Huma "you are dead to me" Abedin thought she had destroyed all the evidence of Clinton corruption that she had. Oops! Big mistake by Huma and Weiner. Poetic justice.
2
It's amazing that this much attention is being paid to 650,000 yoga schedules and wedding planning. Hillary said she complied with the subpeona and turned over her work doc. What could the FBI possibly be looking at?
4
We get the candidate we deserve.
Don’t think Hillary brought this on herself because of the emails anymore than that Dukakis lost because he furloughed a convicted felon, or GHW Bush lost because he didn't know the price of milk, or Gore lost because he claimed he invented the Internet.
The bottom line is that each side develops an attack and beats away, and SOMETIMES IT STICKS. “Emailgate" isn’t really close to Watergate, but Trump has swung that stick over and over, and 40% of the public is buying it. To "lock her up" or call Clinton unfit is to willingly drinking the Kool-Aid; I will respectfully offer that it is an over-the-top response BECAUSE YOU ARE LOOKING FOR AN EXCUSE TO VOTE A PARTICULAR WAY.
So, 4 people dead in Benghazi is worse than 3000 people dead at the World Trade Center, no clean finish in the Mid-East is worse than starting the war there, confidential emails on a private server is worse than a campaign manager on the Russian payroll; an imperfect health care program is worse than a billion dollar bankruptcy and thousands out of work.
WE GET WHAT WE DESERVE. If you can't distinguish between these comparisons; if you allow some attacks to stick, but not others, then Donald Trump is the logical result.
So, don't blame this on Clinton -- she's not perfect, but if it wasn't emails, it would be something else -- SOME people WANT to have ANYTHING to rely on, and when they get it, they also get the candidate they deserve.
Don’t think Hillary brought this on herself because of the emails anymore than that Dukakis lost because he furloughed a convicted felon, or GHW Bush lost because he didn't know the price of milk, or Gore lost because he claimed he invented the Internet.
The bottom line is that each side develops an attack and beats away, and SOMETIMES IT STICKS. “Emailgate" isn’t really close to Watergate, but Trump has swung that stick over and over, and 40% of the public is buying it. To "lock her up" or call Clinton unfit is to willingly drinking the Kool-Aid; I will respectfully offer that it is an over-the-top response BECAUSE YOU ARE LOOKING FOR AN EXCUSE TO VOTE A PARTICULAR WAY.
So, 4 people dead in Benghazi is worse than 3000 people dead at the World Trade Center, no clean finish in the Mid-East is worse than starting the war there, confidential emails on a private server is worse than a campaign manager on the Russian payroll; an imperfect health care program is worse than a billion dollar bankruptcy and thousands out of work.
WE GET WHAT WE DESERVE. If you can't distinguish between these comparisons; if you allow some attacks to stick, but not others, then Donald Trump is the logical result.
So, don't blame this on Clinton -- she's not perfect, but if it wasn't emails, it would be something else -- SOME people WANT to have ANYTHING to rely on, and when they get it, they also get the candidate they deserve.
2
Mr. Earnest, White house Press Secretary: “The president believes that Director Comey is a man of integrity, he’s a man of principle and he’s a man of good character. …. The president doesn’t believe that he’s secretly strategizing to benefit one candidate or one political party."
5
Given the fact that the Supreme Court has been politicized--remember Bush v. Gore--it shouldn't surprise anyone that the Director of the FBI can be partisan when needed.
2
The only mistake--by NYT standards--that Mr Comey is guilty of is that he probably remembered that he had a conscience with some commitment to honesty, integrity, and character. Aside from that--the Times expresses not a 'smidge' of curiousity as to what laws may have been broken and what misdeeds were (surely) done. (Hey, it's Weiner's computer.) Huma almost assuredly thought that she had destroyed all the evidence she had, but forgot some details of how these computers work. Poetic justice, just poetic justice.
4
Flash! This just in.... Election in Americas seized by state security apparatus!
More to come.
More to come.
3
Mr. Comey was a Republican for years and now calls himself an "independent." I hope his rashness won't have a serious impact on the results of the Presidential results, but it could have significant consequences for down-ticket races. We can't know for sure if this was his intent, but no doubt it's being celebrated by GOP leaders in the House and Senate. The likelihood is Comey will lose his position at the FBI once the election is over, but having solidified his Republican alliances he'll thrive in private practice law firm or, like many former government officials, he could become a lobbyist.
2
By all accounts James Comey is an honorable and principled man who was respected on both side of the aisle. However, he has made two huge mistakes that have influenced the 2016 general election.
The first mistake was expressing his personal opinion in his July announcement on the Clinton email investigation. In fairness that announcement should have been made by his superiors in the DOJ, either by the attorney general or her deputy.
The second and more egregious mistake was made on Friday by violating two long standing FBI policies.
The first is the FBI will not comment on a case currently under investigation.
The second is the FBI will not comment on a case within sixty days of an election.
The outrage expressed by both Republicans and Democrats appears fully warranted. Mr. Comey has served his country with great distinction, however, to preserve the reputation of the FBI, he should explain his actions fully or take his leave.
The first mistake was expressing his personal opinion in his July announcement on the Clinton email investigation. In fairness that announcement should have been made by his superiors in the DOJ, either by the attorney general or her deputy.
The second and more egregious mistake was made on Friday by violating two long standing FBI policies.
The first is the FBI will not comment on a case currently under investigation.
The second is the FBI will not comment on a case within sixty days of an election.
The outrage expressed by both Republicans and Democrats appears fully warranted. Mr. Comey has served his country with great distinction, however, to preserve the reputation of the FBI, he should explain his actions fully or take his leave.
2
There's something rotten at the FBI and it's not just Mr. Comey. We've seen reporting about FBI agents threatening to leak information regarding emails discovered on Weiner's computer to the press in an attempt to force Comey's hand and influence the election.. If this is true then we really are back to the bad old days of J. Edgar Hoover when the FBI used its muscle as a political tool. Aren't these the folks who are supposed to be all about "just the facts, ma'am". That this sort of intimidation could even be considered and that Comey caved says all we need to know about his leadership skills and his integrity as well as the integrity of those who forced his hand. It also suggests that an investigation of blackmail and intimidation for political purposes at the FBI is warranted . In the meantime, Mr Comey, who has obviously lost control of the agency he is hired to lead, should be placed on administrative leave pending the outcome.
2
The damage is done. And Obama appointed him in an attempt to be bipartisan. Let this be a lesson to us democrats. Do not attempt to be bipartisan. Never trust a republican. They are playing a nasty game. When was the last time they extended an olive branch to us? Our democracy is undermined. That is the fallout from stunts like this.
3
" Mr. Comey fought successfully to keep the F.B.I.’s name off a government report regarding evidence that Russia was attempting to interfere in the presidential election. He believed the report was accurate but did not want to sign on to it so close to the election."
Wow.
That says it all.
Face to face with the GOP malevolence machine.
It doesn't get any clearer than this.
WE - ARE - IN - SERIOUS - TROUBLE . . .
Wow.
That says it all.
Face to face with the GOP malevolence machine.
It doesn't get any clearer than this.
WE - ARE - IN - SERIOUS - TROUBLE . . .
3
HE did the right thing. SHE is the criminal!
6
The CIA had better be looking closely at Comey. Putin could not have had a better friend in the US government. I think Comey is a Russian agent.
2
Comey has expressed very poor judgment. Sad for him. Let us hope the country doesn't suffer also. Perhaps he can fall on his own sword and offer up what is suspected of Trump and his Putin-Russian oligarths connections.
2
The reality is that Mr. Comey unwarranted announcement regarding the Abedin emails is partisan in action, however he characterizes its intent. He had to know that it was a certainty that the announcement would influence the election in the Republicans’ favor, while at the same time would be very unlikely to change anything in substance in relation to FBI findings. He can’t escape the political nature of his decision: he was not compelled to make this announcement, on the contrary restraint was called for, but he did it anyway.
It doesn’t matter what the outcome of the investigation is in relation to its impact on the election, especially since the election is so close. All most people will remember about the investigation is “Clinton emails again / FBI / maybe broke law”.
Mr. Comey may feel he is pure in heart, but it seems to me that his motivation is to avoid post-election criticism by Trump and his supporters, rather than doing what’s best for the democratic process.
It doesn’t matter what the outcome of the investigation is in relation to its impact on the election, especially since the election is so close. All most people will remember about the investigation is “Clinton emails again / FBI / maybe broke law”.
Mr. Comey may feel he is pure in heart, but it seems to me that his motivation is to avoid post-election criticism by Trump and his supporters, rather than doing what’s best for the democratic process.
2
The process of bringing federal criminal charges against someone involves the gathering of evidence through an investigation (FBI role) and making a decision regarding bringing or not bringing charges (DOJ role). So what did Comey accomplish by taking the highly unusual step of reporting the details of an FBI investigation to Congress, and the world, and disclosing his rather pointless recommendation that DOJ not bring criminal charges against Clinton? Answer: He was able to publish to the world his personal view that Clinton was grossly negligent in her handling of classified information. That opinion is of no import in the legal arena, but, as we have been seeing since it was expressed, of great import in the political arena. And what did he accomplish by announcing, 11 days from the election, that there are hundreds of thousands of emails yet to be looked at that might be relevant to the question of whether Clinton should be criminally charged with violation(s) of federal law? Answer: The existence of emails about which nothing is known is of no import in the legal arena, but in the political arena there is now dangled in front of voters the "possibility" that evidence exists to support the bringing of federal criminal against Clinton. ("We'll get back to you after the election regarding what, if anything, the emails contain.") It is readily apparent what force is driving Comey.
1
Comey's first mistake was to not recommend charges against Clinton given the overwhelming evidence of criminality, both underlying offences and process crimes (far more than Scooter Libby committed). He compounded his mistake in an effort to reclaim his lost reputation among his agents. It is illegal to store classified information on an unclassified server, it is illegal to destroy government records, it is illegal to lie to the FBI, all of which escapes the notice of this paper. No worries from this paper about the obvious cover-up executed by the DOJ because they are comfortable with the criminality of Democrats.
4
So now it is ok to be critical of Comey when it was ok to praise him when he came out with the definition that Hillary's emails were just unintentional mistakes. Unintentional indeed, in spite of the systematic destruction of thousands of such emails and her testimony not taken under oath ( lets not forget the "unintentional" meeting with Lynch )
Once a hero of the Democratic Party now the goat since he is noting more emails that should have been part of the initial investigation. A classic no win do not say that such emails exist and after the election the discovery of ?
Hypocritical of course.
Once a hero of the Democratic Party now the goat since he is noting more emails that should have been part of the initial investigation. A classic no win do not say that such emails exist and after the election the discovery of ?
Hypocritical of course.
1
The NYTimes Editorial Board writes:
"Mr. Comey appears to have grasped the importance of that rule in some contexts. On Monday, CNBC reported that in early October, Mr. Comey fought successfully to keep the F.B.I.’s name off a government report regarding evidence that Russia was attempting to interfere in the presidential election. He believed the report was accurate but did not want to sign on to it so close to the election."
But when you follow the hyperlink to the CNBC report, it is disclosed that the source of all of this information is an unidentified former FBI official.
How does "an unidentified former FBI official" obtain all of this first-hand information regarding Comey's thought processes?
This information is "not fit to print" by the NYTimes in either an editorial or a news report. This is disgraceful!
"Mr. Comey appears to have grasped the importance of that rule in some contexts. On Monday, CNBC reported that in early October, Mr. Comey fought successfully to keep the F.B.I.’s name off a government report regarding evidence that Russia was attempting to interfere in the presidential election. He believed the report was accurate but did not want to sign on to it so close to the election."
But when you follow the hyperlink to the CNBC report, it is disclosed that the source of all of this information is an unidentified former FBI official.
How does "an unidentified former FBI official" obtain all of this first-hand information regarding Comey's thought processes?
This information is "not fit to print" by the NYTimes in either an editorial or a news report. This is disgraceful!
3
"Now, thanks to Mr. Comey’s breathtakingly rash and irresponsible decision, the Justice Department and F.B.I. are scrambling to process hundreds of thousands of emails to determine whether there is anything relevant in them before Nov. 8 — all as the country stands by in suspense. " Wrong thanks to Secretary Clinton this is happening. Remember she is the one who chose to break protocol and do this with her emails. This isn't anyone else's fault it's her's alone.
3
The media keeps telling us we are polarized. Nothing can be done.
When government institutions that are supposed to be apolitical become increasingly more and more political, then the above statement holds true.
When government institutions and the leaders that drive them follow the rule of law, and when they don't are held accountable, then maybe, the country can come together.
Not fair nor balanced.
When government institutions that are supposed to be apolitical become increasingly more and more political, then the above statement holds true.
When government institutions and the leaders that drive them follow the rule of law, and when they don't are held accountable, then maybe, the country can come together.
Not fair nor balanced.
4
Comey should resign--immediately. He knew nothing about the content of what was found. So many politicians seem to like him and think he is honest. I don't know what his behavior in his personal life is: I assume he pays his taxes and doesn't grope women as a matter of course. But he has all the judgement and courage of a complete nothingburger. The people he is playing to are the most partisan Republicans in Congress. Meanwhile, he was afraid to add his name to those in the intelligence community who concluded that Russia was involved in hacking Democratic campaign emails. He ignored Trump's shout out to Russia to sabotage Clinton. If he was too stupid or too partisan to understand that what he was doing could possibly throw our election with no evidence of wrongdoing, then he truly should resign in shame. He is just another J. Edgar Hoover and the FBI remains exactly what it has always been: the home of the most reactionary and politicized police in the United States.
3
Comey has given the Trump campaign two gifts. The most recent is this utterly unprofessional letter to Congress informing them that the FBI is investigating more emails that may be tied to Clinton's server without first having secured a warrant to review those emails or having any idea what is in the emails.
But the first gift was his characterization of Hillary Clinton's private server and the classified emails he found to have passed through it as "extremely careless." First, lets remember that the FBI found 113 emails that were apart of 8 email chains out of more than 47,000 emails reviewed. That means that Clinton and her team were 99.98% effective in NOT using her server to exchange classified information. And, much of the classified info in the emails was unmarked. That record actually shows that Clinton was extremely careful not extremely careless.
I don't know Comey's motivation, but at this point it no longer matters. His statements and actions have clearly benefited the Donald Trump campaign which means that he has failed to keep his agency above partisan politics in this election.
But the first gift was his characterization of Hillary Clinton's private server and the classified emails he found to have passed through it as "extremely careless." First, lets remember that the FBI found 113 emails that were apart of 8 email chains out of more than 47,000 emails reviewed. That means that Clinton and her team were 99.98% effective in NOT using her server to exchange classified information. And, much of the classified info in the emails was unmarked. That record actually shows that Clinton was extremely careful not extremely careless.
I don't know Comey's motivation, but at this point it no longer matters. His statements and actions have clearly benefited the Donald Trump campaign which means that he has failed to keep his agency above partisan politics in this election.
2
We should consider this was all planned in an attempt by the establishment to peel back Clinton's growing lead but not enough to have her lose, but also just enough to checkmate her with a GOP Congress. Stalemate again for the next four years at least since it has worked so well for the past eight years.
1
I am amused by reports declare the FBI director's actions are politically motivated--on evidence presented by politicians and political campaign officials. If Comey did not write the letter or at least somehow share what came out, he would later be accused of being lax and negligent. The Clintons, America's great obscurers, have again, through indiscretion and avoidance of responsibility, put someone else into an untenable position. Get ready for four more years of the same. Full disclosure: I am not a Trump supporter.
2
Trump's campaign platform has apparently been reduced to one and only one point: lock her up; over and over and over; it's all he's got. He wants Hilary to be investigated until a charge can be made that will end with a conviction. Well, I want to see Comey investigated for violating the Hatch Act. I want to see Trump investigated for, among other crimes, sexual assault and battery, possible statutory rape, tax evasion, charitable foundation fraud, bribery of a public official (the Florida Attorney General) fraudulent markrting (Trump U.), threatening to assassinate a major party's presidential candidate, treason, giving aid and comfort to an enemy (Russia) being an unregistered agent of a foreign power (Russia), sedition, violation of the Espionage Act (see Russia) and many, many others. As long as my tax dollars are being spent to open yet another investigation into the "damn emails" 10 days before election day, I demand that all of the above charges be investigated and state and federal charges be brought by November 8. Get going!
2
Comey's place in history will be a footnote, at best. This election cycle, on the other hand, will be long remembered as one of the worst. The Chicago Tribune's John Kass wrote, on the 29th, that Hillary is so damaged, that he feared her presidency will start off in a Nixonian Watergate mood, and that she should consider steeping aside for the betterment of the nation.
Most of the pundits I have listened to over the weekend have made the point that Comey was both praised and condemned by both sides, depending on the day. Conservatives both loved and hated him when he declared Mrs. Clinton holistically irresponsible but stopped short of recommending an indictment. Liberals condemned him for opining so freely, but then openly gushed about his extreme professionalism not to recommend any indictment. Now, the two parties have switched sides, overnight. Conservatives want to hear more, and preferably before the election. Liberals are suddenly outraged that Comey's overtly reopened investigation may affect people's voting, and he has to be labeled as unprofessional for it.
When will the People realize that Comey does not work for the Clintons, Mr. Trump, or President Obama. He works for us.The FBI investigation should happen in its own natural course. The election cycle should have little impact on the investigation schedule. I am not naïve enough to believe that it doesn't, but I hope that everyone can agree that the purpose if the FBI's investigation is to find the truth.
Most of the pundits I have listened to over the weekend have made the point that Comey was both praised and condemned by both sides, depending on the day. Conservatives both loved and hated him when he declared Mrs. Clinton holistically irresponsible but stopped short of recommending an indictment. Liberals condemned him for opining so freely, but then openly gushed about his extreme professionalism not to recommend any indictment. Now, the two parties have switched sides, overnight. Conservatives want to hear more, and preferably before the election. Liberals are suddenly outraged that Comey's overtly reopened investigation may affect people's voting, and he has to be labeled as unprofessional for it.
When will the People realize that Comey does not work for the Clintons, Mr. Trump, or President Obama. He works for us.The FBI investigation should happen in its own natural course. The election cycle should have little impact on the investigation schedule. I am not naïve enough to believe that it doesn't, but I hope that everyone can agree that the purpose if the FBI's investigation is to find the truth.
2
It seems the only thing we have left is prayer!
While Comey's actions were grossly inappropriate and clearly political in nature, I don't think they will affect the outcome of the election at this late stage. Anyone inclined to vote for Hilary has come to terms with her email shenanigans (if they were in fact shenanigans at all) and have found them, like myself, a non issue; or have weighed them in the balance of a Trump presidency and recoiled in horror at the thought of helping to put such a nasty man in office.
Those few still on the fence are political and possibly moral lost souls and would eventually pull for Trump anyway (I'm of the mind that considering him as a legitimate candidate even for so much as a nanosecond disqualifies you as a sensible, thoughtful individual.)
Those few still on the fence are political and possibly moral lost souls and would eventually pull for Trump anyway (I'm of the mind that considering him as a legitimate candidate even for so much as a nanosecond disqualifies you as a sensible, thoughtful individual.)
3
We are told that Mr Comey is a man of integrity and that his character alone somehow insulates him from harsh censure.
"Integrity" is perhaps the most hollow of justification ever evoked for evading duty and responsibility.
I am reminded of the "integrity" of the five Supreme Court justices who also relied upon their self righteousness to interfere in an election.
If Mr. Comey is truly a man of honor and integrity there is only one way for him to extract himself from the maelstrom he self-conjured and to repair the rip in the fabric of democracy he has wrought. He must resign and apologize for the irreparable damage he has caused the country.
That would truly be an act of integrity.
"Integrity" is perhaps the most hollow of justification ever evoked for evading duty and responsibility.
I am reminded of the "integrity" of the five Supreme Court justices who also relied upon their self righteousness to interfere in an election.
If Mr. Comey is truly a man of honor and integrity there is only one way for him to extract himself from the maelstrom he self-conjured and to repair the rip in the fabric of democracy he has wrought. He must resign and apologize for the irreparable damage he has caused the country.
That would truly be an act of integrity.
4
If anything, James Comey is finding out the hard way that you can't serve two masters -- in this case, the F.B.I. and the Republican Party.
Yes. No matter what Mr. Comey says, he's a Republican...and they're not about to let him forget it.
But as an experienced law-man, he should've a) known better than to sit on evidence, without even really knowing if it's evidence, and b) much less send a note to Congress about it, or go public -- ESPECIALLY after contradicting a previously made statement .... And this close to a particularly lethal presidential election.
Mr. Comey didn't make one Big Mistake -- he made many.
Yes. No matter what Mr. Comey says, he's a Republican...and they're not about to let him forget it.
But as an experienced law-man, he should've a) known better than to sit on evidence, without even really knowing if it's evidence, and b) much less send a note to Congress about it, or go public -- ESPECIALLY after contradicting a previously made statement .... And this close to a particularly lethal presidential election.
Mr. Comey didn't make one Big Mistake -- he made many.
5
Why didn't Comey send a classified letter to the congress members? That would have fulfilled his obligation and kept it out of the public maelstrom.
2
I guess Trump knew something when he predicted "rigged". So let's connect the dots a little and assume he knew something. That is if he pre-empted with his "rigged-ness" he could preempt the outrage so that when Comey really comes through on "rigged" the outcry is more muted. Well played.
1
It use to be the biggest worry was Presidential overreach, however the truth is Congress has been seizing an enormous amount of power in the past 20 years. Between crippling the Supreme Court and reducing the President to just a rubber stamp (we saw this in their recent over turning of Presidential vetoes), Congress is acting more like this nation's Capo di tutti capi, and the FBI has turned into their intimidation arm.
Whats disturbing is not just Comey's dubious letter to Congress so close to the elections, but the phasing of the letter which states that his investigation into the new emails was open ended with no foreseeable date for conclusion. This echoes Congress's pledge to continually investigate the Clinton's should Hilary win the elections. Put all that together Comey sounds more like puppet of Congress than an instrument of justice (let's not forget that Comey nominally reports to the Justice Department and Attorney General, both of whom he circumvented and went directly to Congress).
We saw in the FBI vs Apple case Comey has no problems with trying to do an end run around the Constitution and putting the public at risk. Combine that with a Congress who approved of the NSA mass data collection and no warrant wiretapping, it's Congressional overreach we should be worried about. There is no Constitutional procedure for the public to check the powers of Congress, nothing, which is why we should be looking at the down ballot votes as well.
Whats disturbing is not just Comey's dubious letter to Congress so close to the elections, but the phasing of the letter which states that his investigation into the new emails was open ended with no foreseeable date for conclusion. This echoes Congress's pledge to continually investigate the Clinton's should Hilary win the elections. Put all that together Comey sounds more like puppet of Congress than an instrument of justice (let's not forget that Comey nominally reports to the Justice Department and Attorney General, both of whom he circumvented and went directly to Congress).
We saw in the FBI vs Apple case Comey has no problems with trying to do an end run around the Constitution and putting the public at risk. Combine that with a Congress who approved of the NSA mass data collection and no warrant wiretapping, it's Congressional overreach we should be worried about. There is no Constitutional procedure for the public to check the powers of Congress, nothing, which is why we should be looking at the down ballot votes as well.
1
I have to giggle to see the outrage of the Liberals on Comey simply complying with his obligation to let Congress know if further information came up. You can be sure if God forbid the 'crook' became president and 3 days later, Comey said he saw significant new information come up 2 weeks before the election, there would be cries that he was a totally corrupt individual who did was in the Clinton pocket and run out of town
What the hysterical Liberals fail to point out is that this no ones fault but Clinton herself. Had she 18 months ago, made an aggressive effort to share EVERYTHING, do you hear that, EVERYTHING there would be no 18 months drip, drip of information Her lack of doing the right thing has to mean there is a lot of corruption that may point to 'pay for play' from the Clinton foundation, or other corrupt acts.
So, stop the whining and take the medicine. Comey merely said new information came up and will be investigated , and you can be sure that letter was not written because there was new information on Hillary's yoga class. Would be interesting if Comey hinted at the violations that lie within.
Once again, the hacked emails, the new emails all point out that if we want 4 more years of Obama policy and 4 more years of investigations of the 'crook', vote for Trump and get the country moving again.
Always remember you Liberals, "there are none so blind as those who will not see"
What the hysterical Liberals fail to point out is that this no ones fault but Clinton herself. Had she 18 months ago, made an aggressive effort to share EVERYTHING, do you hear that, EVERYTHING there would be no 18 months drip, drip of information Her lack of doing the right thing has to mean there is a lot of corruption that may point to 'pay for play' from the Clinton foundation, or other corrupt acts.
So, stop the whining and take the medicine. Comey merely said new information came up and will be investigated , and you can be sure that letter was not written because there was new information on Hillary's yoga class. Would be interesting if Comey hinted at the violations that lie within.
Once again, the hacked emails, the new emails all point out that if we want 4 more years of Obama policy and 4 more years of investigations of the 'crook', vote for Trump and get the country moving again.
Always remember you Liberals, "there are none so blind as those who will not see"
3
Well, perhaps there would be less outrage if Comey were taken at his word. But unfortunately he's not by the likes of you. For you, what's the point of an investigation? In the absence of any finding by the FBI that a crime has been committed, you've already tried and convicted the "crook" in the public square, just like the "witches" were in Salem. Who was "blind" then?
3
Mr. Comey's poor judgment in publicizing the existence of emails about which he knows essentially nothing far exceeds Hillary's poor judgment in using a private email server when she was Secretary of State. Sadly for the country, Mr. Comeny's public service must now come to a close. Looking forward this week to his announcement of his resignation.
4
If Mr Comey had a shred of honor he would resign.
4
Just one more example of how unfair and unequal the treatment has been when it comes to Hillary Clinton. Trump has gotten away with illegal wrongdoing and ethical mishaps that are too numerous to count, when all we hear about is email. In contrast, Trump should be charged on any number of misdeeds and illegal activity. Comey owes the American public and Hillary Clinton a public apology and retraction.
5
Could it be that he saw the down-ballot races leaning Democratic and decided he couldn't stand to see the Dems take over everything so he breeched rules and sent the letter?
3
There should not be a surprise that Comey changed his mind after he reported to Congress that the investigation had been completed and that Clinton was found innocent of any wrongdoing, with regard to confidential information being disseminated on her personal server. Comey covered his tracks when he added very damaging remarks after his findings saying that Clinton was irresponsible and almost grossly negligent in handling the emails while she was Secretary of State. The statement that she was negligent should not have been a part of the investigative findings and in effect served to open the door to Republicans to pursue further propaganda about the investigation. The result of the investigation, according to tenets of FBI policy, should have been only to state a conclusion, innocent or not innocent, nothing further. Pandora's box has been opened by Comey and has created irrevocable problems for Clinton. To now declare that the investigation is not reopened, but that we are looking at further emails, adds insult to injury. Perhaps President Obama was too naive when he appointed a Republican to serve in this post.
Remember the Supreme Court decision on Obamacare when Roberts declared that the Affordable Care Act wasn't unconstitutional but that the single-payer option was not allowable.
Comey's extraneous comments are a similar "poison pill" to affect future actions.
Remember the Supreme Court decision on Obamacare when Roberts declared that the Affordable Care Act wasn't unconstitutional but that the single-payer option was not allowable.
Comey's extraneous comments are a similar "poison pill" to affect future actions.
2
It seems that Mr Comey was concerned the information might leak ahead of the election. Yet by most accounts, the FBI had known about the emails for three weeks or thereabouts—and nothing had leaked.
If Mr Comey is concerned about possible leaks from the department he heads, he should perhaps tackle that problem.
If Mr Comey is concerned about possible leaks from the department he heads, he should perhaps tackle that problem.
2
The big mistake Comey made was announcing that there would be no charges against Clinton this past summer. He had no obligation to do that and if he had remained quiet he would have felt no need to followup on that announcement this past Friday. But Clinton world was delighted with the first innappropriate announcement and apopleptic with the one Friday. Trump may be our worst nightmare, but Clinton is a very close second.
His letter to congress, and his email explaining his actions to the employees at the FBI, show a crass lack of decency and understanding of the way our democracy is supposed to work. This is a deliberate attempt to affect the election in a way which will force the congress to act against Hillary should she win. It opens the floodgates for the rabid conspiracy dogs in charge to go after her and keep the country from functioning, then blame her when things go wrong. The FBI should be dismantled and reorganized to finally purge the ghost of J. Edgar from American politics.
2
I know it's a total red herring, but if Clinton is a criminal (and I'm not saying she is) then Trump has to be even more of one. I can't stand listening to him praising Comey for this. If she needs to be investigated, then he certainly does, several times over. Arrgghh!!!
2
So Comey puts his thumb on the scales of this election and feels that his reputation was on the line and thus he was compelled to act. One needs to ask, when President Trump asks him to investigate Trump's political opponents, his critics, newspaper reporters who spoke out against him, Democratic members of Congress who will oppose Trump's political agenda, will Comey's virtue still be in place, or will he bend to the political winds like he has now? I'm not sure we can rely upon his virtue to protect us against the excesses of the man he may have helped to elect.
2
Comey's ill advised decision placed his own perceived reputation above the FBI's. Instead of protecting the integrity of the institution he directs, he separated himself from it by releasing a letter that can only suggest that there could be, maybe, who knows more to come. As a result he has become Chaffetz' pinata. His reputation is gone and he has demonstrated that he can not handle an investigation that has political overtones. His press conference months ago planted the seeds of his character when he called Hillary's actions "extremely careless" but not a crime. How gratuitous and irrelevant does it get? In hindsight it is now evident that Comey's need to protect his reputation was more important than the reputation and the mission of the FBI A a result he has tarnished both. Memo to all Executives, learn to compliment your staff without elevating them to sainthood status where doing a good job is the expectation of what they are supposed to do.
6
Comey is following the law according to his lights. H should have recommended indictment of Hilary over earlier documents. He would be remisss not to have revealed the new emails
1
James
At the time Comey wrote his letter, the FBI had not even gotten a search warrant for the emails.
So Comey had NO WAY to know what even one email said. That would have involved a search that violates the 4th Amendment.
You asked for something reasonable. Under the circumstances, Comey could not have satisfied your request.
That shows that the letter was PREMATURE, and was so vague that is said nothing that could be rebutted, not to mention that it was a violation of long standing DoJ guidelines.
At the time Comey wrote his letter, the FBI had not even gotten a search warrant for the emails.
So Comey had NO WAY to know what even one email said. That would have involved a search that violates the 4th Amendment.
You asked for something reasonable. Under the circumstances, Comey could not have satisfied your request.
That shows that the letter was PREMATURE, and was so vague that is said nothing that could be rebutted, not to mention that it was a violation of long standing DoJ guidelines.
2
Mistake is a word used generally to indicate an event that takes place that causes an unintended result. This is not the case with Comey. His actions were quite carefully thought out and deliberately executed. And that is to derail the election of Hillary Clinton if at all possible. It's a shame no one in the media can editorialize this simple truth. But it is the truth, and if you don't agree you're either egregiously ignorant or naive or just plain stupid.
4
The bottom line is that Hillary and Bill have always been and will always be plagued by scandal. They bend and break rules and then expect others to simply look the other way or cover up their bad behavior.
Comey was simply reacting to the information that Team Hillary gave him. If she had cooperated 18 months ago when this all began, she wouldn't be in this situation. She waned, and fully expected, to get away with this. She deserves all of the chaos, ridicule and punishment she gets.
Her consistently bad judgment is the real story here.
Comey was simply reacting to the information that Team Hillary gave him. If she had cooperated 18 months ago when this all began, she wouldn't be in this situation. She waned, and fully expected, to get away with this. She deserves all of the chaos, ridicule and punishment she gets.
Her consistently bad judgment is the real story here.
4
Comey's big mistake' was his premature announcement in July that Hillary's actions were not a crime. Now that we know the Clinton Foundation is under investigation as well as tens of thousands of Huma emails surfacing the surprise is that more democrats are not outraged over the rigged primary that has left the party with such an ethically flawed candidate. If Hillary wins a week from now- still the likely outcome- her presidency will be weakened by actions she took to avoid scrutiny as SoS, not by any inquiries into those actions. She is not the victim here. We, the American public, are the victims of her decisions. And she has yet to take office! It is going to be a miserable four years.
5
Hey, what's the problem here? Competent lose their minds every day. Stick Comey in the loony bin and move on. Just be sure to frisk him first.
3
Looking past this mess that Comey has created, something needs to happen. President Obama, with his newfound spirit of action in this past year, should take action assuming that Hillary Clinton wins this election. He should fire James Comey immediately after the election, thanking him sincerely for his years of service, but noting that his recent actions in this past election cycle were at odds with long-standing, historic principles of the separation of law enforcement from election influence. Moreover, Obama should relieve President-elect Clinton of the problem of how to work with Comey when she is in office.
2
"The Justice Department and F.B.I are scrambling to process hundreds of thousands of emails to determine whether there is anything relevant in them before Nov. 8 - all as the country stands by in suspense". Oh, that the IRS would do the same thing with Trump's audit - finish the audit immediately. It would end this Trump's charade that he can't release his returns until the audit is done and expose his as the liar we all know he is. If the IRS did this, it would probably be viewed as an American hero.
2
It's just not fixable. I shake my head in disbelief. To destroy an election 121 days before the vote. Comey is not qualified, by his actions, to be leading the FBI.
2
The Editorial Board of The Times was a big Comey supporter this past Summer when he refused to indict Hillary Clinton despite lots of solid evidence to do so. Now Comey is a pariah. Can you people be any more transparently left?
4
Paul
Remember Dan Rather and Brian Williams?
Each one was FIRED after making one bad mistake, even after years of honorable work.
Comey just did the same thing, and he did it DELIBERATELY and with careful consideration.
He needs to be FIRED. NOW.
That would send the message that if you pull such an plainly political stunt, your career is TOAST.
Remember Dan Rather and Brian Williams?
Each one was FIRED after making one bad mistake, even after years of honorable work.
Comey just did the same thing, and he did it DELIBERATELY and with careful consideration.
He needs to be FIRED. NOW.
That would send the message that if you pull such an plainly political stunt, your career is TOAST.
1
In short, it sounds like Director Comey was "extremely careless" in his handling of classified information.
3
It was not a mistake! How naïve can you be? He has no integrity.
This was a blatant politically motivated move.
This was a blatant politically motivated move.
3
Problem : Mr.Comey's mistake is intentional and it is to do favor the Republican presidential and congressional candidates. It is a partisan mistake. People lost trust and respect for congress, supreme court and now FBI. It will be very hard for future government branches to rule.
3
The only mistake Comey made was not indicting her in July and requesting a special prosecutor for federal crimes, lying to Congress, and lying to the FBI.
5
Was Comey careless in his previous investigation or not?
Did he look everywhere or not?
Are we going to have to go through this every time Hillary's emails show up in someone's computer?
How long is this going to last?
Has anyone in public life been more scrutinized and investigated for over 25 years like the Clintons?
Maybe it's time for Republicans to get over it?
Did he look everywhere or not?
Are we going to have to go through this every time Hillary's emails show up in someone's computer?
How long is this going to last?
Has anyone in public life been more scrutinized and investigated for over 25 years like the Clintons?
Maybe it's time for Republicans to get over it?
3
Did Comey violate the Hatch Act?
We don’t know that for actual fact
But he should have known better
In sending Congress a vague letter
Neither reputation nor justice is intact!
Is this the same old Boy Scout
Who stood up to Bush’s clout?
In trying to be the next Eliot Ness
He’s created one big sordid mess
Maybe it’s time for him to get out!
We don’t know that for actual fact
But he should have known better
In sending Congress a vague letter
Neither reputation nor justice is intact!
Is this the same old Boy Scout
Who stood up to Bush’s clout?
In trying to be the next Eliot Ness
He’s created one big sordid mess
Maybe it’s time for him to get out!
1
I agree with the Board's positions here, but would add more context.
Much too much, way too much, has been made of her private server. (Sanders was right). It has been blown way out of proportion (just as 'Benghazi') by right-wing talk radio, FOX and the disingenuous Republican partisans. The rest of us should have largely ignored them, yet a lot of you people have gotten caught up in it. Including Comey. It's a cheap distraction from real issues, such as the Obama-Hillary expansion of the secret-surveillance state. The Obama-Hillary bombing of 7 countries, with Hillary intending to expand the war in Syria and go further than Obama in restarting the cold war. I don't doubt that Hillary has been fundamentally careful not to reveal genuine classified info. Secrecy is in her DNA. Any top secret stuff she may have handled was reclassified after the fact or debatable to begin with or caught up in the classification turf wars. Besides, way too much info is being classified. That's the real issue, and the thousands of emails Hillary deleted to hide her private positions behind her disingenuous public ones.
Back to Comey, This is another example of how the rudderless Republican-replicating politics of the Democratic Party ends up damaging themselves. Comey is a lifelong Republican who donated to McCain and Romney. Obama should never have appointed him. We need a civil libertarian in that position
Much too much, way too much, has been made of her private server. (Sanders was right). It has been blown way out of proportion (just as 'Benghazi') by right-wing talk radio, FOX and the disingenuous Republican partisans. The rest of us should have largely ignored them, yet a lot of you people have gotten caught up in it. Including Comey. It's a cheap distraction from real issues, such as the Obama-Hillary expansion of the secret-surveillance state. The Obama-Hillary bombing of 7 countries, with Hillary intending to expand the war in Syria and go further than Obama in restarting the cold war. I don't doubt that Hillary has been fundamentally careful not to reveal genuine classified info. Secrecy is in her DNA. Any top secret stuff she may have handled was reclassified after the fact or debatable to begin with or caught up in the classification turf wars. Besides, way too much info is being classified. That's the real issue, and the thousands of emails Hillary deleted to hide her private positions behind her disingenuous public ones.
Back to Comey, This is another example of how the rudderless Republican-replicating politics of the Democratic Party ends up damaging themselves. Comey is a lifelong Republican who donated to McCain and Romney. Obama should never have appointed him. We need a civil libertarian in that position
2
You want disgusting? Here's disgusting. As our 9-year-old next door neighbor reported about the Halloween party at school, one of the students came dressed up as Hillary. In jail. So you want to know how badly this campaign is poisoning the well? There you have it.
3
Mr Comey's "big mistake" was failing to indite Mrs Clinton back in July. The Clinton "culture of corruption" was on display as Mr Clinton "squeezed" Ms Lynch who, in turn, squeezed Mr Comey onto nnot inditing Mrs Clinton. It's a shame that Mrs Clinton has been deemed by the media, and Democratic party as the best to be the first woman president. The country deserves so much better than her.
2
Look, there's enough blame to go all around here. So let's not get into Trump's ridiculous game of "who started it."
Right now we have a rouge FBI director, who not only refused to follow protocol but thereby crossed ethical, legal and professional lines - put there to safeguard him and us from "undo influence" in an election.
Comey was apparently trying to cover his back, when he foolishly backed himself into a criminallt tainted corner. Now he's the paying the price.
But even worse, so are we. Tempers are even hotter. Voters are making choices based on no information except innuendo. The world is watching, mostly in horror, except for those authoritarian regimes who support trump.
A great nation with a proud democratic tradition has been placed in peril. What a disastrous situation. Just before an extremely frought election.
Right now we have a rouge FBI director, who not only refused to follow protocol but thereby crossed ethical, legal and professional lines - put there to safeguard him and us from "undo influence" in an election.
Comey was apparently trying to cover his back, when he foolishly backed himself into a criminallt tainted corner. Now he's the paying the price.
But even worse, so are we. Tempers are even hotter. Voters are making choices based on no information except innuendo. The world is watching, mostly in horror, except for those authoritarian regimes who support trump.
A great nation with a proud democratic tradition has been placed in peril. What a disastrous situation. Just before an extremely frought election.
3
Nobody has trusted the FBI since J Edgar Hoover. They should be shut down. And one wonders with judges setting rapists free, why is the FBI spending so many resources investigating a sexting case.
1
Hey, everyone knows the cops and feds always "Trump-Up" charges, and that means sucking up every bit of information they can to justify the unjustifiable.
1
Still waiting on this evidence that Russia is trying to rig the election.
3
There isn't any! The Democrats have gone completely insane! Their unglued paranoid delusions will start WW3! It's a mass psychotic break! They are having a complete meltdown that will destroy the Party!
The editorial strikes a fundamental blow to the legal structure of the United States by suggesting that political considerations are more important than guilt or innocence, Huma Abedin told the FBI months ago that she had given them all data concerning the email investigation. Now we learn that a computer she shares with her reprobate husband contains 650,000 relevant documents. The editorial staff should Google "18 USC 1001." It is a very serious offense to lie to a federal officer and this could very well involve jail time. The editorial staff could ask Bernie Madhoff or Martha Steward about that. Abedin could plea that she "forgot" this computer but I would recommend she obtain a criminal attorney with superhuman talents.
2
What if the new information that prompted Comey to write to Congress turns out to justify Ms. Clinton's prosecution and conviction? Would it be better for the voters to learn after the election that their president is a felon?
3
For crying out loud; this "shooting the messenger" when you don't like the message is getting mighty old. And this is exactly the reason I would not consider to vote for another democratic presidential candidate unless his name is Bernie Sanders.
Let's get this straight. If Mrs Clinton had not VIOLATED the law by using private servers to circumvent the Freedom of Information Act, Comey would never have come across any emails that she was trying to hide. And please, don't tell me that she did not know what she was doing, she was just following bad advice given by her people. Because if the latter is true, she has too little common sense to hold the most powerful office in the world.
When will the day come that democrats will actually take responsibility for their actions, their mistakes, and be truthful to voters???? All I ever hear out of that party anymore: "Not our fault." "You have been systematically brainwashed for decades by the republicans to believe that about Clinton." etc.
Let's get this straight. If Mrs Clinton had not VIOLATED the law by using private servers to circumvent the Freedom of Information Act, Comey would never have come across any emails that she was trying to hide. And please, don't tell me that she did not know what she was doing, she was just following bad advice given by her people. Because if the latter is true, she has too little common sense to hold the most powerful office in the world.
When will the day come that democrats will actually take responsibility for their actions, their mistakes, and be truthful to voters???? All I ever hear out of that party anymore: "Not our fault." "You have been systematically brainwashed for decades by the republicans to believe that about Clinton." etc.
1
Comey is doing what he said he would do, under oath, in Congressional testimony: He is advising Congress that there is new evidence that will cause the case to be re-opened.
And, it makes no difference. Voters on both sides are condemned to vote for the one they consider the lesser of two evils. This letter of Comey's will have no effect on the outcome.
The deplorables are the primary voters of both parties that gave us this horrible choice. I was not among them. I voted for a Republican big-state governor who would have made a good president.
And, it makes no difference. Voters on both sides are condemned to vote for the one they consider the lesser of two evils. This letter of Comey's will have no effect on the outcome.
The deplorables are the primary voters of both parties that gave us this horrible choice. I was not among them. I voted for a Republican big-state governor who would have made a good president.
2
You wrote this: "Eric Holder Jr., the former attorney general, wrote in The Washington Post that Mr. Comey had “committed a serious error with potentially severe implications” and that he had “negatively affected public trust” in the Justice Department and the F.B.I." I have three thoughts. WaPo destroyed the Sanders' campaign. And for years I have had no trust in the FBI, and after the last few years for law enforcement in general. And who cares what Eric Holder thinks? Yes AmeriKa, we are an exceptional country.
This whole fiasco with Comey shows America what will happen if the Far Right ever seize power in all three branches of government. Comey folded like a paper bag before the Republican party, making it painfully obvious where his loyalty lays over the question of whether he holds the constitution over party allegiance or the reverse. Guilt is assumed from the start, and evidence is irrelevant whenever it can't be found - which seems to be all too common when the Republicans ignore their sworn duty to country in favor of holding yet another witch hunt. Verdicts are entirely in the realm of public opinion (naturally, only conservatives will be polled), and trials can be dispensed with. In fact, the entire judicial system can be defunded and dismantled, since the conservatives want smaller government anyway. With no public defenders and no regulatory agencies in any category of business, no one but liberals and democrats will be found guilty anyway. Anyone "not like us" can be found guilty of whatever crime gets the conservative voter base riled up the fastest.
GOP ideology uber alles!
GOP ideology uber alles!
1
Why can't we comment on the Donna Brazile story? As if anyone was surprised that she sat on CNN and claimed neutrality while feeding Hillary's campaign!!! What a piece of work. Why hasn't she been made to resign from the DNC?
5
I agree.
1
Comey was between a rock & a hard place. If he had not warned Congress about the new emails, which may contain new evidence to support a charge against Clinton, he would have been pilloried by the GOP in Congress for withholding information that might have caused Clinton to lose the election. But, by telling Congress in advance of the ongoing investigation into the emails, he has violated the Justice Dept policy and outraged the Democrats. Either way, he loses.
I think the question is whether there is any additional information in the emails that may change the result of the investigation. Some of us have forgotten that the proper standard for unauthorized release of the emails includes "gross negligence," as well as an intentional act. This further unauthorized release may supply sufficient evidence to support the gross negligence standard, instead of the very careless acts he previously attributed to Clinton.
I think the question is whether there is any additional information in the emails that may change the result of the investigation. Some of us have forgotten that the proper standard for unauthorized release of the emails includes "gross negligence," as well as an intentional act. This further unauthorized release may supply sufficient evidence to support the gross negligence standard, instead of the very careless acts he previously attributed to Clinton.
1
Comey has violated the Hatch Act and should be investigated on that. This is the last straw. It was bad enough to have a do nothing, obstructionist Congress and a politically motivated SCOTUS. Now it's clear we have a political hack heading the FBI.
It is no wonder the American people are disillusioned. We deserve better- much better. I can't wait until this election is finally over. I hope never to hear one more thing about Trump or his latest scandals and I hope Comey is fired for violating the Hatch Act.
It is no wonder the American people are disillusioned. We deserve better- much better. I can't wait until this election is finally over. I hope never to hear one more thing about Trump or his latest scandals and I hope Comey is fired for violating the Hatch Act.
3
Comey hasn't been fired or forced to resign, and Josh Earnest said Obama doesn't believe Comey was trying to throw the election. People can speculate on the meaning behind Comey's status but unless you are wearing a tinfoil hat, the reason is he hasn't done anything wrong this time.
2
One trait that has been used about Comey, including by the NYT, is integrity. New evidence became available that would reopen the investigation. He had testified that it was closed. It would have been wrong for him to suppress that it was reopened. The integrity or lack of it have been at the core of the poor opinion people have of Clinton. In New Hampshire When voters in the Democrat's primary what they were looking for, they answered they wanted a candidate that was truthful ad trustworthy. Saunders won with 87% of the vote. Does anyone really believe she didn't know what she was doing when she set up the server or wiped out 30,000 of her emails. Comey could not hide the information dropped on his desk. He doesn't owe Clinton, Obama or Lynch anything. He does owe the voters the confidence that no one is above the law. This actions provs that he intend to do that regardless of the fall out
2
"Amid all the noise, it’s worth remembering that even if emails with classified information are found on Mr. Weiner’s computer, that may not change Mr. Comey’s decision, announced in July, to recommend against filing charges against Mrs. Clinton, since the F.B.I. has already determined that she did not intentionally mishandle classified information."
In a piece condemning Comey for acting improperly, you praise him for acting improperly!!! Wow.
First, the relevant statute does NOT require that a person "intentionally" mishandle classified information, any more than a criminal negligent homicide action requires that the perp "intentionally" kill someone. Recklessness suffices, and HRC indisputably acted recklessly.
But, vitally, the decision to prosecute does not rest with the FBI, but with the AG and the DoJ, who spectacularly abdicated their obligations. The FBI investigates; the DoJ decides whether to prosecute. Just today, a story appeared that the FBI wanted to go after the Clinton Foundation, but the DoJ demurred. Right or wrong, that's how prosecutorial decisions are made.
Comey had no legitimate power to hold a press conference which, in effect, convicted HRC while declining to prosecute. That decision was for Lynch. Talk about a decision which influences an election!!
You can't have it both ways. If you liked his initial deviation from his role, you can't complain now. He improperly provided cover for BHO and the AG, and you smiled. Turnabout is fair play.
In a piece condemning Comey for acting improperly, you praise him for acting improperly!!! Wow.
First, the relevant statute does NOT require that a person "intentionally" mishandle classified information, any more than a criminal negligent homicide action requires that the perp "intentionally" kill someone. Recklessness suffices, and HRC indisputably acted recklessly.
But, vitally, the decision to prosecute does not rest with the FBI, but with the AG and the DoJ, who spectacularly abdicated their obligations. The FBI investigates; the DoJ decides whether to prosecute. Just today, a story appeared that the FBI wanted to go after the Clinton Foundation, but the DoJ demurred. Right or wrong, that's how prosecutorial decisions are made.
Comey had no legitimate power to hold a press conference which, in effect, convicted HRC while declining to prosecute. That decision was for Lynch. Talk about a decision which influences an election!!
You can't have it both ways. If you liked his initial deviation from his role, you can't complain now. He improperly provided cover for BHO and the AG, and you smiled. Turnabout is fair play.
2
James Comey made the right call when he sent Congress a note stating that he had found more emails pertaining to Hillary Clinton. What was he supposed to do ignore this new batch of emails that may have had damaging information concerning our safety to America and its citizens. He should be commended that he is putting our security at the forefront.
In July, when he excused Mrs. Clinton, he was praised to the hilt and Democrats said he was an excellent FBI Director. Now they are fault finding him to the ninth degree because he is doing his job thoroughly and accurately. If this investigation was about Donald Trump's actions, it would be perfectly legitimate and fine for the Democrats for Mr. Comey to proceed with the caution he is showing now. They are so hypocritical and two faced which is a typical Democrat maneuver. Let Mr. Comedy do his job so the truth and facts can come out. The American public deserves to know what really is in those emails.
In July, when he excused Mrs. Clinton, he was praised to the hilt and Democrats said he was an excellent FBI Director. Now they are fault finding him to the ninth degree because he is doing his job thoroughly and accurately. If this investigation was about Donald Trump's actions, it would be perfectly legitimate and fine for the Democrats for Mr. Comey to proceed with the caution he is showing now. They are so hypocritical and two faced which is a typical Democrat maneuver. Let Mr. Comedy do his job so the truth and facts can come out. The American public deserves to know what really is in those emails.
2
I love the hypocrisy. "Comey acted against the rules?"
Yes he did. I missed the editorial ripping hillary Hillary and Huma for actively subverting the Congressional subpeona for Hillary's work email and Huma's electronic devices. Obviously at this point Comey has found a massive trove of emails on a device that Huma used with great frequency.
It's hard to run a thorough investigation when key information is withheld.
Comey got put into a very difficult position. Should he alert the public that the investigation was being re-opened effectively given the new information?
That would advantage Hillary for knowingly defying the subpeona.
Hillary wanted to play hardball. Comey played it back at her.
Hillary made this awful mess by not simply providing the server when the information was subpeonaed unaltered, un bleachbitted. If she had the truth would have come out in full well before 11 days to election. Instead we are in a terrible situation.
Yes he did. I missed the editorial ripping hillary Hillary and Huma for actively subverting the Congressional subpeona for Hillary's work email and Huma's electronic devices. Obviously at this point Comey has found a massive trove of emails on a device that Huma used with great frequency.
It's hard to run a thorough investigation when key information is withheld.
Comey got put into a very difficult position. Should he alert the public that the investigation was being re-opened effectively given the new information?
That would advantage Hillary for knowingly defying the subpeona.
Hillary wanted to play hardball. Comey played it back at her.
Hillary made this awful mess by not simply providing the server when the information was subpeonaed unaltered, un bleachbitted. If she had the truth would have come out in full well before 11 days to election. Instead we are in a terrible situation.
2
The Times, and its unethical reporting, have no right to criticize anybody for anything.
4
For all those who support Comey, I have only one question to ask you. Who's interest was Comey really looking out for? The Republicans may be rejoicing, but you better watch your backs, because Comey was looking out for himself, not for you.
1
What a mess. What a circus. Two words one does not want connected with government and now superglued to same.
The reopening of a a high profile case, especially one concerning a presidential candidate usually implies that mistakes were made and more examination is required for an acceptable decision. This is a prudent move by an organization that is required to stay on the political sidelines. And in the closing days of this important choice that the country is about to make, who can blame them for placing this issue back on the table.
5
Had Comey not editorialized on Clinton's conduct in June, and just had reported the conclusions of the investigation, he would not have had to further comment on this new email batch. His earlier act of arrogance and insecurity is what led to this latest act of vacuity. His tortured soul is his own doing.
1
Sour grapes, NYT. Comey was praised when he didn't bring charges, but now he's making a mistake? Lol
5
I for one am not standing by in suspense.
I'm sick of this election and these bone headed candidates.
I'm sick of this election and these bone headed candidates.
1
Will there also be an investigation into how Ms. Abedin was allowed to collect salaries from both the State Department and a consulting firm owned by one of the Clintons' closest aides while Hillary was Secretary of State?
2
Question: Does Comey now how a compelling interest to find "something" and who will serve as a check on what he tells the public?
Not only did the Republicans roll him even more frightening is that agents in his N.Y. Office did the same. It seems he is an easy mark. He needs to change the management team there as soon as practical.
The Times should look into how that office is operating right away. It may be the next Pulitzer.
The Times should look into how that office is operating right away. It may be the next Pulitzer.
1
He should have resigned already. Either this was a cold and calculated attempt to throw the election or he is too stupid to understand that a bald announcement of vague, bald innuendo announced days before an election could throw it. J. Edgar Comey. And what about Trump and Russia, that might be an actual threat to our national security instead of yet another GOP witch hunt against Hillary Clinton. Oh, the audacity of that nasty woman, thinking she should be president.
3
What is most troubling about Mr Comey's decision is that it clearly places personal interest above general interest and even the rule of law. The greatest contribution by the US to world order is precisely rule of law. Undermining this asset is an invitation to barbaric behavior at home and abroad.
The US often obsesses over the letter of the law to avoid thinking about the purpose or objective of the law.
This is similar to the dilemma Pres. Truman had with Gen MacArthur. After the election Pres Obama should relieve Comey of his post. He has clearly abused his power and broken the trust we must have if we are to function as a democracy.
1
Thank you for proving that Obama and Clinton are far worse than Nixon
At least nuking China hasn't been under discussion in the present matter.
Isn't it't it shockingly naive to say about Mr. Comey "he clearly failed to consider the impact of the innuendo he unleashed just days before the election..."? Why is the Editorial Board giving Mr. Comey a moral pass on this shamefully partisan example of attempting to effect the election with what may turn out to be an unlawful search of Anthony Weiner's laptop--evidently the FBI didn't have a search warrant until after the fact.
Even many Republicans are horrified by what appears to be a blatant partisan announcement , which Republican Comey made against the advice of many.
Calculated and cynical would better describe Mr. Comey's actions, not "breathtakingly rash". What the Editorial Board is doing is not "fair" and "impartial"--it's quite the opposite. If America finds itself with a bigoted, racist, dishonest, cheating sex offender as President, the press will get much of the credit.
Even many Republicans are horrified by what appears to be a blatant partisan announcement , which Republican Comey made against the advice of many.
Calculated and cynical would better describe Mr. Comey's actions, not "breathtakingly rash". What the Editorial Board is doing is not "fair" and "impartial"--it's quite the opposite. If America finds itself with a bigoted, racist, dishonest, cheating sex offender as President, the press will get much of the credit.
1
Please send us an alert when you publish an editorial entitled "Loretta Lynch's Big Mistake" - meeting privately with the spouse of the target of a national security investigation impairs faith in the administration of justice".
3
Lawyers meeting with Trump have to do so in pairs, to corroborate each other's accounts of what Trump actually said.
This editorial is totally one sided.
It fails to mention that the Clintons, and much of the mainstream media, praised a similar October surprise against President George H. W. Bush in the 1992 election.
As Wikipedia describes it, Iran-Contra “[p]rosecutors brought an additional indictment four days before the 1992 presidential election. This was controversial because it cited a Weinberger diary entry contradicting a claim made by President George H. W. Bush. Republicans claimed that it contributed to President Bush’s defeat.” Shortly after the election these charges were thrown out by a federal judge.
Second, this editorial totally ignores the substantial evidence that Comey’s real mistake was failing to recommend an indictment against Hillary in the email case – but just image the vicious hatred and character assassination Comey would have faced from the Democrats and mainstream media if he had dared do that.
Third, this editorial fails to mention the substantial allegations that the Democratic controlled Justice Department repeatedly tried to minimize the FBI’s investigation into the Clinton Foundation – a foundation through which billions of dollar have traveled with little transparency which has helped the Clintons make hundreds of millions of dollars – and entity which gives every appearance of involving crimes of influence selling and use of a tax exempt charity as a vehicle for the Clinton’s personal enrichment.
It fails to mention that the Clintons, and much of the mainstream media, praised a similar October surprise against President George H. W. Bush in the 1992 election.
As Wikipedia describes it, Iran-Contra “[p]rosecutors brought an additional indictment four days before the 1992 presidential election. This was controversial because it cited a Weinberger diary entry contradicting a claim made by President George H. W. Bush. Republicans claimed that it contributed to President Bush’s defeat.” Shortly after the election these charges were thrown out by a federal judge.
Second, this editorial totally ignores the substantial evidence that Comey’s real mistake was failing to recommend an indictment against Hillary in the email case – but just image the vicious hatred and character assassination Comey would have faced from the Democrats and mainstream media if he had dared do that.
Third, this editorial fails to mention the substantial allegations that the Democratic controlled Justice Department repeatedly tried to minimize the FBI’s investigation into the Clinton Foundation – a foundation through which billions of dollar have traveled with little transparency which has helped the Clintons make hundreds of millions of dollars – and entity which gives every appearance of involving crimes of influence selling and use of a tax exempt charity as a vehicle for the Clinton’s personal enrichment.
3
Bush 41 pardoned everyone involved in the Iran-Contra affair to terminate the investigation. Case closed. Trump's first act in office might be to pardon himself for everything, past, present, and future.
We do not expect our law enforcement officers to be political partisans, much less our top enforcement officers. I had thought this nation learned all it needed to about that subject from J. Edgar Hoover. James Comey's behavior this year, however, makes it very hard to conclude that he is other than another cutthroat Washington partisan, more a politico than an enforcement officer. Unfortunately, as the leader of the FBI his sins stain the entire agency. It will certainly be awhile before my faith in that agency is restored.
The Editorial Board: "In claiming to stand outside politics, Mr. Comey has instead created the hottest political football of the 2016 election."
You are spot on, TEB! In addition, Comey has put a finger on the scales of justice, unfortunately.
You are spot on, TEB! In addition, Comey has put a finger on the scales of justice, unfortunately.
1
Can you imagine the howls from ardent Trump supporters if Director Comey had waited until AFTER the election to send this letter to congress?
Hilary herself is to blame for stonewalling this investigation. National security is at stake with questionable individuals having access to national security information. Comey is a hero to put duty to his country above politics and possibly at a risk to his career.
2
I am aware of only one person who should go to jail in connection with this presidential election, and that person is James Comey.
1
James Comey's biggest mistake was not indicting Clinton for her misuse of classified information on her private server months ago. Doing so would have provided Mrs. Clinton with her day in court where she could have explained to a jury exactly how, after 30 years in our government's highest tiers, she simply had no idea that her own server was not secure. And how her feigned ignorance should shield her from the law that has punished other, less educated and less experienced, American's for far fewer instances of mishandling classified information.
2
Who do you think should decide what information gets classified?
Comey determined that keeping his own reputation for impartiality intact was far more important than following justice department guidelines and decided that the high price the country needed to pay for that was worth it. To him. These are the actions of an egostistical prima donna. He should resign.
No matter how long he lives, Comey's obituary is now largely written.
6
Does anyone still have a question about why it is a stupendously bad idea to have your own server if you are a government official?
5
Comey's only mistake was to not recommend charges against Hillary - the evidence that she and many of her staff broke federal election laws (and others), is overwhelming.
The ability of these editors to spin is breathtaking.
The ability of these editors to spin is breathtaking.
4
A political party is private organization, not an agency of government. If you think the Federal Election Commission is a joke, give credit to the Republicans who make a travesty of it.
comey's actions are unbelievable.
It is prosecutorial malpractice. Director Comey was either trying to protect himself with House Republican leaders, or he was trying to influence the election. Either one is wrong, against clear, long standing policy and practice, and may even be a violation of the Hatch Act. It is reprehensible in an already unbelievable Presidential election cycle. I hope the President acts decisively after the election to fire the man.
1
“It is impossible to view this as anything less than a blatant double standard,” Clinton campaign manager, Robby Mook, told reporters."
Hmmmmm, what about those questions given to Clinton by Donna Brazile? Doesn't Clinton have to answer to why she accepted that double standard? Seems if she gets advance notice on questions, it's OK. Seems the DNC works in the background with her campaign (and others) to tip the scales against Sanders it's OK. Seems there are double standards all over the place. Money (all you can stomach); MSM (coverage that generates revenue but cares little for informing the electorate); closed primaries (works for Hillary!); the list goes on and on. And the rigged system that Charles Blow insists does not exist pushes more people toward voting Trump. Well done meritocratic class. Clinton will win, the dust will settle, and the festering resentment will only flourish at a later date.
Hmmmmm, what about those questions given to Clinton by Donna Brazile? Doesn't Clinton have to answer to why she accepted that double standard? Seems if she gets advance notice on questions, it's OK. Seems the DNC works in the background with her campaign (and others) to tip the scales against Sanders it's OK. Seems there are double standards all over the place. Money (all you can stomach); MSM (coverage that generates revenue but cares little for informing the electorate); closed primaries (works for Hillary!); the list goes on and on. And the rigged system that Charles Blow insists does not exist pushes more people toward voting Trump. Well done meritocratic class. Clinton will win, the dust will settle, and the festering resentment will only flourish at a later date.
5
Right now, Comey's actions are in danger of going down with the Supreme Court's highly partisan decision of 2000 putting G.W. Bush in the White House. This election is a lot closer than the polls and guessers have indicated and it is entirely possible that people who were on the fence about voting for Hillary are, at this moment, jumping off and voting against her or planning to next Tuesday. This is one of the most bizarre events in FBI history since J. Edgar Hoover danced around his living room in a tutu and then banded gays from serving as FBI agents.
Do we need the FBI any more? I say break it up into smaller, less threatening investigative agencies, each with specifically assigned duties to ensure it doesn't become the American version of Stasi in East Germany or the KGB under Soviet communism. It has been a massive thorn in the side of constitutional government and, don't forget, the stuff of presidential nightmares for generations.
We need to remember that this is the agency that held a sword over the heads of presidents from FDR through the Nixon years. This is the agency that ignored constitutional rights, tried to get Martin Luther King to commit suicide and, every president knew, could most likely do him in with secret information. This is an agency with a long, long history of destructive actions against democracy itself, one that polished up a public image with selective leaks to the media so that reporters became the PR agents for Hoover.
Time to reexamine.
Do we need the FBI any more? I say break it up into smaller, less threatening investigative agencies, each with specifically assigned duties to ensure it doesn't become the American version of Stasi in East Germany or the KGB under Soviet communism. It has been a massive thorn in the side of constitutional government and, don't forget, the stuff of presidential nightmares for generations.
We need to remember that this is the agency that held a sword over the heads of presidents from FDR through the Nixon years. This is the agency that ignored constitutional rights, tried to get Martin Luther King to commit suicide and, every president knew, could most likely do him in with secret information. This is an agency with a long, long history of destructive actions against democracy itself, one that polished up a public image with selective leaks to the media so that reporters became the PR agents for Hoover.
Time to reexamine.
2
I really don't think that this issue resonates with the electorate.
If you took a man on the street poll, I doubt that five percent could explain what wrongdoing Mrs. Clinton was accused of, and why it should change their vote.
But it does give the media something new at which to flail away, as we near the end of this sad and dreary campaign.
If you took a man on the street poll, I doubt that five percent could explain what wrongdoing Mrs. Clinton was accused of, and why it should change their vote.
But it does give the media something new at which to flail away, as we near the end of this sad and dreary campaign.
Has the Hillary campaign asked Huma what is the nature of the emails that are on the laptop and why are SOS emails on her (unsecured) laptop? Either she used that laptop to send emails back and forth or she forwarded emails to it so she could print or review attached documents at home. Huma likes to wear stripes, she may be wearing them on a daily basis.
5
Representing folks like you just isn't worth a sane person's time.
So it WASN'T a mistake when Comey detailed all the wrong doings of Hillary yet decided to let her off he hook. But it IS a mistake to announce that he is taking a look at new evidence.
I see.
I see.
5
Comey is a political hack and should be fired for tampering with the election. Even is Clinton wins, Comey has affected many down ballot races. There already was a growing lack of trust of law enforcement around the country due to racial profiling and attacking nonviolent people at Standing Rock while letting armed white men go away Scot free in Oregon. HIs actions further erode trust and faith in the law. I am a nonviolent Peacenik, but today I am having to suppress violent urges.
The New York Times gave its support to special prosecutor Lawreance Walsh when he announced a new pursuit of Iran-Contra investigation one week before the 1992 election (an effort quickly dismissed by a judge, after the election). The Clinton team, so outraged now, pounced on GH Bush over that with the same rhetoric Trump is using today. Amusing round trip on that little gem.
5
Dan Rather and Brian Williams were national nightly news anchors on major networks. They each attained that position by years of work building a wonderful reputation.
Each of Dan Rather and Brian Williams made ONE serious error.
Both of Dan Rather and Brian Williams were fired because of that ONE serious error, reputation notwithstanding.
James Comey built a reputation by years of careful work.
James Comey has now committed ONE very serious error (after being warned, and after recognizing that an announcement (of the FBI investigation of Russian hacking made close to an election could affect the outcome).
James Comey should be FIRED. (First he should give an explanation and a public apology.)
Each of Dan Rather and Brian Williams made ONE serious error.
Both of Dan Rather and Brian Williams were fired because of that ONE serious error, reputation notwithstanding.
James Comey built a reputation by years of careful work.
James Comey has now committed ONE very serious error (after being warned, and after recognizing that an announcement (of the FBI investigation of Russian hacking made close to an election could affect the outcome).
James Comey should be FIRED. (First he should give an explanation and a public apology.)
1
Let's hold him to the same standard as Attorney General Loretta Lynch. His and her fates and punishments should be consistent.
1
Unfortunately this has become a political football. The editorial cites a former U.S Attorney General, a Democrat, who believes, as the NYT does, that Comey made a mistake. In todays Washington Post a former U.S. Attorney General, a Republican, said Comey did exactly the right thing. A fair observer might point out that HRC brought all this on by sending classified data on a private server and the Democratic Convention took the unprecedented step of nominating a person under FBI investigation. The Republican Convention took the unprecedented step of nominating a bufoon. I hope the FBI is able to quickly complete a review of the new e-mails and is able to exonerate HRC. If the e-mail review by the FBI suggests potential criminal liability by HRC Mr. Comey should recommend a Special Prosecutor. The nation has faced similar constitutional questions before (Watergate, Spiro Agnew, Gore v Bush) and the Constitution and the nation have survived. It will again..
3
Comey stated in his prior testimony that new relevant information may initiate additional review of his decision.
Why did Huma Abedin not be forthcoming with stating that her work related e-mails were also on Wiener's laptop?
Interesting how Clinton's buddies at the the DOS obstruct, obfuscate, and delay their Clinton e-mail revelations and no one complains in that regard. Now, all of a sudden, they demand a immediate review of the 650000 e-mails on Wiener's laptop. If Hilary's memory was not so poor in her answers given under oath, if Bental and Pagliano were not pleading the 5th all the time, this mess would be long over
What hypocrisy
Why did Huma Abedin not be forthcoming with stating that her work related e-mails were also on Wiener's laptop?
Interesting how Clinton's buddies at the the DOS obstruct, obfuscate, and delay their Clinton e-mail revelations and no one complains in that regard. Now, all of a sudden, they demand a immediate review of the 650000 e-mails on Wiener's laptop. If Hilary's memory was not so poor in her answers given under oath, if Bental and Pagliano were not pleading the 5th all the time, this mess would be long over
What hypocrisy
4
With an inscrutable letter James Comey did a big favor for the American people. Especially the average person whom the 1% think are irrelevant.
3
Comey's big mistake was initially not recommending HC be prosecuted. Now he has found some additional wrong doing that can't be covered up in spite of Lynch's desires. Corruption is rampant in this country.
5
I'm going to go against the tide here because I still believe - naively or not - that there are people in our society who genuinely try to do the right thing. I think Mr. Comey is one of those individuals.
One thing I find fascinating about this latest revelation is this: "Why would Ms. Abedin be using her husband's laptop for contacting Mrs. Clinton, or other State Department employees, even if these emails weren't "significant?" And, how do you forget - when asked to hand over any devices used for those purposes - that you used your husband's computer? You don't forget. You avoid. And, perhaps Mr. Comey read it the same way.
One thing I find fascinating about this latest revelation is this: "Why would Ms. Abedin be using her husband's laptop for contacting Mrs. Clinton, or other State Department employees, even if these emails weren't "significant?" And, how do you forget - when asked to hand over any devices used for those purposes - that you used your husband's computer? You don't forget. You avoid. And, perhaps Mr. Comey read it the same way.
5
"I'm going to go against the tide here because I still believe - naively or not - that there are people in our society who genuinely try to do the right thing. I think Mr. Comey is one of those individuals."
I think naive is the operative word here, if you believe that, 11 days before Election Day, this is not politicized in one form or another but instead an example of transparency, when Comey's missive goes against both precedent and protocol (and may indeed be a violation of the Hatch Act).
Or perhaps 'partisan' is a better description than naive. People see what they want to see - you have no idea what the investigation truly entails, yet you have decided (or heavily implied) that Huma Abedin deliberately avoided turning in her husband's laptop to cover something up and that there is something weird in her using her husband's laptop. Innuendo goes a long way in poisoning political discourse and the functioning of our polity, and poisoned our polity it has. One conspiracy theory after another has taken it's toll on the American political landscape and polarized it, and what constitutes 'doing the right thing' now depends on what side of the aisle one stands.
I am not a fan of HRC and would have preferred Sanders as the Democratic nominee. But even I can see that Comey stepped out of the normal bounds of procedure here, and in a way that does little to inform but does much to spark a new round of innuendo such as your post entails.
I think naive is the operative word here, if you believe that, 11 days before Election Day, this is not politicized in one form or another but instead an example of transparency, when Comey's missive goes against both precedent and protocol (and may indeed be a violation of the Hatch Act).
Or perhaps 'partisan' is a better description than naive. People see what they want to see - you have no idea what the investigation truly entails, yet you have decided (or heavily implied) that Huma Abedin deliberately avoided turning in her husband's laptop to cover something up and that there is something weird in her using her husband's laptop. Innuendo goes a long way in poisoning political discourse and the functioning of our polity, and poisoned our polity it has. One conspiracy theory after another has taken it's toll on the American political landscape and polarized it, and what constitutes 'doing the right thing' now depends on what side of the aisle one stands.
I am not a fan of HRC and would have preferred Sanders as the Democratic nominee. But even I can see that Comey stepped out of the normal bounds of procedure here, and in a way that does little to inform but does much to spark a new round of innuendo such as your post entails.
1
Rudy Guiliani is behind Comey's decision
Mr. Comey was intimidated by both Trump's campaign led by Guiliani and the Congressional Republicans led by Jason Chaffetz. Comey used to report to Guiliani in late 80s and early 90s at the DOJ in NY. Even last week Guiliani was bragging about this on one of the cable TV shows that Comey did not know what he was doing when he made the decision about Clinton's e-mails back in July. I really believe that Comey was bullied and rattled to the point that he is in psychologically self-correcting state of mind. We all know what happens when someone is trying to prove something to other people - overreaction, overreach, overwork, etc
What else would be a reason for him to defy a long-held rule at the DOJ to never discuss investigations within 60 days of an election?
Nice try Mr. Trump, Mr. Guiliani, and Mr. Chaffetz on working the ref. Your actions would probably make the election little closer than it was before last Friday's news but at the end, Hillary will pull off the win on Nov-8th.
Mr. Comey was intimidated by both Trump's campaign led by Guiliani and the Congressional Republicans led by Jason Chaffetz. Comey used to report to Guiliani in late 80s and early 90s at the DOJ in NY. Even last week Guiliani was bragging about this on one of the cable TV shows that Comey did not know what he was doing when he made the decision about Clinton's e-mails back in July. I really believe that Comey was bullied and rattled to the point that he is in psychologically self-correcting state of mind. We all know what happens when someone is trying to prove something to other people - overreaction, overreach, overwork, etc
What else would be a reason for him to defy a long-held rule at the DOJ to never discuss investigations within 60 days of an election?
Nice try Mr. Trump, Mr. Guiliani, and Mr. Chaffetz on working the ref. Your actions would probably make the election little closer than it was before last Friday's news but at the end, Hillary will pull off the win on Nov-8th.
5
"Mr. Comey fought successfully to keep the F.B.I.’s name off a government report regarding evidence that Russia was attempting to interfere in the presidential election. He believed the report was accurate ...."
Wow. The FBI director is more concerned about protecting the Russians from the truth than about protecting HRC from baseless attacks (Trump and the Republicans immediately and foreseeably over-inflated Comey's letter).
Wow. His obvious bias is unbelievable. Unbelievable.
Wow. The FBI director is more concerned about protecting the Russians from the truth than about protecting HRC from baseless attacks (Trump and the Republicans immediately and foreseeably over-inflated Comey's letter).
Wow. His obvious bias is unbelievable. Unbelievable.
3
Here is why I have mixed feelings about what Comey did.
On the one hand, any kind of statement during an election is bound to be construed as interference. And the vagueness of the letter gives far too much room for interpretation (and misinterpretation).
However, and this is what I found disturbing, is that apparently part of the testimony from Clinton is that the leak of classified information was only on certain pieces of equipment. Some here object to Comey's use of the word "careless". It isn't subjective. She used an unsecure channel in which to communicate classified information, making it vulnerable to hacking. The irony is that the Clinton campaign is complaining of Russian interference in the election. But the fact is HER actions as Secretary of State made it quite easy for the Russians, or anyone else for that matter, to track her email usage.
So if there is yet another device on which these emails were found, a device that the Clinton camp said DIDN'T have the data it shows a general lack of concern with security by Clinton. She first circumvented department rules and it looks like her staff did as well. That's considerable negligence.
She only owed up to it "as a mistake" after it was becoming a political problem for her. Before that she was dismissive of it. But we are seeing a pattern. The Clinton camp and the DNC seem to think that leaking information is fine and well when it suits them (see Ms. Brazile's recent firing from CNN). That's a problem.
On the one hand, any kind of statement during an election is bound to be construed as interference. And the vagueness of the letter gives far too much room for interpretation (and misinterpretation).
However, and this is what I found disturbing, is that apparently part of the testimony from Clinton is that the leak of classified information was only on certain pieces of equipment. Some here object to Comey's use of the word "careless". It isn't subjective. She used an unsecure channel in which to communicate classified information, making it vulnerable to hacking. The irony is that the Clinton campaign is complaining of Russian interference in the election. But the fact is HER actions as Secretary of State made it quite easy for the Russians, or anyone else for that matter, to track her email usage.
So if there is yet another device on which these emails were found, a device that the Clinton camp said DIDN'T have the data it shows a general lack of concern with security by Clinton. She first circumvented department rules and it looks like her staff did as well. That's considerable negligence.
She only owed up to it "as a mistake" after it was becoming a political problem for her. Before that she was dismissive of it. But we are seeing a pattern. The Clinton camp and the DNC seem to think that leaking information is fine and well when it suits them (see Ms. Brazile's recent firing from CNN). That's a problem.
2
In fairness to Hillary, her 3 predecessors in the Sec. of State role all had classified material sent to their private email accounts. While John Kerry has escaped investigation, it is widely believed that he has received classified emails in his private account.
Hillary is also correct that some of these emails were classified after the fact, and "aggressively" (classification set too high).
It is true that Hillary used private email more than any other Sec. of State. And while it's in violation of departmental policy, she knew there was plenty of precedent. Agreed that it was careless, and that early efforts at being dismissive of it were a mistake...she should've owned up to it at the outset.
Criminal, and worthy of yet more investigation??? Doesn't sound believable, and that's where the political element creeps in.
Hillary is also correct that some of these emails were classified after the fact, and "aggressively" (classification set too high).
It is true that Hillary used private email more than any other Sec. of State. And while it's in violation of departmental policy, she knew there was plenty of precedent. Agreed that it was careless, and that early efforts at being dismissive of it were a mistake...she should've owned up to it at the outset.
Criminal, and worthy of yet more investigation??? Doesn't sound believable, and that's where the political element creeps in.
Paul F
The is no evidence AT ALL that Hillary Clinton's private server was ever hacked.
US government computer systems get hacked.
Numerous US businesses have had millions of credit card records hacked.
DNC computer systems get hacked.
Podesta had his yahoo email account hacked. That is what Wikileaks is posting now.
That says, for whatever unkonown reason, the private server was evidently less prone to being hacked than the other systems I mentioned.
The is no evidence AT ALL that Hillary Clinton's private server was ever hacked.
US government computer systems get hacked.
Numerous US businesses have had millions of credit card records hacked.
DNC computer systems get hacked.
Podesta had his yahoo email account hacked. That is what Wikileaks is posting now.
That says, for whatever unkonown reason, the private server was evidently less prone to being hacked than the other systems I mentioned.
I am not a US citizen and have been following this election with interest from India. The negative implications of a Trump presidency are so obvious to see and I wonder how the US electorate can be so mind bogglingly stupid. Hillary for all her faults comes across as an intelligent and sane human being whilst Trump is obviously a head case. Yes she showed bad judgement with her emails, but this guy is a self professed sexual predator and a compulsive liar. How can anybody in their right mind vote for him to be President. Having said that. If the Americans are self destructive enough to elect him then they deserve him and will have to live with the consequences just as the Brits are living with the consequences of Brexit. Only this will be much worse and the true winners will be Russia and China who will gain while Trump makes stupid decisions!
2
SV, I think it comes down to which completely immoral candidate you want selling you out. If the stupid candidate wins (and he is not only crazy but very stupid as well), it's possible he will listen to his cabinet members and others and we could avert disaster. If the more intelligent candidate with political and monetary ties all over the world wins, she can still manage to hang onto her own agenda and evade prosecution for all the destruction she leaves in her wake--sort of like a Cheney. Maybe she'll even be able to yank out a heart to replace hers when it fails, so she gets a feeling of immortality.
Dumb Donald, if you look very closely, has just a tiny shred of humility that Clinton completely lacks. I still wouldn't vote for him either, but I can see where Clinton is much more dangerous.
Dumb Donald, if you look very closely, has just a tiny shred of humility that Clinton completely lacks. I still wouldn't vote for him either, but I can see where Clinton is much more dangerous.
1
The FBI's first big mistake was over the last year or so when they were investigating this case and didn't think to inspect the devices used by top aides to the Secretary. That shoddy, amateurish investigative work should get lots of people fired at the FBI.
The big mistake Comey made didn't happen last week. It happened over the summer when he failed to recommend to the Justice Department to indict Mrs. Clinton. He's felt guilty about that all along and knows that once the truth comes out, his job and perhaps even his freedom may be on the line.
The next mistakes that will be made will include Mrs. Abedin not being indicted for willfully exposing confidential state department communications to a known security risk who can't manage to safeguard his own on-line profile.
The big mistake Comey made didn't happen last week. It happened over the summer when he failed to recommend to the Justice Department to indict Mrs. Clinton. He's felt guilty about that all along and knows that once the truth comes out, his job and perhaps even his freedom may be on the line.
The next mistakes that will be made will include Mrs. Abedin not being indicted for willfully exposing confidential state department communications to a known security risk who can't manage to safeguard his own on-line profile.
1
Democratic institutions survive when people in positions of authority act responsibly. They are expected to police themselves. Director Comey criticized Secretary Clinton for poor judgment in the use of a private server. Really? He has proved that he is no better.
It seems that, between Trump and Clinton "surrogates," so many of these people are just a bit damaged and defective. They live in very isolated worlds, with little connection to what average people in the work world live with. The language of that world is filled with dissembling, distraction and denial. Abedin is a pure creature of the political world, both in career and her horribly frightening sad personal life. Her heartbreaking role in the documentary "Weiner" is an unbelievable window into her soul. Neither she, nor anyone else around her (including her boss and other Clinton staffers) appear to have a natural instinct to come clean and tell the truth about anything. Unfortunately, the truth sometimes has a way of telling itself. She may want to consider taking the Fifth going forward.
1
I never thought I would see former Attorney Generals Eric Holder and Alfredo Gonzales expressing complete agreement on any issue of public policy. But James Comey has managed to unite those two, along with virtually every Justice Department official from the last four administrations, and dozens of constitutional law experts in condemning Mr. Comey’s clumsy, inept, and politically suspect interference in the presidential campaign. Clearly, if Mr. Comey had an iota of self-awareness and integrity, he would apologize to the nation and resign. But since he obviously doesn’t, we can look forward to seeing President Clinton accept his resignation
1
Weiner’s laptop was seized by the NYPD in the child abuse case against Weiner. The NYPD had a warrant and viewed the content of the laptop. You can bet the farm the NYPD made a copy of the content before forwarding the Laptop to the FBI. The NYPD gave the FBI a heads up about the content of the laptop when they transferred it to the FBI. At this point hundreds of people know what is on the laptop. You can never keep the lid on information like this. Comey had to send the letter to Congress before he got trumped by a leak from the NYPD.
5
Seems like Comey may (or may not) be working for Trump. I suppose it's good to take this into consideration, at least until we can find out the truth.
His choice was to announce it now or announce it after the election and cause a constitutional crisis. Imagine if this came out a couple of days after - that the FBI director had re-opened an investigation against one of the candidates, but decided not to tell people because they can't handle the truth.
Does this really change what anyone feels about Clinton? Half the people think she's corrupt and incompetent. The other half thinks she's just corrupt.
Does this really change what anyone feels about Clinton? Half the people think she's corrupt and incompetent. The other half thinks she's just corrupt.
2
Anything to help Hillary Clinton.
3
Clearly time for Director Comey to find other work.
The notion that,
“he clearly failed to consider the impact of the innuendo he unleashed just days before the election…”
is an incredible editorial assertion regarding someone in his position. It is even more incredulous to believe that he was so utterly unaware of the implications of his actions.
It is far more likely that he knew full well what the impact would be given the many and very strong warning he received from within the Justice Department before the action was taken to go public.
The notion that,
“he clearly failed to consider the impact of the innuendo he unleashed just days before the election…”
is an incredible editorial assertion regarding someone in his position. It is even more incredulous to believe that he was so utterly unaware of the implications of his actions.
It is far more likely that he knew full well what the impact would be given the many and very strong warning he received from within the Justice Department before the action was taken to go public.
I believe that James Comey knew exactly what he was doing. He definitely considered the impact of the innuendo. This episode is just another example of the American political system going down the toilet. Yet, we have have the nerve to send poll monitors to elections in other countries.
Instead of rallying around a questionable candidate, a decent newspaper would poke around and find out what the content of the emails really is.
7
The mistake is not Comey's. It was Hillary and her crime family's. The NYT providing cover for her is despicable proves the NYT has zero credibility as a news source.
This same site was singing Comey's praises just a short time ago.
This same site was singing Comey's praises just a short time ago.
5
Now it. Ones out that Comey was AGAINST any public statement that the FBI was involved in looking at Russian hacking in the US because HE KNEW IT WAS CLOSE TO THE ELECTION AND THAT SUCH AN ANNONCEMENT COULD SKEW THE OUTCOME.
However, the same concern DID NOT impinge on Comey's thinking as regards his letter about the emails sent to the Congress a mere 11 DAYS before the election.
Does this sounds fishy, or outright corrupt, to anyone else? (Rhetorical question)
How can this be happening in a democracy that has lasted 240 years? How can the Republican Party (an institution that is being replaced by the Cult of Trump) sit still and not scream about this to high heaven?
Where are all of you Republicans? (crickets)
However, the same concern DID NOT impinge on Comey's thinking as regards his letter about the emails sent to the Congress a mere 11 DAYS before the election.
Does this sounds fishy, or outright corrupt, to anyone else? (Rhetorical question)
How can this be happening in a democracy that has lasted 240 years? How can the Republican Party (an institution that is being replaced by the Cult of Trump) sit still and not scream about this to high heaven?
Where are all of you Republicans? (crickets)
1
Does the Times publisher read the raw unedited emails of reporters to the managing editor who decides what's fit to print in the newspaper? Why does FBI Director Comey have to have read the reports of his trusted FBI agents who did read the new emails found on the Weiner-Abedin computer and reported that they had found some suspicious ones related to the Clinton email investigation. If, like Pres. Obama, the FBI Directors trusts his managers, he will base his decisions on the summaries of evidentiary findings and due diligence of his subordinates. He doesn't have time to read all the raw data reported to him and underlying the reports' general summaries.
Ask Mrs. Clinton how she decided on what she read from the field staff in Libya and State Dept. what security measures were sufficient for the Benghazi Embassy. Who assured her that there was enough security to protect our Embassy staff and Ambassador? One wonders whether she ever read a staff dispatch from an Embassy while she was Secretary. When would she have the time even if she wanted to read them?
Ask Mrs. Clinton how she decided on what she read from the field staff in Libya and State Dept. what security measures were sufficient for the Benghazi Embassy. Who assured her that there was enough security to protect our Embassy staff and Ambassador? One wonders whether she ever read a staff dispatch from an Embassy while she was Secretary. When would she have the time even if she wanted to read them?
1
So Comey did not think Russian hacking of DNC and Podesta computers was worth investigating and disagreed with conclusions of other agencies?? Clearly Comey is a Republican hack who has a vendetta against the Clintons after coming up with nothing in four prior investigations. He acts like his sole obligation is to the lynch mob in the House wasting millions and going nowhere. I guess Hillary being way ahead in the polls really got him to act. This is a clear violation of the Hatch Act. This broken system is clearly under threat from the neofascists and anarchists in the GOP. Only redeeming fact is that George W Bush's attorneys are spearheading the attack on Comey with a filed complaint for violating the Act.
So far the only person who clearly knows how those Clinton e-mails got on that laptop is Mr. Weiner. He could be before Congress under subpoena testifying right now to answer the ultimate question if Huma had access and obstructed justice by not turning over the laptop. Why isn't he ? Possibly a secret immunity deal in exchange for him illegally accessing his wife's account on Hillary's computer. (People do strange and spiteful things when involved in a divorce.) Something is not right here. Someone in the Justice Department has to make it right.
So far the only person who clearly knows how those Clinton e-mails got on that laptop is Mr. Weiner. He could be before Congress under subpoena testifying right now to answer the ultimate question if Huma had access and obstructed justice by not turning over the laptop. Why isn't he ? Possibly a secret immunity deal in exchange for him illegally accessing his wife's account on Hillary's computer. (People do strange and spiteful things when involved in a divorce.) Something is not right here. Someone in the Justice Department has to make it right.
A few months back Comey seemed to be savior to the Democrats when he declared that there was no criminal case against Hilary Clinton on misuse of classified information off of a private server. Now Comey is being demonized for suggesting that previously undisclosed emails - that may or may not have relevance to the previous investigation - have been found in a device needs to be looked at.
Comey's previous assertion that the Clinton investigation was over based on the Clinton team's sharing of all State Department related correspondence and devices. If all of a sudden the FBI comes across troves of State Department related correspondence from a device shared by Huma Abedin and her husband, it has the responsibility to review them. Comey could have easily blamed Abedin and by extension Clinton for withholding any information about this device that Abedin also used for receiving/sending State Department related messages. But he did not.
Think of the alternative. If any classified info were to be found in these new set of emails, Comey would be blamed for hiding this information and giving Hilary Clinton a free pass.
Comey has been doing his job with full professionalism. He needs to be praised, not blamed.
Comey's previous assertion that the Clinton investigation was over based on the Clinton team's sharing of all State Department related correspondence and devices. If all of a sudden the FBI comes across troves of State Department related correspondence from a device shared by Huma Abedin and her husband, it has the responsibility to review them. Comey could have easily blamed Abedin and by extension Clinton for withholding any information about this device that Abedin also used for receiving/sending State Department related messages. But he did not.
Think of the alternative. If any classified info were to be found in these new set of emails, Comey would be blamed for hiding this information and giving Hilary Clinton a free pass.
Comey has been doing his job with full professionalism. He needs to be praised, not blamed.
1
After the election I'd be impressed if a President Clinton quietly severed professional connections with her personal assistant/advisor/surrogate daughter Huma Abedin. It would signal loyalty to the office and country above a political and personal relationship. I'm going to guess there are many highly capable, qualified and professional assistants available without the (unfortunate for Abedin) toxic baggage.
This is a blatant example of how the mainstream media takes sides instead of reporting impartially.Here is a conscieicious officer doing his duty as best as he can .But the revelation can potentially harm immensely the beloved puppet of the Wall Street wolves who control mainstream media and hence the whole of media comes down on him in diverse ways . Comey , you did the right thing. Its not for you to question why and what but do your duty as your conscience tells you to do. Let things take its own course . And, if media is shocked more than the puppet herself thats their head ache , not yours. Its the majority of people who deserves to be honoured and not an indivdual or an already biased media.
Comey , the public wants officers like you !
"We the people " are with you and appreciate your judgement .
May your tribe increase !
Comey , the public wants officers like you !
"We the people " are with you and appreciate your judgement .
May your tribe increase !
2
One nice side-effect of this for me is that now Comey has gone from a political figure I felt very little about either way, to yet another old white man whose eventual death will cheer me up considerably. Like, when Scalia croaked, it buoyed my spirit for weeks. Of course I can't wait until the day Trump dies, that'll be one of the happiest days of my life. And now, Comey, by this act of venal corruption in service of a fascist toad, has joined this group, and when I get word of his death from natural causes, I'll be happier about the state of the union.
what the NYT ignores, of course, is that Comey works for Loretta Lynch. She could have ordered him not to send that letter. instead she strongly urged him not to. another profile in gov't courage....
2
She would not do that because she recused herself from the case...even tho that case is closed.
The Comey letter is the continuation of the witch hunt that House Republicans have pursued relentlessly for the last several years. First, it was a prolonged “investigation” of the Benghazi incident which, despite months of huffing and puffing by Republican members of this or that committee, discovered nothing new, but did stumble onto the curious case of Clinton’s private email server.
Clinton is a senior statesman, the wife of a former President, a former senator from a major state, and a mother. She must have tens of thousands of correspondents. As Secretary of State, she continued to use the email server she used as Senator from New York. She may not have been aware of the rule that government email services should be used for government business, or she found it inconvenient and unreasonable to change her email address.
Using her private email service only for social, non-government correspondence and the government email service for government business would not have shielded her from Republican harassment. House Republicans would still insist that she had used her private server to cover up her devious government activities.
Do sensible people really care which email server handles correspondence? In any event, don't we all know that highly sensitive information should not be sent by email?
Clinton is a senior statesman, the wife of a former President, a former senator from a major state, and a mother. She must have tens of thousands of correspondents. As Secretary of State, she continued to use the email server she used as Senator from New York. She may not have been aware of the rule that government email services should be used for government business, or she found it inconvenient and unreasonable to change her email address.
Using her private email service only for social, non-government correspondence and the government email service for government business would not have shielded her from Republican harassment. House Republicans would still insist that she had used her private server to cover up her devious government activities.
Do sensible people really care which email server handles correspondence? In any event, don't we all know that highly sensitive information should not be sent by email?
1
To blame director comey's for his actions only obscures the real crime that Hillary Clinton has willingly done. That is numerous false exculpatory
4
How has it come to be that us Democrats and Liberals are pushing silence rather than openness in our right to know. I'd expected this attitude from the right. Do the same people prefer this info was disclosed on November 9th - that surely would have created a serious revolution or at least great anger.
4
Eric Holder said Mr. Comey "...committed a serious error.." - Mr. Holder committed dozens of serious errors and had numerous conflicts of interest while he was Attorney General. It's a shame. When both Republicans and Democrats find fault with someone in Washington, I believe it's a good thing. I'm so tired of the status quo, it's sickening to hear all the petty email traffic with Hillary and Huma and now Anthony! It's even more sickening to hear Trump recite them in his speeches. I can't wait until this election is over, I don't care who wins. They're both pitiful candidates.
3
Everything in our country is out of control.
The Congress, The FBI, The Supreme Court, The two parties, The media, The candidates, The Police, The Gun Lobby. I must have missed something for sure.
The only sane thing is our Adult President Mr Obama. No wonder our out of control country does not believe he was born here. Look at the people's behaviour born here.
The Congress, The FBI, The Supreme Court, The two parties, The media, The candidates, The Police, The Gun Lobby. I must have missed something for sure.
The only sane thing is our Adult President Mr Obama. No wonder our out of control country does not believe he was born here. Look at the people's behaviour born here.
1
Are you referring to the same Obama who lied about ObamaCare, who has the worst economic record of any president, who unilaterally dissolved our borders and is allowing illegals to flood America so they can illegally vote and steal the election for Hillary, who started 5 wars, who started a Race War in America?
Comey's original sin was the outrageous "opinion piece" and ersatz ethics lecture he delivered to congress after he concluded there was no criminal case to be made, and then his "promise" to keep congress "informed".
He had no right to do either, and has now exponentially compounded that catastrophic judgement lapse with this latest action and managed to undermine the public's confidence in the FBI while materially affecting an already chaotic election in a highly partisan fashion.
There were other "troubling" signposts during his tenure that he was a half baked freelancer who played on his own one man team, but was given the benefit of the doubt.
But it's clear now that he is just not up to the job, he lacks the judgement, restraint and intellect to handle it and should resign.
He had no right to do either, and has now exponentially compounded that catastrophic judgement lapse with this latest action and managed to undermine the public's confidence in the FBI while materially affecting an already chaotic election in a highly partisan fashion.
There were other "troubling" signposts during his tenure that he was a half baked freelancer who played on his own one man team, but was given the benefit of the doubt.
But it's clear now that he is just not up to the job, he lacks the judgement, restraint and intellect to handle it and should resign.
5
I don't know or care what was in Comey's heart or whether he
chose to politically insert himself into a National Election.
What I do know is that this is the second time he went further than his
purview allows.
The following should have been his behavior:
No indictment....No comment
Indictment.........No comment
No investigation initiated...............No comment
No facts to report..........................No comment
It is impossible to believe that he could not guess what the results of his
action would be. It would seem that he was more interested in his reputation
than he was in protecting the fairness of a US Presidential election........But
let's keep very still while we await a possible indictment of his actions under the
Hatch Act.
It might do well to remember that he too is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
chose to politically insert himself into a National Election.
What I do know is that this is the second time he went further than his
purview allows.
The following should have been his behavior:
No indictment....No comment
Indictment.........No comment
No investigation initiated...............No comment
No facts to report..........................No comment
It is impossible to believe that he could not guess what the results of his
action would be. It would seem that he was more interested in his reputation
than he was in protecting the fairness of a US Presidential election........But
let's keep very still while we await a possible indictment of his actions under the
Hatch Act.
It might do well to remember that he too is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
3
So The Donald is right. The election is rigged....in his favor.
2
Comey as much as admits that he was trying to influence the election in his letter to his employees stating that the voters have a right to know. Brazen attempt to influence the election. It has certainly shaken my faith in a democratic process.
1
Comey should be recused from any further involvement. His blatant fixing of the election -- and the unanticipated backlash he's suffering--- means he'll be looking for anything to justify what he's done. After all, his severe lapse of judgment arose out of his personal concern over his personal reputation. He's not the man for the job.
1
James Comey is a Republican operative - nothing more, nothing less. I endorse all the commenters who have called for his immediate resignation.
3
The FBI director’s letter to Congress was hardly unprecedented. The antecedent was his previous statement to Congress on the status of the Clinton email investigation. Most of the news media applauded James Comey when he told Congress, with Justice Department approval, that in his opinion “no reasonable prosecutor would indict Hilary Clinton on evidence so far assembled. The Washington Post editorial board was rapturous, declaring: “In examining the use of a private email server for official business by then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, FBI Director James Comey appears to have navigated treacherous waters with the commitment to principle and rule of law that any citizen could wish for. The FBI investigated thoroughly. It came to its conclusion in time for voters to factor it into their deliberations.” After the July statement, Congress asked Comey to keep it informed of future developments in the investigation, and he complied. The update come in time for voters who haven’t voted early to factor it into their deliberations.
The mistake made by Director James Comey was to not indict Hilary Clinton initially as this late venture in credibility has disrupted what should not have reached this stage. Now a Constitutional crisis will unfold that could have been avoided.
This, however, provides an epiphany regarding the corruption of power. When party politics transcend honest governance in a Constitutional Democracy to the degree that Ms. Clinton has been afforded protection from prosecution, a limit has been reached as to the credibility of the justice system and the legitimacy of the government itself. When that limit is breached, as it is now, Mr. Comey alone is standing tall and the mainstream American media is not.
This, however, provides an epiphany regarding the corruption of power. When party politics transcend honest governance in a Constitutional Democracy to the degree that Ms. Clinton has been afforded protection from prosecution, a limit has been reached as to the credibility of the justice system and the legitimacy of the government itself. When that limit is breached, as it is now, Mr. Comey alone is standing tall and the mainstream American media is not.
1
Hostile foreign power hacking. Trying to influence election.
Laptop suddenly has emails that may or may not relate to election...
And Comey points finger at Clinton?
What is wrong with this picture?
Laptop suddenly has emails that may or may not relate to election...
And Comey points finger at Clinton?
What is wrong with this picture?
1
Sad indeed. That the partisanship and outright electioneering for Clinton has so tainted the worldview of the NYT and its readership that they can't abide any negative truth about their candidate. And so they blame the messenger, in this case James Comey.
Let me repeat what others have already pointed out.
This is not about James Comey. This is about Hillary Clinton. She can release all her emails from her tenure at State, this morning, right now. She can instruct David Kendall, her attorney to reconstitute and publish the 33,000 emails that she and her surrogates destroyed. She can instruct her aide, Huma to publish her emails,now in the possession of the FBI, located on her co-owned laptop with Anthony Weiner,
Hillary Clinton, her campaign and her supporters doth protest too much. They control what information Americans receive about these emails. If they desire transparency, they should publish the emails in question, by 5 pm today on the front page of the New York Times:"All the news thats fit to print"/
Let me repeat what others have already pointed out.
This is not about James Comey. This is about Hillary Clinton. She can release all her emails from her tenure at State, this morning, right now. She can instruct David Kendall, her attorney to reconstitute and publish the 33,000 emails that she and her surrogates destroyed. She can instruct her aide, Huma to publish her emails,now in the possession of the FBI, located on her co-owned laptop with Anthony Weiner,
Hillary Clinton, her campaign and her supporters doth protest too much. They control what information Americans receive about these emails. If they desire transparency, they should publish the emails in question, by 5 pm today on the front page of the New York Times:"All the news thats fit to print"/
3
Your assertion that Comey "clearly failed to consider the impact of the innuendo he unleashed just days before the election" is not accurate. He clearly intentionally interfered with the election, which at the time was out of reach for Mr. Trump. Now Trump has grabbed Hillary by the Wiener!
1
What I take away from this editorial and the vast majority of the posts is, you basically don't care if Hillary broke the law or not. Whether Hillary is guilty of a crime has become irrelevant in your mind to the question of whether she should become president. In a sense you've already thrown her under the bus. If she wins and gets sworn in (two vastly different things by the way), and is later found guilty, and maybe impeached and removed, no issue in your book: Tim Kaine will soldier on for the Cause.
Do I have that approximately right?
And if so, let's hope the electorate uses its combined intelligence to either not elect Hillary or at least keep Congress firmly in Republican hands, so nothing gets done for the next four years (including SCOTUS appointments, how delicious). See, that's the opposing strategy, perhaps equally cynical as yours.
The horse in this election left the barn when the GOP in its slumber allowed somebody like Mr. Trump as its leader, and when the Democratic party decided to crown Queen Hillary as its essentially only candidate (thank you Ms. Brazile and Ms. Wasserman Schultz).
Though the horse has left, the chickens have not yet all come home to roost, but when they do, the coop will become quite smelly - even more than it already is. Looking forward to future editorials explaining it all to us rubes.
Do I have that approximately right?
And if so, let's hope the electorate uses its combined intelligence to either not elect Hillary or at least keep Congress firmly in Republican hands, so nothing gets done for the next four years (including SCOTUS appointments, how delicious). See, that's the opposing strategy, perhaps equally cynical as yours.
The horse in this election left the barn when the GOP in its slumber allowed somebody like Mr. Trump as its leader, and when the Democratic party decided to crown Queen Hillary as its essentially only candidate (thank you Ms. Brazile and Ms. Wasserman Schultz).
Though the horse has left, the chickens have not yet all come home to roost, but when they do, the coop will become quite smelly - even more than it already is. Looking forward to future editorials explaining it all to us rubes.
2
Do you see what happens, Barry? Do you see what happens when you nominate a Republican to run the FBI?
2
Oh, Comey knew all too well the impact it would have. His actions were, indeed, an attempt to throw the election. The other actionable offense he made was reporting to Republicans in Congress rather than the Executive branch, which 'signs' his pay check.
1
Rational, probabilistic thinking would surely force any objective person to assume that Comey did not destroy himself with his letter. I'm happy to bet anyone he and his agents already think they've got the goods on Hillary. Hillary's dead-ender defenders are most likely the ones who've gone out a very shaky limb, not Comey. He's the one with the aces, called total investigative power AND the Weiner computer. Last but not least, the FBI has Weiner himself. If he sings in a plea bargain, that could well be the very last nail in the Clinton coffin. What an ironic tragedy that Goldman fixed the primaries for Hillary and now may be faced with Trump in power, not their Clinton puppets. As should be obvious to all, smear-proof Bernie would obviously have absolutely annihilated Trump. Of course, Goldman wouldn't have liked that much either. But the rest of us Democrats--those in the Democratic, as opposed to the Clinton Wall St., wing of the party--at this point would be much, much happier.
1
Mr. Comeys motives are nebulous at best, and we can only speculate: He took a stupid pill? A brain tumor? Sudden realization that he is part of a democrat administration? My money's on any of the above plus a golden parachute escape plan involving rich republican benefactor(s).
1
The question is intent to compromise national security: did Clinton intend to - no; did Comey intend to - probably yes if he helps to put Trump in the WH.
the next question is intent to cover up and lie to federal authorities: did she intend to - perhaps from an ethical point of view by obfuscating with failed memory and word parsing but not by legal standards; did he intend to - he is a federal authority and went against the rules of his own agency - is he lying to himself. I would say yes.
the next question is intent to cover up and lie to federal authorities: did she intend to - perhaps from an ethical point of view by obfuscating with failed memory and word parsing but not by legal standards; did he intend to - he is a federal authority and went against the rules of his own agency - is he lying to himself. I would say yes.
Comey was in an impossible situation. Since notifying Congress of the potential of new emails found on another laptop, he has been attacked far and wide. If he had not given this information, he and the FBI would have been criticized when the information ultimately was released. Comey is a good man in a lose, lose situation.
Very simply, he needs to resign. This is a terrible mistake in judgement, any partisan considerations not withstanding.
2
So James Comey refused to sign a report that he knew to be true because it connected the Republican candidate to Russia and Putin.
It sounds like Comey is putting Party over country in the most extreme and in-American way yet.
Maybe this latest attack against our country by the GOP and it's minions will result in an indictment for the FBI Director and a complete shakedown of the entire organization.
It sounds like Comey is putting Party over country in the most extreme and in-American way yet.
Maybe this latest attack against our country by the GOP and it's minions will result in an indictment for the FBI Director and a complete shakedown of the entire organization.
5
Had Comey kept his cards close to the vest instead of flipping them face-up on the table, and if there is damaging data in these emails, America has a system of justice to deal with the consequences. It would not matter if Hillary is elected; Justice would move forward, regardless. The outcome might be gut-wrenching, but it would follow as a result of the Rule of Law, not as the result of a hair-trigger knee-jerk decision by one man. But there is no way to put the bullet back in the barrel if Trump is elected, presumably with this as a moving force, and it turns out the emails are trivial with a capital "T."
Trump and his supporters, in the latter case would of course declare a conspiracy at DOJ. Let'em. But make them prove their case in court.
Trump and his supporters, in the latter case would of course declare a conspiracy at DOJ. Let'em. But make them prove their case in court.
1
Holder says it "negatively affected public trust." The people are not to be told these things? We can't be trusted with such information, but Mr. Holder can? Mr. Comey should have covered it up? Is that what we're calling "open" government these days?
When it was revealed yesterday that a DNC chairwoman "leaked" questions to Mrs. Clinton before the CNN debate, should that not have been said because reporting it "negatively affected public trust?" Sure did. But it wasn't the reporting of it that negatively affected our trust.
When it was revealed yesterday that a DNC chairwoman "leaked" questions to Mrs. Clinton before the CNN debate, should that not have been said because reporting it "negatively affected public trust?" Sure did. But it wasn't the reporting of it that negatively affected our trust.
3
Whether intended or not, Comey's behavior is reminiscent of the character assassination tactics of Joseph McCarthy. How ironic that Trumps's longtime lawyer and mentor, Roy Cohn, was McCarthy's right hand man.
5
Has anyone considered that Comey's letter to Congress, sent before the election, is far better than had it been sent after? Imagine the fracas; the withholding would only have served to fuel Trump rigged election claims and Republican impeachment plans. At this point in the campaign, the revelations will hardly throw the election to Trump: most voters are already decided. Better now than later.
4
The day after the inauguration of Hillary Clinton as President, James Comey should be terminated. His overreaching ethical stance for "transparency" has morphed into the appearance of throwing the Presidential election. Outrageous!
1
Who needs election 'observers' from Putin's Russia, we already have them in the US Government.
What baloney. It's not Comey's fault that Clinton was careless about classified emails, and it's not Comey's fault that the Dems nominated her. He is trying to do his job. And if he's overreaching his authority, it's only because his boss has compromised herself by being to chummy with the Clintons. This is a mess caused by America's "ruling class" themselves (they are so smart!). Trump's nomination is a reaction to these dreadful, incompetent rulers. A pundit wrote recently that Trump is not so much a candidate but "the empty gin bottle that America has thrown through the plate glass window" in reaction to these people.
3
This is such a one-side NY Times opinion piece. It is a laughable, desperate attempt to spin the news away from Hillary, along with the desperate lead story on Trump’s taxes again. Instead of focusing on how Hillary’s bleach bitted, deleted emails may have finally been found, the Times prefers to discredit Comey for trying to right the wrongs he committed by not indicting her and undertaking a proper investigation in the first place. The entire justice department is corrupt. Loretta Lynch is either a puppet or succumbed to pressure or threats from Bill Clinton on the tarmac. Every part of the FBI investigation was unprecedented, not just the Comey letter to congress, including: failure to subpoena Weiner’s computer initially, failure to obtain the missing emails from the company that hosted her email, failure to convene a grand jury, willingness to give out immunity for testimony when no grand jury was convened and offering to destroy all the evidence after the investigation. However, nothing was more outrageous than Comey’s statement that he decided not to indict her because he did not believe there was “intent” to commit these crimes. It is well established that intent is not a defense for her crimes. There are many citizens in prison right now for unintended breaches of our national security. By the way, where is the outrage over Hillary eagerly accepting advance debate questions from Donna Brazile instead of going public to show even a modicum of trustworthiness?
5
Veritas 128
Opinion pieces are one sided. That is why they call them *OPINION* pieces, but you don't get that.
Opinion pieces are one sided. That is why they call them *OPINION* pieces, but you don't get that.
Thanks, but you clearly have trouble with reading comprehension. The point is that the opinion is biased to a fault for a supposedly reputable newspaper. Please have someone you know to be intelligent explain it to you.
1
This certainly seems a lot like a "We had to destroy the village in order to save it" situation.
Mr. Comey's actions have done the exact opposite of his stated intention of protecting the reputation of the FBI. His innuendo-dripping announcement on Friday followed by his non-clarifying clarification on Monday has brought upon the FBI more suspicion, scorn, cynicism and disrepute than anything to which it would have been exposed if he had waited until after the election to deliver his little October surprise.
Mr. Comey's actions have done the exact opposite of his stated intention of protecting the reputation of the FBI. His innuendo-dripping announcement on Friday followed by his non-clarifying clarification on Monday has brought upon the FBI more suspicion, scorn, cynicism and disrepute than anything to which it would have been exposed if he had waited until after the election to deliver his little October surprise.
2
Comey should resign.
1
When the Clintons take office, this guy is toast, along with any agents who rattled the cage. Like any of us who have a bullseye on our back it is prudent to understand your severance options or retirement package.
Mr Comey's actions have been inappropriate if not illegal and make one wonder how he believes it would profit him because it didn't profit the American people. It would appear that from Morning Shows to News media the charges Trump has made of giving the election to HRC have had Trump & Cronies desired effect a backlash into pushing a nervous media into highlighting previous battles of Hillary's camp and deemphasizing Trumps more serious charges. It is as if the desire to shout FIRE takes precedence over sense. Where are the headlines questioning why Trump's emails [and cronies] haven't been hacked? Examine his lies? Why would a country want to divulge only one candidate's emails if it wasn't Russia? And isn't the person behind this release also a sexual predator of children ? Ick! And if Trump thinks he's equal to a partnership with Putin am I the only one who questions his HUGE lack of intellectual discernment? If talking heads are going to speculate wildly or put those pundits on television squawking in glee. Look at all the editorials showing how/why each newspaper endorsed HRC; why all the charges on Hillary were deemed not important even not true. That was based on considered reflection. Now this? I do not understand how this jumping on innuendo is news and even repeating that enthusiasm is waning is news? Based on whose report? Trump's camp? He charges her with lies? NYT's is commenting on his tax evasion but it isn't enough in this day of headline news.
1
There is no way FBI director James Comey can put his stunning mistake back in the box. The damage has been done, not just to the Clinton campaign and the down ballot elections, but to the integrity and trustworthiness of the FBI itself. The only thing Comey can do to mitigate the damage he has caused by breaking precedent—and possibly the law—is to resign, effective immediately. His resignation will send a clear signal to the American people that announcing an investigation before know any of the facts–indeed, before you have a search warrant—was a mistake of epic proportions.
One more point: if Comey was worried that news of these possibly new emails was going to leak, we have another serious reason to doubt the Director's competence. If Comey is concerned about leaks, he is effectively saying he can not trust his department to keep and protect classified and confidential information.
That is certainly grounds for dismissal and a review of the Bureau itself.
One more point: if Comey was worried that news of these possibly new emails was going to leak, we have another serious reason to doubt the Director's competence. If Comey is concerned about leaks, he is effectively saying he can not trust his department to keep and protect classified and confidential information.
That is certainly grounds for dismissal and a review of the Bureau itself.
1
Why did James Comey.....capitulate....before the Republicans....because
they scared him into doing so...and bottom line..
A Coward and a Capitulator is not the job requisite for being Director of
the F.B.I.
that is why Comey...needs to leave the F.B.I...ASAP
they scared him into doing so...and bottom line..
A Coward and a Capitulator is not the job requisite for being Director of
the F.B.I.
that is why Comey...needs to leave the F.B.I...ASAP
2
When the dust settles as it always does Mr Comey will leave government for the job as the Chief Security Officer of Koch Industries. A country has to suffer for the blind ambition of one twisted individual.
1
How on earth could Mr. Comey NOT have anticipated the impact of his actions?? It's incomprehensible to me. He's either partisan or lacks good judgement, and yet there he was accusing HRC of bad judgement in July. I am livid about this. This non-information could easily sway this election, as people read more into it, and HRC's opponents exploit it with untruths. At a time when our government institutions are not highly trusted, during a contentious election, Comey throws more gasoline on the fire. I was already disillusioned, but this really takes the cake. Would love to know what's on Trump's email servers and in those tax returns. Would love to know what's in a lot of folks emails. Bet we'd learn a lot of things that would be gut wrenching, if not completely despicable. There's something very wrong with this picture. I think Comey needs to come out and explain himself, make clear that there are no criminal charges, that HRC is not a crook, and that what he did was grossly premature. He also needs to refrain from editorializing about HRC's conduct. Was that necessary or appropriate - again it fuels the fire of those who want to believe the worst. For God sake, would someone out there please help "we the people"? Stop hurting this country.
3
Since there is a high probability that Mr. Comey violated the Hatch Law he should be put on administrative leave until an investigation of this is concluded. Mr. Comey is October's poster child for abuse of power by a public servant.
3
Sure, New York Times; it's Comey's fault, not Hillary's. Heaven forbid.
2
The man needs to resign and be investigated for violating the Hatch Act. He's a rogue individual that wanted to get back in good grace with the angry white males in congress. That's impossible. Ask Boehner.
I'm surprised that all your "NYT Picks" commenters are unable to see past this election. Clinton's lead in the polls is insurmountable, even with news on the emails. Voters have already decided that despite Clinton and her email secrecy, Trump is worse. Clinton will win.
With that knowledge, consider what would have happened had Comey kept quiet after speaking with Lynch. It would have leaked. Had it leaked before the election, the firestorm would be as bad as it is now, with allegations of a coverup. Had it leaked after the election, it would have been even worse, with calls to investigate Comey, Lynch, and even the President. Clinton would take office under a cloud of controversy. And all this assumes that the emails are merely duplicates of what the FBI already has. If there really is a smoking gun in the emails, the House would consider impeaching Clinton.
Since Comey spoke up now, Clinton will be able to say she won even though the American people had this bit of news. Her presidency is still crippled beyond repair. But at least this one scandal will have a little less gas left in it.
Comey did Clinton a huge favor. Of course Clinton has to assail him despite that, but your commenters and other talking heads have it all wrong when they suggest Comey damaged Clinton. The damage was done when the extra emails were found. His letter to Congress saved Clinton.
With that knowledge, consider what would have happened had Comey kept quiet after speaking with Lynch. It would have leaked. Had it leaked before the election, the firestorm would be as bad as it is now, with allegations of a coverup. Had it leaked after the election, it would have been even worse, with calls to investigate Comey, Lynch, and even the President. Clinton would take office under a cloud of controversy. And all this assumes that the emails are merely duplicates of what the FBI already has. If there really is a smoking gun in the emails, the House would consider impeaching Clinton.
Since Comey spoke up now, Clinton will be able to say she won even though the American people had this bit of news. Her presidency is still crippled beyond repair. But at least this one scandal will have a little less gas left in it.
Comey did Clinton a huge favor. Of course Clinton has to assail him despite that, but your commenters and other talking heads have it all wrong when they suggest Comey damaged Clinton. The damage was done when the extra emails were found. His letter to Congress saved Clinton.
1
Huh?? Hillary is doomed!poll after poll show a surge for Trump. Even with Hillary's plans for massive, widespread fraud her plans to steal this election are doomed!
If there has ever been a more flagrant and egregious violation of the law which forbids federal employees from using their office to influence an election (Hatch Act 1939), I'd like to know what it is. Of course, the obvious ghost of J. Edgar Hoover comes to mind. Up here people are starting to talk about "cleaning out the rats' nest" and they are referring to the FBI. Oh, how far that agency has fallen.
1
James Comey's BIG mistake took place in July when, after reciting a litany of Hillary's wrong-doing, he came to the conclusion, probably imposed upon him by his bosses Hillary-ally Obama, who appointed him, and Lynch, the law-breaker he works for, that nothing rose to the level of being prosecute-able.
2
In normal circumstances, Comey would have been stopped by senior figures at Justice. But this was made impossible by the "Big Dog" getting on Loretta Lynch's plane in Arizona. Unfortunate happenstance, but the Clintons are not blameless in this obviously.
2
" ... the Justice Department and F.B.I. are scrambling to process hundreds of thousands of emails to determine whether there is anything relevant in them before Nov. 8 — all as the country stands by in suspense."
Precisely, and all residing on a device belonging to a mentally disturbed Anthony Weimer, the husband of Ms. Abedin, the closest confidant and advisor to Hillary, the same Hillary who had an unauthorized email server her home in Chappaqua, N.Y., the server where classified emails were discovered, and also the server from which 30,000 other emails were deleted, even after receipt of an FBI order to preserve them.
And now, after praising Comey for not finding a clear reason to prosecute her, you and the rest of the corrupt Clinton gang now castigate him for doing the right thing, letting the people know the existence of additional emails, likely deliberately not released during the first investigation, so they don't blindly cast a vote for her.
I hope the FBI stays the course, upholds the law, and does not become the latest casualty of our corrupt establishment.
I support neither Hillary nor Trump, and wouldn't, under any circumstance.
Precisely, and all residing on a device belonging to a mentally disturbed Anthony Weimer, the husband of Ms. Abedin, the closest confidant and advisor to Hillary, the same Hillary who had an unauthorized email server her home in Chappaqua, N.Y., the server where classified emails were discovered, and also the server from which 30,000 other emails were deleted, even after receipt of an FBI order to preserve them.
And now, after praising Comey for not finding a clear reason to prosecute her, you and the rest of the corrupt Clinton gang now castigate him for doing the right thing, letting the people know the existence of additional emails, likely deliberately not released during the first investigation, so they don't blindly cast a vote for her.
I hope the FBI stays the course, upholds the law, and does not become the latest casualty of our corrupt establishment.
I support neither Hillary nor Trump, and wouldn't, under any circumstance.
3
Comey should arrive at work today to find his office locked and his computer, emails and personal papers confiscated until they can be sufficiently investigated to expose any exchanges with Republicn operatives, especially those in the Trump circle. Any such exchanges shoud then immediately be made public.
3
Paranoid much? What you propose is blatantly illegal. Maybe the FBI should search your house, computer, car, etc until they find evidence of something I don't like?
This is the most nonsensical election I ever saw or heard of. Many of the issues that arise and get vast publicity have nothing to do with the selection of a President and many of those that do are ignored. This thing is worse than a Chinese fire drill.
2
It is always problematic when a person believes his moral rectitude is beyond question. Comey may be honorable, as many claim, but he clearly wants the world to know just how wonderfully honorable he is.
Mr. Comey's actions on Friday have cast doubt on him...and potentially on his FBI staff.
If Mr. Comey, just, out of the blue, decided to take action on this "issue" without a shred of evidence that it even IS an issue, then we are forced to question either his intellect...or his motivations. We know his is smart, well-educated, and experienced...so that leaves us with motivations... Political ambition? Payoff? Blackmail? Religious fervor? Political favor?
If, as some have said, Mr. Comey suffered a lack of will, and was acting because he was being pressured by Rep Chaffez (and/or others), then there are several obvious questions. First, Mr. Comey is not a likely shrinking violet...succumbing to pressure doesn't seemt to "fit" this man. Also, if someone in Congress knew enough to pressure him, how did they know that there was anything to pressure him about? Did one of the agents leak info to Congress?" If so, why did Mr. Comey, he of impeccable standards, not start an investigation into the agent(s) in question? To do anything else, ESPECIALLY to go public, plays into the hands of the unethical leaker.
And finally...the double standard...why was Mr. Comey aware of his obligations to withhold election-sensitive data when it applied to Mr. Trump and a REAL issue, but not Sec. Clinton -either in his July statement or now?
Sadly, the seeming conclusion is personal motivations.
If Mr. Comey, just, out of the blue, decided to take action on this "issue" without a shred of evidence that it even IS an issue, then we are forced to question either his intellect...or his motivations. We know his is smart, well-educated, and experienced...so that leaves us with motivations... Political ambition? Payoff? Blackmail? Religious fervor? Political favor?
If, as some have said, Mr. Comey suffered a lack of will, and was acting because he was being pressured by Rep Chaffez (and/or others), then there are several obvious questions. First, Mr. Comey is not a likely shrinking violet...succumbing to pressure doesn't seemt to "fit" this man. Also, if someone in Congress knew enough to pressure him, how did they know that there was anything to pressure him about? Did one of the agents leak info to Congress?" If so, why did Mr. Comey, he of impeccable standards, not start an investigation into the agent(s) in question? To do anything else, ESPECIALLY to go public, plays into the hands of the unethical leaker.
And finally...the double standard...why was Mr. Comey aware of his obligations to withhold election-sensitive data when it applied to Mr. Trump and a REAL issue, but not Sec. Clinton -either in his July statement or now?
Sadly, the seeming conclusion is personal motivations.
With his previous announcement about the investigation, I thought Comey simply could not write or express himself well. Now I think that is to be explained by the fact that he is simply stupid.
3
If Director Comey pulled this stunt on November 7th, that would be reprehensible and grounds for immediate dismissal. Since this was done on October 28th, it still seems reprehensible and grounds for immediate dismissal.
5
Comey undermined trust in law enforcement with his letter? He had already undermined trust in law enforcement--among his own agents--by the manner with which he conducted the first "investigation". His agents were ready to mutiny for the fraud that was perpetuated the first time. He had no choice this time--he knew they would leak enough to make it look like a cover-up was under way.
So, Hillary supporters--would you rather have had no letter and the appearance of a cover-up, or would you rather have had the letter and at least the appearance that the FBI is not suppressing evidence to aid the Clinton campaign? Btw, remember that Comey is your man's man--Obama appointed him.
Lastly, if Huma Abedin allowed her husband access to classified documents via that laptop, she is guilty of a felony. It's my guess Hillary throws Abedin under the bus to put this behind her.
So, Hillary supporters--would you rather have had no letter and the appearance of a cover-up, or would you rather have had the letter and at least the appearance that the FBI is not suppressing evidence to aid the Clinton campaign? Btw, remember that Comey is your man's man--Obama appointed him.
Lastly, if Huma Abedin allowed her husband access to classified documents via that laptop, she is guilty of a felony. It's my guess Hillary throws Abedin under the bus to put this behind her.
1
I am very glad not to have to make a decision about voting next week. I would probably vote for Clinton with gritted teeth but there have been few political spectacle so revolting as the so-called liberal response to Trump. It has been a mixture of panic, hysteria and condescension. Among the sanctimonious claptrap posted here the message is that leaks that damage Trump are acts of heroic public service, those that might hurt Clinton are shocking acts of betrayal. We see this response here among those that oppose Brexit. Fundamentally these people are anti-democratic yearn for a one-party state where they can dictate what people do and think. No wonder Clinton is anti-Russian, bring back the good old USSR.
1
So predictable. The Left is straining at stool to distract attention from the obvious: Hillary Rodham Nixon is the most dishonest and corrupt candidate ever to seek the presidency.
The difference between her outright criminality and Trump's shortcomings is the difference between lightening and lightening bug.
The difference between her outright criminality and Trump's shortcomings is the difference between lightening and lightening bug.
4
Now we know what "FBI" really stands for: Flagrantly Biased Investigations.
No, wait, maybe it's Fools Behaving Incredibly.
No, wait, maybe it's Flimsy Bogus Information. Or, or...
Never mind, I don't think we know at all what the FBI stands for.
No, wait, maybe it's Fools Behaving Incredibly.
No, wait, maybe it's Flimsy Bogus Information. Or, or...
Never mind, I don't think we know at all what the FBI stands for.
1
Strange that Comey had no compunction about making public his vague, insinuation-laced letter about the emails not written by HRC, but aggressively sought to dampen a similar publicizing of evidence linking Russia to hacking and interference with our election process. Strange that Comey has said nothing about the tens of thousands of electronic records destroyed systematically for years by the entire Drumpf organization, even in the face of legal subpoenas related to thousands of lawsuits filed against them. Strange that Comey has studiously avoided mentioning publicly that the Drumpf organizations' ties to Russian and other foreign banks may be under FBI investigation. The stench of partisan witch hunts is overpowering; tainted further by an obvious double standard regularly applied to HRC, as opposed to anyone on the right. Interesting that legal and FBI professionals from both parties have assailed Comey's spectacularly incompetent (at best) handling of this entire matter, which may well violate the Hatch Act. As usual, Drumpf has lied and cheated his way through this campaign, and has never ONCE been held to account - his tax fraud over decades is legion, his Foundation is a flat out fraud, and so on. Why does this double standard persist? Why does Drumpf get away unscathed with his endless lies about HRC, while hiding explosive information about his shady tax and business dealings?
1
Well, two wrongs do not make a right.
Here we go again. Republicans are using an unrelated investigation (Anthony Wiener's sexting) to pursue an investigation that turned out to be a dry hole (Clinton's ill advised but not illegal emails). Remember Ken Starr? He used the Paula Jones case to go on a fishing expedition to reinvigorate the failed Whitewater case. Bingo! That led to Monica Lewinsky which led to Bill Clinton lying under oath.
I don't think that conducting public business on a private server was right, but I understand why she did it. In light of how fiercely the Republicans pursued her and her husband in the Whitewater non-scandal, she felt the need to control information in order to put it out of reach of FOI requests.
So to prevent a scandal, she created a scandal. That's something Comey can identify with.
I don't think that conducting public business on a private server was right, but I understand why she did it. In light of how fiercely the Republicans pursued her and her husband in the Whitewater non-scandal, she felt the need to control information in order to put it out of reach of FOI requests.
So to prevent a scandal, she created a scandal. That's something Comey can identify with.
2
What has really spun out of the "Weiner aberration" is that top officials at DOJ don't seem to have a fundamental understanding of the concept of "conflict of interest".
USAG Lynch and deputies Kadzik and McCabe are already beyond the appearance and are in full blown conflict of interest. Lynch should actually recuse herself instead of pretending while Kadzik and McCabe need to go there now ... or resign.
This raises the larger question ... is there anybody at DOJ who doesn't have a close friend in the Clinton campaign ? ... maybe a janitor ?
USAG Lynch and deputies Kadzik and McCabe are already beyond the appearance and are in full blown conflict of interest. Lynch should actually recuse herself instead of pretending while Kadzik and McCabe need to go there now ... or resign.
This raises the larger question ... is there anybody at DOJ who doesn't have a close friend in the Clinton campaign ? ... maybe a janitor ?
1
What if Comey said nothing and two weeks after Election Day announced that the FBI found evidence of an indictable offense against HRC? Do you think anyone would argue that the fix was in?
What if the FBI found evidence that Trump committed a crime and waited until after Trump won the election on Election Day to announce its findings? Would the NYT Editorial Board be apoplectic?
Maybe the real problem is still Hillary and her private server. Maybe the real problems are the lengths to which Hillary went to destroy emails, destroy devices with hammers, cloths and bleach bit, and the lengths to which Hillary went to avoid producing emails that are government property and subject to FOIA. Maybe the problem is the manner in which Hillary and her staff handled emails in the course of their official government business and the lengths they went to in order to avoid FOIA and other disclosure obligations. And maybe the problem is that Huma Abedin may have classified emails sitting on a computer she shared with her husband, who does not have the requisite security clearance.
As usual, The Times wants to shoot the messenger when it doesn't like the message. It looks like The Times will have four years to continue shooting messengers while it enables the Clinton lies and the Clinton corruption. Maybe it didn't have to come to this if The Times and its writers weren't such shills for the Hillary campaign during the primaries.
What if the FBI found evidence that Trump committed a crime and waited until after Trump won the election on Election Day to announce its findings? Would the NYT Editorial Board be apoplectic?
Maybe the real problem is still Hillary and her private server. Maybe the real problems are the lengths to which Hillary went to destroy emails, destroy devices with hammers, cloths and bleach bit, and the lengths to which Hillary went to avoid producing emails that are government property and subject to FOIA. Maybe the problem is the manner in which Hillary and her staff handled emails in the course of their official government business and the lengths they went to in order to avoid FOIA and other disclosure obligations. And maybe the problem is that Huma Abedin may have classified emails sitting on a computer she shared with her husband, who does not have the requisite security clearance.
As usual, The Times wants to shoot the messenger when it doesn't like the message. It looks like The Times will have four years to continue shooting messengers while it enables the Clinton lies and the Clinton corruption. Maybe it didn't have to come to this if The Times and its writers weren't such shills for the Hillary campaign during the primaries.
2
Nothing prevented him to repeat over and over that the FBI kept the right to reopen the case in face of new evidence. But this!
first off, there has been a trove of information about one of the candidates and the mishandling of information. the news has refused to report on it. the internet is the place where alot of people get their information now since the news will not report the news like they used to, which in itself is a sad situation. the people of the united states should have all information about both candidates to make a well, informed decision into which way they will vote. the main stream media has been trying to push americans in one direction since the start of the general election cycle which i think is wrong. let all americans know the news on both candidates so they can make a sound decision on where they wish to place their vote and quit trying to tip the scales in one direction.
i always respected the news people when they reported the news in an unbiased manner and then let people decide what they want to believe. the past 30 years the news have become more political and is trying to sway americans opinion. this is the wrong approach and ratings as well as sales of papers with a extreme bias towards one candidate is going to hurt them. report all the news, and let americans decide!
i always respected the news people when they reported the news in an unbiased manner and then let people decide what they want to believe. the past 30 years the news have become more political and is trying to sway americans opinion. this is the wrong approach and ratings as well as sales of papers with a extreme bias towards one candidate is going to hurt them. report all the news, and let americans decide!
Comey has undoubtedly already planned his future, probably being paid big bucks at one of the RW think tanks. I think it's time to send him on his way to that feathered nest. On November 9, regardless of the outcome, President Obama must fire Comey - not accept his resignation. Fire him.
And then order AG Lynch to begin an investigation into political shenanigans at the FBI. No special prosecutor. No hands off. Root out the corruption.
And then order AG Lynch to begin an investigation into political shenanigans at the FBI. No special prosecutor. No hands off. Root out the corruption.
1
We can add cowardly and pathetic to the list of Mr. Comey's failings. He made himself the center of national attention and created a dust storm of speculation and urgent questions. When the dust engulfed him, he ran and hid. And has nothing to say. His craven silence is infuriating.
Under J Edgar Hoover, the FBI was a partisan organization that engaged in witch hunts. Director Comey has restored the FBI to its former reputation.
2
My take-away on Mr. Comey's Friday announcement on additional emails.
1. He said he thought it was important for the American people to know about additional emails.
2. He hadn't seen the emails.
3. He did not even have a warrant to read the emails.
If Mr. Comey had not been not trying to influence the outcome of the Presidential election, he would not have needed to rush to inform the American voting population that there were additional emails.
Raise your hand if you think this is a violation of the Hatch Act.
1. He said he thought it was important for the American people to know about additional emails.
2. He hadn't seen the emails.
3. He did not even have a warrant to read the emails.
If Mr. Comey had not been not trying to influence the outcome of the Presidential election, he would not have needed to rush to inform the American voting population that there were additional emails.
Raise your hand if you think this is a violation of the Hatch Act.
1
I wonder why Mr. Comey did not write himself a letter to be opened after the election and after he knew something. This would have protected his reputation; he was not protecting anybody or undercutting anybody and he was fulfilling his obligation to Congress. If what he found was criminal he could have indicted Clinton and the Congress could have considered impeachment. I also wonder what Clinton really knows and if what she knows is criminal she should resign and let the VP take over. Cry, the beloved country
None of the rightness or wrongness of this really matters at this point. Go to any alt-right site (I visited Drudge) and you will see a full on assault of Hillary Clinton and what is supposedly in these emails. Death threats! Blackmail! Sleaze! That has now become reality to millions of people. Not speculation, but reality.
At this point, the loser isn't Hillary Clinton, James Comey, or even Donald Trump. The loser is any previous notion of truth and justice.
At this point, the loser isn't Hillary Clinton, James Comey, or even Donald Trump. The loser is any previous notion of truth and justice.
1
Mr. Comey should resign.
John
John
2
Why let's see, the public has no information about Mr. Trump's alleged tax audit because it is illegal to release that type of information. The public has no information about Russian hacking related to the election, because the FBI has not released any information. The public has no information about any possible connection between Russian and Mr. Trump's campaign because the FBI has not released any information. I'd say that the FBI director's action "speaks for itself."
I would recommend that Mr Comey follow the following adage"
"Never complain, never explain'.
He alone created this problem of biblical proportion that has engulfed the election.
He should never have commented on the investigation and or appeared before Congress. Why he chose to do so defies all logic, tradition and protocol.
I am not sure if we will ever understand his lapse in judgment. Perhaps in his memoirs.
"Never complain, never explain'.
He alone created this problem of biblical proportion that has engulfed the election.
He should never have commented on the investigation and or appeared before Congress. Why he chose to do so defies all logic, tradition and protocol.
I am not sure if we will ever understand his lapse in judgment. Perhaps in his memoirs.
2
Look at your politics page for another example of the FBI trying to influence the election! What is this - Officials "doubt" there's a Russian connection to Trump? Couldn't they also have "doubted" there's anything significant in Abedin's emails? FBI gives out anti-Hillary and pro-Trump info the exact same week and we're supposed to believe they're NOT in the tank for Trump?! They're actively trying to swing this election!
The Republicans: ever doing unto others what they abhor having done to them.
President Obama's air of studied neutrality in this matter is emblematic of what is some apparent need on his part to not put at risk what he may imagine as his excellent standing among Republicans, particularly Trump supporters. Who knows, maybe in appreciation of his neutrality, there will be a two day hiatus in the rhetoric, genre "Obummer (or some variant thereof), Muslim jihadist and the worst President ever".
Again, Comey, or even the nation, would never be put in this position and strife if Secretary Clinton possessed the political intellect to enjoy a transparent government independent of Clinton Foundation dealings. Mr. Comey is the bearer of bad news inflicted by the Clinton machine. Huma is in the dark on how so many emails were found on her husbands computer. I suspect borrowed the personal laptop and didn't know the difference between a POP and IMAP client and chose POP. That means the laptop quietly synced with the Clinton home server and downloaded every single email. That would of course be in violation of security protocol. A mistake yes but would never have happened with a more secure system. Sorry this outcome is the result of typical Clinton foolishness.
Covey must resign his post. It is the most patriotic thing he could do for his country.
2
Before Comey's Friday letter to Congressional leaders of both parties, the FBI did a meta-analysis on the 650,000 emails and found thousands were to and from Clinton's hidden private server, meaning that unless (almost certainly untrue) they were exclusively copies of emails Hillary had already disgorged or were about truly private personal matters, investigation thereof is more than likely to reveal criminality regarding Hillary's protection of secret information, not to mention CGI corruption. But to the NYT, it's all about Comey. Why do we continue treating this propaganda sheet as a 'newspaper'?
1
New on Fox:
'Subverting Justice with James Comey'...Sundays at 1 am.
'Subverting Justice with James Comey'...Sundays at 1 am.
3
I don't think Comey was being partisan. (He did clear a very negligent Secretary Clinton of criminal negligence.) I think he was being monumentally negligent. Ironic.
The problem is the double standard. Trump is also being investigated for ties to Putin. Why doesn't J. Edgar Comey announce that?
What's good for the goose is good for the gander. Comey said that he was worried about leaks, since the Trump camp had announced there would be an October surprise so he had to cover up the leak by announcing the investigation before the leaker did.
J. Edgar Comy is a partisan hack with good friends in the Trump camp. He should resign immediately and there should be an investigation of the leak and Comey's attempt to cover it up.
What's good for the goose is good for the gander. Comey said that he was worried about leaks, since the Trump camp had announced there would be an October surprise so he had to cover up the leak by announcing the investigation before the leaker did.
J. Edgar Comy is a partisan hack with good friends in the Trump camp. He should resign immediately and there should be an investigation of the leak and Comey's attempt to cover it up.
2
And now that the writer has its skivvies tied up in a knot, the President has come out in DEFENSE of then Saint now Devil, Director Comey's actions. The eagle has landed and the plot thickens.
1
My stab at an explanation is this: Comey knew he made a monstrously erroneous decision not to indict Hillary Clinton in round one of the email scandal. What is lost in almost every discussion of what she did wrong is that the statute requires NO PROOF OF INTENT. It merely requires that she placed national security in jeopardy with her cavalier attitude towards the law and her desire to have plausible deniability and/or to hide actions that were illegal or unethical. Perhaps by his second intrusion into the election he is trying to make amends for the error of his first.
1
The fact that the US has the largest prison population in the world is clear evidence that the American public shouldn't trust the nations top law enforcement agency or the DOJ.
2
The lady is crooked. She just got a free ticket from the press. Comey was right.
1
(1) if the emails are harmful to Clinton, then that is Clinton's problem, not Comey's, as in: Dear voters, move along, nothing to see here - yoga round robins, and you KNOW how hard it is to settle on Chelsea's wedding dress - 'say yes to the dress' and so forth
= =
(2) OR it is the voters' problem, oh dear, pesky voters, who can be so superficially swayed, oh dear
= =
(3) what astounds me, make that ASTOUNDS me, is the number; when Clinton was reported with 40,000 emails I asked rhetorically - HOW does someone have 40,000 emails, if each email takes two minute, we are not talking tweets, that is 80,000 minutes or almost 1400 hours; a work year is 2000 hours 50*40 - WHEN /HOW did Secretary Clinton govern, by email?
I doubt that the US foreign policy was conducted by email, or even also the Clinton foundation, if the accounts were mingled, as seems
=
(4) NOW we have SIX HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND emails (Caps for emphasis); at 2 minutes per email, that is ONE MILION three hundred thousand minutes
Huma was running another server....???
OR
Carlos was a busy boy?
= =
(5) maybe? 649,000 were in-box, spammers from Nigeria or phishers from Rumania - worked against Podesta, and 1,000 were SENT? for governance
=
(6) why does the sheer volume not set off weird-bells (neologism)
= =
(2) OR it is the voters' problem, oh dear, pesky voters, who can be so superficially swayed, oh dear
= =
(3) what astounds me, make that ASTOUNDS me, is the number; when Clinton was reported with 40,000 emails I asked rhetorically - HOW does someone have 40,000 emails, if each email takes two minute, we are not talking tweets, that is 80,000 minutes or almost 1400 hours; a work year is 2000 hours 50*40 - WHEN /HOW did Secretary Clinton govern, by email?
I doubt that the US foreign policy was conducted by email, or even also the Clinton foundation, if the accounts were mingled, as seems
=
(4) NOW we have SIX HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND emails (Caps for emphasis); at 2 minutes per email, that is ONE MILION three hundred thousand minutes
Huma was running another server....???
OR
Carlos was a busy boy?
= =
(5) maybe? 649,000 were in-box, spammers from Nigeria or phishers from Rumania - worked against Podesta, and 1,000 were SENT? for governance
=
(6) why does the sheer volume not set off weird-bells (neologism)
1
" “negatively affected public trust” in the Justice Department"
Is this in reference to when Attorney General Loretta Lynch met with Bill Clinton, the husband of a women under FBI investigation, in a private meeting on her plane in Phoenix? Where was the faux outrage by the NY Times then?
Is this in reference to when Attorney General Loretta Lynch met with Bill Clinton, the husband of a women under FBI investigation, in a private meeting on her plane in Phoenix? Where was the faux outrage by the NY Times then?
2
Comey is a tool of the Republicans; a real stooge, in other words... a stool.
1
Hillary is a criminal warmonger and corporate elitist. As every Clinton scandal, they blame everyone else first to deflect that they run a criminal empire. Her email server was criminal. Her foundation slush fund is criminal. Her rigging of the primaries was criminal. Of course everyone else is to blame.
If trump wins its the public's fault. No it is not! It is Hillary's and the DNC's fault. Bernie Sanders would not be in a close race as independents like me vote Bernie but instead vot Jill!
If trump wins its the public's fault. No it is not! It is Hillary's and the DNC's fault. Bernie Sanders would not be in a close race as independents like me vote Bernie but instead vot Jill!
3
It amazes me that the editorial staff at the Times can be so singularly focused on electing HRC that they have lost their sense of fairness. The Board states: " In fact, the investigators had not even obtained a warrant to examine the emails when he fired off the letter; they got the warrant over the weekend." The FBI had a warrant that only allowed them to view emails of Huma Abedin, husband, not Huma Abedin or HRC. But of course you folks already know that, you just decided for your readers that they didn't need to know. It's too bad you folks can't just take a stand and tell your readers that you don't support either candidate and then you can search for the truth and put that truth into print.
1
DEWaldron
You just shot down your own argument.
A search warrant for Weiner's emails is not a search warrant for anyone else's emails.
So that means the FBI either DID NOT read the other emails because they had no legal permission to do so, or if they did read them without a search warrant, all of those emails are legally inadmissible in any action because the act of reading them is a 4th Amendment violation.
Either way, your argument has more holes than Swiss cheese.
You just shot down your own argument.
A search warrant for Weiner's emails is not a search warrant for anyone else's emails.
So that means the FBI either DID NOT read the other emails because they had no legal permission to do so, or if they did read them without a search warrant, all of those emails are legally inadmissible in any action because the act of reading them is a 4th Amendment violation.
Either way, your argument has more holes than Swiss cheese.
It's not my argument. Try reading the article again.
Any intelligent voter knows that the outcome of this election should not be determined by an announcement that issues "might" exist with regard to Hillary's emails. Also, even if the FBI determines that there was no impropriety, Trump will claim the investigation was rigged and his supporters will blindly accept his claim.
A new war of the roses originally fought over the throne of England by the house of Plantagenet may be the new template for November 9th. Thanks to the FBI, the election results will not be believed by anyone.
2
I didn't like when Mr Comey did a press conference and made a comment about Hillary. He should have remained professional as a head of a very serious police agency. He failed than and it was on him.
Now with this action, he by his own virtue undermined the public trust in an esteemed institution for years to come.
How will this help run our country safely ? Why would someone trust with their info now?
Now with this action, he by his own virtue undermined the public trust in an esteemed institution for years to come.
How will this help run our country safely ? Why would someone trust with their info now?
Hillary's approach has always been the same for every scandal she has been involved in: Delay, deny ,obfuscate and destroy all evidence, claim not to remember and then, after stone walling, either declare "vast right wing conspiracy" or say that if there really was a crime it would have been found by now. The intellectual equivalent of killing your parents and then saying you were charged with a crime only because the Judge hates orphans.The Podesta emails have shown the remarkable collusion between the media and the democrats. New York times has done their level best to elect Hillary. The times lack of interest about real stories and their willingness to indict Comey for doing his job when new evidence presented makes that clear. The politics of personal destruction have long been the sharpest blade in the democrat arsenal.
1
Trump haters and Clinton haters both need these sensationalistic announcements to stoke their rabid political fires. Today, the Times wrote about how Trump manipulated and bent tax laws to squeeze out millions in savings. Is that not as sensational as Clinton/Weiner/Abedin emails? The Republican Congress disserted the American public. Why not flail away at that?
Comey has just taken actions that are best described as reprehensible so let's remove him from office.
America needs to take a deep breath, get the voting done, and start the process of repair and moving on. Without Trump, of course.
Comey has just taken actions that are best described as reprehensible so let's remove him from office.
America needs to take a deep breath, get the voting done, and start the process of repair and moving on. Without Trump, of course.
1
Think carefully. Consult. Do no harm. Act Cautiously, remembering that if you go against your consultants, you have little legal leg to stand on.
There are three people who stand to be harmed. As well as society. Comey chooses to protect himself, expose one Presidential candidate to harm and coddle another candidate.
Comey may be a "good man". He may have acted honorably for many years. He may have many admirers. (I've read all those things.). But he has now FAILED spectacularly. He has caused great harm. He has shown imprudence. Consciously? Unconsciously? It doesn't matter. He can no longer be trusted. And trust is the issue here.
As a member of the public who feels harmed by his spectacular imprudence, it's clear to me he's "past his prime" and should retire. He owes the country no less.
There are three people who stand to be harmed. As well as society. Comey chooses to protect himself, expose one Presidential candidate to harm and coddle another candidate.
Comey may be a "good man". He may have acted honorably for many years. He may have many admirers. (I've read all those things.). But he has now FAILED spectacularly. He has caused great harm. He has shown imprudence. Consciously? Unconsciously? It doesn't matter. He can no longer be trusted. And trust is the issue here.
As a member of the public who feels harmed by his spectacular imprudence, it's clear to me he's "past his prime" and should retire. He owes the country no less.
1
That someone in his position would do This, regardless of the reason, not only disrupting the electoral process but affecting our reputation as a democracy around the world, is mind numbing
1
Obviously, Mr. Comey has to resign and, from all accounts, a top-down review of the politicization of the FBI needs to take place. This seems to have historical precedence and clearly some clear statutory safeguards need to be implemented that will either limit a witch hunting Congress from bullying weak directors or shield a weak director from a bullying Congress.
His "irresponsible decision" was the first one when he said she didn't mean to do it.
2
Mr. Brooks. The US has the largest prison population in the world. Nobody with any sense trusts our criminal Justice system including the FBI and DOJ.
I'm a liberal and have never owned a gun. I also know that if I come up on the radar of the FBI or DOJ I will be crushed like a bug with little recourse.
This is a country that runs secret courts to kill people by Presidential fiat. Complains about foreign countries hacking into our e-mail when our own government forces our own companies to put back doors into our computers so they can spy on us.
It's over Mr. Brooks.
I'm a liberal and have never owned a gun. I also know that if I come up on the radar of the FBI or DOJ I will be crushed like a bug with little recourse.
This is a country that runs secret courts to kill people by Presidential fiat. Complains about foreign countries hacking into our e-mail when our own government forces our own companies to put back doors into our computers so they can spy on us.
It's over Mr. Brooks.
Given the revelations of Wikileaks along with Holder's abysmal (gratis gun giveaway to cartel members) neither the Times or Holder bring much objectivity to the conversation.
1
Or credibility.
Desperate times call for desperate measures. This was the republican's Hail Mary pass with quarterback Comely taking the snap and throwing this letter deep into the end zone. His pedigree is uber republican, ( a registered republican most of his adult life, a devotee of John Ashcroft), and his behavior in regards to Trump and DNC hacking is really all proof you needed. His career in law enforcement should end as this election will end with the Democrats dancing in the end zone.
3
I find astonishing the ineptitude reflected in FBI Director James Comey's intentionally vague letter to Congress. Mr. Comey, regarded as a law enforcement professional whose integrity is unquestionable, has himself cast a troubling shadow upon his reputation.
According to the Comey letter, the cache of emails in Mr. Weiner's laptop was deemed "pertinent" to the FBI investigation on Mrs. Clinton's handling of classified information through use of a private computer server. If so, then why not determine the relevance of its content before notifying Congress?
If Mr. Comey felt compelled to update Congress of new developments "pertinent" to the FBI investigation concluded last July, then why not follow the same process which previously led to his report to Congress? A process which concluded there is no evidence of intent which could be the basis of any charges against Mrs. Clinton or her staff at the State Department.
If Mr. Comey's concern was the wrath of some members of Congress were he not to disclose "pertinent" information before the election, then he tacitly admits being influenced by political pressure into disclosing vague revelations that could influence the election.
If Mr. Comey believed the vagueness inherent in his letter would not affect the outcome of the election, but insulate him from criticism, then he failed miserably on the latter point. As to the former he has displayed incompetence and/or reckless disregard of precedent and the Hatch Act.
According to the Comey letter, the cache of emails in Mr. Weiner's laptop was deemed "pertinent" to the FBI investigation on Mrs. Clinton's handling of classified information through use of a private computer server. If so, then why not determine the relevance of its content before notifying Congress?
If Mr. Comey felt compelled to update Congress of new developments "pertinent" to the FBI investigation concluded last July, then why not follow the same process which previously led to his report to Congress? A process which concluded there is no evidence of intent which could be the basis of any charges against Mrs. Clinton or her staff at the State Department.
If Mr. Comey's concern was the wrath of some members of Congress were he not to disclose "pertinent" information before the election, then he tacitly admits being influenced by political pressure into disclosing vague revelations that could influence the election.
If Mr. Comey believed the vagueness inherent in his letter would not affect the outcome of the election, but insulate him from criticism, then he failed miserably on the latter point. As to the former he has displayed incompetence and/or reckless disregard of precedent and the Hatch Act.
2
Just a thought, maybe this newly discovered trove of emails wouldnt have been relevant in the first place had Clinton
1) Never used a private server in her house.
2)Never lied about sending sending classified emails on that server
3) Didnt selectively delete 33,000 emails - AFTER being subpoenaed by Congress no less
4) Use Bleachpit to delete those emails (As if emails about your personal family life need to be deleted in such a manner)
5) Instruct staff to destroy with a hammer to the 13 devices she lied about not having.
She knowingly, and blatantly broke the law. I guess "progress" means to progressives ignoring the law as long as it benefits a Democrat.
Shameful behaviour.
1) Never used a private server in her house.
2)Never lied about sending sending classified emails on that server
3) Didnt selectively delete 33,000 emails - AFTER being subpoenaed by Congress no less
4) Use Bleachpit to delete those emails (As if emails about your personal family life need to be deleted in such a manner)
5) Instruct staff to destroy with a hammer to the 13 devices she lied about not having.
She knowingly, and blatantly broke the law. I guess "progress" means to progressives ignoring the law as long as it benefits a Democrat.
Shameful behaviour.
3
If we are to take Mr. Comey at his word that he feared for some underling's leak of information to the public, then that speaks volumes about the effectiveness of his FBI stewardship. If we are to reject Comey's explanation, then we can only conclude that he has wantonly toyed with the nation's future for unfathomably darker motives.
Either way, James Comey should step down of his own volition without delay.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
Either way, James Comey should step down of his own volition without delay.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
3
Hillary, the only candidate to be investigated by the FBU twice, should step down right away. Remember, she is the person who said "Anyone who is under investigation by the FBI should not be able to buy a gun." Well, I think that should go double for anyone running for the office of President.
Very instructive. How Comey dealt with two incidents related to this election.
In the first place, evidence.a hostile foreign power was behind hacking of one candidate's campaign emails. "Do nothing" - decided Comey, even though the opposite candidate may have been cooperating with that foreign power. And the potential consequences to the nation???
In the second case, emails were "discovered" but contents were unknown, source of those emails unknown (we have a hacking foreign power, remember), no evidence gathered or critiqued. "Do something right away" decided Comey AGAINST protocol and high level advice.
This got me thinking about how we psychologists handle sensitive information and cases where we might have it to devulge it to protect the safety of the public or another person: W cannot just jump the gun! We cannot just make this public, even if we have CONSULTED and believe we must act. First of all we must consider imminent harm - and who might be harmed. Then we must consider our various options for preventing harm. Etc.
Comey has been negligent on a number of fronts. Culpable of unethical, perhaps illegal behavior. Causing great HARM to the body politic, our electoral process and potentially national security.
At a time when so many of us are questioning whether local law enforcement is equally treating citizens, to the point of taking lives unnecessarily, we now have a top law enforcement official making disastrous destructive decisions.
Outrageous
In the first place, evidence.a hostile foreign power was behind hacking of one candidate's campaign emails. "Do nothing" - decided Comey, even though the opposite candidate may have been cooperating with that foreign power. And the potential consequences to the nation???
In the second case, emails were "discovered" but contents were unknown, source of those emails unknown (we have a hacking foreign power, remember), no evidence gathered or critiqued. "Do something right away" decided Comey AGAINST protocol and high level advice.
This got me thinking about how we psychologists handle sensitive information and cases where we might have it to devulge it to protect the safety of the public or another person: W cannot just jump the gun! We cannot just make this public, even if we have CONSULTED and believe we must act. First of all we must consider imminent harm - and who might be harmed. Then we must consider our various options for preventing harm. Etc.
Comey has been negligent on a number of fronts. Culpable of unethical, perhaps illegal behavior. Causing great HARM to the body politic, our electoral process and potentially national security.
At a time when so many of us are questioning whether local law enforcement is equally treating citizens, to the point of taking lives unnecessarily, we now have a top law enforcement official making disastrous destructive decisions.
Outrageous
1
Same Old Gambit
Caught red-handed in a series of serious misdeeds, Mrs. Clinton and her cabal resort to the same, old gambit — attack the messenger and ignore the message. Given the outrageous actions of “Crooked Hillary”, ask yourself, How did this nation now in decline — now on fire — deteriorate into such a sorrowful state?
Truly, there has been no one factor, but to what extent over decades have the consequences of Amendment XIX, women’s suffrage, been a factor?
Judging the consequences from only the perspective of the current election, especially given the female candidate, the verdict clearly is negative. Without the Nineteenth Amendment, Hillary Clinton wouldn’t be the candidate, let alone remain the favorite.
Mother Nature cares not one whit about ideology. She cares about only consequences in terms of survival and differential reproduction. Ultimately, she always rules.
“An autopsy of history would show that all great nations commit suicide.” -Arnold Toynbee (1889-1975)
Are we Americans committing national suicide? If so, to what extent has Amendment XIX been a factor for better or worse?
See "RES IPSA LOQUITOR" under ...
http://nationonfire.com/category/government/ .
Caught red-handed in a series of serious misdeeds, Mrs. Clinton and her cabal resort to the same, old gambit — attack the messenger and ignore the message. Given the outrageous actions of “Crooked Hillary”, ask yourself, How did this nation now in decline — now on fire — deteriorate into such a sorrowful state?
Truly, there has been no one factor, but to what extent over decades have the consequences of Amendment XIX, women’s suffrage, been a factor?
Judging the consequences from only the perspective of the current election, especially given the female candidate, the verdict clearly is negative. Without the Nineteenth Amendment, Hillary Clinton wouldn’t be the candidate, let alone remain the favorite.
Mother Nature cares not one whit about ideology. She cares about only consequences in terms of survival and differential reproduction. Ultimately, she always rules.
“An autopsy of history would show that all great nations commit suicide.” -Arnold Toynbee (1889-1975)
Are we Americans committing national suicide? If so, to what extent has Amendment XIX been a factor for better or worse?
See "RES IPSA LOQUITOR" under ...
http://nationonfire.com/category/government/ .
1
We are staring into the abyss and don't seem to realize it. Both candidates are wrong for America. Each is corrupt in his or her own way. Neither substantially represents the majority. Both are elites. Both are horribly disconnected. Both seem to have the ambition to lead, but not the ambition to be selfless leaders. Both want to win at any cost.
But the scariest part is that we are losing confidence in our own democracy. TRUMP attacks it directly and Clinton abuses it in secret. We all just want it to end already. Democracy only works if we believe in it.
Is the system rigged? Is it just easily manipulated? Either way it is losing credibility.
Comey's dog and pony side show is just another nail in the coffin.
But the scariest part is that we are losing confidence in our own democracy. TRUMP attacks it directly and Clinton abuses it in secret. We all just want it to end already. Democracy only works if we believe in it.
Is the system rigged? Is it just easily manipulated? Either way it is losing credibility.
Comey's dog and pony side show is just another nail in the coffin.
2
If the Hillary campaign is so interested in getting the facts out why has Huma not held a press conference? She can tell many of fact re the unanswered questions.
4
And why hasn't Little Hands released his taxes and divulged the inner workings of his laughable charitable foundation?
I mean we Americans know that Little Hands' "poorly educated" base can be tricked into believing anything (they named AWOL Bush the war president qithout a hint of irony) but The American People are too wiley for draft dodging cowards like Romney and Trump to fool us whixh is why they will nevet be President.
The American People find draft dodging war mongers to be particularly foul.
I mean we Americans know that Little Hands' "poorly educated" base can be tricked into believing anything (they named AWOL Bush the war president qithout a hint of irony) but The American People are too wiley for draft dodging cowards like Romney and Trump to fool us whixh is why they will nevet be President.
The American People find draft dodging war mongers to be particularly foul.
In July James Comey violated protocol when he provided a long synopsis on why Hillary would not be charged with criminal activity. That's not how these things work. He should have made the statement that no criminal charges would be filed and ended the news conference. On Friday, his letter to congress 11 days before an election violated the Hatch Act especially since he presented no evidence of criminal activity. He caved to pressure from congressional Republicans and in doing so has besmirched his entire agency. How can anyone evert trust the FBI again? Comey destroyed his career and should resign before an inquiry into the violation of the Hatch begins. Since when does the FBI answer to congress? The FBI is an extension of the Judicial branch of our government, not congress, the legislative branch. Comey is now just an empty suit who can not be trusted to investigate a parking violation.
1
Sure, the same guy they lauded as honorable and above reproach when he declined to prosecute hillary after laying out a solid case to do so...har dee har har har!!
3
This editorial is way too weak. Why focus on the issue of lost "trust in the FBI" when we have just witnessed its director directly interfering in--nay, affecting the outcome of--an American election?
Now that the cap is off the toothpaste, whether the toothpaste turns out to be sweet or rotten doesn't matter one bit. All that matters is that Comey removed the cap, and the media did its thing and went crazy. If Trump wins, he owes Comey a big fat appointment in his Cabinet, which I'm confident the man will accept.
There are two explanations offered for Comey's letter: that he's a dastardly sort who couldn't take the heat, or that deep down, his lifelong loyalties to the Republican party took over, and he couldn't resist stabbing Hillary Clinton in the back. In either case, not being a stupid man, he must have known his little letter would have this effect. In other words, he's a pusillanimous man, and he doesn't deserve to be head of the FBI.
From start to finish in this campaign, Clinton has been savagely flayed by the bad behavior of men--the Republican male media monsters, the lineup of Bill, Donald, and Anthony, the "angry white men" who support Trump, and now Comey. I hope beyond hope that enough strong American women see this truth to create a gender gap that carries Hillary Clinton to victory.
Now that the cap is off the toothpaste, whether the toothpaste turns out to be sweet or rotten doesn't matter one bit. All that matters is that Comey removed the cap, and the media did its thing and went crazy. If Trump wins, he owes Comey a big fat appointment in his Cabinet, which I'm confident the man will accept.
There are two explanations offered for Comey's letter: that he's a dastardly sort who couldn't take the heat, or that deep down, his lifelong loyalties to the Republican party took over, and he couldn't resist stabbing Hillary Clinton in the back. In either case, not being a stupid man, he must have known his little letter would have this effect. In other words, he's a pusillanimous man, and he doesn't deserve to be head of the FBI.
From start to finish in this campaign, Clinton has been savagely flayed by the bad behavior of men--the Republican male media monsters, the lineup of Bill, Donald, and Anthony, the "angry white men" who support Trump, and now Comey. I hope beyond hope that enough strong American women see this truth to create a gender gap that carries Hillary Clinton to victory.
2
Comey has likely broken the law here not Clinton. The FBI "investigates" (period) and is has enormous power to do so. It does not disclose ongoing investigations (especially during political campaigns) to the public or Congress because these investigations often turn up nothing. Informing Congress of an investigation into an aide of a candidate for President is simply not done. That Comey wrote this letter to Congress without even know the content of Abedin's emails is appalling.
1
What a mess. In front, we have the no-win position that Comey finds himself in: Don't send this letter, and some would claim you were "covering up" potential information in regards to Secretary Clinton's emails. But in sending it, and you're potentially violating the Hatch Act.
But first- no one even knows if or what basis these emails might have on the investigation, so it seems recklessly irresponsible to raise the specter of some bombshell revelation without more solid information. So Comey seems a little trigger-happy, in that he'd rather not spend another seven hours in the hot seat on Capitol Hill. This was just a shockingly dumb move, and it's hard to imagine he's not simply trying to save face with the GOP members who roasted him for not cooking up some indictments earlier this summer.
In regards to the Hatch Act, which in the abstract it seems he clearly violated, the question becomes: Who would prosecute him? If Clinton wins, it seems like an act of retribution against a political rival, which no one's going near. So it would be up to the right-side of the aisle to do the right thing- which they clearly won't, because this kerfuffle while making Comey look bad, was ultimately good for them.
Can't wait for this election to be over. I have a feeling the fun's just beginning.
But first- no one even knows if or what basis these emails might have on the investigation, so it seems recklessly irresponsible to raise the specter of some bombshell revelation without more solid information. So Comey seems a little trigger-happy, in that he'd rather not spend another seven hours in the hot seat on Capitol Hill. This was just a shockingly dumb move, and it's hard to imagine he's not simply trying to save face with the GOP members who roasted him for not cooking up some indictments earlier this summer.
In regards to the Hatch Act, which in the abstract it seems he clearly violated, the question becomes: Who would prosecute him? If Clinton wins, it seems like an act of retribution against a political rival, which no one's going near. So it would be up to the right-side of the aisle to do the right thing- which they clearly won't, because this kerfuffle while making Comey look bad, was ultimately good for them.
Can't wait for this election to be over. I have a feeling the fun's just beginning.
1
This can track back to the ill-considered decision to have a private server. I can understand the decision about a private server after witnessing decades of harassment and noting that even the Pentagon has been hacked. It may feed the "lock her up" clamor of the Trump campaign, but is not likely to be more than more of the same. It is stunning to see some incumbents in the Senate already pledging that NO supreme court nominee will be considered for the next four years if Clinton wins. No wonder there is such dismay about the state of shrieking by the "surrogates".
1
It was illegal to have it, period. "Understanding" the reason for it mitigates nothing. (Especially since the real reason was to avoid those pesky FoIA requests.)
I for one want truth & transparency.
Hillary & the Obama league of Justice has thwarted revealing information.
Imagine...none of this would have happened if Hillary simply had [email protected].
I guess setting up a private server solely to avoid FOIA request wasn't such a
good idea.
The 33,000 emails on baking cakes are out there and will come to light. This will be proof of obstruction of justice.
Maybe Hillary should call Donna Brazile for the answers!
Hillary & the Obama league of Justice has thwarted revealing information.
Imagine...none of this would have happened if Hillary simply had [email protected].
I guess setting up a private server solely to avoid FOIA request wasn't such a
good idea.
The 33,000 emails on baking cakes are out there and will come to light. This will be proof of obstruction of justice.
Maybe Hillary should call Donna Brazile for the answers!
4
So I'm sure you want the FBI's investigation of Trump's former campaign manager Paul Manafort, who has also advised Russian-backed dictators (obviously has a fondness for dictators and would-be dictators) to be fully aired in public right now. Truth and transparency on that one, please. And on Trump's fraudulent tax reporting. And on all his abuse of women. Let's get that information out there!
Comey made a mistake when he announced in July what the FBI had concluded and now he made another mistake in announcing that they found more emails.
I think he got in trouble with his Republican friends on the first announcement and simply wanted to make amends. Prosecutors should be quiet unless they indict someone.
I think he got in trouble with his Republican friends on the first announcement and simply wanted to make amends. Prosecutors should be quiet unless they indict someone.
2
James Comey's "big mistake" was succumbing to the threats to him, by the Clintons, and not arranging to have Hillary convicted of compromising the security of U.S.
2
Do you people never tire of your own baloney?
Comey has ruined his own reputation. He made a name for himself by rushing to the hospital ahead of Alberto Gonzales. He stood up to Bush cronies. Most of us applauded him. Obama admired him and gave him the FBI director's job. We did not even know that he was a registered Republican! What irony. Now he seems to be most concerned about burnishing his Republican credentials or covering his tracks. The proud upright man has bit the dust not hit paydirt. If he any sense left, he would resign in new Clinton administration and join Fox News.
2
There was a chance that Clinton's momentum could have broken the Republican control of both the Senate and the House, and finally allowed desperately needed responsible government to return to the United States. This chance is now probably gone. How sad. Thanks Mr. Comey. Thanks a lot!
Comey's big mistake was his letter to Congress, it was his decision not to resign months ago when the DOJ leadership hamstrung his investigation of Clinton. The deals DOJ (and not the FBI) made to give immunity to witnesses in exchange for very limited cooperation, the failure to interview Clinton until the end of the investigation, President Obama opining on Clinton's innocence before the investigation was complete all point to a dysfunctional Justice Department.
If you want to know why faith in the FBI and Justice Department is so low, the answer is in the bungled Clinton investigation, and Comey's failure to resist politically motivated controls.
If you want to know why faith in the FBI and Justice Department is so low, the answer is in the bungled Clinton investigation, and Comey's failure to resist politically motivated controls.
I can't believe that so many are choosing to overlook the basic fact that none of this would be an issue if HRC had followed protocol and not used her own server. Additionally, why is Abedin sharing a laptop with her husband and allowing her email, which obviously contains sensitive information, to sit on said laptop (and why wasn't that laptop turned over to FBI earlier when obviously she knew her emails were on that machine). The FBI isn't playing unfair and treating HRC poorly - its just being spun that way.
1
It seems Mr. Comey's desire was to protect (and perhaps burnish) his own reputation for integrity and independence (above all else), but he has done irreversible damage to the FBI's reputation and to democracy. Ultimately he failed on all fronts.
The only thing I know about Mr. Comey is what I read in the newspapers. Therefore I can not comment on what drove him. Was it integrity or politics? I do not think we will ever know that for sure. However, I do know that most detectives on a local police force would not disclose information until they did the investigation. Perhaps Mr. Comey needs retraining.
2
Please look at each of such actions to undermine a most qualified presidential candidate in history and a first women president;
1. Each action stands as frustrated exercise from Republicans to undermine American democracy
2. They only want specific people in power.
3. They clearly point to that even Mrs Clinton is not part of core governing group and outsider to them.
4. They want to eliminate her.
5. They can't win fair never ever and so they will cheat.
6. They don't want to govern, they want to control.
7. They have a strong support from part of key leadership in government and media.
8. They work in coordination to undermine all of us.
9. They have amassed enough wealth to build and buy an army and so they don't need a country any more, they just need slaves.
HOW CAN ANYONE VOTE FROM ANYONE FROM GOP & TRUMP. TRUMP is the ultimate insider who has taken advantage of every weakness of our government voluntarily.
1. Each action stands as frustrated exercise from Republicans to undermine American democracy
2. They only want specific people in power.
3. They clearly point to that even Mrs Clinton is not part of core governing group and outsider to them.
4. They want to eliminate her.
5. They can't win fair never ever and so they will cheat.
6. They don't want to govern, they want to control.
7. They have a strong support from part of key leadership in government and media.
8. They work in coordination to undermine all of us.
9. They have amassed enough wealth to build and buy an army and so they don't need a country any more, they just need slaves.
HOW CAN ANYONE VOTE FROM ANYONE FROM GOP & TRUMP. TRUMP is the ultimate insider who has taken advantage of every weakness of our government voluntarily.
I beg to differ.
the biggest mistake is the one done by the NYT's editorial board of consciously turning a respected newspaper into the Breitbart News of the liberal left.
As of today, opening the opinion page i count 19 to 16 articles on politics, with the overwhelming subject of how bad and tricky is the Republican party, a whole defense line about ideological category ( why is emailgate not this or that scandal, and you have to publish such an article? Of course it's not, nothing is like emailgate, it stand apart for its muddiness emblazoned into the obscure and taut legalese press release by the candidate mrs. Rodham Clinton ) and as lately NYT has been doing, turning the whole praising on how good it is that man/woman/tactics/poll into a whole, pristine and totally twisted fingerpoint at how bad it is that very man/woman/tactics/poll if it conspires/depletes/plays down its candidate, mrs. Rodham Clinton.
Alright, that isn't going down to the low level of the newyorker cartoon of depicting mr. Comey with mr. Trump's MAGA hat while discussing how politically unrelated his letter was, and yet that will spurn some chuckle, while these articles, these sophisms are making the NYT's reputation any day worse.
Maybe the NYT has forgotten when mrs. Clinton laughingstocked on the extreme careless but without legal implication July remarks of mr. Comey, maybe it has forgotten how many military aides and officials have endorsed its candidate, or maybe it should re-read some ethics.
the biggest mistake is the one done by the NYT's editorial board of consciously turning a respected newspaper into the Breitbart News of the liberal left.
As of today, opening the opinion page i count 19 to 16 articles on politics, with the overwhelming subject of how bad and tricky is the Republican party, a whole defense line about ideological category ( why is emailgate not this or that scandal, and you have to publish such an article? Of course it's not, nothing is like emailgate, it stand apart for its muddiness emblazoned into the obscure and taut legalese press release by the candidate mrs. Rodham Clinton ) and as lately NYT has been doing, turning the whole praising on how good it is that man/woman/tactics/poll into a whole, pristine and totally twisted fingerpoint at how bad it is that very man/woman/tactics/poll if it conspires/depletes/plays down its candidate, mrs. Rodham Clinton.
Alright, that isn't going down to the low level of the newyorker cartoon of depicting mr. Comey with mr. Trump's MAGA hat while discussing how politically unrelated his letter was, and yet that will spurn some chuckle, while these articles, these sophisms are making the NYT's reputation any day worse.
Maybe the NYT has forgotten when mrs. Clinton laughingstocked on the extreme careless but without legal implication July remarks of mr. Comey, maybe it has forgotten how many military aides and officials have endorsed its candidate, or maybe it should re-read some ethics.
2
If, as seems to be the case, Mr Comey acted merely in order to avoid Republican criticism for doing the right and honorable thing in not interfering in the election, then he doesn't have a leg to stand on.
In this light, his act was indeed political--allowing concern for his own political hide to literally "trump" the integrity of the election.
Last Friday will go down as "a day of infamy" for the FBI: the day its own Director torpedoed its reputation for being above politics.
In this light, his act was indeed political--allowing concern for his own political hide to literally "trump" the integrity of the election.
Last Friday will go down as "a day of infamy" for the FBI: the day its own Director torpedoed its reputation for being above politics.
2
I don't think that it's fair to take pot shots at Comey. Give the man a break. - Look what would have happened to the man if he had said nothing until after the election. He would have been CRUCIFIED for holding back information. He was in a classic situation of having to chose the least bad option. Just like us in voting for president...
2
Why is the FBI investigating a case of sexting? Is it because the suspect is a former Congressman? FBI: worry about serious cyber-crimes, please.
It's a case of child abuse and child porn across state lines. His victim lives in North Carolina. The FBI investigates interstate child abuse on a regular basis.
The fact that it has taken the NYT this long to call out Comey as the moron that he is, is part of the problem. In the past, this guy had proved what an idiot he was over and over again and nobody took notice or paid heed until it directly affected their personal political agenda.
How this man even got into his position in the first place is questionable.
And that he remains where he is today as head of the FBI is as well.
How this man even got into his position in the first place is questionable.
And that he remains where he is today as head of the FBI is as well.
1
I read the news of the announcement on Friday, and my reaction was "there's nothing said here. No content, no numbers, no information of any kind." Now that the weekend has passed, we have no content, no numbers, no information of any kind. If literally nothing can sway the election, how is it not our own fault? This "bombshell" is meaningless. What am I missing? Specifics please!
5
Well written. Come had done incalculable damage. Perhaps HE is the one that should be jailed. Regardless, as a taxpayer, how do I find out how to withhold my share of his pay, because I'd like to do that...
1
Quoting Alberto Gonzales, cheap shot.
1
Regrettably, I don't see much these days that stands "outside politics" aside of course Harry Reid. The FBI director investigates, declines to indict and is vilified by the "right" while simultaneously considered measured and judicious by the left. Now, this same man has cleverly reversed the condemnation. A pox on both houses and the country is the loser.
2
James Comey's big mistake was when he first briefed the congress on why he did not charge Clinton.
His rationale was to quote "no reasonable prosecutor would bring this case".
The problem for me with that statement is that is NOT his job to make that judgement. The only thing he is suppose to do is to see if anybody BROKE THE LAW. In his build-up to his final he outlined any number of laws that were broken yet did not recommend to move forward because no reasonable prosecutor would do so. He did not do his job on that day ---- he is not a lawyer --- he is an investigator.
His rationale was to quote "no reasonable prosecutor would bring this case".
The problem for me with that statement is that is NOT his job to make that judgement. The only thing he is suppose to do is to see if anybody BROKE THE LAW. In his build-up to his final he outlined any number of laws that were broken yet did not recommend to move forward because no reasonable prosecutor would do so. He did not do his job on that day ---- he is not a lawyer --- he is an investigator.
3
It seems to me that after messing up back in July, that Comey, an appointee of Hillary-ally Obama, who may have been pressured by Attorney General Lynch who illegally met with Bill Clinton on the tarmac of an airport in Arizona to "discuss grandchildren", the spouse of Hillary Clinton, a person under investigation by her department, all in violation of Canon 9 of the Lawyer's Canon of Ethics which talks about avoiding even the "appearance of impropriety" , having come into possession of new information, the Huma Weiner computer, he is now exercising due diligence in doing his job.
3
Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump, and the leadership of both parties are responsible for the fiasco of this election. Neither candidate is trustworthy or credible and certainly the FBI lacks credibility and integrity as well.
A candidate with a history of political baggage should never have been the candidate of choice for the Democrats. And the Republican candidate is even more reprehensible.
There are no winners in this election. None. Our political process has been turned upside down by people who continuously need to defend themselves against claims by government agencies. Hillary is under investigation by the FBI and Mr. Trump is under audit and review by the IRS. Also, Trump's own biases, vulgarity and crudeness should have excluded him immediately.
The leadership of both parties lacked the courage to put these wannabes aside and present to the American people candidates worthy of the office of President.
Mr. Comey is obviously trying to redeem himself from his past failure to recommend indictment of Mrs. Clinton. He knew that was wrong. The security of the U.S. was in fact jeopardized by her reckless use of a personal server. Any other person who did that would have been summarily dismissed and prosecuted for far less.
The NYT is also responsible. In its zeal to promote a woman for president the NYT is willing to overlook fatal flaws that would have sunk any other candidate long ago.
I will vote for state and local candidates only. Not Trump. Not Clinton. Never!
A candidate with a history of political baggage should never have been the candidate of choice for the Democrats. And the Republican candidate is even more reprehensible.
There are no winners in this election. None. Our political process has been turned upside down by people who continuously need to defend themselves against claims by government agencies. Hillary is under investigation by the FBI and Mr. Trump is under audit and review by the IRS. Also, Trump's own biases, vulgarity and crudeness should have excluded him immediately.
The leadership of both parties lacked the courage to put these wannabes aside and present to the American people candidates worthy of the office of President.
Mr. Comey is obviously trying to redeem himself from his past failure to recommend indictment of Mrs. Clinton. He knew that was wrong. The security of the U.S. was in fact jeopardized by her reckless use of a personal server. Any other person who did that would have been summarily dismissed and prosecuted for far less.
The NYT is also responsible. In its zeal to promote a woman for president the NYT is willing to overlook fatal flaws that would have sunk any other candidate long ago.
I will vote for state and local candidates only. Not Trump. Not Clinton. Never!
4
Is Comey a Russian agent? Sure seems that way.
In the same edition of the NY Times where the headline story is about "newly obtained documents" in connection with Trump's tax avoidance efforts, we have the editorial board crying foul about Comey's disclosure of new e-mails and potentially influencing the election. The bias and clear double standard is overwhelming. Had Comey been making an announcement on the same kind of issue about Trump I am confident the editorial board would be calling Comey a hero.
3
Mr Comey informed the Congress.
That is one fact. The rest becomes speculative, in many cases highly speculative.
From my reading of the (elite) pundits and political operatives, Mr Comey may have believed that he had made a commitment to update the Congress. And he did. The Congressional leaders released his letter.
To say more is trying to get inside Mr Comey's mind - something the pundits and operatives seem free to do. As a citizen voter, I have no problem with Mr Comey's letter.
That is one fact. The rest becomes speculative, in many cases highly speculative.
From my reading of the (elite) pundits and political operatives, Mr Comey may have believed that he had made a commitment to update the Congress. And he did. The Congressional leaders released his letter.
To say more is trying to get inside Mr Comey's mind - something the pundits and operatives seem free to do. As a citizen voter, I have no problem with Mr Comey's letter.
3
he should have sent an email...then deleted it.
HRC created this mess in the first place. The FBI is just doing their job. Hey, back in July the Democratic Party could not stop singing Comey's praise! How soon we forget!
5
The timing is out of his control. The information is truthful and the American people have every right to immediate disclosure so that they may decide for themselves. Unfortunately for candidate Clinton, when you lay with dogs you get fleas. She is now a victim of her own decision to trust Huma & Weiner who were obviously hoarding the evidence against her and perhaps the 33k deleted emails. Strange how karma works inspire of all attempts to defeat it.
3
Imagine that, our FBI is being run by a coward.
1
Let's face it: if Comey had done exactly the same regarding one of Trump's many vulnerabilities this paper would regard him and his actions in a very different light.
The vast majority of the responses to Comey over the past six months have been purely, 100% party political. No one is judging his actions for what they are....they are judging how it will help or hurt their preferred presidential candidate. This sort of base partisanship is why the US is in the condition it's in.
The vast majority of the responses to Comey over the past six months have been purely, 100% party political. No one is judging his actions for what they are....they are judging how it will help or hurt their preferred presidential candidate. This sort of base partisanship is why the US is in the condition it's in.
4
Comey conducts an important legal investigation into the activities of the Secretary of State which show her to be extremely careless with our national security so that they end up on perv Weiner's mac book and then go who knows where and to be selling out access to her appointed office and the EB is apoplectic? Don't wonder why you lose next week. Even our President recognized that Clinton's actions are indefensible.
3
If the FBI hadn't smelled something, why would they risk their reputation asking for a search warrant. Sounds like there is a strong possibility, not only Comey, but numerous agents will be canned. If not canned, given some no nothing job until they retire. Sounds like a issue suited to Bernstein and Woodard. Remember the Clintons have years of experience, doubt they stepped it. Hillary's close aide will probably take the fall.
1
This entire "steaming mess" has the unmistakable odiferous reek of the
Koch brothers.
F3
Koch brothers.
F3
Comey, a footnote in history, will appear on a list with Putin, Perot and Nader.
I actually commend Mr. Comey. He would surely have anticipated at some level the blowback that he is getting right now. What impresses me is that despite knowing this, he chose to stay true to his conscience and send that letter.
Yes, We'd all like to know more... ideally we would have liked to have full disclosure of all the facts in this case - with a conclusion beyond doubt - sent with that letter. But this is not a fairy tale. In real life, facts are messy, judgement is what counts.
And in sending that letter with the limited amount of facts that he knew of, he is entrusting the election to the judgement of the American people.
In my mind, Mr Comey is a hero.
Full disclosure: I am neither a democrat, nor a republican. And I am very, very scared of a Trump presidency.
Yes, We'd all like to know more... ideally we would have liked to have full disclosure of all the facts in this case - with a conclusion beyond doubt - sent with that letter. But this is not a fairy tale. In real life, facts are messy, judgement is what counts.
And in sending that letter with the limited amount of facts that he knew of, he is entrusting the election to the judgement of the American people.
In my mind, Mr Comey is a hero.
Full disclosure: I am neither a democrat, nor a republican. And I am very, very scared of a Trump presidency.
2
July 2016: “This is a great man,” said Nancy Pelosi, the House minority leader. “We are very privileged in our country to have him be the director of the F.B.I.” No one, added Harry Reid, the Senate minority leader, “can question the integrity” of Mr. Comey.
4
There was a simple answer to Comey's dilemma. He could have taken the advice of the Justice Department to make no announcement prior to the election and not until the emails had been reviewed. If he had done this he would have had the "back" of the entire administration to defend the agency's actions.
Unfortunately Mr Comey is now on his own and will likely pay with his reputation being ruined.
Unfortunately Mr Comey is now on his own and will likely pay with his reputation being ruined.
2
Comey's logic, per his own words, is yet the latest instance of Republican thinking holding up in that alt-universe Disneyworld that the right has painstakingly built for 40 years ... but fails the sniff test in the real world - the one inhabited by more discerning and scrupulous humans.
If only they'd had more time, the GOP boiler room could have pinned responsibility for the rumours that Santa, the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy weren't real on HRC.
Infantilism as political doctrine? With a nominee like Goofy, what could possibly go wrong, eh boys?
If only they'd had more time, the GOP boiler room could have pinned responsibility for the rumours that Santa, the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy weren't real on HRC.
Infantilism as political doctrine? With a nominee like Goofy, what could possibly go wrong, eh boys?
Nice going, Times editors. Chicken Little strikes again!
1
He obviously wants Trump to win. How horrible for our country. If you guys knew how bad the white maies for discriminating against
None of this makes sense. On Friday Hillary said the public deserves to know the facts and to see the emails. It's been 4 days. Why have Hillary and Huma not had a joint press conference to answer any and all questions?
2
Once a Republican always a Republican.
1
Ed,
Do you favor personal growth?
I'm not all that sure....
Do you favor personal growth?
I'm not all that sure....
That's interesting. I didn't know that Title 18 USC Section 793(f) had the word "intent" in it. In fact, I know it doesn't. It states "Through gross negligence" which is to mean "An indifference to, and a blatant violation of, a legal duty". Setting up her server for "convenience" demonstrates an indifference to proper protocol. Put her in jail. All that blaming the Russians to hide the facts is going to cause WW3. Even the New York Times has indicated no support that Trump is tied to the Russians. Hillary, please stop causing a Cold War.
1
Comey brought contempt, disdain, & mistrust on the FBI to get a sexual predator elected president, and Comey is an "honorable" man.
2
Mr. Comey, where is the investigation into the russian hacking and trumps simpatico relationship with the russian dictator? The FBI has turned into a clown show with zealots and ideologues trying to get someone of their choosing elected.
2
Trying to be objective, this is a series of unforced errors: Hillary using a private server; Hillary deleting e-mails; Congress overreacting; Bill meeting with Loretta Lynch in private; Comey issuing the "no indictment" report; Huma somehow using Weiner's laptop; Weiner's sexting; and finally Comey's revealing an ongoing and incomplete investigation.
In the end, however, there is nothing there.
In the end, however, there is nothing there.
7
Comey excused his election interference on the basis that he would be criticized for failing to do so.
He lied. Top DOJ officials confirm that Comey was advised against the release.
When Comey announced last summer that the evidence did not justify criminal prosecution- “no Prosecutor would bring this case”- he then prosecuted Hillary politically with an unprecedented, irresponsible accusation of her careless handling of emails et al.We speculated that Comey, a Republican coached by the GOP, reasoned that better to leave the vulnerable Hillary Clinton as the nominee and attack her poliically rather than take her out in favor of candidates more popular and untainted, such as Biden or Warren. It didn’t work. Trump thumped so badly that Hillary, although unpopular, was regarded as a cinch to win. So…back to the drawing board. GOPers got Comey to drop another bomb. DOJ top officials advised him that the info was not adjudged relevant and should not be subject to disclosure under Department Guidelines. Comey ignored his superiors- and dropped his bomb! Trump, of course has climbed all over the disclosure with blatant claims, including blasting the DOJ for advising Comet against release . His tirade is over the top- indefensible. So, what’s new?
He lied. Top DOJ officials confirm that Comey was advised against the release.
When Comey announced last summer that the evidence did not justify criminal prosecution- “no Prosecutor would bring this case”- he then prosecuted Hillary politically with an unprecedented, irresponsible accusation of her careless handling of emails et al.We speculated that Comey, a Republican coached by the GOP, reasoned that better to leave the vulnerable Hillary Clinton as the nominee and attack her poliically rather than take her out in favor of candidates more popular and untainted, such as Biden or Warren. It didn’t work. Trump thumped so badly that Hillary, although unpopular, was regarded as a cinch to win. So…back to the drawing board. GOPers got Comey to drop another bomb. DOJ top officials advised him that the info was not adjudged relevant and should not be subject to disclosure under Department Guidelines. Comey ignored his superiors- and dropped his bomb! Trump, of course has climbed all over the disclosure with blatant claims, including blasting the DOJ for advising Comet against release . His tirade is over the top- indefensible. So, what’s new?
6
If not an officious partisan who used his office to contrive an assault upon Clinton, or a fearful bureaucrat desperately trying to avoid criticism, then we conclude that Comey is a fool. In all cases, he is unfit to serve.
8
Re: " emails that may or may not be new or relevant"
That it is Anthony Weiner's computer the (classified) emails are on is sufficient materiality.
What happened to my (formerly) beloved New York Times?
That it is Anthony Weiner's computer the (classified) emails are on is sufficient materiality.
What happened to my (formerly) beloved New York Times?
2
And FBI Director Comey is running cover for Russia leading many to wonder if we have a "cardinal in the capital," as Tom Clancy might have said.
8
Your premise that Comey is "running cover for Russia" is faulty making the rest of your argument just as faulty. There is not evidence whatsoever that Comey is doing anything for Russia. It is just that your candidate is the target of his investigation that has you so riled up.
In effect the entire Republican party, even those sworn to uphold US law in the interest of US citizens, is willing to cooperate with the Russians in order to achieve their self-interested goal of acquiring the Oval Office.
7
Bingo!
Comey had to do this. HC, like her mastastasizing emails, would be, to borrow from the author of today's companion apologia, a cancer on the presidency.
These emails are but one small sample of what is out there. Her purloined letters are doubtless in the hands of every malefactor and pimple-faced prepubescent hacker extant. Can you say "blackmailable"?
The analog crook didn't have a clue. Spoliation of digital evidence is a bit more complicated than, say, squirrelling away Rose Law Firm hard copy in the WH residence until the statutes of limitations have run. Neera Tanden hit it on the head (oops) when she said to Podesta: "It worries me more that she doesn’t …know what planet we're on”
We don't need another round of the corrupt and dangerous Clintons. And we don't need another Nixon…no less one w/ twice the paranoia & half the neurons.
6
It was President Obama's BIG mistake when he picked a Republican from New York to lead the F.B.I.
Smart Democrats don't pick Republicans.
Comey comes from the New York Police/Prison state area.
What the heck was he Thinkin'?
Smart Democrats don't pick Republicans.
Comey comes from the New York Police/Prison state area.
What the heck was he Thinkin'?
2
The timing and the context of Comey's letter point to a clear intention of trying to influence the election. As noted elsewhere, this is a unambiguous violation of the Hatch Act, for which Comey should be investigated and, one hopes, fairly prosecuted. His protestations and near apologies notwithstanding, the FBI's prior investigation was obviously not complete; the staging of Comey's statement is totally disingenuous.
The damage is done: Trump has his bump. It will not be enough.
The damage is done: Trump has his bump. It will not be enough.
2
Uh oh.....are Comey's boys tracking our comments? Will I get Clintonized?
3
What ever we say, Comey has poisoned the well and irreversibly damaged the election process knowingly. Don't forget he is a registered Republican though he says otherwise now and has contributed to the previous Republican presidential candidates. What else does one need to call his true loyalty
6
The problem is that he did all this as well when he acted in July. Did the Editorial Board fail to notice the implications of not prosecuting Hillary Clinton on the election? Did it fail to notice how negatively the public trust was impacted by that decision?
If Director Comey acted in good conscience then, he must be allowed to do the same now.
If Director Comey acted in good conscience then, he must be allowed to do the same now.
4
So Mr. Comey first kept the FBI's name off a report which cited evidence of Russian interference in the election on behalf of Mr. Trump then significantly interfered in the election himself on behalf of Mr. Trump with a letter to Congress which cited no evidence. Even in politics, sometimes the obvious is actually the reality.
6
Comey sure is showing his color: red. Shame on you, Jim!
7
Red as in Russian red.
Regarding the statement "that may not change Comey's decision against filing charges against Mrs. Clinton," said decision only refers to old and reviewed material. If it is found that the new documents were withheld, had not been reviewed, and contained information about any number of issues that compromised national security, the FBI would have every right to pursue charges on the new and previously hidden information. The fact that material information was withheld would itself open up Mrs. Clinton to charges.
NO, not comey, it is hillaries bug mistake. Lets put the blame where it belongs. If I did what she did I would be in jail. Comey said in his last sentence, no one else should do what Clinton did, there will be consequences.
James Comey is nothing but a Republican hack and is helping Russia and Julian Assange to change United States election outcome.
Donald Trump is a sexual predator by his own admission , has not released his tax returns, used foundations money to pay his legal fees.
What Comey has exposed are hacked Hillary`s email which are not from Mrs. Clinton`s computer or send by her.
Welcome to America !
Donald Trump is a sexual predator by his own admission , has not released his tax returns, used foundations money to pay his legal fees.
What Comey has exposed are hacked Hillary`s email which are not from Mrs. Clinton`s computer or send by her.
Welcome to America !
5
The FBI concluded that Russia hacked Clinton's email BUT the FBI also concluded:
"And even the hacking into Democratic emails, F.B.I. and intelligence officials now believe, was aimed at disrupting the presidential election rather than electing Mr. Trump."
LOL the FBI now can ascertain MOTIVES!!!! How do they do that? How can the access what is impossible to know? At best they can say that:
1) while hacking into Democratic emails while are attempts at hurting the Hillary Clinton's campaign;
2) while this obviously helps Donald Trump's campaign; and
3) while Donald Trump repeatedly called the serial violator of human rights Vladimir Putin (that includes murdering opposition figures and journalist) as a great leader,
we can not be 100% there is quid pro quo. How on earth can the FBI chime in one way or the other? This is VERY troubling.
The FBI appears to be a cesspool that requires a thorough investigation by a responsible Congress and the reason it is critical to elect true patriots to Congress.
"And even the hacking into Democratic emails, F.B.I. and intelligence officials now believe, was aimed at disrupting the presidential election rather than electing Mr. Trump."
LOL the FBI now can ascertain MOTIVES!!!! How do they do that? How can the access what is impossible to know? At best they can say that:
1) while hacking into Democratic emails while are attempts at hurting the Hillary Clinton's campaign;
2) while this obviously helps Donald Trump's campaign; and
3) while Donald Trump repeatedly called the serial violator of human rights Vladimir Putin (that includes murdering opposition figures and journalist) as a great leader,
we can not be 100% there is quid pro quo. How on earth can the FBI chime in one way or the other? This is VERY troubling.
The FBI appears to be a cesspool that requires a thorough investigation by a responsible Congress and the reason it is critical to elect true patriots to Congress.
2
Trump called Putin a strong leader, not a great leader. When compared to Obama, he is a strong leader.
The metadata is the message… not to mention the sheer quantity.
Huma's explanation doesn't fly. Having to "print" 650K emails is ludicrous on its face. Using Weiner's laptop to do it doesn't pass the pun test.
The stash make more sense as Weiner's (or Weiners') insurance policy.
4
The man was doing his job just like Trump was charged and they have learned he has no Russian ties (a complete lie the media planted onto the American public). Hillary Clinton should not have been allowed to be on the socialistic democratic ticket to begin with all of her drama (Clinton foundation, uranium sales, private server, emails, etc. Her assistant, Houma Abedin, has lied to the F.B.I as she did not turn over all of her emails as she said. She should be dismissed from the campaign immediately.
2
If the FBI was actually observing the restrictions in the original Weiner warrant [=sexting e-mails only] at the time of Mr. Comey's letter to Congress, that letter was based on the equivalent of an anonymous tip: "Anthony Weiner's computer has new classified e-mails from Clinton."
Pretty flimsy basis to disrupt an election.
Pretty flimsy basis to disrupt an election.
2
It is clear that there is a cover up for Clinton, obstruction of justice, that she has perjured herself multiple times (as did her assistants) and that it goes to the top now that we know that Obama lied about not knowing she was using a home brew, insecure and illegal email server. While the political appointees may be able be pressured to cover for her, and deceive the public, the rank and file of the FBI are unlikely to stand for anymore of it, and hence, Comey is probably having to deal with an internal revolt of ethical agents. So while the NYT and other excuse makers lay it on thick for Clinton, many of the rest of us can see things for what they are, and we feel we deserve the truth BEFORE the election. Not that it is crucial to me now, I already early voted for a woman--Dr. Jill Stein.
4
Citizens have a right to know that equal justice for all stands in this country. I am not naive enough to think this is always true -- It isn't and there is always a fight going on to level the justice playing field. Now the fight has turned toward the FBI and its blatant partisanship. Comey must resign on November 9 if we are to have any confidence in the FBI again.
3
Comely is between the rock and the hard place. He had to send that letter to the Congress. If this was the other way around the NYT and others would be saying he did exactly the right thing. The investigation it seems isn't closed and the fact is now a search warrant has been granted. To get a search warrant you need "probable cause". So there is something there that while Mr. Comely himself hasn't seen his Special Agents have.
The President himself has stated he is a man of integrity. The fact that some people who are Clinton supporters don't like it is tough. They would have demanded he do the same thing to the idiot Trump.
I would hope that if there are classified material in those emails, Huma had the clearance to have them. If not then Ms Clinton and Huma Weiner both need to be indicted.
In addition, it appears that yes FBI agents themselves might have leaked the information because they were told to "stand down" and not further pursue the investigation into the Clinton Foundation itself. Ms. Lynch has to answer for that I'm guessing especially seeing she met Bill Clinton privately for a little secret chat. Where there is smoke there is fire.
I don't like either of the candidates. The US is really in a mess with either one of them being President. How could this happen?
The President himself has stated he is a man of integrity. The fact that some people who are Clinton supporters don't like it is tough. They would have demanded he do the same thing to the idiot Trump.
I would hope that if there are classified material in those emails, Huma had the clearance to have them. If not then Ms Clinton and Huma Weiner both need to be indicted.
In addition, it appears that yes FBI agents themselves might have leaked the information because they were told to "stand down" and not further pursue the investigation into the Clinton Foundation itself. Ms. Lynch has to answer for that I'm guessing especially seeing she met Bill Clinton privately for a little secret chat. Where there is smoke there is fire.
I don't like either of the candidates. The US is really in a mess with either one of them being President. How could this happen?
1
Ah, he may have a ten year contract, but by grabbing hold of the revolving door and leaving for private life, I bet in five years he is making ten times his salary at the FBI at some other institution, one that is devoted to sucking up to the 1% and suppressing the rights of the poor, like a far right thing tank or on Trump TV.
Time will tell.
Trump cannot win the Presidency, it will hinder his money grubbing ways. So look for more and more bizarre behavior from him as Election Day approaches. He needs to be close, and to have a dark paranoid explanation for losing, so his TV will entice viewers.
Time will tell.
Hugh Massengill, Eugene
Time will tell.
Trump cannot win the Presidency, it will hinder his money grubbing ways. So look for more and more bizarre behavior from him as Election Day approaches. He needs to be close, and to have a dark paranoid explanation for losing, so his TV will entice viewers.
Time will tell.
Hugh Massengill, Eugene
1
Alberto Gonzales and Richard Painter are not very well-placed to lecture Comey on his judgment. I'm baffled as to why we are consulting them, compromised as they both are.
1
Another J. Edgar Hoover.
It seems we have another weasel in charge of the FBI.
The public trust be damned. Politics first.
It seems we have another weasel in charge of the FBI.
The public trust be damned. Politics first.
1
Dispicable, rash, and self-interested. Comey considered Comey to be more important than the election of the next president of the United States.
And he's done it most likely to nosey up to the GOP whom he apparently is betting on winning the House.
That's a scenario. No one knows for sure -- other than it clearly was unnecessary whatever the motive might have been -- but the net effect? Cheating Americans -- possibly -- of the woman OR man they might have wanted to sit in the White House.
Time to revisit his appointment and his 10-year freebie as an untouchable by the President and Congress.
Oh, and tell me why Congress has the power to control without oversight from the chosen leader of the United States the nation's most important investigative arm? They may have needed it back in the 50s, but oughtn't they have learned by now how to be good citizens?
And he's done it most likely to nosey up to the GOP whom he apparently is betting on winning the House.
That's a scenario. No one knows for sure -- other than it clearly was unnecessary whatever the motive might have been -- but the net effect? Cheating Americans -- possibly -- of the woman OR man they might have wanted to sit in the White House.
Time to revisit his appointment and his 10-year freebie as an untouchable by the President and Congress.
Oh, and tell me why Congress has the power to control without oversight from the chosen leader of the United States the nation's most important investigative arm? They may have needed it back in the 50s, but oughtn't they have learned by now how to be good citizens?
1
So munch talk about Mr. Comey being a straight shooter. On the other hand he has been an arrogant renegade. He had no business to discuss and dissect the email investigation. His only obligation was to report his findings to the Department he works for, the Department of Justice. The FBI does not comment on any open case in public. Mr. Comey had again did not follow Department of Justice policy and politicized a presidential election by commenting on any ongoing investigation, Mr. Comey had no moral, ethical or legal obligation to inform or discuss with the Congress. He does not deserve to stay as FBI Director
2
No doubt the FBI will also have to investigate the possibility that Wiener's sextings are some kind of coded communication with a nefarious entity like SMERSH.
This makes one wonder about the competency of the FBI to combat terrorism.
2
One way or the other, regardless of who wins, Comey will be fired by President Obama on November 9 for this egregious lapse in judgement.
The only person who put herself into this spot is Hillary Clinton.
2
What an outrageous editorial clearly intending to trash the American legal system for petty political advantage. Huma Abedin was clearly included in the investigation of the Clinton emails and she had to give to the FBI all of her sources, paper and otherwise, regarding this issue by July. The feckless writers of this editorial can Google 18 US Code 1001, a powerful law that makes false statements to a federal officer a serious crime subject to imprisonment. They can ask Bernie Madoff or Martha Steward about it. Abedin can say she forgot that she had 650,000 documents on the computer she shared with her reprobate husband but she now needs a criminal attorney with superman skills.
2
I am not a Trump supporter....but this seems like a classic case of shooting the messenger.
2
A wise person wondered if the FBI plans to investigate every email Hillary Clinton ever sent. That way the drip-drip-drip can go on forever. I'm sure there are a lot of other "treasure troves" out there on computers kept by people who never delete emails. I have about 15,000 unread emails in my own account, maybe some of them "might" have been from Clinton telling me that state secret: the incriminating smoking gun.
The problem with it all is that we can't see the actual emails that the FBI decides contain classified information. We have to trust that they are not distorting reality in their quest for justice.
How anyone can trust James Comey at this point is the big question for me. I do not believe he and his FBI can conduct a fair investigation of anything related to Hillary Clinton. If she can be subjected to this kind of witch-hunt, it can happen to anyone.
The problem with it all is that we can't see the actual emails that the FBI decides contain classified information. We have to trust that they are not distorting reality in their quest for justice.
How anyone can trust James Comey at this point is the big question for me. I do not believe he and his FBI can conduct a fair investigation of anything related to Hillary Clinton. If she can be subjected to this kind of witch-hunt, it can happen to anyone.
The vagueness of his statement can remind one of the innuendos of Senator McCarthy waving papers and making accusations.
If the lead is credible, he would be doing the country a disservice by not pursuing it. This may or may not result in good evidence. This is the reason the FBI is investigating this new material.
1
Come decided to nail Hillary and spare Putin-Trump.
This one will go down in history: when the FBI gave the election to a proto authoritarian ruler.
This one will go down in history: when the FBI gave the election to a proto authoritarian ruler.
2
Comey ....had to know... that he would be in violation
of the Hatch Act... that his actions would affect the
Presidential election....and what was his reason for doing this...that is the
question...why did Comey put his job on the line...what were Comey's
reasons for violating the law...
Was he being pressured by Republicans; that is the speculation and why
did Comey capitulate to Republican pressure...now...Dear Editors of the NYT
this is your ....story....to muckrake the old fashioned way....so...just
go ahead and do some very intensive....and justifiable muckraking...in the
best sense of that journalistic probe....and perhaps you will redeem yourselves
from .....hyperbole..
of the Hatch Act... that his actions would affect the
Presidential election....and what was his reason for doing this...that is the
question...why did Comey put his job on the line...what were Comey's
reasons for violating the law...
Was he being pressured by Republicans; that is the speculation and why
did Comey capitulate to Republican pressure...now...Dear Editors of the NYT
this is your ....story....to muckrake the old fashioned way....so...just
go ahead and do some very intensive....and justifiable muckraking...in the
best sense of that journalistic probe....and perhaps you will redeem yourselves
from .....hyperbole..
The FBI should immediately release these e-mails so we can all know exactly what's in them before November 8. And while we're at it, in light of today's NYT report on the highly questionable and possibly illegal tax wizardry used by Donald Trump's accountant to allow him not to pay income taxes for as much as 18 years, let's also have the results of Donald Trump's IRS audit out there in public.
Comey's act was too blatant not to be considered
personally or politically motivated.
personally or politically motivated.
3
Given the constant stream of leaks from the FBI, I think Comey should go ahead and get his own Twitter account so that, like Trump, he can directly respond to each and every criticism, no matter how small, in real time. I was relieved to hear the leak yesterday about how he felt GREAT about his vague notification to Congress on Friday and had NO REGRETS. Truly, the leak of a confident man not at all doubting himself.
For all the criticisms of Comey, I think his passion for the old boys network and resentment of Hillary is genuine. He also seems to have no respect for his boss, a black woman. Clearly, he feels he should be HER boss, as would be fitting in 1950's America.
For all the criticisms of Comey, I think his passion for the old boys network and resentment of Hillary is genuine. He also seems to have no respect for his boss, a black woman. Clearly, he feels he should be HER boss, as would be fitting in 1950's America.
1
The folks at the FBI were furious that Mr. Comey intentionally let Mrs. Clinton off the hook for the numerous criminal acts including maintaining an unsecured E mail server in the bathroom of her house, destruction of evidence, conspiracy just to name a few. With the Weiner investigation new evidence has surfaced. No matter what is on the E mails, Huma testified that she turned over all devices. They should arrest her right now on that alone. The New York FBI office was going to leak it anyway which forced Comey's hand.
1
Comey is a right wing Republican who has betrayed his office and the people.
LOCK HIM UP.
LOCK HIM UP.
1
To see that Clinton again has dropped a few points and that while competing against an insane individual is frightening. Yes, we should vote for her - no alternative. But it shows what this country has become. Depressing.
1
Hillary's defenders would prefer she be elected before evidence that she is crooked is released.
3
F.B.I. Director Comey was not in fear of backlash from anyone regarding the discovery of new e-mails, he is well protected within the establishment. F.B.I. Director Comey wishes to have a republican president, and he found a way to strengthen this possibility. It was an act of evilness, unpatriotic, unprofessional and unethical.
I would like F.B.I. Director Comey to cast an intense examining eye on the e-mails of Donald Trump, his children, and simultaneously look into his financial gains that could possibly involve gross violation of tax law.
I cannot fathom taking to my grave the horror that Mr. Comey brought onto the country that pays his wages, but, perhaps he has spun his mind into a world where moral and ethical dilemmas hold zero meaning.
I would like F.B.I. Director Comey to cast an intense examining eye on the e-mails of Donald Trump, his children, and simultaneously look into his financial gains that could possibly involve gross violation of tax law.
I cannot fathom taking to my grave the horror that Mr. Comey brought onto the country that pays his wages, but, perhaps he has spun his mind into a world where moral and ethical dilemmas hold zero meaning.
Perhaps the FBI has outlived its usefullness.
I will never view the FBI with a sense of security as I once did. Not only the entire Clinton debacle, but the Russian connection to the top of the Trump campaign. Surely if one story is so valuable to the public as to be reported just days prior to the election, then the other one is as well. Mr. Comey should not be so personally selective. I've long believed that the Supreme Court has been tainted by partisanship; now it would appear so is the FBI.
10
Kim: Perhaps you "are tainted by partisanship." Sometimes it is good to take a hard look in the mirror.
The big "mistake" was made by Hillary Clinton, not by James Comey. All she had to do was release all of the emails rather than trying to destroy a significant portion of them and the current situation would not exist. Of course, she might also not be the Democrat nominee. The smoke detectors are sounding the alarm. Do you really think there is no fire?
5
On the other hand Trump is totally unqualified to be POTUS. 1500 characters is not enough space to list all of his shortcomings, lies, and other offenses. Tax returns, anybody?
So maybe we should all vote a blank ballot.
Oops, I blew it. I voted for Hillary last Tuesday, and so did my wife. Better luck in 2020.
So maybe we should all vote a blank ballot.
Oops, I blew it. I voted for Hillary last Tuesday, and so did my wife. Better luck in 2020.
As in the Lewinski case, the issue is the cover up rather than the deed itself. It's not that hard to infer from Comey's disclosure of further investigation that the FBI found new emails, suggesting that emails were previously illegally withheld from investigators. As in the DNC email leak, the withheld emails likely would have embarrassed Clinton and affected both her primary and general electoral prospects. It's pretty scary to contemplate Clinton using presidential power to suppress further investigation once elected.
3
He is especially historic in that he is ignoring all criticism and moving faster and harder in the ways criticized. Where are any checks and balances in this nation any longer? When do the fifty years of FBI files on Trump get seen by the public? They do have them, don't they? He got his start when JEH was still running the FBI.
2
I hope you have no problem with Republicans in Congress slowing down legislation. That is checks and balances in action
This reminds me of that part in "A Few Good Men" when TomCruise's character asks himself aloud, "Why would JAG assign a case like this to an attorney who had never argued a case before a jury...". Implying that people suspected wrongdoing at the highest level and they wanted to get a quick plea bargain and not expose the mis-steps of the Jack Nicholson character. That is what this is like: A senior person just tells Comey not to bother with a Grand Jury and do a slipshod investigation and not charge her in July. I think this was the plan...so Obama would insure HRC would be nominated and elected....and Obama's legacy protected.
Just give the first email case to Comey and he can be manipulated. No Grand Jury and HRC is not held accountable.
Pathetic.