It’s not easy being FBI Director. Just ask James Comey. After writing a letter to Congress stating the FBI is investigating new emails linked to Hillary Clinton, the Republicans were ecstatic and the Democrats were livid. Back in summer, when Comey chose not to indict Hillary Clinton, the parties had opposite reactions. When you’ve managed to anger both parties, chances are you’re doing your job. And as much as I know this latest move by the FBI Director gives the bankruptcy expert a potentially big boost headed into the final week of the campaign, Comey likely did the right thing. He may be one of those rare public officials who actually takes actions because they’re warranted and not for political favor. He has an excellent track record for being non-partisan and above board.
However, some of his subordinates may not be playing so nice. The Washington Post reported that FBI agents knew about the email messages early in October but somehow Comey was made aware of them just this week. Is this indeed what happened? If so, why? Comey really does need to explain this lag time of close to a month.
Comey can’t act on something he doesn’t know about. But once he does know, he must act. If the director tells us tomorrow some of his agents were derelict in their duty by delaying the communication to him of the newfound emails, this story will take another dramatic turn. It will be viewed as blatant political maneuvering by some agents within the FBI. Suddenly, whatever momentum that might have shifted Trump’s way will be stopped dead in its tracks.
We obviously don’t know if this is what’s at play here. But it would be a huge surprise if James Comey was playing politics. It’s just not his m.o. That said, he really needs to come out tomorrow and address what’s happening here. My guess is that he’ll do just that.