James Comey broke with Loretta Lynch and Justice Department tradition

[Arkansas Granny]

On Friday, James Comey, the director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, acting independently of Attorney General Loretta Lynch, sent a letter to Congress saying that the F.B.I. had discovered e-mails that were potentially relevant to the investigation of Hillary Clinton’s private server. Coming less than two weeks before the Presidential election, Comey’s decision to make public new evidence that may raise additional legal questions about Clinton was contrary to the views of the Attorney General, according to a well-informed Administration official. Lynch expressed her preference that Comey follow the department’s longstanding practice of not commenting on ongoing investigations, and not taking any action that could influence the outcome of an election, but he said that he felt compelled to do otherwise.

Comey’s decision is a striking break with the policies of the Department of Justice, according to current and former federal legal officials. Comey, who is a Republican appointee of President Obama, has a reputation for integrity and independence, but his latest action is stirring an extraordinary level of concern among legal authorities, who see it as potentially affecting the outcome of the Presidential and congressional elections.


“You don’t do this,” one former senior Justice Department official exclaimed. “It’s aberrational. It violates decades of practice.” The reason, according to the former official, who asked not to be identified because of ongoing cases involving the department, “is because it impugns the integrity and reputation of the candidate, even though there’s no finding by a court, or in this instance even an indictment.”

Traditionally, the Justice Department has advised prosecutors and law enforcement to avoid any appearance of meddling in the outcome of elections, even if it means holding off on pressing cases. One former senior official recalled that Janet Reno, the Attorney General under Bill Clinton, “completely shut down” the prosecution of a politically sensitive criminal target prior to an election. “She was adamant—anything that could influence the election had to go dark,” the former official said.

http://www.newyorker.com/news/news-desk/james-comey-broke-with-loretta-lynch-and-justice-department-tradition

It's hard for me to believe that this whole bombshell wasn't politically motivated. The thought that this might result in Trump being elected makes me ill.

[Wounded Bear]

1. I doubt this will swing the election...

but Comey set this in motion earlier in the year with his radical editorializing when he said he wasn't pursuing indictment. He should have kept it simple then. Now he's just poured gas on the fire.

His reputation is shot. The RW echo chamber is to blame for this as much as anyone. That, and the Repub committee chairs who waited all of 15 seconds before they went public with it.

[DinahMoeHum]

2. Considering that the new e-mails are. . .

NOT from Hillary. . .
NOT to Hillary. . .
NOT about Hillary. . .

I say, WTF, man? Much ado about nothin'

[LAS14]

3. Check this out. Facts are power. (Or they should be.... :-/ )

http://www.democraticunderground.com/12512552937

[DemonGoddess]

4. This WILL NOT

cost her the election. On the contrary. From what I've seen and heard online, and in person, this has, in fact, GALVANIZED many of us. We all see it for what it is. A last ditch effort to keep the "little woman" in her damn place. It's pathetically obvious.

[dubyadiprecession]

5. The big mistake in your post are the words,"Comey's decision to make public new evidence"

FBI Director Comey needs to have evidence for there to be evidence.

Speculation is all it is, and the public has nothing to react to.

[Cha]

6. Thank you, AG!