Speculation about FBI Director James Comey’s motives for penning his letter to Republican leadership surrounding Hillary Clinton’s email investigation are futile. His motives may never be made clear despite all best efforts. What is clear, however, is that Director Comey’s actions and words broke with protocol and precedence. He broke with protocol and precedence when he provided subjective commentary about the criminal investigation into Hillary Clinton’s email use at its conclusion this past Summer, and then he did so again with his “update” on the investigation last Friday. Comey’s deeds have not only de-legitimized the FBI as an investigative body, his deeds have resulted in proactively interfering with an American presidential election. This is precisely why protocols and precedents are established, to prevent the disruption of American institutions.
Once again, we can only speculate as to the motives surrounding Comey’s actions and words. But the facts are the facts. And the facts are that the leader of the FBI has aptly proven he is unqualified to continue in his leadership role. FBI Director Comey was appointed to his position by President Obama. It is incumbent upon President Obama to restore faith in our highest investigative institution and to make clear that interference in American elections, particularly by one of his appointees, is unacceptable. Comey must go!