The worm is turning, and fast.
Hillary’s response to Comey’s letter:
After Hillary’s forceful response where she asks Comey to release all details about these emails, all of it, and Feinstein coming out calling Comey’s letter appalling, we are seeing coverage much more aimed at Comey’s conduct and, in a larger context, GOP desperation.
CNN’s most-used legal expert and analyst is now openly calling for Comey to resign as FBI chief:
CNN:
Time for FBI chief Comey to resign
Editor’s note: Paul Callan is a CNN legal analyst, a former NYC homicide prosecutor and currently is "of counsel" to the New York law firm of Edelman and Edelman, PC, focusing on wrongful conviction and civil rights cases.
Donald Trump's oft-repeated claim that the FBI's investigation of "Crooked Hillary" and the presidential election itself were and are "rigged," seems to have thrown FBI Director James Comey into a state of panic. In foolishly making a public announcement that the bureau is reviewing newly discovered emails related to Hillary Clinton's personal server, he has inserted himself yet again into the presidential campaign.
The FBI virtually never announces the commencement or termination of ongoing criminal investigations. Such inquiries are often conducted in relative secrecy, enabling a more efficient investigation.
It is not unusual for investigations in so-called "white collar" cases to go on for years, luring the target into an unfounded belief that he or she is in the clear. Then the hammer falls. A grand jury indictment is announced by the Department of Justice and the handcuffs are swiftly employed.
The old, sensible FBI rule book apparently has been thrown on the trash heap this year. While undoubtedly attempting to be open and "transparent," to protect the reputation of the FBI, the FBI director has tossed a Molotov cocktail into the presidential race.
Highly unusual conduct here. You ALWAYS get “This is an ongoing investigation. No comment.” Not with Comey. This is clearly partisan “thumbs on a scale” conduct.
Trashing the Justice and FBI rule books in the interest of "openness" is likely to put the FBI front and center in one of the most contentious presidential races in recent US history. J. Edgar Hoover loved to influence elections, but he had the good sense to keep quiet about it.