I haven’t seen this story featured in any diaries yet, so I thought I would share Eric Holder’s withering criticism of Jim Comey in tonight’s Washington Post. This is a must read. It adds to the growing chorus of outrage among Justice Department veterans (Democratic and Republican) over Comey’s massive October mishap.
Holder writes (emphasis mine):
I am deeply concerned about FBI Director James B. Comey’s decision to write a vague letter to Congress about emails potentially connected to a matter of public, and political, interest. That decision was incorrect. It violated long-standing Justice Department policies and tradition. And it ran counter to guidance that I put in place four years ago laying out the proper way to conduct investigations during an election season. That guidance, which reinforced established policy, is still in effect and applies to the entire Justice Department — including the FBI.
He continues:
The department has a practice of not commenting on ongoing investigations. Indeed, except in exceptional circumstances, the department will not even acknowledge the existence of an investigation. The department also has a policy of not taking unnecessary action close in time to Election Day that might influence an election’s outcome. These rules have been followed during Republican and Democratic administrations. They aren’t designed to help any particular individual or to serve any political interest. Instead, they are intended to ensure that every investigation proceeds fairly and judiciously; to maintain the public trust in the department’s ability to do its job free of political influence; and to prevent investigations from unfairly or unintentionally casting public suspicion on public officials who have done nothing wrong.
Oops! Only a narcissist could imagine that it is worth disrupting an entire national election to preserve one’s own reputation. Huh, kinda reminds me someone else we’ve heard a lot from lately…
He concludes:
In this instance, [Comey] has committed a serious error with potentially severe implications. It is incumbent upon him — or the leadership of the department — to dispel the uncertainty he has created before Election Day. It is up to the director to correct his mistake — not for the sake of a political candidate or campaign but in order to protect our system of justice and best serve the American people.
It’s a great article and a very comprehensive explanation of all the ways that Comey’s disclosure to Congress was ill-informed and in violation of Justice Department rules and norms. Go read it at WashPo and come discuss it here.