Trump to Comey: you're fired

To note: This NY Times article backs up my friend's "pfft" at the idea that the rank and file working under and with Comey had lost respective/faith in him. mobile.nytimes.com/2017/05/10/us/politics/inside-the-fbi-stunned-agents-wonder-about-future-of-russia-inquiry.html?_r=0&referer=https://t.co/PTVAxXZQa5

I think the only way forward is to distrust opinions of all kinds, look at the reported facts, and form one's own conclusions. Unfortunately, most citizens, as well as journalists, are so deep in their own biases, they create their own spin with no help at all. We absolutely have people contorting themselves to defend or attack Trump. I'm actually trying not to do that, but I admit it's difficult, given my own long-standing dislike and distrust of the guy (which goes back waaaay before the election) and his whole style, and given the climate. (Though at least I admit it and am aware of it.)

To me, it is ridiculous to think Trump fired Comey because of his fuck-ups relating to the Clinton investigation. He was cheering Comey's last minute stumble into the election. He was yelling "lock her up!" and praising Comey. There was nary a word about canning him until now.

Then there is the way Trump fired Comey, which I think most people, however they feel about Comey, agree was not appropriate.

For this citizen, the plain facts point to Trump being enraged that Comey was pushing the Russia investigation. That does not necessarily indicate guilt (though of course it could) - given Trump's temperament, it could just indicate rage that he couldn't control the guy. I really do think Trump is having a fundamental difficulty grasping the idea of independent branches, a free press, and neutral agencies. I think he feels it should be like he's the CEO and everyone works for him or gets fired. And I think it's incredibly important, for everyone's sake, that he lose that concept, and fast.

Trump trying to pretend it's all about the Clinton missteps, or that Comey has lost all respect of his underlings and colleagues is so palpably false it can only backfire.

That said, it's silly for Democrats who were calling for Comey's head two weeks ago to suddenly be claiming they adored him. Come on, most didn't. At best, many were where I am -- still angry about the last minute "oh wait, thousands more emails!," but mollified by Comey's moving forward into the Russia investigation. (And it's silly of Republicans who cheered when Comey stepped in at the eleventh hour with the emails to now shake their finger and pretend they were appalled all along.)

And some on both sides, of course, were waiting for talk show hosts to tell them how they should feel.

I think it's safe to say that one could certainly find justification for replacing Comey, but not right now (given the optics Opty-cs, if nothing else, of the Russia investigation), and certainly not in that manner.

For me, a great deal is going to depend on who is chosen to fill the slot, and how they proceed on the Russia investigation. If it's Ivanka's best buddy from prep school, and he/she immediately shuts down the investigation, I admit I shall conclude the worst.

Comey memo states Trump asked him to end the Flynn investigation.

www.nytimes.com/2017/05/16/us/politics/james-comey-trump-flynn-russia-investigation.html?_r=0

Comey has said he will testify publicly. He should. He must.

(The article won't let me cut and paste.  But do read it.  Comey wrote the memo right after a meeting with Trump the day after Flynn resigned.  Memos of this kind are considered credible evidence in court.

And this, IMO, does amount to interfering in the investigation; hence, obstruction of justice.)

To some extent, I honestly think Trump just doesn't grok the limits on his power, and what is and is not appropriate. But of course, that is a problem. The United States isn't a family-owned corporation with Trump as owner.

ETA:

oh, I've missed popcorn-eating Jesus.