Ask an expert

If the problem with the Trump administration is a tendency to collude, they really ought to get better at it. Perhaps they could ask some experts. The invaluable Judicial Watch has the details:

On May 17, 2017, Comey received notices to appear before the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence the Senate Judiciary Committee, and the House Oversight and Government Affairs Committee.

An email chain dated May 18 and 19, 2017, with the subject line “Future testimony” shows then-FBI Chief of Staff James Rybicki, then-Deputy FBI Director Andrew McCabe and Assistant Director Gregory Brower, Comey and others discussing Comey’s upcoming testimony:

In this chain, on May 18 at 6:30 pm, Comey wrote to Rybicki to confirm that he had accepted the invitation to testify before the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence (SSCI) but declined the invitations from the Senate Judiciary Committee and House Oversight and Government Affairs Committee.

Comey also writes: “Last, would you please tell OGC [Office of the General Counsel] that I would like to be able to review any documents authored by me or on which I am copied that will be produced to SSCI in connection with my testimony and would like the opportunity for that review before I testify?”

An email from a redacted sender, apparently Comey, to Rybicki dated May 19 at 11:49 am reads:

Jim

I just got off a call with Senators Burr and Warner. They would like to have a hearing next Wednesday at which I testify, first in open session and then in closed, if necessary. I asked them not to announce it until I check with FBI/DOJ to see if you want to discuss anything before they do that. I told them I had asked for guidance on any institutional prerogatives and for the opportunity to review any documents FBI has produced that relate to me. I told them I would communicate with them by the end of the day to either ask them to hold announcing the Wednesday hearing or go ahead.

Many thanks.

Jim

On May 19 at 2:10 pm, Rybicki writes back:

Director: We just met to discuss the requests outlined in the two emails below. Before responding the General Counsel has asked me to confirm that you have discussed with the attorneys representing you, and that you are comfortable discussing these issues with us rather than communicating through your counsel.

On May 19 at 3:02 pm, a redacted sender, likely Comey, responds to Rybicki: “Yes and yes.”

Remember, Comey had been fired at this point. Why was he still talking to people in the FBI and colluding with them? Do you suppose Michael Flynn was offered similar courtesies? And note that Comey was willing to talk to some committees, but not others. The House Oversight Committee is Trey Gowdy's shop -- not someone who Comey would want to deal with. As for the Senate Judiciary Committee, that's Chuck Grassley's group -- again, a potential adversary Comey wouldn't want. It's not surprising he'd rather see Senators Burr and Warner, who were far less likely to ask him tough questions.

The whole investigation has stunk from the get-go. And the reasons are all hiding in plain sight. No matter what you think of Donald Trump's vulgarian deportment, he is the duly elected president. That Comey and Mueller were working with the FBI to collude coordinate testimony tells you everything you need to know about the nature of Mueller's work. It's never been about justice. It's all about preserving fiefdoms. I don't want any of these goons to be lord of our manor.