The ink on the report from the Inspector General was not even dry when left-leaning publications started to contact James Comey for interviews.
Networks like CNN plastered their websites with articles and headlines that Comey had been vindicated.
Clearly, none of them actually read the report.
Don Lemon said the ONLY thing that mattered was the conclusion and that “everything else is just spin.”
Issues in Chain of Command
Lemon clearly does not think FISA abuse is a problem.
He is also overlooking the fact that the IG himself admits the threshold for opening an investigation is extremely low.
In this case, it amounted to more or less be watercooler chatter.
In his opening statement, IG Horowitz made it very clear the mistakes made by Comey and the supervisors he handpicked to run Crossfire Hurricane were just a bit more than conservative spin and not mere mistakes because “people are human,” as Comey stated.
Horowitz stated, “We are deeply concerned that so many basic and fundamental errors were made by three separate, hand-picked investigative teams; on one of the most sensitive FBI investigations; after the matter had been briefed to the highest levels within the FBI; even though the information sought through the use of FISA authority related so closely to an ongoing presidential campaign; and even though those involved with the investigation knew that their actions were likely to be subjected to close scrutiny.
“We believe this circumstance reflects a failure not just by those who prepared the FISA applications, but also by the managers and supervisors in the Crossfire Hurricane chain of command, including FBI senior officials who were briefed as the investigation progressed.
More Problems for Schiff and Comey
Horowitz also addressed a common theme that the Steele dossier was not heavily relied upon.
Rep. Nunes (R-CA) pointed out the fact that the Steele dossier was heavily relied upon in 2018, a statement that Rep. Schiff (D-CA) refuted in an official memo to Congress.
Horowitz stated, “FBI leadership supported relying on Steele’s reporting to seek a FISA order targeting Page after being advised of, and giving consideration to, concerns expressed by a Department attorney that Steele may have been hired by someone associated with a rival candidate or campaign.”
Clearly, the situation is not what Comey is chirping about on CNN and MSNBC.
Now, it is time to find out if our current Justice Department is willing to hold one of its own accountable for his actions.
And, by accountable, I mean something more than a mere slap on the wrist.
There are supposed to be considerable repercussions for knowingly misrepresenting information on a FISA warrant.
Well, now we have proof that Comey and his staff did exactly that… so hold him accountable and throw the book at him to show this type of misuse and abuse within our justice department is wrong and will not be tolerated now or ever again.