How is this not seen as ‘collusion?’
An exclusive report by Fox News has revealed that today’s testimony by James Comey has been “closely coordinated” with Robert Mueller, the man appointed to serve as special counsel on the Russia investigation.
Politico reported earlier that “there had been conversations” between Comey and Mueller’s team prior to his testimony and “Mueller won’t be surprised.”
New revelations however, suggest that there were more than just casual conversations between the two.
An aide close to Comey contends that their efforts were a bit more in sync.
Via Fox News:
EXCLUSIVE: A source close to James Comey tells Fox News the former FBI director’s Senate testimony has been “closely coordinated” with Robert Mueller, whom the Justice Department appointed as special counsel to oversee the Russia investigation.
Comey’s written opening statement for his Senate Intelligence Committee appearance was released Wednesday afternoon. Fox News is told that statement and subsequent testimony during Thursday’s question-and-answer session has been discussed with former FBI Director Mueller.
Fox News has reported that Comey and Mueller recently were in contact, but this speaks to the extent of the coordination regarding Comey’s closely watched hearing appearance.
The optics were not lost on some …
If it is true Mueller “coached” Comey in today’s testimony, Mueller must step down as Special Counsel immediately. They COLLUDED.
— Bill Mitchell (@mitchellvii) June 8, 2017
Sickening if true. https://t.co/hZoMFMBAmu
— Bill Mitchell (@mitchellvii) June 8, 2017
Upon being named as special counsel overseeing the FBI’s investigation into Russia’s meddling in the 2016 president election, Mueller was hailed as “fiercely independent” by his peers.
So why would there be a need to ‘closely coordinate’ the testimony of a major player in the investigation?
Legal experts have said such coordination is not uncommon, while Judge Andrew Napolitano explained, “It would be unheard of for a prosecutor to allow his star witness to testify before Congress without heavy coordination.”
.@Judgenap: It was “absolutely rational” for James Comey to coordinate with Robert Mueller ahead of testimony pic.twitter.com/l1rXcYcBCy
— FOX & friends (@foxandfriends) June 8, 2017
Others disagree …
.@Judgenap You’re wrong here. Mueller is investigator, NOT Comey’s lawyer, and Comey is both potential witness and defendant. #Recusal https://t.co/FPxLU6arWX
— John Dennison (@JohnDennison) June 8, 2017
The same Comey aide cited in the Fox report also tossed some cold water on the expectations Democrats have for his testimony.
According to the source, the fired FBI director will not draw any legal conclusions or expressly state that there was “obstruction of justice” on the part of President Trump.
What do you think of the special counsel on the Russia investigation closely coordinating with James Comey? Share your thoughts with us below!
