James Comey has few friends in either political party, making his book launch an odd spectacle: Nobody really knows what to make of him.
It’s hard to deny the news value in a former FBI director– one who was fired by the current president– sharing information about his time at the bureau, during which two particular investigations were launched that remain relevant today. But really the only major headlines Comey has made in recent days relate back to his tough language for President Trump, and his disgust for Trump isn’t exactly new information.
All this probably means Comey’s book tour will ultimately have an unusual impact. This tweet from CNN’s Ana Navarro, a staunch anti-Trump Republican, captures how I think most people are reacting to Comey.
Maybe it’s just me…the more I hear from @comey, the more conflicted I feel. I want to believe him that this is all about loyalty to country and inviolable respect for the truth. But damn, the guy has a big ego, is selectively inconsistent. I find him obnoxiously self-righteous.
— Ana Navarro (@ananavarro) April 16, 2018
Entrenched partisans, of course, have their own (understandable) reasons for dismissing Comey. But as a major player in two critical investigations, his insights remain valuable to a point. And it’s hard to fully dismiss the credibility of everything he says, though none of it has been earth-shattering.
And that’s why I think Navarro’s sentiments will be widely shared. While his impressive experience in law enforcement means something to many, Comey’s incessant sanctimony (of which he seems to be aware) won’t endear him to the public. He comes across as the guy at the bar who makes sure everyone’s beer comes with a side of political commentary that’s as self-righteous as it is unsolicited.
Coupled with the book’s apparent lack of major new information, his admission of potential mistakes, and his peddling of what people perceive as inconsistencies, the lasting impact of Comey’s publicity tour may actually be to cement his status as a collective shrug-generator. In future news cycles, he may not be hated so much as he’ll be patted on the head and sent on his way.
