James Comey did not mince his words as he slammed Republicans for their inability to check a president he called a liar.
James Comey slams Republicans
James Comey started out by calling the president an irresponsible unlawful liar using more diplomatic words. But his disdain for the president was palpable.
“Republicans used to understand that the actions of a president matter, the words of a president matter, the rule of law matters and the truth matters,” James Comey said. “Where are those Republicans today?”
Comey then admonished the Republican leaders and politicians.
“At some point someone has to stand up in the face of fear of Fox News, fear of their base, fear of mean tweets,” Comey continued. “Stand up for the values of this country and not slink away into retirement but stand up and speak the truth”
Comey them complained about having to answer inconsequential questions to Congress about issues of no importance to the country.
“I find it frustrating to be here answering questions about things that are far less important than the values of this country is built upon,” James Comey said.
A reporter asked Comey about the President calling Michael Cohen a rat. This caused Comey to really go off.
“It undermines the rule of law,” Comey said. “This is the president of the United States calling a witness who has cooperated with his own Justice Department a rat. Say that again to yourself at home and remind yourself where we have ended up. This is not about Republicans and Democrats. This is about what does it mean to be an American. What are the things that we care about above our policy disputes which are important? There’s a set of values that represent the glue of this country and they are under attack by things just like that. We have to stop being numb to it. Whether you’re Republican or Democrat, you need to stand on your feet overcome your shame and say something.”
I don’t remember seeing a former FBI director this upset and animated before. One hope Republicans are listening.