Morning Joe James Comey wants 'vindictive' case dropped and Trump's prosecutor disqualified
Oct 21, 2025
Join Jim VandeHei, co-founder of Axios, political commentator Jonathan Lemire, and journalist Julia Yaffe as they delve into pressing political topics. They discuss James Comey's legal battles, exploring claims of vindictive prosecution. Yaffe shares insights from her new book on modern Russia, highlighting the Soviet Union's role in women's empowerment during WWII. The conversation also touches on the complexities of U.S.-Russia relations, including the implications of a potential Trump-Putin summit and the effects of ongoing government challenges.
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Vindictive Prosecution Claim
- James Comey's lawyers argue his indictment is selective and vindictive, framing it as constitutional abuse.
- They contend the prosecution targets Comey out of President Trump's personal spite and violates due process.
Political Origins Undermine Case
- Frank Foer highlights how the case's messy political origins strengthen Comey's selective-prosecution argument.
- He points to public messages and a rushed appointment as evidence of politicized motives.
Prosecutor's Texts Raise Red Flags
- Lindsay Halligan's unusual texts with a reporter raise ethical and competence questions about prosecutions she handled.
- Those exchanges may undercut other indictments by exposing inappropriate outreach and grand-jury talk.
