Intelligence Squared James Comey on Crime, Punishment, and Donald Trump - Part 2
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Jul 2, 2023 James Comey, former FBI director, candidly discusses his tumultuous tenure during politically charged investigations, including the Clinton emails. Joined by satirist Armando Iannucci, they navigate the emotional toll of impartiality and transparency under pressure. The conversation shifts to the aftermath of the 2020 election, unpacking Trump's controversial strategies to challenge results. Additionally, they delve into the moral codes of organized crime and how real-life narratives inspire rich character development in crime storytelling.
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Comey's Deputy's Warning
- James Comey's deputy warned him he was "totally screwed" after informing him about the Hillary Clinton email investigation.
- Comey acknowledged the potential controversy of investigating a presidential candidate.
Impartiality Backfires
- Comey aimed for impartiality in the Clinton email investigation, but both political sides ended up unhappy.
- His team worked discreetly for a year, ultimately finding no prosecutable case.
The 11-Day Dilemma
- Comey faced a dilemma 11 days before the 2016 election: conceal newly discovered Clinton emails or disclose them and potentially influence the election.
- He chose transparency, believing concealment would undermine the FBI's integrity.