Staff ReportsIn a dramatic twist that could rival any political thriller with an implausibly convoluted plot, Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley has unearthed a previously classified watchdog report that reveals what many suspected all along — the FBI’s understanding of “due diligence” during the investigation into Hillary Clinton’s email server was more akin to a student hastily skimming a textbook before an exam. According to this declassified yet heavily redacted report, the FBI had crucial evidence, including thumb drives brimming with governmental data, but instead of hunting for any wrongdoing, they gave them a cursory glance. Now, remind us again, who exactly decided that this was a thorough investigation?
It’s as if the FBI, under James Comey, wanted to pretend the Clinton email debacle was just yesterday’s news. Their approach to the Russian intelligence reports—which allegedly implicated then-Attorney General Loretta Lynch for supposedly sharing investigative plans with Clinton’s campaign—exuded a similar lack of urgency. Of course, key FBI officials, including Comey, dismissed these reports as lacking credibility. How convenient. It’s almost as if their investigatory skills missed the chapter on leaving no stone unturned.
Now, Republican Senator Marsha Blackburn has joined the voices of reason, calling out this elaborate dance of distraction. She raised some valid concerns about the handling of highly classified information that found its way onto Clinton’s private server. James Comey didn’t feel the need for the FBI to bother themselves with scrutinizing those thumb drives like they did when investigating Trump’s alleged Russian connections. It appears that the goal was to shield Clinton while poking an investigation stick in Trump’s direction, regardless of the evidence, or lack thereof.
It should have been glaringly obvious to everyone that this charade was less about genuine justice and more about maintaining political appearances. After all, when the CIA briefed President Obama on the Clinton campaign’s efforts to deflect the email scandal by tying Trump to Russia, one might think that action would follow. But if sitting still counts as action, then job well done. If ever there was a moment for strong leadership, that surely was it. Yet, it seems Obama chose to watch from the sidelines rather than quarterback this play.
No wonder people like Tulsi Gabbard are shaking things up with solid action by releasing documents that expose the farce of the Russian collusion narrative. Conservatives are rightfully calling for accountability with an eagerness double-matched by the enthusiasm you’d expect from a subway transit operator promising prompt service. With hopes that proper investigations will take place, it’s clear the call is out for the Justice Department to dust off its magnifying glass and get to work, possibly appointing a new lead who’ll put transparency before theater. The stage is set for the swamp to finally drain its murky waters of mystery.
