Perhaps, if the Judge rules against Comey, he could say, in his opening statement at the hearing, that “many Americans are interested in a public hearing and not one in camera and as examples of Americans potentially interested: (proceeds to read names sequentially out of the Los Angeles White Pages.”
And besides, it’s raining.
He should come down with the flu.
Hungar countered that just because the interview would take place behind closed doors, Comey would not be prohibited from speaking about his testimony or releasing a transcript of the interview.
If that’s the case, then, why not just have a public hearing?
If Comey loses the suit, surely there must be some kind of negotiation on timing for the interview. Is he expected to drop everything in his life to be present at their convenience? Maybe it is time for a bad cold.
As you obviously know, the answer is in the article:
Kelley argued that it’s an impossible burden on Comey to detail his testimony after the fact and argued that the public would be left in the dark on body language and other context.
Kelley, by the way, is a good guy and was at SDNY for nearly two decades.
I’m not sure Comey has the better of the argument here. I don’t know if the courts can intrude on a Congressional prerogative even if exercised in a completely partisan and treasonous manner. The only purpose of this hearing is to run interference for Trump so that people don’t focus on the 1001 reasons why he should be impeached, thrown out of office and sent directly to a court to be arraigned pre-trial.
King was quite angry with them.
It’s debatable, I agree, but what he does have on his side is time.
If he refuses to testify and the committee wants to pursue civil or criminal action, that could quite easily take months to resolve.
So, “technicalities” aside, Comey does have some leverage.
Comey’s self-image is that of an upstanding man of rare integrity and honor. As such, I wonder if he’d avail himself to such legal -but to his mind - possibly questionable tactics? Just depends if he really wants to play hardball.
OT but I just read that TJ Cox beat David Valadao for the district I used to live in. Doing a happy dance!
Taking into account the context — he’s dealing with inveterate liars — how would using his leverage be dishonorable?
I don’t think he has much to worry about
Contempt of Congress
Definition
Congress has the authority to hold a person in contempt if the person’s conduct or action obstructs the proceedings of Congress or, more usually, an inquiry by a committee of Congress.
Contempt of Congress is defined in statute, 2 U.S.C.A. § 192, enacted in 1938, which states that any person who is summoned before Congress who “willfully makes default, or who, having appeared, refuses to answer any question pertinent to the question under inquiry” shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to a maximum $1,000 fine and 12 month imprisonment.
Before a Congressional witness may be convicted of contempt, it must be established that the matter under investigation is a subject which Congress has constitutional power to legislate.
Generally, the same Constitutional rights against self-incrimination that apply in a judicial setting apply when one is testifying before Congress.
Comey does have a valid concern but that may not be enough to make a legal case. Not everything that’s wrong is also illegal.
Oh, I don’t think it’s dishonorable at all, but I’m trying to see this through the eyes of a Niebuhr-quoting, ex-religion major who writes books entitled, A Higher Loyalty, and probably believes he’s the most moral person in any room he’s in. I just suspect Mr. Comey has a bit of a martyr complex.
Or C-SPAN. They’re very discreet
Oh, what to do… What do do?
Oh, NOW I remember! Do what a good Trumper (like Corsi or Stone) would do… And APPEAL TO THE D.C. CIRCUIT COURT OF APPEALS and seek a stay pending appeal (if the decision is unfavorable for Comey).
–> And in doing so, RUN OUT THE CLOCK on the short time left for the GOP majority in the House.
In January, Comey can drop his appeal and voluntarily appear and testify PUBLICLY before a committee chaired by Dems.
Yes
"Chairman Goodlatte, while you have a copy of my prepared opening remarks, rather than reading from them (as is customary), I will be reciting them from memory, while I set up my iPhone to record these non-classified proceedings.
If it pleases the Chairman, which do you consider to be your ‘best side,’ so I can make sure to capture that in the center of the frame…?"
Fortunately or unfortunately, contempt of Congress doesn’t usually result in any kind of detention. Technically, it could, but realistically it doesn’t. Expect to see the Trump administration take advantage of this repeatedly.