# FBI is re-opening investigation into Clinton's email **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Created:** [October 28, 2016, 5:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-is-re-opening-investigation-into-clintons-email/769950 "2016-10-28T17:57:35Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 19
**Author:** ![Count\_Blucher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/c5a1d2/32.png) [@Count\_Blucher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Count_Blucher)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2016, 8:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-is-re-opening-investigation-into-clintons-email/769950/361 "2016-10-30T20:03:59Z")
> [@octopus](#): > > Good luck removing him now. That would look like the Obama administration is meddling for political reasons. See, if Clinton would have just followed the law she wouldn’t have these issues. But she’s paranoid. I disagree. The President is Retiring in less then 90 days. No more running for office, no more campaigns. Comey’s actions are both self serving and detrimental to an unfettered election. POTUS Options? Do Nothing (weak and encouragesee this kind of Beltway BullShit) Fire Him for National Security Reasons (hasn’t he overtly threatened and subverted Democracy in America by actions which violate his oath to be politically impartial as a civil servant in the public service?) Or (Plan C) Suspend him without pay for 90 days (I think it’s legal, and even if it’s not, it’ll take more than 90 days to get it through the courts and the appeals… and the Severely Understaffed And Over Worked SCOTUS.) Words He’d Never Say Re: Option C: “Hey, You don’t like it? Here’s a Nominee. Get Approving, Bitches…” . . . . . . “It was ALWAYS Marbury vs Madison…” ---
**Author:** ![Merneith](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/57b2e6/32.png) [@Merneith](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Merneith)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2016, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-is-re-opening-investigation-into-clintons-email/769950/362 "2016-10-30T20:28:15Z")
> [@John\_Mace](#): > > Woe unto those agents who sat on this, if they did. Sat on what, exactly? Comey hasn’t even read the damn emails - which apparently didn’t come from Clinton or her stupid server. Maybe they sat on them because they didn’t trust Comey not to do something stupid like make a public announcement about how these mystery emails are just the break the Trump camp is waiting for. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2016, 8:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-is-re-opening-investigation-into-clintons-email/769950/363 "2016-10-30T20:33:25Z")
> [@Sherrerd](#): > > _What_ could have leaked? > > “We have Anthony Wiener’s laptop and we know his estranged wife sometimes used it, but we haven’t yet gotten a warrant to see what might be there. It’s possible there’s something that relates to Hillary Clinton!” > > Wow. Earth-shaking. > > (The _'he had to send the letter because if THIS had leaked, ermagerd!_’ theory of the Why of Comey is ridiculous and deserves to be laughed down each time it’s advanced.) The FBI is secretly looking into Weiner’s laptop which, sources claim, could have thousands of heretofore undisclosed e-mails from Hillary Clinton and could expose the former SecState to criminal charges in the weeks to come. These sources also claim that Director Comey has refused to make this information public as it might jeopardize Hillary Clinton’s chances in the November election. Yeah, no problem… at… all…! ---
**Author:** ![Merneith](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/57b2e6/32.png) [@Merneith](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Merneith)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2016, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-is-re-opening-investigation-into-clintons-email/769950/364 "2016-10-30T20:38:04Z")
And oh, hey - speaking of revolting: > **[Former Bush Ethics Lawyer Files Complaint Accusing FBI Director of Violating...](https://lawandcrime.com/high-profile/former-bush-ethics-lawyer-files-complaint-accusing-fbi-director-of-violating-hatch-act/)** > > The former chief ethics lawyer in the George W. Bush White House (and now Hillary Clinton supporter) has filed an ethics complaint against FBI Director James Comey over the letter he sent to lawmakers on Friday. Bush admin lawyer-ethics expert, Richard Painter, has filed two formal complaints against Comey, one with the Office of Special Counsel and then with the Office of Government Ethics. Well, same complain, filed with two government oversight office, asking that Comey be investigated for violating the Hatch Act - > [@Chris White](#): > > “I write to request investigation of apparent violations of the Hatch Act by the Director and perhaps other officials in the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in connection with highly unusual public statements while voting is underway about the status of an investigation concerning a political candidate, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton,” Painter wrote in his complaint. “I also request that the Office of Government Ethics ask the FBI to conduct an internal investigation of whether there has been misuse of official position, 5 CFR 2635.702.” > > In the complaint, Painter acknowledged that its is unclear “whether the Director of the FBI personally wanted to influence the outcome of the election” based on his actions with respect to the Clinton email investigation, including sending the letter to lawmakers on Friday. However, Painter argues specific intent is not required because “the Hatch Act and ethics rules are violated if it is obvious that the official’s actions could influence the election, there is not another good reason for taking those actions, and the official is acting under pressure from persons who obviously do want to influence the election. The article goes on to point out that Painter believes that Comey had no good reason for this announcement to Congress, given that such is in violation of normal FBI (and law enforcement) practices about commenting on ongoing cases, especially given that voting has already started. Painter went on to argue to Chris Wilson of Law News that Comey had no obligation to make this public announcement. > [@Chris Wilson](#): > > Painter also spoke to [LawNewz.com](http://LawNewz.com) on Sunday about the argument put forth by some that Director Comey had a duty to update his prior testimony to Congress. He flatly rejected the idea and provided a number of reasons as to why he believed Comey did not have to send the letter at this time. > > Painter told [LawNewz.com](http://LawNewz.com) he believes Director could have sent the letter after the election without having “breached that promise to update” lawmakers about the investigation. He said this is especially true in light of reports that “the FBI apparently had not even looked at the emails because they did not have a search warrant.” ---
**Author:** ![Sherrerd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sherrerd/32/8_2.png) [@Sherrerd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sherrerd)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2016, 8:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-is-re-opening-investigation-into-clintons-email/769950/365 "2016-10-30T20:41:53Z")
> [@John\_Mace](#): > > The FBI is secretly looking into Weiner’s laptop which, sources claim, could have thousands of heretofore undisclosed e-mails from Hillary Clinton and could expose the former SecState to criminal charges in the weeks to come. These sources also claim that Director Comey has refused to make this information public as it might jeopardize Hillary Clinton’s chances in the November election. Or “could reveal that the former SecState directed the faked moon landings of the 1960s and 70s.” Or “could provide evidence that the former SecState engineered the 9/11 attacks.” Or “could contain admissions by the former SecState that she is the love child of Elvis and Eleanor Roosevelt.” …All being about as likely as your own invention. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2016, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-is-re-opening-investigation-into-clintons-email/769950/366 "2016-10-30T21:01:23Z")
> [@Sherrerd](#): > > Or “could reveal that the former SecState directed the faked moon landings of the 1960s and 70s.” > > Or “could provide evidence that the former SecState engineered the 9/11 attacks.” > > Or “could contain admissions by the former SecState that she is the love child of Elvis and Eleanor Roosevelt.” > > …All being about as likely as your own invention. All good points. :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![Sherrerd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sherrerd/32/8_2.png) [@Sherrerd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sherrerd)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2016, 9:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-is-re-opening-investigation-into-clintons-email/769950/367 "2016-10-30T21:03:53Z")
Once one gets started on those things, it’s tough to stop. (Huzzah for our facts-optional zeitgeist!) ---
**Author:** ![drewder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/57b2e6/32.png) [@drewder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drewder)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2016, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-is-re-opening-investigation-into-clintons-email/769950/368 "2016-10-30T21:04:03Z")
> [@Procrustus](#): > > I don’t know about you, but I’d blame the sender. If someone sends me classified emails, that’s on them, not me. not if you didn’t report it. ---
**Author:** ![Starving\_Artist](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/aeb1de/32.png) [@Starving\_Artist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Starving_Artist)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2016, 9:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-is-re-opening-investigation-into-clintons-email/769950/369 "2016-10-30T21:13:05Z")
> [@Sherrerd](#): > > Or “could reveal that the former SecState directed the faked moon landings of the 1960s and 70s.” > > Or “could provide evidence that the former SecState engineered the 9/11 attacks.” > > Or “could contain admissions by the former SecState that she is the love child of Elvis and Eleanor Roosevelt.” > > …All being about as likely as your own invention. How so? As already mentioned, many FBI investigators believed Clinton should have been charged based on what’s been learned already, and while the email on Weiner/Abedin’s computer aren’t on Hillary’s personal server they might still involve classified communications from her. You know, the kind that “weren’t classified at the time” or were marked with a “C”, which she allegedly didn’t know meant Classified even though she herself had used “C” to indicate classified material numerous times herself. Seems to me there’s considerably more here to indicate the possibility of criminal charges in weeks to come than there is of a Presley/Roosevelt love child. ---
**Author:** ![Sherrerd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sherrerd/32/8_2.png) [@Sherrerd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sherrerd)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2016, 9:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-is-re-opening-investigation-into-clintons-email/769950/370 "2016-10-30T21:16:55Z")
> [@Starving\_Artist](#): > > … As already mentioned, many FBI investigators believed Clinton should have been charged based on what’s been learned already… Cite? ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2016, 9:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-is-re-opening-investigation-into-clintons-email/769950/371 "2016-10-30T21:18:58Z")
> [@Sherrerd](#): > > Cite? “Many \_\_\_\_\_ are saying” is Trump-speak for “it never happened”. ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2016, 9:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-is-re-opening-investigation-into-clintons-email/769950/372 "2016-10-30T21:19:28Z")
> [@Starving\_Artist](#): > > …You know, the kind that “weren’t classified at the time” or were marked with a “C”, which she allegedly didn’t know meant Classified even though she herself had used “C” to indicate classified material numerous times herself… Really like the way you subtly brought that into it. Can hardly see the dent marks where you hammered into place. Smooth! ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2016, 9:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-is-re-opening-investigation-into-clintons-email/769950/373 "2016-10-30T21:21:49Z")
> [@John\_Mace](#): > > … These sources also claim that Director Comey has refused to make this information public as it might jeopardize Hillary Clinton’s chances in the November election… Which sources are these? No fair, you got all these cool sources, and all I got is Facebook and _Democratic Underground_! C’mon, share! ---
**Author:** ![iiandyiiii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iiandyiiii/32/7924_2.png) [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2016, 9:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-is-re-opening-investigation-into-clintons-email/769950/374 "2016-10-30T21:22:21Z")
> [@John\_Mace](#): > > LEO is vague about ongoing investigation. News at 11. Considering the timing, this really was a special case that deserved special consideration. He could have and should have worded this in a way that would minimize the political impact, since there was nothing really to report except that there might (or might not) be something to report in a matter of months. ---
**Author:** ![Sherrerd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sherrerd/32/8_2.png) [@Sherrerd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sherrerd)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2016, 9:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-is-re-opening-investigation-into-clintons-email/769950/375 "2016-10-30T21:22:55Z")
> [@running\_coach](#): > > “Many \_\_\_\_\_ are saying” is Trump-speak for “it never happened”. That was my impression about that particular claim, too. ---
**Author:** ![jayjay](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jayjay/32/6765_2.png) [@jayjay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jayjay)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2016, 9:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-is-re-opening-investigation-into-clintons-email/769950/376 "2016-10-30T21:23:34Z")
> [@Merneith](#): > > Bush admin lawyer-ethics expert This is actually the most shocking thing about this whole situation to me…that Dubya even HAD an ethics lawyer. That must have been the easiest job in the entire Administration… ---
**Author:** ![ThisIsTheEnd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thisistheend/32/4713_2.png) [@ThisIsTheEnd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThisIsTheEnd)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2016, 9:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-is-re-opening-investigation-into-clintons-email/769950/377 "2016-10-30T21:24:35Z")
[650,000?](http://www.marketwatch.com/story/fbi-to-search-650000-emails-on-weiners-laptop-in-clinton-probe-2016-10-30) ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2016, 9:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-is-re-opening-investigation-into-clintons-email/769950/378 "2016-10-30T21:27:01Z")
I thought that was John Yoo? ---
**Author:** ![Happy\_Lendervedder](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/happy_lendervedder/32/8488_2.png) [@Happy\_Lendervedder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Lendervedder)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2016, 9:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-is-re-opening-investigation-into-clintons-email/769950/379 "2016-10-30T21:27:46Z")
> [@ThisIsTheEnd](#): > > [650,000?](http://www.marketwatch.com/story/fbi-to-search-650000-emails-on-weiners-laptop-in-clinton-probe-2016-10-30) 648,879 Weiner dick pics. Oh, the humanity. ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2016, 9:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-is-re-opening-investigation-into-clintons-email/769950/380 "2016-10-30T21:29:01Z")
> [@ThisIsTheEnd](#): > > [650,000?](http://www.marketwatch.com/story/fbi-to-search-650000-emails-on-weiners-laptop-in-clinton-probe-2016-10-30) Comment only heard is passing on the TV machine, that Mr Dickpic’s laptop contains _years_ of his own emails, encompassing his political career. Here, have a chill pill. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-is-re-opening-investigation-into-clintons-email/769950.md?page=18) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-is-re-opening-investigation-into-clintons-email/769950.md?page=20)