# 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:** 34
**Author:** ![Richard\_Parker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/35a633/32.png) [@Richard\_Parker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Richard_Parker)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2016, 3:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-is-re-opening-investigation-into-clintons-email/769950/661 "2016-11-02T15:51:30Z")
> [@elucidator](#): > > Which is to say, a more strictly non-partisan method of performing his duty was available, but he did not choose to do so. I don’t think it’s so clear (and I say this as someone who now thinks his October 29 letter was a huge bad faith error). He does have a legitimate obligation to try to preserve the integrity of the FBI despite the FBI’s involvement in a very sensitive politicized investigation. Maybe the FBI’s integrity would have been best preserved by saying nothing publicly. But at the point at which he has decided to announce their findings publicly, then I think he probably has to explain how the evidence everyone is publicly aware of does not lead to prosecution. And it’s hard to do that without looking like a hack if you don’t acknowledge that this evidence does show she was pretty careless as to the security of classified information. ---
**Author:** ![Ravenman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ravenman/32/2929_2.png) [@Ravenman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ravenman)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2016, 3:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-is-re-opening-investigation-into-clintons-email/769950/662 "2016-11-02T15:55:14Z")
> [@Richard\_Parker](#): > > No. Opinions on the interpretation of a text’s meaning cannot properly be described as “factually incorrect.” They are only fair and unfair, reasonable and unreasonable. > > It is perfectly reasonable to read Comey as scolding Clinton for breaking the letter of the law. That is a fair reading of his statement in which **he notes that her conduct may amount to a violation of the law, chides her for extreme carelessness, and gives as the only reason for not prosecuting reasons outside the letter of the law.** Had this bolded part been what was written, there would be no issue, because that’s what Comey actually said and did. For people to conclude that Comey essentially called her a criminal who would be too much bother to try to prosecute, goes far beyond what he said. If someone wants to hold that opinion, fine, but it isn’t what Comey said, and it is not fair to insert words in his mouth with the claim that it is what he meant in his heart of hearts. ETA: I mean, for crying out loud, “may amount to a violation of law” is not the same as “is a violation of the letter of the law.” It’s just not. ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2016, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-is-re-opening-investigation-into-clintons-email/769950/663 "2016-11-02T15:58:01Z")
Well, one thing I know for sure, **Richard Parker** is either a lawyer, or he married one. ---
**Author:** ![CarnalK](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnalk/32/486_2.png) [@CarnalK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CarnalK)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2016, 4:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-is-re-opening-investigation-into-clintons-email/769950/664 "2016-11-02T16:16:18Z")
Corney: Well it sure looks like there’s something going on between those two dudes but we don’t prosecute sodomy laws anymore. So cleared of all charges! But what’s with the editorializing? Just say “not guilty”! ---
**Author:** ![mtomm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/df788c/32.png) [@mtomm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mtomm)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2016, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-is-re-opening-investigation-into-clintons-email/769950/665 "2016-11-02T16:46:08Z")
[This retired FBI agent says there is no infighting](http://www.eastidahonews.com/2016/11/retired-fbi-agent-speaks-eastidahonews-com-clinton-scandal/). A few things make his blood boil though. ---
**Author:** ![CarnalK](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnalk/32/486_2.png) [@CarnalK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CarnalK)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2016, 5:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-is-re-opening-investigation-into-clintons-email/769950/666 "2016-11-02T17:11:33Z")
> [@Ravenman](#): > > For people to conclude that Comey essentially called her a criminal who would be too much bother to try to prosecute, goes far beyond what he said. Well you have no problem with mischaracterizing what I said, I see. When did “too much bother to prosecute” enter the conversation? ---
**Author:** ![Richard\_Parker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/35a633/32.png) [@Richard\_Parker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Richard_Parker)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2016, 5:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-is-re-opening-investigation-into-clintons-email/769950/667 "2016-11-02T17:20:10Z")
> [@elucidator](#): > > Well, one thing I know for sure, **Richard Parker** is either a lawyer, or he married one. Unfortunately for marital arguments in my house, both! ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2016, 5:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-is-re-opening-investigation-into-clintons-email/769950/668 "2016-11-02T17:30:57Z")
> [@Richard\_Parker](#): > > I don’t think it’s so clear (and I say this as someone who now thinks his October 29 letter was a huge bad faith error). > > He does have a legitimate obligation to try to preserve the integrity of the FBI despite the FBI’s involvement in a very sensitive politicized investigation. Maybe the FBI’s integrity would have been best preserved by saying nothing publicly. But at the point at which he has decided to announce their findings publicly, then I think he probably has to explain how the evidence everyone is publicly aware of does not lead to prosecution. And it’s hard to do that without looking like a hack if you don’t acknowledge that this evidence does show she was pretty careless as to the security of classified information. Mostly agree, especially with that first part. And perhaps it is unfair to declare positively that bad faith in October proves bad faith earlier, but it is at least suggestive. And I would not have it thought that my disagreement reflects a poor opinion of your intelligence or honesty, it is not so. BUT!..I like big “Buts”, I can’t deny it…about the need to explain his underlying rationale? What, for fear no one else would? This very thread tangent belies that concern. If he said nothing at all, someone else would, its not like no such argument would be put forward. A bunch of them would, some cogent and intelligent, others batshit. And given how easy it is for us humans to find a perfectly good rationale for doing what we want to do…his explanation is only closer to the source. Someone else might explain why Comey did what he did and might be closer to the truth. “Know thyself” isn’t as easy as it sounds, Polonius was a pious old fool. I gave Comey mad cred for standing up to Bush/Cheney and protecting Ashcroft from the Hospital Bedside Raiders. At last, an honest conservative! Someone who will give us a fair argument and a fair hearing! I yearn for that, I miss that, or perhaps it is a false nostalgia for an ideal that never really was. I miss Goldwater, but maybe Goldwater wasn’t really Goldwater, either. And so it goes. But just as you suggest, it may be possible to accept that his July actions were non-partisan. Concur, as far as that goes. But how he could believe that his actions in October were not partisan, and not giving aid and comfort to one of the worst nominees in our sorry history…no. He cannot plead stupid. He should repent, walk naked around the Lincoln Memorial, accompanied by a chorus of bitter virgins, intoning dirges of woe and humiliation. Shame! ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2016, 5:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-is-re-opening-investigation-into-clintons-email/769950/669 "2016-11-02T17:34:19Z")
> [@Richard\_Parker](#): > > Unfortunately for marital arguments in my house, both! Oh, Lord have mercy! “You are old,” said the youth, “And your jaws are too weak For anything tougher than suet; Yet you finished the goose, with the bones and the beak— Pray, how did you manage to do it?” “In my youth,” said his father, “I took to the law, And argued each case with my wife; And the muscular strength which it gave to my jaw, Has lasted the rest of my life.” \*You Are Old, Father William \* - Lewis Carroll ---
**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:** [November 2, 2016, 6:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-is-re-opening-investigation-into-clintons-email/769950/670 "2016-11-02T18:15:21Z")
FWIW, Tom Delay is saying that Comey wrote the letter because almost 100 FBI agents were threatening to quit over his having let Clinton off the hook. None of the mainstream sites (save Yahoo, where I saw it but whose link dead-ends) are reporting on this so I’ll just link to the Google Search page so interested parties can pick which report they want to read. [https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=tom+delay,+100+fbi+agents&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8](https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=tom+delay,+100+fbi+agents&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8) ---
**Author:** ![Richard\_Parker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/35a633/32.png) [@Richard\_Parker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Richard_Parker)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2016, 6:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-is-re-opening-investigation-into-clintons-email/769950/671 "2016-11-02T18:24:52Z")
The FBI employs more than 14,000 special agents, and many more employees beyond that. That 100 of them might resign because they are diehard Trumpers is not, statistically speaking, all that surprising. I’m sure .07% of the general population is prepared to take up muskets. But it would be a little surprising for Comey to care, and even more surprising for Nixon wannabe Tom Delay to have some kind of headcount on threatened resignations. ---
**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:** [November 2, 2016, 6:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-is-re-opening-investigation-into-clintons-email/769950/672 "2016-11-02T18:59:05Z")
Yes, but what I’ve read in the past is that it was the agents who worked on the case who were the most outraged that no charges were brought. If they were the 100, their significance would be much more important. Especially coming this close to the election. Can you not imagine the effect on the election were 100 of the FBI agents who worked on Hillary’s case to resign a week before? ---
**Author:** ![Ravenman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ravenman/32/2929_2.png) [@Ravenman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ravenman)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2016, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-is-re-opening-investigation-into-clintons-email/769950/673 "2016-11-02T19:02:00Z")
> [@CarnalK](#): > > Well you have no problem with mischaracterizing what I said, I see. When did “too much bother to prosecute” enter the conversation? I had no intent to mischaracterize your position, I assure you, I was simply trying to summarize your general views in my own words. To the extent that I erred in doing so, perhaps we should both learn a lesson about inserting our own words into other people’s mouths: my words into your mouth, and your words into Comey’s. ---
**Author:** ![CarnalK](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnalk/32/486_2.png) [@CarnalK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CarnalK)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2016, 7:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-is-re-opening-investigation-into-clintons-email/769950/674 "2016-11-02T19:15:11Z")
You don’t give me the impression of someone who is trying to learn that lesson. I said quite clearly that Comey said the “gross negligence” part of the law was iffy from the start and he was following 100 years of Justice Department precedent by not choosing to prosecute it now. I didn’t say anything that could be misinterpreted as “too much bother”. You just made it up. ---
**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:** [November 2, 2016, 7:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-is-re-opening-investigation-into-clintons-email/769950/675 "2016-11-02T19:55:29Z")
> [@Common\_Tater](#): > > … Simply put, there is no way to “mistakenly” end up with 650,000 state department emails on a Yahoo! account. … This claim–that the 650,000 emails found on the Weiner laptop are all “state department” emails–is there any basis for making it? Accounts I’ve seen simply state that 650,000 emails were found–not that they were “state department” (or even “State Department”) emails. > [@](#): > > The Wall Street Journal reported Sunday afternoon that federal agents are getting ready to parse through roughly 650,000 emails from former Democratic Congressman Anthony Weiner’s laptop. > **[Weiner's laptop may contain thousands of emails linked to Clinton's private...](https://www.cnbc.com/2016/10/30/weiners-laptop-may-contain-thousands-of-emails-linked-to-clintons-private-server-wsj.html)** > > A new report in the Wall Street Journal suggests a cache of emails linked to Hillary Clinton's private server may number in the hundreds of thousands. ---
**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:** [November 2, 2016, 8:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-is-re-opening-investigation-into-clintons-email/769950/676 "2016-11-02T20:24:26Z")
> [@Sherrerd](#): > > This claim–that the 650,000 emails found on the Weiner laptop are all “state department” emails–is there any basis for making it? > > Accounts I’ve seen simply state that 650,000 emails were found–not that they were “state department” (or even “State Department”) emails. > > [Weiner's laptop may contain thousands of emails linked to Clinton's private server: WSJ](http://www.cnbc.com/2016/10/30/weiners-laptop-may-contain-thousands-of-emails-linked-to-clintons-private-server-wsj.html) Yes,. While reports vary, I’ve seen everywhere from about 1,000 to 10,000 emails related to HRC. That is, a small fraction of the 650,000 total no matter how you look at it. ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2016, 8:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-is-re-opening-investigation-into-clintons-email/769950/677 "2016-11-02T20:27:13Z")
How old is this laptop? Heard it said, but not confirmed, that he and his wife have been using it forever, going back and including his various political efforts. And God alone knows how much political spam. How big is his hard drive? How big would it have to be? ---
**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:** [November 2, 2016, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-is-re-opening-investigation-into-clintons-email/769950/678 "2016-11-02T20:38:16Z")
> [@John\_Mace](#): > > Yes,. While reports vary, I’ve seen everywhere from about 1,000 to 10,000 emails related to HRC. That is, a small fraction of the 650,000 total no matter how you look at it. I guess it makes a better story to characterize the situation as being about ‘650,000 State Department emails’. The enormity! ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2016, 8:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-is-re-opening-investigation-into-clintons-email/769950/679 "2016-11-02T20:42:06Z")
Did anyone notice how smoothly Trump changed from “30,000” to “650,000”? In like one friggin’ day, 620,000 are added, and he already knows they prove she’s guilty! ---
**Author:** ![furt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/439d5e/32.png) [@furt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/furt)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2016, 11:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-is-re-opening-investigation-into-clintons-email/769950/680 "2016-11-02T23:30:37Z")
> [@Richard\_Parker](#): > > It depends on what you think his function was. Writing a public letter about why he’s not recommending prosecution is already super-weird. Is it not also super-weird for the prosecutor (in this case the AG) to announce in advance that she will accept whatever the investigators recommend? ISTM he was obligated to make a statement explaining himself, because Lynch passed the buck on to him. And of course she passed the buck because of the super-weird circumstance of the target’s husband meeting with the prosecutor on a tarmac. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-is-re-opening-investigation-into-clintons-email/769950.md?page=33) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-is-re-opening-investigation-into-clintons-email/769950.md?page=35)