The Senate has announced that it’s agreed to let James Comey testify before the television cameras.
Must-see TV
James Comey still has to formally accept the Senate Intelligence Committee’s request to testify. And as we pointed out last week, there’s a good chance he’ll force the committee to subpoena him so that he’ll have legal cover for his testimony, as he can point out that he was legally forced to reveal whatever he ends up revealing (link).
But now that Comey’s demand to testify in public is being met, it’s time to get your popcorn ready.
There are also details in the story that may indicate intent—particularly the Times’ reporting that Trump spoke to Comey alone in the Oval Office after asking Vice President Pence and Attorney General Sessions to leave the room. If Trump was planning to pressure Comey into dropping an ongoing investigation, it seems reasonable that he would not want the Vice President and Attorney General in the room while doing so. Recall that the dinner with Comey in which Trump pushed for the FBI Director to pledge his loyalty was also one-on-one.