OPINION:
Is former FBI Director James Comey so obtuse that he does not realize his own complicity in orchestrating his Jan. 6, 2017, meeting with President Trump in a manner that set the parameters for the two men’s interpersonal relationship (“James Comey debunks New York Times story that fueled unproven Trump-Russia collusion,” Web, June 8)?
At the end of the group briefing that day, Mr. Comey took the initiative to remain behind to give Mr. Trump a private briefing. During the briefing, Mr. Comey informed Mr. Trump of the imminent release of the “Trump dossier” and assured the president that he was not personally under investigation. Within the climate of continued leaks of classified intelligence and innuendo pertaining to Mr. Trump’s associates, Mr. Trump would have taken Mr. Comey’s overtures and assurance as a signal that Mr. Comey preferred to meet with Mr. Trump privately, that Mr. Comey had an understanding of what Mr. Trump perceived to be a “witch hunt,” and that Mr. Trump might be able to confide in Mr. Comey.
Why, then, would Mr. Comey be surprised that Mr. Trump would invite him to a private dinner Jan. 27, or telephone him directly?
WILLIAM T. FIDURSKI
Clark, N.J.
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