If Comey does well today, you will walk away somewhat disappointed.

[Barack_America]

We all need to realize the impact of Comey's entire testimony hinges on his impartiality, professionalism and believability.

If Comey is going to successfully damage Trump, it has to appear that is the last thing he is trying to do.

After all, this is literally his word against Trump's.

Don't expect (and don't hope) for Comey to step more than an inch from the "I'm just a lawman doing his job" line.

Do expect Republicans to try to coax him into revealing personal judgements and ill feelings against Trump. Hope that he does not respond the way your heart wants him to.

Do expect (and do hope) Democrats stay professional and thorough, but not damning; their credibility to call for further investigations (or impeachment) hinges on their appearance of relative impartiality too.

Conclude Comey's testimony with a feeling of moderate disappointment and rejoice in the awareness that means real damage has been done to Trump.

[pnwmom]

1. Agreed. They must all appear impartial and fair -- which will drive many here crazy. nt

[Glorfindel]

3. I know what you mean, of course. And I agree.

But I'm afraid that we Democrats are going to keep showing up at these gunfights with flexible plastic knives until we "impartial and fair" ourselves out of existence.

[pnwmom]

9. I'm talking about public presentation as members of Congress, in a situation

where the facts are still coming out. Eventually there will be a time for knives, guns, and even nuclear bombs. Just not now.

[Sugar Smack]

2. That's a good, solid "Old-school" attitude.

Well said; it's somewhat grounding. A public figure, refusing to be baited, is not what we're used to. We're used to chaos and knee-jerk reactions. Maybe Comey will effectively demonstrate the sort of self-containment & poise we used to see before trump. After all, the truth need not be delivered shrilly.

Thanks for the reminder. K&R.

[joshcryer]

4. You make an extremely valid point.

The more boring it is the better.

[WinkyDink]

5. Not sure anyone here needed this.

[justiceischeap]

6. I view this all as a "death by a thousand cuts"

Ted Lieu brought up a good point yesterday--statute of limitations on Obstruction is 5 years. Theoretically, if we can't get him now, we can get him later.

[Barack_America]

7. I see it as a well-made, rich risotto.

Where you laboriously keep a pot of hot broth going and slowly, slowly add it to the cooking risotto...quarter cup at a time, and only after the last bit has been absorbed.

The reward is delicious!

[Orrex]

8. I have no expectations re: today's outcome

I anticipate no bombshells nor smoking guns, and whatever Comey says will be attacked by Repubs and by the press.

The visible impact of his testimony will be minimal, so we need to maintain hope that it contributes to the larger effort to remove the idiot racist fuckhead currently occupying the Whitehouse.

[beachbum bob]

10. trump is a verified liar, 60% of the american people already don't believe what he says

conservatives can protect trump and defend trumnp and his lies all they want. 2018 is coming