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Democrats Sure Used to Love FBI Director James Comey

October 30, 2016

Democrats used to be quite fond of FBI Director James Comey, calling him a man with an impeccable reputation, a man of integrity, a dedicated and trustworthy public servant.

Yet after his letter to Congress informing it of the FBI's discovery of emails related to Hillary Clinton's use of a private server, Democrats changed their tune, questioning the timing and language of Comey's note.

Even Clinton herself called Comey's decision "deeply troubling," with campaign chairman John Podesta adding he has "not been forthcoming with the facts."

Here's what they said before, however.

Sen. Tim Kaine (D., Va.)

"There was an extensive investigation by the FBI under the direction of a wonderful and tough career public servant, Jim Comey. Jim was in the U.S. Attorney’s office in the in the Eastern District of Virginia when I was the mayor of Richmond, and he’s somebody with the highest standards of integrity."

Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D., Calif.)

"This is a great man. We are very privileged in our country to have him be the director of the FBI."

Sen. Harry Reid (D., Calif.)

"No one can question the integrity, the competence."

President Barack Obama

"I think Director Comey could not have been more exhaustive."

Rep. Elijah Cummings (D. Md.)

"Amazingly, amazingly, some Republicans who were praising you just days ago for your independence, for your integrity, and your honesty, instantly turned against you, because your recommendation conflicted with the predetermined outcome they wanted ... I honor your professionalism and service to our country."

Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D., N.Y.)

"Despite your impeccable reputation for independence and integrity, Rrepublicans have turned on you with a vengeance immediately after you announced your recommendation not to pursue criminal charges against Secretary Clinton."

Rep. John Conyers (D., Mich.)

"Director Comey, whose reputation for independence and integrity is unquestioned, has explained his reasoning in great detail."

Former DNC chair Howard Dean

"If you indict Comey's integrity, then you are making a big mistake."

Rep. Gerry Connolly (D., Va.)

[The Republicans] didn't lay a glove or a finger on James Comey, and he walked out of that room with his integrity and honor intact."

Rep. Ted Lieu (D., Calif.)

"The FBI Director is a career public servant. He's served this country with honor."

Former Obama adviser David Axelrod

"Jim Comey is widely respected as a guy of integrity."

What happened?