Comey's tell-all book piques readers' interest, stoked by Trump's fury

By Bob Chiarito

 

Former FBI Director James Comey arrives for a taping of "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" in the Manhattan borough of New York City, New York, U.S., April 17, 2018. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid

 

CHICAGO (Reuters) - Diane Kacprowski showed up at 57th Street Books in Chicago early on Tuesday on a mission to be one of the first to snap up a copy of James Comey's scalding memoir about his time at the helm of the FBI and his abrupt firing by President Donald Trump.

 

"A Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies and Leadership" went on sale at midnight, and customers scrambled to bookstores around the country to buy the tell-all book that sparked a Twitter war between Trump and the man he fired.

 

"I'm buying it for the same reason I bought 'Fire and Fury,'" Kacprowski, a 62-year-old airline employee and realtor said, referring to Michael Wolff's scathing book about the Trump White House. "To stick it to Trump."

 

She was fortunate to have arrived early. The bookstore sold out all its stock within 20 minutes of opening for business. At other bookstores, owners said sales were slower and the publisher, Macmillan, would not release initial sales figures.

 

Conservative commentators, such as Fox News host Tucker Carlson, have attacked Comey as partisan and indecisive in his handling of the email scandal that dogged Hillary Clinton's 2016 presidential campaign. Others, like former Harvard law professor Alan Dershowitz, have denounced Comey for leaking memos about his discussions with Trump.

 

Macmillan, Comey's publisher, ordered 850,000 copies to meet expected demand compared with Wolff's first print run of 150,000.

At some stores, however, early sales of Comey's book were slower than Wolff's blockbuster.

 

“I was very concerned that we wouldn’t have enough,” said Judy Hirsch, a saleswoman at a small, independent bookstore in New York's Greenwich Village. It ordered 25 books but had sold only four copies by late afternoon.

 

In the nation's capital, shopper Phillip Carlisle rushed to buy the book at Washington's Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe when it was released just after the stroke of midnight.

 

"I was excited to read a book by somebody who I think is a fundamentally honest person," said Carlisle, who described himself as a "pretty far-left person."

 

Comey’s firing by Trump last year led to the appointment of Special Counsel Robert Mueller to investigate allegations that Russia meddled in the 2016 presidential election and possible collusion between Russians and the Trump campaign.

 

In the memoir, Comey described an intelligence briefing in which Trump and his team were told about evidence of Russia’s interference in the election. In response, the president-elect had only one question, Comey writes: “But you found there was no impact on the result, right?”

 

The release capped a weeklong media blitz to publicize the book. In an ABC News interview on Sunday, Comey said Trump was a dangerous and “morally unfit” leader doing “tremendous damage” to U.S. institutional and cultural norms.

 

For his part, Trump repeatedly hurled insulting tweets at Comey in the run-up to the release, challenging accusations made in the book and the author's integrity.

 

“Slippery James Comey, a man who always ends up badly and out of whack (he is not smart!), will go down as the WORST FBI Director in history, by far!” Trump wrote early on Sunday in one of five Twitter posts aimed directly at Comey.

 

At The Strand in New York, Denise Thomas grabbed a copy of the book, which features a staid black cover with silver lettering, saying she hoped it would make sense of the barrage of news from Washington.

 

"I'm hoping to be able to sift through just one person's telling," said Thomas, 52, an administrative assistant from Longmeadow, Massachusetts, vacationing in New York.

 

“Every day there’s not only one scandal, there’s multiple scandals that are just flying at us,” she said.

 

(Additional reporting by Alice Popovici in New York and Gershon Peaks in Washington; Writing by Barbara Goldberg in New York; Editing by Frank McGurty and Tom Brown)

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2018-04-18

Doesn't 'pique' my interest one iota. It's a disgrace an ex Director writes a 'kiss and tell' book. Shows who he is, what he is and what his loyalty is and it ain't higher than the kneecaps of a grasshopper.

The Trump administration turned out to be more fun and meham than a barrel full of monkeys, and winging it is the order of the day accompanied

by non stop tweeting, tongue lashing and insults, by the time Trump will end his term, i envision several more books and lawsuits coming out against him.. Happy days...

Edited April 18, 20188 yr by ezzra

31 minutes ago, BobBKK said:

Doesn't 'pique' my interest one iota. It's a disgrace an ex Director writes a 'kiss and tell' book. Shows who he is, what he is and what his loyalty is and it ain't higher than the kneecaps of a grasshopper.

When you reach a government level as did Comey, it should be PERMANENTLY INGRAINED that you keep your mouth shut. I saw the 20/20 interview, will NOT read the book, but I imagine between the book and the interview there will be some breach of security information. I've read the Trump people are coming after Comey, and as much as there is NO ONE who can't stand Trump more than I, an example should be made here.

1 minute ago, quandow said:

When you reach a government level as did Comey, it should be PERMANENTLY INGRAINED that you keep your mouth shut. I saw the 20/20 interview, will NOT read the book, but I imagine between the book and the interview there will be some breach of security information. I've read the Trump people are coming after Comey, and as much as there is NO ONE who can't stand Trump more than I, an example should be made here.

 

Totally agree. I am no fan of Trump but this stinks of disloyalty to the office also the betrayal of private conversations leaves a very sour taste. Comey should have been honest and joined his wife and daughters on the protest march the very day after Trumps Inauguration and resigned. 

1 hour ago, BobBKK said:

Doesn't 'pique' my interest one iota. It's a disgrace an ex Director writes a 'kiss and tell' book. Shows who he is, what he is and what his loyalty is and it ain't higher than the kneecaps of a grasshopper.

Like tolerance, loyalty becomes a crime when applied to evil.

Just now, Lupatria said:

Like tolerance, loyalty becomes a crime when applied to evil.

You think Trump is evil?  I think he's a megalomaniac who should never, ever be POTUS but evil??? 

 

Anyway it's not about Trump it's about loyalty to the OFFICE. Resign if you have ethical issues not whine after getting fired and start revealing private dinner confidences. If POTUS asked for loyalty why not?  if he can't be loyal to his boss F or FO.

 

 

27 minutes ago, BobBKK said:

 

Totally agree. I am no fan of Trump but this stinks of disloyalty to the office also the betrayal of private conversations leaves a very sour taste. Comey should have been honest and joined his wife and daughters on the protest march the very day after Trumps Inauguration and resigned. 

Reminds me of all the TV pundits that respond to a thread with the disclaimer....I haven't read the whole thread but...

 

Please read the book before you come here and pontificate about "private conversations" 

Just now, Langsuan Man said:

Reminds me of all the TV pundits that respond to a thread with the disclaimer....I haven't read the whole thread but...

 

Please read the book before you come here and pontificate about "private conversations" 

Another book plugger    I listened to the interview thank you.

2 hours ago, BobBKK said:

 

Totally agree. I am no fan of Trump but this stinks of disloyalty to the office also the betrayal of private conversations leaves a very sour taste. Comey should have been honest and joined his wife and daughters on the protest march the very day after Trumps Inauguration and resigned. 

...maybe publishing the book is his only way of telling his version should he be eliminated..witness protection would be a bit useless.

3 hours ago, BobBKK said:

Doesn't 'pique' my interest one iota. It's a disgrace an ex Director writes a 'kiss and tell' book. Shows who he is, what he is and what his loyalty is and it ain't higher than the kneecaps of a grasshopper.

 

I'll re-post a reply to an almost identical post you made on another topic:

 

Quote

Yes, because former FBI directors publishing accounts and memoirs is news. Here's a quick list (could have missed some): Hoover, Kelley, Freeh, Mueller, Gray. The faux outrage is dully noted. As for position regarding Trump, try harder.

https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1033572-comey-says-in-book-trump-denied-allegations-of-lewd-behaviour-washington-post/?tab=comments#comment-12888487

3 hours ago, quandow said:

When you reach a government level as did Comey, it should be PERMANENTLY INGRAINED that you keep your mouth shut. I saw the 20/20 interview, will NOT read the book, but I imagine between the book and the interview there will be some breach of security information. I've read the Trump people are coming after Comey, and as much as there is NO ONE who can't stand Trump more than I, an example should be made here.

 

Former officials and politicians publishing memoirs and such is pretty routine (at least in the West). You've been a member of this forum for about 8 years now, during which time there were certainly other such books published. Not about to sift through your 2K worth of posts, so willing to be corrected, but somehow doubt that the same vehemence was directed at previous instances.

 

As for "breach of security" nonsense, most of these things are cleared ahead. I imagine that Comey would be more familiar than yourself with definitions of, regulations regarding and what actually passes for "breach of security". Doubt he's got a particular wish to face charges on such grounds, and that he's unaware each of his words would be scrutinized.

 

Bringing up "breach of security", in relation to Trump's actions is rather amusing, considering the President's own conduct (or perhaps more appropriately,  misconduct).

4 hours ago, Morch said:

 

I'll re-post a reply to an almost identical post you made on another topic:

 

https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1033572-comey-says-in-book-trump-denied-allegations-of-lewd-behaviour-washington-post/?tab=comments#comment-12888487

Oh really these were kiss and tell too?  don't think so you are comparing apples and oranges but nice try

3 hours ago, Morch said:

 

Former officials and politicians publishing memoirs and such is pretty routine (at least in the West). You've been a member of this forum for about 8 years now, during which time there were certainly other such books published. Not about to sift through your 2K worth of posts, so willing to be corrected, but somehow doubt that the same vehemence was directed at previous instances.

 

As for "breach of security" nonsense, most of these things are cleared ahead. I imagine that Comey would be more familiar than yourself with definitions of, regulations regarding and what actually passes for "breach of security". Doubt he's got a particular wish to face charges on such grounds, and that he's unaware each of his words would be scrutinized.

 

Bringing up "breach of security", in relation to Trump's actions is rather amusing, considering the President's own conduct (or perhaps more appropriately,  misconduct).

The first Comey apologist nice!

His book won't help him at all regarding his damaged reputation.

8 hours ago, BobBKK said:

Doesn't 'pique' my interest one iota. It's a disgrace an ex Director writes a 'kiss and tell' book. Shows who he is, what he is and what his loyalty is and it ain't higher than the kneecaps of a grasshopper.

 

 

Agreed BobBKK.   Scandalous conduct from a person who held his position.

4 minutes ago, Different said:

His book won't help him at all regarding his damaged reputation.

Probably not but lots of things he says about "trump" are obviously true.

A weird thing about Comey is that he provides a lot of to love and a lot to hate for people across the huge U.S. political divide.

He was key in helping swing the election to "trump" at the last minute.

For anti-"trump" people that can't ever be forgiven, no matter the volume and quality of shade he's throwing back at "trump" now. 

6 hours ago, BobBKK said:

You think Trump is evil?  I think he's a megalomaniac who should never, ever be POTUS but evil??? 

 

Anyway it's not about Trump it's about loyalty to the OFFICE. Resign if you have ethical issues not whine after getting fired and start revealing private dinner confidences. If POTUS asked for loyalty why not?  if he can't be loyal to his boss F or FO.

 

 

 

Loyalty to the OFFICE/POSITION is dead right.

 

I recall when I joined the Air Force many years ago and it was drilled into recruits that you don't salute a person, you salute the rank/office he holds.

7 hours ago, BobBKK said:

 

Totally agree. I am no fan of Trump but this stinks of disloyalty to the office also the betrayal of private conversations leaves a very sour taste. Comey should have been honest and joined his wife and daughters on the protest march the very day after Trumps Inauguration and resigned. 

What laws has he broken

What confidences has he betrayed.

How has been disloyal.? He was being asked to be nefarious within hours of dirty don being sworn in.

The man has availed himself of putins dirt diggers, had oligarchs biy into trump enterprises and now cries foul.

He has given his petsonal opinions on a man based on meetings with him.

He hasnt divulged state secrets.

People are being so precious and protective of a man who goes on to twitter every time he feels the urge to gloat or lambast

He has taken narcissism to a whole new level ..live by the sword die by the sword. 

Edited April 18, 20188 yr by Expatthailover

8 hours ago, BobBKK said:

Doesn't 'pique' my interest one iota. It's a disgrace an ex Director writes a 'kiss and tell' book. Shows who he is, what he is and what his loyalty is and it ain't higher than the kneecaps of a grasshopper.

 

Well BobBKK, without having read the book how do you know it's merely a "kiss and tell" tome?

I say thank goodness for what's left of freedom of the press in the USA.

 

7 hours ago, BobBKK said:

You think Trump is evil?  I think he's a megalomaniac who should never, ever be POTUS but evil??? 

 

Anyway it's not about Trump it's about loyalty to the OFFICE. Resign if you have ethical issues not whine after getting fired and start revealing private dinner confidences. If POTUS asked for loyalty why not?  if he can't be loyal to his boss F or FO.

 

 

Wrong. It is about Trump, not about the office.

1 hour ago, F4UCorsair said:

 

Loyalty to the OFFICE/POSITION is dead right.

 

I recall when I joined the Air Force many years ago and it was drilled into recruits that you don't salute a person, you salute the rank/office he holds.

How cute. You think working for the government is like being in the military.

55 minutes ago, stevenl said:

Wrong. It is about Trump, not about the office.

On top of that, you're contradicting yourself.

" Anyway it's not about Trump it's about loyalty to the OFFICE. Resign if you have ethical issues not whine after getting fired and start revealing private dinner confidences. If POTUS asked for loyalty why not?  if he can't be loyal to his boss F or FO. "

 

If Potus asks for loyalty it is not about the office anymore but about the person. And how can he be 'loyal to his boss' when it is about the office.

5 hours ago, Morch said:

 

Screw it, can't win here . . .

Edited April 18, 20188 yr by quandow

2 minutes ago, quandow said:

And I don't know who your connection is on this forum but my responses to you keep getting pulled as I'm sure this one will, too. Mean-spirited responses in the manner of arguing just for the sake of arguing. Counting down . . .

You think Morch is mean spirited? I may not always agree with him but I have not found him to be mean spirited in any way.

 

Regarding response deletions... Are you SURE its not your responses which are mean spirited?

2 minutes ago, mikebike said:

You think Morch is mean spirited? I may not always agree with him but I have not found him to be mean spirited in any way.

 

Regarding response deletions... Are you SURE its not your responses which are mean spirited?

You're right, I'm wrong. Done.

4 minutes ago, quandow said:

You're right, I'm wrong. Done.

Well that was easy. Cheers.

Lets see ;

Ex federal employee writes book v current POTUS who rants on Twitter .

I think I know whose behaviour is most demeaning !

Got to wonder about conflict of interests here.....releasing a book to make money, hmmm. Excuse my cynicism here, but 6 of one and half a dozen of the other. I don't think you can trust either side in this one.

5 hours ago, F4UCorsair said:

 

 

Agreed BobBKK.   Scandalous conduct from a person who held his position.

LOL! Coming from an ardent man-child apologist that's pretty rich.