The Republican National Committee has built a website designed to discredit former FBI Director James Comey. The site is reportedly one part of a larger effort by President Trump's allies to attack Comey ahead of his book launch next week.
The website, branded "Lyin' Comey," revives several old quotes from Democrats criticizing Comey, whom Trump fired from the FBI last year. The former FBI director's book, A Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies and Leadership, will share his side of the story about his firing, and will likely provide fuel for claims that Trump obstructed justice when he reportedly asked Comey to drop an investigation of former national security adviser Michael Flynn, asking for the director's "loyalty" instead.
Some Republicans want to undermine Comey's credibility before he begins his press blitz about the book's contents. CNN reports that the anti-Comey campaign will include digital advertising and prepared talking points, along with the disparaging website. The White House reportedly signed off on the attack plan.
"Comey is a liar and a leaker and his misconduct led both Republicans and Democrats to call for his firing," RNC Chairwoman Ronna Romney McDaniel told CNN. "If Comey wants the spotlight back on him, we'll make sure the American people understand why he has no one but himself to blame for his complete lack of credibility."
The website includes quotes from Democrats, including former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton saying Comey "overstepped his bounds" in the FBI's probe of her personal emails, and Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) saying he "has no credibility." Read more at CNN.