Speed Reads

harsh words

People who 'besmirch' Comey and Mueller will 'rot in hell,' Democratic congressman says

James Comey and Robert Mueller have their fair share of haters, but they can count this verbose congressman on their side.

Things started calmly as Rep. Jim Himes (D-Conn.) explained to CNN on Friday why Republicans are trying to discredit Mueller, the special counsel, and Comey, the former FBI director.

"When the facts are ugly for your man, you attack the character and personality of the person who is pushing those facts," he said, referring to some Republicans' desire to protect President Trump.

But when the CNN host mentioned attacks from Democrats on Comey after Trump's election, things got aggressive. Many people were concerned when Comey publicly discussed the Hillary Clinton investigation, Himes said, but Comey has been "reflective" about that decision.

"So yes, let's have that conversation about whether Jim Comey made the right move in talking about the Hillary Clinton thing," Himes said. "But people will rot in hell for besmirching the reputation, the integrity, and the professional history of these two men."

Watch the whole heated interview below. Kathryn Krawczyk