Comey's bombshell thickens plot on eve of "Super Bowl" testimony

Photo credit to the Associated Press

The headline testimony into the Trump-Russia investigation is set to take place Thursday at 10 a.m.

Former FBI Director James Comey will appear in front of the Senate Intelligence Committee to give his testimony concerning the investigation into the Trump campaign and possible collusion with Russia.

However, Comey released a bombshell before his testimony, which CNN is calling a "dagger blow" at President Donald Trump.

Comey released his opening statement ahead of Thursday's testimony, which reveals, in great detail, the interactions between the president and the fired FBI director.

One of the most damaging direct quotes Comey cited is an interaction between him and Trump where the president asked for his "loyalty".

According to Comey's notes, the president said, "I need loyalty. I expect loyalty", at a dinner in January.

Comey cited he attempted to play it off, saying "You will always get honesty from me", to which Trump allegedly replied, "that's what I want. Honest loyalty."

Comey also stated that he and Trump had nine separate conversations between January 6, before Trump took office, and April 11, nearly a month before Comey was fired as FBI director.

In comparison, Comey stated he only had two discussions with President Barack Obama during his entire presidency.

Also, Comey states that those two occasions were in person, as opposed to six times where he and Trump conversed over the phone.

Trump also allegedly pressured Comey into publicly declaring that he was not under investigation himself for possible collusion with Russia.

These are just samples of possible evidence Comey may present to suggest obstruction of justice and abuse of power against President Trump.

Although Comey has yet to testify, that has not stopped the anticipation of what is to come and the response to what has already appeared in the opening statement.

Former FBI agent James Gagliano told CNN "I literally wanted to rinse myself off" after reading Comey's statement.

"The vision of a small table in the Green Room with the President and the FBI director seated there having a quiet lunch in a cavernous room, with two Navy stewards waiting on them, and Director Comey feeling uncomfortable, awkward, knowing that they shouldn't be having that ... meeting," said Gagliano as he cited the statement.

As opposed to the testimonies given Wednesday by intelligence officials, it seems that James Comey is willing to be open about his conversations with President Trump.

This could be a breakthrough into an investigation against the president but more importantly, a chance for answers and details the American people have been waiting for.

NPR has the full text and analysis of James Comey's opening statement.

Several TV outlets will be broadcasting James Comey's testimony.

Online streaming will be provided by Politico, NPR, amongst others on Facebook, Bloomberg for Twitter, PBS for Periscope, and CBS, ABC and NBS News as well as PBS Newshour on YouTube Live.