A Higher Loyalty

Introduction

James Comey's memoir "A Higher Loyalty" offers a fascinating glimpse into the life and career of one of America's most controversial public figures in recent years. As the former director of the FBI who played a pivotal role in the 2016 presidential election, Comey provides his perspective on the events that thrust him into the national spotlight. But this book is about much more than just politics - it's a deeply personal account of Comey's journey from a bullied kid to the nation's top law enforcement official, filled with insights on leadership, ethics, and what it means to serve a higher loyalty to truth and justice.

Throughout his career as a prosecutor, high-ranking Justice Department official, and FBI Director, Comey has found himself at the center of some of the most consequential legal and political battles of the past few decades. From taking on the New York mob to prosecuting Martha Stewart, from clashing with the Bush administration over surveillance programs to investigating Hillary Clinton's emails, Comey offers an insider's view of these pivotal moments in recent history.

But beyond the headline-grabbing cases, this book is a meditation on the nature of effective and ethical leadership. Drawing on his diverse experiences, Comey distills the lessons he's learned about what makes a good leader and the importance of values like honesty, humility, and humor. He also provides a stark warning about the dangers of ego-driven, loyalty-obsessed leadership, drawing parallels between President Trump's behavior and that of mafia bosses.

While Comey's decisions and actions remain controversial, this candid and reflective account offers valuable insights for anyone interested in law enforcement, government, leadership, or recent American political history. Let's dive into the key ideas and events covered in this revealing memoir.

Formative Experiences Shape Comey's Worldview

Childhood Bullying Instills Empathy and Attentiveness

James Comey's early life experiences played a crucial role in shaping his character and future career path. Born in 1960 in Yonkers, New York, Comey came from a family with deep roots in law enforcement - his grandfather had been the chief of the Yonkers Police Department. However, it was a move to Allendale, New Jersey in fifth grade that would have a profound impact on young James.

As the new kid in school, Comey found himself the target of relentless bullying. His ill-fitting clothes, bad haircuts (courtesy of his mother trying to save money), and tendency to talk too much made him an easy target. He endured physical abuse like being punched and slammed into lockers, as well as humiliating treatment like wedgies.

While deeply unpleasant at the time, this experience taught Comey some valuable lessons that would serve him well later in life:

1. It made him highly attuned to reading people and picking up on signs of aggression or ill intent.
2. It instilled in him a lifelong desire to protect the vulnerable and stand up to bullies.
3. It gave him empathy for outsiders and those who don't fit in.

These traits - attentiveness to human behavior, a protective instinct, and empathy for the marginalized - would prove invaluable in his future career in law enforcement and public service.

An Early Mentor Demonstrates Effective Leadership

Another formative influence in Comey's youth was his boss at a local grocery store, Harry Howell. Howell exemplified many of the leadership qualities that Comey would come to value throughout his career:

• He was tough and demanding, with very high standards for his employees and his store.
• At the same time, he could be compassionate and understanding when the situation called for it.
• He knew how to motivate people through a combination of high expectations and mercy.

Comey recounts an incident where he accidentally knocked over a stack of milk crates, creating a huge mess in the store. Instead of berating the young Comey, Howell simply asked if he had learned a lesson, and then told him to clean it up. This measured response motivated Comey to work even harder, far more effectively than harsh punishment would have.

From Howell, Comey learned that effective leaders can be both tough and kind, demanding excellence while also showing understanding. This balanced approach to leadership would become a cornerstone of Comey's own management philosophy in his future roles.

A Brush with Violence Sparks a Desire for Meaningful Work

When Comey was 16, a life-threatening incident occurred that would have a profound impact on his future career choices. A gunman, believed to be the notorious "Ramsey Rapist" who was terrorizing parts of New Jersey at the time, broke into the Comey family home. James and his younger brother Pete were held at gunpoint while the intruder robbed the house.

Several times during this terrifying ordeal, Comey believed he was about to die. While he and his brother escaped physical harm, the psychological impact was significant. This brush with violence and vulnerability made Comey seriously contemplate what truly mattered in life. It sparked a desire to pursue a career with real purpose and value - one where he could directly help people and make a positive difference in the world.

Initially, Comey thought this calling might lead him to become a doctor. However, his path would ultimately take a different turn towards law and justice. The experience of being a victim of crime likely contributed to his later passion for law enforcement and protecting the vulnerable.

Philosophical Influences Shape Comey's Worldview

As a pre-med student at William and Mary College, Comey's career trajectory was altered when he encountered the writings of Reinhold Niebuhr, an influential American theologian and ethicist. Niebuhr's philosophy resonated deeply with Comey, particularly his ideas about human nature and justice:

• Niebuhr argued that humanity was inherently flawed, yet we should still strive to bring justice into the world.
• He emphasized the complexity of moral decision-making and the need to balance idealism with pragmatism.
• Niebuhr's concept of "Christian realism" suggested that while perfect justice may be unattainable, we have a duty to work towards it.

These ideas aligned with Comey's developing worldview and his desire to make a meaningful impact. They helped steer him away from medicine and towards a career in law, where he felt he could more directly pursue justice and help the defenseless.

The influence of Niebuhr's philosophy can be seen throughout Comey's career - in his commitment to ethical leadership, his nuanced approach to complex issues, and his belief in the importance of pursuing justice even in an imperfect world.

Early Career: Lessons in Law and Leadership

Taking on the Mob with Rudy Giuliani

After graduating from the University of Chicago Law School in 1985, Comey's legal career began in earnest when he joined the U.S. Attorney's Office in Manhattan under Rudy Giuliani. This was an exciting time to be a federal prosecutor in New York, as Giuliani was leading an aggressive campaign against organized crime.

Comey found himself working on high-profile cases against major mob figures like Anthony "Fat Tony" Salerno and members of the Gambino crime family. These cases provided valuable experience in complex investigations and prosecutions, and gave Comey insight into the workings of criminal organizations.

However, working under Giuliani also taught Comey some important lessons about leadership - both positive and negative:

• Giuliani was undoubtedly ambitious and driven, qualities that can be assets in a leader.
• But he also had a reputation for seeking the spotlight, with a saying that "the most dangerous place to be was between Giuliani and a microphone."
• Comey observed that Giuliani seemed to lack humility, a quality he would come to view as essential for effective leadership.

From this experience, Comey developed a strong belief in the importance of humility in leaders. He came to understand that leaders who think they have all the answers often end up surrounding themselves with yes-men, creating an echo chamber that stifles honest feedback and diverse viewpoints.

Insights into Mafia Culture and Leadership

Prosecuting mobsters gave Comey valuable insights into the culture and operations of organized crime, particularly the Sicilian Mafia known as Cosa Nostra. He observed that these criminal organizations operated under a system of fear-based, loyalty-obsessed leadership that he would later see parallels to in other contexts.

Key aspects of mafia culture that Comey noted included:

• The importance of the oath of loyalty taken when becoming a "made man" in the organization.
• The five rules that made men swore to follow (though often honored in the breach): no explosives, no killing cops, no killing other made men, no sleeping with another man's wife, and no dealing narcotics.
• The use of loyalty oaths and strict hierarchies to maintain control and cohesion within the organization.

Comey came to view this emphasis on personal loyalty to a leader, rather than to higher principles or the organization's mission, as a hallmark of unethical leadership. This insight would inform his approach to leadership throughout his career and color his later interactions with political figures.

Learning from an Exemplary Leader in Virginia

In 1993, Comey moved to Virginia and began working under Helen Fahey, who would provide a stark contrast to some of his previous bosses and serve as a model of effective leadership.

Fahey, who had worked her way up from a typist to become head of the U.S. Attorney's office in Eastern Virginia, embodied many of the leadership qualities Comey most admired:

• Humility: She always put the interests of her team ahead of her own ego.
• Hard work: Her rise through the ranks while raising children and continuing her education demonstrated her work ethic.
• Kindness and toughness: She balanced compassion with high standards.
• Sense of humor: She used humor effectively to build rapport and defuse tension.

Fahey's leadership style inspired deep loyalty among her staff. Comey recounts an incident where Fahey was unfairly accused of contempt of court by a federal judge. In a show of support, dozens of law enforcement personnel showed up in the courtroom - a demonstration of the genuine loyalty she had earned through her leadership.

This experience reinforced Comey's belief that true loyalty is earned through ethical leadership and putting the team's interests first, not demanded through fear or coercion.

High-Profile Cases and Ethical Dilemmas

The Martha Stewart Case: Equal Justice Under Law

One of the most high-profile cases of Comey's career came in 2001 when he led the prosecution of Martha Stewart for insider trading and obstruction of justice. This case highlighted Comey's commitment to equal application of the law, regardless of wealth or status.

The basics of the case were:

• Stewart sold stock in the pharmaceutical company ImClone after receiving non-public information about a regulatory decision.
• The amount of money involved (about $50,000) was relatively small for someone of Stewart's wealth.
• Stewart compounded her legal troubles by lying to investigators and attempting to cover up her actions.

Comey and his team faced criticism for prosecuting such a prominent figure over what some saw as a minor infraction. However, Comey firmly believed that the justice system must treat everyone equally, regardless of their wealth or fame. He argued that allowing Stewart to escape consequences because of her status would undermine the principle of equal justice under law.

The case also demonstrated the importance of honesty in dealings with law enforcement. Had Stewart simply admitted to the stock sale, she likely would have faced only civil penalties. Instead, her attempts to mislead investigators led to criminal charges and ultimately a five-month prison sentence.

This case reinforced several of Comey's core beliefs:

1. The law must be applied equally to all, regardless of social status or wealth.
2. Lying to investigators is often more damaging than the original offense.
3. Ethical leadership sometimes requires making unpopular decisions in service of larger principles.

Challenging the Bush Administration on Surveillance

In 2003, Comey joined the Department of Justice as Deputy Attorney General, second only to Attorney General John Ashcroft. In this role, he found himself in conflict with the White House over the legality of certain surveillance programs implemented after 9/11.

The key issues were:

• Shortly after 9/11, the DOJ had issued memos approving increased levels of surveillance.
• By 2003, Comey believed these programs, particularly one called Stellar Wind, had evolved beyond what could be considered lawful.
• The White House, particularly Vice President Dick Cheney and his staff, were pushing for continued DOJ approval of these programs.

This led to a dramatic confrontation in March 2004, when Ashcroft was hospitalized with acute pancreatitis. White House Chief of Staff Andrew Card and White House Counsel Alberto Gonzales attempted to get the weakened Ashcroft to reauthorize the program from his hospital bed. Comey, who was serving as Acting Attorney General, raced to the hospital to prevent this.

In a scene Comey describes as deeply emotional, Ashcroft gathered his strength to tell the White House officials that Comey was in charge and refused to sign. This showdown eventually led to modifications of the surveillance program to bring it in line with the law.

This incident highlighted several important themes for Comey:

1. The importance of standing up for what's right, even in the face of immense pressure.
2. The need for law enforcement and the DOJ to remain independent from political influence.
3. The value of principled colleagues who will support each other in upholding the law.

Opposing Torture and "Enhanced Interrogation"

Another major ethical battle Comey faced during his time at the DOJ involved the Bush administration's policies on torture and "enhanced interrogation techniques."

Key aspects of this issue included:

• The White House was relying on DOJ memos from immediately after 9/11 to justify harsh interrogation practices.
• Comey believed these practices, such as waterboarding, were unlawful and unethical.
• He faced strong opposition from within the administration, particularly from Vice President Cheney's office.

Comey pushed for more humane policies and for mental suffering to be considered alongside physical pain in definitions of torture. However, he faced significant obstacles:

• The replacement of John Ashcroft with Alberto Gonzales as Attorney General weakened Comey's position.
• Gonzales, formerly White House Counsel, seemed more interested in supporting the administration than in providing independent legal advice.
• Other officials, like Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, were unwilling to revisit the issue.

Despite Comey's efforts, the administration's "enhanced interrogation" policies remained largely unchanged. This experience was deeply frustrating for Comey and contributed to his decision to leave the DOJ in 2005.

The torture debate reinforced Comey's beliefs about the importance of:

1. Upholding ethical standards even in challenging times.
2. The need for law enforcement and the DOJ to provide a check on executive power.
3. The dangers of groupthink and the value of dissenting voices in policy discussions.

Leading the FBI: Challenges and Changes

Appointment as FBI Director

In 2013, Comey received an unexpected call from Attorney General Eric Holder, informing him that President Obama was considering him for the position of FBI Director. This was surprising to Comey for several reasons:

• He wasn't a vocal supporter of Obama and had even contributed to his opponents' campaigns.
• As a Republican, he wasn't an obvious choice for a Democratic administration.
• He had been working in the private sector and teaching law, not actively seeking a return to government service.

However, upon meeting with Obama, Comey was impressed by the President's intelligence and their shared views on several key issues:

1. The importance of an independent, apolitical FBI and Department of Justice.
2. The value of diverse opinions in decision-making.
3. The need for ethical leadership in government institutions.

Obama's willingness to consider Comey despite their political differences demonstrated to Comey the President's commitment to putting the country's interests above partisan concerns.

Goals for the FBI

As he took on the role of FBI Director, Comey had several key objectives:

1. Maintain and strengthen the FBI's independence and ethical standards.
2. Improve the Bureau's effectiveness in tackling modern challenges like cybercrime and terrorism.
3. Increase diversity within the FBI to better reflect the nation it serves.

Comey was particularly concerned about moving the FBI further away from its problematic history under J. Edgar Hoover, who had used the Bureau for political purposes and engaged in illegal surveillance activities. He wanted to ensure that the FBI remained committed to upholding the law and the Constitution, not serving the interests of any particular administration or political party.

On the diversity front, Comey was alarmed to find that when he took over, 83% of FBI agents were white males. He launched aggressive recruitment efforts to bring more women and people of color into the Bureau, believing that a more diverse FBI would be both more effective and more trusted by the communities it served.

Leadership Philosophy

Throughout the book, Comey outlines his views on effective leadership, distilling his experiences into six key traits he believes all good leaders should possess:

1. Integrity and decency: Leaders must have a strong moral compass and consistently do what's right.
2. Confidence to be humble: Good leaders should be self-assured enough to admit what they don't know and seek input from others.
3. Balance of toughness and kindness: Effective leaders set high standards but also show compassion.
4. Transparency: Leaders should be open about their motivations and decision-making processes.
5. Valuing meaningful work: Good leaders understand that people want their work to have purpose and meaning.
6. Actions over words: While communication is important, leaders must follow through with concrete actions.

Comey also emphasizes the importance of humor in leadership, seeing it as a sign of confidence and a tool for building rapport and relieving tension in difficult situations.

Navigating Political Tensions

As FBI Director, Comey found himself at the center of increasing political tensions, particularly around issues of race and policing. The string of high-profile police shootings of Black Americans in 2015 brought these issues to the forefront.

Comey tried to take a nuanced approach, acknowledging both the reality of systemic racism and the challenges faced by law enforcement. However, his attempts to bridge the divide often left both sides unsatisfied:

• His speeches on race and policing angered both Black Lives Matter activists and police unions.
• He faced criticism from the Obama administration for some of his comments on the "Ferguson effect" - the idea that increased scrutiny of police was leading to less proactive policing and higher crime rates.

Despite these tensions, Comey was impressed by President Obama's leadership during this period. He found Obama to be:

• An attentive listener, eager to understand different perspectives.
• Capable of seeing and explaining complex issues from multiple angles.
• Able to balance empathy for marginalized communities with support for law enforcement.

These experiences reinforced Comey's belief in the importance of nuanced, thoughtful leadership in addressing complex societal issues.

The 2016 Election and Its Aftermath

The Clinton Email Investigation

The event that would ultimately define Comey's tenure as FBI Director began in 2015 when it came to light that Hillary Clinton had used a private email server for official communications while serving as Secretary of State.

Key aspects of the investigation included:

• The primary concern was not the use of a private server itself, but whether classified information had been improperly handled.
• FBI investigators found 36 email chains containing classified information, though everyone involved had appropriate clearance.
• The team concluded that while Clinton had been careless, there was no evidence of intentional mishandling of classified information that would warrant prosecution.

Comey made the unusual decision to publicly announce the results of the investigation on July 5, 2016. He felt this was necessary due to the high-profile nature of the case and concerns about the impartiality of then-Attorney General Loretta Lynch.

The October Surprise

In late October 2016, just days before the election, the investigation took an unexpected turn. During an unrelated investigation into former Congressman Anthony Weiner, the FBI discovered a laptop containing thousands of additional Clinton emails.

Comey faced a difficult decision:

• If he didn't disclose the new development, it could appear that the FBI was concealing information to help Clinton.
• If he did disclose it, he risked influencing the outcome of the election.

After much deliberation, Comey chose to inform Congress that the investigation had been reopened. This decision was highly controversial and was cited by some as a factor in Clinton's eventual defeat.

Comey defends his decision in the book, arguing that concealment would have been worse and that he was trying to uphold the FBI's commitment to transparency and independence. However, he acknowledges the difficulty of the choice and that he has replayed the decision countless times in his mind.

Early Interactions with the Trump Administration

Following Donald Trump's victory, Comey's interactions with the new administration quickly became problematic. Key issues included:

• Trump and his team seemed more concerned with how they could use intelligence about Russian election interference for political advantage than with addressing the threat.
• In private meetings, Trump repeatedly asked Comey for loyalty and pressured him to "lift the cloud" of the Russia investigation.
• Comey felt Trump's behavior resembled that of mafia bosses he had prosecuted, with its emphasis on personal loyalty and quid pro quo arrangements.

Comey was particularly disturbed by a private dinner with Trump where the President repeatedly asked for his loyalty. This reminded Comey of the loyalty oaths required by organized crime figures, reinforcing his concerns about Trump's approach to leadership.

Comey's Firing and Its Aftermath

On May 9, 2017, while in California for an FBI recruiting event, Comey learned from television news that he had been fired as FBI Director. The abrupt and public nature of the dismissal left him shocked and hurt.

In the days following his firing, several key events occurred:

• Trump tweeted a veiled threat about "tapes" of his conversations with Comey.
• In response, Comey decided to leak memos he had written about his interactions with Trump to the press through a friend.
• Comey hoped this would lead to the appointment of a special counsel to investigate potential obstruction of justice by Trump.

Comey's decision to leak the memos was controversial, but he defends it in the book as a necessary step to ensure a thorough investigation of potential wrongdoing by the President.

Reflections on Leadership and Public Service

The Importance of Institutional Independence

Throughout "A Higher Loyalty," Comey emphasizes the critical importance of maintaining the independence of law enforcement and justice institutions from political influence. He argues that this independence is essential for:

• Ensuring equal application of the law, regardless of wealth or political connections.
• Maintaining public trust in these institutions.
• Providing a necessary check on executive power.

Comey sees the erosion of this independence as a serious threat to democratic norms and the rule of law. He is particularly concerned about attempts by political leaders to demand personal loyalty from law enforcement officials, viewing this as a step towards authoritarian governance.

Ethical Leadership in Challenging Times

The book serves as a meditation on the nature of ethical leadership, particularly in difficult circumstances. Comey argues that true leaders must:

• Have the courage to stand up for what's right, even when it's unpopular or personally costly.
• Balance confidence with humility, being willing to admit mistakes and learn from others.
• Prioritize the long-term health of their institutions and the country over short-term political gains.
• Foster an environment where dissenting voices are heard and valued.

Comey acknowledges that these principles often come with personal and professional costs, but he believes they are essential for effective and ethical leadership.

The Role of Truth in Public Life

A recurring theme in the book is the fundamental importance of truth in public life and institutions. Comey argues that:

• A commitment to truth is essential for maintaining trust in government institutions.
• Leaders must be willing to speak truth to power, even when it's uncomfortable.
• The normalization of lying by public figures poses a serious threat to democratic society.

He sees his decision to speak out about his interactions with President Trump as part of this commitment to truth, even though he knew it would be controversial and personally costly.

Lessons for Future Leaders

Comey offers several key lessons for aspiring leaders in public service:

1. Develop a strong ethical framework and stick to it, even under pressure.
2. Cultivate a diverse team and be open to dissenting viewpoints.
3. Balance toughness with compassion and humor.
4. Prioritize the long-term health of your institution over short-term political considerations.
5. Be willing to admit mistakes and learn from them.
6. Understand that true loyalty is to principles and institutions, not to individuals.

Conclusion

"A Higher Loyalty" is more than just a memoir of Comey's time as FBI Director or an account of the 2016 election controversy. It's a deeply personal reflection on the nature of ethical leadership and the challenges of upholding principles in the face of immense pressure.

Throughout his career, from his early days as a prosecutor taking on the mob to his tumultuous tenure as FBI Director, Comey has grappled with complex ethical dilemmas and high-stakes decisions. His experiences offer valuable insights into the workings of American law enforcement and justice systems, as well as the personal toll of public service.

While Comey's decisions, particularly around the Clinton email investigation, remain controversial, his book presents a thoughtful defense of his actions based on his commitment to independence, transparency, and ethical leadership. Whether one agrees with all of his choices or not, his emphasis on the importance of truth, integrity, and institutional independence in public life is a timely message in an era of increasing political polarization and erosion of democratic norms.

Ultimately, "A Higher Loyalty" is a call to all leaders, and indeed all citizens, to prioritize truth and ethical behavior over partisan interests or personal gain. It's a reminder that the health of our democratic institutions depends on individuals willing to stand up for principles, even at great personal cost.

As Comey concludes, while he's uncertain about the short-term impact of his actions, he remains hopeful that in the long run, truth and justice will prevail. His book serves as both a warning about the fragility of democratic institutions and an inspiration to those who seek to protect and strengthen them.