Comey’s testimony entirely free of substance

It seems like everyone in Washington is expecting something big to happen today. Happy hours at local bars are even starting seven hours earlier than normal just to host Comey watch parties. There has not been this much excitement in D.C. since, well, Election Day.

Just like on Election Day, however, there will surely be disappointment with the results.

Many critics of President Trump are not only asking themselves, but fully expecting that James Comey’s Senate testimony will finally take down the Donald Trump White House. Some are even sensing the smell of impeachment in the air. Even with the axe he must have to grind, that’s a tall order, even for the 6’ 8” former FBI director.

{mosads}As expectations are running high, nothing is being done to calm them. The cable shows have their countdown clocks building anticipation, the national networks will sacrifice millions in ad revenue to take the hearing live, and every pundit with an opinion is lining up to explain how this is the biggest thing since Watergate, Iran-Contra, or even the Army-McCarthy hearings.

Even the House Intelligence Committee Democrats are stirring the pot, raising expectations. Congressman Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) released a statement highlighting how Comey’s testimony is expected to “confirm a host of allegations concerning the President’s conduct.”

The reality is, this is likely to be a huge let down for those expecting anything other than the “nothing-burger” this is shaping up to be. Bombshell style announcements are only effective when they are indeed surprising.

If Comey ever though that Trump was attempting to obstruct justice, he had an obligation to report it. He didn’t and if he chooses to make that claim now, his own motivations would be called in to question to say the least.

Comey’s introductory remarks are out now. It seems that they too support that there was no obstruction of justice and in fact, he told Trump he was not under investigation as part of the Russia related probe. Yet, the prognosticators who claimed to be “close to Comey” or “familiar with his thinking” are refusing to give up, holding out hope that there will be some evidence or smoking gun produced.

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• Live coverage: Comey testifies before Senate Intelligence Committee
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• The key players to watch at Comey’s hearing today

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Comey’s testimony is only going to give Trump what he wants – a fight. By making a big deal of his testimony today, opponents are giving Trump exactly what he wants – and needs – to satisfy the base of voters who put him in office in the first place. The sentiment that got Trump elected is support of a candidate that would put ‘America first’ and someone that could identify with real “main street” problems in an effective way. The more opponents try to distract with the Russia narrative, the more frustrated these voters become.

When the fundamental questions being discussed in mainstream America households are about uncertainty about where the next paycheck is coming from, or worries about gang activity in their child’s school, or about the availability or affordability of health insurance – Comey’s remarks are not going to matter much.

The unsupported narrative about Russia – and Trump’s fight of it – will surely rally support around him – especially after a hearing that proves nothing.

While the surrounding hype around the hearings is fun to watch, waiting for the knock-out blow that never comes will surely frustrate even most the optimistic Trump-haters. Today’s testimony truly is a must-see nothing burger. The good news is that at least the bars are opening early.

Dan Rene is a senior vice president in the public affairs practice at LEVICK, a strategic communications firm.

The views expressed by contributors are their own and are not the views of The Hill.