Former Dem rep: ‘This isn’t “House of Cards.” This is American democracy on trial’

Former Rep. Jane Harman (D-Calif.) on Thursday said ahead of former FBI Director James Comey’s appearance before the Senate Intelligence Committee that American democracy is “on trial.”

During an interview on CNN’s “New Day,” Harman was asked how unusual it is that prepared remarks would be released a day before a witness is set to testify.

“I don’t know of another example like this. I gather it was at Comey’s request; I’m not sure why the committee complied,” she said, referring to Comey’s prepared opening statement, which was released on Wednesday.  

{mosads}”What worries me … is this isn’t reality TV. This isn’t ‘House of Cards.’ This is American democracy on trial.”

Harman said she is concerned about Congress’s ability to conduct complete investigations.

President Trump repeatedly sought to influence the FBI’s investigation into Russian election meddling before firing Comey as the bureau’s director, according to testimony that Comey is set to deliver Thursday.

Comey’s opening statement details multiple interactions with the president, including a January dinner at the White House where Trump said he needed and expected the FBI director’s loyalty.