October Surprise, Devlin Barrett

 

October Surprise:  How the FBI tried to save itself and crashed an election by Devlin Barrett

Started: 4/9/2022
Completed: 4/11/2022
Recommendation: Mild Recommendation
Recommended By: Nobody

Review:

Barrett seems to view everyone investigated by the FBI, from Carter Page, through Michael Flynn, to the Trump campaign as innocent.  He does a good job of showing that there is a certain amount of paranoia in the FBI and his explanation of the the reason for (whatever reason was actually given), but not the timing of Andrew McCabe's firing holds water.  In general, it feels to me that Barrett argues that there are a bunch of hotheads running around pointing fingers at each other over nothing.  I just don't feel that is the case.  The argument for Carter Page is his strongest, but it still seems like he is leaving stuff out.  I guess we will find out when the files are eventually released.