You know there isnt any point into going into the Hillary thing. If you still believe Hillary is innocent, there is literally nothing that can be said to prove it to you. So dont even bother asking that as I know you were in this discussion in 2016. Simply, ignore that part of my post if need be.
Respected in the bureau? Yes, I heard that from the interim head. Pardon me, if I dont take his word for it. Though, to be fair, I dont have an actual opinion, on what I believe on the bureau's opinion on the whole about Comey, but I am not going to take the temp's word alone for it. I frankly, would have been surprised if he said otherwise, actually.
I am actually open-minded on the FBI opinion on Comey, but not by interim guy, I'd have to hear from rank-and-file. What they actually say, I will believe.
Edit: It's possible he was being too impartial. He was either trying to be too impartial or too partial. (or he was as incompetent as I fear). Regardless, if you asked the liberal side last Friday the answer you get is "Comey threw the election" possibly worse accusations. They hated the guy, he was (apologies to Putin) THE scapegoat to Hillary's loss. As soon as he gets fired that all changed. Wailing commences, he'll probably be called a martyr for a noble cause before the weekend is done. The smell of that hypocrisy is putrid. And I am actually for an investigation on Russia. I am a bit more skeptical to Russia's involvement than most here (more impartial than skeptical actually, but that unfortunately =skeptic nowadays). But, I think anything like that is of utmost seriousness, and must be investigated. I also have absolutely no confidence, COmey is capable of leading an investigation of my local speeding ticket in 1995, let alone a possible upended election that turns the world upside down. (course, do I believe Comey is really that grossly idiotic? I admit not really, in the truest sense. I believe he was in way over his head for a job as bureau chief, and has done nothing on any level to prove otherwise, and has shown absolutely no reason not to pack him and send him to obscurity. But, I do admit snark mode did click on. Bottom line is he is not up to his role, the liberal talking heads can cry all they want about the firing, but it is akin to mourning at a funeral of the relative you most hated). It is what it is.