1. Actually, @KimStrassel. what Comey did in the interview is preview his legal defense strategy. He is positioning himself as an FBI Director who was intentionally kept out-of-the-loop by the top "leadership" inside the FBI/DOJ small group.
2. It is impossible to believe that FBI #2 Counterintelligence Official Peter Strzok was meeting with Christopher Steele in 2016 and not informing his leadership as to the content therein.
3. But that's exactly the position James Comey is now taking.
4. Comey is laying the blame at the feet of everyone except himself. Which, on its face, seems absurd. But regardless of absurdity, that's his position - and he's now positioning himself to stick to it.
5. This position is in direct alignment with his March 20th, 2017, congressional testimony where he was directly questioned about his decision not to inform congress of the counterintelligence operation that began in July 2016. WATCH
6. Director Comey stated in that questioning (March 20th) the decision was made by FBI Director of Counterintelligence Bill Priestap, and he (Comey) was simply following advice.
7. Similarly, in his interview with Brett Baier today, Comey dodges accountability for knowledge of the origin of the Steele Dossier by saying he was "not informed" as to the originating entity.
8. However, this approach is not without risk.... because it puts increased responsibility on Asst. FBI Director Andrew McCabe, who Comey is now positioning to hold all legal risk for the outcome of a conspiracy.
9. Comey's approach toward this legal defense is further evidenced by his admission in the interview that "if he had known" of the intent and bias of FBI Counterintelligence Agent Peter Strzok he "would have immediately removed him".
10. ...Which lays the blame for lack of knowledge, and all the consequences therein, at the feet of Andrew McCabe and Bill Priestap. 
11. So those who defend @Comey now have to take the position the FBI Director was kept unaware of their investigative activity.
12. As previously stated, this is where former FBI Chief Legal Counsel James Baker becomes a key player. If Baker contradicts what Comey knew, then Comey is toast.
13. While he was removed from official duty in December (after Page/Strzok messages surfaced), James Baker remains inside the FBI in some unknown capacity.
14. Will re-watch the interview again for additional info., but that's a first quick-take.
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