Democrats claim that his pre-election shenanigans cost Hillary Clinton the election. Republicans claim that his dismissal of Trump's wiretapping allegations was payback. While Democrats and Republicans seem to be more divided now than at any other time in recent history, there's one thing voters on both sides of the aisle can agree upon -- James Comey is a bum.
At least that's the opinion shared by 35 percent of registered voters, according to a new Harvard-Harris Poll. The new poll also found that a mere 17 percent of registered voters have a favorable view of the controversial FBI director.
Comey versus J. Edgar Hoover
Comey's dismal approval numbers, which are two-to-one negative, are among the worst in history for an FBI top dog. Mark Penn, co-director of the Harvard-Harris Poll, explained to The Hill that even during the height of McCarthyism and the "red scare" witch hunt in 1953, J. Edgar Hoover still managed to enjoy a 78 percent favorability rating.
Not surprisingly, the Harvard-Harris Poll reveals that Comey is less popular with Democrats than Republicans, presumably because of the popular belief that Comey's re-opening of the investigation into Hillary Clinton's emails before the election opened the door to a Trump victory. The poll shows that Comey is disliked by 41 percent of Democrats, while just 12 percent have a favorable opinion.
Among Republicans, 26 percent expressed a favorable opinion of Comey. However, 27 percent of Republican voters said they dislike the Fbi Director. The poll also shows that 48 percent of American voters have no opinion of Comey whatsoever.
Distaste for America's top law enforcement officer is not a partisan issue, either; the poll finds that, among independent voters, only 17 percent have a favorable opinion.
A crisis of confidence
Mark Penn told The Hill that he believes the FBI director's poor approval rating is due to skepticism among American voters over Comey's ability to lead. “Comey’s ratings, which are two-to-one negative, suggest a crisis of confidence in his leadership as top law enforcement officer," said Penn.
