The problems with FBI's email investigation went well beyond James Comey

Comey's dismissal came just as his Russia probe appeared to be widening

On Tuesday, when Donald Trump abruptly dismissed the FBI director, James Comey, his administration insisted that he was merely following the recommendation of his attorney general and deputy attorney general, the two most senior officials in the Justice Department.

In a three-page memorandum attached to Comey's termination letter, the deputy attorney general, Rod J. Rosenstein, cited concern for the FBI's "reputation and credibility." He said that the director had defied Justice Department policies and traditions and overstepped his authority in the way he handled the Hillary Clinton email investigation.

This was a puzzling assertion from the Trump administration, not least because