Susan Walsh / AP
- Avoids a messy firing: Comey's term doesn't expire until 2023, but Trump could fire him, with cause. Now he won't have to go through that process, even if it would scramble partisan lines, a Trump favorite.
- And a bruising confirmation hearing: Democrats would surely use such a forum to litigate the FBI's investigation of Hillary Clinton's emails, in addition to how the agency handled allegations on Trump and Russia. With Comey staying, Trump can skip that process.
- Finally, it gives some stability: The NYT reports that the FBI workforce is on edge after the past few months, for good reason. Now, at least, they'll have their boss in a stable position to guide the agency.