This article seems to miss the point:
Why does it matter if Comey himself thinks that rises to the level of obstructing justice? Comey's not in a position of authority anymore. If Comey testifies that Trump did in fact say that to him, then it's up to the legal system (or Congress, if they want to impeach Trump) to decide if they believe him or not, and if they do, if they consider that to be "obstructing justice" or not. It's not up to Comey.
The quote is not obstruction of justice. It's inappropriate, but not obstruction. A hope is not an order.
Actually, arguably, coupled with the DNI/CIA requests, that "hope" rises to become much more than just a hope. It sounds more concerted as an effort to obstruct justice with that context, no?
I'd have to see the actual text. But saying hope more than once is still not obstruction. Comey by the way when Trump said that, should have said "I have to go where the facts lead me," to give the message that what Trump would not deflect him. It will be interesting to find out what Comey said in reply, if anything.
Thankfully there's a plethora of other evidence to go on to suggest a different charge of obstruction, and not just what he said to Comey...which btw - what Trump "said" to Comey was never really the primary concern to begin with, it just suggestion other nefarious activity.
