Two key premises of White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ Wednesday press conference about the firing of FBI Director James Comey were:

That Comey had lost the respect of the FBI’s “rank-and-file” agents by mishandling Hillary Clinton’s email case.

and

That the FBI’s investigation of connections between Russia and the Trump campaign is a minor matter—“probably one of the smallest things that they’ve got going on their plate.”

Acting FBI director Andrew McCabe testified Thursday before a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing at which Comey had been scheduled to appear. Here’s what he said about Comey’s standing with the rank and file:

Acting FBI Director McCabe: "Director Comey enjoyed broad support within the FBI. And still does to this day." pic.twitter.com/7OE5U5K4QW — CSPAN (@cspan) May 11, 2017

And here’s what he said about the importance of the Russia investigation:

FBI's McCabe says Russia probe is "highly significant," refuting WH claims of it being a "small" investigation https://t.co/sQ0dZMLZ4p pic.twitter.com/mkh4N1xwPJ — CBS News (@CBSNews) May 11, 2017

Expect the White House to point out soon that McCabe’s wife once ran for office in Virginia as a Democrat. Also expect them to fire him!