The action taken by FBI Director James Comey is quite possibly a game changer in the presidential election of 2016. The treasure trove of emails uncovered on the computer of former, disgraced, Congressman Anthony Weiner has been eye-opening at best.Weiner is the estranged husband of Hillary Clinton’s top aide, Huma Abedin. It is certainly late in the presidential campaign for such a revelation; however, in order to get at the truth, the FBI has the obligation to follow the email trail regarding Clinton—wherever it may lead.

The United States does not need to have a functioning president who is under federal investigation and perhaps exposed to federal indictment. Perhaps, only a few days before the general election, the long record of legal problems haunting the Clintons has finally met the long arm of the law, uncovered this time by the use—or misuse—of computer technology.

One can only imagine the enormous amount of emails found on the Weiner laptop computer. One can only make conjectures as to why there were any sensitive emails on the Weiner computer. Are any of these emails marked sensitive or classified?

These questions need to be answered for both judicial and national security reasons. Secretary Clinton has already apologized for making an error in judgment by using a rigged up, unsecured server in her role as Secretary of State. Was this an error in judgment or an arrogant abuse or power? In either case this is not a great example of the decision-making that should be exhibited by a president of the United States. Exhibiting wise decision-making and good judgment are the hallmark qualities for a president. This issue has been a prominent one throughout the debates and election campaign.

Now, I am not a Donald Trump fan. He is not my kind of Republican; however, Trump has not engaged in the type of arrogance and unwise decision-making process engaged in by former Secretary Clinton. It now appears that in addition to the unwise use of computer technology, that Clinton and her closest advisors maybe involved in a cover-up. As with Watergate, cover-ups are generally easier to investigate and prosecute.

The United States cannot have as president-elect a tainted presidential candidate. This nation is not a banana republic. The exercise of political muscle for the sole objective of accumulating raw political power has been the primary motivation for Hillary Clinton for decades. Over time, attitudinal and demographic changes have impacted the American electorate; the appeal of Secretary Clinton has changed over the years. The constituent parts of the Democratic Party have changed since Clinton arrived on the political stage some 30 years ago. It now appears that the initial thrust of the Clinton campaign to elect her because she is a woman has diminished.There will be a time to elect the first woman president of the United States. Secretary Clinton, due to the controversies surrounding her, may not “crack” that glass ceiling.

Democracy demands accountability and transparency. It requires the use and application of the rule of law.This national election will test these essential components of democracy. This election will provide an essential view of the future trajectory of the United States. It has indeed become a real change election.

Never in our history has such a significant issue affecting the presidential race been made public so close to an election, an issue with serious ramifications that may persist long after November 8. Those individuals voting this election will have to seriously consider the consequences of the potential misuses of emails by Clinton as well as members of her staff at the State Department and her election campaign staff.

The seriousness of this matter and the short time frame for America to digest it has seriousimplications.

This may be a game changer in this election.