I don't know if it is on this thread, if not search my recent posts - I noted that since Comey probably leaked more than once, it is possible that the May 15 leak was prompted or emboldened by Trump's "have tapes" tweet. I think the point is entirely irrelevant, because the underlying "offense" happened, and the Comey admitted being the leaker. The bottom line reason why, to damage the US president by having special counsel against him" shows bad motive, but is just a political question. "Emboldened because the tapes would corroborate" is what I refer to as superfluous decoration on the facts. It doesn't color the underlying reason (wanted special counsel), it only goes to timing. Comey had been trying to damage the president with leaks, before the "have tapes" tweet came out.
Let's give it the same consideration that Trump had regarding "wiretapped" and "surveilled." We all know that the bottom line was that Trump was spied on, and we all now know that the bottom line was that Comey traded insider information.
-PJ