I was failed during my first interview because the CBP Officer didn't like my attitude towards TSA security. I appealed and was again conditionally approved. During my second interview it was completely different. I kept my opinions to myself. Answered questions directly. I treated it like I was being cross examined in court and giving them the least amount of info to lead into other questions. I was approved in all of 10 minutes.
Not saying to put yourself back in the closet but if you do get a second interview I'd not mention the partner unless asked directly again. You may have had a differently minded interviewer or maybe there was another reason you were failed. But do appeal, it's so worth it when you get to skip the lines.