Democrats are once again first out of the gate in responding to breaking news relating to the Trump-Russia investigation—no wonder, since it’s kind of an awkward subject for Republicans. The early Democratic responses to the appointment of former FBI Director Robert Mueller as special counsel breaks down into two main categories: those lauding Mueller’s independence and competence and those sounding a note of caution about how much power Mueller will have to take the investigation where he wants to go. Sen. Chris Murphy fell in the latter camp:
House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi warned that the special counsel “cannot take the place of a truly independent,outside commission that is completely free from the Trump Admin's meddling.”
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer was more upbeat, saying “I now have significantly greater confidence that the investigation will follow the facts wherever they lead.”
Sen. Dianne Feinstein: “Bob [Mueller] was a fine U.S. attorney, a great FBI director and there’s no better person who could be asked to perform this function.”
Legend-in-his-own-time former U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said “Having known him for years, I believe special counsel Mueller is a very good thing. He is one of the best—independent and no-nonsense.”
DNC Chair Tom Perez said that “The White House didn’t want this. Republicans didn’t want this. Americans who spoke out made this happen.” The sentiment is nice, but pretty sure it was the Comey memo that made this happen.
In short, Mueller seems to be a good pick. But a special counsel who can be reined in or deprived of resources isn’t enough.