Thread by @benrileysmith

Stage is set for special counsel Robert Mueller’s first (and likely only) public testimony about his report.

Three-ish hours on obstruction, followed by a session on Russian election meddling.

Here’s what to expect...

*What Democrats will do*

Try to winkle our new information about Trump’s alleged obstruction.

Would Mueller have recommended charge if Trump wasn’t president? (And so not protected by ‘no indictment’ guidance)

Was there collusion? (Not a crime but a description of activity)

*What Republicans will do*

Question whether Mueller was a biased actor by picking holes

Lots of focus expected on Steele dossier (Was it based on dodgy Russian info? Did you verify contents?)

Trump+allies argue that investigators overstepped in launching Russia probe.

Will Mueller reveal big new info?

Almost certainly not. He didn’t want to testify, insisting he won’t go beyond his written report.

But the political impact comes from him speaking his conclusions on TV.

(As one wag noted, people tend not to read the book but watch the film.)

Appearance deemed so significant that both sets of congressmen have been gameplaying how today will go. Dems had someone pretending to be Mueller to practice questioning.