Thread by @PhilippeReines

Mueller’s testimony would be consequential no matter what.

But it shouldn’t be make or break.

Shouldn’t be the first in months.

Shouldn’t be the last on the horizon.

This moment has taken on an urgency only because Speaker Pelosi has prevented the House from doing its duty.

1/ Thread of pre-thoughts:

NEWS: Of course there will be new things said today. Even if it’s all in the report nobody read it. Not to mention dozens of others participating. Media doesn’t conclude bombshell days with, “Well, that was boring — weather and sports after the break!”

2/

FOCUS: As much as Russia has been discussed, today will be the longest and most focused event about it.

Mueller’s May statement was momentous; this may last 10x longer.

Whenever over the last two years there‘s been a major development, public support for impeachment spiked.

3/

HEAD COUNT: Nearly 90 House Democrats are publicly in favor of impeachment. Many others have bitten their tongue, waiting for today.

Well, it’s today.

The next 72 hours will see a burst of new announcements. How many — and who — is key.

4/

CHAIRMEN: There’s no question many more Democrats will go public. Their seniority is the question.

Judiciary Chairmen Nadler wants impeachment. It isn’t clear where Intel Chairman Schiff stands. After today’s two hearings, their private conversations with Pelosi will be key.

5/

SENATE: To date, 99% of the headcount focus has been on the House. Despite the Republicans controlling the Senate, there are 45+ Democrats who may choose this moment to make their views knows. And again, not all Senate voices are created equal.

6/

2020 CANDIDATES: In one form or another nearly all our presidential candidates have already come out in favor of impeachment. After today, safe to say none will back off. They will only get more vocal. They might even trip over themselves to be first and be fiercest.

7/

REPUBLICANS: Don’t hold your breath for another Justin Amash defector. But you never know.

There are non-Congressional Republicans, some holding office (governors), some retired, who call for impeachment. Again, don’t hold your breath — but every voice is amplified today.

8/

ALREADY-DECLARED DEMOCRATS: There has been a steady march to nearly 90 House Democrats calling for impeachment. But once they have done so we haven’t heard much from them.

Watch to see who among them reiterates their position — but adds criticism of Democratic leadership.

9/

HOUSE REPUBLICANS: They will be unhinged & froth at the mouth, which never works for them against any witness, let alone someone of dignity or stature.

But it’s always fun to hear Gym Jordan’s™️ Mars Attack impression.

SIDE NOTE: by day’s end, Jordan will have a challenger.

10/

OPENING STATEMENT: With only minutes to go Mueller’s prepared opening statement has not been released. Has it even been provided to the committee? Technically it’s due the night before, that doesn’t seem to have happened.

11/

FOLLOW-UP: Some topic will come up today so often that it becomes the basis for Democrats to call for a stepped up effort, formal impeachment or otherwise. Easy guess is it’s Don McGahn, to get him to testify despite his refusal.

12/

PELOSI: Whatever your personal belief of her strategy the next 72 hr will be the ballgame. If a week from today nothing structural has changed — no formal inquiry or dedicated committee — those still thinking she’s secretly pro-impeachment need to snap out of their delusion.

13/

FAST TALK: Watch subsequent Republicans mimic the obnoxious speed with which Collins is badgering Mueller. It’s intended to make Mueller ask to repeat questions and portray him as out of it.

trump making this attack won’t be far behind.

There was a lot of noise & badgering. But only two exchanges matter:

Jerry Nadler & Ted Lieu.

Those alone reinforce the need for this process to move forward, move faster, move formally.

Short simple summary of the hearing from @axios.
axios.com/robert-mueller…