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Here Are Reactions From Democrats, Liberal Celebrities To The Mueller Testimony

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Democrats, journalists and celebrities responded to former special counsel Robert Mueller’s testimony Wednesday, with some noting he appeared to be “struggling,” “frail” and not “as sharp” as years past.

Mueller appeared before lawmakers on two House committees to testify about the report investigating potential Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. After the hearing began, however, viewers began questioning his performance, noting that he appeared confused.

NBC’s Chuck Todd, who hosts “Meet the Press,” said if Democrats were looking to make the Mueller report “come alive” with the testimony, it’s a “complete failure on that front.” He added that the testimony was a “disaster” when it came to optics.

“On substance, they got what they wanted, but if they were looking for this dramatic moment that would capture the imagination — and remember, House Judiciary members do believe they should start impeachment,” he said on NBC News. “If that’s what Bob Mueller thought needed to be done, he didn’t do anything today to help advance that cause, if he believes that is where this should head.”

CNN political commentator David Axelrod said Mueller did not appear “as sharp” as he was the last time he went before Congress.

“This is delicate to say, but Mueller, whom I deeply respect, has not publicly testified before Congress in at least six years. And he does not appear as sharp as he was then,” Axelrod said.


Mueller repeatedly asked lawmakers to repeat themselves over the two rounds of questioning — 48 times. (RELATED: Mueller Told DOJ He’s Not Charging Trump Because Of A Lack Of Evidence 3 TIMES)

“This is very, very painful,” Axelrod tweeted. “He has been an exemplary public servant…but he clearly was struggling today and that was painful.”


House Oversight Chairman Elijah Cummings, a Maryland Democrat, said he didn’t know whether the testimony helped advance impeachment efforts.

“I don’t know. It’s hard. It’s hard,” he said, reported Melanie Zanona of Politico.

Filmmaker Michael Moore called Mueller a “frail old man” and criticized Democrats who supported him.

“Don’t have to watch much of this to realize why Mueller didn’t want to testify to Congress,” said Alex Wayne, an editor for Bloomberg.

MSNBC commentator Jeremy Bash hammered Mueller on live television for his performance, declaring he “kind of sucked the life out of the report.”

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“I don’t know what #Dems were expecting from #RobertMueller, but this probably isn’t it,” added Howard Fineman, an NBC news analyst.

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