Mueller to take center stage at Russia probe hearings

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. (KTVU) - The long-awaited testimony of Robert Mueller before two Congressional committees is expected to last some five hours Wednesday, though it is unclear how many Americans will be watching, or whether it will sway public opinion toward efforts by some to move towards impeachment proceedings against President Trump. 

Mueller's testimony last week was moved to Wednesday so that all 41 members of the House Judiciary Committee would have an opportunity to ask questions of the former Special Counsel charged with investigating Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election and whether the Trump campaign conspired with those Russian efforts.

Mueller is scheduled to testify for three hours before the House Judiciary Committee in the morning and two hours before the House Intelligence Committee starting at noon.

He is a reluctant participant, stating in May that he felt his 448 page special counsel report was sufficient.

"The report is my testimony," Mueller said during a May 29th news conference.

"He's not a guy who likes to talk publicly . He doesn't like to talk on camera," said Rory Little, a professor at UC Hastings College of the Law in San Francisco. Little spent time with Mueller when they both worked in the Justice Department.

"I don't know anyone who's more controlled than Bob Mueller, both being honest about his reactions but also being closed mouthed about things," said Little.

The u-s justice department has told Mueller to limit his testimony to what's in the report and Little says Mueller likely will stick to those guidelines.

"Some people will try to stimulate him and see if they can get his temper going and so he'll be on his guard against that 748 

Mueller's special investigation did find evidence of Russian interference in the 2016 election and led to 7 guilty pleas and 27 indictments, including some of President Trump's close advisors.

Republicans will likely question the length of Mueller's near two-year probe and highlight that Mueller's report said "The investigation did not establish that members of the Trump Campaign conspired or coordinated with the Russian government in its election interference activities."

"I've heard all I need to hear from Mueller. I've read his report. I accept the findings. I don't think it's going to change public opinion," said South Carolina Republican Senator Lindsey Graham.

"I don't know how many times we want to see this movie again, but, I think the American People have moved on past this," said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. 

Democrats likely will point out that while mueller did not recommend charging the president with obstruction of justice.. he also noted that congress has the power of impeachment stating, "while this report does not conclude that the President committed a crime, it also does not exonerate him."

"For most people, tomorrow will be the first time they ever hear Bob Mueller's voice, and so, we can't just assume that most Americans know what happened," said Bay Area Congressman Eric Swalwell who sits on the House Judiciary Committee.

Mueller made a last-minute request to have his aide Aaron Zebley sworn in by his side Wednesday. The House Judiciary and  House Intelligence committees decided that instead, Mueller will be allowed to consult with Zebley if needed, so as not to detract from Mueller's time.

"It's not surprising he might turn to someone and say what page is that on. What was the exact phrase we used," said Little.