The false dichotomy of the Mueller report

Published April 24, 2019 3:07pm ET



For nearly two years, the country waited with bated breath in anticipation of the release of the Mueller report. Democrats were certain that the investigation would explicitly point to evidence of collusion. Meanwhile, Republicans knew that President Trump would be exonerated of any wrongdoing. If Attorney General William Barr’s initial summary did anything, it only served to pique curiosity that was already firmly situated along party lines.

The recent release of the lightly redacted report has only spurred discussion of impeachment among Democrats, though Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., is pumping the brakes on such talk. The push to impeach was bound to happen no matter what the investigative material contained. Conversely, the GOP and the man at the center, President Trump, feel a sense of vindication despite the contents pointing to detailed deceptions and lies by both the president and his team. These reactions are entirely expected. It was clear from the start of special counsel Robert Mueller’s season of analysis that the final reality would do nothing to change either major party’s narrative as we advance toward the 2020 election. Faithful partisans may enjoy the escalating political combat, but those who swear allegiance to neither club are extremely disheartened at the continuous drama.

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