The Point: The 1 thing EVERYONE agrees on about the Mueller report


February 7, 2019  | by Chris Cillizza and Lauren Dezenski

The 1 thing EVERYONE agrees on about the Mueller report

You'd be hard-pressed to find much that Republicans and Democrats agree on when it comes to special counsel Robert Mueller's probe into Russian interference in the 2016 election and the possibility of collusion.

Democrats view Mueller as a true patriot, conducting a nonpartisan investigation into a foreign power trying to influence our elections. Republicans, led by the President of the United States, see it as a witch hunt, a hoax, a nothingburger.

Except -- they agree on whether they want the actual final report by Mueller to be released! According to new CNN/SSRS polling, 87% believe Mueller's investigators "should produce a full, public report on their findings." 87%! Bipartisanship! 

Even when you dig into the numbers, it's clear that every side wants to see the report.  Nine in 10 Democrats (92%) and independents (88%) favor public release of the report. Even 8 in 10 Republicans feel the same way!

Which is, well, interesting -- especially because Bill Barr, Trump's attorney general nominee who might be confirmed by next week, was somewhat cagey about whether he would be willing to release the full report when asked about it during his confirmation hearing.
 
"I also believe it is very important that the public and Congress be informed of the results of the special counsel's work," Barr said in his opening statement. "For that reason, my goal will be to provide as much transparency as I can consistent with the law." That caveat -- "as much transparency as I can" -- led to aggressive questioning from Senate Democrats about what, exactly, he meant. Barr did little to clarify.

For his part, Trump has refused the chance to say he wants the Mueller report released, choosing instead to defer to Barr's judgment. "That's up to the attorney general," Trump said in an interview on Super Bowl Sunday with CBS. "I don't know. It depends. I have no idea what it's going to say."

Which is, um, kind of weird. Trump is essentially saying: If it's good for me, we should release it. If not, then, uh, not.

The Point: Given the overwhelming public sentiment in favor of releasing the full Mueller report, any public official -- Trump included -- who stands in the way of that happening could face serious blowback. The public wants what the public wants.

-- Chris

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"It is a green dream."

-- New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, brushing off some shade from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Pelosi called AOC's "Green New Deal" a "green dream or whatever they call it. Nobody knows what it is, but they're for it, right?"

🎉 THE POINT ON YOUTUBE: EPISODE 40! 🎉

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, explained

Back in September, we launched The Point on YouTube! Today, we published our 40th episode, looking at the rising star of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

In all of those episodes, Chris has explained, deconstructed and tackled the surreal world of politics today -- from the secret of Donald Trump's taxes to the crazy-but-true story of Roger Stone to Robert Mueller and his soon-to-wrap-up Russia investigation. (Phew!)

Now, we want to hear from you. What personalities, political fights and policy issues do you want to know more about? Email your ideas to cillizza@cnn.com and maya.dangerfield@cnn.com.

And don't forget to subscribe and tune in every Tuesday and Thursday!

CHRIS' GOOD READS

Ryan Lizza on how Donald Trump's presidency has changed DC nightlife

Beto for.....Senate???

In defense of Howard Schultz

This makes me really hate kombucha

An incredibly Florida murder mystery

MUSICAL INTERLUDE

Not one but TWO new Soccer Mommy tunes? All right!

INSTA POINT

Today's topic: Pelosi's serious shade for Ocasio-Cortez's "Green New Deal."

WOODALL'S OUT

Georgia Rep. Rob Woodall is  not seeking re-election in 2020, he announced today. 

Woodall, described as "relentlessly sunny" by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, has represented the suburban district for five terms. He narrowly won re-election by fewer than 500 votes in November. 

Woodall's scheduled departure makes the GA-7 seat the second open House seat up for grabs in 2020. The other belongs to ailing North Carolina Rep. Walter B. Jones.

On the Senate side, two Republicans have announced they don't plan to see re-election: Kansas Sen. Pat Roberts and Tennessee Sen. Lamar Alexander

LAUREN'S 2020 LATEST

John Delaney: The Maryland congressman has been running for president longer than any other Democrat this cycle. He just sat down with David Axlerod to talk about it.

Amy Klobuchar: A new Huffington Post story details what some say is a difficult work environment with the Minnesota senator that has reportedly hindered efforts to hire for her presidential bid.

Elizabeth Warren: Has apologized for listing her race as "American Indian" on a State Bar of Texas registration card in 1986

🎂 THAT'S A WHOLE LOTTA CANDLES 🎂

... On the birthday cake of McCain family matriarch Roberta, who turns an incredible 107 years young today. Happy birthday!

YOUR DAILY GIF

From Brenna: "Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is really jazzed about the 'Green New Deal' she's supporting. Share The Point with someone you know who's interested in climate change and green blazers!"
We'd love to share our other newsletters with you. Follow this link for daily coverage of the world's top stories, savvy market insights, an insider's look into the media, and more. Send your tips and thoughts via email to Chris Cillizza and Lauren Dezenski. Follow Chris and Lauren on Twitter.
Subscribe to The Point
unsubscribe from this list   

update subscription preferences 


Copyright © 2019 Cable News Network, LP, LLLP. A WarnerMedia Company. All Rights Reserved., All rights reserved.
You are receiving this message because you subscribed to CNN's The Point with Chris Cillizza newsletter.

Our mailing address is:
Cable News Network, LP, LLLP. A WarnerMedia Company. All Rights Reserved.
One CNN Center
Atlanta, GA 30303

Add us to your address book


Sign up to get updates on your favorite CNN Original Series, special CNN news coverage and other newsletters.​
 
Facebook
Twitter
Tumblr

No comments

Powered by Blogger.