Political Wire

SubscribeSign in
  • Front Page
  • Trending
  • Polling Dashboard
  • Trial Balloon
  • Books
  • Membership
    • Subscribe
    • Sign In
  • Sign In
  • Contact Us
Theme
Text size

The Most Powerful Person In Washington

May 1, 2018 · 1:25 pm ET · Leave a Comment

Robert Costa: “It’s about a question that came up at my table at the event that evening, talking with guests of The Washington Post. They asked me about who was the most powerful person in a room full of seasoned politicians and national figures.”

“Looking around, I saw pundits and senators, actors and lawyers — and some people who overlapped a few categories. And then I found my answer sitting two tables away: Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who is overseeing the ongoing special counsel probe.”

“Rosenstein, I told them, may not be the most famous person at the Washington Hilton, but he was perhaps the most powerful, in terms of raw political power at this moment. The fate of the Trump presidency may well rest in what special counsel Robert S. Mueller III eventually reports out — and Rosenstein is responsible for overseeing the investigation.”

White House

← PreviousTwo Pruitt Aides Call It QuitsNext →Price Says Tax Law Will Hike Health Care Costs

Latest on Political Wire

  • Oct 11Pete Buttigieg Gambles On a Different Path for 2028
  • Oct 11Price of Drugs From Canada Set to Soar for Millions
  • Oct 11Newsom May Commute All California Death Sentences

Front page →

Political Wire is reader-supported. Join for ad-free reading, member posts and new features →

Taegan Goddard

Taegan Goddard

Taegan Goddard is the founder of Political Wire -- which for more than two decades has been one of the nation's most influential political news sites.

More about Taegan Goddard →

?Political Trivia

  • The Way It Was
    Eight moments in political history. Put them on a timeline.
    Play →
  • Yea or Nay?
    Five senators. Three bills. Can you guess how they all voted?
    Play →
  • Split Decision
    Nine Justices. One case. How did they rule?
    Play →
  • Pollster
    Do you have your finger on the pulse of America?
    Play →
  • Daily Trivia
    Four questions a day.
    Play →

A new game every day.

Your Account

Members

For the full experience, sign in.

Become a Member

  • Join Political Wire
  • Gift a Membership

Members Only

  • Weekly News Quiz
  • The Senate Map Has Turned Upside Down
  • Another Trouble Sign for Republicans
  • Another Brutal Warning Sign for Republicans
  • Who’s Running Ken Paxton’s Campaign?

?Political Trivia

  • The Way It Was →
  • Yea or Nay? →
  • Split Decision →
  • Pollster →
  • Daily Trivia →

Word of the Day Political Dictionary

Whistleblower

A whistleblower refers to an individual who exposes illicit activities, misconduct, or unethical practices occurring within a political entity, government institution, or related organizations.

Read the definition →

Yesterday’s Word of the Day: Weaponize

Show me a random term

Copyright © 2026 · Goddard Media LLC

Political Wire® is a registered trademark of Goddard Media LLC

Also from Goddard Media: Political Dictionary · Political Job Hunt · Electoral Vote Map

Privacy PolicyCorrections PolicyContact