Two Is Harder Than One

Playbook: “Up until Tuesday, we all thought that Mueller would be alone at the witness table, binder at the ready, testifying about the probe against the president that he helped lead. Behind the scenes, lawmakers in both parties wondered if Mueller would be conversant enough with the sprawling probe to be a useful witness.”

“Now, Aaron Zebley — Mueller’s longtime chief of staff — will be alongside him. He’ll be a sworn-in witness in front of Intel, and a counsel in front of Judiciary. During the Judiciary hearing, Mueller can confer with him, presumably allowing the former FBI director to refresh his memory on confusing details of the investigation. And during Intel, Zebley can answer questions.”

“This has two practical and political effects: It could slow down the proceedings, giving each member of Congress fewer questions. And it could blow up some Republicans’ strategy of startling Mueller. The addition of Zebley is not the huge game changer President Trump and Republicans want you to believe it is, but it’s certainly a fresh dynamic.”

Politico: Mueller scrambles hearing by tapping top deputy as counsel.