Robert Mueller wants peace and quiet

The name Robert Mueller has been in the big-time news for so long that almost every word he writes or utters is examined and interpreted and analysed as if it will provide new revelations about Donald Trump, the Russians and everything else that has turned this administration into one of the most controversial for decades. But actually Mueller is a quiet, rather unassuming and very precise gentleman who nearly always disappoints when he speaks because he does what he can not to be theatrical or hyperbolic. He likes to be correct in every sense of that word. So his statement today was entirely correct and precise and uncontroversial... and totally disappointing for the reporters who gathered to hear him speak. In his first public words since his report on the Russian/Trump campaign collusion allegations, Mueller went over all the known ground, emphasising with ultra-careful precision that he had acted as special counsel in accordance with Justice Department regulations and in accordance with the constitution. Then, with reporters waiting impatiently to shower him with questions, to try and draw him out of his shell, he said he would not be taking any questions and furthermore he did not want to appear before Congress. Basically, having done his bit for more than two years investigating the Russia collusion drama, he just wants to return to private life and to obscurity. There will be some in Congress, especially among the Democrats, who will want to subpoena him to appear before them so they can ask questions to find out what they think is the real story, whatever that is. But I reckon even if he is forced to appear he will speak rather like he spoke today during his statement. He will not veer from the language of his report and will certainly not give any hint of his personal views about the president. Maybe he does know things about Trump which he hasn't revealed but if it's not in his report he is not going to divulge it to an eager Democratic member of the House Justice Committee. Mueller is a methodical man and I think an honourable man with a distinguished career as FBI director behind him. He's not going to damage his reputation by resorting to the sort of blockbuster revelations put out by his successor Jack Comey. Mueller has done his job and now wants privacy. I can't blame him and I believe he is right to remove himself from the limelight. These days, that's pretty rare. Trump I'm sure will be delighted and relieved.