A majority of Americans say Robert Mueller has a conflict of interest.
When asked if Mueller has a conflict of interest “as the former head of the FBI and a friend of James Comey,” 54 percent responded that the “relationship” between the two amounts to a conflict of interest, including 70 percent of Republicans, 53 percent of independents and 40 percent of Democrats.
Comey succeeded Mueller as FBI director and the two have been described as “brothers in arms” for their working relationship, which dates back to the early 2000s, although the extent of their personal relationship is unclear.
Comey and Mueller were among the senior law enforcement officials who threatened to resign over a Bush-era domestic surveillance program, an episode that culminated with Comey rushing to the hospital bed of then-Attorney General John Ashcroft to beat White House officials who were on their way there.
“The special counsel has serious perception issues as a clear majority now see him as having a conflict of interest,” said Mark Penn, co-director of the Harvard CAPS-Harris survey.
I’m of two minds here. This narrative first came out of Sean Hannity and has now spread to politicians and others, but on the other hand, so has the evidence for it. I think some of it has been exaggerated, but some of it is undeniable. And it’s much too convenient when some of Trump’s supporters were applauding the pick just a few months ago:
Robert Mueller is superb choice to be special counsel. His reputation is impeccable for honesty and integrity. Media should now calm down
— Newt Gingrich (@newtgingrich) May 18, 2017
Now:
Should now be clear Mueller is the "anti-Trump special counsel". Karl Rove warns in WSJ oped today"special counsels can run amok".
— Newt Gingrich (@newtgingrich) June 15, 2017
BUT, if the FBI really is biased, then Americans need to know.