In case you missed it Wednesday morning, former Special Counsel Robert Mueller made a statement from the Justice Department about the two-year long investigation into the 2016 presidential election.
"I'm speaking out today because our investigation is complete," Mueller said. "We are formally closing the Special Counsel's office and I am resigning from the Department of Justice to return private life."
"I hope and expect this to be the only time that I will speak to you in this manner. I am making that decision myself," he continued. "I do not believe it is appropriate for me to speak further about the investigation."
Mueller also said the following, which has Democrats salivating for impeachment.
"If we had had confidence that the president clearly did not commit a crime we would have said so," he said. "The first volume of the report details numerous efforts emanating from Russia to influence the election. This volume includes a discussion of the Trump campaign’s response to this activity, as well as our conclusion that there was insufficient evidence to charge a broader conspiracy."
A number of democrats running for the White House are taking Mueller's remarks as a green light for impeachment.
Robert Mueller’s statement makes it clear: Congress has a legal and moral obligation to begin impeachment proceedings immediately.
— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) May 29, 2019
Sen. Kamala Harris: "I think it's a fair inference from what we heard in that press conference, that Bob Mueller was essentially referring impeachment to the United States Congress." https://t.co/6DW4QJoZnL pic.twitter.com/0sMtoN3mwK
— The Hill (@thehill) May 29, 2019
What Robert Mueller basically did was return an impeachment referral. Now it is up to Congress to hold this president accountable.
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) May 29, 2019
We need to start impeachment proceedings. It's our constitutional obligation.
Mueller leaves no doubt:
— Elizabeth Warren (@ewarren) May 29, 2019
1) He didn't exonerate the president because there is evidence he committed crimes.
2) Justice Department policy prevented him from charging the president with any crimes.
3) The Constitution leaves it up to Congress to act—and that's impeachment.
Given the reality that we have a president who believes he is above the law, Congress must continue its investigations. If the House Judiciary Committee deems it necessary, I will support their decision to open an impeachment inquiry. https://t.co/6lTVdcaTXc
— Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) May 29, 2019
Meanwhile, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is still trying to carefully walk the impeachment line.
Shorter Pelosi on impeachment: It's still a no from me. pic.twitter.com/uS38amBYZB
— Elaina Plott (@elainaplott) May 29, 2019
This is as close to an impeachment referral as it gets. Robert Mueller could not clear the president, nor could he charge him — so he has handed the matter to Congress, which alone can act to deliver due process and accountability.
— Pete Buttigieg (@PeteButtigieg) May 29, 2019
This post has been updated with statements from additional candidates.