The Point: Mueller time's over, it's time to debate!

View this email in your browser July 26, 2019  | by Lauren Dezenski Mueller time's over, it's time to debate! Robert Mueller may, at last, be allowed to retire and fade from the public's consciousness. That's, in part, because the former special counsel finally appeared before Congress (with the help of a subpoena) to explain the findings from his investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election. But Mueller's main message wasn't about impeachment or obstruction of justice, like many Democrats had hoped he would discuss. Instead, he made it clear: Russians interfered in the 2016 election, are doing so "as we sit here," and it is a problem for all Americans. It appears some didn't take Mueller's warning to heart.  Hours after Mueller's testimony, some Republicans blocked two bills aimed at strengthening election security, saying that Congress had already responded to the election security needs for the upcoming election. Even Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell took to the Senate floor to say so, calling it "partisan legislation."  Democrats who were hoping for decisive guidance from Mueller about impeachment were let down, as questions about what to do next continue to swirl through the Democratic caucus.  Still, the number of Democrats supporting impeachment ticked up after Mueller's hearing, with high-ranking Massachusetts Rep. Katherine Clark joining the now 100-plus members supporting an inquiry. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Friday denied slow-walking any possible impeachment proceedings. "No, I'm not trying to run out the clock," Pelosi said of her Democratic detractors. "Let's get sophisticated about this, OK?" Meanwhile, Judiciary Committee Chair Jerry Nadler said his committee would seek the grand jury information from the Mueller report -- a sign that wrangling over the inquiry will continue through the just-begun August recess.  President Donald Trump, meanwhile, used the former special counsel's at-times shaky congressional appearance against 2020 Democrat Joe Biden. "The only good thing about Mueller is it made Joe Biden look like a dynamo," Trump said in an interview with Fox News. The Point: As Mueller moves off the proverbial chess board and impeachment remains off the table for now, it puts a perfectly timed spotlight on next week's Democratic debates in Detroit. Game on! -- Lauren And now, the week in 20 headlines:  Monday: Trump accuses Iran of lying Trump tweets budget deal has been struck Trump administration moves to speed up deportations Trump's second State Dinner is scheduled for September Tuesday: Trump sues to prevent the release of his tax returns Senate confirms Trump's pick for defense secretary Wednesday: Federal judge declines to block administration rule limiting asylum Trump and allies keep up attacks amid Mueller's testimony Mueller says his report did not exonerate Trump Judge blocks new admin rule limiting asylum claims Trump vetoes 3 bills prohibiting arms sales to Saudi Arabia Trump claims victory in wake of Mueller testimony Robert Mueller sticks to the script in high-profile hearings Mueller deferred or declined to answer questions 206 times Melania Trump works on Christmas decor during Mueller testimony Thursday: Barr directs federal government to resume capital punishment Senate confirms Mark Milley as next chairman of the Joint Chiefs Trump: Sweden 'let our African American community down' in A$AP Rocky case Friday: Democrats worry window closing for impeachment probe House Dems to sue for Mueller grand jury information QUOTE OF THE DAY "I've always said American wine is better than French wine!" -- President Trump tweeting there would be "substantial reciprocal action" to France's new taxes on American technology companies coming "shortly." Trump famously does not drink alcohol. RANKING THE FIELD PRE-DEBATE The 3 to beat in CNN's Democratic primary debates Can you correctly guess the top three in Chris' latest rankings of the Democratic candidates? And while you're at it, tell CNN what issues you want discussed at the debates next week with this handy dandy (and super fast) survey!   LAUREN'S GOOD READS The LA Times built a game to save coastal cities from climate change A former Republican fed up with Trump made that fake presidential seal Why aren't more Republican women in Congress? "The Haunty" is for sale Space can be scary sometimes Moon mystery! MUSICAL INTERLUDE Introducing editor Leigh's song of the summer, "Open Your Eyes," by School of Seven Bells. She first Shazamed it in an Anthropologie -- and the rest is history. LAUREN'S CAMPAIGN TRAIL SCHEDULER Coming this week: Bernie Sanders caravans to Canada in search of insulin, the Democrats hit the debate stage for round two and Donald Trump rallies the MAGA crowds in Cincinnati. Saturday, July 27 Elizabeth Warren: Holds a town hall and attends a house party in New Hampshire  Marianne Williamson: Spends her second of two days campaigning in South Carolina New Leadership Council National Convention: Brings Cory Booker, Pete Buttigieg and Julián Castro to Des Moines Sunday, July 28 Bernie Sanders: Will travel to Canada (from neighboring Detroit) with Type 1 diabetes patients seeking cheaper insulin to highlight the cost of prescription drugs Tuesday, July 30 Democratic debate, night one: Hosted by CNN from Detroit, with Steve Bullock, Pete Buttigieg, John Delaney, John Hickenlooper, Amy Klobuchar, Beto O'Rourke, Tim Ryan, Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren and Marianne Williamson on stage. The debate starts at 8 p.m. Eastern Wednesday, July 31 Democratic debate, night two: Also by CNN from Detroit, with Michael Bennet, Joe Biden, Cory Booker, Julián Castro, Bill de Blasio, Tulsi Gabbard, Kirsten Gillibrand, Kamala Harris, Jay Inslee and Andrew Yang on stage. It will also start at 8 p.m. Eastern Thursday, August 1 Donald Trump: Holds a campaign rally in Cincinnati  Cory Booker: Sticks around Detroit to hold a campaign event Elizabeth Warren: Travels to Arizona for a town hall 🎧 Lauren has more on Bernie Sanders' trip to Canada -- and how it's not his first time crossing the border in search of cheaper prescription drugs -- in The Point podcast. YOUR DAILY GIF From Brenna: "Here's Kamala Harris talking about people who are dismissive of important issues. Share The Point with someone you know who also waves away the haters thusly!" We'd love to share our other newsletters with you. Follow this link for daily coverage of the world's top stories, savvy market insights, an insider's look into the media, and more. Send your tips and thoughts via email to Chris Cillizza and Lauren Dezenski. Follow Chris and Lauren on Twitter. Subscribe to The Point unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences  Copyright © 2019 Cable News Network, LP, LLLP. A WarnerMedia Company. All Rights Reserved., All rights reserved. You are receiving this message because you subscribed to CNN's The Point with Chris Cillizza newsletter. Our mailing address is: Cable News Network, LP, LLLP. A WarnerMedia Company. All Rights Reserved. One CNN Center Atlanta, GA 30303 Add us to your address book Sign up to get updates on your favorite CNN Original Series, special CNN news coverage and other newsletters.​