Good Wednesday morning. I'm Anna Palmer and welcome to your Politico Playbook audio briefing,

sponsored by SoftBank. And I'm Jake Sherman. There's no way to adequately encapsulate the gravity

of today's pair of hearings with Bob Mueller. They're absolutely huge politically, substantively,

and optically. In a presidency filled with moments, this one could surpass them all, or not.

If we know anything about Robert Mueller III, it's that he has stuck to the book for most of his career,

and all indications point to the fact that he intends to do so again.

After all, DOJ has instructed him to stick to the proverbial four corners of his report.

The reaction to the former special counsel's testimony will be sharply

divided along party lines. That's the nature of politics in 2019, and it's especially true

of big moments like this. The reality is the hearing will likely enforce and bolster every

member of Congress's gut instinct. If you favor impeachment, but haven't yet said so, this gives you the opportunity to come out.

If you think impeachment is wrongheaded, today will probably allow you to stay against it.

Mueller's day begins in Rayburn at 2141 at 8.30 a.m. The House Judiciary is up first, and then House

Intel. Judiciary is expected to last three hours, roughly, in Intel around two or so.

This should be all over by mid to late afternoon.

Heather Kagle and Sarah Ferris note that Speaker Nancy Pelosi's impeachment blockade

faces its biggest test yet with Mueller's testimony.

The New York Times questions whether the Mueller hearing will be a turning

point, and the Washington Post reports that Democrats have struggled to unearth major findings about Trump

since the party took power in January. Here are some dynamics we're watching for, based on extensive

conversations with top a's and lawmakers over the last few days. Watch for Republicans to try and delay the proceedings.

Mueller will be accompanied by his longtime chief of staff,

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