That, however, creates its own complexities for Pelosi, given the position she has taken. If the effect of Mueller’s public remarks last week was to increase calls for impeachment, including among Democratic presidential hopefuls, might a long hearing mean even more?

If so, that would create an even tougher challenge for a speaker trying to hold together the most liberal Democrats while attempting to retain the ability to reach more moderate voters.

Bringing Mueller before members of Congress also means bringing them before Republicans, however, and Nadler and the rest of the House majority also must decide whether to give the minority members that opening.