Opie - I don't necessarily think Mueller was caught off guard, but I do think he had already decided that he did not want to be there, that his report was complete and there was nothing more that he could add. I'm not sure if he played that up a notch just to prove his point or if he just held fast to his previous statements. I think the Dems mistakenly thought he would be a bit more chatty and sort bring the report to life. He did answer yes and no to some very important questions. He stuck to his guns though and did not elaborate on much of anything.
As to the second question, I'd have to say the opposite of your statement about "deep down...." I'd say deep down I'm very optimistic that the Dems will nominate the right person to prevent a 2nd term. None of us can really know and there are so many things that can happen between now and then. It's going to be an interesting ride.
Impeachment is tricky. On the one hand it is the duty of Congress to bring impeachment and it could be dangerous in the future if they do not. I'm not in favor of it though, because the result will not benefit anyone. The focus needs to be on winning the election.
The best way to be rid of Trump is to vote him out, by a landslide.
I think you are very intelligent as well and I respect the manner in which you communicate your opinions, whether I agree with them or not.