more pragmatic members of congress, too many find political safety on the base. and they listen too much to the fringe elements of the base. >> more of the political center, you are all retiring. so you have announced, of course, you were not running for re-election. but you also just said you're going to leave earlier than a lot of folks anticipated. what changed for you, congressman? >> well, since i announced in september, i've been exploring various professional opportunities, and it just seems that, you know, those discussions have progressed and i have not finalized anything, i prefer to make those final decisions when i'm out of congress rather than when i'm in. >> i think a lot of people would respect that and appreciate that. focus on the job at hand first, if you would. you are one of the house sponsors of the bill to protect robert mueller, the special counsel -- this special counsel and the russia investigation. here's what the president said about firing him. here is what he said just yesterday. listen to this. >> they have been saying i'm