previous confirmation hearing that is more similar to today than 1971. senator leahy asked you about the confirmation of richardson. pr nixon's nominee to be attorney general. that confirmation took place in the context of a similarly divided period in american history where there was great concern over the -- at that point ongoing watergate investigation. richardson reassured the country by making some important commitments during his confirmation hearing before this committee. then senator strom thurmond asked richardson if he want add special prosecutor is would shield no one. and prosecute regardless of any way, shape or form. richardson responded exactly. do you want special counsel mueller to shield no one and prosecute the case regardless of who is affected? >> i want special counsel mueller to discharge his