Rod Rosenstein has served for 27 years, the longest ever, in the U.S. Justice Department. He is a man of sterling reputation among all parties. His criticism of James Comey, which formed the bulk of the "evidence" trump used to justify his firing of the FBI chief was workmanlike and thorough.
But as the New York Times points out in the text noted below, Comey's poor handling of the Clinton matter had nothing to do with why the firing was mandated. It was Trump's own growing rage was responsible. That is validated by many sources, found in today's Koch-sponsored Avios column by Mike Allen.
Hero call
The NY Times editorial is a plea for Rosenstein to become the hero of the present act in the drama of Trump and Russia.
Pressure is growing to appoint an independent special prosecutor who can sort out all the morass of material on whether there was collusion in the interplay of Trump forces and Russia affecting the 2016 election. All America has expressed a desire for this outcome. Pressure is growing but there are legal matters that must be understood.
The law
A special prosecutor can only be appointed by the Attorney General. Because Jeff Sessions, under a cloud, had to vacate (aka recuse himself from anything to do with) the Russia matter, Rosenstein is now in the Acting AG. The matter has exactly to do with Russia. Rosenstein is thus the only person with the power to name someone who can credibly pursue questions regarding Trump and Russia, wherever they may lead.
Trump overreach
It may be strange to interject this but Trump might be the biggest beneficiary of a process involving a special prosecutor. Such legal processes are notoriously slow. He could barrel along as if nothing was happening. But we know from past history that he is not likely that do more than reacting in the moment.
At the moment things appear to be closing in on him.
The plot thins
Instead of thickening, the plot is thinning. The nation will soon know whether centering on Rosenstein was a good idea. It is entirely possible that Trump if he reads the NY Times has already fired the Acting Attorney General which would set off a monster news frenzy, just what Trump thrives on.
Blew it?
It is equally possible that Rosenstein being no fool will act ASAP, knowing the writing is on the wall. If he can act quickly enough, before the bounce comes, he will have no trouble finding work. If he tries to tough it out and does not act after being urged by millions to step up, he will doubtless be fired and be remembered as a man who had a chance and blew it. That doesn't seem likely.
