The day after, the Democrats first go to diving station. Even the friendly TV cable channel MSNBC only gives a few short interviews. "We should rather look ahead," says Senator Mazie Hirono.
For almost two years, Donald Trump's critics had been looking forward to the final report of Russia special investigator Robert Mueller. Many had expected that Mueller would expose the US president - not only as accomplices of Moscow, but especially as criminal, incapacitated and illegitimate.
It came differently. On Sunday, Justice Secretary William Barr presented his brief summary of the Mueller findings. Thus, while he found plenty of evidence that Russia had manipulated the US elections in 2016, but none for a US plot with the Kremlin. When suspected of judicial disability by Trump Mueller remained indecisive - where Barr took away this decision and there was in doubt for the defendant.
SCALZO / EPA EFE / REX / Shutterstock
The Democrats, who had spent so much energy on another outcome, are now at a crossroads. Although Barr's four-page synopsis leaves many questions unanswered. Thus, the Mueller report - which remains secret - Trump apparently not free in all respects. That would have to be clarified, especially by the Congress, in whose House of Representatives the Democrats have the majority.
However, the triumphant headline that spreads the White House ("Total Relief!") Creates other realities, as much as it distorts the more complex truth behind it. For many Americans, the topic is now done. Complexities have little room in America's political debate anyway, as Trump has long recognized.
Mueller - the savior, who was not one - has taken the wind out of the sails of the Democrats overnight. And as so often, they are divided as to how it should go on.
Comment on the topic
The idea of impeachment is off the table anyway. Nancy Pelosi, the spokeswoman for the House of Representatives, had long warned the left wing of her party: Trump was not worth the national trauma. His destiny will now decide at the earliest in the presidential elections of 2020.
But the accusations against Trump do not want to let many drop by then. Especially as Barr - the Trump gave the absolution, after he was handpicked by him into office - remains suspect.
Leading Congressional Democrats are therefore calling for a full disclosure of the Mueller report next. "I will fight for this transparency," said Jerry Nadler, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee.
Barr assured on Sunday that he would publish as much as the law allowed. However, if Barr backs up or ultimately fails to convince the Democrats, they can take legal action - right up to the Supreme Court.
J. Scott Applewhite / AP
In addition, the Democrats are likely to summon both Barr and Mueller soon as witnesses. There are "worrying discrepancies and decision-making in the Ministry of Justice," which Barr must personally inform, so committee chief Nadler.
Mueller himself is still silent. Why did he refuse to hear Trump? Barr's summary leaves that open. And why was he unable to make a clear judgment on the hindrance of justice, even after 22 months?
At the same time, Democrats must be careful not to over-zeal their zeal. For example, in Congress they have already launched a number of other investigations against Trump and those around him that are not directly related to Russia. In addition, they have demanded countless files from the White House, from Trump's company and from acquaintances of the president - which they could now also label as "witch hunts".
Cliff Owen / AP
Robert Mueller
No wonder that the more than a dozen Democrats who are applying for a presidential candidacy for 2020 are at once noticeably restrained. They also demand a disclosure of the Mueller report, but avoid the subject otherwise rather, so as not to be drawn into the Washington spectacle.
"I hope that motivates us all to prefer to talk about issues that affect our daily lives," said Pete Buttigieg, one of the most hypocritical Democrat candidates on MSNBC. The party also "lost its way" in 2016 because it talked too much about Trump and too little on the voters.
That the Democrats but continue to talk about him, for Trump makes sure himself. His new campaign slogan for 2020 - he wants to try on Thursday before his base in Michigan - should drive them to the palm: "No conspiracy."