How a fateful July phone call led to Donald Trump’s impeachment vote

It began the day after Robert Mueller flopped. Dressed in a sober suit, the US special counsel investigating Russian election meddling finally broke his silence on July 24.

Appearing before a congressional committee, Mr Mueller walked politicians and the public through the most damning findings in his report, answering questions about his investigation for the first time.

Democrats hoped the moment would be the film version of the Mueller Report, a chance for his stark conclusions – not least the litany of episodes uncovered of Mr Trump’s alleged obstruction of justice – to be hammered home for a television audience.

They were wrong. Mr Mueller’s performance defied his image as a ruthless Vietnam…