Michiana reacts to release of Mueller report

Mishawaka, Ind. —- The community was split on Thursday after the release of 400-page Mueller report.

The report authored by special counsel Robert Mueller captured the attention of the nation on Thursday. US Attorney General William Barr released a redacted version on April 18 which shows the findings of an investigation into Russian collusion with the 2016 presidential election. 

“I ain’t got no argument with it,” said Roger Jackson, who lives in Michigan. 

“It was very misleading,” said Robert Herron, who lives in the Michiana area. 

Jackson said the issue should be settled now that the report is out.

“Us people put him in it,” said Jackson. “We trust him that far why not trust him for the answer.”

Herron said more issues which concern President Trump’s actions have been raised in the report. 

“If we can’t trust the leader of our country, we’re in pretty bad shape,” said Herron. 

Indiana University South Bend Political Science Professor said the report does not settle the issue. 

She said for Republicans the report is evidence that there was no collusion. For Democrats, she said they are arguing that political appointees are now protecting the President. 

“We see each side trying to frame the story differently to suggest that in fact they were right all along,” said Dr. Bennion. 

Kyle Hupfer, Indiana GOP chairman, said the report shows what they’ve known the whole time. 

“The President both on the official side and the campaign has cooperated fully and has been completely exonerated,” said Hupfer. 

Hupfer provided the following statement for the Indiana GOP: 

"It's what we've known for a long time, which is that there was no collusion, no obstruction. The President both on the official side and the campaign has cooperated fully and has been completely exonerated. While I'm sure, you know, the loyal opposition is going to be crushed again by this fact - it's time for them to move on. Acknowledge the strength and the success of President Trump. And do what's best for the American people and continue to make America great again."

While St. Joseph County Democrats Executive Director Austin Matheny said the report hasn’t exonerated anyone. He said the public needs the entire report. 

“The best thing you can do is take this four hundred something page Mueller report and read it,” said Matheny.

The following is the full statement from St. Joseph County Democrats: 

"The Mueller report, in its redacted form, has not exonerated anyone and is being spun in a partisan fashion through misleading summaries and skewed press conferences. The report should be released in its entirety to allow our elected representatives the ability to review the full gravity of this situation. The entire report should be made available to the public to ensure voters are able to make educated decisions and have confidence in the election process in 2020. Anything less is a disservice to the American people."

The saga continues for Robert Mueller, his report and President Trump. Dave Orvis, who lives in Mishawaka, said the President should be left alone. 

Until then, he had one piece of advice for his fellow Americans.

“Watch it with an open mind,” said Orvis.