CNN political commentator David Axelrod David AxelrodThe Memo: Warning signs flash for Trump on debates GOP hunts for leverage in revived COVID-19 talks Pelosi says there shouldn't be any debates between Biden and Trump MORE on Wednesday offered his take on Robert Mueller Robert (Bob) MuellerCNN's Toobin warns McCabe is in 'perilous condition' with emboldened Trump CNN anchor rips Trump over Stone while evoking Clinton-Lynch tarmac meeting The Hill's 12:30 Report: New Hampshire fallout MORE's performance during his much-anticipated congressional testimony, saying the former special counsel "does not appear as sharp" as he was six years ago.

"This is delicate to say, but Mueller, whom I deeply respect, has not publicly testified before Congress in at least six years. And he does not appear as sharp as he was then," Axelrod, who was a senior adviser to former President Obama, tweeted to his 1.1 million followers.

This is delicate to say, but Mueller, whom I deeply respect, has not publicly testified before Congress in at least six years. And he does not appear as sharp as he was then. — David Axelrod (@davidaxelrod) July 24, 2019

Axelrod's comments came during the first 90 minutes of Mueller's testimony before the House Judiciary Committee. He is slated to testify before the House Intelligence Committee immediately after the Judiciary hearing.

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In all, Mueller is expected to testify for at least five hours on Wednesday.

Republicans on the Judiciary Committee tore into Mueller with their questions and remarks about how he handled the 22-month Russia investigation. Some focused on the overall findings of his report, while others inquired about the investigation's origins.

Other media commentators were also critical of Mueller's initial performance at Wednesday's hearing.