Think about how much reddit et. al. worshipped Elon or Rowling, and how quickly and completely that adoration disappeared as soon as they put one toe out of line and became the enemy du jour.

Absolutely true. I was sure the same thing would happen with Mueller. And yet when he found no 'collusion', the Mueller sub on Reddit actually accepted it. I actually posted a compliment on their sub because they did.

Of course, you're probably right that retaining the respect of both sides it is a pipe dream. They can try to smear anyone. An yet, it's much harder to smear someone who isn't an avowed partisan like Gaetz. For comparison: imagine that they had appointed Maxine Waters instead of Mueller.

There is a reason Elon and Rowling have been instrumental in the past few years. Because while they fooled some people some of the time, they couldn't fool all people. The same will be true of a Republican who does his job fairly, if there is someone, while also having everyone's respect.

Also worth considering: I thought that Marco Rubio and Waltz were worthless picks. But they've done a fine job so far. Of course, they are on a far shorter leash than a special counsel would be. Still, the corruptibility of these people cuts both ways, they can also sell out establishment pieties for advancement.