President Trump’s former personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, testified before the House Committee on Oversight and Reform on Wednesday, in what proved to be an unusual combination of politics and theater. While President Trump may have been the hearing’s intended target, Cohen himself proved to be the focal point.

For those who question my motives for being here today, I understand,” Cohen said. “I have lied, but I am not a liar. I have done bad things, but I am not a bad man. I have fixed things, but I am no longer your ‘fixer,’ Mr. Trump.”

Both Republicans and Democrats used their allotted time questioning Cohen to offer their own narratives regarding the disbarred lawyer. Republicans, who almost universally used their time to lament the proceedings and rehash Cohen’s previous offenses, worked hard to discredit the man, though in that effort it would seem they were not entirely successful. While within the conservative base, many may be inclined to dismiss Cohen’s testimony as that of an admitted perjurer, Cohen managed to escape the hearing with many outside the GOP claiming he seemed more credible than ever.

In fact, Cohen countered some attacks by saying he was simply doing what Republican lawmakers were doing in the hearing: trying to protect the president.