I think it probably is a part of the plan.
I agree with you 100%. I told someone the same thing last night, but I added one more part: the middle 10% of voters in this country (who sit on the fence and decide elections) are fed up with the bickering in DC, and just want government to do something useful for people (lower the cost of …).
The Dems are doing anything but that.
By McConnell saying that he will get it over with quickly, the middle 10% approve of him (and therefore, Republicans).
Then the Dems will howl and say it isn't fair unless it is drawn out.
So, McConnell says, "Okay, we will give you what you are insisting on. We will go slow and dig in."
Then the middle 10% of voters get even more angry with the Dems, and Republicans get the full, slow trial without being blamed for wasting taxpayer time with investigations.