"I know that I did not, and would not, ask for a resignation of any individual in order to interfere with or influence a particular prosecution for partisan political gain. I also have no basis to believe that anyone involved in this process sought the removal of a U.S. attorney for an improper reason."

Well, of course he has to say that. It's legalese for "I broke no law." Because, of course, he faces disbarment, jail, fines, sanctions if any of the above were true. Just making a mistake and apologizing is what he's hoping to get away with.

When we were children, we used to twist and squirm in the semi-truth like that, hoping to avoid punishment.