Because Barr was ready to retire (or was he already? and then asked to become AG, I think he is full auto no holds barred, if I can use a pun.
His facial expressions and use of words indicate a man who has nothing in his mind but absolute justice and everything else can be damned.
In the interview he mocked the idea of being remembered for the ages via odes, etc. IMO he cares about doing what’s right, not about reputation.
However, I may have to start working on an ode. Or 2, or more. Lots of heroes in this effort.
Republics have fallen because of Praetorian Guard comment by Barr:
JAN CRAWFORD: So it’s just as dangerous- So when we talk about foreign interference versus say a government abuse of power, which is more troubling?
WILLIAM BARR: Well they’re both, they’re both troubling.
JAN CRAWFORD: Equally?
WILLIAM BARR: In my mind, they are, sure. I mean, republics have fallen because of Praetorian Guard mentality where government officials get very arrogant, they identify the national interest with their own political preferences and they feel that anyone who has a different opinion, you know, is somehow an enemy of the state. And you know, there is that tendency that they know better and that, you know, they’re there to protect as guardians of the people. That can easily translate into essentially supervening the will of the majority and getting your own way as a government official.
That's exactly what is needed. Somebody who is willing to wade into the deep water and doesn't care if he gets his boots wet.