I wish Schumer would resign as the minority leader in the Senate. He is not effective in his leadership role. He should criticize McConnell for making the Senate a "graveyard" and for the growing Federal debt created by the Republicans.
I find it ironic that King supported the IRA who were mainly criminals and responsible for the murder of numerous people. One man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter.
His legacy will be tarnished by his support of Trump. The nation has a leader who has serious mental issues and has created a major constitutional crisis. King and the rest of the Republicans fail their oath of office to defend the Constitution.
2
Many years ago Newsday, the Long Island newspaper, ran an article detailing the nasty and abusive manner in which Mr. King replied to his constituents' concerns, including cursing at them. I do not live in his district but I can still say "Good riddance" and I hope the people in his district replace him with someone who is respectful and responsive to their inquiries.
6
What does "seasoned moderate lawmaker" mean? Really?
Recently on the eve of announcing his retirement, he has been mouthing GOP gaslighting talking points saying that Trump did nothing wrong or impeachable. Gaslighting, bullying, scapegoating, and voting to take people's health care away is not my definition of "moderate."
My hope is that the retirement of King, who does have a good nose for political trends, is confirmation that he views his prospects as grim. He should be motivated by shame and embarrassment at how their political party has transformed from making convoluted excuses for supporting horrible hurtful policies for the past several decades, into a party that now shamelessly embraces right-wing extremism, xenophobia, racism, and a concerted campaign to obliterate science and truth.
Sadly, no Republican seems to be capable at this point of shame. Helping to thwart the legal and constitutional process of impeachment, this notorious nationalist king of xenophobia is now on the side of Putin.
5
Peter King was a blight on New York politics. He will be little missed.
4
Fabulous! - Another Putin Republican gone! One less complicit politician "Making Russia Great Again!"
7
How can an honest Congresswoman or Congressman state, before hearing the testimony of witnesses in the impeachment inquiry, that (he) will "...use his final months in office to vote against articles of impeachment...?" If this were a jury selection, he would be immediately disqualified wouldn't he? He's right that the political environment in Washington is toxic, but it seems that he exemplifies that same toxicity.
9
He could stand up and defy Trump. No guts.
9
Peter King will use his last months in office to support the re-election prospects of the president and vote against the impeachment resolution in the house. I'm assuming he will do so no matter what the evidence shows, as he is a member in good standing of the corrupt Nassau County Republican machine. His daughter threw him under the bus when she moved to the Carolinas, preventing her anointment as his successor, a Nassau GOP playbook scheme that happens regularly. Omar is right; good riddance.
11
Good riddance -- should have happened years ago.
8
Another spineless Republican jumping ship. Shameless Trump lackey.
7
Fleas leaving a sinking Rat.
Excellent.
6
He knows he will not win reelection so he is getting out while the getting is good. I wish the other Republicans were so wise. He is detested in New York. For good reason.
6
The absolute moral cowardice of people like Peter King is the reason why nothing at all gets done in Washington.
He's worse than the far right nut squad in the "freedom caucus", because he's ostensibly smart enough to know better and doesn't represent a deep red district like most in his party.
But it's always been more than enough for him to simply hide out in the background and once every few years stick his head out to offer some anodyne, mild rebuke to the latest outrage coming from the GOP.
He's a nonentity who accomplished nothing but to keep his seat warm in congress. People like him are appalling and a disgrace to the office.
He won't be missed, and will leave no legacy.
10
The country is a freer place as a result and Muslims can rest an bit easier. Peter King was and is a stain on this country and everything it stands for. One more racist Republican. Goodbye forever.
6
Further evidence Republicans know 2020 is going to be their political tsunami.
He knows he would have faced long years in the minority, getting his only jollies as he does being one of the foremost camera and microphone hogs on Capitol Hill.
He is leaving because he knows his suburban district could well throw him out next year if he doesn't go now.
11
Don’t let the door slam behind ya Pete. Good riddance. Long Island deserves better.
13
Just remind Long Islanders why their taxes went up.
DJT and his GOP hit New Yorkers (and Californians) hard by limiting their SALT deductions!
Long Islanders will be begging for a Democrat to replace King to rescind Trump's Tax Cuts for the Rich.
13
From five years ago:
Rep. Peter King (R-NY) went on an extended rant about President Barack Obama’s decision to wear a tan suit during a statement about the terrorist group ISIS he delivered on Thursday at the White House.
“There’s no way any of us can excuse what the president did yesterday,” King said on NewsMaxTV on Friday.
11
@A Thomas
Incredible, isn't it, especially in light of what Trump has been up to for the last three years.
And that wasn't done "tongue in cheek", the GOP outrage was real.
If I recall, they also made a stink about Obama in the Oval Office in "casual clothes" on the weekends with his aides.
Good thing he wore a tie with that tan suite, that's probably the only thing that stopped them from starting an impeachment investigation.
4
What a hypocrite! He blamed the toxicity in Washington yet was a proud supporter of the Irish Republican Army. A terrorist group that caused the deaths of over two thousand. A bigot who used 9/11 to demonize Muslims everywhere. He vows to vote against impeachment before hearing the evidence. Good riddance to a politician with no class or credibility.
12
One less racist in Congress! Progress.
21
The list continues to grow and I could not be happier! VOTE!
12
I love when a guy says he wants to spend more time with his children. I’m 10 years younger than King and we had a son later in life. He’s 32. That would put this imposter’s children near 50. I’m sure they’ll have a great time at the playground. PB
11
@pbilsky I understand what you are saying but to be fair (even if King may not understand "fair") he stated that he wanted to also be with his grandchildren.
Either way, you can write in "coward" on his resume. Seems most GOP are leaning that way. Mr. McCain was a shining example of courage. Shame that other GOP members can't carry the torch for him instead of Mr. Bone Spurs.
4
"...The difficulties of coordinating his Thanksgiving and Christmas travel plans..."
I feel your pain. With only 200 days off per year, it must be really tough.
16
Wait......
He hasn't seen or heard the evidence.
He has not seen the charges.
But he's made up his mind?
Don't complain about process.
Riddance.
13
Please be aware that Michael Bloomberg hosted a fundraiser for Peter King during his 2018 campaign. He chose to support King rather that Democrat Liuba Grechen Shirley. Keep that in mind as he considers running for president as a Democrat.
7
King’s crusades against Muslims and immigrants may have played well with many white Suffolk Country voters, but the GOP’s end to SALT deductions was like a terrorist attack on their pocketbooks. And whatever the GOP may say about reining in local taxes, in the land of $200,000 per year cops, those now non deductible property taxes aren’t going anywhere. King can thank his fellow Republicans for his early retirement; it was they who decided they could afford to forfeit seats in coastal states
34
Clearly it is time for Mr.King to go when he has advised Trump that he will vote against impeachment. Before the impeachment hearings begins. Before he hears the witnesses including their cross-examination.A tribunal member with a closed mind. A sad legacy for the exiting Mr.King.
13
Good thing that he is leaving. I mean..calling Trump to assure him that he will vote against articles of impeachment BEFORE HEARING the EVIDENCE. Good riddance.
14
Not a moment too soon. Really drain the swamp.
7
Actually Peter, your place in history is now Toxic because your have repeatedly failed to uphold your oath, especially to your NY constituents.
7
This man opposed health insurance for my wife who was being treated for cancer not to mention twenty million others.
He came close to being booted out of office last election.
I for one am glad to see him go. The more like him that depart the better off our country will be.
49
Another coward supporter of Trump, who will retire then upholding the oath they took to be in the congress.
King and likes of him gave us Trump; I would never forgive them for hurting this beautiful country.
35
Peter King has been, in my view, an exemplary public servant for most of his twenty eight years in the House. However, his support of the current sitting president makes little to no sense in light of the real (not alternative) facts being aired in the impeachment depositions. What hold does Trump have over him, Lindsay Graham, and the other Trump supporters? Or is there pressure from the Republican National Committee? What does Peter King owe, and to whom is it owed? What is being held over his head? What threats have been made? Whoever succeeds him, be it a Republican or a Democrat, needs to represent the best interests of his or her constituents rather than the best interests of a political party. When an elected official misplaces his or her allegiance, then it’s time for that official to go. And it appears that Mr. King fully understands this. What a waste of a legacy!
10
@Unaffiliated Those who run for public office should not be allowed to accept contributions from PACs, corporations or any other shady contributors. It is clear to many that it is these "entities" to whom many in public office owe their allegiance, not to the Constitution.
1
Schumer calling King principled is enough for me to hope he ,Schumer, gets a primary challenger. I wish Schumer would have defend Obama with such zeal as he does King.
28
@Steven McCain Yes, that made me sick. In a time like today where the country is in its' greatest threat since the Civil War Schumer should have pointed out how King turned and became a stooge, lackey for the alleged serial criminal Trump.
15
Impeachment became a means to get Sanders and Warren off the campaign trail by requiring them to be a jury member. How convenient. Opens the door for Biden to campaign without the other two front runners. Yeah, I’m jaded by the last election.
2
King hasn’t yet heard all the evidence yet he assures DJT he will vote against the Articles of Impeachment and support Trump’s re-election.
That sentence told me everything I need to know about King. That will become his legacy.
14
Every single Republican Senator and House member should follow King and resign. The GOP has allowed a con man and criminal to take over their party and have defended him every day as he actively seeks to destroy our democracy.
It’s unforgivable. There is no redemption for these people.
22
He helped create the toxic environment and now is running away from it. Recognizing a Republican is quite easy. They look like King.
15
Now Lee Zeldin, my Congressperson who represents the Eastern part of Suffolk Country, should take the hint and resign too. He doesn’t care about the opinions of those of us on the East End, in regard to immigration, environmental protection, women’s rights, LGBQ rights, etc. He never holds a town hall meeting here and takes support from Steve Bannon and the Mercers. A real Trumpster! Not my kind of guy!
22
Rather than turn tail and run and retire, I wish some Republicans would stand up for our country and against trump.
13
Schumer's comment that "He’s been principled & never let others push him away from his principles" was not praise. King's xenophobic principles are immoral.
7
Glad he's leaving, to my view he always stood for bigotry, fascism, and supporting the terrorism of the IRA. He never produced any policies that I could view as helpful to Americans, and he was in power for too long. With luck, his constituents will finally see reason and elect a Democrat in his place.
17
@Dan Stackhouse We tried in 2018 and came within 6 points of beating him. His challenger, Liuba Grechen Shirley got no support from the DCCC . Many of us who live in CD02 are overjoyed that he is retiring and will work hard to elect a democrat in 2020!
2
Peter King is leaving because he would be toast when he votes not to impeach his sports buddy Trump.When they booed Trump at recent outing with King at the Garden King knew his days were numbered.
19
I wish he would follow his Great Leader to Florida. New York would be so better off air quality wise.
15
Good riddance. What a hypocrite. Time and again, the things he criticized Obama for doing are just fine when Trump does it. Trump's trillion dollar deficit??? No problem with Peter King.
24
Peter King is my congressman and I have been calling his office routinely, encouraging him to put principle over party. Wouldn't it be a breath of fresh air if he condemned the lawless actions of the President? Supporters cite Mr. King's integrity—let's see some.
Peter King's legacy, unless he corrects course, will be stained by his unwavering support for Donald Trump.
51
@Signy Emler. Often Republican congressmen once they leave office or announce their retirement start to sound much more reasonable because they no longer have to lie on a daily basis. I suppose we'll see what Mr. King does.
3
How can he say he'll vote against impeachment when there have so far been no open hearings, no public testimony from witnesses either for or against, and no specific articles of impeachment drawn up? That sounds like pure politics to me.
22
I wrote to Representative King about the impeachment rules vote. I didn’t change his mind about that vote, but I’m elated to think that my letter might have made some tiny contribution to his decision to GO AWAY.
11
As a resident of a neighboring district, this is the best news of the day. It is long past time that this xenophobic, sycophantic, embarrassment leave the scene. He voted against the inquiry and only voted against the disastrous tax bill because he knew that his party had the needed votes. He is a product of the corrupt Town of Hempstead Republican machine. Liuba Shirley came within six points of beating him last time. Here’s hoping that the Democrats are able to capture this seat- it won’t be easy.
20
@Stew I live in CD02. Liuba announce today that she is considering running for King's seat. I hope she does because I think she could win this time around. Run Liuba run!
3
I’m old enough to remember when Peter King had a backbone; then he met the short-fingered vulgarian. Could have stood up, but chose not to.
15
The fact that he assured Trump, without the benefit of the upcoming hearings from our foreign service officers, that he would vote against impeachment is all you have to know about why he doesn't belong in our government any longer. Good riddance to another republican who refuses to defend our Constitution. Take your cultists with you please so we can get back to strengthening our democracy.
20
Unfortunately Peter King tainted his legacy by blindly supporting the Trump agenda. It is too bad that an otherwise good record as a Congressman will be forgotten. His fault though, no one to blame than himself.
7
Peter King once had integrity, and then he met Trump and the real Peter King was exposed. Now he runs away, and we can only be glad for that. Maybe now LI will elect someone who fully represents them, and not a shill for the ugliest elements of the Republican Party.
19
Two words SALT CAP! His blind love for the GOP destroyed his constituents. When the house can count on your vote all of the time, you will have no voice when your constituents actually need something.
10
Good riddance to this “moderate” Republican who won’t even consider impeachment of the President.
7
Who said Peter King was a moderate?
Who at the newspaper decides to throw these terms around?
7
@Sherif It means he doesn't want to return us to the 1830s only the 1930s, that is the difference,
2
I love these republicans who are likely going to lose in 2020 and are using their families as a reason to retire. How noble after 30 years and in your extreme twilight, you are putting them first.
The only thing people will remember King for is backing the most bigoted, racist, homophobic President we have ever had. The current GOP may just be the end to the greatest democracy and his handprints, Fox soundbites and hypocrisy are smudged all over it.
14
Good riddance.. He is running from the toxicity he help create, encouraged and found comfort in...what an ironic statement.
Faux (Fox) News.. Here he probably comes.. Or he may wind up on Trump's re-election campaign.
10
Whatever became of the alleged Muslim recruitment in jails, as Peter King claimed and launched an investigation with great fanfare? His legacy is..well...nothing.
22
Peter King was a waste of time and money for the American people. Basically another Republican fraud trying to speak out of both sides of his mouth.
20
Good Riddance, he voted against the will of about 90% of New Yorkers to proceed with the impeachment proceedings.
The GOP needs to represent their constituents and the rule of law, etc. etc. The GOP will soon need to find another line of work.
18
He says will vote against impeachment. Does he mean no matter what evidence of high crimes and misdemeanors may be revealed in the upcoming weeks? How about not politicizing the issue, Mr. King?
26
Have to believe this is a very nice Veterans Day present for Jackie Gordon who has spent decades defending our country and is the likely democratic nominee.
6
We all know why he is leaving. If he ignores the evidence, and doesn't vote to impeach Trump, he stands no chance in the general election. But if he does impeach Trump, some true loony will primary him.
5
Well at least he's retiring. My representative, Elise Stefanik , is in her 30s, a Trump supporter and always sides with her Republican overlords. May Kong's constituents have a chance for a no- Trumper representative to replace King.
5
Can anybody enlighten me as to where to find out their pensions and what happens to the campaign "contributions" of our beloved Congresspeople?
Thank you!
3
When Republicans retire it’s another way of saying they don’t want to try and defend Trump. They have calculated that it is easier to retire than to come out against Trump, even if the result is the same.
6
I once admired Representative King. He was tough but humane, a true American but worldly all the same, thoughtful but also blunt when required.
Then Barack Obama was elected, and like so many Republicans (Mitch McConnell at the top of the list) King seemed to change right before our eyes.
He was a tough, blunt, American still; but overnight the thoughtful, humane, worldly dimension of true character disappeared.
I do not know if the pressure to change came from people like Mitch, when he announce that there would never be ANY coordination with Obama even when there was mutual interest and agreement. Or, if the pressure came from somewhere inside King; or perhaps both.
But to my mind, he ceased to be a man of character in politics, and simply became yet another politician in the GOP era of Mitch. An era which coughed up Donald Trump.
I do however genuinely hope Mr. King enjoys his retirement with his family.
19
@Paul McGlasson Pressure of McConnell or maybe it could be....pigment?
Definitely was NOT the deficit as it’s ballooned under Trump.
4
King's district neighbors my own, and I have many friends under the age of 40 who live there who are *elated* that he's leaving. Hopefully in 2020 this district can flip blue. Having nothing positive to say about the man, I'll just leave it at that.
59
@Brenna Many of us over 40 in King's district are elated, too!
3
In the end, King’s legacy will always be his staunch support of Trump, the president who just can’t do enough to hurt New York and New Yorkers. It’s ironic that like Trump, King grew up in Queens, the most diverse county in the United States, because we all know how much the president loves diversity.
116
He has a long record of doing good. His centrism on some issues, willingness to cross the isle, and promotion of his district's interest make him someone to model in those aspects of the job. However, he has also been divisive, particularly regarding immigrants. Much of his rhetoric can be hateful, and not reasoned. Also, he seems to believe impeachment is something never, ever to be attempted. If he cannot recognize the egregious behavior in the executive branch, and it's negative impact on our constitutional framework, then he is not really willing to defend the idea of our system, let alone the framework. I am not sorry to see him go.
62
Despite his imperfection, there were times when King worked across the aisle. That portion of him was okay. However his fealty to other issues, and now his subservience to, and loyalty with Trump's continued corruption at any cost for Trump's personal, financial benefit, could be a gain and no loss.
10
The Republicans in Congress who are leaving rather than oppose Trump have no spine.If they did they would stand up to Trump and represent their constituents and be true to their oath to protect and defend the United States.Walking away from a fight is easier then confronting the bully who will still be there long after you have gone.I hope all of their seats are taken by Democrats who will defend the Constitution.
56
“When the word ‘impeachment’ was used, there was a quiver, a hesitation — just using the word just shook people up,” he added. “And now there’s none of that.”
Well duh? Americans have seen and heard the evidence and it's clear, damning, and overwhelming. The head shaking has stopped and with heavy hearts the process must play out to its logical conclusion.
37
@N8t True. When the word "impeachment" was uttered in 1998 and it was so blatantly obvious that it was being used as a political bludgeon, the word "impeachment" became a much less frightening word. Immediately all could see - though Republicans could never admit - that it had suddenly become "just another Republican dirty trick".... not a substantial element in our Constitution's checks and balances. No, we were going to rip the country apart for a (immature and ill-advised) dalliance between two consenting adults. Of course, concurrent with pursuing this, Republicans had to admit that six - six - of their own were currently caught in extramarital affairs too, including the current Speaker of the House and the Proposed Speaker of the House! But no, they needed to impeach to wash the stain of foolhardy behavior from the Oval Office - a stain that had been there through the affairs of how many previous presidents!
4
In 2018 King ran against an unknown Democrat with no political experience. The election was relatively close. It’ no secret that suburbs are trending away from Republicans. In 2020 King was going to face a more politically experienced woman with long time military experience. Retirement seemed far smarter than the strong possibility of defeat. The neighboring district rep and always Trump supporter Lee Zeldin days in office are likely (and hopefully) very numbered.
82
Of course King’s reasons for leaving are personal. But I can’t help but see this as an internal referendum on Donald Trump, as well as on the state of the GOP as a whole. It will be interesting to see how many of those running for election or re-election begin to quietly distance themselves from the President, if not tell him point-blank to steer clear of their campaign events — they don’t want or need his “help.”
Tuesday was a bellwether. Trump may be a huge liability to his party in 2020, and some are opting to head for the exits now, rather than sticking around to see how this sad show ends.
12
Peter King will always be remembered in Ireland for working on a cross-party basis with President Clinton to get a visa for Gerry Adams of Sinn Fein to be able to visit the US. This started to help get people talking and to create a way forward for dialogue. This ultimately created conditions for the Good Friday Agreement.
While not agreeing with his views on immigration or climate change, I think we have to thank him for his work toward peace on this island.
A more detailed account of this here: https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/people/king-of-the-hill-changes-his-tune-1.576913
11
@gf
we live in America Glad he could help you
he's running from the hard choices he faces here. Nothing but a political coward
13
@gf Yes, but Gerry Adams and most of Ireland are white. That’s why he was helpful. Ask a few AMERICANS of color how great he’s been for them and bringing people here in the states together.
He reunites Ireland and starts a second Civil War here. Fabulous work, King.
And can we get an accurate count on just how much time these GOP sprinters actually spend with the family after they run away from their patriotic duties to stand up to foreign interference in our elections (twice). Ryan rings a bell!
12
@gf
I do not subscribe to Mr. King’s politics at all, save his apparent support for a peaceful Ireland free of English rule.
The article at your link is interesting because it brings to the fore the dilemma with the IRA. To dismiss it as merely a terrorist organization, as the article does, is to dismiss Jefferson, Franklin, and Washington as terrorists as well. On the other hand, they clearly crossed a moral line, even among those who support armed struggle for freedom. I will forever be conflicted, as Rep. King is, even as I look forward to the same United Ireland.
What does it mean to most of Representative King's constituents?
Most New Yorkers don't even know who they US House of Representatives Representative is, let alone how he/she affects their lives.
An exception, of course is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who is very famous. Yet most New Yorkers couldn't tell how she will be different to each of her constituents than Representative King has been.
Bring back civics instruction and mock court to junior high schools! I think kids in grammer school might even get in on the training. People have to start undertanding how government affects their options in life!
26
King is no moderate, but a hard-line anti-immigrant Trump Republican. Now that he will not be running for re-election, he could do the honest thing and vote to impeach Trump. But he has already ruled that out. And what will happen to his estimated million-dollar campaign war chest? Will he return it to the donors?
47
@Historian He is indeed a moderate, but a lifelong hardliner on immigration. This all or nothing, black and white labeling of politicians we disagree with is the very reason we have Trump as president and it has to stop. King believes impeachment should be used only under extreme circumstances. Like you, it is my view that Trump's attempted extortion of a foreign leader meets that criterion, but King obviously doesn't. It's important to remember he was one of the few Republicans in the House who voted against Clinton's impeachment too.
7
I wonder what Peter King had to say about the Enniskillen Bombing, where the IRA claimed it was targeting a Remembrance day Parade and killed dozens of civilians. Even had the bomb exploded when the parade was going by, the civilians would have been there and were obviously among the targets.
Or Omagh- where there no military or police targets?
Funny how the IRA supporters, including Peter King, went silent here in the States after 9/11, when terror strikes no longer seemed quite so funny.
12
@Lefthalfbach
The IRA crossed a moral line. I wonder what Rep. King had to say about all of the horrific acts of the Unionists and their English patrons. He, like you, chose sides in a war with no clean hands. By the way, the unionists are to this day still building walls to confine the Catholic population. There’s something a bit more current about which you can be outraged.
1
@Dan
Well, contrary to your not unreasonable assumption, I carry no brief for the Unionists. They are bad guys. They killed indiscriminately and of course I know that they brutally discriminated against the Catholics. But the Kings of the World sicken me.
As for the Orangmen- they're totally nuts and the Tories have just thrown them under the bus. It's pathetic the way they blather on about the Union when nobody really wants to be in Union with them.They all ought to emigrate to canada or some other kindred country.
But at least their supporters over here- and I know full well that they have them- do not take a high moral line about supporting their killers, nor do they march on the 12th-not in any serious way, nor do they hide behind organizations like "...Noraid..."..
And what exactly do you mean by taking the Holier-than-thou position that "...the IRA crossed a moral line..." at Enniskillen or Omagh? It is easy to say things like that. Did that stop you from donating?
As for current days in NI? The hard men on both sides are getting ready for a fight. The IRA are kneecapping people in Derry every week. And, of course, they killed that girl while trying to kill a polic officer. And they have tried to kill multiple other pother police officers.
As for the UDA/UVF- thugs to a man, and I know it.
having said that, when you and your pals have a couple and start singing the old songs, do you ever sing one about Scullabough?
I doubt it.
I have written, emailed, and called Congressman King nearly daily during the travesty that is the Trump presidency. As someone who supports law enforcement, the 9/11 responders, and Veterans, it boggled my mind that he could blindly or knowingly aid and abet the incompetence, lawlessness, treason, and clear violations of Trump’s oath of to support and defend the Constitution. My husband left the Republican Party, I campaigned for his last opponent, Liuba Grechen Shirley, and waited endlessly for a sincere listening to his constituents. When he appeared beside Trump at a recent wrestling match, I gave up hope for him. Alas, retiring is the only way out of this Trump nightmare for many of senior GOP. Such a shame, the taint of Trump’s treason on public servants.
165
@Lisa Hoffma I agree completely. King has done his legacy irrevocable damage by hitching himself to our delusional narcissistic sexual predator in chief!
17
“When the word ‘impeachment’ was used, there was a quiver, a hesitation — just using the word just shook people up,” he added. “And now there’s none of that.”
Here's the thing this Republican politician—like so many others—is conveniently ignoring: every single American who understands and values the way this country has worked since its inception have been quivering and hesitating for the last three years, watching Trump dismantle our republic.
After three years of Trump's inciting hate and undermining our democracy, there really isn't much quivering left to be done. As Trump—who took the presidency despite winning millions fewer votes than his opponent—has blown past the widespread public outrage, it's clear that the American people have only one tool left in their arsenal, and it's called impeachment. Why would we hesitate now?
60
Cumulative FY19 Deficit: $984 billion
Cumulative FY18 Deficit: $779 billion
Elimination of SALT deduction cost your constituents tens of thousands of dollars
Fleeing your district in droves.
Enjoy your fat government pension...
93
Better yet if there were term limits on every government post, whether they won by vote or by appointment.
There is a term limit on a president but none on a Supreme Court Justice or a member of Congress.
What would I set the limit at?
There are 2 terms for a President --- why not everyone else?
Two terms, then they are out, and perhaps they can run again AFTER 10 years.... or maybe 20.
As for the judiciary, whether elected or appointed, 10 years, maybe 15 if you twist my arm, but no more and ALL lifetime judges are gone the first year the law is passed.
Only this year did I come to think this, and what changed was the Republican appointments of Federalist Society drones, hard-right-wingers who hate democracy and human rights.
We are now stuck with hundreds of them, and those are "lifetime positions".
Yes, go, leave. Glad to see you to your car, but allow me to point out that YOU, you older men that have stuck around forever, you are the ones who created this mess.
Sneak out the back door while you can.
And enjoy that fabulous retirement package you voted into law for yourselves.
I recall that Senator Margaret Chase Smith of Maine, all those decades ago, was the first retired Senator to haul out $1 MILLION dollars in her retirement.
No, sorry, I don't know what her final tally was.
Since you are retiring, Mr. King, perhaps you'll find the time to look that up.....?
19
It must have been tough walking around New York being a Trump sycophant.The line about him wanting to spend more time with his family should only work on people who think the world is flat.
52
As a former Long Islander, I say good riddance. Peter King represents diverse districts but has only looked out for his conservative white constituents. He should be ashamed of how he “served” the people of Suffolk County.
70
@GR As a constituent in his district, I couldn't agree with you more. I have noticed in the pass three elections, his margin of victory decreased.....I guess people were getting tired of not being represented.
29
"There are too many mosques in this country." -Peter King, 2007
"I doubt there is a member of Congress in modern history who has called for journalists to be criminally prosecuted more times than Peter King," -Trevor Timm, director of the Freedom of the Press Foundation
"Peter King is an Islamophobe who held McCarthyite hearings targeting American Muslims, said “there are too many mosques in this country” and blamed Eric Garner for his own death at the hands of police.
Good riddance." -Ilhan Omar, U.S. Congresswoman
....this is a leading example of the moderate Republican we spend so much time wishing for a return to?
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Adios and good riddance, Peter King.....I remember you criticizing President Obama for wearing a tan suit.....guess you're OK w/ a president and porn stars, huh? Or a president grabbing.....you know...... Or how about extorting a foreign country? Or not releasing your taxes? Oh.....
bye bye
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@Sandy Agreed, he tried to sometimes work across the aisle and on rare occasions disagreed or called out Trump but in the end he sold his soul to the devil to get re elected and supported the alleged serial criminal Trump.
It will forever be a black mark on his career in the House.
4
Clearly he has had enough of life down the rabbit hole. His constant defending of Trump is noxious and has eroded the respect he gained after 9/11. It's time for him to go before he gets sucked the Trump/Giuliani Vortex of Doom.
Peter King was as vociferous in his partisanship as anyone. He did very little to reach across the aisle to help create any sort of consensus other than extending the 9/11 First Responders medical act which people had to be shamed into voting for.
Perhaps he can now vote his conscience on the impending impeachment rather than being yet another Republican sycophant for the fat man wearing the disproportionate red tie.
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@Emile deVere "He said he called Mr. Trump on Sunday to inform him of his decision, assuring the president that he would vote against articles of impeachment and support his re-election bid."
7
Good riddance.
You will not be missed.
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Let us not forget that he was also a colossal Islamophobe.
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