If you live in Texas vote for Beto
5
Bad tactic (utterly stupid approach)! Americans are more concerned about what the government is going to do to better the lives of Americans, like medicare, etc. They don't give a hoot about "impeachment".
5
A commenter mentioned Ralph Reed raising money by extolling evangelicals to protect the Donald from impeachment. I'm a little rusty on the New Testament but some prominent evangelical "Christian" leaders like Reed are behaving a lot like the Pharisee in the Temple who I'm pretty sure wasn't the hero of the parable.
4
What would be the point of impeaching Trump without a sufficient majority in the Senate to convict him? If Democrats succeeded in removing him from office without an ironclad criminal case against him, it would provide the Republicans with the equivalent of the Confederacy's Lost Cause to rally the faithful for years to come. Beyond that, we'd have replaced him with Mike Pence. With no better policies and a little less craziness, he might seem such an improvement that he'd get himself elected. Why save the Republicans from Trump?
4
I detest trump and think impeachment is actually too good for him. Jail time is what he deserves, IMHO. That said, it is not in our national interest and certainly not the interest of the Democrats to scream for his impeachment. Let Mueller's team do their work. If there were crimes, then go after whomever committed them. In the meantime, hold trump accountable for thumbing his nose at the emoluments clause, pass legislation that will prohibit another president from refusing to release his tax return, and vote out all of his republican enablers who are busy destroying our country's financial stability, environment, education system, etc. etc.
9
Republicans should love the idea that Democrats might impeach Trump. They would lose a thorn in their side and gain a true believer in Mike Pence.
1
High crimes and misdemeanors. A sure thing? Or would the Democrats be overplaying their hand? I fear the latter, that is, w/out some doozy of a problem with financing found as a result of revealing whatever is hidden in his still hidden irs tax records. As it is, Democrats snatched defeat from the jaws of victory in the 2016 Presidential campaign. They chased the morally righteous identity-politics path to the Oval Office and found out that the path led only to a holding area...
...keeping disparate liberal/left coalitions together while these same liberal/left NGO’s are by necessity criticizing the same majority that they need to win nation-wide? Well just parse that last sentence in its internal contradictions and you’ll see why at this turning point in American history, the Democrats have a mighty fine line to toe.
1
What does it say that we are about to endure a national political campaign that is actually based on whether or not a candidate will or will-not possibly vote to impeach the sitting president? Republicans who truly believe that this is the tact to take have no lower to go - are they not the least bit horrified and ashamed to have as their party leader a man who is even under consideration for impeachment? That is really the biggest selling point of any GOP candidate - "Vote for me because I won't impeach a possibly corrupt president"? This is beyond messed up.
5
Doesn't this tactic admit impeachment should be considered and Republicans are protecting him?
4
Sedition, a serious felony punishable by fines and up to 20 years in prison, refers to the act of inciting revolt or violence against a lawful authority with the goal of destroying or overthrowing it. Trump is nothing if not revolting.
4
Good governance is the issue that both R's and D's should focus on with this tempestuous, erratic, uneducated President.
Everyone is putting the cart before the horse. We don't know the extent of the reports coming from Mueller's investigation.
Am I completely unrealistic to hope that if there were overwhelming evidence of a conspiracy to defraud the 2016 election, that all members of Congress would be alarmed?
PS I wish Nancy Pelosi would do the dems a favor and, with dignity, hand the baton to someone younger. She is as much a lightening rod as impeachment.
2
Running on the theme of "Impeach Trump" is a definite winner..
However it is a winner for the Democrats rather than the Republicans.
What the GOP has failed to realize is that there are many Republican voters who want to show Trump the door ........ and as soon as possible.
I know quite a few of them. Many of them are now Independents.
Right here in CT. the strong Republican towns voted in 2016 for ........
Drum roll ........ Hillary Clinton.
Well educated, well off, and above average in intelligence voters put common sense ahead of party and did the only sensible thing in the privacy of their voting booths.
The GOP is desperate for any tactic they can dream up.
They are scrapping the bottom of their rancid barrel with this current ploy.
Bring it on. Impeach Trump. You bet!!!
Let us encourage correct thinking Republicans to send a message to the GOP by changing their registration to Democrat prior to the election this November.
Or register as an Independent, depending on strength of conviction.
After 2020 register again to whatever is preferred.
Or become an Independent.
It is all a matter of choice based on prevailing circumstances.
But this time around .......... Trump must go..
5
It would be foolish for the Democrats to seriously consider impeachment of President Trump when his poll ratings are at an all time high. The stock market is soaring, the job market is increasing, people are seeing fatter paychecks due to tax cuts and the economy is robust. The public is generally happy with the state of the nation and their lives are in a positive way.
The Democrats have no reason to impeach Mr. Trump except for the fact that he won the election which was not supposed to happen. He has committed no known crimes to date but has made America prosperous again. They did not want him to succeed and much to their chagrin he has beyond expectations.
If the Democrats do proceed with impeachment, it will hurt their political future which is already on thin ice. This move would aid the Republicans in the midterm elections and the moderates know this. They are desperate and are grasping at straws.
6
Tax breaks for billionaires while cutting education.
2
Are Republicans admitting that Trump has committed impeachable offenses and only Republicans can keep him from justice?
4
Perhaps we'll learn whether his supporters prefer rule of law, or rule by incompetent despot. Sad that we're testing that question.
4
When you have elected democratic officials calling for inpeachment it is something that one would have to consider when voting.
1
On the possibility of Congressional Democrats , Mark Lundberg, the former chairman of the Sioux County Republican committee, has this to say: “Impeachment for what? For being rude to them?"
When did gaslighting and "defining reality" become the SOP of our culture, as constant and reflexive as breathing?
Think of the heated and passionate exchanges in advance of the American Revolution, or during the Constitutional Convention. Can you even imagine the Founding Fathers engaging in such cynical and disingenuous distortions of reality?
Or FDR? JFK? Does it originate with Richard Nixon and his infamous "plausible deniability"? And cemented by Bill Clinton with his "It all depends on what the meaning of 'is' is"? (Neither party is immune.)
Just sickening that this kind of conceptual and cognitive bullying has become so widespread we barely notice it. The water in which we all swim.
2
GOP bluster. Let them try it - it won't work except among the red meat crowd.
That said, Democrats' position on impeachment should be "Let's wait until we have the full report from Mueller," and leave it at that.
3
Since Clinton's impeachment, I have begun to doubt it is an effective threat. Clinton lied to Congress, but in Trump's case, I wonder what "High Crime or Misdemeanor" they will accuse him of committing?
3
the Republican propaganda machine is very clever- they know how to inflame the "base." Take the Willie Horton campaign against Dukakis, and the Swift -boating fiction that discredited John Kerry's war experience. And FOX news is spreading its "alternative" facts EVERYWHERE, including on the screens in major airport terminals (Jet Blue at JFK, for example). I hope that Democrats can find a message that will eclipse whatever made up garbage the GOP will undoubtedly sell to its eager, gullible base. Facts and decency aren't very sexy.
1
I could easily seeing this approach by Republicans blowing up in their face. I can't imagine a stronger motivation to bring out Democrats. Given that more Democrats loath Trump than Republicans love him I can see this being a great strategy ..... for Democrats.
Personally, if I was a Democrat I'd make the counter argument that if Republicans retain the House and Senate Trump won't be impeached even if there is incontrovertible evidence he obstructed justice, conspired with Russians AND broke financial laws. Make the argument that Republicans are putting party and ideology ahead of patriotism by protecting a criminal.
3
If the shoe fits - wear it. Republicans - if the evidence justifies an impeachment proceeding partisanship goes out the window. Absent that, you will seal the further rapid decline of the Republican Party.
1
I’d like to see DT impeached, but I don’t like that sign with that big, hostile face and the word impeach in Times Square. It may satisfy Steyer but it enflames the GOP and their hostile dupes---and even Gop who are not big Trump supporters.
But why does Rep Steve Cohen think the ‘Mueller inquiry may never see the light of day’?
Ralph Reed’s paranoid message screams---stop a coup attempt by the anti Christian left and the media. Anti Christian? What about our separation of church and state, set up to avoid the religious conflicts of old Europe? What about our free press and 1st amendment?
So our rabid Republicans want domination by Christians and media they can control?
In a new book How Democracies Die, two political scientists say the guardrails of our democracy are being weakened. They explain how certain other world democracies with voting rights have turned authoritarian. But a push for impeachment and scorched earth tactics often plays into the hands of authoritarians, scares off moderates, and hardens opposition.
They quote experts—impeachment “is the heaviest piece of artillery in the congressional arsenal, and unfit for ordinary use” and “it can become a partisan tool for overturning election results.”
But on the other hand----- fill in the blank.
Dirty secret is that most true Conservatives would not mind impeachment at all. Before heading in that direction, one would be wise to scrutinize the then to be new President Pence. He is a TRUE BELIEVER, far to the right of Donald Trump. He would also be considerably more thoughtful and effective in utilizing his new powers in moving the country right-ward. So trade Tweets for stone cold Policy if you like, but if you do, "buyers remorse" may be right around the corner.
After impeachment, trial on charges of perjury, obstruction of justice ,tax evasion and probably others.
1
There is a historical parallel that's worth considering. At the end of World War I, Germany seemed to lose suddenly, with little of the war having been fought on its territory. Many Germans couldn't believe they really lost. That fed into conspiracy theories that led to Nazism and World War II. The lesson I draw from this is that if Trump is to be impeached, it should be in a very long process where every impeachable thing he has done is made clear to the public. If it's a rushed thing, it will have frightening consequences for the country. Our democracy is pretty shaky right now.
1
It would be wonderful to rid ourselves of Trump and all that he represents so we can start to repair the damages and restore the country and hope in our future. However, getting rid of Trump means Pence becomes POTUS. Unlike Trump, we just don't fully know what Pence is thinking but we do know he would steer the country further to the right.
The best solution is to restore democrat control to one or both chambers in order to slow down the process of Republican rot.
1
Republican representative Patrick McHenry says moderate American voters do not “want to put people in power that are going to create complete chaos and in essence shut down any potential legislative progress.”
Oh, you mean Republicans?
2
Did I not read this article, in fact most of this paper previously?
2
90 percent of workers are NOT getting tax cuts. They are getting lowered FIT withholding by means of the rushed withholding tables employers were forced to use following the December coup. Those tables don't incorporate all of the tax law changes, so the big paychecks are falsely high. Recently IRS released a five-page mind-boggling worksheet for people to use to fix their W-4. Supposedly going through this effort, signing and submitting to your employer, will fix the under-withholding problem. How many employees and retirees are going to do that, or even know that they should? Republicans will in large part get to trumpet that 90 percent of workers got tax cut until next tax filing season, a year from now and long after the mid-term elections.
1
The Republicans, over years, have normalized UNequal under the law, culminating with an acceptance among many of them that a criminal President is okay as long as he's a Republican criminal.
Democrats must first learn to message. It's vital in these next couple of years. Then they should find simple and affecting language to target promise of equal application of laws in America that is unfortunately turned upside down for blacks, women, and Democrats when Republicans hold power.
1
Coupled with Republican mid term losses, impeachment would do all of us a favor.
2
I seriously resent the comment about Maxine Waters. It uses racist thinking that probably is characteristic of the GOP as it is presently constituted. I have never met Maxine but I have seen her on television and she is quite bright.
3
Ah yes, yet another story on the nervous handwringing and fretting by Democrats that somehow, suggesting impeaching the most venal, corrupt, broadly unpopular and mistrusted First term President since the invention of the Telegram, somehow this is a dangerous strategy. Yes, such crackerjack thinking by the same folks who brought you Walter Mondale, John Kerry and Hillary Clinton (twice!) is sure to lead to a glorious Blue victory in November.
To use a sports metaphor, it is the disastrous sequence the 49ers ran against Baltimore in the last minute of the Beyonceé Super Bowl, when they had the ball on the 5 yard line, ran into the line 3 times and threw a desperation heave into the end zone on 4th down.
If followed, the timorous approach favored by these establishment Dems will indeed snatch defeat from the jaws of victory as surely as the 49ers did in the Beyoncé Bowl.
2
Let’s clarify this a little. This fall, in their campaigns for the Senate and the House, Republicans will be shrieking: “Donald Trump should be impeached. But, if you elect us, we won’t let it happen!”
As Walter Cronkite used to say, “And that’s the way it is.”
Ha! Was this supposed to run on 1April?
The headline could read passengers fight over deck chairs after Titanic hits iceberg. They gots nutin, not- morality, fiscal prudence, governing results, charm, organization, they gots nutin. They should be happy they won’t have to clean up the mess they made. It’s when, not if.
I think this will backfire "bigly." I anticipate that that the Democrats will be thrilled by the prospect of impeachment, and turn out in droves.
4
Hey! Good idea, ah . . . for yesterday. Today at 4:00 PM on the 9th of April . . . I'm not so sure!
Good. They'll get the word firmly implanted in the minds of Americans. Then, when Trump is swept away for criminal misconduct, it won't be a shock to his strumtroopers anxious for civil war.
1
Trump supporters are willfully ignorant and in reaping what they sow, they suffer enormously. But they will never admit it. See:
1) steel tariffs and Red farmers;
2) opiate addicts in coal country and slashed health care benefits;
3) trade war with China and increased prices at Walmart;
4) drain the swamp and the endless scandals in trump's cabinet.
Where do non-swamp, non-FSB trumpists benefit in any of this? Nowhere. Those who fail to admit they made a mistake in voting trump deserve what trump gives them.
2
If the United States had a Parliamentary form of government, this would not be an issue. The vast majority of citizens - you know, the numerical majority that voted against Trump PLUS the millions who now see him for what he is and despise him and his policies (or soon will) - would call a no-confidence vote and throw him out. In cases like this existential one, having a sociopath ensconced in this office for four years is criminal.He has already proven his instability and insanity - what more do we need? We WILL however, most likely, soon see the depth of his criminality in the Russia investigation. Why else would everyone surrounding him stink like a dead fish?
4
Impeaching trump and prosecuting the GOP for treason sound like victorious selling points. The overwhelming majority of Americans are sick and tired of GOP mendacity and mal-leadership. All the right wants is to cripple governance and allow private businesses to loot the pocketbooks of our citizens; throw them out!
2
It seems unlikely that Republicans who lack the courage to call the quacking duck a duck, could use the strategy of scaring voters who clearly have been listening to the loud quacking, that the duck could at last be impeached. Especially when the GOP has done nothing to save the country from this ridiculously inept and thoroughly corrupt administration. Doesn't this just ensure they are voted out, too? I should think so!
The republicans will do anything not to talk about their rob from the poor and give to the rich tax scheme. To even mention the little matter of social class/money in this country is to be labeled a "commie."
Once Dems get the House and Senate back they should devote much energy to investigating every single dirty deal Trump has cooked up over the decades. Don’t impeach, Just keep him on the Hot Seat for 2 years, with the threat of impeachment hanging over him. Hamstring him and humiliate him, and bring as much of his filthy swamp to light as possible. Let his supporters see exactly what kind of toad he really is. Just keep squeezing him.
1
The Republicans are publicly floating this idea of seizing on impeachment to try to save their skins in November. Frankly the Democrats should announce it from every media outlet and at each campaign event that when they take the House they will absolutely move to impeach Trump because that is truly what needs to occur. Trump is a lying conman, misogynist, racist, bigot who has dragged the country down with his every inane tweet, ignorant rant, etc. His campaign was filled with traitors, he has been laundering money for the Russians for years, he invited the Russian hacking. He appointed the most incompetent, greedy, thieves he could find to head various departments. Pruitt, Price, Carson have flat out been caught stealing from the taxpayer via their outrageous "travel" expenses, private security details, demands for armored vehicles, furniture and decorating expenses, etc. Meanwhile while stealing from the taxpayers, they are dismantling the rules and regulations that keep our drinking water safe, our air breathable, etc.
Yes, Democrats, shout from the rooftops that day one agenda will be to impeach Trump after having cleaned out the garbage in the House via the midterm elections.
1
And what if Meuller makes his case for money-laundering, obstruction of justice, violating the emoluments clause, tax evasion, campaign finance laws' violations (paying mistresses hush money)...are the Democrats just supposed to sit on their hands?
1
Promises, Promises, Promises
I wonder when at least some Republicans will see impeachment as the best way to save conservatism, if not the nation?
Why is it that the large majority of Republicans appear to want the USA to be turned into Putin's Russia, by this ignorant narcissistic oligarch-wannabee?
Lets see if his penthouse has sprinkler!
The Republicans are the ones bringing up impeachment as a campaign issue first. Why? Are they afraid that when Mueller issues his findings it will validate impeachment that only they can block?
As for radical anti-Christians, it is more accurate to describe them as the radical Christian anti-Christian as practiced by the radical right evangelicals.
As much as I want trump impeached, I think the Dems are better off leaving the anti-impeachment rhetoric to the radical Republicans who want to defend a criminal in the Oval Office “come hell or high water”. Dems can simply counter with We will go where the evidence takes us and act appropriately.
Hopefully there is enough to impeach the entire illegitimate administration.
2
Don't buy it, Dems. GOP is trying to discourage building momentum for impeachment because why? Because it will backfire on Dems? Don't believe it. Only hardcore Trump supporters would be turned off by the notion of impeachment, and they are not the target audience.
1
I think Democrats should respond to the Republican's threat of impeachment strategy by stressing that the country now has a $20 million deficit because of the Republican tax break to the very wealthy. Fiscal responsibility - the ace in the hole.
I’ve been thinking about this article since it came out. I think our (progressive,s) best defense against this attack is that impeachment would just give us a President Pence, and I don’t know a single progressive who wants a President Pence. What we should promise after our blue wave is oversight of the current administration and strengthening our election systems (not just voting systems, the entire election ecosystem) to prevent foreign influence and to identify lies.
Stirring up a pre-election impeachment scare makes the GOP look weak and afraid. Is this really a good electoral strategy ?
I have an even better approach for the Republican's in the 2018 elections, try being honest public servants, hold the President to the same ethics as all other previous office holders and legislation responsibly.
1
By the time we reach Nov 6th, this country will be in a depression due to the trade war with China. Even with subsidies from the U.S. Treasury, all those farmers who voted for trump will be in dire straits with China buying agricultural products outside the U.S. Also, WWIII will be closer, with trump bombing Syria, thereby enraging putin. Finally, there is N. Korea, also ready to contribute to WWIII.
If the Mueller investigation or any other investigation concludes that High Crimes and Misdemeanors were committed; it is the duty and responsibility of Congress to Impeach and Convict. The current Republican-led legislative branch appears to be completely unwilling or incapable of fulfilling their constitutional duties should such crimes be found. To rule out Impeachment/Conviction out-of-hand is not just irresponsible; it is a dereliction of duty.
If the Democrats win only the house,they might be able to put the brakes on Trump's and the Republicans' oligarchic "agenda". The Republicans' attempts to raise the spector of "chaos" resulting from a Democratic majority is quite rich from a party that has spent the year decamping and dragging their tents to Mr. Trump's new battle line of the day, over and over again, with no clear strategy and only scare tactics with which to advance their real and only agenda -- staying in power and reaping the rewards of power.
Impeachment undoes an election. Respect for election results require that it be kept as an absolute last resort, not a routine political weapon. Most of Trump's faults, people knew when they voted for him. I facepalm over that, but their (harebrained) choice has to be accepted. Only something that wasn't known before the election, and that most people can agree fits "high crimes and misdemeanors", should trigger impeachment talk. So far, such things haven't surfaced.
2
Fast forward to the Fall. The tax break for the rich guys will look pretty awful as the budget deficit for threatens growth. Then agricultural sector will be threatened by Chinese retaliatory tarrifs. And eonomic activity in the nation of California will be threated by the dearth of H1-B visas and immigration controls. So Nov 2018 thngs wil be in a mess and Trump will have done nothing except his procolamations renouncing everything Obama did. And then Robert Mueller's indictments and wait until Manafort is found guilty. And Fox is not seen as trustable with a 20% approval rating as compared with CNN which has a 49%. People will about what Trump is doing and now he is seen as the worst president ever as just behind George W Bush.
I don't believe that the Democrats can defeat these Republicans or Trump by attacking him. They must seize the opportunity to offer better, more rational solutions to the problems that we face. One such opportunity is to address the health care issue which Republicans have failed miserably at. Another is immigration reform where actualy solutions are proposed that doesn't alienate so many American citizens but provides a path to citizenship for many already here. Organize and get people fired up and get them out to vote. That's what I believe will work.
Petty response to the GOP troubles that confront them in this years election. Could be they are setting a trap that will be helpful to elect Democrats by playing their violins to the rather small number of Trump supporters.
GOP better understand that the Huge Deficits they are creating will be their downfall.
The article quotes a Repub saying, "90 percent of workers getting tax cuts." They'll say anything, and their True Believers will deny reality and think up yet more rationalizations. This keeps happening, the worse Trump/GOP get. His fans just defend him more.
If people lack affordable health care or their living standards go down, while obviously the rich get richer, millions of voters put up with it.
In other democracies, their citizens wouldn't put up with it, they'd all be marching in the streets. They're used to having health care for generations, protections for workers and families, low cost college tuition, gun safety laws. And also basic political representation. Their elections aren't subsidized by rich mega donors.
Our middle class should have been marching in the streets, but they don't.
If Trump did shoot someone on 5th Ave, his followers would find a way to excuse it.
Thus a person was elected whose actions lead to impeachment talk. People criticize our 'polarization'. Maybe it's more healthy to stay polarized, given our destructive politics.
Dems should never mention the "I-Word" in 2018. Why would we impeach the gift that keeps on giving? We need this man to unite OUR party, broaden OUR message, and build OUR base. His - and by extension the Republican's - failures on infrastructure, health, trade, education, etc, will become OUR successes. Impeach Trump? HA! Let the Republicans candidates for congress run on THAT platform. Dems should never mention the phrase.
During the epoch when our guy was impeached he mentioned my pet peeve in his State of the Union Address: teachers teaching outside the field(s) in which they had degrees.
Focus on the real issue facing this country--its not impeachment. 2014 IRS data shows that the top 10% received 90% of all income reported to the IRA. The remaining 10% of us only got 1 dollar out of every 10 dollars reported to the IRS. Yet, we 10% paid almost $3 out of every $10 that the IRS received. Our Federal and state governments have us supporting the rich!
Why can't we find one Democrat to make income & tax inequality an issue based on specific facts? The latest deficit driven Trump/GOP Tax Bill for the rich gives over 80% to the rich--plus all the extra they make in the stock market. These tax give-aways are driving our country into bankruptcy.
The 2018 election should be about (1) doubling the tax break for the poorer 90% of the country to make up for the ripoffs we have been taking for so many years, (2) roll-back the Trump/GOP Tax Bill portion for the rich, esp the Estate Tax breaks, (3) lower the corporation taxes to 20% but remove all the tax-breaks and loop-holes that have remained, (4) eliminate the 10% investment tax break for foreign investors that harm American businesses, and (5) institute a small tax on each share exchanged on Wall St like NYC and NY State has in effect. It would cover any shortfalls in future SS, Medicare, and Medicaid budgets. The Tax Code could be cut in 1/2 and our deficit cut in 1/2. Of course their would be a little collateral damage as Trump says, but it it wouldn't be to the richest and not to the poorest.
5
So how much of a financial burden on government does the top 10% represent versus the other 90% ? An equitable tax code would distribute the financial burden of government (taxes) according to the financial burden (government services) of the citizens.
1
Is that written in the Constitution or the GOP Platform that
endorses Russia??
1
That Trump's removal is a long shot gives me little comfort, (this over and above the natural volatility of Trump numbers). The Democrats don't need an electoral landslide or even a modest electoral win for Trump to be *de facto* impeached and removed, i.e., to be rendered ineffectual with the saboteurs perfectly positioned to seize power.
A Republican electoral landslide, OTOH, would rescue the Trump presidency from the saboteurs. Perhaps Republicans should focus their efforts on creating that landslide. All they would have to do is to start the RICO prosecutions.
3
Marian, that is a great plan! That display of "moderation" and "reasonableness" is surely what will sway the vast middle-of-the-road Americans, the ones who are having buyer's remorse with Trump. A Republican senator or MOC will surely win over the wavering suburban Republican women vote with that strategy! Thank you, keep advocating it!
The Republicans can't point to any policy successes that benefit our country - NOTHING on passing a great health care plan for low cost that would cover all people, as Trump promised; NOTHNG on trade concessions and new trade agreements (the one done, with South Korea, is on indefinite "hold" for - who knows why!); NOTHING on the fake issue of the wall that is supposed to magically stop ALL illegal immigration and ALL illegal drugs (including, according to the President right now on CNN before beginning a Cabinet meeting, "opioid") and make all of our problems therefore disappear, whoosh; NOTHING on helping our Veterans receiving the medical care and financial benefits they were promised. We are left with a tax law that benefited - the richest of the rich; destruction of rules and regulations ongoing in the EPA, etc. that benefit multi-national corporations and harm everyone and everything else; nothing done with respect to the opioid epidemic; the threat of massive and increasing trade wars hovering over our heads; and an unstable and going nowheresville stock market. THIS is why they have to try and frighten their own base into voting for them once again. Well, dudes, I think you've suckered your last suckers.
42
In other words, Republicans have delivered on Republican priorities, and have NOT delivered on Democrat priorities.
1
This is typical of the Republican Party of the last fifty or so years. Its knee jerk response to any challenge is to double down on inflammatory rhetoric in attempts to boost turnout among its ever dwindling base. In this case, it seems a double-edged sword, at best, with potential to to equally motivate turnout of Democrats.
Impeachment itself is a double-edged sword for all of us. Were Trump to be forced from office, we would exchange an obnoxious, but ineffectual, buffoon for someone who would talk less about taking us all back to the McCarthy era, while working doggedly to make it happen.
30
I think it would ultimately defend on what the Mueller investigation (or others) found out about the Trump campaign. Certain conclusions would be enough to remove both Mr Trump *and* Mr Pence, leaving us with whomever is the Speaker of the House at that time.
8
Exactly. Pence is the Governor who promised to keep jobs in Carrier factories; then he sold out for 7M, and allowed Carrier to move manual labor jobs to Mexico. Carrier factories in Indiana are now run by robotics and engineers. Maybe that is why there is an opioid crisis in middle America. Shuttered factories, dying small towns and main streets, no money for job retraining, no money to escape to where there might be some jobs. Clinton offered these voters hope for retraining, travel benefits, funds for sending their kids to college, health care, etc. Of course the 26 yr. GOP hate and slander campaign had done its job. These voters will never understand what they did to themselves. They will never see Trump for the grifter who flew in, lied to them, and flew out. Finally, even Trump's fake war policies won't help, because the current military is high tech and educated.
1
All Republicans argue are made up bogeymen. Why don't they argue important things such as national security?
12
Because they depend on fear to turn out their voters. Sad.
1
Wake me when Mitch and Lyin' Ryan sign on for "impeachment." It simply isn't going to happen.
10
impeachment would certainly be wonderful with a senatorial decision afterward. but the thought that pence would be the successor is to me abominable!!! the best would be if trump would be in power, disgraced, with democratice majorities in both houses!
22
By the time the election gets here and more information comes out about t rump and the Russians and the porn stars and the trade wars and the stuff we don't yet know that will come out; republicans are going to be running on impeaching him.
But this article is right; impeachment should be a quiet ripple under the surface of the election. The prime directive of the election should be that democratic control of the Congress will put the reins, if not a muzzle, on the so called president.
t rump's base, we must remember, is really only about 20% of all of US; the voters who are going to elect a democratic Congress this year are going to come from the ranks of those who didn't vote or voted 3rd party last time. And the millions of kids who are just turning 18 and are really ticked off.
20
Those are my exact thoughts and I hope that happens!
In cases like this we wish for the Iroquois Leagues solution. No one really understands the excesses of male machismo as much as grandmothers and in the Iroquois League a quorum of them could impeach the chief. We think that even the threat would be enough to change the character of our leaders.
8
More fear mongering and divisive tactics.
On top of that- This simply will not work for two reasons.
1. Math- there are more that want to see DJT go than stay on the job. With epic low approval ratings and no clear policies to run it is not realistic to see the GOP attract any new voters and they are already in the minority when you consider this administration.
2. The party- in the end the one person who will cost DJT his job is a republican- his name is Robert Mueller! There is bipartisan support for his investigation so in the end the GOP will have no where to go once they learn for sure what most of America already knows- DJT is a criminal and Mueller has proof.
It is hard NOT to impeach when the facts are known!
Resist. Vote. Repeat.
This is just the beginning.... by 2020 the WH will no longer belong to the GOP.
15
Anything less than impeachment is a betrayal of everything we hold dear.
4
By sticking to the most important bipartisan issues the Democratic Party can clean up in 2018 and 2020.
The focus should be:
Healthcare
Gun legislation
Infrastructure
All things where the GOP has failed and topics that enjoy widespread support from a vast majority of Americans.
The truth is the left does not need to pick on DJT to sweep the GOP out of power. A simple well coordinated plan will do!
By November 2018 DJT will likely become irrelevant and the left can simply move forward until an actual indictment or charges are filed against DJT.
Until then, Dems should simply do the work of the people!
1
Two things come to mind for me. One is that most folks don't have a clue what "Impeachment" is or what the process actually entails. It is nothing but a rallying cry to stir up the peasants and get them to bring their pitchforks and burning sticks. Secondly, impeachment would not remove Trump from office -- just give him more reasons to Tweet --
I long for leadership from either of the two parties or from SCOTUS to get the ship of State back moving. Barring this we are truly, dead in the water.
3
The ship of state has been boarded by pirates and is being picked clean as we write.
So let's arrest him instead.
Trump or Pence? Looks like another example of "Hobson's Choice."
5
a dream they can betray.
1
The dem messaging needs to be: the GOP is obstructing the Russia investigation pillar to post, we need to defend our institutions and our processes from corruption and let the truth have its day.
It’s an effective message: centralizes the core issues without becoming sensationalist but is probably dog whistle-y enough to still get the far left on board (let’s be real, the legitimate outcome of this investigation, if unimpeded, will be impeachment)
4
The left needs to be dragged back to reality. The House can impeach on flimsy grounds if it wishes (and I think the Clinton impeachment was a good example) but it takes two-thirds of the Senate to convict. Unless there are sound grounds, such as firing Mueller and killing the smouldering "Russiagate" investigation, this would hoist the Left with its own petard.
6
Perhaps the republicans will realize a large majority of the country DO NOT support trump or his polices. They do not support republicans that have tried to take away their heath care or huge tax cuts for the corporations and wealthy. Republicans should also realize a huge majority of Americans are sick of the gun problem that is killing thousands of citizens every year. Americans what GUN CONTROL, i.e., background checks, no guns for the mentally ill, no automatic assault rifles, real gun control. Republicans are bought sold my the NRA....your days are numbered even if trump is not impeached ....which he should be for the chaos he has cause US!
8
you are so cute and funny thinking that the GOP will "realize" anything at all. Sadly, the republicans don't care about any of that ....it's all about MONEY honey. MONEY. They don't really care about you and your kids and your health care and retirement or your guns (or gun control) nope, nothing. Unless it were to affect their ability to cash in and make bank - they don't care. An AI would have more compassion. These guys (and some gals) are soulless and greedy and will sell anything to anyone for $$$.
2
Shouldn't the GOP be more concerned WHY he might be impeached?
6
It wouldn’t be surprising if Mueller were to complete his investigation in the next few months. Then, he would face the Comey disclosure problem. If he disclosed he’d be accused of tampering with the election. If not, he’d be concealing whether Trump is a crook. Either way his stellar reputation wold suffer.
I would like to see Democrats take the high road. Counter a “fear campaign” by firmly addressing issues and facts. Avoid creating sensational partisan news headlines. Follow President Obama’s and Bernie Sanders’ example! Emphasize that commitment to democratic principles will get us through this combative frenzy. We are exhausted by superficial nonsense and want reassurance that reason will prevail. Everyone needs to take responsibility for this cultural meltdown so that we can move forward. This would be a stark contrast to rhetoric from the White House.
4
Okay....so 33% don't want their golden boy impeached.
The rest of us?
We're paying attention as donald destroys this nation in his quixotic attempt to prove how 'great' he is.
9
DT has gone out of his way to alienate people in congress that would have been his allies. So, if the Democrats do retake the house and senate, and he is impeached in the house, he will be convicted in the senate. It is not a fund raising gimmick of the Republicans. It will happen. The nation will be rid of DT, and then It will have Pence.
It is not just Trump. Republicans have made a complete mockery of the legislative process with thousand plus page bills shown to Democrats (and most Republicans) a day or two before votes. Committee hearings in Republican-ville are apparently entirely for show with fact avoidance ruling. Their "investigation" into the election was a study not in getting to the bottom of things, but getting away from any honest look at what happened. Talking points (carefully crafted lies) are the only utterances Republicans are permitted to (or wish to) utter.
"Regular order" is gone, as is the legislative function of Congress.
Trump has made a complete mockery of the executive branch with no effort to actually administer and enforce the laws, or promote the general well-being. Rather, his team is promoting their personal financial gain, and making the richest richer.
Republicans like to say they are the party of business. To be clear, no business would tolerate the behavior of Trump as a chief executive--or employee. His fundamental incompetence, fraud, lying and abuse of women would get him marched out of every corporation in the country.
Where are they now?
9
The "FEAR impeachment" campaign cry relies on the belief that non-Trump voters feel that impeachment would bring more instability, than say, Trump's tweets for 2 more years. Can the stock market take it? Can we take anymore political targeting. I encourage republicans to go ahead and scare voters over the threat of Trump's impeachment. Forget having the spine to keep conservative values, just threaten impeachment! Better to let Trump "run" all over them and us, than hold him to any real values. If they would simply stand up to Trump, they would not be losing.
I almost want to see republicans win so that all of the negative legislation can play out on their watch, instead of liberals being blamed for the almost-certain Recession. Salaries are in the tank and automation is in the forecast, best to "lay low" so-to-speak.
4
This has nothing to do except raising money from people to buy the election.
In the past, I thought we were a country that voted for direction, policy, and our values. Now in the United States of "Give Me Your Money" there is no Direction, policy, or value. So the only thing left is Fear, so be afraid America, be afraid of people how don't think,look or act like you. Be afraid, and give me your money. This is a sad state of the country that became great by leveraging our differences.
4
The Democratic Party should not officially advocate impeachment until evidence of a crime is exposed by Mueller. However, individual candidates are always free to express their views about the obvious.
3
Aren't you telling that to the wrong people?
"...conviction would take Republican support, so the fear tactic is a bit of a red herring."
Whether or not the Republicans are over-reacting is debatable, but there can't be any dispute that Trump's opponents are pressing hard for impeachment.
2
he Republican incumbents’ entire focus is getting reelected, without actually having governing between elections. To wit: since winning control they have shown little stomach for actual legislation. They reportedly are having a hard time actually formulating the language contained in the bills for the issues they have been supporting for decades. Much of what they do put together is rushed, incomprehensible to the rank and file, and no one in the leadership seems to have time to bother to read the bills. They have ceded the practice governance and campaigning to repeating nonsensical slogans they have bought ready made from electioneering groups such as Cambridge Analytic and Kremlin Inc. Reportedly some kid in England made up the slogans. The slogans have no meaning, even to Republicans as it turns out…like ‘fiscal conservatism’, or ‘make the economy whole again’, or ‘lock her up’, or ‘MAGA" or cheap health insurance… or jobs. The Republicans won by trickery either through spreading false news/ and fear mongering via Cambridge Analytic/ Facebook and Russian bots, and/or by gerrymandering. Their strategy between elections seems to be stay as silent as possible on the issues, hold as few town halls as possible, so as to not show how unpopular their positions are. Perhaps they believe we are asleep and the people will be tricked into believing the next round of fake news and hysteria manufactured by Cambridge Analytic and the Russians via Facebook and Fox News.
5
If this is what it takes to defend their values, Republicans are even more cynical than I had supposed.
1
September, 2016, from the AP:
"And they’re promising to keep investigating Clinton’s email issues even if she ends up in the White House. Some conservatives are even saying openly that impeachment hearings should be an option against Clinton.
“There probably ought to be,” said Rep. Mo Brooks, R-Ala."
3
Hoo boy. When I first read this headline, I thought, "FINALLY. They are coming to their senses!"
If GOP candidates DID run on a platform of a promise to vote for impeachment and return us to sanity, I think they'd all be shoo-ins.
1
So why would we want to impeach Trump and wind up with Pence? A man who actually knows what he's doing?
2
No problem-
Pence is the backstop, Dems will REALLY see some conservative action then....
3
How can you rally sensible voters by telling them to vote for a president - because he is impeachable and otherwise will be subject to the law?
3
Dems -- remember Michelle Obama. When they go low, we go high! Stick to the really issues -- gun control, healthcare, the economy. And don't take the Republicans' "red meat" bait. Let them choke on it by sweeping the midterms and winning a majority fairly. Trump ran on fear -- the Republicans are running on fear. Don't stoop to their level down in the swamp.
4
Yes, I remember her saying that...and then Trump won, so while it sounds nice it’s not winning advice!
Do we really want to see Pence as president. He is competent. He knows what he's doing. He's smart. And he would love to take America back to the 1700s.
6
What has America become, when impeachment is viewed as a political tool and not as a legitimate, legal, and constitutional check on the power of the presidency? This is all political theater; wave your arms around, scream, "Those evil liberals are trying to destroy our democracy!" and sure enough, people stop worrying about DT's failure of leadership and start circling the wagons to save America.
The most horrible thing about this presidency isn't the overt manipulation of public opinion, it's the terrifying fact that it's working like a charm, right in front of our eyes, in spite of constant warnings by intelligent, patriotic Americans.
60
It's perfectly understandable. Republicans can point to their own precedent of Clinton's politically-motivated impeachment and accuse Democrats of plotting the same thing. Their Base laps up tactics such as this.
It is my view that the House Democrats should ask Obama to become speaker if they win the majority in 2018.
There is no requirement for the speaker to be an elected member of the house.
If he accepted Obama could renounce the right of succession to the Presidency.
Essentially this should motivate Democrats to get out in massive numbers to vote in 2018.
The Senate would never have enough votes to remove THE GREAT MISTAKE, but the leadership of Obama would invigorate our democracy.
The comparison between competency and the current occupant of the WHITE HOUSE would be visible every day.
24
"What began last year as blaring political hyperbole on the right — the stuff of bold-lettered direct mail fund-raising pitches from little-known groups warning of a looming American “coup” — is now steadily drifting into the main currents of the 2018 message for Republicans"
So much for honoring the Constitution. The impeachment process is Constitutionally protected, just like the Second Amendment. I just love it when folks selectively read our Constitution.
18
Actually the impeachment process is rather lightly "protected". Anyone can introduce a bill of impeachment for any reason they like - whatever they feel like calling a high crime or misdemeanor. It still has to pass the House, but say the Dems get a majority and pass an impeachment bill for Trump having done something awful but not really awful. Then it would have to go to the Senate for trial, and it would surely fail, so it would be a terrible case of pie in the face for the House Dems.
It is not a criminal trial it is a political proceeding, so the usual rules of evidence, and innocent till proven guilty and all that, are not in play.
Look at the two times presidents have been impeached. In both cases there was a plausible basis, but in both cases those who actually had to deal with it chose not to let it go to a conviction. In both cases it was very much a political struggle, not much bipartisanship at all.
I know Clinton was pretty clearly caught lying under oath, but still, to remove a president of the United States who fudged an answer in a court case over a charge of sexual behavior, despicable behavior yes, just did not in my view call for something never ever done before, something that in my view should really be reserved for higher crimes, like treason.
I sure hope it doesnt come to impeachment for Trump, much as I fear and detest him. I want some things in our national life to be so sacred that we fear to tread on them.
1
Republican message to their voters: Please! Help us get rid of this guy... we're not allowed to.
14
Republicans, you are leading with a secondary or terciary argument. The primary issue, which you yourselves are keeping front and center with this "strategy," is that there is well-deserved consideration of Trump's impeachment in the first place.
There is little to nothing you can do between now and November 6 that will keep your "party" from being swept out of power.
But thank you nontheless for unintentionally keeping the motivation level sky high on the left with such ham-fisted false issues and messaging.
15
Dan, I am a dyed-in-the-wool lefties since way back and I loathe Trump, but there’s an old saying about not counting your chickens until they hatch that we would all do well to remember. Remember all the talk about the “Republican Party self-destructing” back in the summer of 2016? And remember how sure so many of us were that Trump couldn’t possibly win?
This article points to the fact that this is a chess game. A straight ahead storming of the king’s position without taking seriously your opponent’s counter moves is a losing strategy. We may want this guy impeached, but the risk of energizing his base and alienating swing voters (they above all) is a real one and we should not ignore it. If we do, trust me, we will pay the price.
2
Your point is well-taken Simon. And I am hardly one to count chickens before they hatch. I believe that the Democrat/left focusing on "impeachment" of Trump would be a mistake. Making anything a "litmus test" would be a big mistake.
Part of my comment was intended to encourage Dems/left to remain confident/positive and involved until November, and not to "overthink" this election as many did in 2016. Turnout and motivation to turnout in November, voting Democrat, and changing one or both majorities in Congress to Democrat is really the only thing that matters and is greater than any issue.
Part of it was also to signal that Republican appeals to these tribal issues (like a Pelosi-led impeachment) cannot be allowed to distract and undermine that involvement and enthusiasm. Too much is at stake, like continued Trump/Republican dismantling of environmental protections, among many other things.
Incompetent though he is, there is no real basis to make an impeachment case against Trump. While we have the right to, we will never impeach this guy simply on grounds that he is incompetent--and he is! He seems to remain popular among conservatives. Assuming the Democrats come up with a relatively attractive candidate, he is a one term President. Meanwhile, just sit the guy out.
6
This is just one of two major conservative/Republican campaign methods: 1.) produce Fear in the eyes of voters, but offer no solution or alternative, and 2.) never admit to a mistake.
17
Yes Paul, but unfortunately for us, those Republican tactics work and screaming and stomping our feet is not an adequate counter-tactic.
If the GOP loses the House or the Senate, they have only to look in the mirror and remember that they did nothing or enabled this president--while he caved to our enemies, hurt our friends, dismantled health care and made it more expensive, gave trillions in tax cuts to billionaires, ran a corrupt administration, did nothing about infrastructure, and lied to those voters he promised to champion. Possibly impaired, he focuses on an unnecessary wall and ignores the cyberwar that threatens our privacy and our nation lying right at our doorstep.
25
Impeached or not, I find it difficult to believe that DT will last his term. How can it be possible that someone can sustain the manic frenzy that is Donald Trump for four years? I get exhausted just thinking about the guy.
I would sure like to get a look at his medicine cabinet.
13
Of course the Republicans are using this as a fundraising and get-out-the-vote technique. This is no different than the Democrats using their own scary letters expounding on Mitch McConnell's vow to make Barack Obama a one term president. No difference at all. My friends who used to get worked up and call McConnell and others traitorous for their obstruction of the Obama presidency seemingly have no difficulty at all with the pre-emptive Impeachment calls for Trump. The shoe is on the other foot now.
4
Hal, false equivalencies .....trump is completely incompetent .....Obama is/was not! Obama gave us policies that made the stock market go up every month for 8 years and unemployment go down for 8 years. Obama handed trump a robust economy and trump has created chaos with trade wars, huge swings in the stock market of uncertainty, shunned our Allies while praising Putin....no comparison! trump deserves to be removed for his mean spirited nastiness and conflicts of interest, among many other things!
5
I would hope Democrats are smart enough to not even address this topic, otherwise they are falling right into the trap, again.
14
A new breed of Democratic candidate is running in so many elections at all levels, in so many states; and they are essentially ignoring the formal organizations at both the state and national levels for Democrats trying to dictate to them which candidates should run, who gets money, and how they should run. And this new breed of Democrat is getting put into primaries and elected. They know their districts and the people in them - they are ONE OF THEM! They will know what people are thinking about in their districts and address those issues accordingly. In some places, sure, it may be impeachment, but in other areas people aren't thinking about that, they're worried about what happens if Medicaid stops paying for senior care in nursing homes. GOPers are desperate, this is a desperation play, and I think even their own voters recognize that. They can't talk about the issues or their "successes," none of which have benefited the vast majority of voters in their districts! This 3-card monte trick is all they have left, and even the most classic dupe is getting wise to that old con!
2
Are the Republicans also mentioning that an attempt to impeach Trump and remove him from office couldn't possibly work? The Democrats might TRY to impeach Trump, just as the Republicans did with Clinton, and they might succeed in getting a majority vote for impeachment in the House, as the Republicans did with Clinton. But to remove a president from office you need 2/3 of the Senate, and even if the Democrats win every contested seat and take control, they'll never win enough for that.
10
The Republicans are unmoored from the concept of good government. They would rather see the world go down in flames than see rational government in the US. Utter madness.
15
Democrats have no interest in impeaching Trump. Trump's antics have become gifts of laughter for late-night TV, not to mention the continuous stream innuendos and scandals that emanate from the White House. These are "gifts" that erode the confidence of Republican voters, which is exactly what the Democrats want for the mid-term elections! Besides...why would the Dems be interested in cleaning up Republican "problems"? Let the GOP ride on the coattails of incompetence, and suffer the consequences for the next decade!
11
Here's an issue on which a self-described liberal Democrat is actually more "conservative" than most Americans:
"As a liberal Democrat who loathes Trump, I will say only that I loath Pence more."
I think most Americans feel that if -- IF -- Mueller comes up with something, Trump should pay the price, regardless of who will replace him if he does. We really don't want to let Trump off the hook if he should be on the hook.
What we want is merely to figure out whether Trump SHOULD be on the hook. Maybe Mueller will come up with something that shows us he should be, but he sure hasn't yet. Mueller knows Trump can't fire him without incurring an unacceptably high political risk, and Mueller seems to be exploiting that knowledge by dragging this out and expanding his investigation into areas far beyond his charge (I highly recommend rereading Rod Rosenstein's letter if you have any doubt about this).
But that's the way things are. Mueller's slowness should not lead to speculation that he'll inevitably come up with something. Just as Trump suffers from his inability to fire Mueller, and Mueller's exploitation of that political fact, so too should Trump's opponents suffer from it. We all need to WAIT until Mueller either comes up with something or concludes that there's nothing there.
1
The key word is "yet". We should not think the public knows what Mueller knows or doesn't know, based on what has become public.
1
"Mueller knows Trump can't fire him without incurring an unacceptably high political risk, ..."
What risk would that be? Congressional Republicans won't do anything but make some off-the-record remarks and Trump's core base will applaud. 70% of this country is being held hostage by the other 30%.
1
The Democrat's message should be: "We don't jump to conclusions the way the House Intelligence Committee does under Republican rule. Impeachment requires evidence. This is a scare tactic and akin to 'Fake News'."
6
The Republican strategy is to claim that Trump is not a crook. If that’s the best they’ve got, things are pretty good.
5
"Impeach Trump" should be the rallying cry of Democrats. The only downside to this is that Mike Pence is maybe even worse - he's certainly just as insane, but he can come across as normal, which might be even more dangerous for the U.S. Still, we cannot continue to have a buffoon in the White House, and I would think that if the GOP want to spread the "fake news" that the Dems are going to immediately try to impeach Trump, have at it. I believe it will get more Dems out to vote.
1
This is an amusingly bad strategy. Are they really going to run on protecting (not just supporting) a deeply unpopular President? I'd say their ad spend on this message would function as a donation to the Democrats.
4
Last I read, 40% of Americans supported/approved Trump. Does this really equate to "deeply unpopular?"
2
Wow! Talk about fake news - it appears that the Republicans are purveyors of it.
15
As a liberal Democrat who loathes Trump, I will say only that I loath Pence more. I might be in favor of impeachment if there were anyone at all in the number 2 position that I thought had integrity and a conscience. But, there is no one at all anymore in the entire Republican party who meets that test.
21
You are correct that the impeachment group does not focus on what you get when you get rid of Trump Pence. This may be wrose that Trump's tweets and erratic behavior. Be careful what you wish for.
This is a common position I hear from liberal women ... and I get it.
But the nation would be better off with Trump gone.
The only reality where Trump could be REMOVED (not just impeached but removed) would involve some article of impeachment that isn't known yet, and Democratic control of the house and the senate. Don't hold your breath.
But if this did happen Pence would be more powerless in the presidency than Gerald Ford was, after Nixon.
Distract from the Democrat’s core message? What message?
12
@"M"
Democrats: A Better Deal: Better Skills, Better Jobs, Better Wages.
Democrats want to rebuild roads and bridges.
Democrats want job security for Americans.
Democrats want to expand broadband to All Americans.
Defending long-standing social programs like Social Security and Medicare.
The Bush economy was the worst since the Great Depression. Trump is trying to outdo Bush with his "tweets" that wreck the Stock Market daily.
We have had enough of the hypocrisy and greediness of Republicans and the ineffectiveness and hypocrisy of their kowtowing to the Koch Brothers and the Mercers.
1
Hypocrisy #101: Vote for your party leader even if he is a crooked bankruptcy filer, a liar who has had more women and supposedly god approved marriages than the rest of us, a thief who wanted to lower the current tax bills, a thing he calls a tax cut, and simply pass these costs on to the next generation and a supporter of just another military killing machine in offshore nations. You would think those who believe in god would revolt against this desiring dictator, but they don't.
9
Don't desire impeachment but be pro-America?
That is a tall order.
Oh, I am all for America.
But to deny that impeachment of Trump is something we are not desiring or determining our vote is wrong-headed thinking.
We can't help but want Trump impeached. Everybody knows it.
Why try and deny it? It gets the left nowhere.
It is simply more temporizing and guessing as to what is palatable for the voter.
You know what is palatable to the voter? A real conscience and a heart. So much dithering and hand-wringing is wrong. As soon as the democrats get the house and, if they win the senate, there will be impeachment hearings.
We all know that.
The talking point for democrats: If Trump is found guilty of collusion with Russia we will seek right and appropriate remedies in Congress. And if that means impeachment then so be it.
Behind the calibrations, calculations and dithering of the Democrats the voters only see cowardice, weakness and posturing.
Quit being dithering calculating machines and be real people with real hearts and real concerns.
Trump needs to be impeached. Don't deny it. Embrace it. It is the winning ticket this year.
6
So Ralph Reed resurfaces again to ask for money. Has this "Christian" ever done an honest day's work in his life?
18
I hope we can get rid of Trump as president. If impeachment will work. go to it.
We would be better off without having him as president. Who needs a rude, crude, mean, ignorant president such as Trump?
8
Jane
Check out all he has done for America thus far.
1
In Wisconsin this may be a great strategy for electing Democrats. Trump has never been popular on his own in Wisconsin. He was 3r or 4th in the Republican primary. Trump's tariffs hurts Wisconsin manufacturers and farmers. Republicans have lost 2 major races in the state.
Republicans in Wisconsin would not be upset if Trump were impeached and replaced by Pence. There maybe a downside , but Trump has not done any favors for Wisconsin voters.
6
MARY
Name one impeachable offense, if you can.
1
What amazes me is they are all admitting he has committed enough impeachable offenses for this to be a likely outcome when they use this strategy.
14
This is funny. Republicans are hoping Dems will become distracted by impeachment. Much to do, impeachment is not the first thing on the list.
2
An additional comment to "Southern Boy", below…You wrote, "What he has done though, and quite triumphantly, is steer the nation back in the direction of becoming the nation for which the original Patriots fought and died."
Yes, steer the nation back in the direction of the founding fathers. Sadly, the nation and the world has changed considerably in the past 250 years when the nation consisted of 13 states and blacks were slaves - even to the founding fathers. I don't think that moving the direction in that direction is a good thing. I don't think that at all. Have you ever tried to "go back home"? You can't, because "home" as it existed then doesn't exist any more. Your old home town has changed. The drug store and ice cream parlor have been replaced by Wad-Mart. You can never go back home. You can only move forward. We, as a nation, can only move forward. Having a president who does everything in his power to hold us back is counterproductive to prosperity.
19
It takes fifty percent of the House to impeach, but it takes two-thirds of the Senate to convict. In short, conviction would take Republican support, so the fear tactic is a bit of a red herring. Having said that, Trump's naricissism dominates his actions. Using the Forrest Gump adage, stupid is as stupid does, it is fairly clear that Trump is mentally unfit for the Presidency. Good leaders do not think (tweet) out loud, they surround themselves with people that know more than they do and then weigh the options, including possible repurcussions from U.S. actions. The constant tweets come from the need to be the center of attention. Trump lives in a Fox News bubble, and his increasingly bobblehead cabinet means that he will be even more removed from sound advice.
10
Trump's bobblehead Cabinet is dismantling the EPA, an Agency tasked with keeping the air and water clean. A corrupted EPA will allow mining and fracking in the National Parks. We need more dirty fuel so we can rigs and mines in a system put in place by Teddy Roosevelt for the benefit of all Americans? We allow this Administration to raise the entrance fees in National Parks to $70.00, because we can't afford to maintain them otherwise? Nonsense. We can afford to pay for Pruitt to fly around on unnecessary business, First Class? We can afford to fly Minuchin and his logo laden wife in military transport to a Treasury site so she can fondle fresh bills? There is no justification for the self-aggrandizement of these plutocrats now looting the taxpayers, with the support of a corrupt Congress who just passed a massive permanent tax heist. A gift to the top 10%, the "job creators". The middle class tax relief, chump change, will sunset in 2027; and, then we will pay for the big tax gift. We need to elect an honorable Congress and repeal this legislation, together with Citizens United which defines corporations as "people". They are not people; they are entities created to protect shareholders. Scalia's "Decision" was based on a typo transcribed in an old Superior Court case, and never corrected. GE is not your neighbor with the mailbox next to yours.
Why would democrats do republicans a favor by impeaching trump?
7
Do we trust the GOP anymore than we do Trump? They wait until NOW to discuss impeachment...this is a ploy. Put Repulicans in office and nothing will happen. Trump will stay in office. He either has some good dirt on Congresspeople who have stayed at his hotels OR he OR someone like Robert Mercer is bringing them to keep Trump in office. My fellow Americans lend me your ears....this is a scam! Just like his election was.
5
The more they bring up impeachment, the more they will rally the voters that want it to come on out and vote. All publicity on impeachment is good publicity.
9
So, the plan is to double down on the very cancer that's tearing not only the country apart but the republican party itself? Good luck with that.
9
If the Republican Party is competent in anything...it’s scaring up votes. At that they are absolutely masterful. It’s kind of like in an action movie when the bad guy is out of bullets then throws his gun at the good guy. The Republican Party is woefully out of ammo and are now resorting to throwing their guns due solely to lack of options. They can’t make a case for being intelligent stewards of each branch of government with a straight face so “...let’s not even try but instead resort to smoke and mirrors hocus pocus and bet the populace is that stupid to fall for it!!!” Actually, considering the status quo...it’s probably a safe bet.
9
Ah perhaps they are counting on Cambridge Analytica and Facebook
3
"...remember, when democrats vote, democrats win..."
Ever notice that Trump's approval rating is higher in the Rasmussen polls than in the Gallup polls?
Ever wonder why?
The Rasmussen polls reflect interviews with likely voters. The Gallup polls reflect reflect interviews with all adults -- regardless of whether they're likely to vote or even registered to vote.
3
Unfortunately, the Gallup organization has fallen on hard times during the last decade.
But relying on Rasmussen, a fairly partisan organization, is like relying on Gallup or Pew.
NYT,ABC Polls are still fairly reliable, as is Washington Post- as well as a number of tracking organizations that have found ways to compensate for the cell phone factor, high cost of open-ended surveys, and likelihood to vote, yet remain disinterested in the results.
Most still shows Trump pulling the GOP down with long coat tails, as have most recent special elections.
4
Rassmussen leans right--538's Nate Silver ranks them fairly low for accuracy. Additionally, it is not the only polling firm that focuses on likely voters.
3
The problem with the Republican leadership’s political strategy is that they cannot impeach the American Majority against Trump and win with the American Minority for Trump in this Democracy instead. (In the meanwhile, Putin didn’t think the current Republican leadership’s circus of politics was making Democracy look bad enough and wants to infer all the credit in front of the world for his own political power-fantasy.)
For the GOP to gain anything approaching "an edge" in the mid-term elections they would need to initiate impeachment hearings themselves. No first term Pres. has ever been this unpopular. His base is poorly educated and mistakes a "reality" TV show for governing. Most Americans are unhappy with the Baby King. He is unfit for office. The GOP's notion of an ACA replacement is to strip millions of their health care, while slashing taxes on the wealthiest. The GOP cuts taxes on corporations and individuals without closing any loopholes. The GOP attacks environmental protection, even as the rest of the world attempts to bring us back from the brink of environmental calamity. The GOP is simply wrong on nearly every issue. Instead of principles they have donors. We can wait until after the mid-terms to worry about impeachment. What trump needs to worry about is prison. What the GOP needs to worry about is rebuilding their radical, broken party.
5
As always the Republicans do what they do best ... wholesale demonization.
6
Wendy Lou 14
On the contrary, it is the democrats who have been demonizing the president since day one of his presidency. The want their power back.
1
Sentence first, verdict after? I don't think so.
I am by no means a Trump fan, but I am a firm believer in justice, evidence, and fairness. If the Mueller investigation reveals behavior that warrants an impeachment trial, then fine, Trump deserves a chance to defend his case.
If a Democratic Congress keeps Trump accountable for his behavior, I think we can survive the next few years.
4
When the Senate's time seems to be solely occupied with endless confirmation hearing and votes on Cabinet appointees, is this solving the nation's problems? When the Republicans on the House Intelligence committee ends their work declaring there is no there, does this embolden or erode Americans' faith in our democracy and democratic institutions? By putting 45 and impeachment in a campaign slogan, will that make Republican candidates look better if money laundering by 45's Presidential Campaign is proven, if obstruction of justice by 45 is demonstrated, if it is shown $130, 000.00 of campaign money was used to silence an affair from being revealed, and if it is accurately presented the campaign intentionally used stolen e-mails of the DNC supplied by Russian hackers given to Wiki-Leaks? I think not. I think the 2018 election will be more fundamental. It will be about whom does our democracy serve and include. Also, is our government of the people, by the people, and for the people, or is it an oligarchy led by an authoritarian "fixer"? - will be on voters' minds and behind their choices. Impeachment, is it an integral part of our Constitution or the instrument of a coup by nefarious malcontents?
1
As a Republican voter, I'd actually be happier to see Trump impeached and to see Pence as President.
4
Why wait for a government issued chastity belt? Just go ahead and purchase one now.
The Democratic response should be to simply state that any movement toward impeachment would be in reaction to the conclusions of the independent investigations by Mueller. If impeachable offenses are uncovered then, yes, impeachment will be on the table. If there were no serious issues with the Trump Campaign, no evidence of money laundering, no obstruction of justice or collusion, then impeachment will not be an issue. Simple, logical and fair.
2
This is silly. There are only 10 Republican Senators up for reelection in 2018. So, even if the Democrats won every Senate election, they would still fall short of the 67 votes they would need to oust Trump without Senate Republican votes. As usual, Republicans are just making stuff up.
4
Finally, it's the republicans who have taken possession of impeachment. Make it stick.
1
Don't get distracted. Trump will have an end of his own making which is already in motion and will play out. The midterms are the most important at the moment. You have a troupe of Republicans that will create a mess whether or not Trump is in office. And maybe, just maybe the electorate will feel in order to balance out the Trump effect, we need lots of Dems to counter him. That will be the beginning of restoring some sanity to this mess.
2
The democrats should not be governed by the extreme left. The policy should be if the dems take over the Congress they will insist on Trump acting like a President not a bigot, rabble rouser ego maniac demagogue etc. If not he will be censured and only use impeachment as a last resort which the extreme left and extreme feminists want to use as a first resort....
1
Dems should laugh it off because the GOP gives them an opportunity to showcase responsible government, something McConnell and all Republicans abandoned when they stalled Obama nominations to the Supreme Court and others. McConnell wanted to wait until the American people spoke, and we did. Almost 4 million more people voted against Trump, and only the archaic Electoral College elevated him to the presidency. Dems can teach Americans that impeachment doesn't require a a crime and they will become a check on Trump's attempt to fleece America for the oligarchs he represents. Dems stand for equality, voting rights, and the health and safety of Americans in their homes and at work. They can teach Americans that for all Republican moonshine about small government, they're really part of the Federalist tradition that opposed the Bill of Rights and favors strong federal control of states evidenced in the DoJ lawsuit against California's clean air standards. Repubs are walking into a trap in November, especially as this administration continues to fleece America for personal gain and Muehler's discovery shows evidence the Trump campaign engaged with Russia to destabilize our democracy. Obama wanted McConnell to sign off on a public warning about Russian attacks on democracy, but McConnell refused to sign, further proof Republicans believe the ends justify the means, even if that means keeping Americans unaware of a dastardly attack on our great nation. Repubs should be careful.
3
It's shameful that the GOP folks aren't also calling for his impeachment right now - period.
3
Preaching to the choir won't work. Where are the things they passed, what is their record of governance of any kind that benefits average Americans? It doesn't exist, thus the impeachment foolishness.
Count me in that 65%:
"In February, 65% of Americans thought impeachment should proceed if the Mueller investigation finds serious wrongdoing."
This is one of those "assume your conclusion" statements that is inevitably preceded by the word "if."
If Trump was guilty of "serious wrongdoing," of course he should be impeached -- hung by his toes in the hot sun, for all I'll care. If. So far, Mueller has come up with nothing (I highly recommend rereading Rosenstein's letter to Mueller); maybe he will and maybe he won't. We can only wait, and Mueller has made clear that he's in no hurry.
1
I loathe Trump, but I doubt a clear article of impeachment will be found. If it is it will likely depend on the testimony of some combination of Flynn, Manafort, or even Kushner -- and that will be problematic ... which if these rogues does one believe and why?
What we are likely to see is Trump "pulling a Christie" ... his little henchmen will go to jail for an act that obviously and odiously was on his behalf, but he will skate.
If the Democrats take the house they can get rid of Trump in a shot by much simpler means -- just enforce the emoluments clause rigorously and pass a bill that the tax returns of the president are public information.
37
Yes, yes by all means hit Trump where it hurts him. But, the Democrats need a master plan on how to educate the American people as to Trump and the GOP have raped our country. Then they must convince the American people to a expensive plan on how to undo all the damage that has been done in just one short year. The Democratic's response to Mitch McConnell's stealing a Supreme Court nomination does bode well that they are up to such a task.
The fact that Cohen's office just got raided does up the odds of Trump getting impeached, or even going to jail.
If there is anybody who can put Trump in jail it's likely to be Cohen, but again the problem is when it comes to a trial -- which of these liars do you believe ... beyond a reasonable doubt?
All of that paper though -- there might be a lot worse than the "18.5 minute gap" in there.
It is Trump who is now “twisting, slowly, slowly in the wind.”
I'm completely in favor of making the 2018 election a mandate on Donald Trump and his agenda. If the Republican Party want to embrace him rather than run away from him, so much the better.
4
Trump is probably not worried about the possibility of the Congress flipping - in fact he may be secretly cheering for it. The political animal that he is (although he always says he is the opposite) has likely realized that many Americans have decided that divided government and gridlock in Washington is preferable to single party rule. So what’s good for Schumer and Pelosi is good for Trump, right?
Long story short: the Republicans can't run on anything but fear. In this case, fear that they'll lose the power they obtained in 2016.
They can't run on economic issues since their attempts at remaining true to the gospel of supply-side economics keeps failing at the state and national level. They can't run on having improved health care in America after having stumble-footed their way to failure in their repeal-and-replace farce. They can't run on being heroes to the middle class after passing a tax bill that gives the lion's share of benefits to the 1%.
Now that they have to face the biennial music of voter reaction with the very real prospect of watching the Congress go blue, Republicans are running scared, literally.
86
Yes...as you say--- "tax cuts gave lions share to the 1%." Yet the article quotes a Repub saying, "90 percent of workers getting tax cuts." They'll say anything, and their True Believers will deny reality and think up yet more rationalizations.
This keeps happening, the worse Trump/GOP get. If people lack affordable health care or their living standards go down, while its obvious the rich get richer, they put up with it.
In other democracies, their citizens wouldn't put up with it, they'd all be marching in the streets. They're used to having health care for generations, protections for workers and families, low cost college tuition, gun safety laws, and basic political representation. Their elections aren't subsidized by rich mega donors.
Our middle class should have been marching in the streets, but they don't.
If Trump did shoot someone on 5th Ave, his followers will find a way to excuse it.
Wait until the March for our Lives kids are old enough to vote. That is the cohort which will move us forward towards what Europe has long had. They are smart, informed, and have already suffered tragedy under the current gun laws. They are not going to support Trump, or his old, rich cronies.
But, are the Democrats smart enough to educate the American people as to what is going on in our country at all levels? Or will they, like our establishment media, just be diverted by conman Trump's daily barrage of crazy tweets?
Cute strategy. They can impeach first--then we'll talk. None of this, "vote for me and I'll impeach him."
2
The Democrats should make it clear that, as much as they oppose the President because of his policies and his constant lies, they don't necessarily want to see him replaced by Mike Pence whose policies are just as abhorrent.
9
Whatever the strategic and political value, or not, of impeachment, in the long run Trump and most of his friends need to do some hard time for corruption and treason, after criminal trial in a criminal court. There needs to be a deterrent for future would-be dictators, traitors and kleptocrats.
15
Again the GOP is using baseless fear tactics to get out their voters. Let's be real. Should the Democrats get a majority in the house, they'd never have enough votes in the Senate to remove Trump from office. Secondly, if Trump's crimes are found to be so bad that enough Republicans vote to remove him, then you get President Mike Pence. Given that prospect, the Democrats would be better off to leave Trump in office and work towards the 2020 campaign to elect a replacement for Trump.
5
The Republican con artists at it again! Immediately move to impeach him of what? Another republican secret they will reveal at a later date--like his tax returns and their secret for unprecedented economic growth thru tax cuts. If Mueller finds an impeachable offense, that it an incentive for the real conservatives to enable the democrats to win. What kind of "stable genius" or conservative would risk destabilizing a recovering economy by starting a trade war for a small special interest group. Immediately, after signing a risky tax cut plan that could explode the national deficit and whose premise is based on phenomenal unprecedented short and long term GDP growth? Trump has revealed himself to be a reckless, narcissistic, pathological liar and no true patriot would stand in the way of his impeachment.
3
Th obverse of the Republican strategy seems clear:irrespective of how culpable, felonious and impeachable the Mueller findings might make out Mr. Trump to be, the republican controlled congress would sit on its hands and do nothing. Irrespective of how treacherous Mr. Trump’s behavior might be, how illegal his corruption, how criminal his conspiracy, only a Democratic Congress would act.
Comparing today’s Republican Congress to the Congress that induced Nixon to resign makes today’s Republican lawmakers co conspirators.
3
Absolutely!
1
Republicans are providing the single best reason to vote for Democrats. Impeachment isn't an option, its an essential.
1
Let's hope they turn the 2018 election into a referendum on their president. It may not turn out as well as they hope. Indeed, they may make it worse for themselves.
The Ds have to unite around one single message about this. One short concise talking point that is repeated over and over.
1) as of now, he has not committed an impeachable offense
2) as of today, he has not committed an impeachable offense
3) To the best of my knowledge, the President has not committed an impeachable offense.
REPEAT
If (when) the facts change, then the talking point can change
3
Comments like this one suggest an impeachment effort hasn't actually been made:
"Republicans love bogeymen!"
This is not "fake news." One may feel that impeachment should or should not occur, but there's no denying that the effort is being made.
What desperation and trickery in a political party to try and make the opposing party look as if they are the extreme ones? Or is it maybe because they have no actual real-world successes to run on, except for those handed to a super-rich minority. Another straw man...
1
So long as Democrats concentrate on a campaign slogan of not being Trump, they will lose. And lose they should (and sad that will be, considering that as bad as the Democrats are being the GOP-lite, the GOP is way, way worse). They, the Democrats, and the DNC, should concentrate on economic matters, instead of cultural triggers and issues that affect less than 1% of the population. Then, the Democrats and the DNC will see themselves getting elected in droves. And people will line up to vote for them. Not until then. People who expect a blue wave in November are in for a rude surprise (again), given what the Democrats are doing.
I was a Republican, but switched to the Democrat party after Trump was embraced by the GOP. I will never again vote for a Republican candidate. Not that the Democrats are without flaw - but the Republican Party has decided that it is the party of hate, bigotry and anger. Change is difficult - but resisting change is futile and counterproductive. We all need to work together to build an even better country than we already have. The actions of the GOP - anti-public education, anti-environment, pro-incarceration (versus "how do we prevent crime), pro-fear (quick - everybody go out and get a gun) and an us versus the rest of the world view) is not going to build a better nation for our children and grand children.
3
I am in the camp that is perhaps more worried about Pence being in the Oval Office than an incompetent Trump. Impeachment talk is premature. People do care about the issues and that is what the Dems should run on.
4
Impeachment is the only real option on the table, not just for democrats, but for the greater good of the country, who by now, should've had enough of this completely dysfunctional government, inept to the core, and shackled to a man not remotely up to the job.
3
Rather than impeachment I would much prefer to see a) the Democrats take back either the House or Senate in Nov. '18 to shut down the GOP's horrid agenda and b) Trump forced to to resign in shame and humiliation relegating his name, his family and his businesses to the ash heap of history.
If the threat of impeachment is the only way to get these people to give up money as well as get out and vote the republicans are in trouble. The issue should be what have you done to help the people in your district. This administration is full of people who do not care about the public interest. Now the only way to keep this group of crooks in charge is to use a threat. REALLY!
1
Does anyone remember that impeachment of President Trump leaves us with President Pence? I consider Trump to be dangerous as he appears erratic and oblivious. I consider Pence to be more dangerous as he appears to be a pure idealogue and religious reactionary.
1
That many Americans (repubs) do not support impeachment shows what a sad state this country has devolved to. His only redeeming quality has been his unveiling of so much irrational fear, hate, and prejudice that still afflicts us.
1
Never before in the history of the United States of America has a major party candidate for President colluded with a hostile foreign power to swing the election. This is much worse than what Benedict Arnold did. Note also, that Trump is simultaneously attacking the Free Press, the Independent Judiciary, and Congress. Taken together this constitutes a frontal and flagrant attack on Constitutional Democracy. TRUMP MUST BE IMPEACHED!
1
GOP politicians put politics over country, Russia over FBI, and power over truth, and naturally assume everyone else would do the same. How cynical of them.
1
If necessary, maybe Democrats should point out that it was Republicans who impeached a sitting president. Make Republicans the Impeachment Party.
1
What this article says to me is that the Republicans have so little to appeal to voters with in November that the best they can do is drum up a wedge issue and hype it as much as possible. That says something almost as bad about their party as having Donald Trump as their standard bearer.
I, an Independent voter promise to: VOTE FOR ANY REPUBLICAN OR DEMOCRAT WHO BRINGS FORWARD VIABLE IMPEACHMENT CHARGES AGAINST MR. TRUMP, whether Mueller finds evidence or not. I ,as a longtime independent voter have determined for myself that the President is unfit to serve and he poses an existential threat to the Nation. I will vote and/or provide support for men and women of courage who demonstrate a will to protect the nation from the corruption that is overwhelming both are electoral and governance systems. The individuals in power in both the House and Senate are allowing the degradation of our system of government by refusing to exercise their Constitutional obligations of oversight on the Executive Branch.
14
I could not have said it better. Thank you, Barb.
July 4, 1776, must continue to have cogent meaning.
So, you freely admit you both 1) Didn't read this article, or 2) care if your entirely symbolic desire to demand impeachment has exactly the opposite result that you are hoping to achieve?
Successful politics is about strategy, not ideology. Your entire comment is ideological. There is no plan for success there. And yet you rage.
So if Mueller actually does come up with clear evidence of collusion and/or obstruction and/or money-laundering the RNC will continue to stir up voters with the prospect of impeachment? Or do we simply allow a criminal to remain in the Oval Office and shrug off his crimes?
22
Like usual!
don't worry about impeachment. just vote in every possible election when the time comes. that's the great american panacea to corrupt, incompetent, and treasonous government, all of which exists in the executive branch at the moment. remember, when democrats vote, democrats win. so, mark your calendars. #votenovember2018/2020. it'll get here before you know it.
13
When independents vote with you you win.
1
This is an intentional distraction. The only way to limit what Trump is doing is to change the majority in one or both Houses of the Congress in November.
In December, 40% of Americans thought it was time to start the impeachment process. http://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-impeachment-reelection-2020-753546
In February, 65% of Americans thought impeachment should proceed if the Mueller investigation finds serious wrongdoing. http://www.mcclatchydc.com/news/politics-government/article200132334.html
There will be no impeachment, or even a normal Congressional check on this President's actions, if the Congress retains the Republican majorities it has right now.
Don't be distracted--get out and vote (and get your friends and family out, too.) It is the only way to limit Trump's power.
18
The alt-right has to try something. When teachers walk out in two very red states, when Mr. Mueller is not going anywhere, when you protect a person like Pruitt who epitomizes the swamp...you need some way to mobilize your dwindling base.
As it stands now, I don't think trump will be impeached, although, he should be. I want to flip Congress and castraight him politically. Then in 2020 send him packing with a humiliating loss.
13
Just restore accountability for the executive branch, and Trump will quit faster than he could be impeached. Drag his dodgy finances and shady connections out into daylight. Make him pay for his own security if he wants to golf with his cronies at Mar-a-lago every weekend.
A Democratic Congress can turn Trump's White House lark into a really unpleasant, full-time job. He'll leave on his own. Save the impeachment talk for President Pence, who will have a lot to answer for.
21
If the Democrats and the few sane GOP members of Congress were to impeach and convict Trump, it would be a gift to the Republicans to be rid of Trump and have Pence as their savior. Rule by Pence would be a greater nightmare, and one of a much longer duration. Unitl the next presidential election, we can only hope a new Congress and people like Gen. Mattis can prevent disaster. Until the 2018 elections, expect constant turmoil.
1
Impeachment is a pipe dream, and Republicans have seized on the best use of the threat.
This doesn't mean Democrats shouldn't fight for control of Congress - of course they should. But the only person who can remove Trump is Mueller, trailed by armed law enforcers. Mueller needs to prove Trump broke the law so flagrantly that arrest and prosecution of a sitting president are justified. I'm not sure this is happening, and Mueller's glacial pace is helping absolutely nobody except Trump.
2
I'd reply to the Republicans, "Aw geez, what's the Dough Boy got to be afraid of?"
Seriously, the Democrats need to say they want to re-focus Congress on dealing with the needs of all the people and on seriously and collaboratively producing legislation that addresses specific issues, like infrastructure and trade. Say they want to inspire people to once again think of politics as the work of the people instead of staging Benghazi or Devin Nunes stunts that just inflame emotions.
3
REALITY: GOP reacting to the dems strategy which is now backfiring
It’s astounding that anyone could possibly support Trump at this rate point. Trump is on record lying to the American people 1900 times. He has disgraced the office. There is plenty to impeach Trump on
right now. The democratic leaders will make a fatal mistake if they don’t move to impeach.
3
Democrats have many issues on which they can campaign. Health insurance availability and cost, pharmaceutical gouging, tax cuts for the very rich, economic inequality, economic insecurity, school loan debt, inadequate wages, threats to Social Security and Medicare, the failure of repatriated corporate profits to be invested in America, lack of infrastructure investment, betrayal of American ideals just to name a few.
Republicans? Support the President and his Reality Show Cabinet Shuffle! Stiff our allies, anger our trading partners, let the rest of the world look elsewhere for leadership, make your children (not theirs) fight and die in foreign lands in endless wars of choice. Fight against and fire Climate Change scientists. Let profit seeking corporations poison your air, groundwater, rivers, and lakes. Privatize education, privatize Social Security, make guns available to everyone, sell off the National Parks, keep semiautomatic weapons available to anyone who wants one. And at all times, Fear, Fear, Fear!
Vote for the America you want this November. It's your choice.
8
Trump and in their complicity the Republicans have imperiled the fundamental institutions of our government. They embody a mentality that I associate with third world countries that are authoritarian but flirt with the institutions of democracy. We are deep into a form of tribalism ... our "tribe" must win at any cost, the "other tribe" is immoral, dangerous and unworthy of being American ... "we" don't bother to govern for the "other tribe."
Personally, I'd rather that Trump is not impeached. I'd rather seem him "neutered" by a Democrat majority in the House and Senate. Let him listen to Fox and Friends and have infantile tweet storms for the remaining two years of his term.
5
it's frankly sad that Republicans DON'T want Trump impeached.
6
I think they're more terrified by the prospect of a President Pence.
Running on the theme of "Impeach Trump" is a definite winner.
However it is a winner for the Democrats rather than the Republicans.
What the GOP has failed to realize is that there are many Republican voters who want to show Trump the door ........ and as soon as possible.
I know quite a few of them. Many of them are now Independents.
Right here in CT. the strong Republican towns voted in 2016 for ......
Drum roll ........ Hillary Clinton.
Well educated, well off, and above average in intelligence voters put common sense ahead of party and did the only sensible thing in the privacy of their voting booths.
The GOP is desperate for any tactic they can dream up.
They are scrapping the bottom of their rancid barrel with this current ploy.
Bring it on. Impeach Trump. You bet!!!
Let us encourage correct thinking Republicans to send a message to the GOP by changing their registration to Democrat prior to the election this November.
Or register as an Independent, depending on strength of conviction.
After 2020 register again to whatever is preferred.
Or become an Independent.
It is all a matter of choice based on prevailing circumstances.
But this time around .......... Trump must go.
2
More likely than impeachment if the Dems take the House and/or the Senate is them working with Trump, with or without the Congressional Republicans. Trump is nothing if not a self-centered opportunist. The Dems could well achieve more with him than with Pence.
3
As a committed anti-Trump, independent voter, I welcome the Republican invocation of the impeachment issue. My response would be that we do not want to rush into this area, but if the Mueller report or some other of Trump's shenanigans force the issue, we will not run away from it.
For us protecting the good name of our nation and scores of our illustrious presidents, including George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, FDR, Eisenhower, is more important than shoving under the rug the stink caused by the 45th. In a way, with his vile, vulgar and openly money grubbing corrupt ways, Trump's already done plenty of damage to the good name and reputation of our country.
Yes, I'm more than happy to join issue with Republicans on this score.
1
If that becomes the latest fear for the gop to sell what happens when a report comes out indicating grounds for impeachment?
The party would rightfully be painted as traitors while they attempt the fake news angle.
2
Mark Lundberg's comment, “Impeachment for what? For being rude to them?", made me laugh. There are certainly many impeachable offenses that could be attached to this President, but as Representative Schiff said, it would be prudent if not wise to wait until the investigation to be over before proceeding in that vein. However, in my opinion, I simply do not understand the Congress' missed opportunities in invoking the 25th amendment or at least censuring this elected official. The chances were innumerable.
6
The Democrats need to talk about what they stand for and what changes they are willing to fight for. The Democrats need to convince the American people they care. In my opinion, they have a long way to go.
14
I agree the Dems need a clearer message about what they represent. The GoP spent years being obstructionists, and now that they're in control of the government, they can't do anything. HOWEVER, while the Dems may have a long way to go, the option (more GoP control) is so much worse.
6
What makes you think they don't show they care? That they don't have a unifying message? They never get covered by the mainstream news media. It's Trump 24/7. So for all we know they're meeting all your requirements.
2
They can talk till their blue in the face but voters need to listen and pay attention.
1
The Democratic leadership must emphasize what the Democratic Party will do for those who feel disenfranchised and who are disgusted with the perfomance of Trump and the GOP on a host of issues. Keep Trump iisolated in the White House while the Dems gain control of the House and, God willing, the Senate. Focus on positive messages, messages of change, of improved affordable retraining and institute a depression-era CCC-type program to put people to work rebuilding our infrastructure. Focus on the switch voters, the independents and propose real programs in areas such as West Virginia to provide real jobs. Neuter Trump and it will be better than an impeachment and we will not be struck with Pence as the consolation prize.
20
The Dems biggest issue is the stranglehold that the Clintonistas have on its leadership. Tom Perez is a great guy, just an ineffective old school chair. They need a clear message of exactly how their policies will benefit Joe Sixpack. A few clear illustrations, like: a vote for a Republican’t means that grandma will be kicked out of the nursing home in the middle of winter (and if you don’t pick her up before she freezes to death, they’ll charge you a disposal fee)...go hard left, FDR New Deal Progressive. Pull up your socks, wipe your nose...and get in there!
2
As the election draws nearer Trumps's base might be motivated by the prospect of impeachment to turn out and join the blue wave and vote the Republican bums out. Trump and the Republicans are making policies that hurt everyone in this country particularly his base and all the middle and lower classes.
5
Surely the Democratic response should be that the President will only br impeached if he has done something wrong, and what do Republicans think he has done wrong? At the very least this would force Republicans to repeat the Democratic charges against him, if only to refute them.
6
Politician from South Carolina holds a town hall meeting and places his gun on the table while he is talking. Yes he has a permit to carry a concealed weapon but it does beg the question how low will these politicians go to support the NRA Why are we doing circus treats to show we can carry concealed weapons? Mr. Brassner is killed in a fire in the Trump Tower no statement to the family from this President. The country that has moved forward is being punched backwards because the spineless GOP cant stand up for anything. The State of Michigan is no longer going to provide free water for the residents of Flint because there lives don't matter. Even thought the GOP caused this water issue everyone walks away as usual. The body punches to the American people just keep coming Well Democrats are mobilized to vote and vote we will ,educate get out our message. Only rich people should be able to drink good water? Fox and News will be exposed for what they are and Europe is watching.
9
2018 is the Democrat’s election to lose. They need to take a page from Congressman Lamb’s play book and win back Trump Democrats. Stop grandstanding about DACA and focus on the needs of those who got sandbagged by Trump, ie healthcare, education and how their jobs have still gone to Mexico. Once you win back Congress you can do whatever you want.
7
We elected a demagogue as President. Moral failure of a nation. I read that older, educated white voters are now moving away from Trump's party mostly over concerns about healthcare and social security benefits. Makes me sad to think that the primary motivation for these voters is self interest rather than principles.
For all the talk of impeachment, it is all nonsense. Makes no sense to elect someone and then impeach him unless Mueller finds him guilty of something that actually warrants removal from office.
Bereft of policy fixes the GOP finds its new mantra.
Why impeachment as an election issue?
The GOP would be doing exactly that if Trump was a Democrat.
[As a matter of fact, they'd be doing if any Democrat was president. It is all they have, sowing discord and fear. They have no new policy.]
5
The Democrats need to run on Bring Back Bipartisanship - the way the government used to work - back when it functioned. When there were balanced views.
3
Obviously there is a difference between an election and a coup.
If that difference becomes hard to distinguish, it’s a big problem for elections. Hopefully that’s seen for what it is.
On the other hand, if the Democrats didn’t anticipate his pretty obvious move, and if they don’t have a way to deal with it, and if they are counting eggs as chickens -again- in this election, then it doesn’t really speak well for the effectiveness of their elective option.
Adapting to the world is a requirement of government. Welcome to the world.
And, it just always feels necessary to say this, please walk back the entire deplorables meme. Start now. Figure it out.
6
CB,
It is difficult to adapt to something in constant flux.
Trump is like a flu virus, by the time a vaccine is developed, distributed and given, the strain has mutated.
Republicans in Congress and his base are the medium in which the Trump virus grows.
5
...also act as a sort of scared-straight motivational tool for turnout... Shame the person who needs scaring straight doesn’t get it.
3
As someone with a history of being sexually exploited by men, the issue is serial, sexual predation.
Trump is a predator. It cannot be obfuscated, culture keeps predation alive. Even this comment will be rejected. We are all complicit. I was a child. No one cared then. No one cares now. I tried killing myself with guns, drugs, and razor blades. I know I am crazy. Technology brought me back.
I didn't want it. I don't want it now. I find the planet to be an empty place I am compelled to live in. I don't want to be here because I find the species to be so fundamentally ugly, it is torture. I do not care what psychiatry thinks about it. You do not care about me, and I do not care about you. It is a standoff, not a real truce, and I will win. I own my body. Not you. I want society and the norms of culture to comprehend that life is ephemeral and society reels from the idea that death comes for all of us. This is rejected and exemplified by the behavior of the would-be saviors. The effects of sexual predation last a lifetime.
The female victims of Trump's serial predation are not allowed a voice anymore articulate than the First Lady's silent commitment to (as Trump himself said publicly to Dr. Oz) "the lifestyle." Predation is not a lifestyle. It is a stain humanity embraces and looks away. Denial. We celebrate power, cash, and greed. Predators thrive. Victims do not.
I do not comprehend how this can be simply inconvenient. Evangelicals are hypocrites. Impeachment is coming.
9
I wonder with all the sins of trump that they are willing to give him a mulligan, what do they have left to give a sermon about. Maybe they just pass the collection plate sing a couple of hymns and then go home. They say he gets a pass because of his agenda is what they want from him. To me that equates to selling one's soul to the devil.
1
Here's something I wrote recently on the topic of your timely article. As a Democrat who didn't vote for Trump, and who has been horrified by his rhetoric, polarization and tweeting I believe the following:
IMPEACH?
I’m not so sure impeachment is in our Nations interest, at this time;
Which is not to say Trump’s reign of terror isn’t a crime.
Mueller’s findings & midterm majorities must first be revealed,
So a process for National conversation, healing & hope we will yield
Polarization & misperceptions replaced with unity, understanding and hope;
Assaults & injuries from these past 480 days make it difficult to cope.
East coast, west coast & middle America… many differences to be sure,
Yet our 242 year old Declaration’s ideals must still ensure.
America’s history is as imperfect as we humans who call it home,
Capable of moments of greatness, beginning with a simple greeting: “Shalom!”
Compromise & civility, most of us learned from our parents, and in school;
“Do unto others…” began the words of our ancient Golden Rule.
Healing our Nation must be done with care; reducing, not aggravating, our current divide,
Not: ‘The impeachment was successful, but our ideals have died!’
Can we start with an honest effort to understand one another?
We might find some beliefs we share, my sister & brother.
alittlebitofBS
3/12/18
3
The GOP certainly has found a way of messaging that the Democrats just can’t match. “Impeach the President” is part of the same game where the NRA has given the green light to GOP reps in Congress to talk about possible gun control in order to sell more guns. Why are the Dems so terrible at marketing and sales? They need some serious help and soon.
10
Reminds me of a Larson cartoon showing a cat hiding behind the open door of a large drying machine, a dog, and the word "fud" written on the floor all the way to the dryer door. The cat is barely containing its glee, obviously trying to be invisible, just hoping the dog is stupid enough to go all the way in.
1
Impeach Trump? No way! That would only pave the way for theocrat Mike Pence. What Dems ought to do, upon seizing both House and Senate, is to cripple DT as much as they can, to use the threat of impeachment to render him impotent.
15
Trump ought to be impeached for that Saturday comment on Twitter where he mentioned Trump Tower is a well built building but never followed up with condolences on the death of 67-year old Todd Brassner, tenant who was killed in the fire. Why would anyone not want to impeach the Russian Trojan horse is beyond comprehension?
7
The base might get jazzed by impeachment talk to turn out for Repubs, but Trump has lost the rest of the country. If you’re a fence sitter this time around, you’re a lost cause.
19
If the fence sitters keep sitting next time around, America as envisioned by our Founders and summarized in the Constitution's Preamble, (America's very reason for being a nation) is a lost cause.
Australia, Canada, UK, All of Scandinavia, New Zealand, France, Germany, Holland and more than a few others are governing more in line with the mandates of what our Constitution's Preamble says our American government is supposed to be doing and for whom.
"e pluribus unam" has in reality been replaced by "e pluribus plutocracy" in America.
5
Though I am no fan of Trump politics, impeachment, however desirable it may be Democrats is unjustifiable. Frankly, it will backfire for Democrats in the 2020 national election. Democrats need to be politically savvy, smart and strategic, not stupid and selfish. No sense winning the battle and losing the war.
4
Unjustifiable? That, Mr. Otto, depends on two independent things that may or may not be causal but which could each result in "justifiable" Impeachment.
1. The results of the Mueller investigation, if they are clearly indicative of indictable illegal and or unconstitutional conduct by Trump.
2. Trump's own conduct regarding incidents in the past, the present or between now and 2020 that we have not even had the horrifying, possibly threatening experience of learning about or going through.
To many or us who went through Watergate, given what we know now, both possibilities above seem as likely to happen as the results of Watergate that drove events way back then. The parallels so far are scary and this time seem far more dangerous to our national security, given the issues and the President's demeanor.
1
Of course he SHOULD be impeached...he shouldn't be there at all, but this is politics....different rules. Impeachment should put Hillary in the WH, but it would be Pence, who remains a canny threat.
There is much more to go with the Mueller probe. Trump testifying under oath should make an interesting spectacle. Let's not confuse 'right' with 'smart'. The electoral map is stacked against D's, and for them to win big in November, a lot of right-leaning independents and moderate R's need to stay home.
7
I'm more concerned about the myriad ways the democrats will unwittingly find to fracture themselves. Happens every time.
12
I wonder - does this campaign strategy indicate that Republicans actually believe that Donald J. Trump is in fact impeachable and that he has, in fact, committed offenses that warrant impeachment? That is mind-boggling to me - for them to support someone who warrants impeachment. Have they really all become corrupt? Whatever has happened to that Grand Old Party, the party of Abraham Lincoln?
17
Impeachment is not going to help anyone. You were promised they would would drain the swamp, the only one drained are the taxpayers. Record borrowing, be prepared to pay for it. Crashing stock market. Declining retirement accounts. Employment slowdown. Emboldening of Syria possibly to the point of chemical attacks. Cabinet members with millions in unnecessary expenses. A breakdown in environmental protection, at this rate the planet will become extinct sooner than thought. Your kids public schools defunded.
14
GOP will run with “ Democrats want to impeach him”.
Democrats need to run with “ The GOP wants to take away your Medicare and Social security just watch the tapes of Paul Ryan”.
Smart Americans can decide.
20
Stop the impeachment? That's a GOP desperation rouse. The campaigning I've heard is "vote them out." GOP Congress thinks of their sponsors than their constituents. Maybe real change is coming. We are doing our best.
3
So, do I understand this correctly: the Republicans who are running for mid-term election are telling their base "Vote for me; I'll never impeach Trump no matter what he has done in the past or will do in the future "? That is, no matter what the investigation reveals or how firmly it establishes fact of impeachable offenses?" How is that okay? How is that patriotic? What kind of country do they want? And how is ignoring that message a "common sense" strategy for Democrats -- or anyone else?
8
With a democrat majority, Mr Trump will get the money for the wall, and get comprehensive immigration reform. The republican will not do it as we have just seen.
This is a strategy? If so, an unintended consequence will be is to energize Democrats even more. “Gain control of Congress; Impeach Lump!”
2
The most important action for every American is to vote in 2018.
A strong turnout will easily flip the House.
Then, demand Trumps tax returns and watch the fireworks.
4
Trump cleverly protected himself from impeachment by choosing Mike Pence. Hopefully even the Dems are smart enough to know it's a BAD IDEA to give Repubs a do-over by getting rid of Trump ahead of schedule, let alone to give them the rallying point of defeating impeachment. Let 'em twist in the wind.
4
I agree. House and Senate Republicans must be more afraid of a Pence administration trump.
When I read this headline I mistakenly thought "finally, the Republicans have come to their senses and see the necessity of impeachment." What a blow when I realized they are using fear of impeachment by the democrats as a rallying cry for Trump's base. Mitch McConnell and Paul Ryan, the only two people who can do something about this tragic mess, have put this country and our democracy in absolute peril.
Believe me, if the democrats become the majority in the midterms, they won't waste their time or taxpayer dollars on impeachment. They will govern to the best of their ability while a madman is at the helm, trying to hold us steady until 2020,
143
And if he wins again? Don't be against impeachment.
Not so sure. Remember - if Trump is out, Pence is in. This country isn't a theocracy but Pence would do his level best to make it one. The Evangelicals who have chosen to ignore the grotesque behavior and lies from Trump would flock in even greater numbers to Pence.
Let's just defeat Trump in the 2020 election and be rid of him without generating any public sympathy.
Unfortunately you initial misread of the headline occurs most of the time with our hard working voters. They are so busy working two or three jobs, even many school teachers, that they don't have time to try to correctly read an article, much less understand what it means. The Democratic leaders are so out of touch that they don't see the need to educate the American people. All they seem to know how to do is ask for money and drive people to the polls. And, then seem bewildered when Russian hackers have the voters turned away by" hacked data" in the registration rolls. Thus the GOP can claim that no illegal vote was changed, albeit just a legal vote was prevented!
Impeach Trump? No way. Not in a million years. What has President Trump done that rises to an impeachable offense? Nothing, absolutely nothing! What he has done though, and quite triumphantly, is steer the nation back in the direction of becoming the nation for which the original Patriots fought and died. As each day passes, Americans are more and more convinced that they made the right choice in November 2016, electing Donald J. Trump to the Office of the President of the United States of America, its Chief Executive, its Commander in Chief. There has been no better time in history to be an American! President Trump has triumphed! And he will continue to triumph triumphantly through 2024! I support the President. I support Trump. Thank you.
7
Polls say otherwise and I can't think of a single productive thing Trump has done. I'm becoming more and more convinced that I did the right thing by not voting for Trump.
33
You've got to be kidding. trump's only goal in his first year was to undo everything sensible that Obama did, e.g. roll back safety and environmental regulations that protected our air and environment (like coal mining, Paris accord, etc. etc,) putting Scott Pruitt, a climate change denier, as head of the EPA for the express purpose of dismantling it and allowing big businesses to pollute to their hearts' content. Improving health care…nothing, because Obamacare was evil and pricing 20 million Americans out of affordable health care is a better option. How about his great security record? He's calling up the National Guard to protect the border against a nonexistent threat - the lowest number of illegal crossings in decades. Not to mention that he his delusional, paranoid, unstable and an admitted sex offender. I could go on and on. Is this really the great, triumphant president that you will actually vote for again in 2020 - IF the GOP doesn't dump him.
4
Polls predicted a landslide victory by HRC.
How about re-energizing the economy and putting America’s interest first?
1
The Republican party has become cult like and moderate Republicans are almost a thing of the past. They now have this strategy to keep the president in office by claiming if the Democrats take the house and senate he'll be impeached. They'll use any argument or stoop to any level to maintain power and it will include voter suppression, gerrymandering, lies and distortions of the truth. This is after all how Trump was elected to begin with and the impact of Russian interference is not really yet known. They don't care if Donald Trump obstructed justice or colluded with the Russians. This is the problem. They've abandoned all integrity and most Trump supporters don't know the facts or how things work. That Trump's perfidy is "okay" with them is dangerous.
The only way out of this mess these under-informed voters created is to VOTE. Don't lose sight of the immediate steps required to regain the house or senate. Things will play out one way or another but if the Democrats don't have a seat at the table nothing will matter and we'll lose our democracy. Yes, Trump and the extreme right are that dangerous.
Our current state of affairs is not what our founding fathers envisioned for a government by the people. Just get out and vote.
29
If one were to remove the argument from personalities then if any Republican makes such an argument they would be saying vote to keep crime legal for our sude.
13
Only in America could the only appropriate outcome -- removal from office of the racist, misogynist, incompetent, five-time draft-dodging, six-time bankrupt, Russia-colluding, justice-obstructing demagogue -- become a political weapon wielded by the demagogue's acolytes. Of course Trump should be impeached. The tragedy of our politics is that his opponents have been cowed into silence.
36
Just like on Putin’s Russia
Which is where his supporters would feel more comfortable
1
Nice try GOP. Most intelligent forward thinking american voters, (judging by the election results over the years not republicans), DO NOT WANT this narcissistic child impeached.
We KNOW pence is FAR WORSE. Most intelligent forward thinking american voters want to see BALANCE return to our politics.
The only way to do that is to VOTE for candidates who can take positions in the House of Reps, and the Senate to bring balance back in place.
WE DON’T WANT IMPEACHMENT, we want to continue to watch donnie shoot himself in the foot with every tweet.
20
I want Trump out of the White House but I'd rather see him humiliated at the polls than merely impeached.
37
In a host of ridiculous claims and scare tactics by Republicans, this one is up there near the top. Even if the House turns Democratic starting next January, and even if the president is impeached, it's no big deal. Can you imagine a Senate, likely to still hold a Republican majority, ever coming up with the 67 votes necessary to find him guilty of charges and subsequent removal from office? The whole specter is nothing more than a scare tactic for the less educated voter who doesn't understand the impeachment process.
20
If the House voted to impeach, we wouldn't need the Senate to go along with it. Donnie who can't stand not being the "bride or the corpse" would resign rather than have to live with the public humiliation of a vote of impeachment taking him out.
He'd have an incapacitating bone spur relapse.
1
I think the Democratic battle cry should be: Vote for a House and Senate That Will Actually Do Their Jobs! Restore Checks and (Some (Semblance of) Balance.
28
After that midterm shellacking, Obama noticed that one democratic candidate did well. He ran a highly divisive, identity-driven campaign. This is how Obama's second term strategy was hatched. Galvanize the base with identity politics. It's no coincidence that his "Dear Colleague" letter came out the day he announced his candidacy.
The country eventually became sick of identity politics thanks to Obama. The great leader had no problem dividing the country for his own gain. Those tsk-tsk'ing the republicans for this strategy are wearing blinders.
This is politics. By the way in that midterm, republicans ran against Obama. So many people were angry about Obamacare, it became a gift to republicans. Now they're running against the same democratic extremism.
5
I don't remember that being the case. I for one voted for Obama twice, although I had been a previous Republican voter, because he was reasonable and more centrist. His opponent the second go-round was less tolerant and too religious/extreme for my taste. Although some Democrats are on the far left the majority are more towards the center. The extremism I'm seeing is more on the right as Republicans rush to defend the crazy stuff Trump is doing.
5
Tweet Tweet Tweet. What the tweet is extremism?
1
If the 2018 elections are about impeaching (and convicting) Donald Trump, it should not be a wake-up call to Republicans. If they are not already "awake' they it is too late. Hopefully, it is not too late to undo the damage Trump has done.
9
Representatives like Ryan, Stivers and Nunez had best worry about their own survival than that of Trump. Their movement will likely backfire.
14
Running on the theme of "Impeach Trump" is a definite winner.
However it is a winner for the Democrats rather than the Republicans.
What the GOP has failed to realize is that there are many Republican voters who want to show Trump the door ........ and as soon as possible.
I know quite a few of them. Many of them are now Independents.
Right here in in CT. the strong Republican towns voted in 2016 for ......
Drum roll ........ Hillary Clinton.
Well educated, well off, and above average in intelligence voters put common sense ahead of party and did the only sensible thing in the privacy of their voting booths.
The GOP is desperate for any tactic they can dream up.
They are scrapping the bottom of their rancid barrel with this current ploy.
Bring it on. Impeach Trump. You bet!!!
15
With Genocide staring at us in the face and Syria being purged by Assad with chemical weapons, Trump could navigate with 'The Can-Do Policy'.
Strike while the iron is hot and transform a crippled Republican Party into Courage for spine; Action for valor; Nobility for sacrifice; Doctrine for strength in adversity; Order for justice, while All Civilized Nations across the borders till the ends of the earth, join in a universal effort and stamp out this massacre that is taking place.
All for The Sake of Humanity for this no time to talk a blue streak, but to see redress.
Little donnie couldn’t navigate his short fingers out of a twitter war let alone something like a humanitarian crisis.
He tweets about pulling out of Syria emboldening Asid and making Putin’s his beloved very happy.
Now little donnie will have to face what a real leader has had to face, consequences of his actions.
Good luck to us all.
5
On 6 April, the Syrian government launched a fierce air and ground assault on the last rebel-held town in eastern Ghouta, killing at least 32 people in a bid to seal President Bashar al-Assad’s BIGGEST victory since 2016, a war monitor said.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the 32 dead in Douma included five children and the air strikes were likely carried out by Russian war planes. State media said rebel shelling of Damascus had killed four people - REUTERS
It could be an effective way for the GOP to keep their voters involved and more likely to vote. The reality of the situation is that a 1 to 5 member "majority"" in the House is hardly likely to start an impeachment unless there is clear criminal intent on the part of Trump. We'll have to see what happens with all of the "Stormys"" out there.
3
The response should be if Trump were impeached the devout Pence or Boy Scout Ryan would become president. Perhaps this would be a better outcome or even god’s plan as evangelicals say
1
I hope Republicans talk about impeachment more and more between now and November. Trump is on the ballot in 2018 whether the GOP like it or not. As in 2016, most people will vote against Trump, but midterm races are also closer to home. The questions on the ground are whether you are better off now than you were a year ago? Do you think the country is going in the right direction? But also whether Congressional Republicans check the WH if Trump goes off the deep end?
Trump is a national security crisis waiting to happen. We have seen Trump’s “Katrina” in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, I shudder to think what an economic crash and or major terror attack like 9/11 would look like under Trump.
Considering all the things we have witnessed since the beginning of the 21st century, who feels safe with Trump at the helm? I wouldn’t trust Trump to babysit my kids! Are there really people out there who think we aren’t putting ourselves at enormous risk with Trump as President? Trump as Commander-in-Chief is like a monkey with a machine gun.
Keep talking impeachment, Republicans. You should have gotten rid of Trump on day one. Pence would have gladly picked up the pieces. Now instead of looking like patriots, you look like craven traitors.
A lot of Americans agree with impeachment no matter who talks about it. Trump is only proving us right. That is all that matters.
8
The Republican Party will do anything and say anything to hold a majority. How a single republican or an entire party can support Trump is unforgivable. There's no longer any doubt of their complicity in the destruction of our republic as they move us ever closer to a dictatorship.
Trump was right he can stand in the middle of 5th Avenue and shoot someone, probably several someones, and get away with it.
There is absolutely nothing Trump can do that will cause republicans to impeach. Nothing!
If Democrats and Independents don't prevail in November we are sunk.
13
The Republicans had no problem running on impeachment of Clinton. If The FBI investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 election bares fruit, the Republicans may find they have traveled down the wrong road leading to a dead end. As Sgt Friday use to say, "Just the facts."
8
When a party has to run on fears of impeachment of the Party's own President elected by a plurality under unusual questionable influences including Russian influences rather than on what he said he was going to do, i.e. "Make America Great Again" you know the party is in deep trouble.
The American People have always wanted to elect leaders that will work to make America Great. The fact that the party in power is even considering this line of campaigning is a testament to just how badly this President is failing at his own campaign promises.
But even worse, Trump is failing at being the leader of the American People not just his minority and often outlandish and willingly ignorant "Base."
Where is the reverence for the Constitution?
Where is the Dignity and Respect?
Since when did the mainstream media suddenly become "The Enemy" and "FAKE" news?
Since when do we give mulligans to Presidents for their outrageous conduct and disrespect of women, religions, and ignorance in general?
Or maybe its just the reality of the situation: those campaign promises are a scam, just like so much of what Trump has done in the past:fair housing, Trump University, and other shady deals and conduct well hidden by richly compensated non disclosure agreements over decades.
Outside of his infamous Base, I suspect the American people of all parties, genders and ages are tired of Trump. More significantly, they are seriously concerned about the impact of this narcissist bully on America.
14
If Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama or any other Democrat did a smidgen of the stuff Trump has done, we would be holding impeachment hearings right now, even if Democrats were the House majority. Republicans would be running on impeachment. Below are just a list of some of these offenses. Let me know if you think Republicans or Democrats would tolerate this:
1. The President admitting on national tv that they fired the FBI chief to halt an investigation into their campaign.
2. The President getting paid by officials of foreign governments through the President’s personally owned hotels.
3. President refuses to divest from properties, many of which are partially owned by wealthy foreigners in places like Saudi Arabia, China, and other nations with hostile or adverse interests to the US.
4. Refuses to release tax returns to public even as a public official. Where are his filings for 2018? Obama and previous Presidents released their returns. Stay tuned.
5. Various members of the Presidents WH staff receive intel at the highest level of classification without clearance.
6. Various members of the President’s cabinet are running up enormous debts, purging the most experienced bureaucrats who served under multiple administrations for “disloyalty”, and sabotaging the work of their departments.
7. Setting important policy and firing cabinet officials via tweet.
Let me know which one of these is not worthy of impeachment hearings, folks.
13
Kat,
I wish I could “recommend “ your comment for each point you made.
Davi Axelrod has been a voice of common sense for so many years. Does Trump have anybody like that around him?
3
you do know its, "majority leader" it senate minority leader schumer. get it right! also good luck. that really worked the first time with that 58-346 margin.
Running on the threat of impeachment reeks of desperation. When you can't run on accomplishment, that's all there is left.
5
There are more than enough Americans who do not want to allow the Trumpicans to take our country any further down this terrible path.
But, based on the 2016 elections and the fact that midterms don't "excite" many voters, I see apathy, not Ttrumpicans, as our enemy.
3
Twisted logic: Keep someone in office who in all appearances is doing more harm than good for the country. We've come a long way, baby!
8
Mr. Steyer and Democrats, Impeachment is not the answer and bringing it into fruition is a real long shot.
The common sense answer is taking back control of the House and Senate. Democrats must speak to the issues that grieve us , the NRA and gun control, our environment, tax cuts for the wealthy, infrastructure, tariffs, DACA, gerrymandering, Russian high- jacking our electoral system, etc. etc. Share a plan of action.
Take back control of both houses. Block Trump on every possible insane action he utters and nullify the power of this hear, see and speak no evil GOP.
Yes this little man who would be king is toxic, but more often than not,' the devil you know is better than one you do not know'......Born again evangelical Mike Pence.
Lets ride out this abomination until 2020. We have learned many lessons and have reawaken to the fact that the power of We The People, we hold so dearly is the stroke of our vote. Lets make it a historical turn out in November,
A beginning of taking our Democracy back to the middle.
6
Here is my two cents worth: I fear that many Democrats, including many of those commenting here, are falling into the trap of, "overthink". Lets not forget that the Republicans impeached Bill Clinton for lying about an affair and then attempting to cover it up. Yes, I agree that the key to change is a dramatic win for Dems in the midterms which we must all work very hard to make happen. As for impeachment, let the chips fall where they may, including criminal indictments for all guilty members and associates of this disgrace of an administration.
3
I'm with Congressman Schiff on this one. We need a Democratic majority in the House to have credible investigations and to show a spine in a Congress currently bending so far backwards to support Mr. Trump it is his lapdog and not a co-equal branch of government as the founding fathers envisioned.
Violation of the Emoluments Clause? Perhaps. Now let's have a detailed forensic analysis of his tax returns and the records from the businesses like the Trump hotel he supports.
Obstruction of justice? Perhaps. Let's pledge to open up the Mueller investigation report when released for good or ill.
The rule of law requires an investigation before a trial. We have probable cause and pursuit of truth requires it.
3
After 8 years of less than 2% economic growth every year, the only time in our history our economy was that bad, Trump's first year had growth over 3%. That's an impeachable offense.
After doing nothing while 800 billion US dollars, money we had to borrow, flowed into China every year because of currency manipulation and one-sided tariffs, Trump is moving to stop this hemorrhage. That's impeachable.
After we did nothing while North Korea tested nuclear bombs and long-range missiles, Trump spoke tough to Kim last October. There have been no tests of either half of their nascent nuclear strike capability since.
That's impeachable.
And the investigation of collusion with the Russians has turned up not a single shred of evidence.
That's the most impeachable offense of all.
The authors of the Progressive's Handbook of Revolution are doing handsprings in their graves.
2
Trump will betray you as he has betrayed everyone else who supports him and that includes his wife and family, not to mention ex-wives. Obstruction of justice, by the way, is a real thing.
2
Embarrassment and abject humiliation for trump on a daily basis would be justice with a Democrat controlled congress.
4
I understand the Republican---and especially Oliver North's---confusion. They call it coup. The rest of us call it an election.
5
If anyone is fooled by this claim, shame on them.
Impeachment of Trump and his ultimate removal from office simply means Vice President Pence will inherit the position and the mess. He, Mr. Pence, is far more representative of the GOP agenda than Trump ever has been. Additionally, he has alienated far fewer mainstream Republicans even though he has failed to speak out publicly regarding Trump's sins.
Mr. Pence has his many detractors, especially in the LGBT community and among more liberal, let be what will be, Republicans and Democrats, but his record and public attitudes are far closer to the American mainstream than the moraless beast he would replace.
1
It’s ironic that even Republicans shudder at the prospect of a President Pence replacing an impeached Trump.
2
If, If he ever gets to an impeachment, which looks unlikely given his fan club in Congress, it almost guaranteed he will walk away unscathed.
Better to let the overwhelming evidence of corruption, money laundering and assaults on various females expose him as the criminal that he has been for decades.
It might just be worth the wait to have him tried and convicted for his continued crimes other than possible collusion with a foreign power.
3
Trump ran on locking his political enemies in prison. Why is impeachment so bad by comparison?
4
Republicans ought to think again before baiting Democrats and all voters with a threat that the party out of power would impeach Donald Trump Jr.. Seriously? What about agenda-setting to get serious infrastructure reform? And hearings on gun control and climate change? Haven’t any of them seen the ads for the Serve America Movement that aims to build a new political party? They all might better take a look in the rear view mirror at what’s creeping up behind them.
2
Sad when the best the Republicans can offer their base is: "Don't let them impeach our president!" After a year of total madness in the White House, few accomplishments, numerous scandals, trade wars, a collapsing stock market, and alienating just about all the other nations of the world, I guess that's about it!
2
This was the primary argument used by the editorial board of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette when they endorsed Rick Saccone over Conor Lamb. This is what they said:
"If Mr. Lamb, 33, wins, it could well be the start of a Democratic wave. The prospect of a Democratic House may please partisans, but it might be bad for the country.
The Democrats in the House have only one agenda item at the moment, and it isn’t health care or jobs. It is impeachment. Regardless of whether one likes this president or his policies, one must ask what the consequence for the country will be if we dive into so great a distraction."
It didn't work.
7
Democratic voters probably care about impeachment as much as they do Russia, which isn't much. To make it worse, republicans have dominated on jobs and the tax cuts. Democrats' response has been muddled. Silly of them to try to pretend it isn't a real tax cut. All experts agree. It is. Targeting the rich as beneficiaries fizzled the minute the facts came out.
Democrats' angry leftwing is the problem. It keeps them focused on the wrong things.
2
The GOP seems to have put the practice of scheming into a fine art. You never know what tactic they are going to use next.
Reminds me of the Cold War schemers behind the Iron Curtain when we went from crisis to crisis never able to anticipate their newest move.
We can only hope that like Soviet Russia they suddenly collapse from the momentum of their own making.
2
Without a veto-proof majority Congress can only threaten the playboy, but could hold hearing after hearing reining in his administration. For 2020 it's all up to Senator Sanders: can he anoint an heir to his movement, back him and resume the driving corrective to Democratic party presidential strategy? Up to you, Bernie!!
2
I recognize that this article is reporting largely on the same alarmist tactics the far right has used to mobilize its base for years: The sky is falling! But when I first saw the teaser on my phone, I thought it meant something different -- that the Republicans had seized on a much more clever and devious strategy: to talk, themselves, about initiating impeachment proceedings (wink wink, nudge nudge) against Trump -- but only after the primaries (where the Trump base holds much more sway). Steal some of the anti-Trump sentiment from the Democrats while still promising low taxes and a strong military and all that.
My imagined strategy scares me a lot more than this tripe.
2
" The electorate does not want to put people in power that are going to create complete chaos and in essence shut down any potential legislative progress.” Oh, wait. They already did that. It's called the Republican party.
4
Consider much of the chaos can be found in respondents' anger toward Trump. From the media to government bureaucrats to the political elites, he has turned their world on its head. They no longer drive the White House or the narrative. All their connections have been severed, their privileges gone.
Then there are those who cannot accept he's president. Certainly they are responsible for whatever chaos they're in.
2
When it comes to domestic policy, Pence would probably be worse than Trump - certainly no better. As for foreign policy - maybe Pence would be less likely to get us into wars - both trade and shooting kinds - but I don't know, since I really don't have any idea of Pence's views in these areas. So I think the Democrats should just shut up on impeachment. The big question is, if the GOP congress people ever figure out that impeaching Trump would help them politically, will the Democrats join them. Tough call.
Harry: No fan of Pence either and agree. No interest in impeachment, we can accomplish the equivalent in 2020. However, in the meantime, beginning with the mid-terms, I'm certainly in favor of politically neutering Trump and The White House.
1
As controversial as Trump is and as hated as he is by many, he at least adds excitement and interest to politics today. He also has a certain openness to untested ideas and solutions. Pence on the other hand would take us back to the stone age. So be careful what you wish for.
4
The democrats do not need to impeach Trump. Let the republicans wriggle around in their nightmare. During the primaries not one criticized Trump for his low class tactics and schoolyard bully insults; in fact, they tried to join in the fun, a fatal mistake. I guess the roaring crowds of his supporters, 35% of the population, impressed them. You get what you wish for. Now, over 20 republicans have announced they will not seek reelection. I do not assume they are all announcing this decision due to disgust with Trump; perhaps some are. I'm sure most have a job or a position or retirement awaiting them. More important; who will be the new leaders of the republican party? Paul Ryan? Devin Nunes?
The democrats need to propose major environmental legislation to stop the destruction which Trump and his enablers are attempting and build a green economy over the next decades to create not just new jobs but new professions. True vision requires major investment in the future, even if we are not enjoying the results in the present. Since the 80's America has been complacent and lazy as other countries with less invested in the oil industry have seen the future. And for those who complain about 'subsidizing' solar, wind, hydro and other renewable energy, I can only say that our petrochemical industry has been subsidized over the last century or more by any means necessary, public or private, blatant or subtle, peaceful or violent.
5
This story begins with what has become a familiar refrain: "What began ... as blaring political hyperbole on the right...is now steadily drifting into the main currents ... for Republicans." It continues with the farcical irony of a Gingrich staffer pronouncing impeachment as something to be left to the crazies, and ends with a classic bit of projection: because the Republicans are controlled by their most extreme factions, Rep. Duffy assumes (or perhaps asserts against his own belief) that the Democrats are similarly under the spell of the farthest left. But that's the difference between the parties. The Democrats contain extremist elements, but the power in the party is still firmly with the moderates.
2
All Democrats need to counter the GOP "Democrats are coming for your president!" scare is "Republicans are coming for your Medicare and Social Security!" And it's the truth. Paul Ryan has said so. All Dems need to do is run video clips of Ryan and other Republicans talking about "entitlements." Make ordinary working people choose between protecting "their" president Trump and their retirement security. Trump won't be around to entertain them at rallies when they get tired of working but can't afford to retire because they don't have private pensions and couldn't save enough of their low wages.
7
As much as I don't care for Donald Trump, should Democrats take the house, impeachment would be a serious distraction and would create confusion in the house. There would have to be hearings and the really important legislation would not get done. Regardless of whole controls the house and the senate after the next election, I hope more gets done then impeaching Donald Trump.
1
The best way for Democrats to defeat this strategy is also the simplest: Get its voters (including, presumably those among the 49 million who didn't vote in 2016) to turn out and vote on November 6.
4
Impeachment would not be worth the effort on Trump. A Democrat House and Senate in 2018 that manages to amplify the president's inanities will be enough to chase him out of the White House in 2020. In fact, the passage of common sense laws on health, the economy, and other issues might actually win Trump approval because the man's ego wants to look good all the time, no matter what the conservatives might want
3
I don't know how widespread this attitude is; perhaps "Republicans" mean the Mercers and the Kochs along with a few other billionaires?
I know very few people who voted for Trump, but the ones I do know want him out of office as much as I do. I'm in NJ, and the Republicans really went after blue states with the new tax code, so that's part of it. But a lot of these people really think Trump is unfit for office and view him as dangerously unbalanced. My two nephews voted for Trump and now think they were put under some sort of spell. They are very embarrassed about it.
13
Trump is his own worst enemy and also the greatest enemy of the Republican Party.
If the DNC were to make impeachment the goal this would be seized to paint Trump as an underdog to defend, regardless of what Trump says or does.
Issues like stopping mass shootings have the support of most Americans. Focus on these issues can yield results that last beyond the election. State and national legislation is needed to ban sale of military grade weapons and thorough background checks of purchases of military grade weapons by people prone to violence.
Trump will continue to shoot himself in the foot. With Bolton as National Security advisor there is likely to be increased turmoil in relations with both allies and adversaries. While implausible, a Trump success with N. Korea would strengthen Trump's hand regardless of how it was accomplished or whatever else Trump says or does. Success there could make impeachment laughable even with compelling evidence from the Mueller investigation, because impeachment is a political decision process, not limited by evidence and facts. Visible failure would lead to the exit of Bolton and accelerate the drive towards impeachment.
1
I think it is best to forget about impeaching Trump for now,
it would be wiser to wait for the results from Muellers
investigation of Trump & his administration. If Trump
or his cohorts have committed a crime then they
should be legally charged in a court of law.
6
I would have thought a promise by GOPs to impeach Trump would attract many dems
3
It is my belief that the true Rs want Trump out of office. And that this impeachment talk and tactic is really to fire up the Ds. Trump is not a Republican and with him in office the true Rs are ruderless and afraid he will force them, by getting to the next Pres election cycle, to give up what they truly believe in. I think the true Rs know that the mid terms are a given victory for the Ds. Trump is a toxic factor.
3
"For me, he was already not the kind of person who should be president. Ever."
I too thought Trump shouldn't be President. Ever. But he did get elected, and keep in mind who the Democrats trotted out to oppose him. Wasn't that an insult to voters?
Had Hillary Clinton not been married to a former President, nobody would have given her the time of day -- and she continued to "milk" that connection when she declined to dump Bill after it had become abundantly clear that he'd cheated on her numerous times. She benefitted from her connection to a former President, and self-respect always took a back seat with her. She made that very clear.
Hillary Clinton was and is a mediocrity at best, and the fact that she was the Democratic Party's candidate was an insult to voters. Trump is and was a clown, but voters resented being insulted with Hillary Clinton.
3
Smart voters had other choices. The real problem is the two-party lock on American politics. Not that some of the other choices haven't been just as insulting but there have been a few reasonable alternatives.
1
Angelsea:
"Smart voters had other choices."
Not if they wanted to win.
View a recent speech "VP Mike Pence speech at AIPAC Policy Conference" and think about putting him in as President if Donald Trump is impeached. It is really tough to listen to the whole thing.
6
I am a Republican and know in my heart that this President deserves to be impeached, convicted, and removed from office.
10
Well, that's rich. Iran Contra's Oliver North talking about coups and "deep state" bureaucrats. Look who's calling the kettle black.
10
Clearly a cover up of immense proportions is being perpetrated by trump himself and his henchmen. It's becoming increasingly obvious that Putin won trump the election and of course expects pay back. There’s a general realization looming on the horizon spreading far and wide that effectively we have a criminal imposter in the White House ... in truth a tragically unprepared and dangerously unprincipled ‘fake’ president who is an unabashed leech and an unrepentant liar.
This man must be impeached as quickly and forthrightly as possible.
6
I am continually amazed at the venality of the Republican Party which has no problem with destroying the country they claim to love for the sake of keeping a white supremacist cabal of oligarchs in power. Pandering to low-information voters is a fine art. Behind it all is an "electioneering industry" that enriches itself serving the oligarchs by using mind-control techniques to steer the sheep.
15
There is a certain irony in this. Of course the goal is to win the house and get rid of Trump. Elections matter. That is why the Democratic base is alive. Let’s make this a referendum on Trump.
10
I think the Democrats ought to point out that this tax break the middle class and working class is getting at the moment is a ploy to get the GOP re-elected. What they need to advertise is that this tax break will be bigger over the years for the billionaires. The middle class and working class then will pay for them once the GOP president is no longer in power. We seen this time and time again. We will be paying for those tax break then. What short sightedness. This needs to be pointed out in advertisings going forward in getting the Dems elected. In addition they need to make a better outcry toward how our infrastructure is third world status. This is especially true on the north east and west coast. When I travel in Europe I don't see any ugly trailer parks, even poor people live either in nice apartments or have decent looking homes as well as great roads. The poor live in cheaply build homes, trailer parks and horrible conditioned apartments. Potholes are everywhere. Our surface roads have pathetically thin covers, necessitating them to be resurfaced much quicker than in Europe. Our Tappan Zee bridge in NY only lasted 50 years and now, at the expense of billions is being replaced. Corruption and greed everywhere. None of these billionaires including this President fear Jail time. That is why corruption continues.
Democrats: What do most people want? They want sensible gun control to save lives. They want Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) because it is fair. They want higher minimum wages because that will be of most help to working people (and help the economy at the same time). They want their kids to have a good education. They want good gas mileage and they want to breathe clean air. They want to end the opioid crisis. These are some of the issues that Democrats have worked to address in sensible, compassionate ways. Shine your light on these things!
15
Oh please impeach him, please. The American people as well as Trump have the right to a fair trial and a fair use of the Justice system. Besides, how many 'real' Trump supporters are there anyway? November may answer that question.
2
First of all, 'impeachment' is only a step. A trial and conviction in the Senate is necessary, if the POTUS is to be removed from office. Without that (a doubtful outcome), impeachment is only a slap on the wrist.
Secondly, since conviction would give us a President Pence, many of us to the left of center are not all that keen. Pence is a right-wing ideologue who, though surely less chaotic than Trump, would give us an energetic hard right agenda with which to contend.
18
Peddling fear is part of politicians' bag of tricks but the Republicans and their sponsors have certainly made it a science.
However, the real problem is that the Republicans indeed may need help from the people who are self-serving or never consider the big picture. A lame duck Trump might be better than a Pence presidency.
To impeach or not to impeach depends on evidence, no more and no less.
13
I think what's really scaring the Republicans is the fact that several local races and a few national races have been surprisingly won by Democrats.
9
So, the Republicans have found a clever way to make the midterms actually another presidential election. Democrats had better be very careful about how they meet this challenge. The enthusiasm gap is the biggest weapon the out of power party has in any midterm election, and this stratagem has real potential to effectively neutralize that advantage.
2
What matters most is that the GOP will flat out lie -- that video with the "anchor" will confuse/convince a lot of older, low literacy, Fox-addicted people.
And they do it without a blush or a qualm.
Whatever it takes.
To keep a person many of them believe is horrible, in the White House.
Power is not just everything to Republicans. It is the ONLY thing.
62
Republicans love bogeymen! If they can plant the idea of one in a right-wing mind they know it will flourish. Republicans should have impeached Trump already. They know it in their hearts but their souls are owned by fright wing media and most would rather cave than stand up for what is true.
65
Republicans will rue the day they brought impeachment into the conversation. Everyday it becomes more evident Trump is fundamentally unfit.
1
Democrats should run on Republican cowardice and lock step obedience. Aside from being a weak corrupt tool of a foreign power Trump is the empty vessel legislatively delivering Paul Ryan's and Grover Norquist's agenda. The only way we'll see bipartisanship again is with overwhelming Democratic victories - the bipartisanship coming as the left wing Democrats and the ones from the middle of the country compromise in their caucus to do the right thing. Voting for Republican leaders in the House and Senate should disqualify every Republican running for those bodies. As for impeachment no sense getting ahead of the country - the angry mobs demanding it won't all be liberals when it comes.
28
Civil War II. How thrilling to be alive now!
If the Democrats had not run Hillary Clinton the U.S. would not be in this mess with Trump.
15
That’s getting sooo old.... She had 3M more than Trump in the popular vote and if Comey hadn’t published his letter 10 days before the election and if the Russians hadn’t meddled in the election, we would not be in this mess with Trump.
9
So true. And she dug in with aloof attitude awaiting her coronation and insulting his supporters. Biden could have won but for the loss of his son.
No more Hillary. Toxic to our future
If the Russians hadn't helped Trump the US would not be in this mess with Trump.
6
Democrats need to look to the attempt to impeach Walker in Wisconsin. After he stripped public unions of their bargaining power, he outraged a huge number of people in the state, and impeachment sentiment ran high. But the impeachment vote itself was a disaster.
13
It was a poorly conceived idea. Impeachment is a major legislative process, difficult even with the best reasons. Walker was and still is a horror. They should have waited for Walker's upcoming reelection, done more research and analysis into the many ways Walker has damaged the state, gathered support and found a candidate. They would have had an excellent chance of ridding themselves of Walker.
1
Failure to impeach W for lying us into the mess that is now Iraq/Syria is the reason for our political mess now. GOP has been fixing elections since at least 2000. No consequences means no reason to stop. The GOP free pass is the reason we have Trump.
2
conservatism consists of hate. that is all.
40
Well, yeah, how does it go, “Stating the Obvious?”
DUMP TRUMP!
It seems the only reasonable thing to do . . .
18
bobK
To me, it is not reasonable; I like the president.
2
I truly cannot think of one reason why anyone should, Sarah. Enlighten me please.
44
Why?
6
I don't get it. Mr. Trump has been violating the Emoluments clause of the Constitution since the day he was inaugurated with his Washington DC hotel-- and yet the majority of the American public doesn't believe he should be impeached?
And another thing-- shouldn't Pence be thrown out at the same time if it is shown that Trump's campaign colluded with the Russians to throw the election? He was on Trump's coat-tails, right?
The difference between the reality that I can see, based on objective journalism, and the opinions of the American public, is startling. I suspect that it is at least partially due to the influence of Fox News and their lying, cheating, covering-up simulacrum of "news" that Americans do not know what is really going on in their own government.
52
That, conradtsteitz, and an epidemic of happy apathy.
8
The entire contaminated crew has to go!
2
I believe the Democrats would be ill-served to even think impeachment. No one has done more to damage the Republican Party than the President himself. Democrats should run on a platform that they'll keep him there four full years, the time it will probably take to bury the fraudulent promise of new-conservatism.
26
Well I have imagined if the US House and Senate have Democratic majorities again, that the House would impeach both Trump and Pence. That would lead to whoever is Democratic Speaker of the House becoming President. We can hope and dream, can't we?
22
Yes, we can hope and dream!
6
It takes 67 votes in the Senate to convict. No point nurturing impossible dreams. If Mueller finds convincing evidence of treason by Trump perhaps it would be possible that 16 or so Republican senators would display both patriotism & courage but frankly I doubt it.
So, TMS, in a democracy the citizens are, at least theoretically in charge; that imposes a duty on us citizens to be reasonably well informed. Am I just being snarky? Perhaps, but we live in perilous times. We need our heads as well as our hearts.
1
To T.M.S.
Terrific scenario!! And entirely possible.
Running on the theme of "Impeach Trump" is a definite winner.
What the GOP has failed to realize is that there are many Republicans voters who want to show Trump the door ........ and as soon as possible.
I know quite a few of them. Many of them are now Independents.
Right here in in CT. the strong Republican towns voted in 2016 for ......
Drum roll ........ Hillary Clinton.
Well educated, well off, and above average in intelligence voters put common sense ahead of party and did the only sensible thing in the privacy of their voting booths.
The GOP is desperate for any tactic they can dream up.
They are scrapping the bottom of their rancid barrel with this current ploy.
Bring it on. Impeach Trump. You bet!!!
Fire and brimstone IS the Republican majority.
4
Then let The Republican majority stand strong and strike out at the Leader of Syria.
I am just hoping that those Midwest soy bean growers who voted for this administration and these trade wars, will suffer so bad from his policies that they will come to their senses and vote for something that can bring back sanity.
Or not, and they will just suffer and blame Obama, Hillary Clinton, Benghazi, or caravans of brown skinned folks coming to our country to take advantage of DACA according to their fox and friends.
20
"Those midwest soybean growers." Yeah, they cause all the trouble, don't they?
Check out a map of the 2016 primary and caucus results; you might be surprised to see some of the states where Bernie Sanders won over Clinton. Some of the people who voted for him might even have been soybean farmers.
5
He won the Democratic primaries in those states. That most certainly doesn't mean he have won said states in the general election.
3
Great point! Angering the farmers is never a good idea. The hazelnut growers are talking revolution here in Oregon.
5
Sincerity counts.
At least for me -- and for many people, I think.
For those people, take considerable solace in knowing that the vast majority of those who advocate Trump's impeachment really, really believe he ought to be impeached. They aren't just saying that because they're Democrats and he's not. They really believe it.
Possibly I'm just naive, and the sincerity I believe I see really isn't there. But I think it is. Most people who advocate for Trump's impeachment sincerely believe he's done something that deserves impeachment. Many of them differ on what in particular they think he's done, but they all sincerely believe he's done something wrong.
Does sincerity count for you? If so, give more weight to what the pro-impeachment people say; they really mean it.
7
The most hostile and defensive Administration against the People it represents in contemporary times where corruption, lies and deceit rule supreme.
1
Some Republicans are saying OMG, not again!. Others are joining Democrats asking for the impeachment of big mustachio, even before he starts his new assignment!. Are the republicans trying to insure their own re-election by distancing themselves from him, and from POTUS? Hum!
1
“Many leaders fear”. That’s what’s so wrong with Democrats. They live in fear. Obama didn’t disclose Russian election meddling in the fall of 2016 because he FEARED it would look..... Trump stalked Hillary during a debate but she didn’t turn around and give it to him because she FEARED etc. A pathetic group of low prey drive cowards. Trump won because he didn’t fear... he just acted. Like an imbecile yes, but....
12
Or perhaps "fear" to you means civility and trying to do the right thing and not cause
Your show your true colors when you say that Trump is an imbecile, "but . . . :"
Meaning you'd rather have an imbecile as president than a Democrat.
If any is gutless, that would be thee."
15
It is my understanding that President Obama told Russia in October 2016 that meddling in our Elections were off-the-board, and Americans showed themselves as self-defeating in voting for a broken-down businessman.
We are not invincible and Trump has lost no opportunity to remind us of the above.
I think that's a fairly good point. Not sure if I agree, but....................
Anyone who receives blood money from the NRA should removed from office. This is now a single issue, pro life vote. Impeach, indeed!
17
Isn’t this a recipe for legitimizing impeachment—essentially admitting Trump’s a failure, a lost cause? And reason to simply stay home, opt out of voting. Which will drive a tremendous Democratic turnout. I think its inevitable, the pendulum swinging back with vicious corrective power.
10
Sadly, I voted for Trump and I plan on voting Democrat down the line this November just so they impeach him. If Republicans had any hope of keeping their majorities they wound be one the ones to impeach him.
41
I’m a Democrat with a modicum of influence. Trump should have been impeached already...and the GOP will pay for their blindness to his corruption. He’s committed at least half a dozen impeachable offenses.
23
That we know of.
6
Nice red herring.
Subject is TRUMP.
Nothing to say to defend him. Figures.
6
Hmm, so a guy from Minnesota knows all about what's happening in Connecticut. Any actual examples of the alleged "mess"?
Would you allege that it's all a mess in California?
I am not opposed to the Republican Party if they were willing to commit to more social programs! However: I AM opposed to this rude, vulgar man, who is distroying our country!! Come on, Folks! watch Anything but Fox News all the time! There are plenty of news programs out ther that can give you a fair perspective!
19
It's been a very long time since the Republicans backed, let alone initiated any social programs!
1
One more thought and I’ll leave this...I think this strategy could backfire spectacularly. Republicans, many of whom now speak of themselves as independents, could stay home anyway. This could even incentivize them to do so. When Impeachment inevitably follows the Blue Tsunami they can feel as if their hands are clean. Mike Pence is the cherry on top, the reward for not enabling anymore of donald’s lies and temperamental fiascos.
If Pence was competent he might even get elected in ‘20. Luckily for our country, he is not. He may also be more compromised by the Russia investigation than is realized. Who knows what cards Mueller is holding. We could even get a president Ryan temporarily. He’s someone we can all agree to detest. Why the same isn’t true for donald I will never understand.
This I do know. Americans are sick of the tyranny of the minority. The Constitution was written to protect the minority from the tyranny of the majority. They did not anticipate the reverse. We need to fix that...
27
The consensus is simply wrong.
There is today, openly known, more solid evidence supporting impeachment of Trump than there has been in any other federal impeachment proceeding in our history. Any truly patriotic American, liberal or conservative, can see that his total dishonesty about public policy ,favoritism to our enemies, personal corruption, abusive and inconsistent behavior, racism, and disregard for the Constitution and the rule of law are causing immense harm to our nation.
The only way to deal with a thug is to fight back, overwhelm him, and take away his power.
The only solution is impeachment.
41
Surely I'm not the only one who misinterpreted the headline? I thought Republicans were hoping to save their party by impeaching Trump!
33
Yeah! That's what I thought too. "Wow! they're running away from Trump". Not hardly. They truly are too far down the rabbit hole.
Get this guy OUT! HE is distroying our beloved country!
18
that would be the democratic party
'The American Spring', where all groups in tangent unite whether it be the march on Gun-Control, the Women's Movement, with the courage and conviction of our Young across the Nation, to face The White House and ask for the resignation of Trump.
It will take the combined efforts of Democrats, establishment Republicans and Independents to bring down Trump and stop the madness.
The constant drumbeat that Democrats alone can do it will not be effective enough. Both the House and Senate need to be turned in order to evict Trump from the Oval Office.
Democrats need to truly become the big tent party and not just give lip service to the concept.
8
Every time I hear the term "big tent party" I picture the circus with the ring master barking out and the same tired old acts being played to a group of awed children.
6
Except now, even the children are in rebellion; actually leading it!
It is shameful in this country that the best that any political party can do is stoke fear instead of debating issues and defining solutions.
12
What if the issue is that we have a madman with his finger on the button? Sounds like an important debate to have!
6
Agreed:
"If evidence of wrong doing on the part of the president emerges, it is up to Republicans and Democrats, our elected representatives, to take action."
I doubt many Americans disagree with this. But many commenters write as if wrongdoing has already been established. Not so. Plenty of speculation to that effect, but no actual evidence.
2
Wrong doing not actually established? It depends on what your morals are. For me, he was already not the kind of person who should be president. Ever. Even before he was elected.
12
Firing people who are investigating people you support - obstruction of justice.
5
Get out the vote! Haters of brown people, gun crazies and trump lovers will all be targeted. Yes it’s a great time to be a hack political message maker. The creativity of the lying will be amazing. And it comes from the Oval and Faux News. And the National Enquirer will seem tame. It will be very difficult to tell truth from fiction this year.
An antiFascist’s nightmare.
7
If the Republicans in Congress recognized their Constitutional duty as a co-equal branch of government to 'check and balance' executive power abuses, there wouldn't need to be an election for Trump to possibly face impeachment. A truly honest and truthful investigation could reveal and address dozens of problematic issues Trump has done, which are instead whitewashed and excused by most of Congress's Republicans, at least officially and on-the-record. They know what Trump is doing, they know he's abusing the office of president for his own personal gains, and most of them are willingly looking to ignore it so long as Trump doesn't target them with his base. Yet another authoritarian and dangerously undemocratic abuse of power by Trump. We do have an election coming up, and investigation and possible impeachment (also known as Congress doing its Congressional duty) truly are big factors. I hope that the American people see more clearly than Congressional Republicans that this election is really *that* important.
15
Democratic message for 2018: Make America Sane Again.
That should be about all it takes to drive the GOP from office wherever we find them.
15
"Will you do your part to help stop this coup attempt by the radical anti-Christian left and the media against our duly elected president?"
--donation appeal from Ralph Reed, Director, Faith and Freedom Coalition.
Ralph, we're going to vote your people out and then we're coming for your guns, and your ''duly elected president'' won't get another despicable thing done for the rest of his term. You always were a divider, never a uniter. Your time is up.
27
It's clear that in selling the fear of impeaching trump to their base, they implicitly promise that if they hold the House, they will not impeach him no matter how strong the evidence may be.
19
Ah yes, the fear and loathing playbook by the GOP. The democrats better get their act together and put out there what they really stand for. Other wise all is lost.
7
Democrats need to focus on building a platform and an agenda, not responding to questions about possible impeachment. It’s really way to premature and merely conjecture at this point and another effort by some Republicans to benefit from voters’ fear. They need to wait for Mueller.
11
Right! Build a platform and an agenda. Here's some help:
https://www.facebook.com/RBReich/videos/1859393380739916/?t=4
2
The bottom line which has to be driven home is that the Republican party, everyone one of them, supported this embarrassment in the White House. All bills eventually have to be paid. Someone is responsible.
22
The reality is that the Democratic party put Trump in the White House. Faulty polling, Clintons , Media collusion, ... The DNC attacked more moderate GOP candidates to clear the path for Trump.
5
The reality is that America has to abolish the Electoral College, and let the people decide directly. Hillary won the popular vote by more than 3 million votes!
There is no need for impeachment which will only drive his supporters to the polls. If Trump is eventually humiliated bigly he will find a way to resign before 2020. He might be delusional enough to think Mueller will give up on his investigation if he is no longer President.
9
If trump keeps up the daily gyrations about trade wars with China, Canada, Mexico, Europe, South Korea. et cetera, that prosperity idea may have disappeared for all those invested in the stock market (including through their pension plans). Further, chaos and unpredictability about the future of the economy will poison plans for businesses to invest.
This "impeachment defense" didn't work in Pennsylvania recently, Conor Lamb was elected.
19
I want to give money to target these cretins, and I am going to ask my Republican friends to join me. I do not want to give to DNC. I want to give to well-directed boots on the ground, to people who know their districts and will convince on the issues. Bernie Sanders, stay home! You have no way to pay for your utopia. We need to focus on tangible outcomes.
2
Look up The Serve America Movement!!
I don’t care what spectrum of the Democratic Party you come from... wake up. Do not take the impeachment bait. Let the facts come out when they can be confirmed. In the the mean time support new candidates that are about what is best fo all of us, not just getting rid of Trump. Hang in there. Keep a clear focus.
33
Making the election a referendum on Trump didn't get Democrats past the goal line 2015. Calling for impeachment before Mueller's investigation is concluded also undermines any results and subsequent actions.
7
citibumpkin,
Americans can do both, by calling for the impeachment of Trump and supporting the efforts of Mueller in his search for the truth.
This is the first reason valid reason I have heard to vote Republican in the midterms! Why on earth would the Democrats put Mike Pence in the White House. Compared to Trump Pence would look like a sensible leader and would stand a good chance of getting elected in 2020 where he good do real damage to our nation,
8
Pence is tainted. He's a Trump clone.
I am fine with a two year stretch of Trump being reined in by a Dem majority in the House and Senate. Bring it on.
10
Yep, start the two year stretch of executive actions. The expansion of presidential power by the past administrations is problematic, regardless of who is in the office.
3
Think of the TV ratings as Don leverages his victim status. The man is ready to do the scene. In fact -- he's already doing it.
1
My crystal ball: Democrats win big in 2018, regain control of both houses of Congress. Impeach Trump. Bring back deported aliens, criminals included, and their extended families. Grant them immediate citizenship and benefits. Keep borders wide open. Raise taxes at all levels. Confiscate all 300 million guns in the country. Force repeal of 1st and 2nd amendments. Give free health care and free abortions.
Publish their 2020 platform Impeach Spence.
7
Crystal ball. Crystal meth. Two different things.
21
Well, we all know how accurate a crystal ball is.
4
Wow. The Democratic Party's dream! And the point is well-taken: The Democratic Party's policy positions are so unpopular and misconceived that all the Democrats can offer is impeachment of the "rude man."
2
In the view of American future, Donald Trump is insignificant. Focus on the future of the country and not the troll in WH.
14
Insignificant? The damage is permanent. Rolling back the progress made during President Obama’s years is irreparable.
8
I think these regulations are being removed without adequate information, they can be re-instated very quickly IMO.
8
Deregulation by the Trump regime is serious concern, but you need to look at the big scale. Many of the deregulations have not gone into action and most can be reversed. People need to get out and vote.
6
What David Frum wrote (in the Atlantic) about a year ago is still true: we need to have a full accounting of how Russia interfered with the 2016 election. Whether Trump is implicated for colluding with Russian operatives is very much a secondary issue, and therefore, so is impeachment -- on that basis.
In the intervening year, however, we've seen enough indications that Trump and his Cabinet are corrupt that the full extent of their malfeasance must be investigated.
The Mueller investigation is criminal. Both of the investigations I reference must be less narrowly focused, and must be undertaken by Congress. That's the reason Democrats need to take the House. We simply cannot afford the luxury of ignorance, which is all Republicans have to offer because they have tied their fate to Trump.
16
Republicans with half an ounce of principle left in their politically sick bodies should have "seized on impeachment for an edge" on the day after inauguration, by impeaching Trump for bribery and treason.
16
So, maybe the Democrats should campaign on a platform of making the government functional again, instead of gratifying someone's insatiable desire for attention--of any kind.
17
"government functional" aka, further expansion of an already bloated and burdensome bureaucracy in the hopes that bigger is better? no thanks.
4
"Restore Honor and Competence to the White House"
4
Why would the Democrats impeach Trump? He’s the gift that keeps on giving!
2
That's what Hillary thought.
1
Rally cries of "repeal the 2nd amendment" and "impeachment" are likely to get out the vote for the midterms. Painting Republicans as the enemy will continue to solidify the electorate.
2
Who said "repeal the 2nd Amendment?" Please post your proof here. Thanks.
5
The cat is already out of the bag. Former Justice Stevens just wrote a Times Op-Ed in which he advocated repeal of the the 2nd amendment, proving to American gun owners that they are not paranoid when they infer that the real agenda of the gun control movement is 2nd amendment appeal. And when Schumer says that talk of impeachment is "premature," he is basically confirming that impeachment is the Democratic Party's true intent.
1
Justice Stevens speaks for all democrats?
Hysterical. I enjoy all these comments as much as I do listening to HRC tell us all why she lost the election. I am an Independent and I dislike both parties equally.
I will donate my time and money to the Republicans if this impeachment threat continues.
10
Figures. You must be very wealthy and able to withstand the coming storm. More power to you.
8
It’s kind of odd, because Democrats are also running on the promise that if they take over the House they will impeach Trump.
4
Well, I should hope so.
2
JANET
What are the impeachable offenses??
4
Gross Incompetence, for one.
3
Obstruction of justice
1
At least impeachment accusations can distract voters on both sides from believing this election cycle will also be gamed like 2016 hacked election.
1
Impeachment would be wonderful! Bring it on!
7
Democrats are doing their best to reel their hysteria back in after a year of unsupported accusations and outright lies. Tim Kaine and Adam Schiff had evidence of collusion a year ago and were touting impeachment. We still have no evidence after multiple investigations. Democrats have said they would impeach Trump, and there are dozens of videos to prove it. They are going to teach the deplorables that there is a price to pay for defying the Clintons and the progressives. Impeachment, higher taxes, open borders, Planned Parenthood, gun control (an now they are talking about eliminating the 2nd Amendment) and restrictions on conservative speech - that is the Democrat agenda. They are hoping your feelings are hurt enough to flush the economy down the toilet and take away your rights. It's an insane proposition, but there are a lot of thin skinned voters out there looking for revenge after 1 year of a Clinton-less White House.
6
Don't look now, but the "insane proposition" may be TL's comment.
17
I've already said I don't think Democrats should throw the word "impeachment" around when they have the Republicans to do it for them.
But on a different note, for those arguing that impeachment is "premature" because Mueller hasn't concluded his investigation, I would remind you that there are other investigations/court cases into a possible threat of violence against Ms. Daniels and defamation against the women he called liars for coming forward with allegations of sexual assault. Just because some commenters see only possible collusion and money laundering doesn't mean that the rest of us have forgotten the long list of crimes against women he's also been accused of. Consequences of those may not rise to the level of national security, but they could get him impeached just as easily--if the Republicans cared even one whit about justice for women.
10
Dems need to take a close look at the campaign of Conor Lamb of Pennsylvania if they want to know how they can win in rural and blue-collar areas. Lamb won by supporting commonsense issues:
--Fight the Heroin Crisis
--Jobs and Infrastructure Development
--Affordable Health Care
--Protect Medicare and Social Security
--Get Rid of Student Debt by allowing Re-fi to lower rates or Forgiveness
through Public Service
--Support UNIONS
--Support Modern Energy Development and Environmental Protection
These things helped Lamb to win and they can help Dems to win in 2018 as well. Impeachment should not be emphasized; rather, Dems should wait for the outcome of the Mueller Investigation, which will probably uncover and result in the prosecution of all of the guilty parties, no matter where they sit.
https://conorlamb.com/priorities/
16
During the 15-month period from January 2017 to March 2018 over 500,000 fewer jobs were created than during the similar period from January 2015 to March 2016.
This is very likely the reason wages did not improve during the period.
For wages to increase job creation may have to increase to at least the 2015 - 2016 levels.
The December 2017 tax cut (fiscal stimulus - a.k.a. "trickle-down") may not really have a significant impact on job creation going forward because it targeted mainly higher-income individuals. These have a low marginal propensity to consume (MPC), and therefore a lower multiplier effect, relative to lower-income individuals.
Tariffs and quotas should not increase employment significantly either. Even though they do reduce imports, due to macroeconomic effects and retaliation by trading partners, they also reduce exports. The net effect on the trade deficit, and therefore on employment, should be minimal.
For job creation to increase, demand will have to increase. Then employers will have to increase production and will need to hire additional workers.
The first step could be to increase the federal minimum wage.
Simultaneously, eliminate the fee for Medicare Part B for, at least, the 10 million eldest recipients. These people have a very high MPC and therefore their spending has a very high multiplier effect. This would be the equivalent of a $16 billion per year fiscal stimulus.
https://tinyurl.com/y8mkp93c
8
You could be right but how is this relevant to this article.
What exactly do you stand for if you stand by this president?
14
Job expansion
Economic expansion
Legal Immigration
Less Federal bureaucracy and regulation
Tax reform
Capitalism
Fair Trade
A non-activist judiciary
...
2
SSS - Yes, but at what price? I stand for all but one of those things (regulation is the only thing that will protect the environment), but I'm not willing to sacrifice the dignity and moral status of a single human being for any of it. Is tax reform worth having a bigot in the White House? Is capitalism worth someone who brags about sexually assaulting women? And hey, let's not forget today's headlines. Is ANYTHING on your list worth a trade war with China or a hot war with Syria and Russia?
4
Democrats would be wise to ignore this “fake news.” GOP scaremongering to their base. The rest of us only wish there was enough evidence to make impeachment happen. So far, no go. Sigh.... And the notion of a Pence presidency should give us all pause.
17
Perfect in for Democrats. Democrats have the integrity to impeach a corrupt lying incompetent vernal president while Republicans will defend this corrupt lying incompetent vernal president to the end. (Moral sell-outs doesn't have the same ring as moral majority.) Fine. Which side are you on?
9
DB
Re: Vernal
I know you don't mean something having to do with springtime.
1
I do not want Democrats to impeach Trump, which will practically enable another brain dead person like Mike Pence to become President and, more importantly, would enable this liar and criminal Trump to go unpunished (as any Republican President will pardon him, as Nixon got by Ford).
The best way, I would argue, is to defeat Republican party in a massive margin in 2020 and put Trump and his equally corrupt henchmen in white house and top administration posts to face justice and put them in jail if found guilty.
31
Unless of course a state court charged him with say "money laundering" by buying and selling New York apartments to Really rich, but criminal Russians, then the pardon cannot come from the WH.
7
Republicans are not making this up!
"Fantastic. ... Let [Republicans] mention impeachment over, and over, and over again in an attempt to rally Trump's base."
The Democrats actually HAVE threatened impeachment -- quite a bit, in fact. The Republicans are not making this up.
3
Core principles?
"Dems ... Get to your core principles: policies that truly help the middle class and the working poor."
Remember them? Core principles? Can you remind the rest of us what they are?
6
How can they claim Democrats will impeach unless there’s an actual impeachable offense? So are Republicans saying there’s an actual impeachable offense? If so, don’t they have an obligation to attend to that?
Democrats can’t find a way to leverage this as their response?
7
Is everybody nuts? You may not like the guy but where are the high crimes and misdemeanors which are a pre-requisite for instituting impeachment proceedings?
9
Obstruction of justice. Violation of the emoluments clause. Those are two immediate possibilities just from what we know. There might be lying under oath down the road. Depending on what's found about the Russia connection--maybe treason? That one is extreme, I know. But the first two already are pretty substantial.
9
Mike, yes, everyone has become a bit nuts. You're right, there are no high crimes and misdemeanors, and I can't see anything like that being revealed by the ongoing investigation. So as much as we'd like to see the guy just go away we're stuck with President Trump for 32 more months (but who's counting?). But back to this article, kind of hard to picture many Republicans who otherwise weren't too enthusiastic about the upcoming elections suddenly being whipped into a frenzy because some meanie Democrats were trying to impeach their darling President, because this really isn't true or, as Mike points out, a real threat.
2
Obstruction of Justice and violation of the emoluments clause are plausible. But have they been shown to be in violation of the law? To date, no. The Mueller investigation will eventually conclude and I believe it is up to congress as to whether or not to take action. I believe impeachment will not serve us well, although I did not originally believe this way. Trump is a marginally elected official. We will be best served by a blue wave in 2018 and hold trump accountable. And make sure the Dems have a solid platform and plan of execution to meet the needs of our country.
6
Stop worrying about impeachment. Even if there is an impeachment, it would require 2/3rds of the Senate to remove the President. Which won't happen. Even if it did, the result would be a President Pence. Who would be eligible to run twice, 2020, and 2024. Yikes! Now, THAT's a nightmare.
Yes, Dems, get out and vote; flip the House, and maybe the Senate. Then, get ready for 2020!
20
According to the law, the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES has the sole power of impeachment. The House must vote on it based on EVIDENCE and testimony of LAW ENFORCEMENT, and then 2/3 of the Senate THEN votes.
Could anyone imagine the House piling up a bunch of EVIDENCE from Law Enforcement agencies and then the Senate refusing to vote to impeach after all of the proof comes forward? That would be disastrous for any Senator who ignored the evidence. Disastrous!
1
Do you mean Clinton was innocent.
Clinton was not forced out of office.
Neither will Trump
Democrats should not take the bait of continuing to talk about impeachment. Let Mueller do his thing and omit "impeachment" from all campaign talk. That will take the sails out of any GOP attempts to put such statements by Democrats into GOP ads. And meanwhile the relatively more meaningful legal process of Mueller's investigation will be able to continue.
The best thing the Democrats can do is try to win elections and dig out of the political hole they're in. Of course, I hope they do it by being Democrats and not GOP-lite. I am very close to leaving the Democratic Party and becoming an Independent.
4
AGREE!! Mueller is doing a stellar job. He WILL get all of the evidence! Dems merely need to sit back and wait.
1
Fantastic. Republicans have fallen into one of the oldest rhetorical tricks in the book. Let them mention impeachment over, and over, and over again in an attempt to rally Trump's base. That way the Democrats won't even have to utter the word, but it will still be talked about. That's what I call a win-win.
7
“Impeachment for what? For being rude to them?" This statement from a long time GOPer shows the disconnect from reality.
We currently have a president with not only solid evidence his campaign conspired with Putin to steal an election but is in all probability been money laundering for most of his career. This isn't fantasy and Republicans ignore this at their peril. History won't be kind to them.
17
The Democrats would be crazy to impeach Trump should they win majorities this November. Trump is too much of a weasel to get his hands dirty enough to make success likely. And if by some miracle impeachment did succeed, we would be left with Mike Pence as President who would be a lot more competent in pushing a right wing agenda than Trump is.
A better approach would be to use the threat of impeachment as an incentive to support a Democratic agenda. Trump’s allegiance is only to himself, not any particular agenda, and I could easily see him bend to the left to avoid the embarrassment of impeachment proceedings.
7
Why shouldn’t the Republicans like the impeachment option. If Trump is jettisoned after January 2019, Pence is eligible to run as incumbent in 2020 and again in 2024.
1
I've got to believe that many Republicans believe President Trump's dysfunctional behavior will only get worse, and that he imperils not only the Republican brand but our country as a whole. And they would love to get rid of him somehow. Except then they have a new problem; I'm not sure a President Pence would be that attractive a candidate, and they would face a scenario as in 1976, where an "incumbent" President Ford--who in my opinion was a great president, much more attractive than VP Pence--was voted out in the wake of President Nixon's scandals.
So bottom line, the Republicans are in rough shape, and this goofy hysteria about "The Democrats are going to impeach our beloved President!" isn't going to help that much, because except for his die-hards he just isn't that beloved.
6
oh boy, the mid term elections, let's surround him with democrats
2
Smart republicans. They realize the "impeachment crowd" is a group with extremists views and are going to ensure that everyone else knows it too.
1
The "impeachment crowd" is hardly extremists - they have a lot of valid points about the vast corruption festering in the Trump administration. However, because impeachment is a political nonstarter in the current environment, it's better avoided during campaign season.
6
Not impeachment but nothing he wants gets through. Let the Dems become the party of no for awhile, but find a way to not make him a martyr in doing so.
15
Keeping the Democrats from getting control of the House and the Senate is a noble endeavor. We need the Democrats to lose eight Senate seats. And, yes we have not grown weary of winning. 2020 and another four years for President Trump. MAGA
3
I agree. He has to stay through 2020. His absolute incompetence means he has net been able to implement his agenda as quickly as #MAGA wants. What he has implemented is terrifying parts of his base, but not enough of it. He has to stay through 2020 so he can crush his entire base piece by piece. Perhaps when he is done implementing his campaign promises, the base will decide to take elections seriously. They will investigate candidates rather than just voting for the lowest common option. If it takes until 2020 for the base to understand that they need to take elections seriously, then so be it.
7
At the end of 2024 President Trump will have finished his second term and then Mike Pence can start his first term in January 2025.
1
Naw. Ivanka will soundly defeat him in the primary.
Let's just wait for Mueller to finish his work. The rest will follow.
23
The consensus seems to be that Democrats should play nice and be the responsible party with policies to improve the lives of citizens. I agree with this except for the play nice part. We've been doing that too long.
22
Every American needs to vote to save the Republic.
Putin installed Trump in office for a reason - he is diminishing the standing of the nation in the world every day.
Throughout his life, Trump has enriched himself at the expense of his investors, his lenders, his contractors, his defrauded students, his inveterate gamblers, and his general refusal to pay bills owed. Now he is stealing money from the US Treasury courtesy of the Russian mafia.
The country needs to come together and begin the process of gaining democratic representational power back.
Talk about a coup? This man lost the popular election by 3 million votes and now wants to run a Soviet-style military parade down the streets of our free nation.
36
Thank you for your sane voice. I have seen the "coup" since the beginning and I have found it very difficult to understand why the rest of the country don't call it what it is.
And, yes, I believe Putin has achieved his objectives: chaos and a divided America.
Who wants impeachment? Only idiots. The Dems need to retake Congress and then pour sand into the crankcase of his engines of corruption.
26
And what exactly was Trey Gawdy running on 2 years ago when he threatened to start impeachment hearings the day Hillary Clinton is elected? It seems to me like it's the Republicans who have no other platform but impeachment, one way or another, to run on.
33
Dems - please stop making the election about Trump. For goodness sakes you are PREACHING TO THE CHOIR!! It feeds the right wing fake news machine.
Get to your core principles: policies that truly help the middle class and the working poor. Close the divide between the ultra rich and the poor and fix healthcare. For god sakes learn how to sell your message in a simple cohesive way and stop supporting wall street.
27
not true. the government was designed to function with competing branches. the legislative and judicial were intended to check the power of the executive. Republicans in Congress refuse to do that.
Democrats need to address Trump’s manic behavior and vile degradations. Do that by saying a Democratic congress would hold Trump accountable for his behavior and would provide a check on the executive as the founding fathers intended.
it’s pretty simple. and very powerful. civics 101.
15
Democrats will be the first ones to tell you that their constituents don't care about Russia. Their constituents care about jobs, health care, etc. Democrats are going to have to do a lot better than "Trump's a chump" and calling tax cut savings "crumbs".
If Americans don't care about Russia, they're certainly not going to care about impeachment and will likely get rubbed the wrong way by it.
3
Holding him accountable doesn't mean impeachment. There are a lot of other ways to hold him in check while he stays in office. Kicking him out of office will empower the base. What we need to do is reveal his shortcomings piece by piece over time. Only when he and his family are completely humiliated can they leave.
4
Gosh, what a shocker. Everybody in the world except Republicans hates Trump and wants him out of office. That’s some real genius strategery there, GOP.
15
Impeaching Trump does not remove him. 2/3 of the Senate would have to vote for conviction. The probability of that many Republican Senators voting to convict is about zero. Why then waste time with such a side show. I also wonder why those so keen on impeaching are eager for a President Pence. In other words be pragmatic and don't let Trump revulsion control one's political strategy.
12
Why are Democrats worried about Republican voters? Seeing that the average IQ of Trump's base is probably on the Low Average scale to Borderline (that's about 31% of the population), it follows that 69% of Americans are Democrats. They just need to go and vote. It does not matter if you do not like your local Dem candidate. Just do it ;)
20
I have always believed that premature talk of impeachment can backfire on the Democrats. Bill Clinton's solid popularity at the time of his impeachment was due to an electorate that was not supportive of the GOP's efforts to remove him. Concerning the current President, let the Russia investigations and press stories continue to run their course. The drip, drip, drip that comes from them is hurting the President and those Republicans, who want to brush Russian involvement under the rug.
20
There are consequences to successfully impeaching a POTUS. In this case the consequence, Mike Pence, has as many faults as does Trump.
Beware what you wish for.
28
Let's say an Impeachment is launched with a Democrat win (and that's not at all certain).
Then the Impeachment has to be carried (still very uncertain).
Then Pence becomes president.
Not a few conservatives and especially Evangalicals will say: yes yes! We would like that!
So they vote Democrat in November 2018 to see what happens.
Republicans had better be careful what they wish for.
7
As a retired English teacher, the continued use of Democrat as an adjective is irritating, no, infuriating. Democrat is a noun. A noun does not modify a noun. An adjective modifies a noun, and the proper adjective is democratic. Grr...
10
Mimi: Thank you! I go absolutely crazy when the word Democrat is used as an adjective. It makes whomever is using it as such sound like such an ignoramus. And I think that besides that, they do it on purpose, as to be even more pejorative. UGH.
2
"Democrat" has to double as an adjective here. Otherwise to talk about a "Democratic win" would be confusing.
There are plently of words in English that can double as both nown and adjective, depending on context. Examples: "steam" and "steam locomotive", "railway" and "railway bridge".
Then there's that Americanism we don't like here: "Do you want Fries with that?". "Fries" strictly speaking is an adjective describing French-fried potatoes.
"Fries" are only available here at certain fast-food outlets like Maccas (MacDonalds). Elsewhere they are called chips or hot chips.
2
Well, given the coming slow down in job creation, drop in the stock market due to fear of tariffs and a trade war, and failure of tax cuts to help the middle class, Democrats don't need to play the impeachment card.
20
It will backfire if the dems play that card.
3
Another gaslighting stunt. Mitch won't twitch. Lyin Ryan ain't tryin'. They're going down with SS Trump Treasonic. There will be no Republican call for impeachment, censure, or further hearings about Trump crimes.
3
There is positively no reason to impeach and be saddled with a religious kook in Mike Pence. Gain control of the house and watch Trump become a Democrat. His hubris and lack of principles will overtake him and his new besties will be Chuck and Nancy.
30
Stop pretending. We are already saddled with the religious kook Mike Pence, and Trump, and his cabinet, and the whole sorry chaotic and utterly corrupt White House posse. Impeach. "Watch Trump become a Democrat." The heck with that. Watch Trump become a has-been. Sideline the religious kook Pence and let his new besties be Chuck and Nancy, or let them simply shun him with a veto proof majority. That's the job in front of us.
10
Common knowledge:
"The Republican Party is working overtime to destroy our democracy ... "
I've heard they even think "deplorables" should be allowed to vote. Can you imagine that? Any voter should be required, up front, to certify that he or she is "not deplorable." If they can't even do that, after all, why should they be allowed to participate in choosing their leaders?
Same thing with education level. If a would-be voter can't certify that he or she has a college degree, why should he or she be allowed to vote? I can see it if the would-be voter promises to vote a certain way, but otherwise not.
Is all this really asking too much? To require a would-be voter to certify that he or she is "not deplorable" and is either "educated" or promises to vote a certain way? These seem like reasonable prerequisites to me!
4
It's absurd to think voters aka human beings should be humane and informed. You're right.
3
tundra,
Not sure you understand how democracy works. A voter is not required to be "humane" or "informed" -- both of which terms, by the way, usually mean that the voter is likely to side with the person who opines that he or she should be "humane" and "informed." Every adult gets to vote. That's how it works.
2
You should pose all of these questions to GOP hacks. They are the ones pushing for increasing numbers of hoops and obstacles to free and fair voting.
3
The GOP is incredibly stupid.
I bet there are a significant number of moderate and business / economy oriented Republicans (or soon to be former Republicans) who would quietly very much like to see Trump impeached.
Even the Koch brothers aren't exactly impressed by the current "Republican" president.
Trump won because enough suburban moderates and "economic," Chamber of Commerce type Republicans held their noses and figured Trump would turn out to be a traditional Republican and look after their economic interests. Well, he's not. He passed the tax cut - big deal when you pair it with the hot mess of a trade war he is starting. His history as a "businessman" is as one who turns everything he touches to bankrupt dust.
Millions of GOP voters are waking up to the reality that they have no reason to vote GOP anymore. Maybe they aren't the activists who show up to CPAC or call into talk radio or watch Fox News 24 /7, but they are more than the margin of victory for the GOP in pretty much every part of the country but the deep South.
The GOP is about to find out that they cannot sustain themselves on raw racism and evangelical "Christian" fervor alone.
This is the GOP's final death spiral.
14
Unfortunately....wishful thinking. I'm not placing any bets.
5
If evidence of wrong doing on the part of the president emerges, it is up to Republicans and Democrats, our elected representatives, to take action.
10
The GOP cannot run on its record for working class Americans. It never has. Instead, they've always shrewdly gone for the emotional issues that neutralize rational thought and get working class people to vote for the interests of the true elites -- people like the Koch Brothers and the Mercers.
This rallying cry to save Trump from impeachment is the latest electoral GOP snake oil that includes guns, gays, abortion, school prayer, etc.
16
Are you kidding? This sounds so, well, "democratic:"
"Don't impeach or remove him. Contain him through the electoral process."
This "democracy" thing is WAY overrated. Elections don't make sense as long as "deplorables" are allowed to vote.
4
Yes, imagine allowing Americans to elect a president.
8
Impeachment sounds to me but I’d settle for a real investigation of the run up to the election. The Russians were obviously involved. Any campaign “manager” would be aware of the illegality of teaming up with foreigners, any foreigners. To conspire with a foreign adversary would obviously be illegal.
Putting that aside, what about campaign ethics? Republicans have run as the moral majority, the people who know their bible, Sunday school boys...almost all boys...who can be depended upon to follow the law (?) and defend law enforcement. The rage and dishonesty with which they have treated the FBI, an agency chock full of republican white men, should alarm republicans too.
Instead they have chucked all claim to morality and are focused on winning. So let’s throw the bums out. Let the investigation turn over all the rocks and see what lies under them. Plenty of NDAs signed by women who please men like donald but I’m more concerned about money laundering, plundering the treasury for personal gain, and treason. It’s always sex for republicans...Let the chips fall where they may but first let Mueller do his job.
If republicans have to be thrown out of congress for that to happen it will be a bonus but it won’t be the only reason. I like my water the way I like my gasoline: lead free. I want fellow Americans hit by catastrophic storms to have the help they need especially when the alternative is spending the money so donald can play golf at Mara lago...etc...out of space...
11
Actually, I’m more intrigued by the models of Brazil and South Korea. Don’t press charges until well out of office, (including Pence), then convict and send to prison for 10-20 years. Get the total package in 2020, no pardons.
First task — get Trump’s tax returns and see which Russian oligarchs he was laundering money for.
Oh, and get Jared then too.
Sweet.
Meanwhile, let them stew in their own juice, digging themselves deeper into their pit of lies and corruption.
Just 2.5 years away!
17
Perhaps the best thing would be for Mueller's findings to so shame and embarrass the President that he would resign out of respect for the office, the nation, and the rule of law, thus avoiding a bruising and ugly constitutional battle.
Nice thought eh?
Trump has never shown an ounce for respect for the office, our nation, or the rule of law. And he has no sense of shame whatsoever as his behavior has shown throughout his entire life.
This will get much, much uglier before it ends.
12
Trump is a mad-dog run amok - notice he never apologizes, even if wrong - rarely backs down on wrong-headed statements - and pursues initiatives based on gut feeling without thinking and consultative policies - all of which may work well in a neighborhood bar or a college football rooting section but not for the nation. He will run through the "bruising battle" for all its worth - made perfect for his TV show personality.
5
So, let the race begin; both parties will be campaigning on the same issue -- a referendum on the Trump presidency. Higher risk for Republicans, seems to me. Meanwhile, six months is plenty of time to start a war (or two), have a jolly chat with an authoritarian from a Slavic-speaking country, fire more cabinet members, cause some species to go extinct, oversee a few oil spills -- lots of possibilities.
10
Haven't you heard? The Democrats HAVE threatened impeachment!
"Amazing more dirty tricks by Republicans to spread their 'fake news.'"
Democrats have spent tens of millions of dollars on billboard ads featuring a photo of Trump and just one word: Impeach! Why in the world should the Republicans NOT react to that? No "fake news" here -- it's really happening!
3
A Democrat has. . .
1
This is beyond hilarious- Dems have been shrieking impeachment since Election Day - Republican Party raises it as an issue and ... according to the NYT, it is the R’s fault for raising it- “y’all still don’t get it”
6
We get it, and you will too eventually!
10
"One would have to be devoid of any intelligence at all to vote for trump again."
I didn't vote for Trump, but I'd vote for him if the 2016 election were held tomorrow. What was the alternative, after all? Hillary Clinton? Were voters really unjustified in feeling that the Democratic Party was taking them for granted?
7
Clinton won popular vote by 3 million. Remember?
9
Jackie Geller
Trump won the Presidency.
2
No, the Electoral College gave it him just like the Florida folks gave it to Bush...remember?
5
Amazing more dirty tricks by Republicans to spread their 'fake news.' The Republican Party and all Republican candidates for the upcoming Mid-term elections are running scared. It beats all the "fake news' campaign Republicans
flooded the media with to destroy John Kerry's military service record when he served our nation in the U.S. Navy - when he was a candidate for President.
5
"If, if, if, if, if – always "if:"
"Republicans [are] unwilling to consider impeachment for impeachable offenses if they are brought to light by the Mueller investigation ..."
Most of us couldn't care less what "Republicans" are or are not willing to do IF Mueller brings some impeachable offense to light, or IF Mueller gets fired, or IF, IF, IF. Always "if." What bothers most Americans, though, is the endless idle chatter about Trump ALREADY being guilty of an impeachable offense. "Ifs" we can live with (though one does wish Mueller wouldn't treat his appointment as a lifetime job). But let's not forget that nobody -- not Mueller or anybody else -- has got beyond the "if" stage yet.
1
Really? Seriously, MTC?
Mueller hasn't got past the "if" stage yet?
And you know this...HOW????? Mueller hasn't divulged anything publicly, so it would be curious, indeed, if you had knowledge that the rest of us do not! You do not understand how an investigation works. There have been NO LEAKS in this one. It is KILLING the trumpies.
5
Look at the title of the article- "edge" and" seize"-- is this a sport? a war? We seem to be caught in some surreal game where the objective is to defeat your opponent rather than solve problems for the most people. I win when you lose is not what our founders intended. Impeachment may be the trump card, but I value the higher ground of checks and balances, an honest press , collective wisdom and free elections. Granted that this poseur and his lemmings have attempted to rig the game, but I still have faith in the decency of a majority of Americans who value truth doing the right thing- I saw it on the subway just yesterday, I know it's there, you just won't see to on fox news.
3
The Republican Party has no scruples whatsoever. They willingly stand behind the ignorant racist and lying, immoral sexual predator Donald Trump.
The Republican Party is working overtime to destroy our democracy through massive, well-planned gerrymandering and voter suppression. Ryan, McConnell and the rest of the GOP have no shame as they use the same tricks that Donald Trump uses to stir up their base of low education, Fox News-fed voters. The Republican Party are the ones who should be impeaching Trump if they had any respect for the American people. Clearly they do not.
The GOP leadership is too busy slashing taxes for their wealthy owners, polluting the environment at the behest of their corporate sponsors, opposing gun reform as servants of the NRA. Trump has become the ugly face of the completely corrupt Republican Party that has lost its way as it sinks lower and lower into a deep mire of anti-Americanism.
14
Republicans can frame this however they want, but if they are expending all their energy protecting Trump, good luck with that.
12
This commenter is being WAY too logical!
'[A]ny Articles of Impeachment brought forward would be unable to include any law broken by the President. Firing Comey was ... not in any way illegal. Pardons ... are completely appropriate ..."
Quick! Why was Andrew Johnson impeached? Did he break some law? Or did he simply have the misfortune of being a member of the out-of-power party who hailed from the part of the country that had just lost the Civil War? Hint: Pick "Door Number 2."
4
Why was Bill Clinton impeached? GOP Saint Newt Gingrich said, "Because we have the votes!" The number of federal laws broken by Trump since the day he took office is beyond count.
8
jefflz:
Clinton perjured himself.
1
Actually, he also broke a law.
Don't impeach or remove him. Contain him through the electoral process. A Democratic House that actually uses it's Constitutional power to defund and defang him. A closely divided Senate that will obstruct him. We do not need Mike Pence as President. Contain him until he returns to private life in January 2021.
17
I have been using the "Coup" word for quite some time. Between the Russians and Cambridge Analytica, to say nothing of the continual breaking of laws and norms of the presidency, Republicans can't actually contend that Trump is a legal or fit man for the presidency. He has been using the office to make money and using taxpayers money to exceed all norms of anything even vaguely acceptable in a president. It is the greatest blight on our country and an embarrassment in the world that this crass, uneducated, racist uninformed man is actually sitting in the Oval office. Republicans need to pick a decent man to run for them in the next election, and stop pretending that Trump is okay. He is definitely not, and they know it.
He is destroying our nation and they must begin to put our country above party politics. Trump isn't even a Republican, and it is time they owned that fact.
7
The Republicans had a chance to guarantee holding the Congress by having an honest hearing on Russian involvement in the election, including the possibility of impeachment. Instead, they have the most to fear from the Mueller probe. Sad. Not Lincoln's party. Last hurrah.
3
Impeachment should be initiated by the Republicans who gave us Trump. Period.
If the failing Republican party wants to regain a minimal degree of credibility, it must initiate and complete impeachment proceedings before the election. Anything else is as useless for our country as Fox News propaganda.
Even in the most optimistic scenario, the next election will not create a Democratic majority large enough to successfully impeach a Trump. It can also not be a Democratic goal to replace Trump by Pence who is just sneakier than Trump, but will not reverse Trump's misguided policies.
The Democratic campaign must focus on good policies and on flipping House and Senate to restore the checks and balances needed for a functioning democracy -- a responsibility that the Republicans have broadly failed to exercise.
A Democratic majority in House and Senate could also be an important first step to improve relations with our allies and trading partners.
4
The coup is what was most likely accomplished with Facebook, Russian influence, and American traitors colluding.
Impeachment is not a coup. Mueller needs to finish and present his conclusions.
7
One would have to be devoid of any intelligence at all to vote for trump again. His own cabinet members ... those who started with him... have called him... a moron and that's probably the most flattering comment they have concerning trump.
It seems that 40 % of the population in this country are willfully ignorant, I know a few myself, so blinded by hatred of Democrats they can't see the liar, crook and coward right in front of them. Well we have 3 years to go, if we can't get rid of him any sooner, but with pense in the batter's box, I am not sure that is a step up.
The best thing is to do away with republicans entirely. They have lost the respect of the majority of Americans, well actually, they didn't lose it, they threw it away on trump.
7
If it were only that simple. Nice try. Maybe they could come up with something not reeking of self-serving, absolute desperation, though I doubt it.
3
Impeachment theme fundraisers will certainly help motivate Republicans. They have little else. If so, it doesn't seem a stretch to say that come November if impeachment parties are what is motivating Republicans then the same theme will likewise motivate Democrats and perhaps in spades. The lesson - Beware of what you wish for.
4
At this point in the game, any Articles of Impeachment brought forward would be unable to include any law broken by the President. Firing Comey was within his Article 2 powers and was not in any way illegal. Pardons for those Americans caught up in this investigation are completely appropriate, as thus far, none of the allegations have anything to do with Russian election collusion. Additionally, they involve Special Counsel operations far outside the supposed publicly proclaimed aim of the Special Counsel.
Articles of Impeachment based on the facts as we currently know them would be seen by half the country as an attempted coup and, if successful, would lead almost certainly to bloodshed, perhaps civil war. As millions of Americans would rush to defend the President and millions more would rush to defend the ideal of American democracy.
You may sell papers with these kinds of articles, and you may play to the pathetic fantasies of your viewership, but to continue joining in the rants of Maxine Waters and the equally delusional hatred of Tom Steyer, is dangerous and irresponsible.
6
Impeachment is political not legal. If we looked to our courts for a defense of the law rather than congress donald would be indicted rather than impeached. He has broken plenty of laws, treason being only one. If he survives his presidential term and is not “re-elected” he can look forward to another term anyway...a jail term. Given his age and obvious frailties he can be expected to die in prison.
4
Ashley, impeachment is a political tool, but needs to be grounded in alleged broken laws for articles of impeachment to carry credibility. The House impeached POTUS Clinton for given false sworn testimony at a deposition, i.e., perjury, which is a felony. Arthur Taylor is correct that Articles of Impeachment would be tantamount to political charges not grounded in any broken laws of consequence. (That said, Arthur's civil war hypothesis is not happening.)
2
Crimes:
Sexual assault
Money laundering
Obstruction of justice
Trump, whether or not he is president at the time, will be jailed for one of these three things
2
Ollie North should be prison for treason. He and Reagan LIED to Congress and sold guns to deal with terrorists. And he is defending Trump! Disgusting hardly covers it! Impeach trump? You betcha!
14
I might add ...
"ALL I hear my fellow Democrats, Progressives, and Democratic Socialists talk about is the need to Impeach Trump ..."
It's hard NOT to hear that out here in San Francisco. My impression, though, is that the pro-impeachment sentiment among Democrats, Progressives, and Democratic Socialists, and the love for Hillary Clinton, is sincere. To me, that counts for a lot.
7
This is one of those cases where progressives and liberals agreeing among ourselves that we want the Trump Circus out of town does not mean that it is the only thing that unites us.
Our rallying behind a banner of impeachment unites the opposition (a group with modest capacity for complex thinking). Why gives them something to focus upon? Especially if it may weaken an appeal to moderates. Whereas emphasizing the myriad issues from education to health care to environment plays to our diversity without weakening the deep seated conviction that first we neuter Trump and then, if we have the numbers to convict, impeach. But first he must be rendered wholly impotent by majorities large enough to over-ride vetoes and to undercut executive orders.
Keep your eyes on the prize.
5
Well, at this point President Trump is not guilty of any crime as being rude, crude and socially unacceptable is not a crime. So impeachment will be a very long shot unless Mueller has a card up his sleeve he's not talking about.
3
"Michael Avenatti - For Every Body!" Dead serious about this. He's got it all now that he is close to being divorced. He's a wealthy attorney, race car driver, young, handsome (even with little hair), a naughty little boy with a take no prisoners death star attitude. He is quick, highly intelligent, and a self-made man. Can you see him debating Trump on national TV? Trump would be reduced to that of a little boy. And, most importantly, how would you like to be one of those do nothing legislators sitting around a table lying to one another about gun control as just one example. Trump has changed the demeanor of the presidency to the point that it is true that nice guys finish last. America now wants oval office action in real time and at least three or four live "events" weekly.
1
When will the GOP protect the citizenry from a corrupt administration - his lack of morals, ethics, lack of adherence to the law of the land, destruction of our economy, our climate and our education system and the fact that he does not protect us from Russia, or protect our environment...that's just scratching the surface of his path of destruction that if left in place could cost us for decades!
14
Clearly 2018 is a referendum on do we preserve a democracy here or scrap the rule of law!
Trump is an Abomination, but he's not the problem. The problem is a Republican held House of Representatives a Republican-held Senate and a republican held Supreme Court that refuse to prevent a decline into an Authoritarian regime.
if the Republicans were doing their job they would impeach Trump. The problem is they are not doing their job. They willfully are not doing their job!
18
Republicans have always been expert at false messaging--they know exactly how to steal their opponent's lines and twist and mutilate them to their own advantage.
II used to think that quietly going about doing the right thing is enough---everyone will see through all the lies and dirty dealings and come around and make good decisions!
But I don't know, anymore. We need to respond---in a dignified, calm way, but we can't keep ignoring the lies and false innuendoes.
7
Too late! The GOP is now freaking out because they know they are going to lose in a huge way soon. Too late, grasping at straws and freaking out.
8
Don't be so sure. Remember what was said about HRC's surely winning...
4
Dear Human
There's no electoral college for congressional elections. 30,000 voters in 4 states won't stop the wave. And Clinton won by 3 million votes, remember?
4
Jackie, sad to say, I do not think we should take for granted that we have the votes for a landslide and retaking the House this .November. (Even without an electoral college): ). And frankly the Dems were overconfident in 2016. Despite the Russians and whatever effect Comey's restarted investigation had, HRC did not run the best campaign and the Dems "counted their chickens before they hatched." Don't be so sanguine about victory. Trump and the Republicans are savvy opponents and know how to appeal to thebase and get out the vote.
2
So ... if the evidence indicates Trump did something wrong, Republicans are running on a platform of no consequences for criminal actions? Incompetence?
That seems like a winning platform.
18
What this discussion reveals is Republicans unwilling to consider impeachment for impeachable offenses if they are brought to light by the Mueller investigation or any other respected means. A vote for a Democrat in the House or Senate can help restore the respect that Congress no longer deserves due to derilection of duty. The Trump administration has been a sham from day one. Let's restore the country to the integrity it had before Trump took office. At the very least, let's keep Trump from tearing down and dividing the country even more.
9
I see Trump's drowning Republican Party grasping at straws.
14
Not really. They may be very smart. This shows how even "mainstream" Republicans have sold their souls. Anything for a win...if there is an afterlife, Paul Ryan will burn.
2
As usual, GOP is playing with raw emotions to win support. When will they actually talk about policy and moving the country forward? Sad!
14
Yes. Give the Republicans more rope to hang themselves.
16
I continue to be amazed, but shouldn't be, by the unrelenting venal abrogation of responsibility to our country exhibited by the Republican party.
17
Dragging out impeachment as a campaign issue at this point is the usual Republican fear-mongering to their poorly informed base, who rely on alt-right sources and Faux News for candidate information. Impeachment or recall (not an option for a POTUS) is always rattled as a sword by opposition to an autocratic or embarrassing head of state. The left do not want a President Pence, but an impotent Trump in the White House, spitting out tweets like an angry toothless tiger has a certain appeal.
15
I read this headline the other way too. Thinking: "That makes sense - Republicans are jumping on the Impeachment train now, hoping to get rid of Trump early so that he is not a liability for them in November." And yes, I'm from Massachusetts.
9
Maybe we should impeach the civil officers of the United States allegedly guilty of bribery and impeding the laws of the United States. Maybe we should start with Pruit. Let's get something done. Gotta start somewhere if we are going to change the world for the better. Why not start with an obvious target and give Congress some practice.
14
Every time I hear some politician defend the NRA I say to myself "he's been bribed". We need to start a list of crooked politicians; otherwise we may lose track of all of them.
9
I think the local Rep. pol. will have to try to defend that type of adv from the party. Impeachment is not the answer, He will resign! The question becomes if he does What do we have in the VP that will be better? Trump will be tired by 2020! and want to be back in his world. He has offended a whole new crop of new voters coming up, Think FLA.
5
One way in which the VP is better is that he doesn't shoot off his mouth on impulse. Or if he does, certainly I haven't heard about it.
to me the biggest peril for the democrats is being too cautious and on the fence in the public arena. I think most people would like to see whatever due process covers this mess, but we would like to hear a definitive voice from democrats. This tactic could easily backfire on republicans if the democrats agree with them and they are left with the small fraction of the electorate who got trump through the primary.
3
The hypocrisy is spectacular. Self-serving destabilisation of the US polity is a tactic owned and nurtured by the GOP.
Ted Cruz had the loudest voice in to room when for advocating a Government Shutdown in 2013.
15
Yes. If this isn’t a PERFECT example of Party Before Country, Shame on you GOPers for your latest, shadiest angle
20
Bummer I thought you meant the republicans were going to throw the bum out
16
I wanted impeachment but have changed my mind. Vote in the election and get the Dems in. Also wait for Mueller and what he comes up with. This is the most Un-American president ever and it's difficult to wait but this would be better.
18
it's too early to draft Articles of Impeachment until Mueller reports. Besides, almost every utterance from DJT will implicate him and his immoral Administration farther.
5
Agreed! Even the Trump cult members- many have jumped ship. There is no way this fraud will get re-elected. There aren't THAT many blind fools to do this again. The Dems will most certainly take Congress in Nov. and the GOP deserves it in a big way. It will be a slaughter.
2
Interesting that the Republicans are talking about impeachment. I wonder what grounds they believe exist that the Democrats might use.
14
I find it refreshing that conservatives are actually ENCOURAGING Americans to vote - usually they're more intent in introducing roadblocks to the Constitutionally mandated procedure. Yes, I acknowledge the call is for fellow conservatives to "man" the ballot box but it's "baby steps", people, "baby steps"! Let me simply add my voice to the call - EVERYONE who CAN vote - should vote - in every election they're allowed to participate in, and at every level of the electoral process. Your political affiliation is NOT important - your participation IS!
7
When will we see the essay that compares the Democratic dance on gun control to the impeachment dance?
"We don't want to guns from law-abiding citizens, just keep people from getting guns who should not have them."
"Oh, so you are fine with having about one gun per person among the civilian population?"
"No, guns are used in lots of suicides, and they can get stolen by criminals or would-be mass shooters."
"So how do you address those two problems without taking away the guns?"
"Guns kill a lot of people, look at the statistics."
"I see."
This is not an article about gun control, but the obviously insincere dancing on gun control probably makes drumming up impeachment paranoia a walk in the park for the Trumpeters. Dishonesty has a price, and often a disproportionate one.
1
I don't know what smart political strategy is, but I can't see how Democrats talking impeachment makes sense. They might get a majority, but they'd never get the votes in the Senate to convict.Besides, then we'd be left with Mike Pence. Better to let Trump collapse for four years.
12
Or perhaps this is simply Republicans sowing seeds about Democrats talking about impeachment. A false flag tactic in anticipation of what Mueller's investigation might uncover before the midterms.
4
Let's face it folks, when it comes to scaring up the base, the GOP opposition research teams are working overtime, and they are really good at it. Fear sells. While some members of the opposition entertain themselves with notions of impeachment, no high crimes and misdemeanors have occurred. Okay, a general degradation of government has occurred, but so far I see no reason to impeach POTUS. He may be the worst president in my recent memory (and I'm still giving Dubya the upper favored bracket), but other than arrogance, egotism, and incompetence, he has not violated the terms of his office...yet...then again, we haven't seen his taxes or business and foreign banking connections. So as George Herbert Walker Bush once said, "let's just stay the course." My fear is that this shaky ship of state won't even see even bigger icebergs till it's too late. And with our president's hand on the Twitter button 24/7? Great way to do diplomacy, Mr. President. But...
It takes a long time for a big ship to turn around, but I'm hopeful the 2018 elections will galvanize and energize new voters and really help to drain the swamp of this current infestation of incompetent uncaring swamp dwellers.
14
This is a cute message:
“It separates their base from reasonable, rational people that decide elections,” said Mr. McHenry, noting that this bloc of the electorate does not “want to put people in power that are going to create complete chaos and in essence shut down any potential legislative progress.”
Isn't that what we already have?
Let them motivate the pro-Trump voters this way. At this point they don't have the numbers to overcome what is headed toward them right now. I don't know a single person that is a moderate that is happy about Trump or the Republican party.
17
So, if I understand, Republicans don't “want to put people in power that are going to create complete chaos"...
Did I miss something?
Btw, you know of course in the end, if Trump does get impeached it's going to be the Republicans who do it... Just like with Nixon...
8
one size fits all is NOT a winning strategy. candidates should simply support the views of a majority in their districts, but they should not let scared repubs create and frame this issue. Mueller isn't even done yet.
6
A New Democrat would undoubtedly want to impeach Trump. But why would someone on the Left want to impeach him. That would leave us with a Pense presidency. The new Inquisition.
3
I hear what you're saying, I do. The only thing that makes Pence a better choice is that he's less likely to start WWIII.
Sure, let’s impeach Trump and suddenly, like magic, the future will be rosy. We delude ourselves with our illusions of grandeur. Impeaching Trump is our version of Nero fiddling while Rome burned. After reading about Syrian gas attacks this morning, at least wait until Trump wipes Assad off of the face of the earth however before replacing him with a Democrat, since the last one was so effective in that regard.
4
This is the first time I have seen a Trump era Nero analogy where Trump was not cast as a modern-day Nero. Points for creativity!
1
The way to neuter trump is with the Mid-Term elections. To hold the position but not the power will drive him absolutely insane(r).
30
I see lots of alleged Democrats shying away from impeachment here. That may give "covfefe" a breather, but his GOP will still fearmonger with the prospect of it no matter—so we may as well unite to make it happen, and put the fear of God (whoever She may actually be, not the hypocritical one the faux-Christians believe in) in them.
If we don't impeach, he'll leave us with another Thief Justice—or worse, pull a Xi and not leave at all.
Follow through, Democrats. Pull NO political punch against the grabber.
6
You'll get it anyway because Pence will be President, and he will be more electable than Trump in 2020. So, impeachment doesn't make sense.
I'm starting to notice that politicians are talking about another politician's (or political party's) "base" when they really mean "the very far right or left segment of the voters who favor that party.
"The Democrat Party's 'base' is in favor of impeachment." No, it's a few Democratic politicians and some loud-mouthed folks around the country who are constantly talking about impeachment. I'm confident that most people who will vote Democratic in November are patient enough to see what develops from the Mueller investigation and other Trump probes before they definitely jump on the impeachment train. But in the deafening noise of Internet-mediated political talk, the people who are quietly patient are not being heard.
9
This is a no brainer. The Democratic message should be that impeachment only becomes relevant if Trump fires Mueller, or Mueller informs Congress and the country that his investigation has uncovered evidence that Trump has committed treason or other "high crimes and misdemeanours" as stated in the constitution.
20
This may be tempting, but how can any reasonable member of Congress negotiate away the threat of impeachment for a corrupt president who tolerates corruption from those he hires? If Mueller's probe does not compel impeachment, that is no guarantee nothing else will - unless the Democrats needlessly box themselves in a corner.
2
A refresher: "impeachment" doesn't mean removal from office. There is a two-step process for that. First, the US House of Representatives must vote by a simple majority to "impeach" the office-holder, that is, to find him/her guilty of "high crimes and msdemeanors." After impeachment, under the US Constitution, removal from office can only be effectuated by the concurrence of two thirds of the members of the US Senate. Given the demographics of the upcoming Senate races, in which 25 Democrats and eight Republicans face re-election, it seems highly unlikely that two-thirds of any resulting Senate constituency (i.e., Democrats) would have the votes to remove Trump from office unless some Republicans join them, which is even less likely.
So I suggest drop the "impeachment" rhetoric and focus on addressing the issues that we as US citizens are concerned about.
17
They say patience is a virtue. True. But with one exception it works if you are in control of the situation not when so-called leaders have the puppet strings. We are all at the behest of the GOP led Congress and the Pretend King Trump's whims. We need to continue to resist even rattle the cage with shouting impeachment to keep them on their toes and let them feel how we have been feeling since inauguration day. The Pretend King Trump has angered his base and if tariffs go through they will start loosing jobs and farmers their leases. The gall of North (Freedom Alliance my foot they don't believe in freedom) to send any letter after his treachery and betrayal to all who have served is disgusting. This kind of fear is what motivates Trumpistas but not those who see through their spin doctors weaving their delusional America. Here is the truth and it is a fact of life, there are more people who believe in America than Trumpistas, facist, racist, Pretend Kings and the elitists who dare to want our freedom and make us slaves. Numbers do count in a nation of rebels. Are we there yet?
5
As a traditionalist, instead of impeachment I would much prefer the time-honored approach of tarring and feathering Mr. Trump and riding him out of town on a rail. Since that lovely practice was abandoned as too uncivilized, it's been all downhill for the American political process.
The upcoming Congressional elections will likely turn on the economy. If Trump's trade war hits midwestern farm profits and kills off the stock market boom, it won't much matter how the parties frame the issues. Trump will be burnt Wonder Bread toast however you slice it.
17
"I would much prefer the time-honored approach of tarring and feathering Mr. Trump and riding him out of town on a rail. Since that lovely practice was abandoned as too uncivilized, it's been all downhill for the American political process."
Agreed ... perhaps this one of those things to resurrect to "Make America Great Again." Trump has no idea of unintended consequences :-).
4
Here's a thought.
How about allowing the Department of Justice work through all available evidence from Robert Muller's team.
Most Americans would be ok with that.
13
Big money Repub$ would likely spend less and more concentrated focus if Impeach rather than 2018 elections.
Hope Dems don’t fall into this trap.
2
I am so sick of these old grumps and their caravan of grievances! Nancy in 2019!
6
Impeachment is mere hyperbole unless the special counsel returns something compelling. Impeaching Trump would leave Pence as President, a prospect much more ghastly than leaving Trump disorganization in place. This is nothing more than the typical GOP fake hype to mobilize an easily manipulated uneducated base.
18
That's exactly what my Congress person's office said!
1
NYT, maybe if you gave Democratic congressional candidates equal coverage for their policy statements and proposals, the midterms wouldn't be just about Trump but about what direction citizens want our country to go in. Healthcare is still a major issue, as is gun violence, immigration, infrastructure, higher education costs, climate change and voting system integrity. Quit stirring the pot and start doing your sacred duty in our democracy to inform the citizens.
20
If after Trump's blatant racism, his assault of women, his affairs while Melania had a newborn, his wildly unstable leadership on the world stage, his loony toons revolving door Cabinet, his attack on the free press, his smearing of the judiciary and intelligence communities ... if after all this you think he should still be President, then you're the problem.
24
Personally, as odious as Trump is, and as deserving of impeachment he might be, impeaching Trump to me is a bad idea. For one thing, impeach Trump and you get Mike Pence as president, does anyone think this is a good idea? And I think Paul Ryan would end up as vice. I don't see a net gain there. You're not going to impeach Trump and put Hillary in so for those of you hoping for that...not a chance. On top of that it could be perceived a leftist coup attempt that could trigger serious civil unrest, or possibly even civil war. Don't underestimate the devotion of Trumps followers, and their fear of fascism through liberalism, I'm telling you, don't underestimate this. Best thing to do is to be sure to vote in November and help put Democratic majorities in the House and Senate. That will help keep Trump in check. Next up is the DNC needs to start shaping a coherent strategy for the country that addresses what it needs, not always what it wants or what some people want, what it needs and create a platform built around that. Some of those needs certainly are immigration reform, infrastructure, repealing the new tax code, repealing net neutrality, creating laws banning money in politics (thus overturning Citizens United through law) as well as addressing a host of other issues. If they don't, we'll end up at square one again in 2020.
19
Pence is part of Trump's obstruction project. He's an Agnew in Waiting. Timing is everything. We need to take him out before Trump can appoint another pardoner.
5
"creating laws banning money in politics (thus overturning Citizens United through law) "
How would Congress do that? The Supreme Court would just void the ban on the grounds that it violates Citizens United. That's how they always act when a challenge to Roe vs Wade comes before them.
Back in the 1980s a legal expert thought the Supreme Court was too powerful and suggested ways to tame it. As a result he was vilified by Democrats who feared he would undermine Roe vs Wade. Now the Democrats are helpless to rein in the court even if they get back in power.
The name of the defeated legal expert was Bork, and even his Times obituary denounced him as a troublemaker.
The thinking that makes people see no improvement from Pence replacing Trump is the same thinking that made electing Trump over Clinton about the Supreme Court and tax policy. Discipline, expertise and the willingness to listen to expertise matter...a lot.
1
Nothing in this world is guaranteed but it seems pretty clear that if Republicans continue to control the congress they will refuse to do their job and check Trump excesses. They've had two years to show spine and they haven't so why should anyone believe this will change. In 2006, Democrats didn't move to impeach Bush 43 when there was ample cause. Why? Historically, democrats understand governance while the GOP has never understood it: for the GOP it's heads we win, tails you lose. If Trump is removed from office, there's Pence. Wonderful trade. Better to let Trump fall on his face then remove him, at least until he does something so egregious he compels action.
16
If the democrats dare attempt to impeach President Trump, it will lead to the downfall of our republic.
3
If are suspicions are proven then the same thing will happen if the Democrats don't impeach him.
4
That's what ya'll said when we came for Nixon. We turn over leaders regularly for a living republic, so this won't hurt a bit, unless you prefer an autocrat for "president."
6
Its NOT true. 45th should NOT be president. He came to Oval office to enrich himself. NOT for public service. Look at his son-in-law. He already got half a billion dollars as loans. And remember he has NO salary.
4
Many commenters here are arguing that they don't want impeachment because they wouldn't want Pence as President. Since the bromance between Pence & Trump is irrefutable, it seems to me that if grounds are found for Trump's impeachment, Pence would be found just as guilty. (He is equally treasonous.) So, although it would be awkward, a new election would be warranted, as is held in many democracies around the world when corrupt governments are overturned. Why focus on fears that are ill-founded? Pence is a puppet of Putin's as much as Trump is & the Republicans who back them.
9
"Treasonous" sounds like extremist hyperbole and pathologic emotional over reaction to two public officials who have the interests of our great country in mind. Their actions are not perfect and we do not agree on all counts but the electorate must assess carefully as with all elected officials of any party. Such extremist rhetoric can only vitiate any efforts to do so and is actually a major impediment notably in the main stream media.
1
I have yet to see any evidence that those two public officials have the interests of our great country in mind.
1
"a new election would be warranted, as is held in many democracies around the world when corrupt governments are overturned."
Unfortunately, that is not now it works. The line of succession is set in the Presidential Succession Act passed in 1947. If both the President and VP are out, the presidency goes to the Speaker of the House. If it happens before the next Congress convenes, it goes to Paul Ryan. After that it goes to whoever then is chosen as Speaker of the House by the party controlling the House of Representatives.
2
Bring it on! The blue wave sweeping the elections this year has been a reaction against Donald Trump. Democrats have been mobilized and motivated as never before and their candidates even in deep red Trump country have been winning. If the Republicans want to make the election all about Donald Trump, it will only work to the benefit of Democrats and disillusioned Republicans who now see his tax-cuts for the rich and trade war with China as hurting them. Suburban Republicans have been in open revolt and now will be joined by Rust Belt Reagan Democrats and farm belt Republicans. This is the best idea I could imagine to turn the November mid-term election from a blue wave to a blue tsunami.
23
The fact that Ralph Reed still has a following among Evangelicals after selling his faith to the highest bidder is a testament to how devoid of morality and ethics the Evangelical faith really is.
37
Have you seen any of the mailings with which these jackals sustain themselves? Way beyond a cottage industry. I've seen what they sent my demented FinL ten years ago, and now they are coming for my SinL because she's hit 70. She's not so lonely though because a Dem doesn't do away with a human just because I don't like her politics.
I am a die-hard liberal Democrat and I truly disapprove of Trump and all that he stands for. I want the Democrats to take the House in November, if they can take the Senate, so much the better. But impeachment isn't why I so desperately want this to happen. In fact, impeachment isn't in the top ten reasons. No, why the Democrats need the House and Senate is so that they can put a lid on the man. Right now, he can free wheel all he wants to. The spineless Republicans are allowing this, they are afraid to confront the bully. Democrats won't be so timid. They can take away his power to preemptively launch a nuclear attack, they can block his judicial appointments, they can override any veto, they can affect any future cabinet appointments of which there will surely be some, they can further investigate Russian meddling in our elections....... The list goes on and on and does not include impeachment.
Of course if Mueller finds indisputable evidence that Trump was in cahoots with Russia during the campaign, then my list will change. As will the list of many Americans, both Democrats and Republicans. But without clear and convincing evidence of wrongdoing, impeachment will only serve to further divide the country. We, Americans, will be better off just keeping the lid on.
35
Fool us once, shame on you. Fool us twice, shame on us. And shame upon those who protect this President at all costs.
34
Why should Dems fall into this trap in November 18? Impeachment is not what Trump fears most; and the country does not deserve another impeachment proceeding to reverse its suffering. That’s a distraction. The country has to be rebuilt; all the nuts and bolts of every department has to be reinstated by reversing the path of destruction that every department had to go through. Secondly, and perhaps equally urgently, we need to provide an environment to rebuild a strong people-oriented GOP as opposition that the country needs to breathe and be nurtured in strong democracy.
9
First we have to find out what Mr. Mueller discovers. We also have to consider that Pence would become the President if there was an impeachment and removal from office. He has better manners and is a civil person, but his ideology is extremely Right Wing. If this is what America wants I'm glad that I am in my 8th decade!
15
Pence is an opportunist and a phony. His views and his faith are a complete put-on, like his putting-on of a suit every day. He chooses positions to mirror his faith-based constituency, a group as phony as he is. And if adopting the views of a hateful and intolerant cult leads to his achieving public office, then that’s who he will be. Made in Indiana.
7
Trump stated not long ago that he is in favor of gun control. He said it far more clearly and explicitly than any Democrat has for decades. Can anyone explain why Republican voters are still supporting him?
3
Because he is not really for gun control - or anything else. He just twists in whatever direction the wind is blowing. Shortly after coming out in favor of gun control (only very modest measures) he sat down to dinner with the NRA and did a 180 degree change.
14
Just as he added 100 billion in tariffs after meeting with the gullible base in W.Va last week.
All smoke and mirrors because the coal and unicorns he promised them in the election have not and will never materialize.
So he makes a "really big shew" on the way home on the plane, announcing tariff that even his economic staff didn't know about.
There are reports today that there is a "deal" now on the trade issue (Mnuchin).
It may be too late to "deal". The Chinese see the fear in the farmers and those who's retirement accounts are being decimated.
"China will deal on trade!!!" Trump bellows.
Sounds a lot like "Mexico will pay for the wall" to me.
9
Impeachment is not the risk to the Republicans. That would tie up government for a good year and some of the destructiveness Trump has initiated would continue impeachment notwithstanding.
The real risk to Republicans is that if the Democrats get a majority of the House, Trump might decide to work with them instead of the Republican right. It has become apparent as a result of his flop flopping on issues and topics that he has no principals and will work with whomever will give him a result he can live with.
16
There are currently 2 former presidents of other countries about to go to jail for corruption - South Korea and Brazil. They each have been sentenced to lengthy jail terms and can provide an example of what the U.S. might consider after the full details of the Mueller probe are released to the nation. Trump and Pence can both be jailed if they have committed treason by having the Russians rig the election.
26
NEW YORK TIMES: Please remember your role in electing Trump, and take it easy with the drama this time around.
The Democrats in power are not behind impeachment. They are taking a measured approach on this issue.
Do not contribute to hysteria that validates a Republican position that Democrats will immediately pursue impeachment. Chances are slim that the numbers will permit removing Trump from office, and it isn't the top priority anyway. Stopping his agenda and pattern of destruction is the priority.
You have already been broadly misunderstood, judging by these comments. Please take your responsibility seriously. The midterms are too important for you to play them for headlines.
28
That's it! That's the ticket! Just keep talking impeachment 24-7, and see where that will get you.
2
Democrats are much more concerned with winning back the House in order to govern than we are to impeach Trump, though he may indeed end up impeached. We need to consider that if we impeach Trump and he is convicted, we end up with Pence, who might get another 8 years as a result. That would be devastating, possibly even more devastating than 2 more years of Trump.
Republicans may try to get out their vote, but Democrats are working now to do the same thing, even in red states like SC, where large Horry County is already working to get people registered and plan transportation for voters who need it.
Our plan is to get our candidates elected and we are aiming everything toward that goal. If our candidates are in office, we can stop discriminatory legislation that has led to mass arrests and deportations, sometimes of American citizens. We can provide decent health care coverage, fair elections and good jobs to our citizens.
That's the Democrats' plan for 2018.
22
I simply will never understand why & how the US voting public could be "evenly divided" if Trump should fire Mueller. After all of Trump's numerous (daily) written, highly reactive tweets, the daily videos & tv images of Trump's meetings with confreres in cabinet & press alike, his handshakes, silences & acquiescence with murderous plutocrats, oligarchs & autocrats the world over, knowing that, more than likely, his campaign was financed by laundered Russian money (treasonous, by any normal measures) & that clearly, he has obstructed justice as, one by one, each guilty campaign & presidential supporter has slowly come to light under Mueller's meticulous scrutiny, how on earth could this shell of a defensive child-man be vindicated by 1/2 the country? Especially as we have been told this whole past year his approval ratings polls were at an all time low for any previous President - generally hovering around his 35 - 38% base?
Have I lost my mind or is this the new reality for my American cousins?
16
In the midterms, swing voters will matter most. What will they think of impeachment? Presumably, the GOP thinks that moderate independents won't want to see Trump impeached by the House and a subsequent trial in the Senate. But by the time the midterms happen, if Mueller's work is done (very likely) moderates may want to throw Trump out, too.
9
“Will you do your part to help stop this coup attempt by the radical anti-Christian left and the media against our duly elected president?” the letter read, with “stop” and “coup” in all capitals."
Since when is coming three million votes short the same as being 'duly' elected?
10
The "Anti Christian Left" realizes that impeaching Trump, makes Mike President, so they are not going to push it.
The "Pro Christian Right" however, has every reason to push for Trump's impeachment.
1
since 1789
2
The "Anti Christian Left" realizes that impeaching Trump, makes Mike Pence President, so they are not going to push it.
The "Pro Christian Right", on the other hand, would love that out come!
Ooops bad typing day!
2
Democrats: the next few elections will be about treason. You’re either for it or a’gin it.
It will be a national loyalty test, for the survival of the Republic as it has exsisted for a couple of centuries. That’s all. That’s everything. If we win, we can worry about who is a real Democrat, form our circular firing squads and have at it. But for now, for god’s sake, stay focused.
12
Based on what is publicly known, the president has already committed impeachable offenses. Once Mr. Mueller finishes, there will no doubt be more of these. With this "impeachment" strategy, the Republicans are simply telling us that they themselves believe there are valid grounds for impeachment--which is to my mind as good as an admission of guilt.
I don't know what Mr. Axelrod is getting at when he says, "If impeachment becomes a political tool instead of the end result of a credible investigation, then you are as guilty as Trump ..." Impeachment is and always has been a political process. The criteria for impeachment is simply whatever the House majority thinks it should be.
The use of the words "coup," "underhanded," "anti-Christian," etc. in this context by the Republicans is dishonest (what's new!) and remarkably reckless. Impeachment is a valid part of our democracy. (The racist attacks on Representative Waters are par for the course.) Mr. Mueller is an honest and ethical public servant (and a Republican). The set of people who oppose Mr. Trump is a broad coalition of folks of all political persuasions.
12
Trump is a disgusting pig, but Democrats are wasting their time calling for impeachment. It will never happen. If he were successfully impeached, we'd only end up with Pence in the White House, an even slimier slug than Trump. Dems are playing a fool's game calling for impeachment now. All Democratic energy must be focused on taking back the House in November, regaining control of committee chairmanships, and passing legislation designed to benefit the poor and working classes. The Republican Senate will kill any bills meant to help benefit anyone not in the millionaire/billionaire class. The contrast between Democratic legislation, and the GOP party of no will be telling in 2020. Let a Democratic House pass a real infrastructure bill, watch the GOP in the Senate vote no, and then raise holy hell. Only a Democratic House can thwart the GOP agenda of pandering to the rich and destroying public education, the environment, free speech, civil rights and the rule of law. At this point, calling for impeachment is a self defeating sideshow. Job one is taking back the Congress. Remember, revenge is a dish best served cold.
5
The article says that Republicans are using the threat that Democrats will impeach as a fundraising and campaigning tool.
It does NOT say that Democrats are using it as a strategy to win the election.
6
I have no doubt that a Democratic party which is still led, to a degree, by the wonderful people responsible for Hillary Clinton'ds disastrous campaign, can find a way to lose this fall's elections.
One of them would be to run the contest as all about impeachment, which is what blowhards like Ollie North want. I have no doubt the President will at some point commit an impeachable offense in his effort to make himself into an American Mussolini. But run the campaign on a message of what Democrats will do FOR our country if given the chance.
9
I'm a Democrat. I don't want an impeachment. I don't like Pence who insists there is no separation of church and state as long as it is his religion that is being taught and honored. There are other religions in this country and there are agnostics and atheists, also. Ryan is just as bad. We are being governed by idiots.
19
Who do you want negotiating a treaty with North Korea - Trump and whatever experts he can hire and whatever advice from them he will actually take, or Mike Pence and his advisors?
The reason most election debates and coverage has focused on domestic policy is that on foreign policy the parties have mostly agreed. The 9/11 attacks and the 2003 invasion of Iraq have widened the gap, but we generally took for granted that competency in foreign policy (perhaps incorrectly, both 9/11 and the 2003 invasion were preventable) was similar among candidates. When comparing Trump and Pence (really Trump and anyone), this assumption is obviously invalid.
Favoring any president who will not determine foreign policy - including treaties, trade and acts of war - based on the likelihood of generating praise of Fox News borders on a moral imperative. We are the USA, and what we do affects the whole world. Whether we relish that responsibility or think it is an unfair burden is irrelevant; we have it.
3
"Who do you want negotiating a treaty with North Korea - Trump and whatever experts he can hire and whatever advice from them he will actually take, or Mike Pence and his advisors?"
Is "none of the above" a choice?
4
Trump has hired John Bolton, a war mongerer. We are doomed. Trump wants a war. But this will be a nuclear war. Truly frightening, isn't it?
The major problem we face moving forward, as a country, is that
the Democrats are a political party....Made up of various different constituencies and interest-groups who, as a rule are unused to blindly, mindlessly, following ANYONE'S so-called "party line"... With all of their internal disagreements & "broken eggs" which that entails....
The Republicans (I am referring to "conservatives" in general are a bizarre RELIGIOUS CULT, mostly made up of the less intelligent portion of the electorate...Which makes them very easy to manipulate, through fear and LIES...via FOX-noise, Rush Dimbulb, Hannity, etc. (that's SCIENCE talking, not JUST my opinion).
" I never meant to say that the Conservatives are generally stupid. I meant to say that stupid people are generally Conservative. I believe that is so obviously and universally admitted a principle that I should think hardly think any gentleman will deny it. "
John Stuart Mill, letter to the Conservative MP, Sir John Pakington (March, 1866):
7
Since their policies only benefit the rich and corporations, the gop needs to do something to rev up their low information, rural base. As they do every election, they fool their supporters with scare tactics and "shiny objects" like non-problem social issues (gay marriage, gays in the military, gender identity bathrooms) to dredge the countryside for votes. You would think the gop would be ashamed by using Trump and impeachment as an election ploy. But not these days... like Trump, republicans have no shame or ethics.
The gop's stance that it's inconceivable a morally, ethically and financially bankrupt individual like Trump is beyond reproach and should never be impeached, no what matter his crime, speaks volumes about the modern day republican party. The gop... party first, the country be damned.
8
When you have no policy you get this .
When you take away from middle and lower class Americans you get this nonsense
When you are only for tearing down society you get this hysteria
Vote in November
Vote the GOP into oblivion
Isolate the stable genius
THEN impeach him
12
People are fired up! Blue wave!
1
Warning: Get rid of he firebrand Trump, only only to be replaced by the WASP mAnniquin Pence!
1
Ok Democrats your next billboard should say "Nuclear War!" with the same photo and his tiny little finger pointing to the red button. Darn it I'd like my party to fight back. PLEASE!
7
Democrats looking to unseat Republicans must be very careful not to criticize Vladimir Putin and his control over Donald Trump, lest they alienate conservatives who see the relationship as the key to making America great again. In public forums, where voters might ask their opinions on Putin's program for America, candidates should promote a plan to "make America even greater" through a "new partnership with Putin." Areas where further collaboration might be encouraged include sharing of secret codes and allowing more FSB agents to do rotations in the CIA, DIA, NSA and related intelligence agencies in order to better understand how we manage the national security apparatus. This will foster a "give-and-take" that could ease tensions with the Kremlin and further promote an attitude of good will that Putin will respect. Indeed, there is reason to hope that Putin will find it unnecessary to poison former agents in the U.K. or the U.S. with radioactive polonium or other elements (though there is no evidence that he has done so). Generally, Democrats must follow Trump's example of "agreeing not to disagree" with Putin and any ideas he might have for the world's economy or improving government through oligarchy. If Democrats can appear to curry such favor from the Kremlin, conservative American voters may very well find them acceptable for public service!
3
I don't want trump impeached, I want him and his enablers in jail. They are criminals. A charge and conviction of treason with a execution would be appropriate.
19
Beside death and taxes, there are two things we can absolutely count on. One is the Republicans' propensity to make up things that don't exist and lie about the ones that do. To this Centrist, their lack of integrity is stunning. The other thing we can count on is that the DNC will continue to collect paychecks for doing absolutely nothing and then look for people to blame when they are blindsided. To this Centrist, their lack of integrity is stunning. A piece of advice to them: don't impeach anyone unless you are willing to welcome their successor.
2
I briefly approved of Trump about a month ago when he was talking about banning military-style weapons in the hands of civilians. Then an outside lobbying group who is in favor of civilians having unlimited firepower came in and nixed the whole thing
6
That’s a great strategy, and it will work for their base.... but Trump has lost a chunk of his base... the Christian evangelicals who quietly can’t stomach Trump are ready for Pence who would want Cruz as his vice.
1
Let’s not focus on impeachment(simply to charge, not remove-that requires a trial in the Senate), let’s focus on indictment with the goal of prison time for all of his crimes ( and there will be many).
4
The people the Republicans hope to snooker with this stuff should realize that unless the Republicans get the Senate, and by a lot (actually a luscious if unlikely thought) he will not be convicted. So if you do like 45, he may be actually going nowhere.
2
Since it is obvious to even addled republicans that another major push from Fox and Sinclair is coming our way, billed as truthful news, is there no way to take them to court? Obviously, the executive branch is too unethical to regulate these charlatans...Seeing as how these Sinclair propaganda efforts are billed aaffiliated with NBC, ABC, Fox, CBS, The CW, and Univisions affiliates delivering local news, is there no way to punish them for their blatant bias? CBS, abc, and nbc at a minimum owe the American people proper news channels securely grounded in the truth in exchange for the airways the American people granted them cost free. Those airways properly belong to us. This all seems to be a major breach of that arrangement.
3