The more I study the subject the less convinced I am that this impeachment investigation is a good idea.
Pelosi's decision seemed motivated by procedural considerations (read: withholding documents) rather than the "abuse of presidential powers for election purposes" as impeachionistas would have it. But Trump's decision to store his conversations on a secure server was made long ago - after the embarrassing leaks of some of his conversations with Western politicians. There is also some doubt about whether this was a valid whistleblow. It is all hearsay and its main point - that the Trump administration was pressuring Ukraine regarding the Biden-Burisma affair - had already been reported - including in the Times.
There is now a surge in the support for impeachment. But we have to see how long that will last once the Republicans start formulating an answer.
2
To everybody who thinks that the only good way to remove Trump from office is through the polls in the 2020 presidential election, I offer this:
The impeachment inquiry is one step in insuring that your goal is realized. If nothing else, it could likely slow down the illegal processes (includes the 7/25 call to Zelenskyy) that Trump and his minions are using to damage his opponents in that 2020 election and to suppress the votes of those who would vote for one of them. Processes that have more than a slim chance of succeeding without actions like the impeachment inquiry.
And the various meltdowns that Trump will have as a result of this inquiry will undoubtedly have a positive effect on his Democratic challengers prospects in 2020.
1
Any president who has crossed the thresholds that Trump has crossed, including colluding with the Secretary of State and Attorney General to ensure power like a King, is an imminent threat to our Republic. He has already torn up the Constitution.
We cannot wait for elections. And anyone in Congress who does not see the danger is not upholding their oath of office.
6
"Instead, those willing to elaborate on their thinking have called for a “fact-finding investigation,” urging their colleagues to take a more methodical approach that could rise above the partisan fray."
On needs to ask just what they think and impeachment inquiry is. It is a formal process used to gather facts that may, or may not, be used to produce a resolution containing articles of impeachment. As as far as rising above the partisan fray, they need a reality check. We are in this predicament because one party has put party and president over country, don't expect an volte-face now.
2
In a radio interview this morning, Kendra Horn's reasoning was almost as convoluted as any staunch Trump supporter's. She used the word "intentional" at least five times, seeming to imply that there is no genuine "intent" in the impeachment hearings. Please, just state the obvious: pleasing your constituents is more important than a real threat to our democracy!
2
There are people that are waiting for more evidence before even considering impeachment. And right now, we need more evidence. Must NOT impeach for political motivations, and changing the requirement that a whistle blower must have first hand knowledge to may report based on hearsay is pretty suspicious. Especially when it happened right before the August announcement and possible after receiving the complaint in May.
Not saying that Trump is innocent, but could be, and that is enough to say no to impeachment for the time being. And if this is a conspiracy perpetrated by the Dems, I will be heartbroken.
Call this inquiry exactly what it really is. An investigation into specific allegations about the Presidents behavior. If the allegations are proven true and there are laws broken then impeachment is the logical remedy.
Pelosi gets this and has been trying to herd a bunch of screeching, clawing cats.
The Dems have made the mistake of clamoring for “impeachment “ since Trump was elected, including before the Mueller investigation was even complete. That diminishes the grave implication for the term and plays into the Republicans narrative that these investigations are partisan in nature and hysterical in execution.
If the Dems continue to simply and methodically illustrate Trumps strong pattern of deceit, corruption and ineptitude without the theatrics the logical solution will finally lead to
impeachment.
2
Sure, hold back. At least Trump will never be King as long as Louis the 14th, who ruled France for 72 years.
1
I appreciate the"Complete List: Who Supports
Impeachment Inquiry Against Trump?" Summaries like this take a lot of work and research but are very helpful for your readers. You need to add another footnote for Chris Collins, House member from NY's 27th since he resigned today...
Chris Collins N.Y. 27
“The Congressman does not support impeachment since there was no collusion between President Trump’s campaign and Russia, nor was there evidence to support an obstruction charge against the President.”
Any Democrat or Republican holding any office in Congress at this point and is still questioning whether impeachment is necessary should be questioned themselves. I would question those representatives ability to hold office. Have they not read the constitution? Do they not understand the responsibilities to uphold this sacred document? If getting reelected out weighs your “duty” to preserve democracy you have no claim to the office you hold and are unfit yourself.
16
Yes, Trump broke the law. Yes, Trump needs to go. The way to get rid of him is at the polls.
Democratic leaders need to push for the issues that are important to the American people:
Raise the minimum wage.
Decent, affordable healthcare for all.
Fix our infrastructure.
All of the impeachment talk is so much noise to the average worker who is just scraping by.
3
I agree that impeachment may be a distraction; however, what convinced me that they needed to pursue the inquiry is that Trump was trying to undermine our election process. If that process isn’t protected what are the odds that we will be successful in voting this man, and the GOP, out of office?
12
Hey, wait a sec. Didn’t these folks take some sort of oath of office when being sworn in?
Maybe we should send them each a letter, quoting it word for word.
7
There is no steel in their spine. They cannot explain to the
voters in their district what is going on & why the inquiry is necessary? They cannot explain that if Trump is allowed not to be held accountable for the consequences of his actions that it creates serious problems ? I felt that the Mueller report laid out in clear & concise language Trump's malfeasance. Unfortunately after his lackey Barr upended the narrative the Democrats have had problems gaining traction in holding Trump responsible. Sooner of later Trump with his self centered focus on managing the presidency as he did with his various enterprises was bound to trip up again. I think that if these wayward Democrats were to explain the situation most voters in their district would understand . By holding back a decision these representatives give the appearance that the inquiry is centered on political posturing. It is not about that & they should be able to explain this . If they cannot do this or do not want to maybe they should not run for re-election.
5
I love how sanctimonious do-nothings, like Max Rose, always repeat the same little meaningless blurbs like “I’m eager to get home as quickly as possible to hear from people directly”. What exactly do you think has changed, from the last time you were home? I'm pretty sure your constituents, like yourself, have been aware of the absolutely blatant criminality that was exposed by the whistle-blower last week. Why don't these people focus on their jobs, that they swore to uphold in accordance to the US Constitution? I guess Mr. Rose is to enthralled with his newly attained glory, maintaining his little mini-fiefdom of personal spokespersons, speechwriters, and other useless clerical assistants. I guess it must be nice to wear expensive suits everyday, fly business-class everywhere, get invited to barbecues, calling into local radio stations and espousing vague statements like "we need to see the facts", etc. Must be a nice gig, not having to do any actual work.
Congress needs a serious overhaul. We need to hold these elected officials accountable for everything. Everything. Limit air-travel to once a quarter, except for medical/family emergencies. Stop allowing these people to go back to their home districts every week to attend every useless little Mickey Mouse meeting, ribbon-cutting ceremony, and photo-op at the county fair. It's blatantly transparent that most of those visits back home are check-ins with their corporate donors and benefactors.
Do your job, or get out!
11
Every single DINO who refuses to impeach should be primaried and cut off from any campaign help whatsoever.
9
The relectance by these DINOs is a disgrace when you have a President threatening to arrest a Congressional leader for treason. We are in a precarious place in the history of our Republic and these individuals dither? What would it take to me move these people off the dime and place country over personal ambition? My goodness.... what an indictment of how far we've fallen off in our ethical compass.
8
Changing your opinion just because somebody calls you mean names on the internet only proves them right.
3
I find it amusing that there are this group of Democrats who want to have a "non-partisan" investigation when the support for impeachment and the opposition to it is demonstrably partisan. Who are they kidding? Democrats would like to have rapid impeachment and a quick Senate trial but, as in war, when the first shot is fired the battle may go in unanticipated ways. Mcconnell may drag it out into 2020 and Democratic primaries and debates can become a sideshow. My prediction: the campaign will be dirty, unedifying and with an unpredictable outcome. The country will remain divided. Action on gun control, immigration and healthcare along with impeachment and a trial? Are you kidding me?
5
my advice for what it's worth to the timid ones in conservative districts. if trump is on the ballot you're doomed anyway, so you may as well go out with at least a semblance of courage.
9
Trump is a threat to national security, democracy, the rule of law, the US Constitution, and our free democratic allies.
If any person in Congress isn’t willing to lose an election to save the United States of America and our NATO allies, they don’t deserve to re-elected.
These are no ordinary times. Stand up for freedom and democracy like the nation’s soldiers have since the formation of the country.
12
There are rino’s and there are dino’s. It seams there are not enough patriots that truly believe in representative democracy.
12
Fine, follow the facts.
But Trump will obstruct.
And intimidate witnesses.
He’s already calling everyone spies.. threatening the death penalty.
He’d execute them himself if he could, right there on the spot, in the Oval Office.
And Barr would say that’s OK.
But we need facts.
What is this disease that is killing our democracy?
Assuming we can clear this episode, how can we prevent another one?
How about an amendment for— no Twitter account for the President?
18
if we had a democracy, Hillary would be president.
7
These people are in the same camp as Joe Manchin, the non-democrat democrat of West Virginia. But of course, what did we expect? Democrats are not all washed in holy water, they have their own cowards (albeit a much smaller percentage than the moral turpitude that the republican party is).
14
Where Fox and CNN can be accused of bias, 60 Minutes is "just the facts". Must Viewing for all Democrats.
1
Writing is literally on the wall. Even Trump knows he’s toast!
13
I understand Congress members wanting to let their constituents know the inquiry is based on facts. What baffles me is they assume there aren't yet enough facts. It is very clear to anyone who can read what happened on that call with Ukraine was just not proper and more like a Mafia Boss intimidating an underling. Or maybe some people don't have knowledge of what kind of conversation that would be. Get out your old copy of The Godfather, folks for an education on how this usually works.
16
This article and the related comments pummel the Dems who have doubts about impeachment.
Yet every Republican in Congress is against impeachment.
I think it's called misplaced anger.
10
You care about our country or you care about Donald Trump. You can't do both.
28
We could do what Republicans do with GOPers who don’t support Republican issues: we could call them DINOs—Democrats in Name Only.
4
You are not a democrat if after 2.75 years of Criminal Trump you don't support impeachment or at the very least the 25th Amendment.
18
Large group,flapping at the yapper does not a vote make.
4
If you draft articles of impeachment, then it is impeachment.
If you screech “impeachment!” while making up dialog between two presidents, foaming at the mouth and clawing the air with hysterical rage, then you are attempting a coup while hamstringing the government, disallowing benefit to the American people to the extent government can hope to deliver such. it guarantees sweeping losses for the nutty Left in 2020...
5
@skyfiber No, no, no! No one made up dialogue between two Presidents, unless you are implying that whoever typed up the phone transcript made up the dialogue, in which case the blame for that is on the president and his people. If you are referring to Adam Schiff, you are dead wrong. Go back and look at the video of his opening statement at the Maguire hearing. He made it very clear that he was summarizing the substance and character of what Trump said and not quoting word for Word. That section was 56 seconds long, and the purpose was to summarize the essence of what Trump did wrong. It was eloquent. Please argue based on the facts, not on lies that are being perpetrated about good people.
2
Representative Joe Cunningham you studied law and you don't think Trump should be impeached ? Your law school should return your tuition. Please wake up this is not about politics but about abiding by our constitution and about you abiding by your oath of office.
Trump is already inciting civil war so we must impeach and convict as soon as possible. The Criminal Con Man will stop at nothing to be reelected and prevent prison time. Our country is in danger.
Congress and particularly the Senate and House Armed Services Committees must prevent Trump from engaging in some trumped up war. SECDEF, JCS, combatant commanders and Congress and in particular Senate republicans must put country before party because this is no longer politics but survival of our democratic way of life and our nation.
We cannot wait..... Following the worst defeat of any incumbent in presidential history will be the most dangerous period ( Nov 3 2020 to Jan 20, 2021) the United States has faced since the Cuban missile crisis. All government agencies especially DOD must plan for a possible national calamity. Congress must prepare for almost 90 days of unmistaken horror by the lunatic in chief.
Senate must convict con man in chief so that the New York State Attorney General can arrest and escort him from the White House immediately after the Senate conviction vote. Trump removal for the sake of our children and grandchildren and of all mankind (6-7,000 nuclear weapons). Our country is in danger.
12
As usual, the moderates are basically correct (and, as such, they are in the extreme minority...go figure). At this stage, nobody should be expected to answer whether or not they back impeachment; rather, they should be asked whether they back the inquiry, which is a process that may or may not lead to impeachment.
Anyone who doesn't back the inquiry is not fulfilling his or her duty. Anyone who thinks they know whether or not to impeach is jumping to conclusions ahead of the facts. (There's a LOT more info to come, folks. Don't worry: it'll only get worse for Trump, but let the facts do their work!)
14
@Mford
This article isn't about Dems answering whether or not they back impeachment. It's about the handful of Dems who aren't endorsing the impeachment inquiry.
"But a smaller group of Democrats are not there yet. They said their reluctance to plunge into an impeachment inquiry..."
By your own definition, these are the Dems (along with almost all the Republicans) who are not fulfilling their duty.
4
Do we all realize that if Rep Kendra Horn and 40 others like her had not been willing and able to defeat a Republican in 2018, there would be no impeachment inquiry?
Those 41 freshman Majority Makers are the only reason Democrats can chair a committee or call a single hearing.
Think hard about SWING states. They matter. There are not enough progressive or liberal districts.
7
Tusli Gabbard's reluctance to get on board here is one good reason that she (and Bernie) would have my vote for the nomination. Her skepticism of an outrageously partisan process which will surely divide the country further is very sound, IMO. The unwanted precedent set for NOT seeking impeachment here is minor compared to the long-term negative effects the proceedings will have on the electorate's trust in our two-party system. About half of the voting age public in America does not vote and half of those who do actually vote choose not to be affiliated with EITHER party.
6
@carl bumba, Hawaii is a pure blue, deep blue, state. In Tulsi's case, she really is a DINO. Virtually everyone here favors an inquiry into impeachment.
4
Is there an elected official, regardless of Party, whose vote on anything is not determined by whether their vote will effect their chances of re-election?
7
If these holdouts are in danger of loosing their seats,
I say let them sit on the sidelines.
Let’s be pragmatic
Loosing the house would be disastrous.
Everybody be cool, please.
3
The law is the law, trump's own transcript of the phone call shows he clearly broke rules set down by the constitution. It doesn't matter what polls show or what congressmen think. He must be tried for impeachment, it's the duty of congress. Trump is now guilty of breaking another law. He demands to know the name of the whistle blower and to confront him. Trump does not understand the equal standing of the presidency, the house and the senate in the republic. Schiff has every right to call out the president for his wrong doings.
12
At the very least, this impeachment process will show us who prioritizes our country over politics and their re election prospects. This is true for both democrats and republicans.
7
If only more Democrats had the courage to step forward and voice their concerns over the lack of evidence and flimsy presumptions of these accusations against the President; the Democrats would have a chance in restoring some decency within their party.
8
@Jay
I have to wonder if you read the notes on the phone call that the White House itself published?
Trump clearly asks the president of a foreign nation for a personal favor. That's ironclad evidence of wrongdoing.
6
Well then primary them. This is not an optional plank for our party.
1
While I don't live there anymore, I grew up in the Deep South and I completely get why one of the elected officials there -- Lucy McBath - would not want to come out openly in favor of this. She's a Democrat who barely won her Republican district race and she's doing important work with gun control. Having her voted out after this would be a big loss for the party.
9
Beware, There will be more Trumps in the future.
Impeach don’t impeach, I don’t care.
The time for politics and rhetoric is over.
It’s time for civil disobedience to do the talking.
I’m knee deep in old age, but I’m ready to march on Washington with you and shake the White House Gates off their hinges.
Flood the shipping ports, flood the airports and chase this administration into the Syrian desert.
Dissent Develops Democracy
10
He's clinging to the idea that Trump will manage to lie his way out of this, making his accusers look unfair. At the rate things are unraveling, I'd say the reverse is likely to happen, with even more revelations. Trump will take his denials of wrongdoing to the grave, but if anyone in the administration makes a slip and admits they knew the phone call was a no-no, then it's just a matter of time.
4
This is the very reason that we need term limits in Congress.
4
Democrats supporting it became something of a stampede, a small group of Democrats remained unconvinced.
Using the case of lemmings, perhaps this is fortunate for Democrats. One has to wonder how if they all jump off the cliff together there are any remaining to make more? At least this impeachment inquiry will have been good for answering one thing important.
2
Now that Pelosi has decided to support an impeachment inquiry, the rationale for resisting it (fo Dems) no longer exists.
6
Been reading all the comments here. Thus far 88 & know there will be lots more. Also been looking at the towns & cities they come from: so far looks like 100% of participants favor impeachment from all over American & some internationals ... count me in.
10
Proceed with the inquiry to present the facts to the public. Then call it a day and let the public decide in November 2020. A senaste trial will be fruitless and will only enable Trump to become a martyr when he is acquitted. Skip the circus trial and let the voters decide in November, which will be viewed with legitimacy.
Biden-Booker 2020
2
If the transcript is an evidence of an impeachable offense, why wait, start impeachment. But it appears that not even Nancy Pelosi is convinced. But NY Times and its pundits are blaming Republicans for not supporting their attempt to impeach Trump based on phony charges. Based on their standard, Hilary clearly sought foreign intervention in American election as she appointed a foreign agent to collect dirt from foreign countries.
5
@Alex E
1) The notes from the phone call absolutely are ironclad evidence of an impeachable offense. But it makes sense to conduct an inquiry to determine as much other information about the situation as possible in order to make the case as convincing as possible to those who don't want to believe it (like you, still claiming the charges are phony with clear evidence already staring you in the face).
2) Hilary did not appoint a foreign agent to do anything, that's just completely false. The DNC hired an american company to do oppo research. That company hired an ex British intelligence officer. He got paid fair value for the work he did, so it wasn't an illegal campaign contribution. Nothing illegal or unusual about it.
4
@Robert B So, why if Giuliani do opposition research at the request of Trump a violation?
1
..And there are still many questions left to be answered before we start overturning elections, and removing the President..
--- No matter what happens with this impeachment process..there is going to be an election n 2020..and there will be a Republican in the White House.. -Democrats will need to win in 2020 if they want to really turn things around..
4
If you are a democrat, and you're still not sure these are impeachable offenses, well...I'm not sure you're a democrat.
At least, what I understand the party to stand for (and against).
50
@C. Whiting
.. It's not for you or anyone else to ordain who and who is not a Democrat. Asking for more facts through an investigation is a reasonable course of action. --And if someone decides they do not believe the President'a action requires removal from office.. then so be it.
..-- Joining in the headlong race to be judge & jury & executioner (as you seem to favor), is hardly what's best for this country.
4
@C. Whiting lol
2
@C. Whiting Being a Democrat ought not influence your opinion whether there is an impeachable offense. If you think that’s relevant, you are admitting it is a partisan matter.
8
You job is not to worry about you electability next term, it is your job defend the CONSTITUTION and the LAWS of thIs country. Do you job! I and many others will be calling each and everyone to remind you.
66
To the hold out of Democrats not endorsing impeachment!
1. You are not any better than the Republicans in Congress!
2. You do not care about the Constitution, our country, or about us, the People!
3. The only thing you care about, is your cozy seat in Congress.
4. We know who you are, and we will NOT vote for you in November 2020.
5. And Republican voters will not vote for you out of spite!
30
Some DEMs were reluctant because of the backlash possibility the GOP faced after Clinton's impeachment. But Clinton's situation was much different than today's. Ken Starr (who would later become the symbol of Baylor U's athlete rape scandal) bullied a frightened Monica Lewinsky into wearing a wire, so that just enough smug partisan dirt could be manufactured to sway the House. Donald Trump's mouth doesn't need to be tricked to spout off high crimes and misdemeanors.
24
@C The alleged "backlash" is also greatly exaggerated in public memory. The Republicans lost a whopping 5 House seats in the 1998 midterm, but retained their majority. They won the presidency two years later and had regained all of the lost seats by 2002. They paid no long term price for the Clinton impeachment, and only a very, very small short term price. And, as you correctly point out, the situations are drastically different, not to mention that Clinton was a popular President and Trump is a very unpopular President.
4
@C
She didn't wear a wire, and wasn't bullied.
@C Um...I don't think you remember what happened. Clinton was in the middle of a civil suit alleging that he sexually assaulted a woman. In an attempt to show a pattern of behavior, he was asked under oath if he was having a sexual relationship with Monica Lewinsky and he said "there is nothing between us." In fact Monica had been telling her good buddy Linda Tripp all about it (not to mention saving trophies with Clinton's semen on it). Clinton bought off Lewinsky with money and promises of a good job and she was preparing to support him with perjured testimony. At this point Tripp came forward to Ken Starr who was investigating Clinton for a whole bunch of other misdeeds. Clinton was eventually convicted of perjury although he argued that his use of the word "is" was technically accurate in that he wasn't having sex with her at that time.
Those who consider Trump's presidency an outrage have forgotten Clinton.
3
And we will remember them at the next election. Yes, Mr Van Drew I’m talking about you.
6
Agree. I just texted a similar msg to his office in response to their solicitation of money.
Will Tanzi primary this Trumpie? Did we all see him chase after trump for handshakes both before AND after this year’s SOTU??
I’m writing in I.M. PEACH if there’s no primary challenge to VD, or I’ll register as a GOP to vote for Sanford. I love the Appalachian trail...
She later added, “I don’t make any judgment until I know all of the facts.”
The facts have been screaming at you for two years...
51
Maybe it's time for them to switch over to the spineless party.
20
This cannot be a partisan move because it could very well hurt the dems in the 2020 election (as it did the republicans when Clinton was impeached). The Democratic House is moving forward because it is the right thing to do. I applaud them for their bravery in checking a president who does not seem to understand that this is indeed wrong.
14
@Nina, I don’t know why this line that “impeachment will hurt the democrats” is still being stated as if it were factual. Impeachment hurt the republicans because it was purely partisan when they went after Clinton. Remember, Nixon was about to be impeached and he resigned and left office with very low approval numbers. Support for impeachment is growing in the public day by day because trump is a criminal.
6
@Nina It DID NOT hurt the Republicans when they impeached Clinton. They lost only 5 House seats in 1998 (retaining their majority), won the Presidency 2 years later, and had regained the lose House seats by 2002. And that was after impeaching a popular President over what was widely seen as a personal matter, not, as here, an unpopular President over a stark betrayal of his oath of office.
4
I’m kinda wondering if the partisan tag would be attached to impeachment inquiries if there wasn’t a 22nd Amendment. Term limits take the passion out of a impeaching a second term president since he’ll be gone soon anyway. Without a 22nd Amendment or impeachment that leaves the ballot box as the only recourse to kick a bum out.
Unlike Clinton, Trump could be impeached during his first term as president. This could explain why Republicans are jumping up and down screaming ‘partisan.’ I don’t know if an impeached president can be re-elected but I suspect Trump would run regardless if he were impeached.
This would not bode well for Republicans - those running for re-election and those wanting to run for the presidency in the future. They would be tainted with impeachment even if they end up voting for Trump’s impeachment.
3
Partisanism has lost its definition in this political environment. Right now, America is under a one party "Trump Republican political Party system " , with Trump Republicans trashing their oath of office to go along to get along with demigod Donald Trump. Not only was Mitch McConnell willing to allow Trump to get away with many political constitutional by not bring motions to the Senate floor for a vote-McConnell made a deal with a Putin oligarch Oleg Deripaska sanctioned by the Treasury Department which were lifted by the Trump administration. So, it’s true that a major contributor to a PAC associated with McConnell has business ties to an oligarch whose businesses recently have been released from sanctions.
To say that his impeachment is partisan is a stretch! Democrats have no recourse but to act. The term "Republican" referenced a political party that no longer exists in policy or form.
8
Well then the public will know who to support on the next election day. Time has come.
5
Self-serving and cowardly. Hearing their disingenuous excuses is only slightly less disgusting to me than hearing Trump suggest that Schiff be arrested for treason.
They are undermining the investigation, all while providing Senate Republicans cover.
If they are interested in "fact-finding," why not support an impeachment inquiry intended to do just that?
They claim to aim for bipartisanship; insanely unrealistic given what we've seen of late from elected Republicans scared to stand up to Trump.
Instead they play into partisanship, undermining facts with self-interested party politics, working to shore up their right-leaning supporters and protect their positions.
Just take it from Alexander Hamilton: “In many cases [impeachment] will connect itself with the preexisting factions ... and in such cases there will always be the greatest danger that the decision will be regulated more by the comparative strength of parties, than by the real demonstrations of innocence or guilt.”
Let's hope at least all of the Democrats can get on board with "real demonstrations of innocence or guilt."
9
BTW, I thought it was those suspect progressives with all their high-minded ideals and plans who lived in a fantasy world? The real fantasists are “Centrists” talking about bipartisanship with Republicans. Laughable.
14
It is now or never, Representatives. You took an oath to defend the Constitution.
Do it for us. Do it for our children. Do it for our Country.
Action!
20
Tom O'Halleran is my representative. Guess I need to email him again. When Karen Tumulty of WaPo wrote a good column suggesting censure, I wrote him in support of that. Have not heard back. I thought he had more backbone but every politician in AZ is just obsessed with staying in office, not accomplishing anything for the good of the people. Pathetic. I've also written Sen. Martha McSally, recently endorsed by Trump for the 2020 race against Mark Kelly, saying Trump has betrayed his oath of office and to focus on that, not partisanship. I am sure Trump is already threatened pols like her to withdraw support and funds if they open their mouths.
11
Maybe the very biggest problem we have in our electoral system is expecting voters to declare a party affiliation.
I just renewed my DL and got a REAL ID. They asked me again to declare a political party allegiance.
So even if your "party" promotes inexcusable and/or against your best interests you still must follow like lemmings?
Every American should be independent and debate issues on a case by case basis. That could strengthen our democracy.
These are not sports teams.
8
@Anne
You can declare yourself an 'independent' rather than one of the two parties. And you don't have to follow anyone or vote for anyone because of how you're registered. All that affects is which party's primaries you can vote in.
@Anne That California requires you to declare your party for your driver's license should be intolerable to all Californians. How does a state with so many good ideas and the guts to stand up to Trump also enact such an abhorrent policy of demanding to know your political party? That's right up there with a census question about your citizenship.
2
The question put to this small holdout of Democrats is -Do you honor your oath of office or not. Whether self-preservation or not--who cares. You took an Oath.
5
@TWShe Said
"You took an oath."
So did Republicans. Why don't you pick on them?
This is still the greatest nation on earth or most definitely the greatest there's has ever been on the face of this planet.....How can in the world we entrust it to a man that is obviously incompetent and almost for sure compromised at God knows at many levels.
8
Anyone who does not believe in impeaching Trump must know something that no other ethical, patriotic, intelligent and civic minded person knows.
This man has to go if we want to have any self-respect as Americans.
9
The problem is that no one in the GOP will let anything ever be bipartisan. They refused to ever meet Obama halfway on anything no matter how hard he tried. They certainly are not going to place the interests of the country over the interests of their Trump-loving electoral base. I guess it’s always worth it to try to be reasonable but the Democrats are up against people who only care about “winning”
57
Maybe it’s time our elected legislators stopped worrying about keeping their jobs and just focused on doing their jobs, instead.
68
Awaiting a bi-partisan response? Wouldn’t Republicans need to honestly participate? Risking job loss is not easy but informing and getting info to voters is a better bet than pretending that Trump may be innocent. Ethical behavior is not in his repertoire and he demonstrates this on a daily basis. Republicans have been shameless in their willingness to overlook and dissemble. Now Democrats are joining their ranks? Can we please have some honesty?
34
Partisanship is not the question - doing the right things are not partisan. Trump and Trump-entrenched Republicans will claim the inquiries and subsequent impeachment proceedings are partisan no matter what. Patriots devoted to protecting the United States from criminal actions by a criminal president will appear on both sides of the aisle even if there may be backlash in their districts. Frankly, I would not vote for a Representative or Senator who put his or her own reelection prospects above the well-being of our country. I will always vote for our country first.
25
Without an Impeachment Inquiry, the purpose of which is to establish a basis of facts, there's no way to know if a President should be impeached or not.
So, we can't really know the facts without the inquiry.
Saying we can't have an inquiry until we've got all the facts displays faulty reasoning.
Remember the Logical Fallacies that you learned about in high school? I'm trying to place this one -- is it a Circular Argument or a different logical fallacy?
20
Max is my own congressman and I'll continue to support him unless he decides to cast a vote against impeachment when crunch time actually comes. Ironic, though, that a man who's so decisive about everything else would have us believe that he's waffling on this issue.
12
@stu freeman Please contact Max's office and urge him to support an Impeachment Inquiry so we can find out what actually happened. -A fellow NYC resident
3
@stu freeman . I am also a constituent of his and have been tweeting at him for days. The idea that "Both sides are equal" is playing into his need to be re-elected in Staten Island, forgetting that exciting the Dem base in Bay Ridge is what does the trick.
2
The small group of Dems opposed to the impeachment inquiry are more concerned about the financial fallout to their personal financial accounts. Fortunately for America this group is small and scared of political retribution. Remember there are many reps that call themselves Dems, but are Trump's "eyes and ears" behind closed doors.
14
Anthony Brindisi is the congressman from my hometown who I was very optimistic about supporting. He was replacing the craven Claudia Tenney, who was a classmate of mine years ago. However, at this point, why not Claudia? What's the point of Brindisi if he is not going to represent the will of his constituents? If Brindisi thinks that one of these Trump Republicans would ever vote for him, he is telling himself some serious lies. Meanwhile, he will lose the trust and faith of the people who DID put him into office.
30
I live in NY22 and totally agree. AB thinks he can garner the votes of Jeopardy/Fox News watchers by being a cautious centrist. Those folks will be swayed against him by tons of lying GOP tv ads. Meanwhile, he ignores the folks who campaigned for him, and the thousands who are not courted by politicians. No excitement, no passion, no change.
1
These Democrats are just as guilty as their Republican colleagues who stand by Trump. They are more interested in self-preservation than the preservation of democratic and constitutional values and what is best for the future of our country.
32
@Whole Grains
Well said!
3
Many politicians pretty much declare that the nature of their noble calling is to see which way the wind blows. That is, to harken to the needs and desires of their constituents. If that's sadly who they really are, then there will be these holdouts to the truth.
6
I guess my question is if you don’t impeach Trump will he stop interfering in the election? Or will it embolden him to continue to interfere? And then what?
5
@Jon You really need to ask that?
All organized human activity is inherently partisan politics.
1
Public Opinion is rapidly moving toward "Impeachment" of President Donald Trump. Those who are waiting are just delaying the process. American Voters are increasingly frustrated with damage to Democracy.
13
The Deep State that wants continuous global wars and are unhappy the President is trying to end them and now this frame up to impeachment is the result.
4
@Larry
Evidence? Nope. Didn’t think so. More troops just deployed to protect Saudi (Trump’s handlers) oil facilities. He does whatever they say, and openly admitted to it on Twitter.
1
we hope as a nation that the democrats will also turn their attention to the money-laundering that cemented the ownership of donald trump by russian oligarchs who used his real estate and 1300 illegal deals to move their roubles into the US economy.
trump is vladimir putin's wholly-owned subsidiary and it's critical this be fully explained to the american people.
11
The Democrats who still cannot see the necessity of impeachment proceedings, suffer from a degree of ignorance of the potentially irreparable damage being done to our democracy, our national security and our fundamental laws. But I am thankful they are a small minority who will fail to understand that the risks of doing nothing far outweigh the risk of impeachment.
9
There is more going on here, I think the Republicans have finally said enough is enough we can live for another day and control Pence but we can’t control Trump and watch our party implode. It’s going to get real ugly between Trump and Republicans Party.
8
What is an impeachable offense?
Go and have a look at the statements from Darrell Issa, Trey Gowdy and Jason Chaffetz in the House Judiciary Committee hearings on the Impeachment of IRS Commissioner John Koskinen.
Issa actually reads the Wikipedia definition, a laundry-list of offenses including "dishonesty, negligence, perjury of oath, abuse of authority, bribery, intimidation, misuse of public funds or assets, failure to supervise, dereliction of duty, unbecoming conduct, and refusal to obey a lawful order,"
I respectfully suggest to Congressman Schiff that he should use the same set of standards for Mr. Trump as were used for Mr. Koskinen.
That seems fair to me.
13
Right. Bipartisan process. Just like the Republicans always like. I mean, Mitch McConnell is so bipartisan, right? Once again taking a knife to a gun fight.
5
Need more info. Had those 40 seats gained by Dems in the last election for the House of Representatives, at some time previously been held by Dems?? or were they traditionally Repub seats?
Anyway, it's all a work in progress -- or process. And forget about FAIR. All those bills stacked up in the Senate waiting to be voted on.. Much more impt. than the Impeachments hearings which are mere an inquiry as the Senate has to impeach.
3
@Auntie Mame No Auntie, the House Impeaches, the Senate tries, determines guilt, and removes the president if he is found guilty. Let's hope all those things happen to Trump in short order.
2
This small majority of Democrats realize, whether you like it or not, was elected according to our democratic rules. To overturn the election of this duly elected president will cause irreparable harm to our nation. If you don’t like Trump, vote him out. That’s how it works.
2
@TravelingProfessor
It’s not about not liking the man — it’s about criminal behavior.
It’s not about overturning an election — it’s about using the map the framers of the Constitution gave us to keep our “more perfect union.”
It’s not about the irreparable harm of impeachment — it’s about the irreparable harm caused by a leader that thinks only of himself rather than those he was chosen to represent.
6
@TravelingProfessor
Dear Professor, the Constitution provides for impeachment. What rises to the level of impeachment is anything Congress determines. That’s how it works.
As far as irreparable damage to our system of governance, whether Trump has caused such damage only time will tell but I would give him an A+ for effort at least when he’s not golfing or entertaining heads of state at one of his properties or otherwise engaging in general grifting behavior, which is his natural M.O.
4
No, the Constitution allows for impeachment for a reason.
1
time to hold highly focused and timely hearings,
with all due deliberate speed,
Pelosi needs to take a vote on impeachment,
and then move on.
1
I am nervous about the blow back from the impeachment inquiry because I so desperately want Trump out, his misdeeds are so egregious that we have no other choice. I hope and pray we can nail this sucker's hide to the wall.
6
What’s the point of electing Dems like these, especially an ex military guy like Max Rose, if they wont even protect America from foreign election interference? It’s not like the Senate is even considering their legislative initiatives. There’s really no point in them holding office if they are this useless.
21
Those that don't jump on board had better remember that come their election time if Trump is impeached their opponents will remind voters that they failed to protect them from a traitor.
6
Call everyone. Try to talk sense into them. I already have.
16
Sorry, Mr. Representative, this is nothing BUT a partisan process.
6
@Robert Miller
A. It shouldn’t be a partisan process, but every attempt at presidential impeachment started that way.
B. There is validity in the impeachment inquiry. It’s not a call for impeachment. It’s not a trial. It’s a fact-finding mission to determine whether the concerns raised in the whistleblower’s complaint merit those next steps. Democrats may have taken the reins, but Republicans should climb on the horse. If they want to get real answers and potentially exonerate Trump, this is the way to do it.
C. Last Wednesday, after the impeachment investigation was announced, Trump said the House leadership fell into his trap — so does that mean it’s Republican partisanship that’s led to this?
7
@Robert Miller I disagree. Impeachment is upholding the Constitution and the president's Oath of Office, which makes it a patriotic act, not a partisan process. A partisan process is withholding the nomination of Merrick Garland because Mitch McConnell wanted to starve President Obama of the chance to nominate a Supreme Court justice. That, my friend, is a partisan process and it will be McConnell's negative legacy.
7
The reluctance of these Democratic lawmakers is a dereliction of duty. How are they going to have a just bipartisan process when the Republican Party supports lawlessness? That makes these Democratic lawmakers partners in Republican crime and unworthy of public trust. For the sake of this country and the world, may justice prevail over cowardly self-interest!
120
They need to be primaried by people with the courage to defend the nation and the rule of law like their oath says. Right now, they are simply dead weight collecting a paycheck.
66
When Nixon went down , some forty odd of his minions went to jail . and they were waaaayyyy smarter and craftier than trump’s A team . And the electronic trail in modern times ! Any way , just something to think about , trump toadies ! George , keep an eye on that lil Kelly Anne ...tough to raise kids , with Mom in jail .
34
We have some Democratic congresspeople that won’t vote for impeachment because they could lose their seat next election? You weren’t vote into office to protect your job; you were voted in to DO your job. What if our military personnel or police or first responders didn’t do their job because they didn’t want to endanger losing their job? Do your job or I’ll vote you out of it.
214
@jerrysturdivant thank you for this on the point comment. Indeed
3
Well, when the President starts calling for a House committee chair to be arrested for "treason." it is time to get on the Impeachment and Removal train.
166
Democrats that can listen to extortion in the notes released by the president, yet still cannot act have not business in office.
If they think the House has put Trump on trial, I think they need to read the Constitution. This is the fact gathering phase. The decision to put forward articles of impeachment is the next step in the process.
These Democrats need to get in step or get out of the line--not run in 2020. We people of courage, conviction, principles and morals that can recognize a crime and a threat to democracy when they see it.
69
" All Politics are Local ". These Representatives are doing what is best for their District. Should they sacrifice their seat, and Job, early in this process ? NO. Let the process work, as Trump seems to be doing a fine job of self-Impeachment. Trust Speaker Pelosi.
Period.
11
@Phyliss Dalmatian What is "self-impeachment"? If there was such a thing, Trump would have been out by the conclusion of the Mueller investigation.
I can understand members doing what's best for their district, but they also take an oath to defend the Constitution and these stragglers are letting Trump walk all over it.
If they lose their job over doing the right thing, then they weren't good at their job to begin with and should be voted out.
2
From the story:
"But a smaller group of Democrats are not there yet. They said their reluctance to plunge into an impeachment inquiry stemmed from a desire to have a bipartisan process..."
That might be this group of Democrats' desire, but reality says this expectation is a dead end. Bipartisan? Keep waiting. Bipartisanship presumes congressional Republicans will actually do the right thing for our democracy and hold Trump accountable. Instead, most Republicans are happy to parrot talking points prepared for them by the White House while engaging in misdirection and gas-lighting.
Republicans should be the ones that are frightened for their political future.
39
@Larry M
Except they're not, because their voters already support them. The fact is that unless you have a bipartisan effort, this impeachment circus is nothing but that - a circus that distracts voters from listening to the Democratic platform. That's not how you win the Senate or the White House. That's just how you get on tv for their well-paid gigs.
1
It has been reported that Republican voters have contributed millions of dollars to the party since this impeachment inquiry was announced. This is galvanizing his supporters in a way that we have not seen before. If Impeachment goes forward, it is bound to be a long and lengthy process. This will benefit the Republicans as they will see it as a witch hunt. It will hurt the Democrats in the 2020 presidential and local elections. This will be a gift to our president who will be reelected and those Republicans running for office.
4
@KMW
It ain't necessarily so... and the actual fund raising figures are not published daily so far as I know.
BTW elections are not only about $$ meaning contributions to candidates...
1
@KMW As the republicans are doing everything in their power to ensure that the coming election is not free and fair, what does it matter? So, don't have an impeachment process and have a real possibility of a tainted election? Or perhaps do whats right.
1
@KMW All the money in the Republican world is not going to reelect Trump. Nixon won a 1972 landslide. I still remember the "Don't Blame Me, I'm From MA" bumper stickers after his resignation on the eve of his being impeached. Nixon refused to turn over incriminating tapes that showed he was part of the Watergate coverup. Trump is hiding evidence of his illegal acts on a secured server. The impeachment inquiry is not going to benefit Republicans as the FACTS come out. All the propaganda ads in the world won't save a sinking ship.
1
Shying away from the doing the right thing for political self interest is the number 1 reason for not voting to reelect that candidate. Let Rep Horn be the first one.
24
@Kathy B So she will get replaced by someone from the GOP next year? I doubt she will be primaried. I understand your sentiment, but Rep. Horn's vote will not make or break the impeachment process whatsoever, and the alternative (a Republican winning her seat in 2020) is definitely worse.
1
@Kathy B. Fort Collins is in Colorado’s 2nd Congressional district, which hasn’t elected a Republican since 1973. The current congressman won his seat by 26 percent. Hillary carried the district by 21%, and the voters there gave overwhelming majorities the Obama, Kerry and Gore. It’s easy to criticize those who are more cautious because they reside in blood-red districts. Horn won her seat because Russell was so incompetent, but voters in OK-5 may not be so forgiving this time around. Trade places with a voter in central Oklahoma and see how you would like to go back to having Republican representation.
3
Yes indeed, the ship has sailed --all aboard that's getting aboard. We're in for a stormy voyage.
1
This is all pretty simple stuff. The House must investigate. If, and only if, there is sufficient evidence, then it must draft articles of impeachment and submit them to the Senate. The Senate, in turn, must weigh the evidence.
It’s a process driven by law, procedure, and evidence. It’s not a process driven by politics. The objective is not to remove Trump from office. Nor is it to raise funds for political parties and candidates. The objective is simply to uphold the law.
The moment we forget this objective, and allow partisan politics to eclipse the rule of law, is the moment we become just another banana republic on the world stage. Pray our elected representatives in Congress follow the laws they’ve sworn to uphold - regardless of the outcome.
26
They are simply political hacks who want to keep their jobs.
That's all that's going on there and that's all that needs to be said.
The summary of the Trump call makes clear a violation of his constitutional duties and oath of office.
"eager to hear from the people directly". right. try being a leader.
26
Wanting bi-partisanship is a meek response when one party has been shown to act in bad faith, time and time again.
Better to take a stand on principles before it's too late....
36
The only way to have an effective "fact-finding inquiry" is an impeachment, because that gives Congress unique investigatory powers.
92
@Roy
They've been in pre-inquiry mode since the inauguration.
3
Reminds me of the seven Blue Dog democrats (stealth republicans?) who voted against Obama's single payer health plan. We ended up with the ACA, and still paying the insurance CEO honcho's, but it was a step forward.
Well, We almost had the single payer that works so well in the countries that use it. But here in the USA, again, the honcho money shouted far louder than We The People.
59
Tired of partisan wrangling ,political bickering which is causing the nation to flounder and not face immediate problems.
Greatest threat nation faces is the rise of Communist China which has used the trade surplus with us to build its infrastructure to modern standards and challenge US Geopolitically.
The authoritarian model of China is becoming more appealing to developing nations sitting on sidelines
Constant partisan bickering in US is damaging the nation
11
@Azad. Ditto!
C'mon, you hold-out Dems. Is it too much to ask for a little leadership and courage? You've had plenty of time to "think about it" and "investigate" impeachment. The evidence has been public for months, if not years. Your constituents aren't keen? Educate them!
Indecisive, finger-in-the-wind Representatives are a drag on the Democratic Party. We won't fix what's wrong with this country by allowing a small minority whose main concern is political survival--not addressing an unprecedented national crisis--to set policy on everything.
Lack of boldness in setting the agenda is what got the country to this point in the first place.
40
I live in Anthony Delgado's district, definitely not a safe seat for Democrats. Thank God he has a spine and a conscience, and supports the impeachment inquiry!
86
@Leslie I'll donate to him!
3
Those who doesn't support the impeachment after watching Dumbo's day-to-day behavior and after reading the Mueller report, whistle blower summary, the White House transcript and DNI testimony are not living up to their oath to the constitution, serving this country or the people who elected them to their job and are not leaders.
Leader = a person who leads. Not a person that cannot educate and lead their constituency. We have way too many anointed leaders just because they got elected because they lied and told their constituent whatever they want here!
15
If indeed these Democratic congress men and women are genuinely trying to hear all the facts before supporting an impeachment vote, I applaud them.
I have been in favor of impeachment or at least a serious enquiry for impeachment since the Mueller report was issued.
Still, if Democrats get into too big a hurry and make this look like a kangaroo court it will not be good optics. This process must be seen as fair and judicial or it will be totally ineffective.
8
"But a smaller group of Democrats are not there yet. They said their reluctance to plunge into an impeachment inquiry stemmed from a desire to have a bipartisan process".
The Republicans have shown no interest in the past few years towards working with the Democrats on anything.
Those waiting for some indication of bipartisanship are going to have a very long wait.
111
@Richard Phelps
Exactly correct, although these Representatives know that perfectly well and are just using "bipartisanship" as political cover to continue sitting on the fence as long as possible. Real profiles in courage.
14