Sadly for Mr.Jones, he is in a state where even if there is overwhelming proof that Trump was robbing our US Treasury and money laundering money to the Russians, they would still support trump because Trump is the voice that represents their own ingrained views when it comes to race.
There are some people who have been conditioned from birth to think that if others elevate themselves, it's at the expense of them and their birthright.
You can't do anything about that sort of mindset.
6
it's terrifying to consider that re-election is considered a priority of acting with integrity.
we really need to reinstate the Fairness Doctrine and overturn Citizen's United to put truth back into play.
85
@moab mike
Amen.
I would practically join the campaign team for someone who put these items front and center.
3
@moab mike ....yes, restore the Fairness Doctrine for media, and also the rules that had limited the number of outlets a media company could own in a given area.
When Bill Clinton & GOP passed the Telecommunications Act in the '90s, they enabled FOX News to expand to a monopoly across the US on radio and TV.
Our news media should be talking about that now, as Trump and FOX repeat their daily lies.
1
Doug Jones did not win his seat by appeasing the republican vote in Alabama, he won it because he had Roy Moore as his opponent and because he got the democratic base including the large African-American population to show up on election day. In 2020 he will not be able to control, who his opponent is, but he can be sure, that the republicans will vote for whoever it is. His only path to keeping the seat, is to not disenchant and abandon the people, who made his victory in 2017 possible, instead trying to appease some non-existent republican voter, who will vote democratic if Jones is just right wing enough.
Stick to your values and the people who won you this seat in 2017.
3
Jones should face reality, and plan his next career move after he loses the next election. So he should vote his conscience.
3
As a supporter of Doug Jones I am confident that he, without question, will be voting to remove Don the Con. If voting to acquit Trump would keep him in office and not affect the actual outcome of the trial, I would whole-heartedly support such a political calculation, but it would serve only to harm his slim chances of re-election.
It’s not as if Republicans are undecided about November and are just waiting to see what Jones decides to do; they are and have been decided since 2017 when those that couldn’t bring themselves to vote for Roy Moore chose to write in a candidate or abstain from voting altogether. It was Democrats and Independents—specifically Black women Democrats—who helped Jones win in 2017; not disaffected Republicans.
I am a white, Texan/Alabamian who considers herself extremely liberal. (In case you thought I was going to say that there is a secret cadre of us hiding out in Alabama...I’m not.) I’m a unicorn. Even within my own family. So the likes of me can’t save Doug Jones. Only black women can reliably save him, and they’re up against a cohort of aggrieved, racist, generally uneducated, mostly male white folks that are even more dangerous now that they’ve joined the cult of Trump.
5
Any senator that does not vote to hear from witnesses is only thinking about their seat, their re-election and themselves.
Each senator took an oath to protect our constitution and the rule of law, that is part of the job description.
Protecting the president is not in their job description.
If they feel that they are more important than our constitution and the 330 million plus Americans that they are in their job to represent, they are obviously not right for the job.
1
For crying out loud! Just do then right thing that will restore honesty, honour and decency to the White House and Presidency. Vote to impeach and win or lose, you will go down in history as doing the right thing...
3
Doug Jones is in an impossible position. He won against an accused pedophile in the middle of a blue wave election.
That's probably not going to happen again. There might be a blue wave, but all Alabama Republicans have to do is nominate someone who hasn't gone to jail recently to beat Doug Jones the next time around.
So he might as well do the right thing. He knows what that is. So does everyone, in their heart of hearts.
3
It never ceases to amaze, that the poor, ignorant Deep South votes for the very people who want to keep it poor and ignorant.
3
If Doug thinks that voting to acquit will help him win, he could not be more wrong. Remember in 2016 voters saying they like Trump "because he says what he means"? The courage of honesty will get Doug more votes than pandering ever would.
5
A moral victory is no victory at all. If the Democrats aren't even close to the votes needed to convict (and I highly doubt they will be), Jones should vote for whatever gives him the best chance at reelection. Is it an wonder that the winning side has figured out how to play politics while the other still seems to cling to false hope?
I understand what you mean, but I don't think that voting for acquittal will help him at all. All of the Republicans interviewed in this article have already written Jones off -- they don't even care how he votes on impeachment. Jones should do what he thinks is right. If he thinks the case isn't there, then he should acquit. If he believes the evidence is sufficient, then he should convict. Trying to triangulate on this issue is probably not possible given how rigidly partisan the divide is on this topic.
He won't be thanked by anyone no matter what but at least he can tell himself that he did his best to honor his oath.
4
It’s called protecting our constitution and the rule of law, not their employment.
1
For goodness sake, he isn't going to win against Jeff Sessions no matter what he does. He should do the right thing and don't worry about the consequences. The worst thing would be to compromise his principles and vote against impeachment and then lose!
1
Tough one Doug. Vote for acquittal and there is a remote chance for re-election. No chance if you abstain or vote to impeach.
This says it all about ‘Southern Identity’:
“The Republican Party, Dr. McKee said, ‘has almost become a counterweight to the black vote in those states,’ with many white voters having come to see it that way. ‘The Democratic Party,’ he added, ‘is considered the black party.’”
1
The fact that a proven pedophile nearly won shows what a dismal political climate Alabama as a whole has. Jones has to realize that trying to appease or persuade the hard right conservatives in that state with any type of rationality or moderation is a hopeless cause, and maintain his integrity by doing the right thing by voting to remove Trump.
11
A crooked, racist president is immensely popular in Alabama. There used to be a time when an outwardly racist and criminal politician (president, in this case) was castigated. This president is revered. It says more about the low character of the Alabamian voter than it does about Sen. Jones.
Cmon dude. Just do the right thing...there's little chance you'll survive so you might as well vote your conscience.
2
Doug Jones won because he was running against a pederast. I don't think how he votes on impeachment is going to matter. Lets focus elsewhere.
Does the future of Alabama still belong to the likes of George Corley Wallace, Addison Mitchell McConnell,Jr and Jefferson Beauregard Sessions III?
Or does the future of Alabama belong to the likes of Gordon Douglas Jones and the matryered girls Carol Denise McNair, Addie Mae Collins, Carol Robertson and Cynthia Wesley?
3
Does anyone think that the Republicans will vote for him even if he votes to acquit? Are you kidding?
so he might as well quit shilly-shallying, and do the right thing--with his head held high. Disraeli said, "Never apologize, never explain." Concetrate on getting out the vote, instead of trying to win over a bunch of againsters.
It was obvious regarding Roy Moore but I'd never really heard Doug Jones speak till the hearings.
I thought our Senators were shills. This guys a total joke.
Is the expectation that in some way if Donald becomes Dictator in Chief that some of that stolen taxpayer cash will drip off one of the kids and onto these lap doggies? Do they actually believe they will become an American "Oligarch?"
What an arrangement: We pay these stooges salaries so they can belittle themselves licking the mud off Donalds loafers in the hope he'll notice. Law be damned. Constitution be damned.
My only question is when will the taxpayers get tired of being the "damned?"
I am actually not convinced that Senator Jones's re-election chances are hopeless if he votes to remove Trump. After all, his likely opponents will either be Jeff Sessions, who will not get Trump's endorsement, or Roy Moore, who... blech....
No matter who he runs against, he has no chance of energizing his base -- which beat Moore -- by voting to acquit Trump, that's for sure.
Anyway, I agree wholeheartedly with other commenters that no matter what the election result could be, Senator Jones should put his country, not his re-election, first by voting to remove Trump.
5
As the witness vote will be close, he is needed to stick with the Dems on this but as far as the final verdict is concerned as we all know the outcome I'm sure they will give him a pass and would rather have him back to make McConnell minority leader.
I've got a feeling old Mitch will give Collins and perhaps a few others a pass on the final vote so they're more likely to be back to keep him as majority leader.
All the more reason votes should be anonymous. Let Senators express their will and conclusions without fear of politics.
1
Simply, he cant hang on to the seat if he votes for trumps impeachment and he cant hang on to the seat if he votes against it. He hangs on to the seat if the republicans run someone again who is unacceptable to enough republicans in Alabama and enough Democrats turn out in a state where there votes usually have little value. Either way he should vote his conscience and not play politics bc it wont help him enough either way.
It's easy to paint all of the Alabama residents with the same paintbrush, isn't it? I may tend to be a moderate Republican but honestly I don't always agree with our current president - kinda like I didn't always agree with his predecessor. Compared to who was put up for the Senate seat against Senator Jones, I chose the one I thought would do the best job and overall he hasn't done horrible. Would I vote for Senator Jones again? Maybe - it will all depend on who the Republicans end up nominating to run against him and how my views align with that candidate's views.
2
Just curious:
how many of the folks here asking the Senator to “do the right thing” even if it costs him his high office have shown a similar courage in their own professional lives?
When their station and perks and income were at risk?
Discuss.
1
Ultimately the question to be answered is whether he's there in the Senate to serve the people or to serve himself. We know how it is with most politicians. Let's see if he stands out from the sorry crowd he chooses to hang out with in the hallowed halls of our government.
I have no doubt he is toast.
Down here in Arkansas, Mark Pryor was subject to a relentless 2-year media campaign to soften him up before Tom Cotton- then a Congressman- announced he was running against him.
Mark Pryor was far from a liberal and was previously the state Attorney General and the son of a well-liked Governor an and US Senator. They pounded on him to paint him as something he was not- a liberal. Now we have the radical Tom Cotton sitting in the Senate with an eye on higher office.
1
Unless Roy Moore is his opponent again, Doug Jones will almost certainly lose his bid for reelection, so he might just as well ignore political expediency and do what is right.
29
Voting for acquittal will not gain Jones Republican votes, but it will cost him Democratic ones.
Unless his opponent is again Roy Moore, Doug Jones will lose in November 2020. Especially if he votes to acquit.
6
Senator Doug Jones should follow the evidence and vote his conscience.
If the the people of Alabama lack a conscience or refuse to see the evidence of Trump's transgressions, that's their issue.
United States Senators are not required to sink to the level of their constituency.
25
Would you rather be correct on an issue or hold office? Simple question.
8
Jones' election was an aberration, or, to be more charitable, a once-in-a-lifetime convergence of unlikely events.
Politically, he's toast in Alabama. But, then again, Alabama doesn't merit him.
15
In spite of the fact that General Robert E. Lee surrendered to General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House in April, 1865, the American Civil War never really ended.
There has just been a truce in effect for the past 154 years.
2
@Kevin Rothstein
I am not sure there has been a truce since 1965 when the civil rights act was passed.
1
So if Jones votes to acquit, Karen Dias will consciously choose to not vote for him in November, to punish him. Even though this increases the chance that someone even far less appealing to her becomes her next US Senator.
Karen, you're not punishing Jones so much as you are punishing YOURSELF, and the country, by helping to ensure the Alabama seat is occupied by a far less decent person. ARGH, why do people have to be so shortsighted and naive?! Russain FAcebook manipulation only happens because so many people are so easily manipulated emotionally to use their franchise irrationally.
6
That's the way voters are. Why vote for someone who doesn't share the same view?
@MadManMark
He will lose no matter what. All you have to do is talk to these people in Alabama. Same goes for here in North GA. They just do not like DEMOCRATS. It amazes me how they defend him in my area. But there many retirees that are fed up with him here.
1
“There’s nobody who’s middle of the road anymore — and I just want somebody middle of the road,” said Ms. Herndon, who did not vote for Mr. Moore or Mr. Jones last time.
---
The GOP base likes to call themselves "independent" and "middle of the road," but they're not. They're extremists, the party has bought into a vision of the economy and the world that was discredited decades ago before the party became a wholly-owned subsidy of Koch Enterprises. I suppose Ms. Herndon could be congratulated for refusing to vote for an unrepentant sexual predator, but what this article shows is that any attempts to moderate to keep "sensible" GOP voters is a fool's errand. Half the things quoted in this article sound like regurgitation of FOX talking points, and it that's so the GOP could choose their candidate by lottery and probably win these people's votes.
6
Well, there is the third option, elected by Tulsi Gabbard of the House of Representatives last month, which is to signify "present." Yes, it will anger constituents (I am a blue-voting Alabama resident), and Jones has very poor prospects for re-election. No matter what he does, he will anger constituents. If he does vote "present," he will have to cobble an elaborate explanation that might mollify some potential critics.
Darned if you do, darned if you don't.
4
I think Gabbard made a mistake by voting present. She explained her reasoning but she did not appease anyone by doing so. Voting present after hearing days and days of evidence makes the voter seem indecisive or oblivious. It would be better for Jones to make a decision and explain his reasoning and hope that it is enough for most folks, rather than to annoy everyone by ducking.
1
At end end of the day his vote is totally irrelevant to his reelection chances which are zero. He’s a Democrat in a deep red state. The only reason he got elected is that the Republicans nominated someone so repugnant that not even his fellow Republicans would vote for him and even then it was a very close election.
Nice guy but a one term member of the Us Senate.
3
Doug Jones is my Senator and I am so proud of him. He promised to serve Alabamians in every zip code. He has worked to advance legislation on issues like rural broadband access, funding for rural hospitals, and military widows’ benefits. He has been hard at work hosting town halls all over the state. He has done a great job with practical, mainstream issues that benefit our state.
Senator Jones is a former U.S. attorney who is famous for prosecuting the cold case against the Birmingham church bombers that killed four African American girls. He is a man of integrity who is able to discern right from wrong. Since Jones won against an alleged child molester (Roy Moore), he knows he has the “law and order” vote. I expect him to follow the facts of the impeachment case where they lead.
17
We had a great hopes when Doug Jones won his election. He never reached out to the people and when I was in his state trying to get voters registered, I saw abject poverty. People who stopped going to school at 13. Hook and worm, trailers without electricity, no public transportation on certain dirt roads. He never went to visit communities.
I don't know what his business strategy is for the state or if he even cares but he needs to either get it together or get out.
I stopped saying his name when I was in the state since most minority people didn't even know who he was.
Once again high hopes and a politician who has done nothing and he is looking at pure evil and wont do anything
1
@Tony: How long has Jones been in office? And you want him to resolve generations of poverty, bad education, and infrastructure neglect overnight? Get real please!
3
I can say with an extremely high degree of certainty that you have absolutely no clue what you’re talking about, or that you are purposefully making false statements about Senator Jones and the people of Alabama.
To claim that most black people don’t know who Doug Jones is, is patently absurd considering the fact that black people (specifically black women) ensured Doug Jones’s victory in 2017. It sounds to me like your poorly veiled attempt to falsely label black people ignorant and uniformed.
Also, Alabama’s poverty, education, and all around poor conditions are a direct result of decades of Republican policies; not the doing or lack of doing on the part of Doug Jones.
1
Barring a rematch with Roy Moore--it's hard to imagine Doug Jones retaining the seat--so he should do what he thinks is right--not put his political finger to the wind--Voting to exonerate won't win him Republican votes and voting to convict will keep his base happy but not much more.
1
Democrat Doug Jones won the Alabama Senate Seat by the tiniest margin, against an individual facing reprehensible allegations. Nothing could duplicate that fluke. Next GOP candidate for that seat wins easily, assuming there are no shocking skeletons in the closet. Jones should just vote his conscience.
2
I doubt Jones will vote in favor, and I doubt Joe Manchin will either. Jones is probably an aberration in having won in Alabama: he benefited from running against Roy Moore, a candidate even Republicans couldn't stomach. He won't have that luxury next time around.
1
Although designated a Democrat, Mr. Jones is a tried and true Trumpian.
If what propelled Senator Jones was his Civil Rights background, I don't see him being able to vote against witnesses or impeachment.
1
What propelled Senator Jones to office was a combination of the Civil Rights vote, the #metoo movement, the big blue dots that are all the Alabama metro areas, and the exodus of young people from a mean fundamentalist version of Christianity.
Most of all, more than anyone, we have the black grandmothers to thank. They got out the vote.
Don’t give up on Alabama. We are in the process of turning purple like Georgia. Thanks to everyone here who contributed to Doug Jones’ campaign.
So proud to vote for Doug Jones to represent Alabama and make the history books as a blue senator in a red state. Who his opponent will be in 2020 is a toss up. Sessions can lie in the bed he made wearing the MAGA hat in 2016. Tuberville should stay in sports & out of Washington. Byrne has tried before & lost. Moore can ride his horse into the sunset. Hopefully the vote will be split & Jones has beatable candidate.
Good Luck Senator Jones!
5
Bye bye, Doug.
1
Now is the time to see how people in Alabama reckon with another Trump dilemma. Will they want a future with a demonstrably good man in the Senate or one who was an apologiist for a president who is demonstrably as crooked as a dog's hind leg, Would the former senator, after endorsing Trump, being humiliated by him, who still praises him, be anyone's conscience, let alone be a conscience for Alabama? The incumbent is honest; these days that seems to be a high bar. but it is rare in Washington.
3
The people of Alabama liked and respected Sessions as a senator. If he didn't suit the president in a different role that does not take away from his years of service as a senator.
Its pretty simple actually... Always do the right thing. Trump is a crooked authoritarian believing he has unlimited power, using fear to coerce the spineless cowards formerly known as the GOP.. Most of America +75% wants to see witnesses... This is a no-brainer...
2
I didn’t realize that Alabama is still in the union.
4
@Richard steele I should have known you were from L.A. I have relatives from Malibu that had to relocate due to the Woolsley fire. They are good people. If you recall The president kicked off his 2016 bid for election in Mobile, Alabama. So yes, we are still in the union. Senator Doug Jones has a decision to make if he wants to be re-elected. Up until now things have been going fairly well for him. But this would be the turning point for his re-election in this Republican state. We republican voters stayed home and wrote in candidate to avoid voting for judge Moore or Doug Jones. It will not happen this time.
Unless the Republican voters in Alabama choose another accused child molester for their Senate candidate, Senator Jones will not win re-election no matter how he votes on Trump. I thought Sessions was running for his old Senate seat again in any event.
I hope Jones simply votes his conscience based on the facts. That puts him way ahead of every Republican currently in that institution.
3
People from all over the country poured money into his campaign. I didn't "pour" money in, however, I did send contributions. He is beholden to the country and not his job. Mr. Jones, hold your head up high and do the right thing , your "job" be damned. Go on a book tour if you don't win. Do the right thing.
5
We're 2 countries now. Move to NY!!
1
He's a short-timer. Thank you.
1
Because Alabama will rather elect a confirmed pedophile and rapist to the senate. Roll tide.
2
The end result, as in the House, will be along party lines. Knowing the obviousness of the forthcoming result, I'm quite sure Schumer will give Jones a "pass" and signal him that it's ok to vote for acquittal in order to help his reelection chances.
4
Knowing what's right may be easy, doing what's right can be hard. Step up or step down. So far, the path many Senators have taken is easy to see.
10
@dyeus Doing what's right when the result advances more numerous or more serious wrongs is stupid. The Democratic Party will can be a big tent or it can be a loser. How does losing serve what's right?
I have sympathy for Senator Jones, but ultimately what he and other senators are supposed to do is act as a jury, which should mean ignoring their own needs and prerogatives and focusing solely on facts. I don't think many of them will live up to that standard, but that's the standard nonetheless.
Our country would benefit from term limits on all offices, which could allow more politicians to focus on doing what's right instead of only thinking of themselves.
18
Very good piece; well written and captures the mood and divide in Alabama over Jones, whose campaign to hold on to his Senate seat assuredly will be one of the most watched, interesting and pivotal contests this November.
Also... the charming town of Fairhope in Baldwin County is one word, not two.
3
@R. Proctor Nice catch! Especially galling since Fairhope was featured in the Travel section less than a year ago!
Mr. Jones odds of winning are probably not all that great. Regardless, he wins if he does the right thing. He may not win his election, but he still wins as a human being. This impeachment is not about elections no matter how much some Republicans may say that it is and say that it's simply a partisan effort. It's only partisan to the extent that they choose not to do the right thing. In the words that our President likes to sometime use … sad, sad, sad.
41
The important thing is for Jones to vote for witnesses.
Unless there's a big movement away from Trump by Republican senators then Jones' vote on Trump's removal won't matter at the national level.
I don't didley about Alabama politics other than that a strong majority of the voters are conservative and Republican. Doesn't seem like Senator Jones has a chance unless Moore is his opponent again.
The main thing is to vote for witnesses.
26
This Alabamian is deeply proud of you, Senator Jones. Thank you.
53
This expat New Yorker is also proud of you
1
There is no point in trying to appease White Alabamian conservatives. Appeasing conservatives is exactly why Democrats keep losing. Alabama is #1 in the nation when it comes to self assured white conservative ignorance. The hand waving no facts at all "just a bunch of noise" crowd. But there are lots of others in Alabama and elsewhere in the apparently benighted South who are decently well informed and as a consequence, progressively oriented. That includes especially the youth vote and New Testament oriented Christian groups.
Doug Jones and/or Democrats should just go full on progressive and emphasize the anti-corruption and anti-establishment sentiment from the left. Demographics are trending progressive and it's time to really sweep those candidates in and establish integrity in democracy and representation as the basis for the Democratic party and clean it up. A Sanders or Warren presidency would force the issue and end up making the Democratic party overwhelming dominant for a generation. Doug Jones can be part of the movement or pushed out by it based on whether he has actual morals or is just an inaccurate weather vane.
19
I think you mean recognize and represent the interests of the constituents, rather than "appease".
Your partisanship is showing.
Actually, the senator can vote his conscience without concern for political consequences. The only reason he won was an extraordinarily bad Republican nominee. Regardless of how he votes, the probability is high that he is not going to be re-elected.
Even if Jones votes not to remove Trump for office, very few Trump supporters are going to vote for Jones in November. And if Jones votes for removal, he will upset his relatively small base, some of whom may not vote. Politically, it just doesn't matter.
22
I think the problem lies with having career politicians. If there were term limits jones wouldn't be worried so much about doing the right thing now and jeopardizing his seat
4
No one voted to fire themselves and he will not. I’m sure there will be comments about him doing the right thing, if you think convicting is the only option. Those who want him to follow the Democrats mob certainly will not raise funds if he voted their way and is not re-elected.
This is a terrible headline, making an assumption that there are "two sides." Although winning is important for politicians, there are no "two sides" to the question of facts in this case. For most people of conscience, "winning" is not the question, which would make the choice the senator from Alabama has easy peasy. Perhaps a better framing of the question is conscience or politics, but this moment is above politics and is about the fate of our republic.
3
With all respect to Senator Jones, the coming vote will show whether he loves his job or his country
7
If Bolton says under oath what he says in his book, Republicans will be able to criticize Trump and Jones will be able to vote his conscience.
6
He obviously can’t win against a halfway reasonable Republican anyway. So he may as well do the right thing. I will never understand this nonsense of red state Democrats surrendering their dignity for no gain.
15
Doug Jones ran as a person who will be the servant of the people of Alabama not the tool of the national party.I don't see that he can vote for this hyper-partisan impeachment and keep his promise to the people of Alabama.
2
@Gdk To help Vladimir Putin?
So he should vote to enable a hyper-partisan Senate Majority to retain a hyper-partisan trump administration that cares nothing about fair and just governance, utterly unconcerned with the American constituency MAGAman swore to represent? Makes sense to me!
Senator Doug Jones is a good man who has devoted his career to the good people of Alabama. Alabaman’s should know that more than 300 bills passed by the house are sitting in the senate graveyard because republicans refuse to bring them forward even for a discussion. There will be no healthcare or infrastructure or any legislation with a republican senate other than tax breaks for the wealthy. I know the good people of Alabama are smart enough to vote their interests. Keep a good man, Alabama. He is the right guy for you.
15
Therein lies the problem with this whole mess. It seems to be a huge waste of time and taxpayer money when the person listening to the evidence has to decide based on the wishes of people who are not even part of the proceedings.
1
Doug Jones would do well to remember that he was not elected for the sole purpose of re-election.
12
Honestly, I don't think Doug Jones stands a chance getting re-elected in Alabama - unless that is the GOP proceeds to nominate a known pedophile to run against him, AGAIN.
But this, IMO, puts the senator in an enviable position where he can afford to not worry about his re-election chances and just do what he feels is right. Something that appears to be a luxury way out of reach for most of our elected officials.
5
Continue doing what your doing Senator, listen, record, and take notes. Listen some more, watch and view all the evidence, hope they call witnesses like Bolton and Mulvaney.
Then vote your conscience, and let the voters decide. Either way they vote, win or lose, you will have a clear mind, and can continue to walk with your head held high.
11
No win? He could just decide to do what’s right.
5
Doug Jones is a unicorn. There is absolutely zero chance he gets re-elected in Trump’s Deep South. So just do the right thing Doug and move on with your honor intact.
47
He probably isn’t going to win no matter what, so he’s free to vote his conscience and on behalf of the people he promised to represent honestly. Unlike his Republican counterparts, Jones isn’t going to rely on the Republican lobbyist industrial complex to extend his influence and paycheck after his term is up — he can easily be part of the movement that got him elected— helping and encouraging people of color to vote in deeply red states that are hell-bent on disenfranchising them. That would, btw, be an extension of his public service instead of cashing in on it.
5
All the "vote your conscience" expecting a predetermined bias!
Better to expect him to attend the trial, evaluate and base his vote on evidence.
1
Any Democratic Senator who voted to confirm Bill Barr deserves to lose his seat.
3
Dear Senator Jones
Just do the right thing. There, solved it for you.
13:35 EST, 1/28
5
This is just a Trump article. Waste of everyone's time. It brushed over the point that Jones getting elected was a fluke because he was running against Roy-pedophile-Moore as the GOP candidate. The chances of Jones getting reelected is essentially -0- and he knows that. His votes in the Senate should reflect his real position`. To pretend otherwise is dishonest.
1
Uh, should he vote according to what he believes is right?
5
As far as being a Senator is concerned, Doug Jones is a dead man walking. His victory was due to his opponent being a known child predator. Better to vote guilty on impeachment and ultimately lose the election than to cravenly vote to acquit and lose the election.
14
If Alabamans wanted a republican they could have elected one.
3
Senator Jones: I am glad you feel the weight of the Constitution on your shoulders.
We rely on honorable men like you to keep holding onto it, and to keep it from falling into the muck.
Vote your conscience. No matter what.
7
It's a sad commentary that Alabamans are so ignorant about what's important to themselves, to their state and to the country. They let their prejudice dictate their votes.
Alabama will remain a swamp for a long time until the new generation is able to break the inherent prejudice of their parents and able to catch up with the 21th century.
3
Jones is likely to be voted out by a notoriously ignorant populace, who will vote for anyone with an (R) next to their name—even a child molester—so he might as well go out with courage and principles.
8
Please do not forget who placed you in your position Mr. Jones. You are where you are thanks to the overwhelming support of African American women. Please do not betray them and the rest of America to save yourself! Please do justice to those who believed and supported you.
10
Here's an idea...we Democrats can drop our silly purity tests, which serve to make us essentially a regional party, and understand that Senator Jones will not be the deciding impeachment vote (67 votes in the Senate is impossible) and that we are better off having a chance of him remaining in the Senate than automatically losing him.
21
@Alex Even if Jones votes to acquit Trump, that is no guarantee that he will win re-election. There's an argument that he will lose by an even larger margin if he votes to acquit because of suppressed progressive support
7
@Alex Or Doug Jones could realize that his likely opponent, Jeff Sessions, isn't particularly liked by Trump or his crowd, and just go all-in on removing Trump AND beating Sessions by appealing to how terrible the latter was as Attorney General. Sure, it's a long shot, but it won't betray Jones's base plus it might... actually... work?
2
@Alex
He should vote how he really thinks, which is probably to oust Trump. Pandering to the republicans in Alabama is a losing proposition--they're voting for Sessions (or whoever the republican is) no matter what, regardless of how he votes on this. Better to do what you think is right, possibly solidify your base and hope for the best. He barely won last time versus a sex offender. He's likely out no matter what this time.
2
Call me naive, but I don't understand why any Democratic Senator would want to jeopardize their integrity and vote for Trump? Doug Jones has to vote his conscience. And if he fails to get re-elected, he can go back to the private sector. It's not like he is unemployable. If Doug Jones loses re-election, he can support the Democratic Party in his spare time.
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@Tom This isn't a vote for (or against) Trump. It's a vote for impeachment of a President, based upon evidence.
I'm so tired o everyone making EVERYTHING about which party comes out ahead, with no thought about whether it is best fo the country. Yes, the GOP is blatantly doing that. But don't pretend many Democrats aren't too.
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@MadManMark,
please, we are so, so beyond "both sides-ing" this now.
Doug Jones has an opportunity to place a W in the column that counts most, his integrity column. Jones, under no circumstances, will not be able to overcome the stream of half-truths and demonstrable falsehoods that will invariably spew from Fox and right-wing PACs. Go with your conscience, man.
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Senator Doug Jones is likely to be voted out of office either way. He should vote to impeach, be on the right side of history and accept that he was never going to win in Alabama again. He is unlikely to get a pedophile as his next opponent, which is apparently what it takes to get a Democratic senator elected in Alabama. If he votes to not impeach, his Republican constituents will thank him and vote him out anyway.
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@Sarah I wouldn't be too sure about is opponent with respect to who it is unlikely to be.
Maybe Alabama voters should wake up and see what's in store for them in 2020 if they vote for Trump.
President Donald Trump’s 2020 budget proposal includes $25 billion in cuts to Social Security over the next 10 years.
He also has plans in the works to block grant Medicaid and make cuts to Medicare.
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@Jacquie Doesn't really matter. Blue states prop up these red states. They'll never miss a check. They will never wake up, unfortunately.
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