OK Sen. Collins, your tenure in the US Senate has now met its expiration date. Collins: "he has learned a lesson, he won't do it again..."; Trump: "I did nothing wrong..."; Schiff: "He will do it again...". And the answer is: Trump is corrupt, Collins is a delusional, and Schiff is correct. Collins once again has shown her "concern" to mean "I am concerned that if I actually look at the issues (re: Trump, Kavanaugh) and make judgments in the best interest of the Country, I will get slapped down, put in my place, by Trump. Oh for the time of a strong, confident, competent and woman representing Maine in the Senate, where is the integrity of Margaret Chase Smith when we need it? She and her conscience must be rolling in her grave.
1
I’m going out and emulating Ms. Collins, I shall commit some wrong-doing in her name.
Throw the other Republican Senators in as well.
I’ll be free as a bird.
Any sense of morality has been gone from the GOP since John McCain died. Apparently GOP members can't muster said morality unless they were tortured for years as the result of a useless war.
2
The GOP has become a cult of Quislings!
3
It's hard to say which Republican is worse than another. But Ms. Collins surely is first when it comes to phoniness. I hope that the good people of Maine finally recognize this and pull the right levers in the voting booth.
6
To grace Susan Collins actions as ‘considered’ or imply in anyway that the woman wasted a single neuron of thought on acquittal is pure nonsense. She likes the moniker of being called a ‘considered’ person - why on earth does the media indulge this ridiculousness? She’s no different than her bosses McConnell, Graham and all the other amoral/bought off republican patsies.
4
The senate is the worst sanctuary city in the country by giving shelter to a criminal president.
Why no mention in the state of the union address?
4
I don't understand why people and the media believe this woman's fiction that she is a Reasonable Republican. Nobody who's been paying attention believes she is anything other than a cynical opportunist.
5
Smells like some more government pork is on its way to Maine.
Quid pro quo.
5
At least we know how she’ll make a living after she’s voted out.
1
It will be a GOP landslide. Very sad to say.
I don't know why anyone would believe she would vote against him. She has let voters down time and time again. She has no ethics, just pretends she does
5
Time for Collins to be voted out of office. She has been on the taxpayer's nickel for too long.
5
Listening to Collins always tries my patience; this does it and my patience with anything else she might say has is at an end. After talking the talk, like she's trying to think her way through cotton stuffing, you can always count on Collins to flake out in the end.
2
Fortunately, there's a strong voter movement happening among the state's voters to send her packing from the next election.
3
Susan Collins, the jig is up, and the donations to your opponent are going to come as far away as Australia.
3
Ms Collins had the opportunity to do something heroic, and to do something that would prove Republicans are not bipartisan. She didn't grasp that opportunity. Oh what an aching disappointment. What an unexpected bumbler she became.
2
The difference between Susan Collins and Mitch McConnell is that he doesn't pretend to have any political decency.
3
"[W]e should entrust to the people the most fundamental decision of a democracy — namely who should lead their country,” Ms. Collins said. '
. . . . .
Absolutely true, voters should elect their presidents. But the Constitution has entrusted to the Senators of our states the DUTY of determining if and when a president, even those duly elected (with or without the aid of Russia), has so violated their oath of office and promise of fealty to the citizens of this nation that they should no longer lead the nation and be removed. In that regard, however, the Republican Senators, who will soon fall on their swords (no matter how sharp or dull) for Donald Trump in his acquittal, have breached their DUTY to this country only so as to advance their 'honor' within their own political party.
Why should this clear, open, and obvious breach of DUTY not be considered treason?
1
Mainers are now proudly posting “Bye Susan!” Bumper stickers. 👍🏻
4
None of the ordinary people, that is, you and me, listened to the full arguments in the Senate. What we did was trust the experts from our tribes to relay the gist of the message. But those experts were politicians who had a vested interest in persuading us of one side.
So it depended upon whether you listened to Wolf Blitzer or Sean Hannity. The NY Times didn't run an analysis of the argument of Alan Dershowitz. It could have printed his argument in totality, but that would have given coverage to the other side.
Not to worry. You can listen to Alan Dershowitz on you-tube and judge for yourself.
Dershowitz gave an effective argument. He argued that virtually all presidents could be accused of "abuse of power" or "obstruction of congress." In fact, Washington, Lincoln and Obama were all accused of abuse of power at some point.
You can disagree with this argument. But you should at least try to understand it before you disagree with it.
The fact that liberals and conservatives listen only to members of their own in-group explains why the partisan divide in the US is so bitter.
And make no mistake. At first I wondered if Trump really wanted to accomplish something with his divisiveness, but it has become abundantly clear that he only wants power and he baits Democrats to make them move further to the left, so his outraged supporters will support only him.
The center has been abandoned. And the center contains the policies that lead to reconciliation.
Time for Collins to take a bow and depart. I don’t believe she really intended to vote for witnesses - she announced she would only after it was apparent her vote would be meaningless. She was give cover to look like a moderate. Time to be replaced with a real progressive.
2
It's time to vote her out. She is predictably on the wrong side of right and wrong every time.
1
VOTE BLUE IN NOVEMBER 2020! Let’s not spend our precious time wondering about the intentions and actions of the Republican Party. Instead let us focus on releasing this country from tyranny.
2
A sad day indeed for our nation. Our only hope is getting voters out there who are educated and who are willing to go and vote.
Republican Senators, you know what's right. Now do what's right.
If you are too intimidated to vote to remove as individuals, then link arms together and vote to remove as a block.
Well, well....the drama of democracy, the American version, is coming to the natural end with the not surprisingly an anti climax of climate change proportion! The only truth that emerges after all the twists and turns is that the America is split right down the middle, you like it or not. A half which believes in decency, humanity, diversity and common sense. Then, you have the other half, which stands in stark opposite to everything and more importantly in the driver's seat. 2020 Presidential elections truly will make or mar what is US of America.
1
Wow!!!!! Susan Collins?????? Really?????? The only reason she voted with Romney, and the only reason that flip flopper voted for having witnesses was that they both knew they would never get two other people to vote with them.
4
Since the Kavanaugh debacle, Senator Collins has demonstrated that she is not fit for the duties and responsibilities of the legislative branch. She epitomizes the contagious cowardice and short-term vision that has been plaguing the GOP. All this amounts now to digrace in full display.
5
Susan Collins accorded Trump the same fairness that she accorded Clinton. Both exercised abominable judgment, But neither committed an impeachable offense. We need 99 more Senators like Susan Collins. Funny how the far left is so bent on taking out one of the few remaining, pro choice moderate Republicans.
Her lack of integrity became obvious after she voted to confirm Kavanaugh on the Supreme Court, she is a politician - pledged to serve only 2 terms if elected, now seeking a 5th term.
Unfortunately but consistently, when given the opportunity to stand for something other than herself and to make a difference - she chooses to serve herself. A life of service that is ultimately disappointing...
2
Was she ever going to do anything else?
No. No she wasn’t. I wish the media would stop acting like she has any other position than fully enabling trump*.
Y’all keep falling for her game.
5
Defeat Susan Collins. She lies.
3
Would Collins consider it a crime if Trump demanded ten million dollars from the president of Ukraine in order for Trump to release funds to Ukraine? Of course she would. Well this is worse. Indeed almost any demand for a bribe would be considered a high crime, and what Trump did is many times worse.
1
Susan Collins vote for witnesses was so just sooooooooooooo brave. I'm sure she was very troubled and worried, but I'm afraid no amount of feeling troubled and worried warrants keeping her seat.
1
The 'tell' on Collins position to allow witnesses will be Trump's tweets. If he does not relentlessly attack her, one can be sure that the fix was in. Collins got to vote for witnesses to placate the undecideds in her home state, because her vote did not matter. Let's be clear, she is another political hack in the Republican party organization.
If Collins votes guilty on either charge she’ll loose many of the Republican-Trump supporters who would be needed to re-elect her. Then, she would lose. Simple as that. With this vote, she will have a razor thin chance of winning re-election.
No consideration is more important to most “career” Republican politicians even if, incredibly as we now see, it includes supporting an impeached, guilty and corrupt president who puts his own needs above defending the Constitution.
Earlier in my life, I held great respect for our Congressman and Senators, including the Republicans which I am not. Over the past decade or two, my respect for the Republicans in the House and the Senate has withered. The past few weeks have destroyed what little respect that remained. The lies, the hate, the anger, the extreme partisanship and the political cowardice of putting their pitiful jobs, self, power, and party over decency, character, morality, ethical values, honesty, country, and the constitution. With weak words, Collins, and many others in her party, simply want to pander to both sides. Just a political game, making it look like they actually care about right and wrong. Our House and Senate are in dire straits and a very dark place and my feeling it is going to get much worse before we see any improvement.
2
Sen. Ernst: The issue was not about how 45 conducts diplomacy. It's about how he uses the mask of US diplomacy to promote his personal ambitions.
Imagine if McCarthy had been President and, instead of censoring him, the GOP lined up behind him and encouraged him to use his full Executive powers to maintain control of the nation indefinitely with no regard for national security while using taxpayer dollars to keep his stranglehold on our country. That is the situation with Trump today.
5
Why is the only question. If, like many Republican Senators are suggesting, what Trump did was wrong, WHY isn’t he receiving ANY punishment whatsoever? What hold does he have on these People?
6
We knew this trial was pre-determined. Where there is an opportunity missed, there are lessons to learn.
1
"Moderate" in modern America means nothing. Due to persistent attacks by conservatives, the country is divided, and will never fully heal.
The Starr "investigation" started when I was in high school and lasted until I was a sophomore in college. The reason for the investigation changed every year or so, yet the underlying theme was always "Democrats beat us at the ballot box and we're going to spit on the voice of the people in favor of our opinions".
Now republicans have become the things they cried wolf about for 8 years under Clinton and 8 years under Obama.
3
The only difference between Susan Collins and her fellows is her alleged ambivalence on some topics like Kavanaugh and Trump's guilt. Not one of these people is truly ambivalent. Look at Lamar Alexander's Wikipedia page to see what informs his explanation for acquittal. This stuff is easy to look up but it's easier to make a character judgment. Forget morality. They save morality for lesser issues. For them, it's practical. Media outlets would do everyone a great service by simply including a Senator's funding background by industry, related legislation and if he/she is a member of ALEC in articles like this. Alternatively, add links to opensecrets.org and theyrule.net which shows relationship between corporate board members and politicians.
11
Dear Senator Collins,
I hope you enjoy your retirement.
33
If it was a Democrat I'm sure she'd do the right thing and vote against acquittal. What a joke. She's no moderate, look at her record. Votes party line. How folks have come to think of her as a moderate is unbelievable.
19
Thousands of us in Maine will be working tirelessly from now until November to defeat Susan Collins. We welcome out-of-stagers to join us in canvassing here where it’s beautiful in the fall and in sending donations to the Democrat nominee. Bye Bye Susan!
35
of course she will. Lamar gave her the script.
11
Once again, she fails to fo the right thing. Shame on the Republican senators for placing their party above the Republic.
12
Can anyone imagine a juror saying “yeah he did it” in a court case but I don’t think we should find him guilty? Or yes “ we all think the defendant committed a crime but we don’t think there should be any consequences cause it would make things kind of messy for us?”
14
I feel bad for parents trying to explain the country's leaders behavior to their children.
14
It is amazing how eloquent Republicans like Collins try to sound when they are saying and doing absolutely nothing.
17
Susan Collins long since sold her soul. The good news is that she is running for re-election this fall.
18
It’s not just “wrong”, it’s literally bribery and treason if not high crimes and misdemeanors.
Democracy did die on the day the Senate voted “no witnesses”. So Susan, your vote not to remove Trump is similarly wrong. I am sorry, but I wish you speedy removal from political office.
13
OK, Susan, so what would be enough for you to vote in favor of impeachment? Could you spell out a few specific examples of things that you do think are unacceptable? During his second term we can discuss further.
9
Everything about Trump is wrong and false. His state of the union address is typical of his "style"-praising himself and contending how great he is. Disgusting.
8
Trump was wrong but, not to worry, it's okay to have a criminal in the White House at the head of the nation. Cry. beloved country.
12
So glad Collins is done for an will never be a politician again! just gav my last $800 for a total of $2800 to make sure Colins is gone.
27
Shame. Just... shame.
13
Pathetic. Just pathetic. And cowardly.
"[Collins] said there had been “conflicting evidence in the record” about Mr. Trump’s motivations."
Baloney.
'Ms. Collins said she believed that Mr. Trump had “learned from this case” and that he will be “much more cautious in the future.”'
Are you serious???!!!
18
Susan Collins is a traitor like the rest of the Republicans in the Senate. It is time to remove her from office so give money to her Democratic Maine opponent at Actblue.org .
26
Worthless traitor.
19
At this point, owing to the rabid nature of Republican voters, any break with the Trump faction means the end of one's career as a Republican legislator. Collins wasn't ready to retire so she chose the career-saving move. All these legislators will go to their graves haunted by the choices they were forced to make, but the concern here is the mood and mindset of Republican voters. They're the ones who can make or break their leaders. Why are they so angry, resentful and scared? That should be the one and only question on everyone's mind.
10
@David Law No fear. Just been disgusted with the left since I was 10 years old in 1970. Saw nothing in common with the hippies back then and still don’t.
What can I say? She will rue the day she refused to follow her instincts.
4
But she did follow her instincts! Trump, GOP, and the money!!
In most jury trials, the role of the jury is to decide on the evidence whether the party is guilty or not, not what the punishment should be. They may also have a role in the penalty phase, but here its just all lumped into one?
Is the chief justice's role simply to be the master of ceremonies? He doesn't seem to have done anything else.
I'm already so numbed by this entire presidency I can't say I'm shocked by this outcome. Though I am just a tiny bit surprised by John Roberts - not very though.
12
Personally I have been amazed at how slowly we have come around to the idea that our democracy has been hijacked by the conservatives (McConnell, the Federalist Society, the Supreme Court, Bannon, Trump, Barr, Fox propaganda, gerrymandering, and the uber wealthy). Where was the push back at Bush v Gore, Citizens United, Garland, Kavanaugh, etc. Time to wake up and VOTE them out folks! And on paper ballots.
16
@CC Citizens United was a way to counterbalance the teachers unions
Over her. Hope Maine voters are, too.
11
I'll be sending a campaign contribution to her Democratic opponent for sure now!
10
seems now that entry into the senate chamber requires one to check their moral compass at the door along with your spine and cell phone.
11
I look forward to when she is voted out of office.
12
Once again, Susan Collins will have what Mitch McConnell is having. Seldom have reputation and reality diverged so widely.
11
“Ms. Collins said she believed that Mr. Trump had “learned from this case” and that he will be “much more cautious in the future.”
Yes, and Kavanaugh will vote to uphold a woman’s constitutional right to choose.
19
VOTE HER OUT!
I will happily donate to her Democratic challenger
9
Senator Collins speaks with both sides of her mouth and in the end takes a stance for her party, not the country and certainly not her constituents. She has been a disappointment at every turn, has not tried hard enough to stand up to the shenanigans and criminal actions of this president. We, the voters of Maine will not forget what Susan Collins has NOT done for us. She won't even listen, does not reply to emails, does not do town halls and hides behind Mc Connell and co. It is time for Susan Collins to retire. If someone in the Senate is afraid of this inept and corrupt president, it's Susan Collins. Bye bye Susan!
13
If there's any justice in the universe, "Lucy and the Football" Collins just dialed in her own defeat in November.
If there's any justice in this universe.
9
#ComradeCollins has a nice ring to it. Vote her out this November!!
8
Susan Collins has no spine. She needs funding from Mitch McConnell’s war chest to help in her next election bid, which, it seems, could go badly for her. I hope it does. She feels Trump’s behavior was inappropriate, but the house team did not have enough materials.....and yet did not work hard enough to call witnesses, and have real evidence presented. Her words are hollow, just as they were in the Kavanaugh hearings. She is a true hypocrite, and I for one, hope her tenure as a senator from Maine is almost over.
11
Sorry Susan Collins but to say Trump has learned from his mistakes and that impeachment is not warranted makes no sense. I am from Maine and cannot vote in Maine as I moved away as they say (no jobs). Time for you to retire as you have drank the cool-aide of Trump and his total corruption of the Republican Party.
I agree with the recent Stephen Kings editorial - Mainers, vote Susan Collins out!
16
Democrats always knew there was practically no chance of getting 2/3 of the Senate to vote for removal of Trump.. They also knew that with acquittal, Trump would take a Big victory lap.
.. But they chose to push for impeachment & removal anyway..
It's now about the election, and always has been. The Dems have made their case to the public.
..-Now they need to do what they've been talking about for over 3 years...beat Trump.. --Can they.?
2
Look, would you really want to be the one to upset this apple cart when the GOP/conservative alliance is on the verge of total takeover? So many are already prospering from ALEC membership and corporate alliances. If this is your community, do you really want to incur that kind of disapprobation? Think of your family. Hang in there; in just a few more years and only white Republicans will remain on voting rolls in red states, the Federalist Society will supply all Federal judges, all pots of public money and government agencies diverted from their purpose. If it bothers you, you can always tithe.
Collins, you failed America. When it comes time for your re-election I will surely donate to your opponent!
7
All those Trump defense lawyers fashioned a catalog of fig leafs (reasons they “have to” vote to acquit) for the Republican Senators to explain away their lack of moral courage.
6
What a soulless fraud, posturing as someone of moderation and good sense.
I hope this, along with the Kavanaugh vote, nails her coffin for reelection.
13
What a surprise. A Republican Senator blames Democrats for the misconduct of a Republican President.
10
I guess her vote for witnesses and more evidence was just a “show vote.” The people of Maine deserve so much better!
4
Collins should change her name to Gumby. She and her "principles" are every bit as flexible.
2
Susan Collins lacks any values. Vote her out
5
Buh bye in 2020, Ms. Collins
5
So, who's more "wrong"?
A narcissistic demagogue who openly abuses the letter and spirit of the U.S. constitution for personal gain, or a spineless senator who, entrusted with protecting that constitution and the integrity of the republic itself, acknowledges an abuse was committed but does nothing?
You get one guess.
6
Cowardice. Throw all the bums out...
4
I think the applicable phrase is, "Do as I say, not as I do". Hypocrite.
13
Sara Gideon, save your beautiful state and beat this constitutional saboteur in November.
Collins is a Trump enabler of the worst ilk, a woman covering for the increasing cruelty of a misogynistic, self-centered monster.
Thanks to you, Susan Collins, Trump is nearly unfettered. History will never let you forget what you're about to do by acquitting him, and hopefully, neither will Maine.
22
Trump wins, Putin wins, Kim wins . . . need we know more?
9
This is cowardice on a breathtaking scale. If Collins thinks this will save her Senate seat in November she is delusional.
20
She has to go
12
Susan Collins is totally predictable in her behavior. I just don't understand why the media waste ink and air time on her.
17
And they always do...
She’s no “maverick”
She plays it both ways to get attention and appear to be an independent thinker.
No one is fooled Ms Collins— no one.
2
Never thought she'd hold her ground- just a dog-n-pony show, Susan. Shame on you.
10
Of course she will. She’s a traitor who can’t imagine walking away from power.
9
Donate to campaign Gideon. Collins has to go.
17
Now there's a surprise!
Mainers are eager to dump her.
4
There are still some JFK and Bubba Clinton Democrats around but unfortunately these folks are now tarred and feathered as right wing nuts. That’s how far the Democrats have shifted left. And these democrats are now voting republican, they can’t stomach the new shift taking the party off a political cliff.
1
She is the most predictable. And times and over she has proven it. Please Ms Collins do not give us a 45 minute speech again.
7
@CTBlue
I will never forget the 45 minute staged speech. Made me sick.
5
I don't know what Ms Collins is smoking but I'll take a kilo to alleviate the pain of watching a country I once loved destroying itself.
8
The fact that you call a sniveling Trump toady like Collins “moderate” pretty much sums up the problem
7
What a disgusting excuse for a United States Senator.
14
You demonstrate how clueless Democrats are. Trump just got his highest approval rating ever!
@Peter And he still can't reach 50%.
1
Anyone who votes for Susan Collins is disturbed. She is loyal to fraudulent behavior.
15
So far, so long, so predictable.
When will she disappear?
11
“Trump, you have been a naughty, naughty boy” said Susan Collins.
6
Collins just gave up her seat. She is politically dead.
11
As a Democrat I am ashamed of having Trump as President, he is racist, Islamophobic, and uses the Government at his likening, it does not matter if it is constitutional or not. I hope the Democrats will come up with a Candidate, who will be able to defeat him, and I hope that candidate would be Bernie Sanders, with Elizabeth Warren as his Vice-President, and Joe Biden down the road will be Secretary of State.
For more information visit my public Facebook Dr.Mohammad Said and website www.drsaid.net
1
Collins is nothing but another water carrier for Trump and his stooges. Hey Maine, send her packing in November.
25
Republican Senator would like this to be left to the voters because it is an election year; we are to evaluate and act.
Republican Senator Lamar Alexander says he doesn’t need to see more evidence, the case was proven, charges are true.
Hmmmm-as a voter, charged with evaluating and acting with my vote in November, I should be allowed to see all the evidence and all the docs, so I can make an informed decision.
Sen Alexander, YOU may not want to see the evidence, but I do!!
6
If what Trump did was "wrong," Collins should vote to impeach. What a spineless coward.
23
Disgraceful! Vote her out.
11
Why?
3
No surpise. More cowards, traitors and thieves. Remember that.
7
Giving more money to Sara Gideon right now.
14
She talks out of both sides of her mouth and never is to be trusted to do the right thing. “Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me.” What a phony.
13
Unless Trump uses his hate and anger dog whistles, the Republicans are out in November. They are Ahab's crew.
7
Senator Collins has proven once again that she is weak and worthless. She should remove herself from Congress.
10
Cecily you tried.
Susan Collins stands for nothing.
If its wrong offer up a punishment she sees fit.
5
Pathetic traitors to America.
Are you really that afraid of Trump or are you just afraid to lose your phony-baloney (it is phony-baloney so long as you occupy it) job and have to go back home and look your miserable base in the eye and tell them that you had to convict Trump for the good of the country (them included)?
You will suffer with the rest of us for what you have done.
The only difference is that the suffering will be your fault.
5
Vote Collins OUT!
Vote All Republicans OUT!
November 2020! VOTE!!!!
19
Susan Collins is a coward, period.
10
The long arc of history might bend toward justice but these are such difficult times to live through. That the GOP would sacrifice any integrity it might have once had- and any moral center it once possessed- is not totally a surprise. For such a long time, they’ve not been known for taking the high road, but with this action they have declared that they value power over democracy. They’ve sold their soul to most corrupt potus in recent memory and will pay the price.
10
Spend a week or so next fall in lovely Maine campaigning for Collins' opponent. It's fun, and every vote will count.
18
"Lucy" pulls the football away, again. My money is going to her opponent.
8
Collins must, and will, be defeated. Her performance during the Trump years was to maintain membership in Republican country clubs.
9
Partisan impeachment game over. If Romney wants to be the sole member of the senate to vote for the president's removal from office, he can do it. I don't think her niece Ms Ronna Romney McDaniel will care because minimally President Trump will be exonerated 52 to 48. There is a possibility that 4 Democratic senators will vote along with Republicans and the vote to acquit the president will be about 57 to 43. What a colossal waste of time and tax payer money for shoddy articles of impeachment in an election year.
Biden it turns out is the biggest loser of the entire impeachment charade and he was never a credible rival to Trump because he was never a nominee of the Democratic party, he was just another career politician American crook who committed the actual quid pro quo when he was VP. Why did the Democratic party try to give him a pass. Any way democrats of Iowa have thrown him under the bus. Justice is done.
1
Rules without consequences are only suggestions.
4
I looks to me that the Republican Senators want to have it both ways. Trump did something wrong but we are not going to make him suffer the consequences. The Republican Senators have no spine and from here on out nothing they say or do has any value.
6
I saw Collins interviewed on the news tonight. Mealy-mouthed would be putting it kindly.
She acknowledges Trump did a bad thing, but she thinks this will be a lesson to him, and there is not reason enough to remove him from office.
The Republican Party is completely the party of Trump. They must all go.
10
Senator Collins is as guilty as the rest of them then. She is voting to allow Trump to continue to break the law, to continue to abuse the privilege of being president. Shame on her and shame on all of them.
9
Says the senator who said she would leave after serving two terms. A walking testament of bad faith and, why ALL elected offices should have terms limits. If you want to continue to serve after you have been term limited, run for another public office. Serve, prove yourself, and move on. If George Washington, the father of the nation did it, why can't every other elected official?
5
Democrats are still operating on the principle of 'doing the right thing' when to Republicans the only thing that matters is : 'what will get me re-elected?' The truth does not matter one microgram.
4
Such a cowardly way to explain her complicity in justifying Trump's wrongdoing...Maine once had a shining example of how to speak up in the face of demagoguery, their brave and exemplary senator Margaret Chase Smith. Smith, then a freshman senator, stood up to speak out against Joseph McCarthy when he had the rest of the senate in his grip. Susan Collins has discarded her chance to take Smith's example, and I hope the voters of Maine show her the door in November.
11
Susan Collins is a desperate politician trying vainly to prolong her career. When she said in an interview with CBS that she thought Trump "had learned from this case", she was basically saying "I've lost all moral courage and credibility."
Bye bye, Susan.
8
I may not be rich but am grateful that Collins has helped me know who I can donate to in the upcoming election.
8
I'm a Democrat, but I don't think it is 100% honest to talk about Senators Collins' and Murkowski's votes in this matter without considering the Kavanaugh confirmation votes and Christine Blasey Ford.
"Huh?" anyone interested enough to read this far will ask.
The Dems asked Murkowski and Collins to stick their necks out, wagering their (Dems) own credibility on Kavanaugh's guilt, imploring, beseeching, coaxing in every which way, Collins and Murkowski to do the same.
After hearing all the testimony, did most of us in our heart of hearts believe Kavanaugh, who not only admitted that most shameful of shames, being a virgin until his marriage, but he hadn't had anything "even close" to sexual intercourse. People in today's day and age don't lie about such things. He was credible, in other words; she on the other hand had doubtless had traumatizing experiences along the lines she described, but hard to believe Kavanaugh was the culprit; too many holes in the story.
When all that was apparent, Dems didn't let up, until one or both of these moderate (ostensibly, putatively) women senators caved to the pressure.
This time they are holding their ground. I think they feel a little burned from going along with the Dem's determination to make a guy who turned out to have been a virgin into a rapist.
But what's different now is that the Senators crying "Wolf!" this time really do have a wolf on their hands, & 9 more months to prove it more definitively, with mounting evidence.
1
You’re kidding about his credibility I hope?
3
@Anon
Wow- you have some wild version of what most of us watched. Kavanaugh was a well known party animal in high school. What is this- the Reader's Digest version?? You also need to educate yourself on what constitutes rape.
Trump himself decided WHO the FBI could interview, if you'll recall. And the main players- Kavanaugh and Ford were NOT allowed to testify. By Trump.
I know. Where did Trump learn his sense of justice do you figure??
3
Classic Collins. Pirouette around for all to see how terribly torn you are as you dither on about the moral conundrum — such a difficult decision — then fall right in line with Mitch McConnell.
10
She needs to go. What cowardice. First Kavanaugh, now this. Donate to her opponent Sara Gideon in Maine. I did and will continue doing so.
9
And why would anyone be surprised?
3
She needs to relieved of her duties come November 2020
4
I am so tired of this woman seeking the spotlight on every issue requiring her “decisive” vote. She is unable to take a stand not sanctioned by McConnell and the WH. Members of the media should ignore her rather than give her the attention she desperately craves. Maybe she’ll slink away. You need a spine to walk.
10
I don't agree with Senator Collins one iota, but at least she isn't a hypocrite, she didn't vote to remove President Clinton from office after the House voted to impeach him. I do wish the press would ask each Congressperson and Senator who voted to impeach and remove Clinton from office for lying under oath about a sex act, if they would do the same today about Trump.
1
Could Collins possibly be as stupid as her claim that Trump has learned his lesson makes her appear? No, I don't think so. I think she knew exactly what she was doing, that is, to fence sit, as usual, rather than show any integrity, let alone courage. Having prevaricated about her motives, she will now vote to acquit, thereby joining the pantheon of Republicans who will be forever remembered for their betrayal of their oath to uphold the Constitution.
3
Trump ignited this crisis one day after Mueller testified. What is he doing right now?
1
Well sounds like that warrants your removal Senator Collins!
3
Another profile in cowardice.
6
If they think that this is some kind of middle way...
Please explain to every young kid in court for doing something stupid why Trump's version of wrong is "flawed" but not worthy of more examination, meanwhile they will have their insides examined for the next two years. Please explain this without double-speak, with the Sophistry, without the personal career involved. Honestly, why does he walk? Because he's a better criminal?
What do they these Republicans see in the rubble he leaves behind him every day?
3
A chicken hawk, big time, in the shadow of Cheney, vote her out Maine to restore our democracy!
5
Spineless. Shill. Fraud. Embarrassment. Just the first four words that come to mind. Time for this empty suit to be sent packing.
6
Vote her OUT. I may live in Austin but I live in Maine too and I will spend as much as I can to get this woman removed from office. She is a hypocrite, anti woman, anti anything but the party line, VOTE BLUE
5
Just sick and tired of this woman's "I'm on the fence about this issue" statements, and then she, always, lands on the side of her party...... regardless of whether this is right or wrong.
She is completely spineless........
6
"Wrong." Those are some strong words there, little lady. You prepared to back ' em up? No? Didn't think so.
3
Vote her OUT!
3
Vote her out!
2
Of course Susan Collins will vote to acquit Trump.
She is a coward, like the rest of the Republicans.
This was expected.
3
Just another moral coward knowing that Trump is guilty and should be convicted, but with no spine to do the right thing. This is NOT about reversing the election, the is about the protection our nation and defending our constitution. Collins is even more pathetic than the other Republicans hiding under their rocks because she can't help but try to defend her cowardice.
4
Susan Collins has lost whatever credibility she had. She has demonstrated that she lacks the ability to make decisions that are in the best interest of the country. Her only interest lies in her re election. Shame on you Collins, you are a follower and not a free thinker.
6
Wait till November, Ms. Collins, you'll get what you deserve.
5
Yes go ahead Senator Collins, join the camp of political degenerates. Welcome another member of the party of Trump. The GOP is dead. Let’s wait and see what else he will do that’s “wrong”. You along with the rest of the Republicans in the senate just gave him the free get out of jail card.
3
In maine, we knew what Collins would do- make a stand when it did not count( and when McConnell let her) and vote the party line. She is no Margret Chase Smith. She will not be re-elected
11
Ah Susan Collins, you are consistent. Wrong but I'll give you a pass Mr. President. Collins has no morality and no backbone. Can't wait until she is voted out of the Senate. Can't happen too soon!
8
Sooner she's gone from Senate, the better.
16
That’s nice. A fraudulent Senator to go with this fake Presidency.
17
People are less stupid than Senator Collins gives them discredit for.
She fools (and fooled) no one with her latest disco dance.
Senator, you ain’t no John Travolta.
It’s time for your retirement, appropriate and warranted, in the premises, with Rectitude.
It’s that simple.
You can hang on, smiling, until then.
Thank you for your loyal service...to your President...to your Majority Leader.
11
Susie is a complicit criminal
8
I'm sick of the news making a big deal of possible turn-coat Republicans. Haven't we learned Collins and Murkowski stick with the party line?
11
Barack Obama, 2016: "If you're willing to work hard and play by the rules, you should be able to get ahead."
Susan Collins, 2020 (to paraphrase): If you're willing to slack off and break all the rules, you should be able to get ahead.
12
Shameless and spineless. Vote her out.
12
What a profile in courage Collins continues to be!
Very principled stand.
I have every hope that her opponent does very well this year and will do my best to help her get elected.
12
Nothing has changed in the 3+ years since the republican primary. Other than those who quit the party, they all trudge, head down, in service to Trump and his command over their 'base'. The harness may chafe at some more than others, and some might look up occasionally. But they trudge on.
1
Even the bookmakers bet against a guilty vote by Collins. Unlike those of us who yearn to see courage on the GOP side of the Senate aisle, bookies aren't wishful thinkers.
2
I’m not even a wistful thinker.
1
Why do people insist on calling Collins a moderate? She talks moderate but her votes almost always fall in line with her party. She voted for Kavanaugh. She has no "moderate" credibility left.
8
I expected nothing more from Susan Collins, whose campaign bumper stickers now identify her as "independent" instead of Republican. It's good to know that Maine's other senator, Angus King, isn't afraid to do what's right. Of course, he doesn't take his orders from the senate majority leader.
4
Gee Suzanne, it was up to the people in 2016 and they voted overwhelmingly for the other guy (gal).
Even if a majority of voters DO vote Trump out of office, the electoral college will ensue that he stays in office.
Down with an antiquated system with racist origins that doesn’t reflect the will of the American voting public.
5
What are we paying these people for?
To oppress us and deny affordable healthcare?
9
Two quotes:
“A nation can survive its fools, and even the ambitious. But it cannot survive treason from within." Taylor Caldwell, 1965 A Pillar of Iron (1965)
"At what point then is the approach of danger to be expected? I answer, if it ever reach us, it must spring up amongst us. It cannot come from abroad. If destruction be our lot, we must ourselves be its author and finisher. As a nation of freemen, we must live through all time, or die by suicide." Abraham Lincoln, 1838 Lyceum Address
4
Tonight on the Maine news we saw our Senator, Angus King, give his reasons why he will vote to convict the president. He is a person of honor, integrity and thoughtfulness. Too bad our other Senator does not have the same qualities. She sold her soul to Mitch McConnell long ago, and now Maine voters will kick her to the curb. It’s long overdue.
15
The Republicans have really sullied reputation of the Senate this time, and defiled the integrity of the United States government. And for what? Most of them knew and stated publicly that Trump was unfit for office before he was elected because they recognized a con man when they saw one. To keep their party in power, they will apparently do anything, even let him get away with a far more serious crime than anything Clinton or Nixon did. For Collins to say that Trump will somehow be chastened by this is either a joke or it shows she is incredibly poor judge of character. I live in Maine and I'm pretty sure she will not be elected again. This cover up will not be forgotten.
5
Not surprising, but disappointing. The people of Maine should thank Senator Collins for her service and elect someone else in November. She has gotten headlines for standing up for morality, then followed the Trumpian cant. A wolf in sheep's clothing , or ... ?
3
Doesn't get more classic that than. Donate to Sara Gideon, folks.
5
Senator Collins,
If he sexually abused a 5 year old would that be sufficient to convict?
Just checking what your limits are.
7
The only thing these people would react to would be if Trump said 'I'm erasing your entitlements'. That's all....nothing else matters
I know I can't prove it because those heavy curtains, but I heard its entertaining of a Friday night to see Trump propped pasha-like among the pillows while Collins and Murkowski stand one to a side side waving ostrich fans and adjusting their spangled bikinis.
Its why they wear their hair that way...Trump likee.
Melania graciously mans the remote.
Someone mentioned there's a tape...
1
Surprise!!! Susan Collins expresses righteous indignation then votes to support Trump. Wink, wink.
4
Collins is a fraud. She's trying to appear not to be yet another Republican who supports Trump but it's all smoke and mirrors.
4
Susan Collins is an absolute joke. McConnell orchestrated her face-saving vote on calling witnesses. I really hope the good people of Maine can see how totally useless she is. She shouldn’t be anywhere near an elected office, unless Mainers like being represented by Kentucky.
10
I am a Mainer who voted for Susan Collins eleven years ago and who called her offices last week asking her to do the right thing on witnesses in the impeachment trial (you know—vote in favor of having witnesses). But the minute Senator Collins announced that she was voting in favor of witnesses, I felt sick knowing we would not get them. Just goes to show...
The only recourse is to replace Senator Collins, with all her seniority, with a freshman senator who will pledge to be on the right side of history, and not only when it is convenient to do so. Deep. Sigh.
7
What she did is “Wrong!”
5
Susan Collins advocate for witnesses and then votes to acquit trump. Imagine my surprise. Susan Collins is a fraud. Vote her out!
8
Sen. Collins is the sort of person who says "Look, I'm sorry my dog bit you."
7
The President has according to recent polls 1 ) a 94% favorable rating among Republicans, 46% among independents and 7% with Democrats. Nationwide, the President enjoys according to Gallop a 49% favorable rating surpassing President Barak Obama's 45% at this point in his presidency. Lastly 60% of Americans approve of the Presidents handling of the economy. Democrats could easily get infrastructure, DACA paid family medical leave and targeted middle class tax cuts passed under President Trump instead they have decided sell what the people are not buying.
2
Well, golly gee, if a moderate like Susan Collins votes to acquit Trump must be OK, right?
4
Collins... she’s the ultimate loser in this game with Trump. He kills everything he touches. The middle isn’t safe for her anymore. She should have retired the last go round.
3
Vote.
Get out the Vote.
Save your sanity and turn off the media whenever you see or hear The Donald.
7
The Senate republicans including Collins, have abdicated their responsibility to the American people, to the Constitution and rule of law, and have already determined that this dictator president is above the law. The USA is a bona-fide fascist dictatorship. Everything else is a charade to keep the people ignorant and in debt.
5
Now we have Senator Collins on record. She is willing to abide outright presidential extortion. It’s a political calculation, of course. Without that rabid Trump “base”, she has zero chance of reelection. The entire GOP is an active threat to the Republic.
6
Senator Susan Collins is wrong. Trump should be removed from office and so should fake moderate Republican Senator Susan Collins. Vote in November.
6
And hopefully Maine will vote next election to oust this fraud, Sen. Collins. She’s been a hard-right Trump supporter—check her voting record.
8
I tend to agree but what does she do when he does it again?
2
No surprise - Collins is all "Ms integrity" when the leaderships allows it, and she's a sellout when they don't. I hope the voters take notice. I hope her head explodes regardless.
3
Never saw that coming.
2
Collins voted to acquit Bill Clinton which was the right thing to do since the case against him was a republican fever dream. But here she is with evidence of crimes and all she can do is bleat "wrong." Shameless woman needs to go.
4
Time to go, Susan. Your half measures before voting the wrong way, when it really counts, are getting old. Bye.
5
Thank you for reminding me to donate to Sara Gideon’s campaign.
7
A craven act by a GOP senator from the state that GOP senator Margaret Chase Smith once represented with such courage and integrity.
5
Oh leave Senator Collins alone! She has a nice face and a pleasant manner, has made enormous contributions to the commonweal. The Senate has been her life for generations, and she has served conscientiously.ABH indentifies with her concern for others. Senator Collins is a humanitarian!
The humanitarian thing todo list is vote her out.
2
@Alexander Harrison
This can't be serious. Nice face and a pleasant manner? She's a Senator, not a geisha.
Hardly any comments from Maine. Are they stunned or Susan Collins behavior is normal for them?
1
Oh, stop with Susan Collins already! Did anyone really think she would be a dissenting voice? Give it a rest - she is a Republican.
6
Talk to anyone from Maine, she is toast!
6
Susan Collins promised Maine voters she would only server two terms, which is just another example of her duplicity. Collins is a hack who does not deserve the labels "moderate" or "independent." Hopefully Mainers will toss her out with a resounding thud.
4
I'll be sending a check to Collins' adversary
6
So, he's guilty, but you will acquit him, because it's OK If You Are A Republican?
Just another Corrupt Republican. But I repeat myself...
4
It's sad...The GOP in the Senate has no backbone..they're just sheep. If you think the behavior is "wrong" then say so with your vote!!
3
Collins has and always will be a total fraud. Long past time to retire her.
10
Tired of these so-called 'moderate' Republicans who enable the ongoing degradation of our civic life by their cowardly inability to call Trump the bully and liar that he is.
11
Hopefully this shaky old hypocrite will be out of the Senate after November 2020.
9
Yes - and where is Nancy in this impeachment fiasco- terrible leadership that lead to a bad outcome- if she resurfaces, hopefully she will be held accountable for very poor judgment.
1
It is Senator Collin’s duty to remove a dangerous president. It is the People’s duty to pick the next president. She is confusing her responsibilities.
12
Murkoewski and Collins keep fighting over who’s going to be the “smoke” and who’s going to be the “mirrors” faction of the Republican Party.
Their semblance of having morals and a spine is disgusting.... and not unnoticed.
13
Donating to her opponent Sara Gideon is money well spent. Seeya latah Susan!
12
Susan Collins is a disgrace, her so called "leadership" is based on political calculus and not much else. She must go, time for someone who has values that stand for more than getting re-elected.
12
I'd rather these "not warrant removal" senators say Trump did nothing wrong at all than to say a president doing wrong like Trump is not evictable from office. Besides, leaving this to voters sounds a lot like what kept Merrick Garland off the bench--a dirty political trick.
7
This is what Collins and Murkowski do. They make a stink about holding out their vote, get some attention, and then cave to the Republicans. It's so transparent it's laughable. Can you Mainers please vote Collins out this time?
13
Collins is absolutely the worst. She does whatever Mitch McConnell tells her to do. If you live in Maine get rid of her for the good of the country.
8
Collins, Murkowski, and the rest of their ilk want it both ways. They are political cowards who fail to serve the constitution and their constituents.
6
The Republicans are demonstrating how corrupt they are. The whole bunch are cowards. They could easily do the right thing. Yes, risk their powerful positions for the good of the country. They would walk the criminal out of the White House and still have their power. The corruption runs deep. We need term limits for all of them.
6
Political codependence!
1
Democracy is dead in America.
2
Any company or organization that hires these republican senators after they leave office should be hounded, boycotted and shamed until they fire them. Make sure none of them work again.
3
The people of Maine will not be so forgiving.
8
@jonhite -- I really hope you are right about that. But then I remember that this is the state that elected Paul Le Page to be its governor . . . twice!
Anyone else want to take a few weeks off this summer to canvas for her opponents in Maine?
Susan Collins simply cannot be trusted. She repeatedly pretends to have a moral compass and then... not so much. Mainers don't trust her. Not sure why so many have voted for her. That was then. She will not out run this.
5
For pete's sake. Senators what have you done? You know he's guilty! You give him a pass!
We see how children have been treated by this horrible man, how our environment is being destroyed, our rights are under attack along with health care and soon he'll go after Social Security.
Disabled people are under attack; the poor; seniors; immigrants; Muslims. Hate crimes have soared, antisemitic attacks; mass shootings; people are being killed because of Trump's violent rhetoric.
Our farmers have lost contracts they'll never get back and formerly profitable businesses are now subsidized by the tax payers. We have abandoned allies on the battlefield, emboldening dictators Erdogan and Putin and endangering the entire Middle East.
Trump tried to rig the 2020 election by putting an ally, which is fighting a hot war with Putin, in a vise, using taxpayer money. In the process he has destroyed the reputation of his most powerful 2020 rival. The unfairness of that alone is appalling.
Yet the Senate thinks this is OK.
Why? I'm left to conclude that tormenting people, taking away our rights, empowering hate, creating misery and fomenting war is also the goal of the GOP.
Show me that I'm wrong.
9
Please stop giving Susan Collins so much press. She has Zero courage. At her age you'd think she would use her seniority to
step up to the plate, but no way... She is not the moderate the press has portayed her to be. Aways a BIG dissapointment!!!
9
I just gave to Colins’ opponent. Let that speak for my opinion of Collins.
8
What a surprise. Maine's clueless senator weighs in once more. Cheer up, Maine. You have Angus King and former senators who stood on principle.
5
Susan Collins lost my vote after her support for the Trump tax cut (aka "the wealthy donor relief fund") . Her most recent sophistry on the whole acquittal business is par for the course with her: "bipartisan" in name, "moderate" in tone, but staunch Republican apparatchik in her voting.
Maine, and the country, needs better a senator than Susan Collins.
13
My understanding is that either the House or the Senate can vote to censure the President and that it only requires a majority vote. Majority vote for censure in the House would be sure since the House already has voted to impeach the president. Majority vote for censure in the Senate is possible since a majority of senators have accepted that Trump's actions were worthy of criticism, if not removal from office.
3
Can anyone imagine a current Republican as president during the Civil War years? Every day, there would be new reasons to excuse the sins of the Confederates. Come to think of it, the war would never have started, since the current Republicans are just like the Confederates. Why bother fighting at all? But Lincoln, one of the first Republicans, was like one of today's moderate Democrats. Whoa, now I'm confusing myself. Maybe it's better just to ask a question, "Whose side are the current Republicans on?"
4
Maybe next time Trump can ask for a kick-back, or special financing on a Trump hotel. I'm sure the GOP senators will agrees this would be in the 'national interest.
3
The House lifted the veil on Teump's behavior. Pelosi got that right. Senators and the public said they didn't know. now they know. Collins is right when she said that what Trump did was improper and showed poor judgement. Everyone, everyone knows she is wrong when she said there was conflicting evidence about his motives or that he learned his lesson. If he had then I would say maybe she was right, he shouldn't be removed this close to an election and the voters should decide. But who really believes he won't try to cheat again and again. No one, and I mean no one. If Trump wins more than half of the country will doubt his win was legitimate.
2
Reminds me of wonderful waffles I had in a Maine B&B.
November is coming, senator.
3
If his conduct was wrong, why didn't they call witnesses to help disprove its wrongness?
175
@Silvana
That is WAY too logical for this GOP Senate.
13
@Silvana the response to your question would depend on who you are referring to when you say “they.” Senate or the House because both wanted to do so.
@Silvana remember the House did have witnesses-many . The Senate refused additional witnesses. Disappointing.
6
You have selected your poison Senator Susan Collins, and tomorrow you will drink it. Mr. Trump is unfit to be our president, and you know it to be the truth, but alas, like your Kavanaugh vote, courage has gone on vacation.
11
Another Republican profile in courage.
5
Once the slimy chameleon Romney finally decides to acquit, this impeachment scam will have NO Republicans in either chamber of Congress vote for impeachment.
Manchin will probably acquit too, thus ensuring that there will be bi-partisan support for no impeachment in both chambers.
4
Collins voting to acquit, wow, I did not see that coming.
2
Winning back the Senate is just as critical as voting out Mr. Trump. Donate, volunteer, get everyone you know out to vote this year.
9
With Collins' statement that Trump has “learned from this case” and will be “much more cautious in the future,” Americans are forced to decide whether she is either as big a liar as Trump, or stunningly unintelligent. The former seems likelier.
13
Remembering Schiff's statement about senators who fail to do the right thing would be "tied like a cord" to Trump's legacy. She hung herself once with her Kavanaugh decision and yet again. She's a quicker learner. Time to say bye-bye Susan. ENOUGH!!!
13
Said Collins "Well, it was wrong, corrupt, a cheat, and an abuse of his office. But that's Trump... and he should be able to get away with it, because... Trump."
Yes, way to go, Susan! Stand up for right and truth, and what you really believe in! Whenever you figure that out... maybe you'll have plenty of time off to think about it after November 3 this year.
Vote Them All Out!
5
Donating to her rival, uh-gain!
8
It is time for the people of the State of Maine to retire Susan Collins for good.
13
The Senator from Maine should use her pincers instead of the usual idle, oyster-like clutching of pearls.
4
One word: Contemptible.
8
I wonder what they threatened her with?
9
@Stevenz -- "Threatened her with?" Please, no one has ever had to threaten Susan Collins to get her to toe the party line!
“I do not believe that the House has met its burden of showing that the president’s conduct, however flawed, warrants the extreme step of immediate removal from office...”
Then she needs to go back to elementary school and learn about morals and ethics because they're missing in her and that's where I learned mine. Graham is a known traitor with Putin connections and Collins since the arrival of her despot just became one.
5
Susan Collins, echoing the comments of all moderate Republicans, says, "Yes, Donald Trump is a criminal. But he is an incompetent criminal, and his people, who also vote for us, love him dearly for his bungling and stumbling. So we will hold our noses, trying to avoid his stench, and we will vote to keep him out on the sidewalk a little longer. Hopefully, he won't do the country too much more harm until November."
4
Please! Will this woman ever have a back bone. Glad she's not my senator.
9
What a disgrace. She is a let down to the people of Maine.
8
Glad to see she's sticking to her convictions. That's a joke, folks.
13
The president has learned his lesson, says my senator. Uh-huh, sure. We all believe that one!
What a terrible person my senator is. I pray she is turned out this November.
19
Susan "Right on Time" Collins announces her next vote which we all knew anyway. The Great Deliberator once again considers all the facts, and reliably votes party line. lol
11
Anyone else find it ironic when Republicans claim that it’s voters who are properly tasked with removing a corrupt president, when said president lost the popular vote to the bastardization that is the Electoral College and has been assiduously working to corrupt the very election which could potentially end his tenure?
8
Why is Susan Collins called a moderate when she is no such thing! There are NO moderates in the Republican Party - they are either dead, retired or have left the party. Everyone remaining is part of a radical right wing cult wholly owned by Trump, Fox, and ignorant cowards who do not care about anything except staying in power and enriching themselves.
Everyone else has left especially the younger generation.
Every Republican needs to be voted out - even on local level since they all are part of this toxic brand!
Time for a new party and Collins really needs to go - Old And In The Way!!
6
History will not be kind to these enabling Republicans and their cult.
7
Republicans never cease to disappoint.
5
What? Susan Collins has no backbone? Shocked, I tell you, shocked. NOT!!!
6
"Ms. Collins, a moderate..." Wrong.
4
She never disappoints, at disappointing you when the vote really means something. Giving more $$$ to Sara Gideon.
5
We’ve had enough. Send Mitch packing. Take back the Senate in 2020.
9
Senator Collins-now that you’ve labeled his behavior “wrong, “will you come out against the reelection of a man who has committed crimes, but not “high” crimes? Now is the time to show courage.
4
Susan, Susan, Susan. You are consistent at folding, being the weak one, the follower. Only this time it’s not legislation you failed to support, it’s much more serious. Bottom line is this...You failed to uphold our Constitution, our Democracy, our Freedom. This will be your legacy.
11
So, Senator, what do you do when the president’s conduct is clearly wrong? Give him a mulligan?
1
The bottom line is that Democrats and ‘progressives’ think we should overturn an election because Joe Biden traded on his VP position and grifted a fat job for his unqualified, ne’er-do-well son.
Are you for real?
1
@EGD Get used to the idea that Lying, Impeached Donald Trump did not win the 2016 election, he slithered through to the office via the electoral college. Never forget, EGD, Trump won millions *fewer* popular votes than did Clinton. Millions. Tossing the grifter from office would not be overturning the 2016 election. It would be honoring the majority of American voters.
2
I cannot be in the “room” any longer with that headline-addicted phony Collins. I keep hoping the Times will wake up and see her for what she is: always hungering for a hopeful microphone and always, always voting with the Coward bloc.
5
Susan Collins - we know how dishonest you are - you are a Republican so it goes without saying. Now you, along with your Senate cohorts are criminals - colluding with the biggest criminal to ever hold the office of President. So, DJT is not gone, hopefully you will be.
5
She is pathetic. No soul, no guts no glory. There are so many women braver than her.
8
So, Senators Collins, Alexander, Rubio, et al: You all agree that what the President did is wrong. Will you support Senator Manchin’s introduced resolution for censure? This would send a message to the President and Americans that Congress will not tolerate this behavior, impeachable or not.
What do you say now? The silence is deafening.
13
“I do not believe that the House has met its burden of showing that the president’s conduct, however flawed, warrants the extreme step of immediate removal from office,”
Well I don't believe the Senate has met its burden of looking at the evidence, so its in no position to talk about understanding the presidents conduct.
7
This is just a meaningless cop out on part of Collins. Even if the conduct is called legally-meaningless "wrong", why wouldn't the Senate then at least pass a symbolic censure motion?
183
@RSSF The easy cop-out for Collins would have been to vote to convict. Maine is a blue state and Republicans could have covered her vote against Trump.
2
Had a law professor been asked to come up with a hypothetically impeachable abuse of office, they probably could not have conjured a more perfectly impeachable one than Trump was caught conspiring to commit. He then became only the third president to be impeached by the House, and even many of his partisan loyalists admit that his guilt was proved beyond question. His presidency had to be saved by Mitch McConnell, at great cost to the integrity of the senate and to the constitutional principles this country was founded on. Why are many in the press and elsewhere treating this as some sort of presidential "triumph"?
6
Can someone please explain exactly what the nature of her speech impediment is? Have always wondered, and it seems to be getting worse. Don't know if that is just age or if she now has some underlying condition like Parkinsons.
1
Senator Collins, as with 52 other GOP Senators, is terrified of Donald Trump. The voters of Maine are likely to replace her with someone who is not afraid. That will be good for our Democracy.
8
So, Senators Collins, Alexander, Rubio, et al: You all agree that what the President did is wrong. Will you support Senator Manchin’s introduced resolution for censure? This would send a message to the President and Americans that Congress will not tolerate this behavior, impeachable or not.
What do you say now? The silence is deafening.
4
If Susan Collins calls Trumps actions wrong, but she votes to acquit anyway, she's as bad he is. Some might argue that she's even worse: She admits his actions are wrong, he does not. I'm not convinced he understands that he is wrong. In any event, one thing is clear, Collins is wrong. It's shameful if she votes to acquit. And I am convinced she knows it.
6
No surprise. Of course she was going to decide that Trump's conduct was not impeachable, even if it was "inappropriate" or "wrong." Her attempt to bring in witnesses was just a cover, indulged in and probably encouraged by Mc Connell in the hope of saving her Senate seat so he can continue as Majority Leader. Money will now pour in from out of state to keep her in office. One can only hope that Mainers have had enough
of her subterfuges.
7
I doubt she really wants to stay in office. I imagine she wants the “more time with family” payout for being a loyal soldier.
1
Members of the Democratic Party went public within days of Mr. Trump being elected to state their intention to impeach him. This was 3 years ago. Appropriately, on Halloween the House of Representatives voted 232–196 to establish procedures for public hearings, which started on November 13, or months ago. With all the time given, Mr. Shumer somehow invalidates the process by claiming the investigations weren't allowed to bring witnesses? This is absurd on it's face. They've been attempting this for a very long time. What Mr. Shumer is actually saying is that he wasn't given enough time to turn this into a full-blown circus in the Senate as well. I'm sorry, sir but it's been a big enough circus already, and no one's laughing anymore.
1
@daninthe middle.
Can you name one - one - mainstream democratic member of congress who professed an intent to impeach Trump within days of his inauguration??!? Just parroting bland talking points of Faux news pundits doesn’t count as actual research. There was no mainstream democrat advocating for this.
4
Do any president who does anything wrong could never be impeached because it’s like having our votes not count. Really?! You were put in your positions to exactly do that. If they do something wrong they have to be held accountable. Do your jobs. It is not to protect a criminal! You all deserve what you get and we won’t be afraid of doing our jobs.
2
So Murkowski is afraid of Donald Trump.
Lamar Alexander is afraid of Donald Trump.
And now, Collins is certifiably afraid of Donald Trump.
SAD!
10
As a new resident to a Maine, can’t wait to vote her out
18
Maine voters will take her up on trusting the people with the most fundamental decision in a democracy . . . and vote her out. She and the other republicans licking trump's boots and covering up for him are responsible for the downfall of our democracy and the smearing and ignoring of our Constitution.
5
Why is this news? She's rather predictable. Maybe Uncle Mitch will give her 45 minutes on the floor of the senate (note the lower case s) to continue her tautological inanities...
4
Quit shedding any light on Collins; she is a showboater and the worst kind because for some reasons she is portrayed as a ‘reasonable republican’ when we all know they no longer exist.
6
Does any Senator actually vote for what their constituates want anymore? Or do they just vote how McConnell tells them to? Susan Collins is such a two-faced liar, getting publicity for maybe doing the right thing, then at the last minute, votes her party line, as always. Maine - vote her out, please! Murkowski is the same.
10
I am forever astounded by the Republicans. They went after Bill Clinton relentlessly, not because he was a horrible man, but because he was/is a Democrat. They decided that lying about sex was an impeachable offense. The Democrats tried to impeach a horrible man who lacks a conscience, uses the Presidency to enrich himself and who wouldn't recognize empathy if it knocked him in the head. Cheating and scheming are like blowing his nose. He got caught using his position to further his chances for re-election, defying Congress and lying every day for months. This is not an impeachable offense? I do hope the Republicans' despicable behavior, including their calculated admission that Trump's behavior was "wrong" - is not lost on moderate Republican voters.
9
Of course she will. Bought and paid for.
7
I know that white man killed that black man, but I'm gonna acquit him because I'm white and I don't like black people.
That's the same thing this Republican Party has acted in the face of this President.
Tonight Trump's gonna tout the wonderful economy thanks to huge tax cuts and an easy money policy.
When families with their new riches start shopping this year, then the American consumer will see what Trump's protectionist democratic policies have wrought.
2
This wonderful economy is about ready to soil the bed. Corona virus, plus China tariffs will make giant holes in the global supply chain, create weak demand for many commodities and hinder tourism to the US. Good luck with that in the fall, when all these come home to roost. We will see if the voters blame POTUS or the “other”, God help us if it’s the latter.
Senator Collins combines naivety with gaslighting like no other. It’s hopefully one too many times this time around.
12
Now I'll refuse to buy from Maine based L.L. Bean.
7
@PATRICK
That'll show 'em.
Just Fyi, a member of LLBean’s Board of Directors donated substantial bucks to trump’s 2016 campaign. I no longer buy from them. May I suggest you all do the same. Land’s End has the same stuff.
2
As a Maine resident and voter, I am so ashamed of Susan Collins and Republican party. She is NOT a moderate in any way shape or form.
She will never again have my vote nor will the Republican party until they rid themselves of right wing wackos at the top.
19
Kavanaugh - yes.
Trump - not guilty.
Sound moderate to you?
15
She is a weak sister. She wants eye witnesses? But votes to acquit without them?
10
I wonder what Senate Republicans think they're going to get out of their support of trump, in the end.
Trump is the ultimate bully whose signature is enthusiastic, metastatic cruelty. Having had the misfortune to grow up with a bully very much like trump, I came to understand that bullies get a lot of gratification by getting what they want with threats, and then stabbing the unfortunate, formerly useful people in the back.
Trump will let everyone know that he's beyond the reach of any moderating influence now. The most effective way for him to prove he's untouchable is to turn on his enablers in the Senate.
They've created a monster.
6
“Long before morning I knew that what I was seeking to discover was a thing I'd always known. That all courage was a form of constancy. That it is always himself that the coward abandoned first. After this all other betrayals come easily.” ― Cormac McCarthy, All the Pretty Horses
This sums up the GOP at this moment in time.
9
Susan Collins, once again talking out of both sides of her mouth in order to impress with how independent-minded she is. Somehow it always comes out Trump. Mainers won't be buying it this time around.
14
I trust the voters in Maine will have the sense to vote Collins out of office,
18
@Steve
Send money to Ms Gedeon’s campaign.
4
An affront to democracy. Shame on you senators who voted for complete acquittal.
4
These past 2 weeks of Senate trial have been some of the best classes in law and history - and all free.
I am glad the Republicans restrained themselves from summarily dismissing the articles and insisted on holding a trial.
Much was said about precedents - going all the way back to Washington as enumerated by Dershowitz.
Well, as much as this POTUS is hated by Democrats who think he sets a bad precedent every day - for once, he helped set a good precedent.
And the precedent is validation of what Madame Speaker, the Minority leader and Mr. Nadler warned during Clinton impeachment.
A naked and highly partisan impeachment does nobody any good and if anything is harmful.
By rejecting this highly partisan impeachment - folks, remember this was one phone call - the Senate is setting a good precedent for future Houses.
Do not attempt another purely partisan impeachment.
Even Republicans who may wish to avenge this on a future Democrat POTUS - are warned - you can take revenge only so far.
And that's a good thing for America.
One phone call? You’ve not been paying attention... Rudy Giuliani (Trump’s attorney/agent) and his ilk going around Eastern Europe looking to “pay” people to manufacture dirt on political opponents using taxpayer funds allocated by Congress. This isn’t one phone call - it’s an orchestrated effort. We have heard from many of the folks in the orchestra. The conductor doesn’t say anything to the orchestra, but waves his arms around and the players know what to do. If the House were to impeach Leonard Bernstein for having the orchestra play Beethoven’s Fifth, based on hearing from ten players in the orchestra, plus people in the front three rows of the hall, the GOP line seems to be that there is no proof Bernstein’s motive was to have the orchestra play Beethoven’s Fifth since no one testified to hearing him say anything.
3
@Neil It only takes one phone call to offer a quid pro quo. What kind of nonsense logic is that?
Can't have it both ways, Susan...
8
Does Maine deserve Collins? They vote for her there. Her script is always the same. Suspense that she may bolt her party. Then in the final hour, surprise, she does what she always does, votes with it. A jellyfish senator. No spine.
9
Creepy.
Maine can do a lot better than it has recently.
Iowa, too.
Vote these lovers of despotism out of office.
6
Ms. Collins should understand that people can smell a rat when confronted with one.
She believes Trump was wrong and exercised poor judgement, but there was conflicting evidence regarding his motives. Let's see here; Trump violated the Impoundment Control Act by not notifying congress of the hold he placed, hid the evidence of his "perfect" Zelensky call on a top secret secure server, only released the hold after busted, and still to this day has his special agent Rudy running around Ukraine seeking dirt (or sneaky business deals). Motive is pretty clear and (big hint) it isn't aligned with US interests.
Sorry Susan Collins, but your attempt to distance yourself from the Trump Stench isn't going to work. Expect my political contributions to go toward your electoral defeat.
9
What’s the point of being a senator if you’re not going to be person of principle?
6
@JM
Power
This is no surprise and the failure of the Republic will forever be emblazoned with Collins and other Republican Senators names. They all failed democracy when honesty was most required. Forever will her name goes in ignominy.
3
Dateline: November 4, 2020
Ms. Collins in her concession speech expressed bewilderment about her loss and was purportedly reaching out to Hillary Clinton in an effort to understand how this was possible and figure out who she can blame. In other news, mirror sales declined again.
3
Susan "Have It Both Ways" Collins.
Message to the good people of Maine: VOTE HER OUT!
9
Please, Sen. Collins:
No 40-minute one-woman show on the Senate floor explaining your vote. We are still recovering from your Brett Kavanaugh confirmation side show from 2018.
10
She should have run for governor when she had the chance. She’s doomed her political career with this.
One can only hope the voters of Maine will retire Ms Collins this time around. A potato would make a better Senator. Of course. a well paying lobbyist position is no doubt in her future.
5
Trump is in serious trouble in WI, OH, PA and MI. Plenty of farmers have been hurt by his trade wars and he is no longer the outsider or shiny new thing. He has not delivered jobs in the rust belt nor has he endeared himself to women and minorities. Impeachment damaged his brand and his shtick is getting old. If cable news gives him free coverage at the expense of other candidates like they did in 2020, he is likely to become over-exposed, predictable and boring.
5
@American Akita Team
We can only pray....
2
Voting to re elect Senator Collins would be a mistake, and wrong for the country.
2
Collins is such excellent entertainment value: She furrows her brow, pronounces herself "troubled" and "concerned" and then caves. She has such a distinctive brand!
7
Let's just call Collins, Murkowski, the dreadful Alexander and all the others below them on the Senate food chain what they are: chickenhearted facilitators of lawlessness. Yes, Trump broke the law. Yes, his behavior towards friends and foes alike was disgraceful. No, we don't care and refuse to do anything about it.
This trio can all retire to their rustic country cabins in November. Then we can raise a silent toast while shoveling the remnants of their Washington careers into the outhouse of history.
4
Time to oust a Collins...and all Republicans from Congress...full stop. They’re bad for Americans wanting healthcare and fair wages and housing. Tax cuts DO NOT pay for themselves as proven over the last 40 years!
2
How is it possible that Susan Collins remains a Senator?
And on what basis is she a "moderate"?
This song and dance routine of hers has been going on for years. Susan Collins pretends she is a moderate, while largely following the party line.
Maybe now is the time to stop counting on her for anything?!?
2
Senator Collins, we are so so disappointed in your decision, how you reached your decision, and in what comes next for the country. This is your place in history. A bad place.
5
Congress: Guilty by association of all the crimes committed by Trump against our Nation.
History will judge you harshly.
3
What I find utterly perplexing is how any of these Senators have the audacity to claim that Trump's conduct was wrong but not wrong enough to be impeached.
What in the world is that all about?
So, there are no consequences for Trump's actions?
Senator Susan Collins is such a fraud. I cannot stomach Mitch McConnell but at least he is upfront with his views. This woman, this woman from Maine is as phony as the hair of he who shall remain nameless.
The state motto of Maine is dirigo which means "I direct" or "I lead", referring by analogy to the North Star which appears on the state seal.
However, she is no more a leader than Trump is an honorable president.
I knew, I just knew she would cave and vote to acquit this guy.
The real sham and mockery are senators like Susan Collins.
4
Collins knows she is toast in November. She also knows that if she wants to work in republican circles post November, she needs to stay on Trump's good side. What a shame she is choosing to throw away her integrity and her dignity for men like Trump and Kavanaugh.
3
Farewell Susan, it was nice knowing you! Hope you enjoy your impending retirement
2
accepting corruption is corrupt.
7
Collins was allowed to vote for witnesses by McConnell, in hopes that would save the seat for the Republicans. McConnell will not allow her to vote to convict. Nearly all Republican monies run through McConnell. You do as he says, or you are out! We are now an official autocracy.
3
Guilty as charged and judged innocent by senators with no consciousness except that of greed and contempt for the majority of American citizens.
Mr Trump has made us pawns to big business.
Senate republicans have nailed the casket closed on the American people.
1
I am very "concerned" and "troubled" by Senator Collins' comments.
Only joking. I haven't seen the full text of her interview, but I assume she used her two favorite words, "concerned" and "troubled", when more alarmist terms are called for.
The funniest line in this article was "Ms. Collins said she believed that Mr. Trump had “learned from this case” and that he will be “much more cautious in the future.” Who says she can't gaslight as well as her unmask-and-endanger-the-formerly-protected-by-law whistleblower gaslighters in the House?
And finally, will the NY Time please stop calling her "Ms. Collins, a moderate. " You can't consistently do cover-up and back-up for Trump (Mexicans are Rapists) and McConnell (Blocked Congress form "Advise and Consent" for a Supreme Court Justice) and be anything but a coconspirator in the installation of a right-wing authoritarian bully kleptocracy.
2
Does the electorate remember when Trump influenced the Republican platform in 2017? As quoted in NPR dated December 4, 2016: "President Trump may have been involved with a change to the Republican Party campaign platform last year that watered down support for U.S. assistance to Ukraine, according to new information from someone who was involved." Or from Politico on August 4, 2016: "While the original version of the Republican Party platform is not public and unavailable, news outlets reported that it contained language that included arming Ukraine in its fight against Russia. The version that passed, however, softened the language, saying America will provide "appropriate assistance" to Ukraine and "greater coordination with NATO defense planning."
Senator Collins -- trying to get re-elected -- is talking out of both sides of her mouth.
Collins always acts like she isn’t under McConnell’s thumb...until it matters. She tries to have it both ways. If the voters of Maine continue to buy yet act, it is to their own detriment.
Thinking that Trump will learn anything positive from the impeachment in the way most people think of "learning something" from a poor decision does in no way relate to Donald Trump. Has he ever accepted any responsibility for bad behavior when he's called on it? No. He just goes on the attack against anyone who dares to question him. That Senator Collins expects anyone to believe that he's "learned from this case" in a positive sense is ludicrous and insulting. The only thing he will learn from this case is that he is impervious to laws that would jail others, especially because, as he sees it, he can do no wrong. He's simply "perfect."
1
Looks like the Democrats will come up at least 19 votes short of conviction. Does anybody really care what the final vote is? I don't.
1
Ms. Collins as a former full and now part time resident of Maine I hang my head in shame. You used to be courageous and independent and now you have gone the dark side. To say Trump’s treasonous actions and felonious extortion do not rise to level of impeachment and merely
warrant a tsk, tsk is deplorable.
oh , susie , while I approve of some things you do ( or more accurately , what you say )
if I were a resident of Maine , I wouldn't want you to be my Senator
2
In an interview with CBS, Ms. Collins said she believed that Mr. Trump had “learned from this case” and that he will be “much more cautious in the future.”
Are you kidding me? This woman is so far removed from reality that she needs to be retired, involuntarily. If she is so concerned about how wrong Trump was to try to extort campaign dirt from Zelensky, then she should be calling for him to be censured.
2
“I do not believe that the House has met its burden of showing that the president’s conduct, however flawed, warrants the extreme step of immediate removal from office" says Collins.
Sure they did, and you well know it. And they did so even while you and your fellow Vichy Republicans blocked witnesses and evidence. Shame on you all.
4
She is a Republican republican. She has covered herself with as feint words as others of her ilk. Don’t take that explanation of it didn’t rise to the level of impeachment. Also she said he learned his lesson. Really? Has he once said he was sorry or ashamed of his actions? Republicans have been either silent of his criminal doings or when they do explain and excuse him they are ridiculously weak and wrong. Shame you will pay not because you did your job but because you have not.
2
I just don't understand the defense..He used the company money for personal use..He should be fired..And when your are prez, and the company money is taxpayer money, that flows in endless billions, he should be fired and never allowed to work with public money again..What kind of company would Collins run, that she would let her secretary use the company money to pressure suppliers to bring her a private stash..It is just Mafia..It is the worst kind of irresponsible behavior for an executive, it is what impeachment was designed for..This is not a soft mistake by the president and his staff. It is a coverup of a typical office crime..YOu have to be able to know what is company money, as opposed to your paycheck..How republicans excuse this, as not rising to the level of impeachment, is just hypocracy, lying, or worse.
3
The Republican party has sold their soul and their minds to a charlatan.
They have all committed treason to the constitution by putting on blinders to their corrupt President and using reasoning to keep him on his throne that should put them all in jail.
Lying, cheating, self dealing and a presidential adoration for Putin, all that a few years back, would be a big red flag for the conservative party. Communism was evil, anti religion and enemy of democracy, now they are all including our President bed fellows.
Whatever the Senators come up with now to defend their positions in the impeachment hearings they all sound as same lies Trump, his lawyers and cabinet members have fed and infused them with.
Now there are three large authoritarian regimes in the world, Russia, China and the USA.
Americans should realize that they are all the same person, with only one mindset to steal as much from their country, their people as they possible can. That can only succeed by creating fear, taking away personal freedom (inclusive religion) and liberty and taking the money that should have gone to their people.
2
Perhaps Collins views her political punt as a safe way to keep herself from alienating both the Trumpers (I don’t consider them to be Republicans anymore,) and the moderate Democrats in her state. But her namby-pamby waffling didn’t fool anyone. Please: for the love of God vote this hypocrite out of office. The great state of Maine deserves much, much better.
4
Collins believesTrump will be much more cautious?
When has he been slightly cautious?
She's a comedian!
4
I think this is the 2nd to last article we will ever have to read about the lying hypocrite. The last article will be about her landslide loss in the next election and rightly so.
9
The argument that impeachment was not intended by the Founders to take away the right of the people to vote is ridiculous nonsense on it’s face. The express penalties for conviction are removal from the office the impeached holds AND the denial of the right to hold office in the future. In other words, a convicted President was explicitly barred from candidacy for ANY office of trust, honor or profit. To argue the Senate should not do that as a matter of Constitutional respect for principles is asinine stupidity.
Why do we have to put up with such ignorance in Washington and around the country?
3
Taking her cue from her cynically dismal Senate cronies, Susan Collins today told the nation that a president is above the law as long as they share a political party.
Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold;
Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world,
The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere
The ceremony of innocence is drowned;
The best lack all conviction, while the worst
Are full of passionate intensity.
-- William Butler Yeats, "The Second Coming" (1921)
2
What's "moderate" about finding an impeached president innocent who has been found guilty by the evidence according to other senate Republicans who will also vote no? My newborn niece understands the illogic and cowardice behind that behavior.
3
It is all transparent. For the Republicans to convict Trump, which he most seriously deserves, would destroy the Republican Party. It could ruin or end the careers of many or most Republicans who joined the Democrats to do it. One would think by uniting to remove Trump would be a great gift to the Republicans, they would freed in the same way Dorothy freed the soldiers enslaved to the Wicked Witch of the West.
But no, without Trump, they would lose their constituencies, it would be an unmitigated disaster for a party so tied to the cult of Trumpism. Those with the courage to reject this creed left the party or will be retiring from Congress. Many Republican intellectuals walked away but for politicians tied to the larger community and business ties of the Republican established, walking away from Trump, rebuking him means giving up on the party and everything tied to it.
So the Republican Senate simply lies to the public. They pretend, sometimes shamelessly, that Trump is not a guilty man. In fact, many celebrate him in self denial or delusion.
2
It is shocking. It is unbelievable. Some Republicans in the Senate have the courage to acknowledge the truth but lack the substance of character needed to do the right thing.
251
@Val
She is a fraud and a chicken.
15
@Val I agree that no one party can be subjected to a certain behavior and grouped to say they all act a certain way. However, I have noticed many Republicans not able to admit to the irresponsibility and immature behavior of our president. I understand if people support Trump but there are too many stubborn and ignorant people who can’t say he acts inappropriately.
3
I wish it were actually shocking, but it's not.
5
Saddest thing of all: saying Donald did something wrong has no currency in today’s GOP.
nothing surprising here. more grandstanding and attention seeking and rending of garments and gnashing of teeth and then voting the party line. it's been an old, tired ploy for a long long time; don't fall for it again
“I do not believe that the House has met its burden of showing that the president’s conduct, however flawed, warrants the extreme step of immediate removal from office,” Ms. Collins said in a speech from the Senate floor, so Senator Collins says. Her sympathy for wrong doers is beyond comprehension. If someone gets caught stealing $100 worth of groceries, they go to jail. Does she know that or has the moral and legal capacity to understand it?
In an interview with CBS, Ms. Collins said she believed that Mr. Trump had “learned from this case” and that he will be “much more cautious in the future.”
Senator Collins is either disingenuous or she is a fool, perhaps both. The voters of Maine can do better. What Trump learned from this case (on top of the Mueller report) is that he can do pretty much whatever he wants and not be held accountable by the Republican Congress.
If some Republican senators truly believe that Trump's actions were inappropriate and that the House Managers had proven their case, then if they won't vote to convict and remove him, they should at least vote to censure him. They should also vote to pass the bi-partsian legislation to prevent foreign interference and influence (including that solicited by Americans) in elections and to increase election security and financial transparency. To do anything less is to fully abdicate their responsibilities and violate their oath to support and defend the Constitution.
2
"It is my judgment that except when extraordinary circumstances require a different result, we should entrust to the people".
I think when the US Congress impeaches a president you can check off that box, and when you make $174,000 a year you need a better reason than its "not my job"
The will of voters was subverted by the electoral college.
Removing a President for criminal behavior is not only legal but mandatory under our laws.
Congress has abdicated its Constitutional and moral duty to the citizens of the US.
1
I hope her constituents in the great state of Maine conclude that her vote to acquit the president is wrong, and that they remove her from office in the fall elections.
It puzzles me why we can't just quit pretending Collins is a "moderate". She isn't and by any rational definition never has been. There are no Republican office holders who are going to save us from Trump and McConnell.
307
@Neal ...save us, or themselves.
2
@Neal
She is the biggest phony in the Senate.
8
@Neal , Collins has been playing the same game for decades- pretending to listen to arguments, expressing "concern", but always voting in lockstep with the GOP.
If Maine voters want her as their Senator that is up to them. That said, it is time for the media to treat her as just another conservative lapdog.
3
I live in the second district she represents. She is widely reviled among everyone I know, and among Mainers in social media. I was driving around Belfast a couple of months ago, and ended up behind a truck cruising around with an enormous anti-Susan sign that must've set some Yankee back a pretty penny. Maine icon Stephen King, who lives across the street from her in Bangor, has denounced this so-cllaed GOP "moderate" (why does the media still call her that?) Despite the enormous bankroll she's gotten from executive vice president of the Federalist Society, and Northeast Harbor resident, Leonard Leo, I think the odds are good she's going down in November.
2
Senator Collins impeachment standard; that leaving the President in office will 'injure the constitution and democracy suffer should the President remain in office one moment more.'
By her own standard, Senator Collins failed to due her duty:
Doesn't asking foreign powers (Russia, China, Ukraine) to interfere in elections cause our democracy to suffer? Is it not apparent to Senator Collings that such behavior from the President will continue?
Doesn't ordering executive branch staff and cabinet secretaries to ignore legitimate subpoenas from congress injure the constitution by make the President de facto above oversight and the law? Is it not apparent to Senator Collings that allowing the President to not cooperate, that congress has effectively given up its ability to enforce oversight?
The people of Maine deserve better.
1
Election-related improprieties will happen near elections. Are they never impeachable for that reason? What’s to prevent them, then?
1
That argument by Senator Ernst and the President's defense team is ludicrous. By their logic, there is absolutely nothing that the President could do that would warrant impeachment, because it would "subvert the will of the voters" and prevent the voters from render their judgement on the President.
2
She cares for show only. She is a party line G.O.P, she doesn’t stand out, she doesn’t go against the grain. She is all talk, no action.
2
Why did she ask for witnesses if she had enough info to acquit?
She's going down down down down down down down down down down down in November.
1
If nothing else, Collins is consistent: Pretend towards moderation, but always vote McConnell's party line: Party over country. She must be removed in November.
2
The quintessential example of the power of money.
I watched (nearly) every minute of both the House and Senate hearings and read countless news stories from the both the NYT and WaPo, not to mention all the recaps and chatter I gleaned from cable news. Listening to the Republicans makes me wonder if we are talking about the same president, the same charges, and the same evidence. And I’m tired of them focusing solely on “the call” when the scheme was put in motion many months before July 25th.
2
I guess she just made it very clear that party comes before Country.
3
I live in Maine and for a long time believed in Susan Collins. No more. Third strike. She’s out.
3
@Dirty Waters
I hope you are right. Why was she elected in the first place?
Shocked I am to hear Ms. Collins will vote for acquittal! I guess she believes that since she voted for witnesses she has shown impartiality to her voters. All we have seen from her are actions to try and ensure her reelection. To call her a Quisling is just too nice. Here's hoping she is defeated.
1
OK. Now the only honest thing for her to do is to introduce or co-sponsor a vote to censure.
Are we really surprised, vote her out in 2020.
1
There are limit to lies and fake shows that you can bear. I decide to turnout the State of the Union address tonight.
2
So basically, Collins does what she always does—nothing. Can’t believe anyone assumed she would vote otherwise.
282
@AMN
Safe to say no one "assumed" she would do otherwise. Most assumed she would vote to acquit, while others hoped she would rise above the mediocre expectations.
These days the secret to being right when trying to predict what our elected officials will do in matters of high principle is to keep expectations low: very, very low.
16
@Anon
Beautifully said, but extremely sad, with a side of tragic. God help us all, except any Republicon politician$.
2
I plan to donate heavily to her opponent this year.
3
The longer the impeachment hearing unwinds...the farther we get from the truth. And all the while Republican politics is devouring our democracy.
Collins claims the House did not meet the burden of proof...
...okay. Except how was the House supposed to meet that burden of poof when the White House prohibited anyone involved - and everyone in the room at the time of the calls - to testify?
Does anyone even remember that fact? This is an information bait and switch. And it's happening day in and day out now at the highest level of our government.
Further, if Collins needed more proof, why not make sure - at the very least - her colleagues voted for witnesses?
When did we become a nation of allowers and followers, manipulators and cowards?
We are witnessing the demise of the American Spirit - and perhaps the irrevocable dissolution of our democracy - day by day by day.
2
"Yes, he's guilty! Guilty as sin! And that's why, in good conscience, I had to let him off the hook so could go out and commit some more crimes!', profiles in Republican courage.
1
Ms. Collins needs to stop claiming that she is a moderate. She loves the attention she gets when she rattles the cage acting like she is independent of the Republican cage she is in. She then proceeds to vote the part line. Her vote for Kavanaugh has, hopefully, defeated her this election. Her pretense at caring is getting old.
2
We all saw this coming. For too long Democrats have looked for her to be a sensible Republican, but with her lack of spine, we see she is like all the others
346
@ClydeMallory Lack of spine because she came to a well thought out position that you simply don't agree with? There were a number of Dem House moderates who thought this before the articles were filed, that the proper remedy for this was a House censure, not impeachment.
@ClydeMallory -- It's like that "Peanuts" cartoon with Lucy, Charlie Brown, and the football. Lucy sets up like she's going to hold the ball steady, then jerks it away at the last minute. Sorry Lucy, you're not surprising anyone with this little spineless capituation... you're simple-minded attempt to 'split the difference', and have Trump "Bad, really bad, but no penalty due." leaves no doubt that you have *no* principles at all.
24
@ClydeMallory She is WORSE, because she pretends to be different. I keep wondering what MArgaret Chase Smith, her mentor, would say if she could come back. A woman, a Republican, a Senator, and someone who confronted the heinous Joe McCarthy. Collins is the very picture of Dorian Grey, revealed,
31
My expectations were low, the Republican led senate simply lacks the character and moral fiber to do the right thing. But with McConnell at the helm they don't even reach the lowest expectations of decency.
619
@Mike B : Agreed. A despicable, detestable person without honor, who stands out even in a chamber full of them. He makes my skin crawl.
68
McConnell needs to go.
6
@Mike B
I find McConnell's statement even more odious than anything Trump has said. Trump arguably doesn't know the difference between the truth and a lie; McConnell does. Yet he says them anyway. He knows that the reason so many people were appalled by Trump's election is that they recognized him as a career criminal unfit for the job. He knows that a Republican House would have impeached a Democratic president for the obstruction of justice detailed in the Mueller report, if not before. He knows he sold out Congress and the constitution in order to save Trump. But he doesn't even have the decency to say something diplomatic and let it be. Nope, he's got to sneer at and insult the half of this country that legitimately believes Trump deserves to be removed from office. America's political life will remain putrid as long as that man is in power.
10
Surprise the world, another Republican is lax in doing her duty, is she afraid of not being part of the "popular group" what you have seen is a group of Senators unwilling to perform their duties as described in the Constitution, they are cowardly but expect the taxpayer to perform their duty in November, the most amazing fact is that there is a pattern regarding Donald Trump and Company's behavior, they are failing all of the American People by denying the Constitution her right, through all of this what they have forgotten to mention is the CONSTITUTION, they are Bill Barr all over, they do not serve at the discretion of the Presidency, they serve at the discretion of you the people (the Constitution) they serve to protect and defend your civil and human rights to keep your freedoms, therefore, even though this corrupt President's approval rate is 49% remember within the next few weeks this to shall pass and you will go on to a more corrupt Government, so in the words of "Kung Fu's Cain choose wisely Grasshopper" for your Republic and Democracy does not depend on Graham, McConnell, Collins, Ernst, and the many more they like all of us in any position, in any endeavor are dispensable, one leaves a new one comes in, one is remembered the other forgotten, but the certainty is that you never want to be remembered for in a Senator's case deriliction of duty, though when the history books are written the majority will have passed but their bloodlines will forever be shamed.
2
Since all's fair in love, war and politics, except where specifically prohibited on pain of death or dismissal, doing the same and not having it be enough to disqualify one from the oval office should apply to any candidate for that office, not just a sitting president. Let's open the door to any candidate who wants to bribe or extort assistance in smearing his/her rivals not matter the source. Can you imagine the dirt that would turn up on trump if the bribe was big enough or the extortion threat powerful enough?
1
How can anyone believe he "will be much more cautious in the future"? This is a man known to seek revenge, and is now without any restraints.
3
Democrats can't be surprised at this outcome..when they knew ahead of time there was no way they could get 2/3 of Senate to vote for removal..
--A push for official censure should have been part of the discussion.. but Dems opted not to pursue this.
--- It was always going to come down to the November election.. Now Democrats need to seriously get their act together after that Iowa fiasco..
44
@mike
Why did Republicans not exercise the same judgment 25 years ago when it came to Bill Clinton? They knew they did not have the votes to convict him yet they still proceeded with impeachment.
8
@mike They dis what anyone with a sense of decency would do. Sometime we must undertake the Quixotic quest and dream the impossible dream.
4
@mike It is too late. The election is already lost.
Somebody just send her back to Maine, for good. And if she does stay in office, then somebody get her some good speech therapy so she doesn't waste so much time trying to get words out of her mouth when she's hogging TV time.
1
I just donated to "anyone that runs against her."
Nothing moderate about her.
2
It seems like such a long time ago I had some respect Collins.
1
The most underwhelming Senator in the Senate. How she got the reputation she has is mystifying to me. The press needs to stop lionizing her as some bastion of sensibility. In the end, she's all about platitudes and political survival.
5
Susan Collins voted the exact same way when President Clinton was accused of wrongdoing. The Democrats did not complain back then. Are they angry she is voting not to acquit now because it is President Trump a man they hate. Probably.
2
"Leave it up to the voters in November" they say. That will be useful only if we roll up our sleeves and work with and donate to the activist organizations working against the many forms--bound to increase and worsen-- of voter suppression. We have 2 jobs now: support our candidates, and protect election integrity. When the president asked for foreign help to cheat in the 2016 election, and retains his power, unrepentant, you can bet he and the Goons of Putin will do it again since the Republican senators didn't think it was behavior worth dealing with. ONWARD!
4
Collins is just like Sir Robin in "Monty Python and the Holy Grail".
She has a history of "nearly" doing the brave or right thing.
1
Next time I am called for jury duty, I will remember the Republican standards-conduct wrong, but acquit.
Regarding Collins....I stopped believing her a long time ago. She no longer fools me. Her inner Trump wins out every time.
I am sick of hearing about the upstanding Republicans who don’t agree with “the style” of Mr. Trump but do nothing to stop it. I concluded there are no spines to be found in the Republican Party. Either that or they are all like Trump and have waited many years for a man like Trump to say out loud the things they always believed.
7
Is it just me? Or does anyone else feel these republican politicians are guilty of their own kind of quid pro quo?
6
This is a very serious crime that is a threat to America's democracy. The Trump republican party is morally bankrupt. All the republican senators who voted for no witnesses, no fair trial, and acquital need to be removed from office by the voters. History will not be kind to those who covered up for the Presidents serious crimes against democracy just to stay in power.
3
We need to clean house!
Senators like Alexander & Collins say DJT was "wrong" or "inappropriate" then violate their oath by saying they will vote to acquit.
We need to protect our country and our Constitution.
Enough of Susan Collins' hypocrisy and the lie about her being a reasonable moderate. At voting time she stands with all of the other GOP co-conspirators. How can she say DJT has "learned from this case"?
Trump has learned only one thing - that he can do whatever he wants without fear of being held accountable by the GOP sycophants. They are a spineless bunch with absolutely no moral compass.
Let's restore democracy and vote them all out in November,
4
I consider Sen. Collins a political washout. Zero.
4
There is no surprise here. Susan Collins has sold her soul to King Trump the corrupt and his Spider, Lord Mitch. Susan Collins is still trying to run as a moderate but this move to make a mockery of the core tenets of our constitution has removed any small pretense she anything but one of the corrupt. Her tsk tsking when Adam Schiff commented how deserters to cause Trump will find their head on a pike was rather sad. Is she so ignorant of how the President at whose feet she is laying down her career is destroying our constitution? Has she stayed completely deaf to his name calling of anyone who defies him? She doesn't understand her job, but I understand mine. I have written about her. I have gotten letters in our local paper lambasting her betrayal of the people of Maine. And I will continue to do so. Senator Collins, I introduce myself: I am one of the people if Maine who will work to unseat you. Welcome to your end.
10
As a Democrat I am ashamed of having Trump as President, he is racist, Islamophobic, and uses the Government at his likening, it does not matter if it is constitutional or not. I hope the Democrats will come up with a Candidate, who will be able to defeat him, and I hope that candidate would be Bernie Sanders, with Elizabeth Warren as his Vice-President, and Joe Biden down the road will be Secretary of State.
2
Donating to her opponent. Same with McConnell, Graham, etc. Small amounts but worth every penny of I never have to read about any of them again..
4
Is it really so consuming being a senator that so many sell out the country as well as their souls?
Collins cynically tries to thread the needle, but self-interested actions speak louder than words. She went along with sham denial of Judge Garland. Voted to seat Justice Kavanaugh. Hear witnesses? Nope. Acquit Trump? Yup.
7
With a carnival barker in the White House, an elephant for a mascot and Gumby-like contortions from their Senators and Representatives, the Republicans would make a much better circus than political party.
4
Given many Republican senators have said that Trump was wrong, can the Senate not address Censure?
5
The Republican National Corruption Committee has damaged the Constitution, the Presidency, and the Senate.
There is little doubt that Trump will use this GOP Seal of Approval to bully other nations who receive aid from the US.
There is little doubt that Trump will use it to ask foreign intelligence services to dig up information on anyone who makes him unhappy or whom he wants more control over.
There is little doubt he will threaten to use this authority in order to get GOP Congress further under his heel.
The first time he uses this new authority to go after someone who voted to acquit him, it will be really interesting. Do they not know he has no loyalty or honor?
7
There is something seriously wrong with anyone who would vote to acquit a dangerous demagogue. DT let everyone know that he was that kind of person even before he ran for office. Sadly, Senator Susan Collins is stooping to what should be beneath her as a human, a Congress person, and as a woman. I don't know what is wrong with her thinking, but it is time to leave office with that kind of thinking!
15
Quite calling Collins a "moderate". When the votes count, she votes with Trump most of the time. She voted for Kavanaugh. She is voting against impeachment. I suspect the only reason she came out and said she was for witnesses was she was assured there weren't the votes to have witnesses, so she could go to Maine and claim she wanted testimony. If she thought witnesses were important, she should not vote to acquit. On the other hand, this process has shown the people what the Republican Party stands for, and it is not the rule of law, fairness, anti-corruption of fair elections.
17
She may not think it warrants his removal, but a vote to acquit certainly warrants the removal of any senator who has such little regard for the present and future of the United States.
26
I'm a democrat, but I hope Susan Collins is soundly defeated in the next election, her defeat as a referendum on honesty and integrity.
25
Why is this news? Everyone knew she would get in line. She always gets in line. She pretends to think hard about the line; she evaluates the length and breadth of the line; she considers what her constituents may think about the line. She then completes the pretense and gets in line.
26
If she were a moderate she will get together with Democrats to call for a censure as an alternative to impeachment. That may send a message to Trump. Right now he believes he is going to be a acquitted and I am sure he will make deals with the Turkish leader based on trump tower factors and let down our allies the Greeks. The same when it comes
To Taiwan, HK etc....
11
It's time for Maine, and all red states, to change senators. As was evident during the Kavanaugh hearings, the Republican members of the senate look like wax works and no longer represent the demographics of their constituents. Their primary concern is holding onto their senatorial positions. We need term limits because these jokers are so out of step with logic.
11
And she is 100% correct, this is no different than the Clinton impeachment (where it was clear he committed, and was charged with, a felony). Clinton was properly not removed from office either.
I believe Clinton was eventually censured, Trump should be as well.
And, as with Clinton, this should never have made it to the Senate, both were over-zealous political House moves, nothing more. The moderates in the House that called for Censure, not Impeachment, were correct.
2
@Marvin - Are you really equating lying about an affair with bribery?
7
With tomorrow’s vote, the Republican Party will effectively nullify without benefit of a constitutional convention or constitutional amendment the procedure for the impeachment of a president. The self-deified head of the party asked that this never happen to another president and thus it will be. There’s a reason the necessity of “criminal indictment” is left out of impeachment clauses. It is a political process to address political misbehavior resulting in a breach of oath. There is nothing in 229 years of history that says otherwise.
4
The whole point of the Republican Party is to make money off of people who want to stick it to their fellow Americans more than they want a functional country.
Republicans understand that they can get rich off of people’s ignorance.
Republicans understand that politics is a team sport, driven more by emotion than by intellect.
This allows them to divide people with wedge issues that they don’t really care about.
There is only one thing that the Republicans in government care about, and that is more money for themselves and their rich friends.
They have been getting away with it for 40 years, and they will keep doing it until people wake up.
They don’t care about the country or the American people.
Divide and conquer.
6
This stance could be assumed of Ms. Collins. There was no need for her to announce it. Her devotion to the Trump cause is well documented. Apparently, the people of Maine are OK with it. So be it.
3
“‘It is my judgment that except when extraordinary circumstances require a different result, we should entrust to the people the most fundamental decision of a democracy — namely who should lead their country,’Ms. Collins said.”
If a sitting president cheating in an election and publicly promising to continue doing so doesn’t qualify as an extraordinary circumstance requiring removal by the senate, then what - in Collins’ view - would?
8
The Senate is supposed to act as a jury deciding guilty or not guilty. She is essentially saying "guilty but the sentence is too harsh so innocent." How does this make sense to anyone?
4
Collins also voted for witnesses, presumably because she wanted the facts.
How is it now possible to vote not to convict, when she didn't have the facts?
Trying to have it both ways is like trying to do the splits over a chasm; it tends to end badly.
6
I, too, would endorse a censure, if the president hadn't already voiced and shown, time and time again, a disregard and disrespect for the Constitution and the norms of the presidency. If Trump was like most of his predecessors -- partisan in nature but respectful of the office -- I'd give him a pass. But this guy deserves only a one-way pass out of the building.
4
I'm so sick of these game playing, senior (age), too long in office senators. On both sides of the aisle, all the way to the top.
They've drifted so far from their original purpose to serve.
I long for young fresh faces with enthusiastic ideas and vision.
These politicians become corrosive to the process and no longer serve the needs of the people or the nation. Only to themselves and the next campaign.
Term limits.
7
If the outcome of the US Senate vote meets present expectations, it will be a turning point in the history of the nation, the movement of the centre of political power in the US from Congress and its two houses, to the presidency.
It will close the chapter opened by Abraham Lincoln on November 19, 1863, his 'new birth of freedom', and will mean 'that government of the people, by the people, for the people', has perished, at least for now, in the United States, replaced by government of, by and for the president.
In this new chapter, the president has only to believe that he (or she) acts in the national interest to do anything, even start a nuclear war.
Delusion is irrelevent, belief is all.
Vale rules based order in politics.
4
I just want to thank Senate Republicans for holding the president and themselves to a lower standard, and for lowering the criminal justice bar for the rest of us. Now I know that when I or someone I know commits a legal violation I can refuse to go to court, answer subpoenas, submit any evidence, or supply witnesses. I can ignore the entire criminal justice system. That's great! Thanks Susan! Thanks Mitch!
5
Susan is one of many who are the best reason for term limits. Both Parties have folks who have been around way too long and just vote the Party line so they can keep the power and the job.
3
All of these senators should be required to produce a financial statement once a year. In fact all politicians on the national level should have their finances scrutinized. I can smell sellout in the air. No one should be surprised by the money changing hands and back room deals and threats. No one in that party thought trump did anything wrong. What does that tell you?
3
Americans should decide whether or not they want President Trump removed from office not the Democrats. They are angry that he won the race rather than Hillary Clinton. That is what the voters wanted when he won with the electoral vote. Let them decide again in 2020. They can make up their own minds and not the politicians.
@KMW He won the electoral vote, but it wasn't what the voters wanted. They will probably decide the same in 2020, but we'll see if the right states agree.
The dude shook down a foreign country to investigate a political rival. The Democrats had a principle to uphold and no matter the outcome they did the right thing. Most of America agrees and posterity will to.
The Republicans ONLY know how to do things for the Right.
3
She wants it both ways. Keep the power and appear upright. She is up for reelection I hope the voters are not fooled, by her betrayal of their best interests. . .
3
See how much free publicity she gets for her pretense? The vote for witnesses was her trying to play sides. Her vote for witnesses was her excuse for acquittal. Just like Kavanough. she will say without further witnesses she hasn't enough information to hold Trump accountable for his transgressions. The press should stop giving her so much attention and attributing her ethics she does not have.
2
If Senators are not going to do their job, taxpayers should not have to continue to fund their salaries.
2
If not these, under what "extraordinary circumstances" would Collins ever vote to remove a President of her party? Is that standard the same for the opposing party? I feel all of this faux fretting over "bad acting not warranting removal" is payback for Clinton's non-removal. But what person can honestly equivocate those events? If the same, then she must certainly be in favor of censure .... and disbarment, that is, if Trump had such an honor to remove. He's already been stripped of his ability to run a non-profit, shown he's incompetent to run a casino, a university, etc, etc. I suppose it's sufficient punishment to tsk tsk on the Senate floor and enthusiastically support his re-election. Media -- please, let's stop giving Collins the stature and air time she does not deserve.
2
goodbye ms collins. never could figure out which side of your 2 faces i should be paying attention to. in either case, neither one was trustworthy nor reliable.
3
It seems absurd that Republican politicians are concerned about Trump’s behaviour, yet balk at actually doing something meaningful, to make Trump accountable for his actions.
Trump is not going to change. His pattern of behaviour now is the same as his behaviour, before he became President. Republican politicians had the opportunity to hold Trump to account, and they failed the American people.
1
These Republicans, they want to buy a conscience for themselves while supporting Trump, to not lose too many votes on one side while grabbing as many as possible on the other one and get re-elected.
But they call themselves people with principles so it must be ok.
Vote all of them out!
1
Collins mirrors others rationalizing their votes normalizing indefensible behavior. At bottom she would vote to convict a democratic President under the exact evidence as would every GOP Senator. Mouthing let the people decide ignores denying the public witnesses and documents crucial to making an informed judgment. Trump obstructs Congress the Senate obstructs we the people.
Does the public have a right to know? 75% of Americans favored more evidence but GOP loyalists voted against the public interest. Now they expect the public to endorse the Senate voting before hearing and viewing readily available documents.
A pledge of allegiance vote to acquit Trump guarantees two things: no exoneration due for a sham trial; and this story does not end. Facts damaging to Trump and GOP Senators surfaces daily death by a thousand cuts, Bolton's book surviving more Trump obstruction, FOI inspired document releases, the media and Congress combine to prove a cover up. Chew on that McConnell.
Way to play both sides of the line, Ms. Collins. Another non-committal, obfuscating politician, more concerned about trying to keep her job rather than doing it.
2
Trump has “learned from this case and will be more cautious in the future.” Trump? Learn? What in the world is she basing this on? I know she knows better. She’s not competent to serve in the Senate.
3
@Plumeria He learned that the Senate is spineless. Why would that motivate a check on his behavior?
Many of us in Maine are utterly unsurprised by Collins' latest evidence of handing the representation of our state over to Mitch McConnell.
Can't wait to vote her--and all Repubs--OUT.
7
Reelection, front and center. Can we ignore her and any politician who follows guise, self-interest, and pretense?
A senator who thinks (or tries to make me think) DJT has learned a lesson of sorts and will from now on be more smart, cautious and ethical needs to be replaced in the Senate just as desperately as we need a replacement in the Oval Office. It actually would be better to not say anything like most of the "sold out" tribe before they became infected, Ms Collins.
5
What stands out mostly, when viewed from this side of the planet, is that the Republicans are guilty of both abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, easily at the same level as Mr Trump's original transgressions, in an all-out effort to retain power.
Why is it that the autocracies of the world secretly long for democracy, and the democracies of the world secretly long for autocracy?
3
Collins and Murkowski doing what they always do. Cave in to their party.
4
@cl
Hive mentality.
Oh for God's sake. Is there anyone who believes Collins is a moderate anymore? Or that she would do anything other than tow the party line? Her justification for voting to acquit is lame and her belief that Trump has "learned from this case" is laughable. She should start looking for another line of work because, come November, Maine is going to elect someone they can trust. And with a lot of hard work and no thanks to anyone in the GOP, hopefully the U.S. is going to elect someone they can trust again, too.
7
Why would anyone expect anything else?
We've seen this act on every major decision for several years.
It's up to Maine to decide her future.
3
She got a hall pass from McConnell to vote for witnesses, knowing that ultimately there wouldn't be any, but she couldn't get one to remove Trump. Good, obedient Republican. Let's see if Maine puts her back in.
4
She was doomed when she voted for Kavanaugh. Clearly she has no conscious for women or anyone else for that matter including our dedicated military who fight and dedicate their lives....or for the dedicated State Department employees who took a risk to testify. She needs to go.
2
I wonder if Collins and the rest of the Republicans have seen the video of Trump's disgraceful behavior while the National Anthem was playing at the Superbowl. As the anthem is playing on TV at his resort, Melania and Baron are standing motionless with their hands over their hearts, while Donnie is acting like a conductor, waiving his hands to the music in a mocking manner and then pointing to people around the room. Republicans won't care, but I wonder how it will play with the military and other respectful Americans.
5
@jas2200 trump's Super Bowl party at Mar a Lago cost the taxpayers $3.4m.
Downright comical. This dark comedy turned tragedy we are living through. When and how will it all end?
3
I haven't been this excited to vote since Barak Obama ran for president in 2008. I truly cannot wait to vote against Susan Collins this fall.
5
She will always support trump. Why does the media continue to portray her as something different.
If Trumps’s behavior was not an impeachable offense, then what would be considered an impeachable offense.
The republicans have just given the trump a blank cheque due to fear.
2
Clinton was acquitted by the Senate as well. What is different is that Clinton then went on national tv, apologized to the American people, and expressed contrition and remorse.
Trump is NOT going to admit that he did anything wrong, he will NOT express contrition or remorse. No, Trump is going to exult and claim victory!
The Senate needs to censure President Trump in order for the man to get the point.
5
How anyone can argue that Trump's obstruction of congress was wrong but does not merit removal from office is beyond my comprehension. It sets a dangerous precedent that a president can utterly and totally refuse to cooperate with legitimate oversight by congress and not face any consequences. Just wait until the next time the Republicans try to investigate a Democratic president.
It is also the height of hypocrisy that at times around 60-70 percent of Republicans wanted to impeach Obama for actions that were much less "wrong" than Trump's.
1
Sure because Trump only violated election and campaign finance law and obstructed the investigation this one time and he's learned his lesson. Never mind that he's an unindicted co-conspirator in the payoffs to women by Cohen and the ten counts of obstruction listed in the Mueller report. Collins, Murkowski, Alexander and the rest of the Republican senators simply don't want to preclude their party's best candidate from running in 2020 and that is a higher priority to them than anything else. That's all this is about.
3
Thank you Senator Collins for doing the right thing.
Again.
1
There’s absolutely no surprise here. I lost all hope of her ever being reasonable when she voted for Kavanaugh.
I hope Mainers replace her in November. Time to make a donation to Sara Gideon!
I'm so tired of hearing Republicans characterize the impeachment as not trusting voters to render their own judgement about the Trump's behavior. The man was blatantly, clearly trying to put his thumb on the scale because he fears he would lose an honest election.
2
This sort of behavior was called collaboration in post-Liberation France in 1944. For Republicans, it bears no taint. Let's change that.
2
Susan Collins thinks Trump has "learned from this case." Really?
What evidence in the entire universe would make hr think this?
I am ashamed to have thought she could be real.
4
Well, let's follow these Senators lead ..."let's not subvert the will of voters" and see what happens. Perhaps we will vote them and DJT out in November 2020.
1
No ability to think of anything beyond their re-election nor a moral conscience amongst the lot of the GOP.
1
Collins is an opportunist who has somehow conned the media into calling her a moderate. You can bet that if it had come down to her vote as to whether or not witnesses would be called, she would have voted against it. The only reason she voted to call witnesses was because her vote would not change the outcome, and she is trying to court anti-Trump/McConnell votes because her re-election is in jeopardy. Had her vote mattered, just as she has in the past, she would towed the line like the good little Trump/McConnell soldier that she really is. I do hope Maine voters remove her from office. And I do hope the media stops calling her a moderate. It's like Trump saying he did nothing wrong. Repeat the lie over and over again and it becomes reality.
9
When Collins is defeated in November, she'll be superbly qualified to join the private sector by opening Maine's first Waffle House.
3
We know what Susan Collins will vote. We know what Lisa Murkowski will vote. What will Mitt Romney vote? That is now the main question.
2
Sen Collins you know DJT is so undisciplined the question of his abuse of power, obstruction of Congress from the office of the President or some new odious self-indulgent action will arise again, perhaps before the fall election and certainly should DJT be reelected this year. Assuming, of course, Democrats do not self-destruct in the House elections this fall what is equally likely is you will not be in the Senate for the second round of impeachment.
Trump definitely learned a lesson from this. He learned he can do anything and get away with it with the Republicans in the Senate.
3
The Democrats hurt themselves and their case every step of the way. Secret hearings in which they alone could call witnesses and put spin testimony no one had heard--we still don't know what the IG testified to and it's been classified in an attempt to keep it that way; Allowing the Intelligence Committee to conduct an inquiry and issue subpoenas prior to vote; using over the top and inaccurate statements to suggest wrongdoing far beyond what the evidence showed--what happened to bribery and treason charges; allowing someone (Shifty Schiff) who lied, blatantly and frequently for more than 2 years, to lead both the investigation and the trial; identifying the proceedings either as a legal or political process to suit their purposes at a given time. . .the entire approach was highly partisan, tone deaf and without precedent, especially the mad rush to pass the articles of impeachment and to argue that the judicial branch was unnecessary to the proceedings. Now Trump is riding high, Democrats are going to be stuck either with Bernie or a very tainted Biden as their candidate and the House may very well be turned over to Republicans. Since Democrats think, as Trump does, that their approach was perfect, and naturally have the backing of the MSM, they will learn nothing, confirmed by many of the comments here, and Trump will crush them in November, which will surely prompt them to make false allegations and continue down the same losing road they are on
@Peter The Republicans called witnesses, and they could attend the secret hearings.
I live on the other side of the country but I will be donating money to Collins’ opponent. It’s high time for this charade to end.
4
If Collins indeed feels that Trump's conduct was wrong, maybe it would make more sense if she were to promote a Congression Censure of Trump, as an alternative to his removal from office?
Why do the members of the press still bother to interview Lucy prior to every football game?
I thought she was smarter than that.
I suppose the fear of a reelection defeat trumps everything.
That’s our Susan. Frequently disappointed. Always disappointing.
3
Collins doesn't get any more than the other 99 do.
Pelosi never intended for the Senate to put Trump on trial. She intended for the Senate to put the Senate on trial. Perhaps Collins doesn't notice she's fired another bullet into her campaign for re-election. Next week Trump will be shoving words into her mouth that she never said, angering voters in Maine even more.
Pelosi's calculator shows she need only shift the needle a few senators, and then Trump will have run out of usefulness whether he gets re-elected or not.
”In an interview with CBS, Ms. Collins said she believed that Mr. Trump had “learned from this case” and that he will be “much more cautious in the future.”
Are you kidding? Trump hasn't learned anything and will not be more cautious. He will continue his corrupt behavior, knowing that he will never be held accountable.
1
"Wrong". So, using taxpayer money intended to help Ukraine fight Russian aggression to extort the president of Ukraine into announcing a needless investigation into a political rival for the purpose of smearing that political rival is just "wrong". I wonder if Trump had tried to extort Zelensky into announcing an investigation into Senator Collins if she would think that was just "wrong", but not an impeachable offense?
Humpty Trump will fall off the wall sooner or later. But for Senator Collins and all other senators to not vote for immediate removal of Trump from the presidency shows they, along with Trump, do not believe in the United States Constitution. They do not believe in our country or the people they are to represent. Trump, his administration, all elected officials who support Trump have altered our system of government. There has been a coup d'etat and no one is talking about it. We don't even have the judicial system nevermind the Supreme Court, to protect our Constitution and our country. The checks and balances of the government are gone. Yes, there has been a coup in plain sight! We are all going to suffer for it.
An acquittal vote by Susan Collins does not come as a surprise to anyone remotely conscious of national political discourse. It is time for the people on Maine to retire her. She has done enough damage to the nation.
1
Of course, Collins is voting to acquit. She always votes against the best interests of Maine voters except when she has nothing to lose.
2
The State of Maine deserves better. But then again the State of Maine elected Collins. Perhaps they're a good fit.
2
You get what you vote for.
Shame on Susan Collins. The president's conduct was wrong, is wrong, and will always be wrong. His actions and the actions of those he directed more than reaches the threshhold for high crimes and misdemeanors, thereby impeachable. The charges themselves are back up by credible evidence and witnesses. The cover up by the White House and executive branch is staggering in its scope and detail. Isn't it time GOP lawmakers took off the blinders here and showed some concern for the future of the Republic?
Collins and McConnell ought to be wary of Trump because one of the first things authoritarian leaders do is purge their own ranks any who could challenge their authority. While Trump owes his survival to them he’s a sore winner almost as much as he is a sore loser and will look unkindly on them for any challenge to his power in the form of investigations and impeachment to have even gotten started. They may have the first heads to roll once their current usefulness has ended.
1
She just does whatever McConnell tells her to do while grabbing a few easily digestible moments in the spotlight. She's a stooge, a relic that needs to be retired in November. I donate every paycheck to help that effort.
1
For all the malarkey about her moderate credentials, she is, at the end of the day, a conservative Republican and Trump enabler. Vote her out!
1
Senator Joni Ernst, Republican of Iowa, adopted the argument "to remove the president months before the election would be to subvert the will of voters".
Wrong! The very system we use to select our president subverts the will of the voters. That's how a loser wins the presidency despite getting 3 million fewer votes.
271
@MikeB: I keep hearing Trump lost by 3 million votes. That’s simply wrong. He lost by 11 million votes - you must include the all of the votes that were not in Trump’s column, including nearly 8 million votes for Johnson, Stein and ‘Other.’
Trump does not represent a ‘silent majority’ - he represents a belligerent, loudmouthed minority of American voters - the kind of people who show up at state capitols armed to the teeth and dressed for combat.
And knowing this, Trump governs by thumbing his nose at the majority, who despise him, at every opportunity.
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@Mike B I never understood that reasoning anyway. Following that logic, impeachment is always subverting the will of the people, so why is there even the option of impeachment anyway???
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@Mike B
Since more than 50% of voters think that Trump should be removed, I guess she means the minority of voters are the only ones that count for her.
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How many more times are Mainers going to let "Lucy" pull the ball away at the last second?
Every rationale Collins put forward was untrue:
1) The House didn't meet it's burden of proof! Baloney. The 17 witnesses in the House were so persuasive that Republicans knew allowing the witnesses (they and Trump were blocking) to testify would have made it impossible for them to acquit Trump.
2) Removing the President in the year before election was excessive! Trump was impeached by the House for cheating in the upcoming election. The Constitution states it is the duty of the House to investigate and the Senate to acquit or remove a President. The Constitution does not allow voters to do that between elections.
3) Conflicting evidence about Trump's motives! What other motive than cheating could Trump have had when he pressured Zelensky to announce investigations of Joe and Hunter Biden?
4) Trump has learned his lesson! Just like he did after the Access Hollywood tape, after criticizing gold star parents, after the Mueller report, after Senate Republicans voted against witnesses and Trump again claimed the call was perfect and impeachment was a hoax
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@B Yup, all Mainers fault.
The lesson he learned was he can do what he wants and the cowards will baaaaaaaack him up
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@Paul: Cowards maybe. But they appear to share Trump’s values and morals. They are Trump.
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The bottom line is this: there is no smoking gun. What were the democrats thinking???
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@cre8 What are you thinking? You're ignoring the evidence. If he's not guilty then bring in the witnesses to present his case. Prove everyone wrong and make us all look like fools. He is a criminal.
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@cre8 There were many smoking guns if you actually paid attention.
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Yeah, no smoking gun. That’s a laugh considering for the first time in impeachment history, (12 federal and 3 presidential impeachments) this was the first time no documents or witnesses were allowed in the senate trial. But keep telling yourself there was no smoking gun. The Smoking guns are everywhere and the smoke as thick as well, thieves, but if you want one from the gun itself, read Bolton’s book, you know, the one by the guy who wasn’t allowed to testify, (I hear he was some kind of National Security Adviser,) the guy who heard it first hand from the president. That guy.
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Is it possible that Democratic leadership is this incompetent?
They botch the impeachment and now this disaster in the caucus.
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@Open Your Mind Is it possible to write such partisan sentences? Yes, it is.
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@Open Your Mind
Republican careerist opportunism is to blame for the impeachment's outcome. Not House Democrats who put forth a case that would convict in any fair court.
And a software issue.
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Democratic leadership had nothing to do with the app used in the Iowa caucus. It was a decision by the local party and its volunteers.
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Simple explanation for Republican Senators:
We believe in Donald the most intelligent, best loved, most honest, and most venerated.
We reject the US Constitution to the extent it differs from what our Leader says.
We reject the Bible to the extent The Ten Commandments and The Sermon on the Mount do not reflect the practices of our Leader.
We reject those who would criticize or seek to undermine our Leader.
We are proud Trumplicans and we reject the impeachment as illegal, immoral and insulting.
All hail The Donald!
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I thought her speech was concise and compelling. She was honest and clearly pointed out the Democrats' double-talk and their failings, like not pushing to call Bolton. Collins does her homework. We learned that during the Kavanaugh hearing. And she did not disappoint this time. She's not an emotional basket-case...she's not a hormonal wreck...and she's never "fluttering". She's analytical and objective...exactly what a professional woman of substance should be. Maine should be very proud of her.
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@J. G. Smith If the Democrats had attempted to call Bolton to the House, they would have had to sue through the court system to compel him to testify, and the 2020 election would already be over before the SCOTUS ruled on the issue. When the issue is preventing the same kind of election interference in 2020 that occurred in 2016, waiting until after the next election kind of defeats the purpose.
That was the White House's strategy; they intentionally put the investigators in this position knowing that the choice would be impossible, knowing that no matter how bad things looked, the Mitch McConnell would protect Trump as long as the actual evidence were sufficiently stifled.
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@J. G. Smith: I donate every single paycheck to make sure they replace her. If by homework you mean 'votes however Mitch McConnell tells her to' - well .... she's the very opposite of analytical and objective. Maine should reject her soundly.
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@J. G. Smith
They did not need to call Bolton, the case was open and shut. Besides that, Bolton and others were prohibited from testifying in the House by trumpy. The Republican reasoning was summarized by Lamar Alexander on NBC. Alexander said that despite trumpy being a crook, he was their crook given the federal judge appointments, the anti-choice, the dirtying of the environment so that Republican-supporting coal plants and gas companies can thrive.
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It defies belief how anyone could hear the impeachment evidence and witness Trump's behavior in the past 3 years and still think he's been chastened and will be "much more cautious in the future."
Sorry, Senator Collins, but that's just wishful thinking.
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@catstaff , open your mind.
Most Americans agree that removal was not necessary. Sadly the Democrats have wasted so much political capital on this futile exercise. Poor leadership.
most Americans agree
And , Trump's approval rating is at an all time high. Latest Gallup poll released today:
https://news.gallup.com/poll/284156/trump-job-approval-personal-best.aspx
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I'll go you one better. That's magical thinking. She's got to go.
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They are just hedging - the senators are trying not to alienate as many of their voters as possible. I am sure some pr "strategist" or a focus group test concluded that saying that Trump was "wrong" but not "wrong enough to remove" will keep most people "happy enough" not to swear to never vote for this senator again. That is all they are thinking about and it has nothing to do with what they really believe and feel about the issue. In reality Trump did nothing wrong whatsoever and I am sure most Republican senators would privately agree with that.
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That Susan Collins is NOW developing a sense of right and wrong is ironic. Last week she said there would not be a fair trial in the Senate. Well, she guaranteed that. She also said Congress had behaved badly. She's right - she behaved badly when she chose to uphold a president who is trying to take the right to a free and fair election away from the American people.
Speaking of which, what's all this about how the Senate shouldn't remove somebody from office because the American people want to make that choice themselves? I am so tired of politicians citing "the people" when they want to bolster their own lamentable behavior. The American people made it clear in the polls that they wanted witnesses at President Trump's impeachment trial. Where was all this new-found piety then??
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Sorry, I was thinking about Lisa Murkowski, not Susan Collins.
Although I don't think either of them should be upholding the president in his efforts to take a free and fair election away from the people.
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@Cathleen - They're both on the take...
along with the rest of the republicans.
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Republicans keep saying that there should not have been an impeachment especially in an election year. I think it’s about time that the senate stop confirming judges and other trump nominees. After all it is an election year and nothing should get done in an election year.
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Assume a state criminal code were rewritten to provide life in prison without parole as the only punishment for a conviction. Someone goes to trial for stealing $30 worth of groceries from WalMart. There is no controversy, the accused stole the groceries. Will a jury convict, or will the jury acquit on the basis that the punishment does not fit the crime?
The authors of the Constitution provided specifically for the punishment, but made no specifics as to what crimes were worthy of such punishment. So, it is up to the jury to decide if the punishment fits the crime, even if the accused is 100% guilty.
I think that, in the present case, the punishment is excessive for the crime. The Democrats overreached by a mile. They should have moved for censure, not impeachment.
4
Susan Collins voted for witnesses knowing Democratic Senators do not have the vote for it. It was all for show. Remember the Kavanaugh furor? Same thing. Now she joins the entire republican party who have abdicated their responsibilities to their constituents in enabling this president. VOTE BLUE in November 2020. Take the Senate and presidency back and keep the House in Democratic control.
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So, what exactly would warrant an impeachment of a president? I'd welcome such a question when republican senators tell reporters that the president's actions were "wrong," but that they do not warrant impeachment.
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They say we should let the people decide with their votes but how can we trust the voting system with Mr. Trump has openly welcomed election meddling?
8