Shhhh! Dem leaders don't want to say 'impeach.' Bill Clinton's case explains why.

[DonViejo]

The top three Democratic leaders in the House — Reps. Nancy Pelosi, Steny Hoyer and Jim Clyburn — were all there in '98.

by Steve Kornacki / Sep.10.2018 / 5:32 AM ET

A majority of Democratic voters want President Donald Trump impeached, and, in at least one poll, a plurality of all Americans want the impeachment process to begin. And, regardless of their own opinion on the matter, nearly three out of four voters expect that Democrats will move to impeach Trump if they take back the House this fall.

But, of course, Democratic leaders want nothing to do with this conversation, even as Trump and his allies frantically try to bait them into it.

Each party's posture is understandable when you consider the earth-shaking upheaval that ensued the last time a full-fledged impeachment drive was launched on the eve of an election.

It was Oct. 8, 1998, less than a month before that year's midterm, and House Republicans were poised to use their majority to begin the impeachment process against President Bill Clinton.

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https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/shhhh-dem-leaders-don-t-want-say-impeach-bill-clinton-n907906?cid=public-rss_20180910

[JHan]

1. K&R

[phylny]

2. K/R

I agree with the premise of this article. First things first - let's get control over the House.

[oberliner]

4. This article is by Steve Kornacki

Much easier to read his writing than listen to him talking.

[salin]

5. Folks are so hard on Steve. I like his election coverage live, as well as his writing.

YMMV

[Wounded Bear]

6. He is a bit frenetic...

I can take him in small doses.

[edhopper]

7. Clinton was still a popular President then

He was in fact over 60% in 1998.

Trump is a terribly unpopular President who the majority of Americans regret he illegitimately took office.

Americans wants him gone and will support impeachment.

It's apples and oranges.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

8. Excellent point!!

[salin]

10. also the degree of seriousness of 'high crimes and misdemeanor' are rather different.

Lying about a sexual relationship; vs. Engaging in and lying about working with/coordinating election tampering/fraud with a hostile foreign government.

Not quite apples to apples comparison.

That said - I fully understand not running on it during the elections. Hell, Trump's going to keep the issue as part of the national conversations/campaigns - so the message is there. But I think running on a different vision of America than Trump's and different policies - and on aspirations of who we are and should be - will be more effective.

That said, candidates don't need to shrink away if the question comes up.

[oasis]

9. Don't need impeachment to stop Trump. nt