Only Impeachment Can Save Republicans - Stephens
If there’s one thing Republicans in Congress ought to consider as they weigh the merits of impeaching Donald Trump, it’s the story of the president’s relationship with Mike Pence. In December 2015, then-Governor Pence tweeted, “Calls to ban Muslims from entering the U.S. are offensive and unconstitutional.” In April 2016, Tim Alberta reported that Pence “loathes Trump, according to longtime friends.” In July of the same year, Republican strategist Dan Senor tweeted, “It’s disorienting to have had commiserated w/someone re: Trump — about how he was unacceptable, & then to see that someone become Trump’s VP.”
You know what came next. Pence turned himself into the most unfailingly servile sidekick in vice-presidential history. He delivered the evangelical vote to Trump. He stood by the president at every low point.. he betrayed his principles. He abased himself. Then Trump insisted that he steal the election. When Pence refused — he had no legal choice — Trump stirred the mob to go after him. The Pence-Trump story is also the G.O.P.-Trump story. It’s a play in four acts: brief resistance, abject submission, complete complicity and now bitter regret.
Regarding regret: It isn’t just that Trump managed to lose the House, the presidency and the Senate for the party. Or that most if not all of Trump’s policy victories (as conservatives see them) will soon be erased by the new administration. Or that Trump transformed the G.O.P. brand from one of law and order, of federalism and originalism, into one of incitement and riot, of cult of personality and usurpation of power. It’s that Trump turned against the Republican Party, a predictable move that somehow took the party by surprise. If the party doesn’t now turn against him, it will be tainted and crippled for years to come.
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The institutional case is clear. The president attacked the states, in their right to set their own election procedures. He attacked the courts, state as well as federal, in their right to settle the election challenges brought before them. He attacked Congress, in its right to conduct orderly business free of fear. He attacked the vice president, in his obligation to fulfill his duties under the 12th Amendment. He attacked the American people, in their right to choose the electors who choose the president.
More..
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/11/opinion/trump-republicans-impeachment.html
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Yea, I know, we don't care about the future of the Republicans and most here don't care about Stephens. Still, interesting.
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