Last edited Fri Jul 26, 2019, 12:54 PM - Edit history (2)
The story itself is bs. It's obvious that the "source" either wasn't in the room or doesn't understand how the impeachment process works - and probably both.
For example, the impeachment process isn't started by "drafting articles of impeachment." Articles are drafted and voted on AFTER the inquiry. Every Member of Congress knows or should know that. Nadler definitely knows that. So the idea that he would suggest "that several House committee chiefs begin drafting articles of impeachment against Trump" in order to start the process is not only specious, it's laughable. That's the kind of frame that would be made by someone who doesn't understand the process - and anyone who was in the room in a position to leak what was said would understand the process and know that Nadler didn't say any such thing.
Moreover, even if the committees wanted to draft articles, perhaps as an internal document to frame or focus their investigations, they don't need Pelosi's permission and Pelosi couldn't stop them if they chose to do it. They can just do it as part of their regular committee processes - staff draft things all the time for committee consideration and don't ever need the Speaker's permission. This would be no different if the chair wanted them.
This story was "leaked," reported on and written by people who aren't directly involved in this but obviously have a spin they want to sell.
So, yes. I'm disputing the story.