General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: ...(The bigger scandal) is the Democratic Party's refusal to impeach him for it. - AOC wow [View all]CarlitosMMT
(53 posts)Since there are so many that appear to be confused
It takes a simple majority in the House of present members to vote to impeach.
The Dems have a majority in House and therefore the votes to impeach.
The Senate then tries the Impeached with CJSCOTUS presiding (in case of the impeachment of POTUS). The House serves as the prosecution, and are referred to as managers. 2/3 Majority of members present is required to convict.
According to some, Dems shouldnt impeach because Senate math is bad. Extending that to its logical conclusion, Dems shouldnt pass any House legislation not likely to pass the Senate, let alone be signed by POTUS. Thats a terrible opinion that relegates the Dems to a junior or sub party status. I will change my voter registration to BURN IT ALL DOWN if thats the prevailing view.
A lot of legislation Pelosi has allowed and supports doesnt meet this Senate math test. But her argument is that impeachment is especially divisive (with the implication that it could backfire).
So the people against impeachment either believe Trump hasnt done anything to be impeached and/or that failure to convict would help him politically.
Looking at the evidence (Mueller report and beyond including his trade deficit terrorism and temperament of decision-making) and likely evidence (tax returns, IC whistleblower), it would take an especially perverted and mentally deranged populace for a failed conviction bid to help Trump politically (that would mean a deeply cynical view of the American people). We really need to stockpile guns and ammunition if this view is accurate (Sorry Beto and Parkland kids).
So if you are a Dem thats scared to impeach because of the political risks, it is better to do impeachment sooner rather than later. But if you are not scared per se but want impeachment to have the maximum political impact (like on Senate races), closer to 2020 elections is better than sooner.
The assumption is that Pelosi is in the latter camp but she has publicized the former view and we dont know where she stands nor understand her strategy and it would appear that neither do House members. Some believe she has signaled that she wants to be pushed by her caucus to impeachment so its not Pelosis impeachment of Trump and shes seen as doing whats best for the country (further strengthening the case for conviction).
As the de-facto leader of the Dems, the Speaker must do better.