As the evidence mounts regarding Trump's abuse of office, the big question isn’t whether Trump has committed impeachable offenses, the record is clear on that, and will become even clearer and inescapable in the upcoming hearings. The question is how many Republicans in the House will vote to impeach.
On the vote to authorize the impeachment inquiry today, not one Republican, not even those on the three committees that have been investigating, not even Francis Rooney who had said he was open to impeachment, voted to authorize the impeachment inquiry. To do otherwise would have invoked the wrath of Trump which they clearly don't have the guts to do.
But looking down the road, how can Republicans be moved to vote, yes, on impeaching Trump? Certainly, it is critical that the hearings be as fair and open as possible. The process should provide Republicans with no cover whatsoever.
Also, if the public sees the hearings as being very fair, then Republicans outside of Trump’s solid core base will lean more towards impeachment. Emboldening more Republicans to vote yes.
Hearing from the public will be of critical importance to Republicans on this issue, just as it was on Obamacare. Even after today's vote, it is critical that Republican reps be called or written regarding people's outrage that they would not even vote to authorize public hearings, given the safeguards for due process that were built into the resolution.
Hearing from the public will be of critical importance to Republicans on this issue, just as it was on Obamacare. Even after today's vote, it is critical that Republican reps be called or written regarding people's outrage that they would not even vote to authorize public hearings, given the safeguards for due process that were built into the resolution.
Finally, while keeping their prospects for reelection out of the equation is not realistic, their oath of office and civic duty must be called upon. That can only come effectively from fellow Republicans. To date, the sole Republican standing up for his country and justice is Mitt Romney.
Regarding the subpoena power, one thing that Democrats cannot allow is for Republicans to muddy the focus of the hearings by questioning whether Biden or his son did something improper. That is irrelevant.
Even assuming for arguments’ sake that they did, that does not change the fact that Trump used foreign policy for his own political gain. If they charge the Democrats with protecting Biden from corruption charges, Republicans should be directed to the Justice Department which I’m sure would be happy to look into those allegations, if they aren’t already. That is also the proper forum.
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