A #SundayMorning thread deep dive with Kaz Weida
As the House prepares for a floor vote on articles of impeachment next week, we’re turning our eyes towards the Senate. Is there any hope that the GOP will conduct a fair and impartial trial based on the evidence?
If obstructionist extraordinaire Mitch McConnell and Trump lapdog Lindsey Graham have anything to say about it, the answer is a resounding no. Here’s how impeachment in the Senate is supposed to work:
- First, Congress investigates.
- The House of Representatives passes by a simple majority articles of impeachment detailing wrongdoing. Think of it as a grand jury issuing an indictment.
- The Senate tries the accused.
Except we have a YUGE problem.
Mitch McConnell
Mitch McConnell has been openly coordinating on strategy with the White House, leading to calls for his recusal.
“Everything I do during this, I’m coordinating with the White House counsel. There will be no difference between the president’s position and our position as to how to handle this to the extent that we can.”
Mitch McConnell, Interview with Sean Hannity, December 13, 2019
Does that sound like a man who could take an oath to be an impartial juror in good conscience?
And it’s not just Mitch McConnell who has already violated his oath. Predictably, Lindsey Graham is right on his heels, panting to curry favor with a corrupt President.
“…trying to give a pretty clear signal I have made up my mind. I’m not trying to pretend to be a fair juror here. What I see coming, happening today, is just partisan nonsense.”
Lindsey Graham, December 14, 2019 at Doha Forum in Qatar
Why all this positioning to exonerate an obviously corrupt executive? As you might expect from the GOP, it involves cash.
Senators with seats at risk face a tough choice. Impeach Trump & lose campaign cash & support from their own party. Or exonerate Trump & face the wrath of voters.
Which senators are most likely to support impeachment?
- Susan Collins, Maine
- Cory Gardner, Colorado
- Martha McSally, Arizona
- Ben Sasse, Nebraska
- Joni Ernst, Iowa
- Lamar Alexander, Tennesee
- Lisa Murkowski, Alaska
- Mitt Romey, Utah
Impeaching Trump requires a herculean shift in the Senate that just doesn’t seem possible. But let’s be clear. It’s not just Trump on trial. It’s the entire GOP & the Senate. And in the end, American voters will be judge, jury & executioner in 2020.
Originally posted on Twitter. Re-posted with permission.
