From Rep. Jerry Nadler's (D-NY) opening statement today at the hearing where subpoenaed former White House counsel Don McGahn refused to appear:
Rep. Jerry Nadler: "We will not allow the President to prevent the American people from hearing from this witness. We will not allow the President to block congressional subpoenas, putting himself and his allies above the law." https://t.co/iwEhpwoUah pic.twitter.com/Aw7imGg0GX— The Hill (@thehill) May 21, 2019
BONUS: A dispassionate/ hopeful take (h/t Balloon Juice) --
21. She added: “This isn’t about politics at all. It’s about patriotism. It’s about the strength we need to have to see things through.” That’s not slow-walking impeachment. That’s saying we gotta do this right or don’t do it.— John Stoehr's Editorial Board (@johnastoehr) May 21, 2019
24. In general, though, I’d say Pelosi & Dems understand that they must get institutions on their side as much as possible. That means the public, the press, and the courts. That way, impeaching Trump does not look like it’s about politics.— John Stoehr's Editorial Board (@johnastoehr) May 21, 2019
That way, impeachment is patriotism.
4 comments:
Frustration compounded by inaction is making this issue a monumental disaster. I respect Pelosi and am glad for her leadership. I am hanging on to the fact that she, as a rule, knows and understands what's best for the Democratic party. But I also believe that we need those in charge to DO SOMETHING! Trump, Barr, McConnell and the rest of the Republiicans are laughing and completely unthreatened by our lack of cohesion and direction. Can we make progress on impeachment? Senators won't pass it, but don't we diminish the gravity of the situation by ignoring the crimes committed by Trump and his administration?
We have to do something. 2020 is in the near future, but we have a crisis on our hands now. We need to get testimonies, documents, and arrests. We have to charge and arrest the criminals we can get our hands on. I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired.
donnah -- amen! The unprecedented stonewalling is forcing Dems to stiffen their spines as a coequal branch of government. Pressure is building on Speaker Pelosi (who we also trust) and on her #2 (and Maryland's unfortunate contribution to the leadership) Steny Hoyer to at least authorize a vote to initiate an impeachment inquiry, which is an investigation and not a vote to bring impeachment charges against Trump.
I agree. The Dems are always ten steps behind. All of this BS they're going through now with these republicans should have been anticipated after the Barr summary. At this time it's all looking like too little too late.
The understandable frustrated urge to DO SOMETHING! is the best way to get stampeded into DOING SOMETHING! wildly counterproductive. For example, there is the rising tide of cries for impeachment. Whether Trump's actions are serious enough to deserve impeachment isn't the question -- he passed that threshold long ago. But there is no chance -- zero -- that impeachment could get him out of office, because we are not going to get 20 Senate Republicans to vote for conviction. And a failed impeachment would leave Trump stronger than before, loudly proclaiming vindication. That is, impeachment could well make the mess we're in even worse.
The House Democrats are not doing nothing. They're aggressively pursuing investigations on many fronts which will bear fruit when our real chance to remove Trump -- the election -- arrives.
I am thankful that we have a leader like Pelosi who can think more moves ahead than her critics can, and avoid plunging into some dramatic action for the sake of action which would be hugely emotionally satisfying for a week or two and then blow up in all our faces.
They will hold this President accountable one way or the other, yes. But do it in a way which will actually accomplish the desired result.
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