The U.S. is in the process of taking steps toward impeaching a president for the first time in two decades, yet the conversation has been minimized among those who should care.
Granted a person is not glued to live streams on YouTube, NPR radio or CNN, the latest popular news headlines have been bombarded with celebrity deaths, volcanoes, shootings, biased perspectives on Donald Trump, and everything but a simplistic and objective rundown of what is exactly going on with the impeachment proceedings.
But, who can blame the people who have intentionally tuned out of the messy conversation of impeaching the 45th president of the United States? From day one of his reign, political news has been cluttered with “he say, she say” fodder and ridiculous stories of scandal. Who wants to start and end their day with the avalanche of negativity?
On the other hand, this impeachment process is pretty historic, with only two impeachments, that of Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton, taking place in American history.
Andrew Johnson was impeached February 1868 for “high crimes and misdemeanors”, but remained in office. Bill Clinton was impeached December 1998 for obstruction of justice and lying under oath, but remained in office, as well.
In 1984, Richard Nixon was in the middle of the impeachment process when he resigned before the formal vote could pass. Many mistaken Nixon’s ordeal for an official impeachment.
Why Impeaching Trump Is Even A Consideration
On Wednesday, the House Judiciary Committee held a session to discuss the articles of impeachment, a set of charges against Trump to jumpstart the impeachment process. The session fell over into Thursday with Republicans and Democrats going head to head to debate, arguing points for and against impeachment.
Read The Nine Page Articles Of Impeachment PDF HERE
The articles of impeachment charged Trump with abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. The accusation of abuse of power is the result of Trump inquiring with Ukraine to investigate former Vice President Joe Biden while withholding aid that was already designated to the country.
Democrats view this sort of action as a high-level crime of quid pro quo (a favor granted in return for something) that “betrayed the nation”.
Trump is also in the hot seat for obstructing justice by withholding essential documents containing information and blocking the testimony of officials, ignoring House subpoenas.
For three hours on Wednesday, the panel of 41 representatives provided their input for five minutes each.
Rep. Andy Biggs argued that Trump has been harassed by Democrats for the last three years.
This President has done a remarkable job in spite of three years of constant harassment by the Democrats in this body and the media on the left of this country.
— Rep Andy Biggs (@RepAndyBiggsAZ) December 12, 2019
We have a great economy.
He’s trying to bring order to the border.
He’s restored the military.
And so much more! pic.twitter.com/DD2sXyxkIt
Several more Republicans animately expressed their frustrations for what they deemed a “witch hunt” by Democrats who are bitter about the results of the 2016 elections. Democrats retorted, stating why Trump’s actions were considered criminal.
We are not in this debate because the President did anything wrong or impeachable or criminal. We’re here because Democrats cannot accept the fact that @realDonaldTrump won the 2016 election. #impeachmentDebate pic.twitter.com/I24dxz1lGz
— Rep. Matt Gaetz (@RepMattGaetz) December 12, 2019
“If we decide the President is above the law, then we will no longer live in a democracy. We will live in a dictatorship—trading the values of Madison for the values of Moscow.” pic.twitter.com/Ri4IGzhWkw
— Cicilline Press Office (@RepCicilline) December 12, 2019
We are in this process because of the uncontested facts:
— Congressmember Bass (@RepKarenBass) December 12, 2019
President Trump directed military aid approved by Congress be withheld until a vulnerable ally publicly announce an investigation of the President’s top opponent in the upcoming election. pic.twitter.com/p9E7JLmcI9
The second day of debates included Republicans attempting to implement amendments to the articles of impeachment. Once this process is complete, the committee will vote to move the articles to the full House.
The House is likely to vote on the articles of impeachment sometime next week. Meanwhile, the Congressional Ball, in which both Democrats and Republicans are invited, is set to take place at the White House late on Thursday.
