Archives for 2019

“The House of Representatives voted on Wednesday open debate on articles of impeachment against President Trump, clearing a key procedural hurdle that moved Democrats a step closer to final votes to charge the president with committing high crimes and misdemeanors,” the New York Times reports.

“The vote paved the way for six hours of what promises to be fierce debate about whether Mr. Trump should be impeached on two articles accusing him of abuse of power and obstructing Congress.”

The Washington Post notes the measure passed, 228 to 197, with two Democrats breaking with their party: Reps. Jeff Van Drew (D-NJ), who has signaled he is about to become a Republican, and Collin Peterson (D-MN). Rep. Justin Amash (I-MI), a former Republican, voted with the Democrats.

If the debate goes according to schedule — which is a big if — the final vote should take place around 7:30 p.m. ET.

Eight staffers, two advisors and the entire re-election campaign team serving freshman Rep. Jeff Van Drew (D-NJ) have resigned ahead of his expected switch to the Republican Party over the impeachment inquiry, Axios reports.

In his 6-page letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi, President Trump claimed those accused in the Salem Witch Trials had “more due process” than him.

Let’s fact check that with History.com:

Twenty people were eventually executed as witches, but contrary to popular belief, none of the condemned was burned at the stake. In accordance with English law, 19 of the victims of the Salem Witch Trials were instead taken to the infamous Gallows Hill to die by hanging. The elderly Giles Corey, meanwhile, was pressed to death with heavy stones after he refused to enter an innocent or guilty plea. Still more accused sorcerers died in jail while awaiting trial.

As bad as impeachment is, it appears Trump is still getting a better deal than the accused witches.

Walking to House of Representatives chamber, Speaker Nancy Pelosi says she’s feeling “sad” about the upcoming impeachment vote but wouldn’t comment further, telling ABC News that she will be taking the highly unusual step of speaking on the House floor.

“President Trump abused his power to cheat in the next election, then obstructed Congress to cover it up. The only question is: Will Members honor their oath to uphold the Constitution? History will remember the vote we take today.”

— House Intelligence Committee chairman Adam Schiff (D-CA), on Twitter.

A new CNBC poll finds 45% of Americans disapprove of Congress impeaching President Trump and 44% approve, little changed from September.

Of those who have an opinion, 10% say they are open to changing their minds and 11% are unsure.