Republicans Face Squeeze on Impeachment

Playbook: “Republicans are under intense pressure to acquit Donald Trump — whether they think he committed an impeachable offense or not. At this point, it’s all about self-preservation.”

“When Mitch McConnel signaled the trial vote would be one of conscience for members — and that he wouldn’t be whipping the issue — he was, some would argue, giving Republicans room to break with the ex-president. But Senate sources tell us activists and typical Republican primary voters are pushing them in the opposite direction. Some donors fear if more than a handful of Republicans vote to convict, there is a real threat of a third-party MAGA uprising.”

“Which is to say: This is not an easy vote even for Republicans who want Trump gone for good.”