Yes, I know; the House impeaches and the Senate convicts and there is no way in the world that the Senate is getting to 2/3. So, President Trump will NOT be removed from office.
But should the House take it up anyway?
First of all, what are the political implications? Of course, two situations are never exactly the same and Bill Clinton was impeached for lying about sex during a civil deposition. What Trump did appears to be far more sinister.
But anyway…let’s revisit Clinton: in 1998, while impeachment was being debated, the Republicans held both the House and Senate, though the D’s picked up 5 House seats (no net change in the Senate)
In 2000, the R’s held onto the House though the D’s picked up 1 seat. The D’s picked up 4 seats in the Senate to get it to 50-50, then got to 51 when Jeffords became an Independent and caucused with the Democrats. Ok, Bush won the EC (due to Florida) but lost the popular vote.
What role did impeachment play in this? I am not sure though Clinton left with stellar approval ratings.
So, what are the views?
Some say that the Democrats are ethically and duty bound to at least seriously consider impeachment or start impeachment proceedings, regardless of the political cost.
Some say that the political cost wouldn’t be worth it, given Trump won’t be removed and it would be a distraction from the agenda.
Some say that it would make good political sense; that voters want it. (I disagree that “voters want it.”
So, where am I? I am torn and can come down either way.
I do not know what will happen.
Life of an old goat 