After watching the impeachment debate and vote in the House yesterday, what were your thoughts? (If you need a quick video recap, go here.) What principles or arguments stood out to you? Which speakers did you like/dislike most?
The moment that stood out for me what when Rep. Lewis got up and spoke about his firsthand experience marching on Washington in the 60s for the Civil Rights Movement. Almost every other Democrat was met with a snide rebuttle from the GOP, but his speech was met with SILENCE. Because there is no snotty retort for a man who has looked an actual Constitutional challenge in the eye and knows the value of what is at stake. Even those insipid, wimpering man-babies in the GOP had the good sense to STFU and treat that moment with the gravitas that is richly deserves. They aren't worthy to sit in those same seats as Lewis is.
I thought Hakeem Jeffries,John Lewis,Schiff & Hoyer were moving. Everything the Repubs accused the Dems of was pure projection.They act just like the Orangemess,loud & vile. I have to breathe (& mute!)when Doug Collins yells. All in all,I took a screenshot of Nancy Pelosi with "President Trump Impeached"underneath !And very happy she is keeping the Articles of Impeach. in the house for now. Also,I learned that once a president is impeached,they become unpardonable,even by future presidents. Anyone else hear this?
CONSIDER THIS Israel P.M. investigated for 2.75 yrs formally charged this Nov ( bribery, fraud and breach of trust) BUT $3.3 billion U.S. aid goes to Israel ea yr WITHOUT HOLDS BUT $250 MILLION IS HELD from a nation under physical attack by Russia
I think Collins needs to be voted out. Of all the Republicans he was the loudest and the worst bully. I truly expected Jordan and Nunes to be the worst but Collins took the cake. I understand now why people come to despise politicians. I’ve never really paid that much attention to Republicans before.
Watching the Republicans was painful. McCarthy and Moones performed political theater like bad Shakespearean wannabes. Their cockiness is disturbing. Steny Hoyer was great, but Adam Schiff stood out. He was attacked several times, yet he still refused to be stirred by the GOP sycophants. Nadler handled himself well against the "bitter teenage girl" Collins yesterday. Collins' behavior is astonishing. He acts as if he's beyond frustrated with Dems, but he has no patience for process anyway. I will admit I yelled, 'SOLD!' after his ramblings because he sounds like he's selling something. Nanct Pelosi was fierce as always. There was one thing I noticed above all. Democratic party was calm, focused, and looked like all of us. Women, Men, white, black, Hispanic, Asian, everything! The Republicans were mostly men, couple women. All angry. All yelling. Some were fatter than others, their ties were different colors, they're all white, and Jordan wore a jacket. THEY ARE ALL WHITE.
I am so thrilled this morning. If we had not had our massive Blue Wave this would not have happened. I praise the 66 million people who cannot ever let Donald Trump get away with his destruction of our Countries Elections, Conspiracy with Putin, or any of his evil policies. HOORAH!!!! HOORAH!!!! HOORAH!!!!!!!!
Watching made me sit in wonder and admiration at the wise brilliance of the s Founders Adam Schiff evoked so well in the quote from Alexander Hamilton.
Tulsi Gabbard is a disappointment. Her non-vote was cowardly. She thinks she’s being middle of the road, when in fact, the republicans are using her. Her good friend, Trey Gowdy groomed her.
She has flip flopped on issues from the beginning & will continue to, just to get ahead, which I find weak and disrespectful to constituents.
I woke up worried this morning, worried for all the Dems in red districts doing their job, voting for impeachment, choosing country over party. The impeachment gives me no joy. More and more I think we are unlikely to win back the presidency and if we were to lose the House, I can’t bear the implications of that future. I believe it was the right thing to do, impeach him yes. But now is the really hard work of backing up the vulnerable Dems in districts that went for Trump. I am more frightened than ever by dullards that are Repub reps and what the completely amoral Fox News is willing to do to make sure Trump is re-elected. There is no lie they won’t tell which was made clear in the impeachment hearing. Does impeachment bring our party together? Does it make us stronger? I think this is a crisis beyond our comprehension.
Impeachment, the best Christmas present ever! I think Nancy Pelosi has proven herself to be a true political genius. She has completely stymied and outmaneuvered Mitch McConnell and he is furious! when he announced that she wasn't sending over the Articles immediately his voice was literally shaking with Fury at having been outplayed. There are more investigations going on and more charges may be added if I am understanding correctly to the articles of impeachment. That is why they are so narrow right now. And we know that. Deutsche Bank already turned over some documents before Trump asked courts to block. So the Democrats are aware of financial crimes already. This claim of executive immunity and Trump's attempts to block all his finances will be decided by the Supreme Court which they have fast-tracked to probably in April or March. So what's the rush, right Nancy? And since Trump has absolutely zero legal standing he's definitely going to lose that case even with some conservative judges on the court. And of course as more is revealed the American public will fully understand the breadth of all Trump's crimes. This is going to get real good real soon!
I figured it out - each sad Rethug explainer was a version of Louie Gohmert, right down to "my DemoCRAT friends". It's hilarious that they bring this act shamelessly to the biggest stage in the world, permanently dumbing down the House of Representatives in the process. The definitive moment had to be comparing Trump's impeachment to Jesus getting busted for obstruction of justice.
There are not enough words to describe how amazing Adam Schiff has been through this entire process. If there were not already enough white males running for President I would certainly wish he would join the race as he would be an incredible President. Since we have enough white guys running I'm just thrilled we have him in Congress hopefully for years to come giving the Dems leadership with the upmost integrity. (Bravo Nancy too - love her!)
It was difficult listening to the same lies repeated by the GOP and the repetition that, no doubt, they exchanged internal emails on. It reminded me of JFK's speech in 1947:
"(...) But most of those phrases and those pledges were contained in the platform adopted by the Grundy Old Party four years ago. They were filled with hypocrisy then. There is nothing in the record of the past two years when both Houses of Congress have been controlled by the Republican Party which can lead any person to believe that those promises will be fulfilled in the future. They follow the Hitler line – no matter how big the lie; repeat it often enough and the masses will regard it as truth. (...)"
It makes me sad that the citizens/voters are busy having a life (working, family, tending to illness of themselves or family members, trying to get healthcare, trying to work 3 jobs to buy their kids Christmas...) unable to stay glued to what's really happening so then rely on the words spoken as Truth. If they had the energy to fact-check would they? Or would they not because they assume the truth of the GOP who is lying?
Honest disagreements are ok but the GOP seem to not know what that means. And this is intensely frustrating to me.
Feels so much better to be able to sound off in more than 140 characters. The GOP did not come across as having much of an argument. It was as if someone took a bunch of predefined talking points, put them in a hat and everyone got to draw out a couple. They all said about the same thing and kept repeating weak arguments over and over. My favorites were the usual suspects: Nunes, Collins or should I say COLLINS, Gohmert and Lesko. Not for their eloquence but for their expected buffoonery. And they delivered! Gohmert was the best with his post speech meltdown. Except for a smattering of a few women, it was white guy after white guy. No diversity whatsoever. But it was nice to know that Jim Jordan owns a jacket. Oh, I should mention the moments of silence…really? Those were very awkward. I felt embarrassed and I was home alone.
Now on the other side of the aisle, there was diversity, there was eloquence, there was passion and there were many great speakers not to mention actual evidence to support the reason why everyone was there in the first place. Favorite speakers: Adam Schiff was excellent for his message, delivery and clarity. Made me wish he was running for President. Maxine Waters never disappoints and Ted Lieu is the voice of reason. My favorite moment was when Nancy Pelosi announced the vote passed and there was almost a celebration until she silenced the whole room with one quick “look”.
Maybe I am biased, but I thought the Dems totally outclassed the GOP. But it is striking that 2 groups of people can look at the same information and have polar opposite points of view. While I think it is very obvious that Trump has abused his power (and continues to do so), the GOP sees nothing. Not sure how they can sleep at night after defending such a despicable person as Trump. They must have to hold their noses to defend the GOP.
Sorry, did not mean to write a novel. Just had to get it off my chest….Thanks Amee
I was struck by the Republix' largely vacuous and unoriginal retread incantations throughout the day, as if by repetition they could make real their feigned outrage. The greater their volume the less coherent their comments, generally. The Democratic responses also carried some burden of repetitive drone, but Mssrs. Jeffries, Lewis and Hoyer absolutely gave pause. Mmes. Jayapal ("The President IS the smoking gun.") and Demings ("he's a habitual offender") were stellar as was the Speaker herself in her elegant, yet steely projection of control. But by far and away the historic benchmark was spoken and set by Congressman Adam Schiff. We owe him a tremendous debt of gratitude for their principled reminders about our nation's ideal and the reason we need to work to live up to it.
Speaker Pelosi, Senator Schiff and ranking member Nadler were AMAZING! The media isn't really giving these Democrats their due. They love to call us disorganized and snowflakes, but these leaders were smart, confident and UNITED throughout the entire process. Makes me proud and relieved that the most corrupt president ever has the stain of impeachment on his presidency, which he so rightly deserves! Onto 2020. Take our country back!
It was literally painful to listen to the hearings on NPR radio. I firmly believe Americans are living in two different dimensions. Grateful Speaker Pelosi may hold on to those articles in Merrick Garland time....
My only Christmas wish is that he is removed from office. Seeing as how this seems next to impossible, I am sincerely trying to find out why slapping the IMPEACHED moniker on his presidency really even matters especially if he shows no signs of contrition or change. If he’s allowed to run for office again... and I’m sure it’s going to be business as usual for the remainder of the year, truly, what is the point of impeachment? Is it just a black eye and nothing more? Impeachment sounds more like a moral victory with no chance of changing anything.
I tuned in just in time to hear the summary rant by McCarthy and the compelling and elegant conclusion of Schiff. Then watched the 15-minute vote tally, witnessing the Constitutional remedy for the wayward, undeveloped man-child that occupies the White House. The message was sent to the world: All is well with the United States of America.
I think this IMPEACHMENT of a Imposter's Stolen Presidency was long overdue; DT has been Disrespectful towards the Democrats since Republicans held Power over all (3) branches of Government, and since DT has Cultivated the GOP they have become sick-a-fant Cowards in defense of 🇺🇸/Constitutional Democracy!
Our National Security is not POLITICAL, Facts & Truth are not disposable, and White Man privilege to be Above the Law died with Slavery & Jim Crow Laws because NOBODY can honestly say that any other Nationality could get away with 1/3 of what DT has done since stealing his election via Trump 🇳🇱; and the 2020 Ballot Box should purge Republicans out of Majority Power so 🇺🇸 can begin to recover from damaging decisions accepted by Republican leadership that has allow DT to weaken our Country on the World Stage & Offend Majority of Americans Domestically!
I thought so many Democrats had Passionate, Truthful, and Powerful Speeches; but my top choice would be John Lewis because he has lived in the worst of 🇺🇸 to become a Iconic member for Congress, and I think of Elijah Cummings when I see John Lewis now!
I think it further clarifies the vast nature of the divide between the Republicans and Democrats in 2019. Everyone knows it exists but it's enlightening to see it played out in a famous arena. The key aspects for me is that the Doug Collins-led House Republicans are willing to punch below the belt and the House Democrats practice decorum. My concern is that the fiery nature of the GOP leaders appeals to their more unified voters and provides Fox News, etc with material to keep them angry, vindictive and, at worst, sinister. Reps. Kelly and Loudermilk, whose comments the anti-Trump brigade snickers at, will have their absurd bravado rewarded by their own. The bottom line is that the GOP is retaliatory and, with Trump as their head honcho, spiteful. The Democrats, as the Iowa Caucus nears, are splintered, That will get worse in February when Sanders supporters start hurling insults at the party's other factions. Perhaps the solution is Amy Klobuchar. For one, she has been uniquely successful at creating successful bipartisan legislation since entering the Senate in 2007. As far fetched as it sounds based on polls and odds, she may be the most effective candidate at bridging the gap between the parties. Otherwise, the pendulum of polarity will continue to swing dangerously back and forth and everyone in the US other than the mega rich will continue to suffer, as will the Earth. I thought Sheila Jackson Lee gave an excellent speech which is her norm as a powerful orator.
Mr Trump needs to allow witnesses to speak and provide paperwork to support his innocence. The debate regarding impeachment went exactly as predicted. As President of America it is not acceptable to withhold documents and witnesses. The President has a duty to follow rules of the land and constitution. Its not acceptable to just stonewall the Congress and American public.
The difference between the two sides has been on full display. One side conducting a serious fact based argument for impeachment, the other having a screaming fit about process. The serious side looks like America, the frat party looks like a bunch of old white southern men screaming “But ma slaves”. The GOP did not make one single substantive argument to defend the presidents conduct or his character. It is shameful that they put their party ahead of our country.
This is the opening salvo of the 2020 election campaign. Whether it helps or hurts Democrats remains to be seen. Congressional Republicans can't defend Trump's misconduct and abuse of power, so they have adopted Trump's stratagem of aggressive denial of wrongdoing and attempted to change the narrative to the "do-nothing Democrats" engaged in a partisan witch hunt. If facts and evidence were the criterion for judging the merits of the Democrats' case, Trump would be demonstrably guilty. What scares me is that Trump and his zombie army of GOP apologists, with the help of Fox News, have manipulated public opinion with disinformation and gaslighting as never before - and it works. They have categorically defied congressional subpoenas and shown that there is no real consequence for asserting immunity from the law. Authoritarian strongmen and anti-democratic regimes have seized control of governments around the world using these very same tactics. Democrats are facing an opponent who does not play by rules or norms of conduct that have been foundational to our democracy. Public opinion was successfully manipulated by disinformation in 2016 to tilt the election in Trump's favor, with Russian help, and Democrats are facing the same headwinds as 2020 rolls around. I'm not confident that the truth will out. Let's hope so.
We are our own worst enemy, shackled by hubris in the firm belief that America is the bestest ever, no competition, no close seconds, we are ordained from on high to symbolize greatness without equal. Worse, we believe this in the face of overwhelming evidence that America is hardly the shining beacon on the hill.
Our flashlight doesn't work.
“There is no need to sally forth, for it remains true that those things which make us human are, curiously enough, always close at hand. Resolve then, that on this very ground, with small flags waving and tinny blast on tiny trumpets, we shall meet the enemy, and not only may he be ours, he may be us. “
-Walt Kelly: Pogo
As a 12-year-old with a passion for politics, my mother gave me “Advice and Consent,” Allen Drury's Pulitzer Prize winning novel about politics.
Although published some 50 plus years ago, much of Drury's insights in his series on politics ring true today.
After watching yesterday's impeachment commentary and votes, I was remined of two Drury quotes. The first:
“Son, this is a Washington, D.C. kind of lie. It's when the other person knows you're lying, and also knows you know he knows.”
Yesterday was full of DC lies, mostly from Republican congressmen and women who have for reasons known only to God, hitched their wagons to the flaming star that is Donald Trump.
Truth be dammed. These elected leaders rancorously, vehemently and often very loudly shouted their responses to the Articles of Impeachment. While short of actual verifiable facts, the GOP went to their quiver and pulled out the arrows that have served them so well in the past (lying, character smears, calling people unpatriotic or traitors) and launched them at their usual targets: Democrats in general, Hillary, Biden et fils, socialists, Ukraine and anyone else handy. Again and again Republicans filled the chamber with their protestations while not actually defending Trump (and his minions)or his actions.
They can't.
As the vote on the first Article was announced, several members on the Democrat side deciding the movie was over and applauded. Thankfully Speaker Pelosi shut them down with a look my mother would have been proud to own (and would have used often).
Sometimes, it's better to keep your hands in your pockets. This was one of those times.
Shame on those who applauded.
Impeachment isn't American Idol or Dancing with the Stars. This isn't, not should it ever be, a popularity contest. Both sides have been making sure Americans saw a reality show, a morality play pitting good versus evil, our side versus your side, our team versus yours.
While politics is most certainly a blood sport and a team sport (a game I've played for decades), it is not, and should not be, reality TV. Nor should it be some game for who controls the playground when the United States is the playground.
What yesterday's impeachment did, other than to hold the President accountable for his actions and to re-affirm the Constitution's co-equal branches of government mandate, was to further drive a wedge between the right and the left (political and social). This division may not be mended in my lifetime or in the lifetimes of my children and grandchildren.
Democrats may crow that they got the President impeached. Republicans may crow that they won the day because he won't be convicted.
In reality, neither side won.
America lost.
America has been on the slide for quite some time. Gone are the days of community, the days of all sides working together for a common good. No longer do the tribes come to middle ground for the common good.
Today each tribe sits on it's corner of the Universe and demands their way or the highway, usually at the top of their lungs to a cheering throng of tribe members.
Compromise, once a hallmark of the Republic, is now thought of as a dirty word, unthinkable as a method of making decisions that affect us all.
Each tribe has it's own mouthpiece, that indefatigable megaphone of modern media, charefully crafted to the tribes stand on issues, complete with the tribe's own facts (whether they are real or imagined). These media outlets continually grind out a daily paneon to the tribe's favorites. More importantl;y, they use facts, semi facts and downright lies to preach to the masses, firing them up against the ubiquitous “them,” code word for any tribe that does not tow the others party line.
“Them,” whether it's political rivals, refugees or people of a color not like the tribe, must be not just put in their place, they must be humiliated, vilified and destroyed.
Take no quarter, for our countymen are our enemy if they don't believe as we do. They are wrong should they disagree with the tribe on the most basic of fundamental beliefs and rights. There is no common ground.
Nor does any side in this playground fight want common ground. They want the whole playground, all of it. Everyone else can go back to class.
There is also no truth. We have been told that there is not one truth, that there are alternative truth facts which must be granted as much creedence as proven demostrable facts. Mathmatical, scientific and other demostrable proofs are no longer relevant.
And The People eat it up. No longer do they have to read, analyze and pay attention. Now they can make stuff up, call it their truth and demand their truth be held in the same regard as honest to God real truth.
There is my tribe's truth, the other guy's truth, a truth that can't be proven unless one can fathom and follow the wildest prarie dog underground tunnel set up to a pre-determined destination.. Any attemp to refute that questionable truth is shouted down with the accusations that the deep state or others won't let the truth come out. There's proof but its too dangerous to release.
At the end of the day, it's all so much gradeaux, that all inclusive wad of mess my college roommate used to describe anything messy, smelly and otherwise nasty to the senses.
That's where we are folks, standing neck deep in a swamp of our making. We the People created the current mess. We the People are responsible for the people who supposedly serve the American people Sadder, we have let that concept do a 180. Now it is the politicians and the so-called elite who tell the Republic what to do, when to do it and how to do it lest members of the Republic incure their rath.
Because We the People have become an impotent herd of mostly sheep, sitting, complaining, but rarely do anything proactive to stem the tide of Big Brother border collie controling their every move.
We have become a Republic of couch potato, slogan yelling, sign waving, my way or the highway pedestrians in a world where pedestrians tend to get runover instead of having the faster objects yeild to them.
That's us, the best and the brightest attached at the hip to the worst and the most ignorant. Depending on the day and topic, it's often difficult to distinguish which hip is carrying the other.
As Mr. Kelly said at the beginning of this, we have met the enemy and he is us. We are our own worst enemy, shackled by hubris in the firm belief that America is the bestest ever, no competition, no close seconds, we are ordained from on high to symbolize greatness without equal. Worse, we believe this in the face of overwhelming evidence that America is hardly the shining beacon on the hill.
The flame in our lantern has been blown out. We appear to have no matches, no flint, no fire breathing dragon to religh the lamp. The Republic is now forced to wander the world without light, without direction and with no measure of what's out there in the rest of the world.
The man who inspired me often, Mr. Drury, at the end of one of his political novels, said this:
“Let us wear the crepe of morning for the country that once held the promise of joy.”
We have decided on this mediocracy, this third world status, this land of economic and intellectual poverty, this inability in the 21st Century to do nothing more sophisticated than to stand in a circular firing squad and fire away.
Can this change?
Who knows?
More importantly, does anyone care enough to do do something?
Both Pelosi and Schiff gave the most compelling oratories. The republicans in the House must be from another planet. What interests me the most is whether or not the lawbreaking loudmouth in the Oval can keep it together physically. He looks like death warmed over and it's clear to see that the pressure is getting to him. His legacy (?) hangs in the balance. Two questions: why are republicans so angry all the time and additionally worried about how history will judge them? Very perplexing.
Also, not related but kind of. My hubby and I were discussing how the religious (I prefer self-righteous) get stuck on only a couple of key subjects, ex: abortion, gay rights and will vote against their own interests. We’ve gotta figure out a way to educate instead of name calling people. Our educational system is broken & the powers that be want it to continue being broken. I’ve said for some time now that if they can keep people ignorant, it’s easier to control the narrative.
I watched what I could. I am just not able to stomach the lies being spewed by the GOP and although not surprised, I am disappointed that not a single Republican had the guts or better yet, honor to the Constitution and country to do the right thing.
In regards to the senate trial, I’m all for enforcing that it should be fair and impartial. Unfortunately, Mitch McConnell has insisted he is aligned with the president, and that by definition is the opposite of impartiality. I don’t know how we demand it, but I know we need to talk some sense into ours republican representatives.
I thought the Republicans made fools of themselves. It was extremely difficult to listen to them without shaking my head and eye rolling myself into the next dimension. The Democrats were more poised but I wish they were much stronger in points and did more fact checking against what Republicans had/were saying. I am glad Speaker Pelosi is keeping the articles in House, for now.
It was hard to sit through the Republicans' repetition of talking points that did everything but defend the President's actual conduct. The Senate trial will be more of the same BS with an outcome we already know. The Republicans have chosen party over country and have hinted that they will go after the next Democratic President as payback. Although I am relieved that Trump has been impeached, I feel like we gave a monkey a machine gun and G-d only knows how far down he will try to drag us on his way out. I also do not know when or if the rift between Republicans and Democrats can be healed. It's been heading toward the rocks since Reagan's first term but now it feels like we're stuck in a tar pit.
I dont want to point out some over the other dems. Some ppl drive it home better than others. At the end of the day their vote was their voice and they did the right thing. I am disturbed, beyond really, that not a single conservative could put party over country. Not.A.Sinngle.One. Before they started I was not only checking myself, because some dont seem to act like it, but itis a huge thing. When one is elected that I didnt choose I do what we all do in that situation. I hunkerr down and endure the next 4 until I get a chance again to use my voice with my vote. I had & have no desire to un-do an election, or have a president impeached on the grounds, well, thats too long a list but you get my point, but i checked myself to be sure i was sure it was the right thing, then I immediately went to having faith and hope in the GOP that I was going to see the severity of the current situation had occured to them, and they were going to put country over party. We know the outcome of that now & im still sad about it. Its about much more then the fact that ALL of them have turned their jobs into a high school arena. Nit just the GOP, but i knew that. The awful part is that because of theor partisan b.s. they really can not see a line in which they will not cross. They accused dems of a partisan impeachment, and myself nor anyone else can truly speak for anyone else regsrding one's sincerity, but most dems seem to understand that screwing with my vote is over the line that should be clear as day to all that it should not be crossed. It trampled our Constitution, but if im being honest (and i always am) its not like dems dont tread on my constitution from time to time. Am i ok with that? Of course not, but there is that line, and so far, not that i am aware of anyway, dems have not crossed that line, and they were sincere in recognizing it. Again theyplay high school parisan b.s. all the time,but when that line is crossed and shit gets real I better see ALL leaders of my country digging deep in their moral compasses and putting my right to vote, AND the security to know its an honest deal and counted fairly, over ANY AND ALL partisan b.s. PERIOD. If the shoe were on the other foot I'd have expected every member of the GOP to come rushing in and saving the day. But i didnt see that. Not a single one. That makes me truly want to sit here and cry. That may sound dramatic to some, it isnt. If it seems so I believe they are not taking this seriously enough. Not only is it terrifying that the GOP apparently really does not understand that it was time to put politics aside, but also that this isnt all on them. We arent here because the members of the GOP were brainwashed in a day and planted by aliens in our Senate. We are here because BOTH sides play bullshit partisan games apparently close to all of the time that the GOP are just trying to be the ones not to give in. This is what takes place in the peoples houses now. All day, everyday. I think its a possibility that we need to scrap all their jobs and start over. It does not change the fact however that not a single conservative Senator could recognize the line between their pissing contest, and that they were voting on MY right to vote in an honest and fair election next year and for all years. Thats terrifying to me. These people are driving the bus. Half of it anyway. How does this happen? In still in disbelief that not a single member would sack up for my voting rights. Its just as scary that their constituents do not recognize the same.
Sadly, I think that it was and is an exercise in futility even though I am convinced that this man should be removed from office ASAP. However, the "fix is in" in the Senate, and it was so disheartening to see not one single Republican vote in favour of either Article of Impeachment.
Congressman John Lewis stood out for me. His comment went directly to the point. The speakers that I did not like would include every one of the Republicans. With no legitimate defense, all they could do was shout that the Democrats were being political.
republic•nts had zed for defending scrotus; si, per usual, ad nauseum, they went on the offensive throwing as many shiny objects in the air as possible to confuse/redirect moronic magats. Ad Nauseum. 🤮Projection, thy name is GOP. 👩🎤♐️🌊
As a Democrat and 1st generation American, I cannot understand the complete lack of commitment to the American people and this great Nation. The only observation I can make is we lack a qualified candidate for the 2020 presidency, nor have we produced any quantitative positive reforms for the American people. So sad that we will probably lose control of the House!
Proud of Nancy Pelosi’s great leadership, embarrassed by the Reps from Ohio, Steve Chabot, who is intellectually challenged, (look up the shape of his gerrymandered district) esp. Jim Jordan, but now have added the guy who asked for 90 seconds of reflection for the 63 million people who voted for Donald Trump. And I’m embarrassed for the 63 million who voted for Donald Trump. Loved loved loved Steny Hoyer. John Lewis, too, and what Nancy said to Elijah Cummings after the vote.
I really want to understand the Repubs. I mean we’ll educated, leaders, elected, etc. Why do I have a much better understanding of the procedures for investigation, impeachment in the house? A few minutes in Goigle. Not rocket science. So so sad they’ve suspended rational thought as well as integrity. Relieved and very very pleased that maybe we won’t have an acquittal by MLK day. Moscow Mitch’s bold assertion that he, as Senate leader, was planning to acquit DJT in a sham trial was enraging. In Google I had learned that the Senators have to take a special oath before the trial. I guess they’re going to sell out God by taking the oath although they’ve already decided their verdict. It is all very interesting and I am overly engaged. I have felt hopelessness (and frustration) so often since The election of 2016. I kayes in the couch watching the whole thing, then went to right to bed exhausted. Ha, ha.
The moment that stood out for me what when Rep. Lewis got up and spoke about his firsthand experience marching on Washington in the 60s for the Civil Rights Movement. Almost every other Democrat was met with a snide rebuttle from the GOP, but his speech was met with SILENCE. Because there is no snotty retort for a man who has looked an actual Constitutional challenge in the eye and knows the value of what is at stake. Even those insipid, wimpering man-babies in the GOP had the good sense to STFU and treat that moment with the gravitas that is richly deserves. They aren't worthy to sit in those same seats as Lewis is.
Adam Schiff made the greatest impact. Clear, concise information dealing with the facts.
Every last Republican needs to be removed. Every. Last. One
I could not stand the repeating of falsehoods by the GOP.
I thought Hakeem Jeffries,John Lewis,Schiff & Hoyer were moving. Everything the Repubs accused the Dems of was pure projection.They act just like the Orangemess,loud & vile. I have to breathe (& mute!)when Doug Collins yells. All in all,I took a screenshot of Nancy Pelosi with "President Trump Impeached"underneath !And very happy she is keeping the Articles of Impeach. in the house for now. Also,I learned that once a president is impeached,they become unpardonable,even by future presidents. Anyone else hear this?
CONSIDER THIS Israel P.M. investigated for 2.75 yrs formally charged this Nov ( bribery, fraud and breach of trust) BUT $3.3 billion U.S. aid goes to Israel ea yr WITHOUT HOLDS BUT $250 MILLION IS HELD from a nation under physical attack by Russia
NOW THAT IS CORRUPTION
I think Collins needs to be voted out. Of all the Republicans he was the loudest and the worst bully. I truly expected Jordan and Nunes to be the worst but Collins took the cake. I understand now why people come to despise politicians. I’ve never really paid that much attention to Republicans before.
Watching the Republicans was painful. McCarthy and Moones performed political theater like bad Shakespearean wannabes. Their cockiness is disturbing. Steny Hoyer was great, but Adam Schiff stood out. He was attacked several times, yet he still refused to be stirred by the GOP sycophants. Nadler handled himself well against the "bitter teenage girl" Collins yesterday. Collins' behavior is astonishing. He acts as if he's beyond frustrated with Dems, but he has no patience for process anyway. I will admit I yelled, 'SOLD!' after his ramblings because he sounds like he's selling something. Nanct Pelosi was fierce as always. There was one thing I noticed above all. Democratic party was calm, focused, and looked like all of us. Women, Men, white, black, Hispanic, Asian, everything! The Republicans were mostly men, couple women. All angry. All yelling. Some were fatter than others, their ties were different colors, they're all white, and Jordan wore a jacket. THEY ARE ALL WHITE.
I am so thrilled this morning. If we had not had our massive Blue Wave this would not have happened. I praise the 66 million people who cannot ever let Donald Trump get away with his destruction of our Countries Elections, Conspiracy with Putin, or any of his evil policies. HOORAH!!!! HOORAH!!!! HOORAH!!!!!!!!
Watching made me sit in wonder and admiration at the wise brilliance of the s Founders Adam Schiff evoked so well in the quote from Alexander Hamilton.
Tulsi Gabbard is a disappointment. Her non-vote was cowardly. She thinks she’s being middle of the road, when in fact, the republicans are using her. Her good friend, Trey Gowdy groomed her.
She has flip flopped on issues from the beginning & will continue to, just to get ahead, which I find weak and disrespectful to constituents.
I woke up worried this morning, worried for all the Dems in red districts doing their job, voting for impeachment, choosing country over party. The impeachment gives me no joy. More and more I think we are unlikely to win back the presidency and if we were to lose the House, I can’t bear the implications of that future. I believe it was the right thing to do, impeach him yes. But now is the really hard work of backing up the vulnerable Dems in districts that went for Trump. I am more frightened than ever by dullards that are Repub reps and what the completely amoral Fox News is willing to do to make sure Trump is re-elected. There is no lie they won’t tell which was made clear in the impeachment hearing. Does impeachment bring our party together? Does it make us stronger? I think this is a crisis beyond our comprehension.
I can only take so much of the BS, lies, and yelling from the Republicans before I have to hit the mute button.
Adam Schiff ... Always concise, articulate, factual, on point, and consistent.
Impeachment, the best Christmas present ever! I think Nancy Pelosi has proven herself to be a true political genius. She has completely stymied and outmaneuvered Mitch McConnell and he is furious! when he announced that she wasn't sending over the Articles immediately his voice was literally shaking with Fury at having been outplayed. There are more investigations going on and more charges may be added if I am understanding correctly to the articles of impeachment. That is why they are so narrow right now. And we know that. Deutsche Bank already turned over some documents before Trump asked courts to block. So the Democrats are aware of financial crimes already. This claim of executive immunity and Trump's attempts to block all his finances will be decided by the Supreme Court which they have fast-tracked to probably in April or March. So what's the rush, right Nancy? And since Trump has absolutely zero legal standing he's definitely going to lose that case even with some conservative judges on the court. And of course as more is revealed the American public will fully understand the breadth of all Trump's crimes. This is going to get real good real soon!
I figured it out - each sad Rethug explainer was a version of Louie Gohmert, right down to "my DemoCRAT friends". It's hilarious that they bring this act shamelessly to the biggest stage in the world, permanently dumbing down the House of Representatives in the process. The definitive moment had to be comparing Trump's impeachment to Jesus getting busted for obstruction of justice.
There are not enough words to describe how amazing Adam Schiff has been through this entire process. If there were not already enough white males running for President I would certainly wish he would join the race as he would be an incredible President. Since we have enough white guys running I'm just thrilled we have him in Congress hopefully for years to come giving the Dems leadership with the upmost integrity. (Bravo Nancy too - love her!)
It was difficult listening to the same lies repeated by the GOP and the repetition that, no doubt, they exchanged internal emails on. It reminded me of JFK's speech in 1947:
"(...) But most of those phrases and those pledges were contained in the platform adopted by the Grundy Old Party four years ago. They were filled with hypocrisy then. There is nothing in the record of the past two years when both Houses of Congress have been controlled by the Republican Party which can lead any person to believe that those promises will be fulfilled in the future. They follow the Hitler line – no matter how big the lie; repeat it often enough and the masses will regard it as truth. (...)"
It makes me sad that the citizens/voters are busy having a life (working, family, tending to illness of themselves or family members, trying to get healthcare, trying to work 3 jobs to buy their kids Christmas...) unable to stay glued to what's really happening so then rely on the words spoken as Truth. If they had the energy to fact-check would they? Or would they not because they assume the truth of the GOP who is lying?
Honest disagreements are ok but the GOP seem to not know what that means. And this is intensely frustrating to me.
Feels so much better to be able to sound off in more than 140 characters. The GOP did not come across as having much of an argument. It was as if someone took a bunch of predefined talking points, put them in a hat and everyone got to draw out a couple. They all said about the same thing and kept repeating weak arguments over and over. My favorites were the usual suspects: Nunes, Collins or should I say COLLINS, Gohmert and Lesko. Not for their eloquence but for their expected buffoonery. And they delivered! Gohmert was the best with his post speech meltdown. Except for a smattering of a few women, it was white guy after white guy. No diversity whatsoever. But it was nice to know that Jim Jordan owns a jacket. Oh, I should mention the moments of silence…really? Those were very awkward. I felt embarrassed and I was home alone.
Now on the other side of the aisle, there was diversity, there was eloquence, there was passion and there were many great speakers not to mention actual evidence to support the reason why everyone was there in the first place. Favorite speakers: Adam Schiff was excellent for his message, delivery and clarity. Made me wish he was running for President. Maxine Waters never disappoints and Ted Lieu is the voice of reason. My favorite moment was when Nancy Pelosi announced the vote passed and there was almost a celebration until she silenced the whole room with one quick “look”.
Maybe I am biased, but I thought the Dems totally outclassed the GOP. But it is striking that 2 groups of people can look at the same information and have polar opposite points of view. While I think it is very obvious that Trump has abused his power (and continues to do so), the GOP sees nothing. Not sure how they can sleep at night after defending such a despicable person as Trump. They must have to hold their noses to defend the GOP.
Sorry, did not mean to write a novel. Just had to get it off my chest….Thanks Amee
I was struck by the Republix' largely vacuous and unoriginal retread incantations throughout the day, as if by repetition they could make real their feigned outrage. The greater their volume the less coherent their comments, generally. The Democratic responses also carried some burden of repetitive drone, but Mssrs. Jeffries, Lewis and Hoyer absolutely gave pause. Mmes. Jayapal ("The President IS the smoking gun.") and Demings ("he's a habitual offender") were stellar as was the Speaker herself in her elegant, yet steely projection of control. But by far and away the historic benchmark was spoken and set by Congressman Adam Schiff. We owe him a tremendous debt of gratitude for their principled reminders about our nation's ideal and the reason we need to work to live up to it.
Speaker Pelosi, Senator Schiff and ranking member Nadler were AMAZING! The media isn't really giving these Democrats their due. They love to call us disorganized and snowflakes, but these leaders were smart, confident and UNITED throughout the entire process. Makes me proud and relieved that the most corrupt president ever has the stain of impeachment on his presidency, which he so rightly deserves! Onto 2020. Take our country back!
A lotta angry white men yellling
Hoyer and Schiff slayed it. Republicans leaders not so much. We are headed for civil war.
It was literally painful to listen to the hearings on NPR radio. I firmly believe Americans are living in two different dimensions. Grateful Speaker Pelosi may hold on to those articles in Merrick Garland time....
My only Christmas wish is that he is removed from office. Seeing as how this seems next to impossible, I am sincerely trying to find out why slapping the IMPEACHED moniker on his presidency really even matters especially if he shows no signs of contrition or change. If he’s allowed to run for office again... and I’m sure it’s going to be business as usual for the remainder of the year, truly, what is the point of impeachment? Is it just a black eye and nothing more? Impeachment sounds more like a moral victory with no chance of changing anything.
I tuned in just in time to hear the summary rant by McCarthy and the compelling and elegant conclusion of Schiff. Then watched the 15-minute vote tally, witnessing the Constitutional remedy for the wayward, undeveloped man-child that occupies the White House. The message was sent to the world: All is well with the United States of America.
I think this IMPEACHMENT of a Imposter's Stolen Presidency was long overdue; DT has been Disrespectful towards the Democrats since Republicans held Power over all (3) branches of Government, and since DT has Cultivated the GOP they have become sick-a-fant Cowards in defense of 🇺🇸/Constitutional Democracy!
Our National Security is not POLITICAL, Facts & Truth are not disposable, and White Man privilege to be Above the Law died with Slavery & Jim Crow Laws because NOBODY can honestly say that any other Nationality could get away with 1/3 of what DT has done since stealing his election via Trump 🇳🇱; and the 2020 Ballot Box should purge Republicans out of Majority Power so 🇺🇸 can begin to recover from damaging decisions accepted by Republican leadership that has allow DT to weaken our Country on the World Stage & Offend Majority of Americans Domestically!
I thought so many Democrats had Passionate, Truthful, and Powerful Speeches; but my top choice would be John Lewis because he has lived in the worst of 🇺🇸 to become a Iconic member for Congress, and I think of Elijah Cummings when I see John Lewis now!
Every time the so-called republicans spoon-fed their base with their favorite key words, a la "charade," "sham," and their top phrase, "duly elected," the only thing their force-fed spin reminded me of was this letter from Sen. Harry Reid, dated August 27, 2016: https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/3035844-Reid-Letter-to-Comey.html?fbclid=IwAR3SqzUljmPxyAN4QaGOxgMxkVM_0Gc0SE9hyV_C7_Y1MZHFfwQG-byAhd0 #DulyImpeached #MyGodThisIsTerribleThisIsTheEndofMyPresidencyImFucked
I think it further clarifies the vast nature of the divide between the Republicans and Democrats in 2019. Everyone knows it exists but it's enlightening to see it played out in a famous arena. The key aspects for me is that the Doug Collins-led House Republicans are willing to punch below the belt and the House Democrats practice decorum. My concern is that the fiery nature of the GOP leaders appeals to their more unified voters and provides Fox News, etc with material to keep them angry, vindictive and, at worst, sinister. Reps. Kelly and Loudermilk, whose comments the anti-Trump brigade snickers at, will have their absurd bravado rewarded by their own. The bottom line is that the GOP is retaliatory and, with Trump as their head honcho, spiteful. The Democrats, as the Iowa Caucus nears, are splintered, That will get worse in February when Sanders supporters start hurling insults at the party's other factions. Perhaps the solution is Amy Klobuchar. For one, she has been uniquely successful at creating successful bipartisan legislation since entering the Senate in 2007. As far fetched as it sounds based on polls and odds, she may be the most effective candidate at bridging the gap between the parties. Otherwise, the pendulum of polarity will continue to swing dangerously back and forth and everyone in the US other than the mega rich will continue to suffer, as will the Earth. I thought Sheila Jackson Lee gave an excellent speech which is her norm as a powerful orator.
Mr Trump needs to allow witnesses to speak and provide paperwork to support his innocence. The debate regarding impeachment went exactly as predicted. As President of America it is not acceptable to withhold documents and witnesses. The President has a duty to follow rules of the land and constitution. Its not acceptable to just stonewall the Congress and American public.
Republican repetitive whining without ever addressing facts.
Neil Chasanjust now
The difference between the two sides has been on full display. One side conducting a serious fact based argument for impeachment, the other having a screaming fit about process. The serious side looks like America, the frat party looks like a bunch of old white southern men screaming “But ma slaves”. The GOP did not make one single substantive argument to defend the presidents conduct or his character. It is shameful that they put their party ahead of our country.
I have a pulse, I can got up a mirror. Tulsi is a #RussianAsset https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2019/12/19/tulsi-gabbard-present-vote-impeachment-critics/%3FoutputType%3Damp
I loved Steny Hoyers speech. And Adam Schiffs. Patriots. 💘
The Republicans realize that trump’s tactics are successful. Now they’re all Trumpies. Hearing them rant and lie turned my stomach and terrified me.
I always love Schiff and Raskin for their clarity, rationality, intelligence and presence.
This is the opening salvo of the 2020 election campaign. Whether it helps or hurts Democrats remains to be seen. Congressional Republicans can't defend Trump's misconduct and abuse of power, so they have adopted Trump's stratagem of aggressive denial of wrongdoing and attempted to change the narrative to the "do-nothing Democrats" engaged in a partisan witch hunt. If facts and evidence were the criterion for judging the merits of the Democrats' case, Trump would be demonstrably guilty. What scares me is that Trump and his zombie army of GOP apologists, with the help of Fox News, have manipulated public opinion with disinformation and gaslighting as never before - and it works. They have categorically defied congressional subpoenas and shown that there is no real consequence for asserting immunity from the law. Authoritarian strongmen and anti-democratic regimes have seized control of governments around the world using these very same tactics. Democrats are facing an opponent who does not play by rules or norms of conduct that have been foundational to our democracy. Public opinion was successfully manipulated by disinformation in 2016 to tilt the election in Trump's favor, with Russian help, and Democrats are facing the same headwinds as 2020 rolls around. I'm not confident that the truth will out. Let's hope so.
best: Schiff
ESSAY
We are our own worst enemy, shackled by hubris in the firm belief that America is the bestest ever, no competition, no close seconds, we are ordained from on high to symbolize greatness without equal. Worse, we believe this in the face of overwhelming evidence that America is hardly the shining beacon on the hill.
Our flashlight doesn't work.
“There is no need to sally forth, for it remains true that those things which make us human are, curiously enough, always close at hand. Resolve then, that on this very ground, with small flags waving and tinny blast on tiny trumpets, we shall meet the enemy, and not only may he be ours, he may be us. “
-Walt Kelly: Pogo
As a 12-year-old with a passion for politics, my mother gave me “Advice and Consent,” Allen Drury's Pulitzer Prize winning novel about politics.
Although published some 50 plus years ago, much of Drury's insights in his series on politics ring true today.
After watching yesterday's impeachment commentary and votes, I was remined of two Drury quotes. The first:
“Son, this is a Washington, D.C. kind of lie. It's when the other person knows you're lying, and also knows you know he knows.”
Yesterday was full of DC lies, mostly from Republican congressmen and women who have for reasons known only to God, hitched their wagons to the flaming star that is Donald Trump.
Truth be dammed. These elected leaders rancorously, vehemently and often very loudly shouted their responses to the Articles of Impeachment. While short of actual verifiable facts, the GOP went to their quiver and pulled out the arrows that have served them so well in the past (lying, character smears, calling people unpatriotic or traitors) and launched them at their usual targets: Democrats in general, Hillary, Biden et fils, socialists, Ukraine and anyone else handy. Again and again Republicans filled the chamber with their protestations while not actually defending Trump (and his minions)or his actions.
They can't.
As the vote on the first Article was announced, several members on the Democrat side deciding the movie was over and applauded. Thankfully Speaker Pelosi shut them down with a look my mother would have been proud to own (and would have used often).
Sometimes, it's better to keep your hands in your pockets. This was one of those times.
Shame on those who applauded.
Impeachment isn't American Idol or Dancing with the Stars. This isn't, not should it ever be, a popularity contest. Both sides have been making sure Americans saw a reality show, a morality play pitting good versus evil, our side versus your side, our team versus yours.
While politics is most certainly a blood sport and a team sport (a game I've played for decades), it is not, and should not be, reality TV. Nor should it be some game for who controls the playground when the United States is the playground.
What yesterday's impeachment did, other than to hold the President accountable for his actions and to re-affirm the Constitution's co-equal branches of government mandate, was to further drive a wedge between the right and the left (political and social). This division may not be mended in my lifetime or in the lifetimes of my children and grandchildren.
Democrats may crow that they got the President impeached. Republicans may crow that they won the day because he won't be convicted.
In reality, neither side won.
America lost.
America has been on the slide for quite some time. Gone are the days of community, the days of all sides working together for a common good. No longer do the tribes come to middle ground for the common good.
Today each tribe sits on it's corner of the Universe and demands their way or the highway, usually at the top of their lungs to a cheering throng of tribe members.
Compromise, once a hallmark of the Republic, is now thought of as a dirty word, unthinkable as a method of making decisions that affect us all.
Each tribe has it's own mouthpiece, that indefatigable megaphone of modern media, charefully crafted to the tribes stand on issues, complete with the tribe's own facts (whether they are real or imagined). These media outlets continually grind out a daily paneon to the tribe's favorites. More importantl;y, they use facts, semi facts and downright lies to preach to the masses, firing them up against the ubiquitous “them,” code word for any tribe that does not tow the others party line.
“Them,” whether it's political rivals, refugees or people of a color not like the tribe, must be not just put in their place, they must be humiliated, vilified and destroyed.
Take no quarter, for our countymen are our enemy if they don't believe as we do. They are wrong should they disagree with the tribe on the most basic of fundamental beliefs and rights. There is no common ground.
Nor does any side in this playground fight want common ground. They want the whole playground, all of it. Everyone else can go back to class.
There is also no truth. We have been told that there is not one truth, that there are alternative truth facts which must be granted as much creedence as proven demostrable facts. Mathmatical, scientific and other demostrable proofs are no longer relevant.
And The People eat it up. No longer do they have to read, analyze and pay attention. Now they can make stuff up, call it their truth and demand their truth be held in the same regard as honest to God real truth.
There is my tribe's truth, the other guy's truth, a truth that can't be proven unless one can fathom and follow the wildest prarie dog underground tunnel set up to a pre-determined destination.. Any attemp to refute that questionable truth is shouted down with the accusations that the deep state or others won't let the truth come out. There's proof but its too dangerous to release.
At the end of the day, it's all so much gradeaux, that all inclusive wad of mess my college roommate used to describe anything messy, smelly and otherwise nasty to the senses.
That's where we are folks, standing neck deep in a swamp of our making. We the People created the current mess. We the People are responsible for the people who supposedly serve the American people Sadder, we have let that concept do a 180. Now it is the politicians and the so-called elite who tell the Republic what to do, when to do it and how to do it lest members of the Republic incure their rath.
Because We the People have become an impotent herd of mostly sheep, sitting, complaining, but rarely do anything proactive to stem the tide of Big Brother border collie controling their every move.
We have become a Republic of couch potato, slogan yelling, sign waving, my way or the highway pedestrians in a world where pedestrians tend to get runover instead of having the faster objects yeild to them.
That's us, the best and the brightest attached at the hip to the worst and the most ignorant. Depending on the day and topic, it's often difficult to distinguish which hip is carrying the other.
As Mr. Kelly said at the beginning of this, we have met the enemy and he is us. We are our own worst enemy, shackled by hubris in the firm belief that America is the bestest ever, no competition, no close seconds, we are ordained from on high to symbolize greatness without equal. Worse, we believe this in the face of overwhelming evidence that America is hardly the shining beacon on the hill.
The flame in our lantern has been blown out. We appear to have no matches, no flint, no fire breathing dragon to religh the lamp. The Republic is now forced to wander the world without light, without direction and with no measure of what's out there in the rest of the world.
The man who inspired me often, Mr. Drury, at the end of one of his political novels, said this:
“Let us wear the crepe of morning for the country that once held the promise of joy.”
We have decided on this mediocracy, this third world status, this land of economic and intellectual poverty, this inability in the 21st Century to do nothing more sophisticated than to stand in a circular firing squad and fire away.
Can this change?
Who knows?
More importantly, does anyone care enough to do do something?
Probably not.
Both Pelosi and Schiff gave the most compelling oratories. The republicans in the House must be from another planet. What interests me the most is whether or not the lawbreaking loudmouth in the Oval can keep it together physically. He looks like death warmed over and it's clear to see that the pressure is getting to him. His legacy (?) hangs in the balance. Two questions: why are republicans so angry all the time and additionally worried about how history will judge them? Very perplexing.
Also, not related but kind of. My hubby and I were discussing how the religious (I prefer self-righteous) get stuck on only a couple of key subjects, ex: abortion, gay rights and will vote against their own interests. We’ve gotta figure out a way to educate instead of name calling people. Our educational system is broken & the powers that be want it to continue being broken. I’ve said for some time now that if they can keep people ignorant, it’s easier to control the narrative.
I watched what I could. I am just not able to stomach the lies being spewed by the GOP and although not surprised, I am disappointed that not a single Republican had the guts or better yet, honor to the Constitution and country to do the right thing.
In regards to the senate trial, I’m all for enforcing that it should be fair and impartial. Unfortunately, Mitch McConnell has insisted he is aligned with the president, and that by definition is the opposite of impartiality. I don’t know how we demand it, but I know we need to talk some sense into ours republican representatives.
I thought the Republicans made fools of themselves. It was extremely difficult to listen to them without shaking my head and eye rolling myself into the next dimension. The Democrats were more poised but I wish they were much stronger in points and did more fact checking against what Republicans had/were saying. I am glad Speaker Pelosi is keeping the articles in House, for now.
It was hard to sit through the Republicans' repetition of talking points that did everything but defend the President's actual conduct. The Senate trial will be more of the same BS with an outcome we already know. The Republicans have chosen party over country and have hinted that they will go after the next Democratic President as payback. Although I am relieved that Trump has been impeached, I feel like we gave a monkey a machine gun and G-d only knows how far down he will try to drag us on his way out. I also do not know when or if the rift between Republicans and Democrats can be healed. It's been heading toward the rocks since Reagan's first term but now it feels like we're stuck in a tar pit.
I dont want to point out some over the other dems. Some ppl drive it home better than others. At the end of the day their vote was their voice and they did the right thing. I am disturbed, beyond really, that not a single conservative could put party over country. Not.A.Sinngle.One. Before they started I was not only checking myself, because some dont seem to act like it, but itis a huge thing. When one is elected that I didnt choose I do what we all do in that situation. I hunkerr down and endure the next 4 until I get a chance again to use my voice with my vote. I had & have no desire to un-do an election, or have a president impeached on the grounds, well, thats too long a list but you get my point, but i checked myself to be sure i was sure it was the right thing, then I immediately went to having faith and hope in the GOP that I was going to see the severity of the current situation had occured to them, and they were going to put country over party. We know the outcome of that now & im still sad about it. Its about much more then the fact that ALL of them have turned their jobs into a high school arena. Nit just the GOP, but i knew that. The awful part is that because of theor partisan b.s. they really can not see a line in which they will not cross. They accused dems of a partisan impeachment, and myself nor anyone else can truly speak for anyone else regsrding one's sincerity, but most dems seem to understand that screwing with my vote is over the line that should be clear as day to all that it should not be crossed. It trampled our Constitution, but if im being honest (and i always am) its not like dems dont tread on my constitution from time to time. Am i ok with that? Of course not, but there is that line, and so far, not that i am aware of anyway, dems have not crossed that line, and they were sincere in recognizing it. Again theyplay high school parisan b.s. all the time,but when that line is crossed and shit gets real I better see ALL leaders of my country digging deep in their moral compasses and putting my right to vote, AND the security to know its an honest deal and counted fairly, over ANY AND ALL partisan b.s. PERIOD. If the shoe were on the other foot I'd have expected every member of the GOP to come rushing in and saving the day. But i didnt see that. Not a single one. That makes me truly want to sit here and cry. That may sound dramatic to some, it isnt. If it seems so I believe they are not taking this seriously enough. Not only is it terrifying that the GOP apparently really does not understand that it was time to put politics aside, but also that this isnt all on them. We arent here because the members of the GOP were brainwashed in a day and planted by aliens in our Senate. We are here because BOTH sides play bullshit partisan games apparently close to all of the time that the GOP are just trying to be the ones not to give in. This is what takes place in the peoples houses now. All day, everyday. I think its a possibility that we need to scrap all their jobs and start over. It does not change the fact however that not a single conservative Senator could recognize the line between their pissing contest, and that they were voting on MY right to vote in an honest and fair election next year and for all years. Thats terrifying to me. These people are driving the bus. Half of it anyway. How does this happen? In still in disbelief that not a single member would sack up for my voting rights. Its just as scary that their constituents do not recognize the same.
Sadly, I think that it was and is an exercise in futility even though I am convinced that this man should be removed from office ASAP. However, the "fix is in" in the Senate, and it was so disheartening to see not one single Republican vote in favour of either Article of Impeachment.
Congressman John Lewis stood out for me. His comment went directly to the point. The speakers that I did not like would include every one of the Republicans. With no legitimate defense, all they could do was shout that the Democrats were being political.
republic•nts had zed for defending scrotus; si, per usual, ad nauseum, they went on the offensive throwing as many shiny objects in the air as possible to confuse/redirect moronic magats. Ad Nauseum. 🤮Projection, thy name is GOP. 👩🎤♐️🌊
As a Democrat and 1st generation American, I cannot understand the complete lack of commitment to the American people and this great Nation. The only observation I can make is we lack a qualified candidate for the 2020 presidency, nor have we produced any quantitative positive reforms for the American people. So sad that we will probably lose control of the House!
Proud of Nancy Pelosi’s great leadership, embarrassed by the Reps from Ohio, Steve Chabot, who is intellectually challenged, (look up the shape of his gerrymandered district) esp. Jim Jordan, but now have added the guy who asked for 90 seconds of reflection for the 63 million people who voted for Donald Trump. And I’m embarrassed for the 63 million who voted for Donald Trump. Loved loved loved Steny Hoyer. John Lewis, too, and what Nancy said to Elijah Cummings after the vote.
I really want to understand the Repubs. I mean we’ll educated, leaders, elected, etc. Why do I have a much better understanding of the procedures for investigation, impeachment in the house? A few minutes in Goigle. Not rocket science. So so sad they’ve suspended rational thought as well as integrity. Relieved and very very pleased that maybe we won’t have an acquittal by MLK day. Moscow Mitch’s bold assertion that he, as Senate leader, was planning to acquit DJT in a sham trial was enraging. In Google I had learned that the Senators have to take a special oath before the trial. I guess they’re going to sell out God by taking the oath although they’ve already decided their verdict. It is all very interesting and I am overly engaged. I have felt hopelessness (and frustration) so often since The election of 2016. I kayes in the couch watching the whole thing, then went to right to bed exhausted. Ha, ha.
Pleased. Very pleased.