Trump Impeachment Inquiry The case For And Against

By
EUGENE
95
1824

Trump Impeachment Inquiry The case For And Against

Experts are debating what the US Constitution says about impeachment, in light of the ongoing inquiry into President Donald Trump’s alleged abuse of power involving Ukraine. So what did they say?

The US Constitution provides in Article II, Section 4, that the president, the vice-president and all civil officers, may be impeached for “treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors”.

But what that actually means has long been a subject of debate.

On Wednesday, four constitutional lawyers appeared before the House Judiciary Committee to give their view – three called by the Democrats and one by Republicans.

It marks a new phase of the impeachment inquiry as the committee considers drawing up articles of impeachment – in effect, a charge sheet. After a president is impeached in the House of Representatives, the Senate then votes on conviction and removal from office.

In this case, the US president is accused of an abuse of power in trying to extract political favours from Ukraine by withholding military aid and a White House meeting with Ukraine’s leader.

But does that deserve impeachment and possible subsequent removal from office? Here’s what the legal scholars said.

The case for impeachment

President Trump’s conduct described in the testimony and evidence clearly constitutes an impeachable high crime and misdemeanour under the Constitution. According to the testimony and to the publicly released memorandum of the July 25, 2019, telephone call between the two presidents, President Trump abused his office by soliciting the president of Ukraine to investigate his political rivals in order to gain personal political advantage, including in the 2020 presidential election. This act on its own qualifies as an impeachable high crime and misdemeanour.

Noah Feldman, Harvard Law School

The president’s serious misconduct, including bribery, soliciting a personal favour from a foreign leader in exchange for his exercise of power, and obstructing justice and Congress are worse than the misconduct of any prior president, including what previous presidents who faced impeachment have done or been accused of doing.

When we apply our constitutional law to the facts found in the Mueller Report and other public sources, I cannot help but conclude that this president has attacked each of the Constitution’s safeguards against establishing a monarchy in this country. Both the context and gravity of the president’s misconduct are clear: The “favour” he requested from Ukraine’s president was to receive – in exchange for his release of the funds Ukraine desperately needed – Ukraine’s announcement of a criminal investigation of a political rival. The investigation was not the important action for the president; the announcement was because it could then be used in this country to manipulate the public into casting aside the president’s political rival because of concerns about his corruption.

Michael Gerhardt of the University of North Carolina School of Law

Wouldn’t you know in your gut that such a president had abused his office, betrayed the national interest and tried to corrupt the electoral process? I believe the evidentiary record shows wrongful acts on that scale here. It shows a president who delayed meeting a foreign leader and providing assistance that Congress and his own advisers agreed served our national interest in promoting democracy and limiting Russian aggression. And it shows a president who did this to strong-arm a foreign leader into smearing one of the president’s opponents in our ongoing election season.

Based on the evidentiary record, what has happened in the case before you is something that I do not think we have ever seen before: a president who has doubled down on violating his oath to “faithfully execute” the laws and to “protect and defend the Constitution”. The evidence reveals a president who used the powers of his office to demand that a foreign government participate in undermining a competing candidate for the presidency.

Pamela Karlan, Stanford Law Schoo

And the case against impeachment

President Trump will not be our last president and what we leave in the wake of this scandal will shape our democracy for generations to come. I am concerned about lowering impeachment standards to fit a paucity of evidence and an abundance of anger. If the House proceeds solely on the Ukrainian allegations, this impeachment would stand out among modern impeachments as the shortest proceeding, with the thinnest evidentiary record, and the narrowest grounds ever used to impeach a president. That does not bode well for future presidents who are working in a country often sharply and, at times, bitterly divided.

Macron Pension Reform: France Paralysed By Biggest National Strike In Years

By Jonathan Turley, George Washington University Law School and BBC contributor

And he continued:

I get it. You are mad. The president is mad. My Democratic friends are mad. My Republican friends are mad. My wife is mad. My kids are mad. Even my dog is mad… and Luna is a golden doodle and they are never mad. We are all mad and where has it taken us? Will a slipshod impeachment make us less mad or will it only give an invitation for the madness to follow in every future administration?

That is why this is wrong. It is not wrong because President Trump is right. His call was anything but “perfect” and his reference to the Bidens was highly inappropriate. It is not wrong because the House has no legitimate reason to investigate the Ukrainian controversy. The use of military aid for a quid pro quo to investigate one’s political opponent, if proven, can be an impeachable offense. It is not wrong because we are in an election year. There is no good time for an impeachment, but this process concerns the constitutional right to hold office in this term, not the next.

No, it is wrong because this is not how an American president should be impeached. For two years, members of this Committee have declared that criminal and impeachable acts were established for everything from treason to conspiracy to obstruction. However, no action was taken to impeach. Suddenly, just a few weeks ago, the House announced it would begin an impeachment inquiry and push for a final vote in just a matter of weeks.

To do so, the House Intelligence Committee declared that it would not subpoena a host of witnesses who have direct knowledge of any quid pro quo. Instead, it will proceed on a record composed of a relatively small number of witnesses with largely second-hand knowledge of the position. The only three direct conversations with President Trump do not contain a statement of a quid pro quo and two expressly deny such a pre-condition.

What’s the point of having legal experts?

Democrats – because they have a majority on the committed – selected three of the participants. Not surprisingly, they all agreed that Donald Trump’s conduct constituted impeachable offences.

Jonathan Turley, picked by the Republicans, acknowledged that the president’s actions were far from “perfect,” but lamented the anger in American politics and warned that action in this case would dangerously lower the bar for impeachable conduct for future presidents. It wasn’t exactly the full-throated defence the president enjoys from his political allies.

The stated task for the Judiciary Committee in the coming days will be to determine whether the facts established in the earlier Intelligence Committee hearings constitute impeachable acts.

That’s what the professors were there to help accomplish. In reality, it seems the minds of most on the committee – as with the witnesses – are already made up.

By BBC North America reporter Anthony Zurcher

https://www.bbc.com

Why were previous presidents impeached?

Two presidents were impeached and another resigned before his probable impeachment.

But no president has ever been removed from office – that requires a two-thirds majority in the Senate.

  • In 1998, Bill Clinton was impeached on the grounds of perjury and obstruction of justice after he lied about the nature of his affair with Monica Lewinsky and then allegedly asked her to lie about it as well.
  • The only other president impeached was Andrew Johnson in 1868. He was accused of, among other things, dismissing his secretary of war against the will of Congress.
  • Richard Nixon resigned in 1974 before he could be impeached over the Watergate scandal.

Trump Impeachment Inquiry The case For And Against

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR

95 COMMENTS

  1. I have observed that in the world of today, video games are the latest popularity with kids of all ages. Periodically it may be difficult to drag your children away from the games. If you want the very best of both worlds, there are numerous educational gaming activities for kids. Good post.

  2. Hey, I think your site might be having browser compatibility issues. When I look at your blog in Firefox, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, amazing blog!

  3. What i don’t understood is in fact how you are now not actually a lot more neatly-appreciated than you might be right now. You’re very intelligent. You know thus significantly in the case of this matter, produced me personally believe it from a lot of varied angles. Its like women and men are not fascinated unless it is something to do with Lady gaga! Your personal stuffs excellent. At all times take care of it up!|

  5. Wonderful beat ! I would like to apprentice while you amend your website, how can i subscribe for a blog site? The account helped me a acceptable deal. I had been tiny bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided bright clear idea|

  7. I have realized that online education is getting preferred because getting your degree online has become a popular method for many people. Many people have certainly not had a chance to attend a regular college or university nonetheless seek the improved earning potential and a better job that a Bachelors Degree offers. Still other folks might have a college degree in one field but would choose to pursue one thing they already have an interest in.

  8. Hey there! I know this is somewhat off topic but I was wondering which blog platform are you using for this website? I’m getting sick and tired of WordPress because I’ve had issues with hackers and I’m looking at options for another platform. I would be great if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.

  10. What i do not realize is actually how you’re not actually much more well-liked than you may be right now. You are so intelligent. You realize therefore considerably relating to this subject, produced me personally consider it from numerous varied angles. Its like women and men aren’t fascinated unless it’s one thing to do with Lady gaga! Your own stuffs outstanding. Always maintain it up!

  14. Hello every one, here every person is sharing these know-how, so it’s fastidious to read this web site, and I used to visit this website every day.|

  15. Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is an extremely well written article. I will be sure to bookmark it and come back to read more of your useful info. Thanks for the post. I’ll definitely comeback.|

  17. It’s a pity you don’t have a donate button! I’d definitely donate to this outstanding blog! I guess for now i’ll settle for book-marking and adding your RSS feed to my Google account. I look forward to new updates and will talk about this blog with my Facebook group. Chat soon!

  18. Do you have a spam problem on this site; I also am a blogger, and I was curious about your situation; we have developed some nice practices and we are looking to swap strategies with others, be sure to shoot me an e-mail if interested.|

  23. Hi would you mind stating which blog platform you’re working with? I’m planning to start my own blog in the near future but I’m having a difficult time deciding between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal. The reason I ask is because your design and style seems different then most blogs and I’m looking for something completely unique. P.S Apologies for getting off-topic but I had to ask!

  28. I would like to thnkx for the efforts you have put in writing this web site. I’m hoping the same high-grade web site post from you in the upcoming as well. Actually your creative writing abilities has inspired me to get my own site now. Really the blogging is spreading its wings fast. Your write up is a good example of it.

  29. Good website! I really love how it is simple on my eyes and the data are well written. I’m wondering how I might be notified when a new post has been made. I’ve subscribed to your RSS which must do the trick! Have a great day!

  30. Hi there just wanted to give you a brief heads up and let you know a few of the images aren’t loading properly. I’m not sure why but I think its a linking issue. I’ve tried it in two different web browsers and both show the same outcome.|

  35. I’ve been surfing online more than 3 hours today, yet I never found any interesting article like yours. It is pretty worth enough for me. In my opinion, if all web owners and bloggers made good content as you did, the internet will be a lot more useful than ever before.|

  39. Howdy just wanted to give you a quick heads up. The text in your post seem to be running off the screen in Chrome. I’m not sure if this is a formatting issue or something to do with internet browser compatibility but I thought I’d post to let you know. The layout look great though! Hope you get the problem solved soon. Many thanks

  40. I am really loving the theme/design of your website. Do you ever run into any web browser compatibility issues? A few of my blog readers have complained about my site not operating correctly in Explorer but looks great in Firefox. Do you have any recommendations to help fix this issue?

  42. I used to be recommended this web site by my cousin. I am not certain whether or not this publish is written by means of him as nobody else recognize such precise approximately my trouble. You are wonderful! Thank you!

  44. It’s a shame you don’t have a donate button! I’d definitely donate to this outstanding blog! I guess for now i’ll settle for bookmarking and adding your RSS feed to my Google account. I look forward to new updates and will share this website with my Facebook group. Talk soon!

  45. Thanks for the ideas shared in your blog. Yet another thing I would like to say is that weight loss is not all about going on a fad diet and trying to shed as much weight as you can in a couple of weeks. The most effective way to burn fat is by getting it little by little and obeying some basic suggestions which can assist you to make the most from the attempt to lose fat. You may be aware and already be following most of these tips, nevertheless reinforcing know-how never affects.

  46. Wow, marvelous weblog layout! How lengthy have you ever been blogging for? you make blogging glance easy. The total glance of your site is magnificent, let alone the content material!

  48. excellent submit, very informative. I ponder why the other specialists of this sector don’t realize this. You should continue your writing. I’m confident, you’ve a huge readers’ base already!|

  49. Undeniably imagine that that you said. Your favorite reason seemed to be at the web the easiest thing to take note of. I say to you, I certainly get annoyed even as other folks think about concerns that they plainly do not know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the highest and defined out the whole thing without having side-effects , people could take a signal. Will likely be again to get more. Thanks|

  51. I’ve observed that in the world the present day, video games are definitely the latest fad with kids of all ages. Periodically it may be extremely hard to drag your children away from the games. If you want the very best of both worlds, there are numerous educational games for kids. Great post.

  56. We’re a gaggle of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community. Your web site provided us with useful information to paintings on. You’ve performed a formidable task and our whole group shall be grateful to you.

  58. Having read this I thought it was very informative. I appreciate you taking the time and effort to put this content together. I once again find myself spending way too much time both reading and commenting. But so what, it was still worth it!

  59. Good post. I learn something tougher on different blogs everyday. It’ll at all times be stimulating to learn content from other writers and observe somewhat one thing from their store. I’d choose to use some with the content on my blog whether or not you don’t mind. Natually I’ll offer you a link in your internet blog. Thanks for sharing.

  60. It’s truly a great and useful piece of information. I’m glad that you just shared this helpful information with us. Please keep us up to date like this. Thanks for sharing.|

  61. I was recommended this website by my cousin. I’m not sure whether this post is written by him as no one else know such detailed about my difficulty. You are incredible! Thanks!|

  62. Terrific paintings! That is the kind of info that are meant to be shared across the web. Shame on search engines for no longer positioning this post higher! Come on over and discuss with my website . Thank you =)

  65. Hello there! Do you know if they make any plugins to safeguard against hackers? I’m kinda paranoid about losing everything I’ve worked hard on. Any suggestions?|

  66. Hmm it looks like your blog ate my first comment (it was extremely long) so I guess I’ll just sum it up what I submitted and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog. I too am an aspiring blog writer but I’m still new to the whole thing. Do you have any tips and hints for inexperienced blog writers? I’d really appreciate it.|

  67. Cool blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download it from somewhere? A theme like yours with a few simple adjustements would really make my blog jump out. Please let me know where you got your theme. Bless you|

  70. Good day! I know this is kinda off topic nevertheless I’d figured I’d ask. Would you be interested in exchanging links or maybe guest writing a blog article or vice-versa? My website addresses a lot of the same subjects as yours and I believe we could greatly benefit from each other. If you might be interested feel free to shoot me an email. I look forward to hearing from you! Superb blog by the way!

  71. Hi there very nice blog!! Guy .. Excellent .. Wonderful .. I’ll bookmark your site and take the feeds also?KI’m glad to seek out a lot of useful info here in the submit, we want work out more strategies on this regard, thanks for sharing. . . . . .

  72. Great post. I was checking constantly this blog and I’m impressed! Extremely useful info specifically the last part 🙂 I care for such information much. I was seeking this particular info for a long time. Thank you and good luck.|

  73. I just like the helpful information you provide to your articles. I will bookmark your weblog and take a look at once more right here regularly. I am slightly certain I’ll be informed many new stuff right here! Good luck for the next!|

  75. Unquestionably believe that which you stated. Your favorite reason appeared to be on the net the simplest thing to be aware of. I say to you, I definitely get annoyed while people consider worries that they just do not know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top and defined out the whole thing without having side effect , people can take a signal. Will probably be back to get more. Thanks

  77. That is a good tip especially to those new to the blogosphere. Simple but very accurate information… Appreciate your sharing this one. A must read post!|

  84. Greetings! This is my first comment here so I just wanted to give a quick shout out and say I really enjoy reading through your posts. Can you recommend any other blogs/websites/forums that go over the same topics? Thanks!

  85. hello!,I like your writing very much! share we communicate more about your article on AOL? I require a specialist on this area to solve my problem. May be that’s you! Looking forward to see you.

  86. I got what you intend, thankyou for posting .Woh I am thankful to find this website through google. “Wisdom doesn’t necessarily come with age. Sometimes age just shows up by itself.” by Woodrow Wilson.

  90. After research a few of the blog posts on your website currently, and I absolutely like your method of blog writing. I bookmarked it to my book marking internet site listing and will certainly be checking back quickly. Pls take a look at my internet site as well and also let me understand what you believe.

  91. Great info and right to the point. I am not sure if this is actually the best place to ask but do you folks have any thoughts on where to employ some professional writers? Thx 🙂

  93. Magnificent beat ! I wish to apprentice while you amend your site, how can i subscribe for a blog website? The account helped me a acceptable deal. I had been a little bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided bright clear idea|

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here