Why Did Democrats Table the Impeachment of Trump?
On December 18, 2019, the House of Representatives voted to impeach Trump, marking him as the third president to be impeached in U.S. history. However, the vote on whether to convict him is still pending as of Wednesday. This decision was not an outright rejection of the impeachment; rather, it was a strategic move that many Democrats believe will be judicious in the long run.
Refuting Misconceptions
Many have misinterpreted the Democrats' stance as a complete rejection of impeachment. However, the truth is that the impeachment process has moved forward. The vote to impeach Trump has officially been recorded, and the debate continues on whether he should be removed from office entirely. Only time will tell if he will be convicted.
Self-centered Motivations of Some Congressmen
Some politicians, like Representative Drew Scott from New Jersey, have been criticized for their self-centered motives. Scott voted no on impeachment and has since decided to change parties. His primary goal is re-election, and he realizes that supporting treason, extortion, and bribery—from the right perspective—is less of a concern. There is a sentiment that Scott and other similar figures will not do what is right simply for the sake of political maneuvering.
He famously quipped, "Does anyone believe that someone like Drew's will ever do the right thing? If so, I have a snow cone stand in Alaska for sale, real cheap, just send cash." This statement highlights the discrepancy between short-term political gains and long-term moral and ethical considerations.
Bipartisan Consensus and Practicality
Some Democrats believe that the impeachment process should not be rushed. Others argue that the court system is a more appropriate forum to address Trump's alleged offenses. One key argument is that proceeding with impeachment without strong Republican support could backfire, potentially giving Trump a renewed political platform. According to this view, the current standings in the polls suggest that Trump is more likely to gain support if the impeachment process is controversial.
Strategic Voting in a Close Election
Democrats often emphasize the importance of not risking their stronghold districts. Seemingly, the impeachment votes are predominantly from safe Democratic seats. In an election year where the margins are slim, taking a risk on a controversial impeachment could result in the loss of vulnerable seats. The belief among some Democrats is that the pro-impeachment votes are from seats that are secure enough to protect against a Trump victory.
Alternatively, Republicans are unlikely to follow through with impeachment, indicating that the vote without convictions from the Senate is a practical strategy. Democrats are simply weighing the potential risks and rewards of their actions, aiming to maintain their political leverage and influence.
As we approach the 2020 election, the stakes are higher than ever. If Trump can mount a comeback in the polls, it would likely be a significant blow to the Democratic party's hopes for a landslide victory. Therefore, the decision to table the impeachment is seen as a strategic play to avoid any unnecessary risks that might inadvertently benefit Trump.
This turn of events showcases the complex dynamics at play in U.S. politics, where pragmatic considerations often overshadow ideological commitments. The future of political fallout and the direction of the country will undoubtedly depend on how this delicate balance is maintained in the coming months.