Really??
As I commented at the site:
The Democrats knew that:
a. The House would impeach.
b. The Senate would acquit.
So who is responsible for the fallout? Hmmm…?
I should add "alleged" to "fallout".
For here, the Editorial in Asia's premier English language newspaper, the paper of regional opinion-makers, is saying this:
[a] Trump could have been asking about corruption in the 2016 election. That was entirely legitimate and of national interest to know if the the vice president of the United States had been involved in shady dealings with Ukraine. Wouldn't you like to know that? I sure would. The "allegation" that Trump wanted the information on the Bidens purely for the 2020 election, as "dirt" to use against a potential rival, is pure presumption.
For here, the Editorial in Asia's premier English language newspaper, the paper of regional opinion-makers, is saying this:
[a] The president was accused of abusing his power for allegedly withholding US$391 million in military aid from Ukraine unless it provided him with information about the business dealings of the son of a potential presidential rival, former Democratic vice-president Joe Biden.To which I say:
[b] He was also charged with obstruction of Congress after the administration blocked documents and testimony sought by investigators.
[a] Trump could have been asking about corruption in the 2016 election. That was entirely legitimate and of national interest to know if the the vice president of the United States had been involved in shady dealings with Ukraine. Wouldn't you like to know that? I sure would. The "allegation" that Trump wanted the information on the Bidens purely for the 2020 election, as "dirt" to use against a potential rival, is pure presumption.
You could be as dubious as you like about that - I'm dubious myself — but there's nothing — save mind reading — to say it's one or the other. That the phone call was about 2016 (and not corrupt) or about 2020 (and arguably corrupt).
[b]. This was legitimate use of executive power, as used by presidents past, including Democrats Clinton and Obama. The Executive-Administration is one of the three arms of government, co-equal with the Legislature. If the House demands something the Administration does not wish to provide, the remedy is the Judiciary. Not importunate impeachment and then demanding the defendants do your work for you.
The House, under Pelosi, Schiff and Nadler, allowed no Republican witnesses in their impeachment hearings. No one on Trump's side was allowed to present evidence. Schadler had all the power to demand witnesses. Had they not rushed the impeachment, they would not have needed to ask the Senate to do the job for them.
So… whether or not the acquittal "hits US soft power hard" — as alleged in this Editorial— is a matter of what conclusion other countries draw about a compromised impeachment process. Compromised by the architects of it: "The Squad", Pelosi, Schiff and Nadler.
Meantime, Trump approval rating has increased to 49%, above Obama’s 46% at the same time.
