Impeach Trump

[H2O Man]

Washington (CNN)In a previously undisclosed secret mission in 2017, the United States successfully extracted from Russia one of its highest-level covert sources inside the Russian government, multiple Trump administration officials with direct knowledge told CNN.
Jim Sciutto; September 9, 2019

https://www.cnn.com/2019/09/09/politics/russia-us-spy-extracted/index.html


While reports on the CIA asset in Russia shifted slightly – including the anticipated denials from both sides – the nature of the genesis of the “Trump-Russian Scandal” has come into clearer focus for those who have been following it closely. Many people, including a number on this forum, knew that it had not started with George Papadopoulos – although that is likely when the FBI officially became involved.

The Steele dossier came after Papadopoulos's involvement, despite the Trump administration's claim that it started the intelligence investigation. It contains “raw” intelligence – the type of information that typically leads to closer examination to verify potential evidence needed in counterintelligence investigations. Parts of it remain unverified, and one section found inaccurate. Yet it indicates that people involved in intelligence were interested in the Trump campaign's connections with Russia in a manner far different than mere campaign opposition research.

The spy was extracted shortly after Trump fired FBI director James Comey. Trump then had the meeting with two Russians in the Oval Office, where he bragged about this. He would then tell Lestor Holt on national television that he fired Comey due to “the Russia thing.” The result of this was not limited to the CIA taking its emergency action to extract the spy: acting FNI director Andrew McCabe opened an investigation to consider the possibility that Trump was an active Russiian asset, while Rod Rosenstein of the Justice Department appointed Robert Mueller to head its expanded investigation.

The significance of this cluster of activity by intelligence agencies should not be overlooked. Also, that while those in the White House often say that the administration cooperated fully with the investigation, that Mr. Mueller reported that some individuals refused to be interviewed, and others lied to investigators. Several of the liars were indicted and convicted. And most significantly, Trump refused to be interviewed.

The Mueller Report was divided into two sections: the first regarding the Russian operation, and potential conspiracy with the Trump campaign, the second on Trump's obstruction of justice during the investigation. Part one concluded that, based upon the evidence, prosecutors were not confident that they could get a conviction for a conspiracy between Russia and the Trump campaign. It did not conclude that there was no coordination between them, including the infamous Trump Tower meeting led by Donald, Jr. More, it is important to recognize that information that intelligence agencies other than the FBI had gathered would be too sensitive to use in a domestic prosecution.

Part two of the report detailed Donald Trump's on-going efforts to obstruct the Mueller investigation. The report clearly stated that while DOJ guidelines do not permit the indictment of a sitting president, the report did not clear Trump of potential charges of obstruction of justice. Rather, the report provided a road map for Congress to investigate Trump.

After issuing the report, Mr.Mueller remained in his position to complete his contribution to the counterintelligence report. This report has not been made public, of course, as it is highly classified. Only a very few members of the House and Senate intelligence committees are aware of a limited amount of the information contained in it.

Several House committees are currently investigating the “potential” crimes of Donald Trump. As we have seen over the past months, the White House is refusing to cooperate with the House as it fulfills its constitutional duties. Attorney General Barr is playing point for the stonewalling. Indeed, Barr is attempting to abuse the powers of the Justice Department by investigating Trump's “enemies.” It appears that this includes a failed attempt to get a grand jury indictment of Mr. McCabe. The curious timing of Sciutto's report suggests that the intelligence community is sending Barr a message to stop his nonsense.

Yesterday, we were subjected to Corey Lewandowski's performance before a House committee. It provided a glaring example not only of the administration's on-going attempts to obstruct the investigation by claiming the right to claim privileges it is not legally entitled to, but of the willingness of Trump's true believers to lie while under oath. In the last half-hour, we were treated to the dismantling of Lewandowski when questioned for more than five minutes by a prosecutor.

The Trump administration's refusal to follow the law also includes its refusal to provide the head of the House Means and Ways Committee with the president's tax returns. The law is crystal clear regarding their legal obligation to provide these. As we all know, the law states the administration “shall” provide them, and Democrats agree on the meaning of the word “shall.”

I've said all of this, in order to focus now on the issue of if the Democrats should impeach Trump. The Constitution clearly states that in instances where the president commits high crimes and misdemeanors, the Congress “shall” impeach the president. The majority of Democrats in the House recognize that the word “shall” is consistent in federal law and in the Constitution. And they know that the Constitution does not include a clause that recommends delaying this duty for political purposes.

I do appreciate that others are entitled to opinions that differ from my own on a whole host of issues. But the need to impeach Trump seems glaringly obvious to me. What do you think?

Peace,
H2O Man

[Hermit-The-Prog]

1. ITTMFA!

The treasonous rot spreads.

[H2O Man]

3. Thank you!

I think it is obvious that Trump represents that greatest threat to our constitutional democracy. It's a crisis, and requires impeachment.

[Hermit-The-Prog]

7. this is paramount

The threat by trumpers supercedes "kitchen table issues". We cannot address health care, wages, education, climate crisis, or environmental issues if democracy and the rule of law are dead. Without consequences, there are no laws.

Trump has ignored the supreme law of the land -- the U.S. Constitution -- whenever it conflicted with his personal goals. This cannot be allowed to stand. Waiting for an election normalizes this lawlessness by acting as if he is just like any other candidate for office.

Time is running out. We are not guaranteed another blue wave sufficient to overwhelm ever more efficient election interference. Standing up for the rule of law will energize people who are growing despondent.

[H2O Man]

8. Definitely.

If your house is on fire, you don't lollygag and consider the options for next year's Thanksgiving meal.

[Magoo48]

25. Exactly!

[Hermit-The-Prog]

34. are you going to confess?

"House on fire" metaphor?
H2O Man, that was deliberate.

Now you're obligated to put the "fire" out! What's your plan?

[H2O Man]

45. Well, there you go!

you caught me there! I have long enjoyed Malcolm X's use of the language. (grin) I will continue to let the Democrats in the House know that they need to take actions now. And that includes sending staffers some links to OP/comments on my favorite political discussion site. Also, sending letters-to-the-editor of newspapers is important, as various staff are tasked with keeping track of these.

I'm open to other people's ideas.

[malaise]

29. +1,000

He has to be stopped

[5X]

2. Can't do it soon enuf for me.

[H2O Man]

4. Thanks!

Just the image of White House lawyers sitting behind Lewandowski yesterday says it all. The guy was never in the administration. Clearly, they were tasked with helping to hide the truth.

[kentuck]

5. Impeach him with the most extreme prejudice.

Start immediately.

Get the Democrats on the same song sheet.

Investigate much more aggressively. Do not hesitate to hold hostile witnesses in contempt.

Do not put a deadline on your investigation. Be ready to go right up to election day.

It's time to get serious or get off the pot.

[H2O Man]

6. Thanks, kentuck!

I agree 100%.

[malaise]

9. ITTMF

RFN!

Great read

[H2O Man]

10. Thanks, malaise!

(See what happens when you encourage this old man to participate more here?)

[malaise]

11. As a fellow oldster, I'm loving it

[H2O Man]

72. I'm beginning to wonder

if you paid people to respond to this OP, to make sure I remain active here.

[malaise]

77. Bwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah! Hahahahahha

Nah - we really look forward to your OPs.

[Hermit-The-Prog]

111. don't think any cash changed hands

However, I'm expecting a hand with some roofing. In between football games, of course.

[Hermit-The-Prog]

13. beatcha toit

and added the Already!

Orange Twitler Meltdown could become song, movie, and tweetfest.

[malaise]

17. Bwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah

but I got in the RFN

[malthaussen]

12. Mr Barr should have a little chat with the shade of John Mitchell

Being AG while the person occupying the Oval Office is obstructing justice sometimes does not end well.

As for impeachment, alas, I'm afraid Congress has too much of a track record of failing to do their plain duty for that to happen. That said, I agree that it is their plain duty. But we know what happens when matters of right clash with matters of perceived expediency.

-- Mal

[H2O Man]

15. Thank you!

Very interesting.

Barr almost makes my memories of Mitchell's crimes take second place.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

14. It is so much like right. And the only opposition I have heard is that

trump would take it as a victory.

Yet now, with our plan to "decide at the end whether or not there is enough to recommend Articles" we have set ourselves up for the exact same outcome. Actually worse. If in the end, we say "well, not enough, no articles" we lose the impact of actually formally impeaching him and getting him and his crimes listed in history forever more.

[H2O Man]

16. Valid point.

More, think if they do not impeach. Trump will campaign on the lie that since they didn't impeach him, it proves that he did nothing wrong.

[Hermit-The-Prog]

19. damned if we do, damned if we don't

Let's just do it.

We either fight this evil or we concede.

Having GOP in control of the Senate is not a valid excuse to not impeach in the House. That is effectively ceding control of the House to the GOP Senators. We should not let them dictate what the House Democrats do.

Waiting for the polls to show a majority of the public favors impeachment is chasing fool's gold. Leaders should lead. The record is over-ripe with high crimes and misdemeanors. The public can be educated along the way.

[H2O Man]

21. Right.

As a last resort, I'd suggest following the Constitution. That might just be the best course during a constitutional crisis. I'm thinking that the Founding Fathers would agree.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

24. Wish it wasn't "last resort" but no truer statement today

"Hey, let's go with the Constitution" !

[H2O Man]

81. Now is the time.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

92. Suppose you heard Pelosi quoted today saying

Winning in 2020 is more important than Impeachment. It's over babe. Sad, super sad state of affairs. And nothing has been done to protect the election!!

[H2O Man]

94. I did.

I'm not sure what to make of it. It does sound bad. But a friend told me that it is a "good cop/ bad cop" thing, and that Speaker Pelosi and Mr. Nadler recognize the need to do both.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

95. Odd strategy when it's smeared everywhere that

we are divided and in disarray. I don't think I believe it.

[H2O Man]

97. I agree.

It seems to be beyond that.

[mopinko]

18. impeach him before the entire middle east is in flames.

imho, if he launches an unauthorized attack on iran, the last of the laggards will get onboard.

[H2O Man]

22. That is a huge point.

Thank you for that! And I think it is important to keep in mind that Trump may not purposely ignite a war with Iran, but do so because he is not capable of dealing with tensions by any rational means.

[Kid Berwyn]

20. ASAFP

Pardon my French.

Great OP and thread, H2O Man, as always!

[H2O Man]

23. Thanks, Kid Berwyn!

Much appreciated!

[Kid Berwyn]

70. The man in the Oval Office is a traitor.

And he sits behind the desk of the President of the United States.

In the Oval Office in the merry month of May 2017

President Trump gestures to Russia's ambassador to the U.S., Sergey Kislyak, as he speaks to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in the Oval Office on Wednesday, May 10, 2017. (Alexander Shcherbak/TASS/Getty Images)

“I just fired the head of the FBI. He was crazy, a real nut job," Trump said, according to The Times. "I faced great pressure because of Russia. That's taken off.”



"I'm not under investigation," he added.

Sources:

https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/05/10/527755991/trump-meets-with-russias-lavrov-at-the-white-house-today

https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-nut-job-james-comey-russia-2017-5

Ain’t the first, but let’s make him the last.

[leftstreet]

26. DURec

And they know that the Constitution does not include a clause that recommends delaying this duty for political purposes.

Right you are!

DURec

[H2O Man]

54. Thank you!

[warmfeet]

27. I absolutely agree.

I see no other way to preserve our Democratic Constitutional Republic. When our elected officials no longer adhere to the constitution, nor their oath to defend it, we are all in deep doo-doo. We are already very close to an anything-goes presidency. I can only imagine just how bad things might become in the future if we do not demand accountability today.

[H2O Man]

55. Well said.

I agree 100%. Thanks!

[dawg day]

28. I'm with you-- the hardest part will be deciding on 3-5 charges

Maybe they should go for big categories:

Abuse of power
Endangering the national security
Financial crimes

[LudwigPastorius]

43. Obstruction has to be in there.

Trump told the Lester Holt and the entire nation that he fired the director of the FBI because of the Russia investigation.

It doesn't get any more spelled out than that.

[H2O Man]

57. Definitely!

Trump told his Russian buddies when they visited him in the Oval Office, too. He was gleeful about it.

[H2O Man]

56. Interesting!

I like the idea of focusing on five solid grounds for impeachment. I think there are a few things that go with the "abuse of power."

[BadgerMom]

30. What I think is the same as what you think.

[H2O Man]

58. Thanks BadgerMom!

[lunatica]

31. I feel the Democratic leadership knew and knows impeachment is inevitable.

Of course this is only my opinion, but if you stand back and watch what’s happening, knowing full well that the Iceberg law is a natural human state, the law that explains that only one tenth of any given situation is usually observable, then it isn’t difficult to see that public statements are a tool to keep nine tenths of political manipulations under cover.

This law not only applies to the information the public gets from politicians. It applies to how information other politicians, especially the opposition, get information. Or disinformation.

It is more marked and prevalent in governments set up to be antagonistic and oppositional in their inner and outer workings, which ours is.

That’s my roundabout way of saying that if those of us who follow politics closely know things we need to concede that the true inner workers of our governing representatives know nine tenths more about it than we do. You can’t ever assume that if a politician, especially one in a leadership position is as naïve as they want us to believe they are. Or, for that matter, as truthful. Although it does take more honesty to tell the truth. And it requires so much less memory manipulation when telling the truth.

[H2O Man]

73. Very good!

I am hoping that Speaker Pelosi is planning to put things in higher gear later this year, so that hearings with witnesses forced by the courts appear to testify. I think there is a very good chance of that. Hence, I am not among those complaining about her, nor among those who insist it is disloyal to disagree with her on any subject. I like and respect her. (But I think it was an error, for example, to not impeach Fick Cheney after Patrick Fitzgerald suggested that was the proper remedy.)

One good thing about the Democratic Party is that we can disagree on specific issues, but still maintain the respect necessary to work together towards a common goal. That's way, way different than being a republican, and being told what to think, including when you know it is a lie.

[50 Shades Of Blue]

32. K & R!

[H2O Man]

74. Thank you!

[ms liberty]

33. Shall not may. It has a tangible meaning where The Constitution is concerned

We can't let what republicans in the Senate do dictate what the house does. The Constitution is the ultimate law.. He cannot be allowed to claim ground above the laws we are all subject to. He has to be impeached. Now, because his arrogance and stupidity makes him dangerous.

[H2O Man]

75. Exactly!

I often think of when the ancient philosopher Confucius was asked what he would do if he had ultimate political powe? "Insist that people use words correctly," he responded.

[Baked Potato]

35. We are up against a giant web of corruption, and they have the means

and the will to bribe and payoff anyone. Joe Citizen knows Trump jumped some hookers and paid them off. Jane Citizen knows Trump probably is a tax cheat. Joe and Jane know Trump was a little too cozy with Russia. John Citizen is a businessman and knows to win you’ve got to be prepared to do *anything* to get the sale, anything to win. And, that’s all we have so far; A slimy con man who admits he would do anything to win.

He has surrounded himself with people just like him. He only trusts rich business people because he knows they love money more than anything, just like him. And, they will do anything to protect that money. He doesn’t have to order them to do anything as they already know what he wants and what he cherishes. After all, he’s just like them. And, there are millions more out there not necessarily rich, but potentially just like him.

So, we have to get Trump for crimes outside the *norm*. We need overwhelming evidence that no bribe or payoff can touch. We need every day Americans to say to themselves, “Now that’s bullshit, he can’t get away with that”. It’s got to be above and beyond what they might do every day themselves.

We have to slam the corrupt fuckers hard. We have to have more than we have now. There are many loose ends out there that need to come out before we should go full blown impeachment. Yeah, it’s a fight. It’s political as hell. It’s careers and jobs on the line. It’s the soul of America being challenged. We not only have to beat Trump, we have to crush everything he stands for. I think the strategy of Democratic leadership at this point is to methodically and legally expose Trump Inc crimes. And, let the American people impeach Trump.

A drawn out impeachment trial would suck up all the airtime and would drown out all of the messaging of all of our great candidates. I want the history books to say All of America got rid of Trump, not just a few lawmakers. That will devastate him. Once we vote him out, he will face justice. He will not get away with his crimes.

There is a remote chance the dam will break early and his house crumbles. The crimes and criminals could be uncovered in time to proceed to impeachment. That could happen and I would support that.

I’m obviously a new poster, but I’ve been lurking here for years. DU is up to the minute, cutting edge information. I appreciate everyone’s opinions and it’s great to see so many great essays like yours and others.

[H2O Man]

79. Very good.

You raise important points, and I thank you for your thoughtful response.

It is discouraging that so many people are either okay -- even good -- with what Trump is doing, or have become numb. I have an old friend from school who I've known and respected for over half a century. I was surprised when he expressed support for Trump. I asked him about it,and he said that although he has contempt for Trump as an individual, he had come to hate the government. So he likes seeing Trump damaging it. Yikes!

It would be more discouraging, however, if I forgot that Trump supporters are a minority in America. We are not yet in the situation that Erich Fromm described in the 1950s, about "sane" citizens' experiences as a tiny minority in an "insane society." We are still the majority.

I sometimes view it as the USA being a brain. Part of it is conscious, part unconscious. And the larger organism is having conflict between the two, not unlike what individuals may experience.

[Baked Potato]

89. Thanks, I really appreciate your return note!

I don’t think some of his followers even knew how bad a president could be. They thought it was a bullshit job anybody could do. It’s all so sad, but seems like this whole mess just *had* to happen, eventually. The constitution *had* to be wrung out and tested. Americans had to be tested.

One of the worst outcomes is Trump has squandered the people’s time and our lives. And, time and of course life, is precious. He could have been the rich guy that cared. I like your brain analogy.

[H2O Man]

93. Thanks!

I like DU the best when there are good discussions. Being an old-timer here, I am prone to the belief that longer discussion threads from years past were most benefical. And, being an Irish-American, the word "potato" always catches my eye. (grin)

I used to have long conversations with my friend Rubin Carter about "today" being a direct response to "yesterday," and in that context, I think it is easiest to understand "how" his presidency happened .....and, more importantly, "why" it happened. Now, that certainly includes the Russian operations, and the Trump campaign's coordination with them. No doubt. But in a more healthy society, Trump could not have come to power. In a very healthy society, Trump would be pitied and viewed with contempt. Indeed, a healthy society should conduct early interventions to keep kids from becoming failures like Trump.

I think that in my last essay before this OP, I spoke about the need for our society to heal. We cannot possibly do this while Trump is in office. We need to engage in a coordinated effort to remove him, for his essence is like pus on an open wound. After that, we might want to consider examining how individuals with such mental conflicts heal. There are ways that are successful, and others that can only fail.

[Chalfont]

36. 0101

」「」「」「」」」」」:---//::5)¥)!¥

[H2O Man]

80. Thank you!

[Pobeka]

37. Problem is McConnell is up to his neck in Russian $$ too.

So, knowing that, and how the media operates in this country, what would be the gain on impeaching Trump on the Russian conspiracy? I think it would be a loss in the long run -- the Senate will not find him guilty, and the media will repeat that to the low information voters who will believe he is innocent. Trump would most likely win in 2020.

I have thought for a long time you have to simultaneously impeach Trump AND McConnell in the court of public opinion. If more people see McConnell as corrupt, they might come out in large numbers to the polls. I think the impeachable offense is failure to protect election integrity. Put that on Trump and make McConnell defend it. And do the full court press in the media on Russian election hacking and how essentially nothing has been done. If that doesn't motivate american voters I guess nothing will.

[blm]

76. No doubt, the corruption in the GOP runs deep

[H2O Man]

82. I respect the fact

that other people think differently than me. And that they have the right to their opinion. I have no problem with that. But I strongly and respectfully disagree. I believe that if the House does not impeach Trump, it vastly increases the chances that Trump and republicans in the Senate and House will win in the 2020 elections. Trump will claim that he did nothing wrong, because the Democrats would have impeached him if he had. I'm not sure that responding to that by pointing out those serious crimes is a good path for Democrats to take in 2020.

[Pobeka]

87. I understand what you are saying, and will add this thought.

I think impeachment should be done regardless. Emoluments, national security, any number of offenses from the SOB in the whitehouse. My "but", is that I believe to win not just a historical note, there is a path to impeach both Trump (in the technical sense) and McConnell (in the court of public opinionn sens) and win the political battle (Whitehouse, Senate, House in 2020) as well. I'd be more than happy if that worked out and New York state put the con-man behind bars for the rest of his life.

[c-rational]

110. Agreed with this response and your OP. Thank you..

[mountain grammy]

38. Good to see you, Waterman!

And I completely agree. Should have been started in January. Enough!!!

[H2O Man]

83. Thank you!

With the sum-total of today's news -- including some breaking news from the Washington Post this evening -- it's becoming painfully obvious that he needs to be impeached. Now.

[Nevermypresident]

39. Great and thoughtful OP. I agree 100%.

[H2O Man]

84. Thank you!

I appreciate it!

[H2O Man]

85. No.

I like and respect Speaker Pelosi. That doesn't mean I always agree with her. But I always respect her.

Also, the Constitution only allows impeachment of those in the executive and judicial branches.

[SleeplessinSoCal]

88. there ought to be a way to pressure the Speaker.

Given the gravity of the situation and the assistance via hacking and suppressing of the vote, elections mean little until we address the 2016 interference with all our might. Why doesn't she see this?

[Laura PourMeADrink]

102. That's an excellent point. Wish I knew the answer.

Perhaps it's to convince the House hold outs? At least the ones who aren't in competitive districts? How many would come on board if the Speaker was unequivocal???

You are so right...if you boil this down, all that matters is that something is done to protect the election. And sadly, time to implement those plans may have run out already. If it's anti-tampering software, that takes a long time to select, test, rollout.

It's time for serious, emergency, outside the box thinking.

[SaveOurDemocracy]

41. Saved to read later

[H2O Man]

86. Thanks!

[LudwigPastorius]

42. I'm with ya.

It's the duty of the members of the House, regardless of the chances of Trump's conviction, or if it gives their opponents grist in an upcoming election.

[H2O Man]

104. Right.

Make it clear how criminal Trump is, and let republicans decide if they really want to support him as part of their own re-election campaign. That's how we take the Senate, in my opinion.

[Hekate]

44. KnR Will return to read at leisure

Thanks as always

[H2O Man]

105. Thanks!

[GeorgeGist]

46. I think it's too late.

[kentuck]

47. Why is it too late??

It might interfere with the election?

It should interfere with the election. People need to know what they are voting for, in my opinion.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

65. I am a huge impeachment proponent, but admit there are days I think it's too late too.

Within 24 hrs, We should have acted in unison, with complete outrage, declaring that Trump's actions as outlined in report were indeed impeachable and that we are moving post haste in that direction.

The world was waiting for the moment the report dropped to see what we would do. By waiting, we minimized the effect and lessened the perceived gravity of it all. We also gave the evil empire plenty of time to plan their obstruction and out-lawyering plans.

[H2O Man]

106. Agree & disagree.

To quote Neil Young, "should'a been done long ago." But it is always "Now" in this amazing universe, and so I think it's time. Now.

[CaptainTruth]

48. Thanks for another thoughtful post. Will read when I finish work.

[H2O Man]

107. Thank you!

[MartyTheGreek]

49. The Blue Wave of 18 was a bell weather moment and GOP knows it!

More recently a few other GOP squatters in the House are bailing out. I kinda sense that there's some back channel talk that there's gonna be a big reveal based on what's not happening...

I believe DJT and his favorite King or Prince from Saud just tried to pull off a false flag to ignite yet another ME war. I say that because when you look at the Oil Tank farm that was hit, for one that was chicken scratch! I've been to a few Fuel Farms in my life and those bigger tanks don't even look like 500K Gal, and that fake attack was in a remote end area of the bigger facility. Recall that there was a sudden 50% reduction in Saudi oil supply? Then what a day or two later suddenly restored? Read on...

If you wanted to hit the Sauds hard, would you not buckshot scatter your precision guided and/or drone weapons across the whole facility? Or, was that just a little corner of the Farm that was gonna get demolished anyway? Why were there no people, firefighters, clean-up crew in the scorched earth pics? Why the dramatic satellite smoke pic from the biggest tank?

If they got away with murdering Jamal Khashoggi, who knows what they will try to do? However, thus far I have a gut feeling the White Hats are winning against the real Dark State! If this latest whistle blower report reveals criminal cover-up this may be the beginning of the end and finally impeachment for the corrupt and compromised DJT administration.

[kentuck]

51. That makes a lot of sense.

Welcome!

[H2O Man]

108. Very interesting!

I am keeping an open mind. They are saying the Yemen "rebels" don't have the technology. Yet they have bombed at least four drone factories in Yemen. If it wasn't the Sauds -- and I don't mean to count that possibility out -- it could have been the rebels.

There is some curious business -- firing Bolton -- that might be part of a coordinated false flag to pressure Trump to attack Iran. If Bolton was still in the administration, people would tie any rush to war on him. Not to mention that whoever is responsible, the US shouldn't play any role beyond seeking to ease tensions and reduce violence -- starting in Yemen.

[kentuck]

50. There does not have to be a full vote of the House to investigate anyone..

That job is designated to the House Judiciary Committee.

There has to be a vote of the whole House if they charge Articles of Impeachment.

Otherwise, the House Judiciary can investigate the White House all they wish.

[H2O Man]

109. True.

However, when the White House actively obstructs, there is a distinct advantage of having the full House endorse an impeachment investigation. The Constitution defines that as the duty of the House, meaning the federal courts would compel cooperation from the White House.

[lark]

52. Yes, impeachment is needed.

Either we have laws or we don't.

[democrank]

53. As I see it, we have a duty to impeach Donald Trump.

It’s not about the next election or not making waves within our party. It’s about our country, our Constitution. We must take a stand.

[spanone]

59. K&R...

thanks

[alwaysinasnit]

60. Thanks H2O Man. I imagine that Pelosi has not considered the risk of disaffected voters should

the House fail to impeach. Hell, the Mueller report already has the basis for Articles of Impeachment.

[bluescribbler]

61. Glaringly obvious

And I didn't need Corey's "testimony" to convince me.

[Pepsidog]

62. I think you are absolutely correct, we need to impeach.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

63. One thing I don't get is that I remember Nadler saying he wanted to start writing up Articles

of Impeachment. And it was vetoed by Nancy. Being an analyst, it's the first thing they teach you - to map out where you want to go. This whole thing would make so much more sense to people if they saw a list of all the crimes and could follow along. And you take one Article at a time. Provides structure that makes sense to team and observers.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/judiciary-committee-democrats-privately-map-out-possible-impeachment-articles-against-trump/2019/09/12/eecbc05a-d442-11e9-ab26-e6dbebac45d3_story.html

Several people close to the investigation cautioned that the articles may never be drafted, particularly given the reluctance of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) to move forward. But the behind-the-scenes planning reflects a growing desire among House Democrats to build a public case against Trump — and soon — even if there is no chance the Senate would convict him.

I just love Steve Cohen - D - TN

Rep. Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.), a committee member who drafted his own articles, threatened to introduce them and then backed off after learning of the panel’s plans to eventually craft its own, said Trump “has trampled the Constitution.”

“There is just so much you could go after,” Cohen said. “It’s going to be refining it down to the most salient.”

[rockfordfile]

64. We need to continue investigations

[N_E_1 for Tennis]

66. Been ready for it for quite awhile...

The criminality of that man has been glaringly obvious from the beginning. Emoluments alone...just that one thing...making money off the presidency should have been enough...then it got worse.

IMPEACH NOW...the hearing would bring out a lot of what people need to know...it would be media fodder up to the election.

[dalton99a]

67. Kick

[Skittles]

68. it is way past glaringly obvious

the lack of real action now is just plain embarrassing

[malaise]

90. Tonight's breaking news should be the last straw

ITTMF RFN!

[berni_mccoy]

69. I agree. And have been saying this for some time. The Democratic Leadership

Has wasted their opportunity to do so and not make it look political.

In the end, if they do impeach, it can be written off as a political tactic and not one that is morally correct, even if it is.

[lastlib]

71. I would love to see AnusMouth tRumpski waterboarded!

FINALLY get the f*cking TRUTH out of that futhermucker!

IMPEACH him YESTERDAY!!

[Hermit-The-Prog]

98. nothing will get the truth out of TTMF

His brain doesn't work that way.

[colsohlibgal]

78. It Is Like Evil Bizarro World

Nobody has deserved it more and it isn’t remotely close. Not sure what this means going forward.

But the Dems look impotent....the Republicans went after Clinton for sex with an intern.....this guy is thumbing his nose at the emollients clause, he lies like we breath, he buddies up with autocrats while being combative with our allies. He is a creep who inherited a fortune from his Dad and managed to lose enough of it to go bankrupt.

Most of us go on with our lives but these are not normal times.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

96. +1

[hay rick]

91. Shall.

If the Democrats can't hold themselves to shall, it's no surprise that they can't hold Trump to shall. Thanks for this H2O Man.

[Bluepinky]

99. I agree with you 100%. Impeach him now.

Either we comply with the rule of law or we don’t, and if we don’t, the US Constitution is obsolete.
I wish Dick Cheney et al had been prosecuted for war crimes when Obama won the presidency. Once you start letting criminals get away with their crimes, the crimes escalate.

[ck4829]

100. Kick

[UpInArms]

101. Tank you for putting it all together so succinctly

Your ability to compose such a thoughtful summarization of the entire clusterfuck is admirable.

I can only hope the rest of the world can see it as clearly ... and I wait for the moment that this monster and hiss minions are removed from office.

[pwb]

103. Yea its time.

He is a danger to us and the world. I would prefer republicans become real patriots and force him to resign.

[Hermit-The-Prog]

113. patriotism requires selflessness which is anti-Republican

Current Republicans care more about maintaining power and feeding their greed than about our country. They have demonstrated a willingness to destroy not just the international reputation of the U.S., the security and fairness of our elections, but the very foundation of our country, the U.S. Constitution, and the air we breathe and water we drink, in order to keep the power in their autocratic hands.

[PufPuf23]

112. Glaring is descriptive. Impeachment should have started prior to and parallel

to the Mueller investigation.

I have been mulling the idea that the reluctance on the part of Pelosi is because the window has passed where the 2020 election is the only feasible chance of ridding the nation of Trump. Trump's assault on the nation occurs daily far more than captured in the media. Not good at all.

[malaise]

114. Nicely done WaterMan!

Justice is coming!!

I am literally rolling on the floor laughing

[H2O Man]

115. Thanks!

Oh, this is a historic day!

[malaise]

116. We knew this was coming

Oh Happy Day!