General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: The Forbidden Logic. No one wants to speak the unspeakable on the eve of the Trial. [View all]Eyeball_Kid
(7,457 posts)and there may not be, in fact, a "legal" precedent, as we understand it. And yes, the trial is a political process. But in a way, an acquittal may be more damaging and more long lasting than the setting of legal precedents. While there are thousands of court decisions that set legal precedents in case law, there are only THREE impeachment trials for or against removal, with major and far-reaching implications in this trial that can and will change the course of governance in the US. If Trump can ignore Congressional oversight and commit impeachable offenses with impunity, an acquittal renders Congress as a neutered body with no power whatsoever. Trump will even disregard laws that give him no option but to use Congressionally approved funds for specific purposes. He will be able to use ANY money for anything he wishes, with no repercussions, BECAUSE impeachment and removal will no longer work.
Yes, the predictions are awful, but they don't grow out of the ethers. Our framework is the Constitution. Trump is ATTACKING THE FRAMEWORK! His legal defense team is attacking the framework, TODAY. And the Senate will approve of Trump's strategy just so they can acquit. If you want "awful", consider that.