Last updated on August 20, 2020
Remember, let’s be polite; let’s be respectful, but most of all, let’s be outspoken.
On December 18, 2019, President Donald Trump became the third President in American history to be impeached by the House of Representatives. The first two being Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton. The House decided in a completely partisan vote to impeach Trump on two articles of impeachment: Obstruction of Congress and Abuse of Power.
Like most impeachments, the vote was completely partisan. According to NBC News, the vote on the Abuse of Power charge was 230-197. The vote was cast after a long debate over Trump pressing Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden.
The vote on the Obstruction of Congress charge was 229-198. No Republicans voted for impeachment, two Democrats voted against impeachment, and Presidential candidate Tulsi Gabbard voted present on both articles.
Gabbard claims that she supports impeachment but not if it is a partisan process. Given the fact the Senate is predominantly Republican and requires two/thirds of a majority to convict Trump, he will most likely be acquitted on both charges.
To preface my argument, I do not support impeachment. It is a waste of tax dollars and time. To add insult to injury, this impeachment means absolutely nothing for the 2020 election.
Some liberal pundits believe this will affect Trump’s chances of re-election, but I disagree. Trump is a very strong candidate because he receives large donations from the NRA, fossil fuel companies, and thousands of donors. He also has a very loyal base consisting of very powerful politicians and businessmen.
If the intention was to remove Trump from office, then Democrats should focus on campaigning harder in the 2020 election. Furthermore, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi claimed this is a grim day when Congress forced to impeach the President. Democrats said that they were saddened to make such a drastic measure.
In their one minute speech, most left-leaning representatives said they support impeachment with a heavy heart. Yet, Pelosi had to keep Democrats congressman from cheering when she announced the vote count. Also, many freshmen congresswomen seemed very ecstatic in the aftermath of the vote.
The largest fear that I derive from impeaching the President is the increasing partisanship in the three branches of government. While impeachment does not have a large impact on the 2020 election, I am worried the divide between Republicans and Democrats is widening. Counter productivity is inevitable when politicians only focus on party politics.
When facing issues threatening the security of the nation, bipartisanship and consensus are essential in creating a solution. It is absolutely imperative the 2020 election results in a leader that is able to work with both sides of the political spectrum. If we do not elect a leader that both sides unify under, then the strength of our republic will be questioned.
Remember, let’s be polite; let’s be respectful, but most of all, let’s be outspoken.
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