There were reports yesterday that, in private, Mitch McConnell was angry at Trump and actually glad that Democrats were pushing forward with impeachment because that would help Republicans purge the party of Trump.
A few things. First, it's good to hear that McConnell apparently likes the idea of impeachment. Perhaps that means there is a chance of it getting a two-thirds vote for conviction, though even if not, at least a good majority vote. Second, what would actually be meaningful if McConnell truly felt this way was if he scheduled a vote on a Senate trial as soon as possible, rather than express pleasure in private. And third -- no, even a conviction of Trump would not purge him from the Republican Party. The GOP has enabled Trump for four years. They supported his manic, lunatic cries of a fraudulent election. And they are complicit in everything he did -- including what he did to deserve two impeachments, the first time in U.S. history, and perhaps conviction. Until Republicans acknowledge their responsibility in it all, and express regret for it all, and explain what they plan to do to accept blame and ensure it doesn't happen again in the party, the Republican Party will not be purged of Trump. And even if they do all that, it will take years to repair the damage. On a separate note, though related, last Wednesday, the night of the insurrection, I was watching coverage of the House and Senate debate on some Republican members' objection to certification. I didn't watch most of the speeches, not having the stomach to sit through them all, but did watch a few. And one that caught my eye was when House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer got up to speak. What stood out to me was that although I've seen Rep. Hoyer over the years, I haven't hear him talk much. When there was a public occasion, it would usually be Speaker Nancy Pelosi who gave the remarks, and when House and Senate leaders would gather to address the nation, she and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer would usually be the ones to talk, and Hoyer would stand behind. And on this night, hearing him talk for 15 minutes, I was impressed and moved by what a thoughtful, powerful speech he gave. It starts well, though somewhat standard, but when he begins to talk about the election of 2000, it becomes moving.
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AuthorRobert J. Elisberg is a political commentator, screenwriter, novelist, tech writer and also some other things that I just tend to keep forgetting. Feedspot Badge of Honor
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