USA TODAY International Edition
Opposing view: House failed to make case; let voters choose
The framers of the Constitution knew removing a duly elected president along party lines would damage civic society. They required a twothirds majority in the Senate to prevent partisan removal. That high threshold requires that the House conduct thorough and complete investigations to convince its members, senators and the American people.
The People’s House failed to sway the people, nor did it prove its case against President Donald Trump beyond a reasonable doubt.
On Article 1, House managers failed to define the crime or prove allegations of abuse of power beyond a reasonable doubt. Reasonable doubt exists as President Trump released aid before the deadline and met with President Volodymyr Zelensky, all without an investigation announcement by Ukraine.
The Constitution speaks of “treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors.” Even if House managers had proved their allegation beyond a reasonable doubt, it still would not have approached the severity of offenses like treason and bribery. It would not have been enough to remove the president.
On Article 2, House managers charged obstruction of Congress because the president acted on legal counsel’s advice in resisting subpoenas. The judiciary resolves disputes between the executive and legislative branches. The House should have exhausted judicial remedies before bringing this charge.
The Senate judges the House’s evidence, which managers described as “overwhelming” and “compelling.” Managers demanded more evidence that they chose not to pursue. Allowing the House to poorly develop its case by sacrificing thoroughness for political timing would have forever changed the dynamic of the chambers. If the Senate acquiesces in this manipulation of the process, it encourages future Houses to use impeachment as a political weapon, regardless of the merits.
The partisanship the Founders warned against was reflected in the House’s vote with the only bipartisan votes being against impeachment. Managers once argued partisan impeachment would divide the nation. Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s decision to hold the articles for 28 days smacks of politics. Clearly this was partisan, and the American people deserved better.
In 1998, then- Rep. Chuck Schumer said the Clinton impeachment “lowered the bar on impeachment so much, we have broken the seal on this extreme penalty so cavalierly, that it will be used as a routine tool to fight political battles. My fear is that when a Republican wins the White House, Democrats will demand payback.”
Schumer was right. This must stop.