1. The founders believed that the synergy of free, informed individuals with three independent branches of government would make democracy thrive. They didn't consider that the synergy of a campaign, a foreign power and a complicit majority party could destroy democracy.
2. The knew a free press was integral to our success, but they couldn't have envisioned the mass spread of propaganda - spawned and disseminated by foreign entities - through social media. Nor could they anticipate a major news network becoming a propaganda arm of the WH.
3. Further, they didn't likely imagine that our country would become so powerful that the choices of a rogue administration could inflict significant and lasting damage on a global scale - impacting economies, alliances and stability. Yet, here we are.
4. In any normal scenario, Trump would already be impeached over his breeches of ethics and norms and his assaults on truth and justice, but the #GOP has protected him. Now, 2 years in, #Democrats have the House and the needed investigative powers to fight back.
5. Yet, I see pundits and journalists wrestling with the idea - outlining political pros and cons of investigations and impeachment proceedings. The belief that we should simply let the 2020 election take care of our Trump problem seems attractive to many - easier, less risky.
6. I get it, but it doesn't bode well for the health of our democracy. A fissure in the system has been exposed and exploited. We have been tarnished in a very public way - trust, respect and faith in American democracy harmed and tainted for Americans and our allies.
7. Yes, it's possible the Mueller probe could solve the problem, but not very likely. If Whitaker remains acting AG it may never even be seen by the public. More importantly, we are dealing with problems that exist beyond the criminal code. Ethics, Truth, Honor.
8. Going into this cycle, we must be prepared to fight on all fronts. Passing good legislation, fighting bad policies, winning 2020 elections, but also demanding TRUTH and ACCOUNTABILITY. We must find the answers, stand up and defend our democracy, and secure our weaknesses.
9. I fear merely closing the door on a mess that will continue to present us with problems. There is nothing normal about this and a normal response won't suffice. We must lead the charge and force the #GOP to choose to either defend democracy or go down with those who defy it.
10. 2020 shouldn't be a referendum on Trump. It should be a referendum on those who allowed these attacks on our democracy and values. Those who put party over country and those who put power and wealth over the American people.
