Thread by @LindseyBoylan

THREAD — #IMPEACHMENT 101

OK, let's cut through the noise on impeachment.

First, let's state the obvious:

Donald Trump's entire presidency is an impeachable offense, an affront to basic human values, an insult to common sense and common decency, a threat to the rule of law.

#IMPEACHMENT 101

The #MuellerReport found multiple instances where Trump obstructed—or attempted to obstruct—justice.

He has violated the emoluments clause of the Constitution by using the office to enrich himself and his family.

He coddles dictators while alienating allies.

#IMPEACHMENT 101

Trump has repeatedly undermined the First Amendment (which he's sworn to defend) by inciting violence against the free press and calling them "enemies of the people."

His party has launched an unconstitutional assault on women’s reproductive rights and health.

#IMPEACHMENT 101

Trump has presided over the atrocious policy of ripping asylum-seeking families apart and locking migrant children in frigid holding cells, where they are dying.

He has repeatedly fanned the flames of racism, emboldening neo-Nazis and white supremacists.

#IMPEACHMENT 101

Trump has installed an Attorney General (#Barr) who makes a mockery of the rule of law.

He has directed his officials to defy subpoenas, effectively declaring himself above oversight.

And he is inciting violence against progressive women of color in the House.

#IMPEACHMENT 101

Anyone who tells you we need MORE hearings and more evidence is trying to pull the wool over your eyes. There is no legal, moral, constitutional, or political reason not to #ImpeachDonaldTrumpNow

Anything less empowers him and encourages his egregious behavior.

#IMPEACHMENT 101

So where does impeachment begin? With Republicans? No, it begins with House Democrats, specifically with my opponent, @RepJerryNadler, head of the House Judiciary Committee.

Jerry has the power, all on his own, to launch impeachment proceedings against Trump.

#IMPEACHMENT 101

But throughout his quarter century in Congress, #JerryNadler has been a follower, not a leader. And he's been dithering and dodging on impeachment, thinking he can pacify his constituents — who want Trump to be held accountable for his abuses of power.

#IMPEACHMENT 101

@RepJerryNadler hides behind #NancyPelosi, refusing to step up as so many other courageous member of Congress have done. Recently he cast a vote suggesting he supports impeachment, but he STILL refuses to come out unequivocally in favor of impeaching Trump.

#IMPEACHMENT 101

I'm calling on @RepJerryNadler and the Democratic establishment to look around, to see the damage Trump is doing, to see how Trump is spewing racism & bigotry, to see how our country is on the precipice, to see that history calls on us to protect our democracy.

#IMPEACHMENT 101

The unavoidable reality is that impeaching Trump in the House is the ONLY way to leave a permanent mark on his presidency -- to let history know that we defended the rule of law when it faced an existential threat from a lawless and corrupt president.

#IMPEACHMENT 101

It doesn't matter if the Senate won't convict. It doesn't matter if Trump uses impeachment to play the victim. (He does anyway.) And to pretend impeaching Trump will rile up his base is to ignore his hate-fueled rallies where people are chanting #SendHerBack.

#IMPEACHMENT 101

Trump's disdain for our fundamental norms and values is profoundly damaging to our nation.

I called for impeachment back in February because of Trump's involvement (with #MichaelCohen) in hush money payments during the 2016 election.

#IMPEACHMENT 101

#Nadler and his fellow establishment Democrats have to LEAD. And that means having moral courage. It means doing what's right for the country, not what's politically expedient. This isn't the time for 7-dimensional #Pelosi chess or a so-called "secret plan."

#IMPEACHMENT 101

The time to uphold, protect, honor, and defend the Constitution is NOW.

While the world is watching.

When everything we care about is on the line.