Thread by @ThePlumLineGS

1) With hearings set to begin, let's be clear on what Trump is really arguing.

He isn't just saying he did nothing wrong.

His stance is that it's perfectly legitimate to use his office to systematically roll back all mechanisms of accountability.

washingtonpost.com/opinions/2019/…

2) Trump has said right in reporters' faces that Ukraine should "investigate the Bidens."

He keeps advertising the act on television and Twitter

Thus, Republicans are defending an *admitted* effort to solicit foreign interference in an election.

washingtonpost.com/opinions/2019/…

3) Republicans are fully behind Trump's effort to rewrite 2016.

Giuliani op ed and the House GOP memo both traffic in conspiracy theories designed to falsify Russia's role.

Rs are actively helping Trump dodge accountability for his collusion in 2016.

washingtonpost.com/opinions/2019/…

4) Trump cannot be indicted. He cannot be investigated. And impeachment is a "coup," which justifies Trump closing down congressional fact finding by blocking first hand witnesses.

In short, *no* legitimate mechanism of accountability for Trump exists.

washingtonpost.com/opinions/2019/…

5) The upshot: Trump is free to use his office to rig the next election to avoid accountability at the hands of voters, and to close down efforts to constrain him from doing that -- and to hold him accountable for it.

Full argument here:

washingtonpost.com/opinions/2019/…