Clear blue sky in Washington today for the impeachment vote. Moon still just about visible. 
Shots from inside Congress. House begins to debate the two articles of impeachment in 30 mins. Vote expected at 3pm at the earliest (8pm UK)
It’s one day short of exactly 21 years since this happened - Bill Clinton’s impeachment. A strange echo with the man whose wife Trump beat to win power in the first place.
(That too occurred when the president’s political opponents held the House)
📷AP Photo/APTN
(That too occurred when the president’s political opponents held the House)
📷AP Photo/APTN
Perhaps the most interesting bit of Trump’s angry letter yesterday was the last two pars. Shows he’s all too aware of future generations watching on.
Impeachment debate fully up and running now, will post some of the most eye-catching quotes below...
Democrat @WhipClyburn
"Tyranny, like Hell, is not easily conquered.
"These words were written at a time when our Founders were rebelling against the tyrannical rule of the British monarchy.
"Today, we have a president who seems to believe he is a king or above the law."
"Tyranny, like Hell, is not easily conquered.
"These words were written at a time when our Founders were rebelling against the tyrannical rule of the British monarchy.
"Today, we have a president who seems to believe he is a king or above the law."
@WhipClyburn Republican @RepDLesko
"I have spent hours and hours and hours reading transcripts, looking at documents, hearing testimony, and I can tell you one thing.
"I believe this is the most unfair, politically biased, rigged process that I have seen in my entire life."
"I have spent hours and hours and hours reading transcripts, looking at documents, hearing testimony, and I can tell you one thing.
"I believe this is the most unfair, politically biased, rigged process that I have seen in my entire life."
@WhipClyburn @RepDLesko Republican @RepWalorski
"Let's be clear about one thing.
"This impeachment obsession is not about accountability. It's not about justice. It's not even about the Constitution.
"It's about pure partisan politics at its worse and you're watching it right here."
"Let's be clear about one thing.
"This impeachment obsession is not about accountability. It's not about justice. It's not even about the Constitution.
"It's about pure partisan politics at its worse and you're watching it right here."
@WhipClyburn @RepDLesko @RepWalorski Democrat @joekennedy, the grand-nephew of JFK.
"I want you to know that it does not feel good. I can't stop thinking about the cost to our country.
"Not just the impeachable offenses but the collateral damage of a president who uses power like a weapon against his own people."
"I want you to know that it does not feel good. I can't stop thinking about the cost to our country.
"Not just the impeachable offenses but the collateral damage of a president who uses power like a weapon against his own people."
Bizarre split-screen playing out as Trump blitzes Twitter with supportive quotes while Dems excoriate him in the chamber. President going toe-to-toe with his critics online. Welcome to impeachment in the 21st century.
Nancy Pelosi is up, dressed in black. Begins with hands clasped as she talks about the pledge of allegiance. Democrat benches pretty full; Republican side v empty. #impeachment
Pelosi ends: "Today we are hear to defend democracy for the people. God Bless America."
Round of applause from the Dems follows.
Round of applause from the Dems follows.
