1. On Decision to Postpone Final Vote Till Wednesday
Many are feeling a little bit let down by the decision, being that the final vote and thereby the acquittal won't take place until after the State of the Union on Tuesday evening.
Not me. And here is why...
Many are feeling a little bit let down by the decision, being that the final vote and thereby the acquittal won't take place until after the State of the Union on Tuesday evening.
Not me. And here is why...
2. First of all, let us dispense with the notion that McConnell somehow indulged Democrats in agreeing to a Wednesday vote because Democrats were hellbent on not acquitting President Trump before SOTU. The latter is mostly true, I doubt very much the former is.
3. McConnell and Schumer, after a quick discussion with their respective caucuses, agreed to the decision because both parties know the plays extremely well. Democrats absolutely had the procedural means to deny an acquittal vote before SOTU.
4. A senseless battle on this would have bloodied both sides to no good purpose. As they said, the decision was taken quickly to avoid 'needless pain and suffering' on both sides. McConnell managed the who senate proceeding masterfully. He deserves unequivocal credit and kudos.
5. Turning to what it means for President Trump during SOTU. Not much. He can deliver the SOTU as if he has been acquitted, because he would be right to behave that way. This impeachment was meritless and should not have happened.
6. Having said that, it is just as well that President Trump doesn't have the additional drama of an acquittal hours before the SOTU. After all, SOTU is or should be about the state of the union, not about the state of the President.
7. President Trump has much to be proud of in terms of his accomplishments for the union, and he can take rightful pride in delivering that message, with aplomb and verve.
8. As for the Ukraine saga, while Democrats behaved deplorably in impeaching the president for his infractions, President Trump has nothing to be proud of either, and I would hate to hear him boast about it. he should feel humbled and resolve to stay on the straight and narrow.
9. Impeachment is almost over, but the House investigations by no means are. They will continue. Many details, potentially embarrassing to the President, are likely to emerge. This is no occasion to take any "Mission Accomplished" victory laps.
10. While I have been a dogged and vehement opponent of the impeachment (the infractions just don't rise to the level of high crimes and misdemeanors at all), I don't consider the House oversight inquiry shameful. Mueller investigation was absolutely shameful. This one not so.
11. If the House had moved for a censure, never attempting an overwrought impeachment, I would've been sympathetic, and based on the details of the censure, maybe even supportive. Democrats bungled it by overreaching. But the message should not be completely lost.
The End
The End
*whole senate proceeding
