I'm rereading @peterbakernyt "The Breach," the most exhaustive history of the Clinton impeachment, 1998-99. simonandschuster.com/books/The-Brea… In August 1998, Clinton managers tallied 100 House Democrats who might vote for impeachment, including senior figures like Gephardt & Bonior
@peterbakernyt Clinton's position equally touch-and-go among Senate Ds, not only w conservatives like Fritz Hollings, but w liberals like Patty Murray of Washington state. Such a very striking contrast with lock-step Republican protection of Trump in 2019-2020.
@peterbakernyt So while all America is watching the Oscars, I just reached the part of @peterbakernyt "The Breach" where Clinton's cabinet upbraids him on camera, Sept 10 1998, including VP Gore: "Mr President, I think most of America has forgiven you, but you've got to get your act together."
@peterbakernyt "'We're relying on you to tell us whether the president has committed an impeachable offense,' Gephardt told [Abbe] Lowell. 'Because if we conclude that he has, it's going to be my job and Tom Daschle's to go to the White House and tell him he has to resign." Imagine that in '19!
