In last three impeachments, it has been common for Democrats, media, culturati to threaten Republicans with revenge and long-lasting recriminations. 1/6
In Bill Clinton impeachment, Princeton historian Sean Wilentz famously told GOP, 'History will track you down and condemn you for your cravenness.' 2/6 nytimes.com/1998/12/09/us/…
In fact, GOP went on to win House in 1998, 2000, 2002, and 2004. Lost in 2006 for reasons entirely unrelated to Clinton impeachment. 3/6
Similar, if less ornate, threats were made against Republicans in first Trump impeachment. But what was remarkable was how little impeachment, just months earlier, factored in 2020 election results. (House Democrats lost seats.) 4/6
Now, after second Trump impeachment, more threats to track Trump-acquitting Republicans to the ends of the earth. One Hollywood director vows to devote rest of life to 'the political eradication of the unAmerican GOP Sens who chose to acquit.' 5/6
Maybe this time will be different. But emotions are high now. In time they will cool for most people, if not the most ardent Resistance. And aftermath of this impeachment will likely be similar to others. 6/6 End.

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More from @ByronYork

12 Feb
Democratic impeachment managers veered off course at end. Had impressed Wednesday portraying how ugly, violent Capitol riot was. Fell short arguing that Trump was responsible. 'Wednesday was more about inflaming emotions, not proving Trump directed,' said one senator. 1/9
On Thursday, managers moved into political realm and probably lost support. Attempted to link Capitol riot to 2016 Trump campaign rallies and controversies during Trump presidency. Raskin called it 'Donald Trump's continuing pattern and practice of inciting violence.' 2/9
That turned off Republicans. They lived through those events and do not subscribe to Democratic/media characterization of them. So managers probably took a step backward on Thursday. 3/9 washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/byron-…
Read 9 tweets
7 Feb
Dilemma for writer Virginia Heffernan. When it snows at her 'pandemic getaway,' helpful neighbors plow her driveway unbidden. Do a 'great job.' What a nice thing! They don't do this in the city! Only problem: Neighbors support Trump. 1/10 news.yahoo.com/column-trumpit…
Heffernan frets. Realizes 'I owe them thanks.' But Trump! Heffernan becomes suspicious: This could be, like, a terrorist thing: 'Hezbollah, the Shiite Islamist political party in Lebanon, also gives things away for free.' OMG! They're Trumpite terrorists! 2/10
Or they're Trumpite Nazis! After all, French collaborators said the Nazis were very polis, French for 'polite.' 'So when I accept generosity...acknowledging the legitimate kindness...am I also sealing us in as fellow travelers who are very polis to each other?' 3/10
Read 10 tweets
4 Feb
Capitol riot was four weeks ago. Still much we don't know. Yes, can piece together this and that from various sources, but Capitol Police quiet on some basic facts of the investigation. 1/7 washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/byron-…
Questions I submitted to Capitol Police: How many Capitol Police officers were injured in riot? What were their injuries? Their condition? Did Capitol Police confiscate any firearms from rioters? If so, how many, what types? 2/7 washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/byron-…
What is status of investigation into killing of Officer Sicknick? Is there an autopsy report for Officer Sicknick? If so, will it be released to public, or will its key findings be released to public? 3/7 washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/byron-…
Read 7 tweets
30 Jan
Jonathan Turley asks: Why hasn't the House held hearings on the impeachment charge against former President Trump? Why hasn't it sought to gather and present evidence to the public for its article of 'incitement to insurrection'? 1/6 jonathanturley.org/2021/01/30/why…
Yes, it's getting things backwards to hold hearings after impeachment vote, rather than before. But Speaker Pelosi has thrown out all the other rules when it comes to impeaching Trump. Why not post-impeachment hearings? 2/6
You could say the House is saving its case for the Senate trial. But why? It shouldn't be a surprise. Should public be able to hear, read, absorb information in time leading up to trial? Of course. That's how House did it in first Trump impeachment, BTW. 3/6
Read 6 tweets
26 Jan
Schumer argues late impeachment must go ahead because if not, a president could commit crime, quickly resign, and bingo! -- immune from impeachment. Future president will commit heinous crime, immediately quit, and get away scot free. 1/4 washingtonpost.com/politics/gop-s…
First, that's not what Trump did. Form your own opinion on crime part, but he did not resign. Second, presidential resignation is pretty big deal, isn't it? Presidents extremely reluctant to do it. Only happened once. 2/4
Third, what about criminal liability? Dems appear to have no interest, but Trump is still liable to prosecution. Could have serious consequences, whereas guilty impeachment verdict at most would bar Trump from holding future office he likely won't run for, anyway. 3/4
Read 4 tweets
16 Jan
Democrats have created lots of problems for themselves by rushing to impeach a president who will be a former president before trial begins. Senate Dems want to confirm Biden appointments, get started on agenda. But the trial... 1/6 washingtonpost.com/politics/trump…
WP reports Dems want quick trial, get it over with, get on to business. Maybe split days, impeachment and other biz. But that would just prolong the proceedings. Maybe Pelosi can play tricks with timing, delay sending to Senate. She's done it before! 2/6 washingtonpost.com/politics/trump…
Now Democrats want Senate Republicans to help get them out of impeachment jam. Really? Why should Republicans do that? 3/6
Read 6 tweets

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