The Republicans continue their spin that the Mueller Report exonerated Donald Trump. Far from it. In addition to showing that Trump obstructed justice in numerous ways, the Report showed that the Russians intervened in our elections and that the Trump campaign gleefully accepted this assistance instead of reporting it to law enforcement authorities. Indeed, campaign chairman, Paul Manafort gave information to the Russians concerning the Trump campaign strategy. Only a precious (and wrong-headed) conception of intent and conspiratorial agreement prevented Mueller from concluding that the Trump campaign did not violate the law on this front.
The Ukraine Affair shows that Trump is seeking interference again in the 2020 elections. It is also clear he is seeking the help of the Russians and the Chinese.
The Republicans suggest that Ukraine, not the Russians interfered in the 2016 elections despite the Mueller Report, the many indictments of Russians,and the conclusion of 17 American intelligence agencies. The Republicans ignore that the seeking of value from a foreign power in an election is itself illegal; that the solicitation of a bribe is itself a crime; and that attempted extortion is a crime whether successful or not. The Republican ignore that abuse of office and undermining our democracy are impeachable offenses whether or not they are indictable offenses.
The Republicans complain that impeachment would overturn the results of the 2016 elections. If convicted, Trump would be removed from office, that is the constitutional purpose of the process. The Republicans say we should wait and judge Trump in the next elections, the same elections for which he seeks illegal foreign interference.
Thank you, Steve
Lucy
Posted by: LUCY A SHIFFRIN | 11/21/2019 at 10:34 AM