How Shall We Impeach Thee? Let Us Count the Ways, Part V

Contributed by Paige Barnett.

Happy New Year! 2020 has arrived and with that there is much work that needs doin’ to safeguard our democracy. Make no mistake, even though Trump was impeached by the House in a vote mostly among party lines, it’s now more important than ever to write or call your senators and let them know you want to see a fair trial in the Senate (see below for easy ways to connect to them).  

The trial in the Senate will commence when the Articles of Impeachment are sent from the House. Presently, Madame Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell are at an impasse, due in part to McConnell rejecting the Democrats call for witnesses and his stunning statement that he will fully coordinate with the White House. Both Senator Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska have voiced concerns with McConnell’s lack of impartiality. Pelosi noted in her subsequent speech after the final House impeachment vote, that the House will come to a consensus as to when the Articles will be sent and only when Pelosi is satisfied that the American people will have a fair trial.  

There are four possibilities for how the Senate trial shakes out:  a. There is no trial, at least not in 2020. However, this is the least likely outcome because the Constitution calls for a trial in the Senate after an impeachment in the House.  b. Pelosi gets her way and McConnell calls witnesses. c. McConnell gets his way and has a speedy trial that works in Trump’s favor. d. There is a compromise. 

It’s anybody’s guess at this point. Over the holiday there has been additional news that could work in the Democrats favor.  For the details, read the Washington Post article.

In the meantime, Pelosi invited Trump to make the State of the Union address on February 4th. What’s interesting about this invite is the very possibility of the trial looming over Trump’s head. What will the State of the Union address look like? If we don’t want to see a victory speech, we MUST CALL our senators EVERY DAY and HOUND them.

Again, here is what you can do: 

• Right now, phone the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121. A switchboard operator will connect you directly with the Senate office you request. Tell them you want a fair trial in the Senate and not to be held hostage to the GOP circling the wagons around the White House to protect a blatantly corrupt president. 
• You can also access the Indivisble.org webpage to connect you. Indivisible Senator contact page
• In addition, be on the ready for another rapid response action. Literally drop everything and take to the streets when the Senate verdict is nigh. It’s imperative that we are loud and visible to make known that the PEOPLE want Trump IMPEACHED & REMOVED.