A number of right-wing commentators are calling on the Democrats to abandon impeachment and to settle for a censure resolution. Should they agree?
No, for two reasons:
- It would send the message to Trump, and the rest of the world, that attempting to compel Ukraine to intervene in the 2020 election on his behalf was not a serious violation of our political norms. He would consequently continue to do it. We can’t have that.
- From a purely partisan political perspective, it lets Collins, Romney, and Murkowski off the hook, which is why the right supports it. Why would the Democrats do that?
The issue is going to come up in any event during the trial. You can expect Collins and the rest to push Mitch McConnell for a censure motion in an effort to protect their image of independence if they vote to acquit. Trump, of course, will be completely opposed, since he maintains he did nothing wrong. Which way will Mitch go? We’ll see.