Trump is reportedly urging GOP congressional candidates to use the avoidance of impeachment as a primary theme during the campaign. It only stands to reason; everything is about him, not the country or even the party’s agenda.
Impeachment is, to be sure, a tricky issue for the Democrats; they have to thread the needle between their angry base and moderate swing voters. While the approach will have to be different depending on how blue the district is, I would suggest the following as both a principled and practical response:
- Impeachment is an extreme remedy that should not be normalized. If it is, our politics will become even more poisonous than they are today, to the benefit of no one.
- While there is plenty of reason to be concerned about the relationship between Trump and the Russians, and about obstruction of justice, there is not enough information in the public realm today to justify impeachment.
- That could, of course, change after Mueller finishes his work. I’m reserving judgment until then.
- It is essential that Congress maintain strict oversight over such a corrupt and lawless administration. I will support all reasonable efforts to do so, and will support legislation which would prevent Trump from firing Mueller.