We do need an impeachment process to enforce that RULE OF LAW.
The election is to decide who will be president. The impeachment is to decide if crimes have been committed (rule of law). Two different questions.
Clearly the one phone call to Ukraine — an abridged transcript (this is what Trump admitted; what is in the part they left out?) — proves TWO crimes were committed:
It is a felony to solicit foreign influence in a United States election. It is a felony to commit extortion.
Solicitation of foreign influence in the 2020 presidential election (Explicit): Immediately after a recitation of past U.S. aid and the fact that almost $400 million in aid is being held up: “I need a favor, though…” Just the ask is a felony, with or without any pressure or any quid pro quo.
Extortion — the “shakedown” (Implicit): We have given much aid in the past. Almost $400 million in aid has already been appropriated by Congress and I am holding it up. “I need a favor, though.” Trump does not direct say, “You give me this, I’ll give you that” (quid pro quo; tit for tat). But the implied connection is clear. “Nice little country you got here. Shame if anyone let the Russians take it over cuz no one provided the military aid you needed.”
We need an election to vote Trump out.
We need an impeachment to hold Trump accountable for crimes to stand up for the RULE OF LAW.
We do need an impeachment process to enforce that RULE OF LAW.
The election is to decide who will be president. The impeachment is to decide if crimes have been committed (rule of law). Two different questions.
Clearly the one phone call to Ukraine — an abridged transcript (this is what Trump admitted; what is in the part they left out?) — proves TWO crimes were committed:
It is a felony to solicit foreign influence in a United States election. It is a felony to commit extortion.
Solicitation of foreign influence in the 2020 presidential election (Explicit): Immediately after a recitation of past U.S. aid and the fact that almost $400 million in aid is being held up: “I need a favor, though…” Just the ask is a felony, with or without any pressure or any quid pro quo.
Extortion — the “shakedown” (Implicit): We have given much aid in the past. Almost $400 million in aid has already been appropriated by Congress and I am holding it up. “I need a favor, though.” Trump does not direct say, “You give me this, I’ll give you that” (quid pro quo; tit for tat). But the implied connection is clear. “Nice little country you got here. Shame if anyone let the Russians take it over cuz no one provided the military aid you needed.”
We need an election to vote Trump out.
We need an impeachment to hold Trump accountable for crimes to stand up for the RULE OF LAW.