Let’s look on the bright side.
For Americans disappointed in the Senate’s decision not to admit witnesses and new evidence in President Trump’s impeachment trial last week, small amounts of hope are all we have.
An inclination toward pessimism will be even more tempting for people reading this after the GOP majority in the Senate acquits President Trump of impeachment charges over soliciting foreign interference in the 2020 election and then obstructing investigations into that interference.
(Here on Sunday, when I’m typing these words, it doesn’t take a crystal ball to see where the trial is heading.)
So, while many progressives bemoan the rank partisanship that led to the only impeachment trial in history without witnesses and the distinct possibility that Trump will view acquittal as a green light not only for further tinkering in November’s election but also to do whatever he wants, whenever he wants, regardless of the rule of law, it’s important to ponder a silver lining to this distinctly dark-orange cloud:
First, the American public now has the voting record of 51 senators who put party above loyalty to country and Constitution. Voters can and will remember this when voting for their re-election.
Granted, it’s doubtful that any Forever Trumpers will vote against these senators, but the 75 percent of Americans who signaled a desire for witnesses and new evidence in a recent Quinnipiac University poll might feel differently.
The biggest takeaway from that poll, however, is a different 75 percent. Seventy-five percent of independents wanted to learn more about the charges, and their votes are certainly in play. If enough of them turn away from GOP candidates, November could see a purge of historic proportions.
A second cause for optimism: Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tennessee). While the senator and three other wavering Republicans caved in the eleventh hour and voted along party lines, their rationale for doing so is not an exoneration of Trump.
Alexander’s own words: “It was inappropriate and wrong for the president to do what he did. I think it was proved. The question is whether you apply capital punishment to every offense. And in this case I think the answer is no.”
The expression “damning with faint praise” comes to mind. While Alexander’s words will not put the brakes to Trump himself — the man is beyond shame — they will fuel further reflection by thoughtful conservatives who hold the senator’s many years of service in high regard.
Alexander’s words gave reporters a ready-made question to ask the acquitting senators: Do you agree that what Trump did was inappropriate and wrong? And if so, why did you vote the way you did?
The faux-noble GOP talking point arising from this second question is that removing Trump from office would further split an already polarized country. That makes a nice sound bite. But with the president ruling via Twitter, threatening Adam Schiff, the lead House manager in the Senate impeachment trial, and doling out grade-school-style nicknames to the glee of his base, what could “more polarizing” really look like?
A third cause for optimism: Regardless of what the Senate has decided, further evidence will keep finding its way into the public’s hands. John Bolton, in particular, appears to have much more to say, and we are learning some of it already.
What other revelations await? Will they stem from Trump’s never-released taxes? From his shaky understanding of the emoluments clause? From his less-than-stellar track record with women who have accused him of groping and rape? From additional Lev Parnas recordings?
I’m not much of a meme guy, but the image that shows the Trump glacier, with his impeachable offenses being the small part above water and “all the other (expletive) Donald has done” hidden below, feels about right.
Eventually, the truth will be known. When it happens, the Republicans who stood by their man at any cost will find their reputations sinking along with his.
And a final cause for optimism: Impeachment is forever, regardless of acquittal. Trump and his followers will always have to explain the asterisk next to his name.
Cold comfort in light of the trampling of the Constitution and almost certain future meddling in our elections, from without and within?
Yeah. But a comfort, nonetheless.
chris.schillig@yahoo.com
@cschillig on Twitter
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